‘We Bring You an Hour of Darkness’: Book Launch

Join us on Wednesday, Oct. 15 to celebrate the launch of local writer Michael Bourne’s captivating new small-town mystery, . Bourne will be in conversation with actor and writer Jerry Wasserman.

Inspired in part by a real-life 1998 arson at the Vail ski resort and with echoes of more recent events, this propulsive ski-town thriller probes the morality of activism that aims to save the planet but risks human lives. A gripping story of a town under siege and a newspaper editor who pushes her reporters to the grey areas of the law in order to solve the riddle of the attacks, Bourne’s novel features a witch’s brew of charismatic, independently-minded characters, some radicals, and the small-town dysfunction that often defines local politics.

This event is free but space is limited. RSVP here to save your spot. Books will be available for purchase and signing.

More about the author:

Michael Bourne has been a contributor to The New York Times, The Economist, Tin House, and Literary Hub, among other publications and has had his stories published widely in literary magazines. His debut novel Blithedale Canyon received rave reviews in Publishers Weekly, Zyzzyva, and Rain Taxi, which called it, “A clever blend of literary fiction with elements of crime and noir ... [whose] cinematic quality comes from characters that demand a performance.” He lives in Vancouver with his wife and son.

More about the moderator:

Jerry Wasserman is Emeritus Professor of English and Theatre at the University of British Columbia, a former Head of the Department of Theatre and Film, an actor with over 200 professional theatre, film and TV credits, theatre critic for the Vancouver Sun, and a member of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame. Jerry’s latest book is Life Could Be a Dream: African American Blues, R&B, Gospel and Doo Wop, 1946-1956 (McFarland, 2025).

More about Upstart & Crow:

Upstart & Crow is a not-for-profit creative studio and literary incubator that champions writers, readers and stories, and the role they play in shaping our lives. We develop original programs, support artists and revel in creative projects focused on literature in translation, climate solutions, poetry, civic dialogue, community and skills building, all with the aim of elevating the role of literature and storytelling in our lives. Find us on Granville Island, Gibsons and online at upstartandcrow.com.

Accessibility:

The main studio of our shop is accessible for folks with mobility aids. There is a washroom on the main floor available for attendees.

Questions: hello[at].

Host or Publisher Upstart & Crow