“Tartan Noir Canada” Book Group - Ottawa Launch!

Dive into dark Scottish crime writing and meet fellow mystery lovers at the Ottawa launch of "Tartan Noir Canada" Book Groups!
About this Event

You are warmly invited to the first meeting of the “Tartan Noir Canada” book groups:

• Host: The Scottish Government Office in Canada, in partnership with Ottawa Public Library
• When: Saturday 5 December at 14:00-16:00
• Where: Sunnyside Public Library, 1049 Bank Street, Ottawa
• Cost: Free (register via Eventbrite here)
• Everyone is Welcome!: This is an informal group and everyone is welcome. You might have a Scottish family connection, maybe you lived in Scotland or have a passion for Scottish heritage or culture, or perhaps you just really love crime novels! Whatever your interest, you will be most welcome!
• Frequency: The plan is to meet every 8 weeks or so. There’s no need to commit to every meeting, just reserve your spot and come along when we’re discussing a book that piques your interest.
• First Book: Knots and Crosses, by Ian Rankin – available in most independent Ottawa book shops and public libraries (but you may need to place a special order, so don’t leave it to the last minute!).

The Ottawa Tartan Noir book group will be launched and hosted by Head of the Scottish Government Office in Canada, Joanna Keating, together with fellow literature lover and Scottish-Canadian Helen Morris; in partnership with Ottawa Public Library; and with the support of Scotland’s Tartan Noir book festivals - Bloody Scotland, Bute Noir, Cromarty Crime & Thrillers Weekend and Shetland Noir.

We see Scotland’s diaspora as an extension of Scotland itself. Whether you are Scottish by heritage or ancestry, have lived in Scotland, have links through business or education, or simply have a strong affinity for Scotland’s culture – all are welcome in our international community of Scottish connections, and crime readers.

In this first book group meeting, we’ll watch a short “Introduction to Tartan Noir” put together especially for our book groups in Canada. In the video, Bloody Scotland’s Craig Robertson explores the history of Scottish crime fiction, and talks about why Scotland works so well for crime fiction.

For this our first Tartan Noir Book group meeting in Canada, we’ve chosen acclaimed Scottish crime writer Sir Ian Rankin and his first Rebus book Knots And Crosses, featuring John Rebus, one of the most enduring characters in crime fiction. Set in Edinburgh, Scotland (see photos below). We’re excited to also be benefitting from a special short video message recorded for our book group by Ian Rankin himself, as an introduction to his Rebus series, before going on to discuss the book.

Whether you’re an avid reader and expert on Tartan Noir, or this is your first time exploring this genre of fiction, there’ll be a huge and warm Scottish welcome for you as well as a chance to connect with Scottish culture through this informal reading group.

Ian Rankin – The Rebus books in order | Hachette UK

Knots and Crosses: Real-World Locations Map | Map A Story