Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped lecture halls for thrilling mysteries—meet John Moss! Born in 1940, this literary chameleon has penned everything from scholarly critiques to pulse-pounding novels, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian literature. With a knack for weaving complex narratives and a life as adventurous as his stories, Moss is a name you’ll want to know.
The Making of John Moss
John Errington Moss was born on February 7, 1940, in Galt, Ontario, growing up in the quaint village of Blair. The son of a poet-businessman, Moss inherited a love for words early on. His eclectic early career—stints as an archivist, a CBC studio director, and even a stand-in for Peter O’Toole in Lawrence of Arabia—fueled his storytelling passion. After earning degrees from Huron College, the University of Western Ontario, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Brunswick, Moss settled into academia at the University of Ottawa, where he became a leading voice in Canadian literary criticism.
John Moss’s Unforgettable Stories
Moss’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry, blending scholarly works with fiction that grips like a cold Canadian winter. His early books, like Patterns of Isolation (1974) and A Reader’s Guide to the Canadian Novel (1981), cemented his reputation as a sharp critic of Canadian literature, exploring themes of identity and isolation. Then came Bellrock (1983), a genre-bending “self-interview-while-driving” memoir that critics called a “two-cylinder memoir,” showcasing his playful, experimental side.
Later, Moss dove into fiction with the Quin and Morgan Mystery series, starting with Still Waters (2008). These novels follow Toronto detectives Miranda Quin and David Morgan, blending cultural sophistication with gritty crime-solving. His Lindstrom Trilogy—Lindstrom Alone (2018), Lindstrom’s Progress (2018), and Lindstrom Unbound (2019)—explores dystopian themes, while To Set the Stone Trembling (2022) probes the power of language. Moss’s style is cerebral yet accessible, with a knack for vivid settings, from Toronto’s urban sprawl to the Arctic’s stark beauty.
Why John Moss Matters
John Moss’s impact on Canadian literature is profound. As a critic, he shaped how we understand Canada’s literary identity, championing authors like Margaret Atwood and Michael Ondaatje. As a novelist, his mysteries and experimental works have captivated readers, proving that scholarly depth and storytelling flair can coexist. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada since 2005, Moss’s adventurous spirit—swimming the Hellespont, running the Boston Marathon eleven times—infuses his work with a zest that resonates globally.
- About John Moss
- Born: February 7, 1940, in Galt, Ontario
- Key Works: Still Waters, Bellrock, To Set the Stone Trembling
- Awards: Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (2005)
- Fun Fact: Trekked the Barren Lands solo for 28 days
Ready to dive into a world where mysteries unravel and ideas spark? Grab Still Waters and discover John Moss’s thrilling blend of brain and brawn!