Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped courtrooms for crime scenes, crafting gripping mysteries set in the sultry streets of Havana—meet Peggy Blair! A former lawyer with a knack for Aboriginal rights advocacy, Blair turned her sharp legal mind into a storytelling superpower, creating the acclaimed Inspector Ramirez series that’s hooked readers worldwide.
Her debut, Midnight in Havana, battled through over 100 rejections to become an international hit, proving Blair’s resilience and talent. With a flair for vivid settings and complex characters, she’s carved a unique niche in the mystery genre, blending Cuban culture with thrilling whodunits.
The Making of Peggy Blair
Born in Canada, Peggy Blair built a formidable 30-year career as a lawyer, specializing in Indigenous legal issues. She was lead counsel in the landmark 1993 case R. v. Jones and Nadjiwon, which recognized Indigenous treaty rights to fish commercially. After leaving law in 2010, Blair dove into writing, inspired by a 2006 Christmas trip to Havana where she soaked up the city’s vibrant, crumbling charm. People-watching in Hemingway’s favorite bars sparked the idea for her Cuban-set mysteries.
Blair’s transition wasn’t easy—her first novel faced 156 rejections. Yet, her persistence paid off when The Beggar’s Opera (later retitled Midnight in Havana) earned a spot on the UK Crime Writers’ Association Debut Dagger Award shortlist in 2010, launching her literary career.
Peggy Blair’s Unforgettable Stories
Blair’s Inspector Ramirez series is a love letter to Havana’s decaying beauty and complex socio-political landscape. Her debut, Midnight in Havana (2012), introduces Inspector Ricardo Ramirez, a Cuban detective haunted by ghosts of unsolved murder victims—a gift (or curse) inherited from his grandmother. The story follows Ramirez as he races against a 72-hour deadline to indict a Canadian suspect, weaving a tense, twist-filled plot.
The series continues with The Poisoned Pawn (2013), where Ramirez travels to Ottawa, unraveling a web of deceit involving child pornography and mysterious deaths. Hungry Ghosts (2015) and Umbrella Man (2016) deepen the series, blending Cuban Santería, political intrigue, and Blair’s sharp social commentary on issues like Canadian residential schools. Her style is atmospheric, with richly drawn characters like the brilliant dwarf pathologist Hector Apiro, and plots that balance gritty realism with supernatural hints.
Blair’s legal background shines through in her meticulous research and authentic portrayal of Cuban bureaucracy, from fuel shortages to banned internet. Critics praise her for crafting page-turners that evoke Havana’s soul while tackling universal themes of justice and resilience.
Why Peggy Blair Matters
Peggy Blair’s impact lies in her ability to transport readers to a vividly realized Havana, blending exotic settings with universal human struggles. Her series offers a fresh perspective in the mystery genre, spotlighting Cuban culture and politics rarely seen in mainstream crime fiction. By addressing issues like Indigenous rights and social justice, Blair’s work resonates beyond entertainment, sparking curiosity about the world.
Her journey from lawyer to bestselling author inspires aspiring writers, proving that persistence can triumph over rejection. With awards like the Giller Prize Readers’ Choice and an Ottawa Book Award nomination, Blair’s legacy is one of storytelling that captivates and challenges.
- Born: Canada
- Key Works: Midnight in Havana, The Poisoned Pawn, Hungry Ghosts, Umbrella Man
- Awards: Shortlisted for Debut Dagger Award (2010), Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel; Giller Prize Readers’ Choice Award (2012)
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag Midnight in Havana and dive into Peggy Blair’s sultry, suspenseful world of Cuban mysteries!