A Busy Autumn is Underway
It’s hard to accept that we’re already two-thirds of the way through 2026 and into the Fall season! But time flies when we’re having fun, and I have lots planned for the coming month.
For the end of September, you’ve too have probably taken some time today to observe our National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day is an important memorial to honor the Survivors of the Canadian residential school system, their families, and the children who never returned home, and reminds us of an ugly blemish in our Canadian history.
Last month, I told you about Auspicious Outcomes, my new bundle with the latest three books in the Multima Saga. I’m gratified so many decided to purchase the package –either for personal enjoyment or as a gift for someone special. Thank you for this early support!
I have seven author events planned this month at Indigo stores across Ontario. These will be my final 2026 visits to each area on the schedule. If you know friends or neighbours who might enjoy meeting me at a store near them, please share my schedule. And, of course, I’m always delighted to see loyal followers, so please drop by your local event if your schedule allows.
As I made a periodic check of recent reviews on Goodreads this week, I came across this Five-Star rating from reader Olivia Bennett.
“Pernicious Pursuit grabbed me from the very first page and didn't let go. Gary D. McGugan throws readers straight into the chaos with Howard Knight's abduction from a Dutch safe house, and from there the pacing never lets up. What could have been a standard crime-thriller setup is elevated by the dual narrative — Janet Weissel's escape is just as compelling as Howard's ordeal, and her arc quickly becomes the emotional core of the book.
What sets this novel apart is how it uses the machinery of a revenge-and-pursuit plot to say something sharper underneath. The vindictive crime boss and "The Organization" give the story real menace and scale, but McGugan doesn't let the thriller elements crowd out the book's more pointed commentary on misogyny and the abuse women face at the hands of exactly this kind of criminal power structure. Janet's transformation from someone barely escaping violence to someone actively fighting back against it is handled with a lot more nuance than I expected going in.
The plotting is tight, the stakes feel genuinely insurmountable at points, and the switching perspectives kept me guessing about how the two threads would converge. Fans of cunning, survival-driven thrillers with a strong, capable female lead will find a lot to like here.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants a crime thriller with substance behind the suspense.”
I share this as a reminder that I appreciate every review, and invite you to share your thoughts about any of my stories as a great way to help more potential readers learn about my work. Thank you, in advance, for any thoughts you care to share!
Loba Fallah, who designed my website, helped me out again this month with a refresh to keep pace with new offerings, new social media listings, and other small details to keep the site appealing. I thank her for her excellent work and share the link again in case you’d like to make another visit to check out reviews, see past Blog or Newsletter posts, or perhaps place another order!
https://garydmcguganbooks.com/
Thank you again for all your wonderful continuing support!