Picture a Canadian storyteller who spins gritty mysteries with heart and humor—meet Jeffrey Round! Born in Sudbury, Ontario, this Lambda Award-winning author has captivated readers with his Dan Sharp PI mysteries and the campy Bradford Fairfax series. But Round’s not just a writer; he’s a filmmaker, stage director, and singer-songwriter whose eclectic talents infuse his tales with vibrant authenticity.
From the noir-soaked streets of Toronto to the jet-setting escapades of secret agents, Round’s stories blend sharp social commentary with thrilling plots. His work resonates with readers who crave mysteries that tackle real-world issues—like identity and justice—while keeping them guessing until the last page. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Jeffrey Round
Growing up in the working-class mining town of Sudbury, Jeffrey Round was shaped by a world of contrasts—rugged landscapes and tight-knit communities. He later moved to Windsor and Halifax, where he studied theatre, literature, and music at Dalhousie University, earning a degree in English Literature. His early love for storytelling bloomed through acting and music, but writing was always his true calling. Round’s diverse career began with stints as a fashion model in Europe, an experience that inspired his debut novel, and later as a stage director for Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap in Toronto.
His leap into mystery writing came unexpectedly. After his literary novel A Cage of Bones topped bestseller lists, Round faced setbacks in publishing. A trip to Provincetown, Massachusetts, sparked his first Bradford Fairfax mystery, written in just 21 days. This pivot to mysteries revealed his knack for crafting compelling, character-driven tales.
Jeffrey Round’s Unforgettable Stories
Round’s Dan Sharp PI mysteries, starting with the Lambda Award-winning Lake on the Mountain (2012), follow a gay private investigator navigating Toronto’s underbelly. Sharp, a single father with a tough past, tackles missing-persons cases that unravel into murder mysteries. Books like Shadow Puppet (2019) weave real-life issues, such as Toronto’s serial killings, into gripping narratives. Critics, including The Globe and Mail, praise these stories as top-tier whodunits.
In contrast, the Bradford Fairfax series, beginning with The P’Town Murders (2007), offers a lighter, campier vibe. Fairfax, a gay special agent, and his partner Zachary Tyler jet to exotic locales like Key West and New Orleans. Titles like Bon Ton Roulet (2017) blend humor, romance, and intrigue, earning Round an invitation to read at the William Faulkner Society’s 300th anniversary celebration of New Orleans. His stand-alone novel Endgame (2016), a punk-rock reboot of Agatha Christie’s classic, showcases his genre-bending flair.
Round’s style is marked by vivid characters, witty dialogue, and a knack for weaving social issues into mysteries. His work often explores queer identity, making him a vital voice in LGBT literature. Whether gritty or glamorous, his stories keep readers hooked with their emotional depth and clever twists.
Why Jeffrey Round Matters
Jeffrey Round’s impact extends beyond his page-turning mysteries. His Lambda Award and nominations highlight his role in elevating queer voices in the mystery genre. By creating complex characters like Dan Sharp, he’s brought nuanced portrayals of gay life to mainstream audiences. His work with LGBT literary initiatives, like co-founding the Naked Heart Festival, has fostered diverse storytelling in Canada.
Round’s multifaceted career—spanning novels, films, and music—makes him a cultural force. His ability to blend entertainment with advocacy ensures his stories resonate with readers seeking both thrills and meaning. As he continues to write, with upcoming works like The Sulphur Springs Cure (2024), Round’s legacy as a trailblazer grows.
- Born: Sudbury, Ontario
- Key Works: Lake on the Mountain, The P’Town Murders, Endgame
- Awards: Lambda Literary Award (2013), ReLit Award nominations
- Fun Fact: Directed The Mousetrap for three years in Toronto
Snag Lake on the Mountain and dive into Jeffrey Round’s thrilling world of mystery and heart!