Helen C. Escott's Blog: The Helen C. Escott Book Club: A Novel Idea

Library Book Club Kits Are you in a book club? Newfoundland and Labrador Libraries offer book club kits for bestselling Operation Betrayed. Each kit is packed in a canvas library bag & contains:10 copies Discussion questionsInformation about the author How it works:The kit is checked out to a single group member who is responsible for all the materials. The loan period is 6 weeks (with one 6-week renewal if no other groups are waiting). The group member checking out the kit is responsible for...

Operation Betrayed has arrived! Get the first chapter free

The sixth novel in my Operation Series will be released in September 2025 from Flanker Press. The book launch for Operation Betrayed is Wednesday, September 24th, 2025, from 6-8 p.m. at Chapters, Kenmount Road, St. John’s.

You are invited to the Operation Betrayed book launch on Sept. 24th, at 6 p.m. at Chapters, Kenmount Road, St. John's

Operation Betrayed - Coming in September 2025 Betrayal is a force of nature, consuming everything in its path and leaving behind a trail...

Experience Newfoundland's own mini da Vinci Code. Join us for Adventures Unknown and the search for Masonic treasure on NTV June 15th at 7:30 p.m.

Welcome to Helen C. Escott's newsletter for stories, features, and news on her latest books delivered to your inbox monthly.

It is natural to be curious about exploring your family’s history, discovering potential relatives, and gaining insights into your past.

In Search of Adventure – 70 Years of RCMP Stories from Newfoundland and Labrador was named one of nine unforgettable portraits by Atlantic Books Today. Written by retired Civilian Member Helen C. Escott, and published by Flanker Press, the first print immediately sold out. Now it is back in print and available in-store and online.

On March 22, 1949, nine RCMP officers arrived in Canada’s newest province and opened a Divisional Headquarters on Kenna's Hill in St. John's. On August 1, 1950, the RCMP was officially recognized with an agreement between RCMP Deputy Commissioner Gray and the Attorney General for the province, the Honourable L. R. Curtis. Once the ink was dried, the Mounties began to create stories that became legendary.

Escott has captured the stories of the Veterans behind the police lines who had a front-row seat to history. She takes you on a thrill ride through policing history covering UFO encounters, moments of sheer life-threatening terror, discovering innovative ways to police, to investigating the murders of two of their own. Escott collected two stories from constables who were in the middle of the Badger Riot on March 10, 1959, when 24-year-old RNC Constable William Moss was fatally injured. She tells the stories of the last living Newfoundland Rangers, the first female police officer to serve in Newfoundland and Labrador, and the first Mounties to arrive in 1949.

These Veterans built the foundation of the world-renowned RCMP and Escott was proud to take on the project, “These police officers lived by The Principles of Law Enforcement. They worked toward our collective success, community trust and engagement, and always believing - the police are the public and the public are the police.”

In Search of Adventure is Helen C. Escott’s first historical memoir. Her bestselling crime thrillers have been awarded a Silver Medal – Best Regional Fiction at the 24th annual Independent Publisher Book Awards, a top five finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards, and Best First Crime Novel by the Crime Writers of Canada.

In Search of Adventure and Escott’s other novels are available at Chapters, and Coles, indigo.ca, Apple – iTunes, Nook – (Barnes & Noble), Amazon, and Kobo. National and international orders can be placed by calling 1-866-739-4420 or order directly from https://www.helencescott.com/books

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There are days when I just do not want to be bothered. I met Judy at Costco on one of those days. I had a short list with a plan to get in and out in twenty minutes.

 I had just come from a workout and ran from aisle to aisle gathering up what I needed dressed in a dark hoodie and yoga pants. I was at the baked goods when I noticed a lady following me. At first, I told myself it was my imagination. When I went into the freezer, she waited outside.

Now if she had been a male, I probably would have asked an employee for help, but Judy did not look overly threatening, just weird. She wore mom jeans with an oversized sweater and was about fiftyish with that popular blond ‘Karen’ haircut that looked like a rooster in the back, and flat in the front. I knew if she attacked, I probably could take her.

I continued to look over my shoulder like a woman who was about to be attacked by a werewolf in a 1960’s late night classic. Then it hit me. I am a bestselling author. She must recognize me and want an autograph or selfie.

I was not selfie ready. After a fifty-minute workout I did not want any photo of me posted to social media. I had no choice but to out run her.

I whipped around the aisle on two wheels. She was on my tail. I considered throwing a large tub of laundry detergent in her way, but I could not lift it. When I got to the freezers she was gone. I was out of breath when she popped up in front of me. She took a short cut behind the freezers and cut me off.

I had to concede. She introduced herself and asked me to empty my pockets. Apparently Judy was a secret security guard who was told a lady in a black hoodie had stolen sunglasses from the display up front. I did as I was told because once I seen her up close, I took note of her broad shoulders and baseball glove size hands.  

I realized that I could not take Judy.

She took out a hidden radio, said ‘she’s clean’ apologized and walked away. I admit, I was a little let down that she did not ask for an autograph.