The Recommended Reading Order for Deryn Collier
With a bibliography that spans evocative modern crime fiction and rich historical suspense, Canadian novelist Deryn Collier has built a reputation for crafting stories where the setting acts as a character itself. Because her works are divided between a cohesive mystery series and a standalone historical novel, navigating her books is straightforward, but understanding the thematic links and background enhances the experience.
For the best experience, we recommend starting with the Bern Fortin series in order of publication before moving to her standalone historical fiction. Here is the suggested reading path:
- Confined Space (2012) – The first Bern Fortin novel. Set in the fictional small town of Kootenay Landing, British Columbia.
- Open Secret (2014) – The second Bern Fortin novel. Follows Bern's continued investigations into local secrets.
- A Real Somebody (2023) – A standalone historical mystery set in post-war Montreal in 1947.
The Bern Fortin Mystery Series
The Bern Fortin books are the cornerstone of Deryn Collier's crime fiction legacy. Set against the breathtaking yet ominous landscape of the Kootenays in British Columbia, the series follows a protagonist whose internal struggles are as compelling as the mysteries he resolves.
1. Confined Space (2012)
In her debut novel, Collier introduces Bern Fortin, a retired Canadian Forces commander haunted by his past experiences as a peacekeeper in Rwanda. Seeking peace and isolation, Bern takes a job as the coroner in the quiet community of Kootenay Landing. However, the peace is shattered when the body of a worker is discovered in a fermentation tank at a local craft brewery. Bern is thrust into an investigation alongside Evie Chapelle, a determined safety investigator. The novel is a masterclass in atmospheric suspense, capturing the insular culture of a small mountain town. It was highly praised by critics and shortlisted for the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel by the Crime Writers of Canada.
2. Open Secret (2014)
The second installment in the series continues Bern Fortin's journey. When a local drug dealer is murdered and a series of troubling incidents occur near the Canada-United States border, Bern is pulled back into the fray. Open Secret deepens Bern's character development, exploring how his past trauma continues to influence his present. The story delves into the complex social dynamics, hidden histories, and tight-knit community alliances of the Kootenay region, demonstrating that small towns often harbor the largest secrets.
Standalone Historical Fiction: A Real Somebody (2023)
In 2023, Deryn Collier shifted gears from contemporary crime to historical suspense with the release of A Real Somebody. Set in Montreal in 1947, the novel represents a departure in setting and era, yet retains Collier's signature focus on secrets and human resilience.
The Story of June Grant
The protagonist of the novel is June Grant, a young woman who takes a job in the stenography pool of a prestigious Montreal advertising agency to help support her family. June has aspirations of becoming a writer and struggles against the rigid gender expectations of the post-WWII era. When she starts noticing discrepancies in the life of her older sister, Daisy, who seems to lead a picture-perfect housewife existence married to an advertising executive, June is drawn into a web of family secrets and corporate espionage.
A Real-Life Family Connection
The novel is deeply personal, as it was inspired by Collier's late great-aunt, June Grant. After her aunt passed away in 2014, Collier inherited her archives, which included letters, photographs, and her advertising portfolio. The real June Grant was a trailblazer who worked as a copywriter, wrote essays and poetry, and eventually became a regular essayist on CBC Radio's The Sunday Edition in the early 2000s. Collier used these archives to paint an authentic portrait of post-war Montreal and the challenges faced by career-minded women of the era.
Anthologies and Collections
In addition to her full-length novels, Deryn Collier's work has been featured in major crime fiction compilations. In 2014, Simon & Schuster Canada published The Dark Side: A Collection of Mysteries & Thrillers. This anthology includes excerpts and samplers from prominent suspense authors, including Deryn Collier, alongside established figures such as Kathy Reichs, Jennifer Hillier, and Andrew Pyper. It serves as an excellent introduction for readers looking to sample her writing style before committing to a full novel.
What to Know Before You Start
For readers preparing to dive into Deryn Collier's work, here are a few practical insights to keep in mind:
- Small-Town Authenticity: The Bern Fortin series is heavily inspired by Nelson, British Columbia, where Collier lived for many years. Her descriptions of Kootenay Lake, glacier-fed waters, and mountain geography are highly accurate and bring a vivid sense of place to the novels.
- Standalone vs. Series: The Bern Fortin books should be read in chronological order, as Bern's psychological journey and relationships progress significantly between the first and second novels. A Real Somebody, on the other hand, is completely independent and can be read at any time.
- Tone and Style: While the Bern Fortin books are classic police procedural/coroner mysteries dealing with trauma and crime, A Real Somebody is characterized as a 'gentle suspense' or historical drama, focusing on character growth, societal limitations, and historical atmosphere rather than gritty violence.