Picture a Montreal bookseller turned cozy mystery maestro, spinning tales that blend bookish charm with clever whodunits—meet Richard King! A lifelong Montrealer, King co-founded the iconic Librarie Paragraphe Bookstore and later channeled his love for literature and community into the beloved Bookshop Mystery series, delighting readers with his knack for storytelling and local flair.
From his decades in the book trade to his volunteer work in a hospital emergency room, King’s life was a tapestry of stories, each thread woven into his novels. His mysteries, set against Montreal’s vibrant backdrop, capture the city’s unique Anglo-French culture while serving up page-turning plots that feel like a warm chat with a witty friend.
The Making of Richard King
Born on January 27, 1945, in Montreal, Richard King grew up shaped by personal loss—his mother’s death from lupus when he was just seven left a lasting mark. A high school dropout turned scholar, he earned a history degree from Concordia University and a master’s from the University of Rochester, with research stints in Paris. His early career at Classics Bookstores sparked a lifelong passion for books, leading him to co-found Paragraphe Bookstore in the 1980s with Jonathan Penney. As a Canadian Booksellers Association president and CBC Radio book columnist, King became a pillar of Montreal’s literary scene.
Richard King’s Unforgettable Stories
King’s Bookshop Mystery series, launched with A Death at the University (2016), introduces Sam Wiseman, a bookstore owner with a knack for solving crimes alongside detective Gaston Lemieux. Set in Montreal, the novel blends cozy mystery tropes with local color, from McGill University’s halls to the city’s bilingual charm. Its fast-paced plot and likable characters hooked fans, who praised King’s crisp writing and twisty storytelling.
The series continued with A Brush with Death (2016) and The Book Review of Death (2017), each deepening Sam’s sleuthing adventures. King’s standalone novel, A Stab at Life (2020), draws on his hospital volunteering, featuring Nurse Annie Linton solving murders near a fictional Montreal hospital. His style—witty, accessible, and rich with Montreal’s cultural mosaic—makes his books a love letter to the city and its readers.
Beyond fiction, King co-authored biographies like Wrestling with Life and The Making of a Family, helping Holocaust survivors share their stories. His ability to weave real-world experiences into both fiction and nonfiction showcases his storytelling versatility and deep empathy.
Why Richard King Matters
Richard King’s legacy transcends his novels. Through Paragraphe, he fostered Montreal’s English-language literary community, mentoring writers and hosting the pioneering Books & Breakfast series. His mysteries, infused with local history and social commentary, enriched Canadian literature by celebrating Montreal’s unique identity. His volunteer work at the Jewish General Hospital inspired characters like Nurse Annie, reflecting his commitment to community. Even after his passing in January 2022 at age 76, King’s stories continue to resonate, inviting readers into his warm, book-filled world.
- Born: January 27, 1945, Montreal, Canada
- Key Works: Bookshop Mystery series, A Stab at Life, Wrestling with Life
- Awards: Judy Mappin Community Award (2021) from the Quebec Writers’ Federation
Ready to cozy up with a Montreal mystery? Grab A Death at the University and dive into Richard King’s delightful world of books and secrets!