Picture a Canadian storyteller who traded police reports for page-turning thrillers and laugh-out-loud memoirs—meet Helen C. Escott! This Newfoundland and Labrador native has carved a unique path in Canadian literature, blending her Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) expertise with a knack for storytelling. From the chilling crime novel Operation Wormwood to the humorous I Am Funny Like That, Escott’s versatility captivates readers with every twist and chuckle.
Born in St. John’s, Escott’s journey from media to law enforcement to authorship is as dynamic as her plots. Her ability to weave real-world experience into fiction and memoir makes her a standout voice, offering both heart-pounding suspense and relatable humor that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The Making of Helen C. Escott
Helen C. Escott’s early life in St. John’s sparked her storytelling flair. After a decade in radio and TV as a reporter and on-air personality, she joined the RCMP in 1998 as a Senior Communication Strategist. Her 17-year tenure included high-profile cases like the RCMP’s response to the 9/11 attacks, shaping her keen insight into crime and human nature. Retiring in 2014, Escott turned to writing full-time, channeling her experiences into novels and a popular blog. Her background in media and policing gave her a unique lens, blending authenticity with narrative finesse.
Helen C. Escott’s Unforgettable Stories
Escott’s bibliography is a thrilling mix of genres. Her debut crime novel, Operation Wormwood, introduces a mysterious disease targeting criminals, earning a spot as a 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards finalist. Its sequel, Operation Wormwood: The Reckoning, dives deeper into Sgt. Nicholas Myra’s PTSD-fueled hunt for a serial killer, showcasing Escott’s razor-sharp pacing. Operation Vanished, a Silver Medal winner at the 2020 Independent Publisher Book Awards, explores missing women in 1950s Newfoundland, blending history with suspense.
On a lighter note, I Am Funny Like That, born from her blog with over 222,000 readers, offers humorous essays on life as a mother, wife, and crime writer. Escott’s style is grounded in her RCMP days, infusing crime thrillers with procedural accuracy and her memoirs with Newfoundland’s witty charm. Her 2024 novel, We Will Meet Again, honors the women of Newfoundland during World War II, proving her range across historical and emotional narratives.
Escott’s five-book Operation series, optioned for film by Rink Rat Productions, follows Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Sgt. Nicholas Myra and RCMP Corporal Gail McNaughton. Her ability to balance gritty investigations with human struggles like PTSD and societal issues sets her apart in the crime genre.
Why Helen C. Escott Matters
Helen C. Escott’s impact lies in her fearless exploration of tough topics—child abuse, women’s rights, and mental health—wrapped in accessible, engaging stories. Her crime novels shine a light on Newfoundland’s history and culture, while her humor connects universally. Awards like the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2019) reflect her community dedication, mirroring the empathy in her writing. Escott’s transition from RCMP strategist to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, proving passion and experience can redefine a career.
- Born: St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Key Works: Operation Wormwood, Operation Vanished, I Am Funny Like That, We Will Meet Again
- Awards: Arthur Ellis Awards finalist (2019), Independent Publisher Book Awards Silver Medal (2020)
- Fun Fact: Her Operation series is set to hit screens via Rink Rat Productions.
Snag Operation Wormwood or I Am Funny Like That and dive into Helen C. Escott’s thrilling, heartfelt world of crime and comedy!