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Operation Betrayed
In 1996, a twenty-year-old woman was murdered and found mutilated in a most disturbing way. Her body was ritualistically laid out and left displayed on a walking trail. Twenty-seven years later, the crime repeats itself when another woman is murdered and found in the same way. Could the killer still be out there, or is it a copycat?
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Nick Myra puts together a task force that re-investigates historical files of missing and murdered women, only to discover a rape gang has been operating in downtown St. John's for decades. When details only the killer would know are leaked to the media, Myra and his team question if the betrayal comes from within their force.
This psychological thriller cuts to the bone when Inspector Myra and the victims' families realize the saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies—it comes from those you trust the most.
Operation Betrayed is the sixth novel in the Operation series from Helen C. Escott. In this fast-paced crime thriller, she shines a glaring spotlight on how a woman's home address, economic status, and even her clothes can affect the level of investigation and justice given to her... even when she is murdered.
Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Inspector Nick Myra puts together a task force that re-investigates historical files of missing and murdered women, only to discover a rape gang has been operating in downtown St. John's for decades. When details only the killer would know are leaked to the media, Myra and his team question if the betrayal comes from within their force.
This psychological thriller cuts to the bone when Inspector Myra and the victims' families realize the saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies—it comes from those you trust the most.
Operation Betrayed is the sixth novel in the Operation series from Helen C. Escott. In this fast-paced crime thriller, she shines a glaring spotlight on how a woman's home address, economic status, and even her clothes can affect the level of investigation and justice given to her... even when she is murdered.
384 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2025
1 person is currently reading
726 people want to read
About the author
Helen C. Escott
12 books152 followersHelen C. Escott is an award-winning Canadian author and playwright whose cinematic storytelling and deep insight into the human condition have earned her a distinguished place among contemporary crime writers.
A former senior communications strategist with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she brings a rare authenticity and precision to her work—translating decades of real-world experience into gripping narratives that pulse with realism, emotional truth, and suspense.
Her bestselling Operation Series—a six-book collection of crime thrillers—has captivated readers across Canada and beyond. The first book in the series was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best First Crime Novel Award. The entire series has been optioned for television and lauded for its chillingly current investigations, unpredictable twists, and deeply human characters. The series’ success was further recognized with a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2023 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award from the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA).
Helen’s writing is distinguished by its cinematic pace, vivid realism, and emotional resonance. Her works reflect not only the complexities of crime and justice but also the moral and psychological landscapes of those who live within them. Drawing upon her years as a Civilian Member of the RCMP, she weaves intricate plots rooted in authenticity and insight. Her career with the RCMP included leading communications for high-profile national operations—such as the force’s response to the September 11th terrorist attacks—and developing regional strategies to combat organized crime and outlaw biker gangs. She also designed and taught a media relations course delivered across Canada, including at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, and served as a communications strategist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Her literary and public contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Veterans Ombud Commendation Lifetime Contribution Award for her outstanding work with veterans. Among her other honors are the CLB Governor and Commandants' Medallion (2017) for excellence in volunteering and fundraising, the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2019), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Certificate of Recognition (2022) for her advocacy on behalf of veterans.
Published Works
Crime Thriller Series (Flanker Press):
• Operation Wormwood — A top-five finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards for Best First Crime Novel.
• The Reckoning — The powerful conclusion to Operation Wormwood, acclaimed for its dark, ingenious plotting.
• Operation Vanished — Winner of the Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.
• Operation Trafficked — A lightning-paced and chillingly relevant thriller exploring the global human trafficking network.
• Operation Masonic — A gripping, historically layered mystery set within the secretive world of Freemasonry.
• Operation Betrayed — A haunting exploration of betrayal, justice, and the societal biases that shape investigations.
Standalone Novels:
• We Will Meet Again — A multi-generational story of love, loss, and resilience that spans nearly a century.
• In Search of Adventure: 70 Years of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador — A comprehensive collection of memoirs and personal stories, named one of the top Atlantic Canadian memoirs.
• I Am Funny Like That — A memoir of humorous essays reflecting on motherhood, marriage, and the lighter side of a writer’s life.
Legacy and Media Presence
A frequent guest on television, radio, and literary panels, Helen C. Escott remains an influential voice in Canadian arts and culture. Her background in broadcasting, coupled with her deep understanding of communications, has made her a sought-after speaker for teaching courses on writing, and w
A former senior communications strategist with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she brings a rare authenticity and precision to her work—translating decades of real-world experience into gripping narratives that pulse with realism, emotional truth, and suspense.
Her bestselling Operation Series—a six-book collection of crime thrillers—has captivated readers across Canada and beyond. The first book in the series was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best First Crime Novel Award. The entire series has been optioned for television and lauded for its chillingly current investigations, unpredictable twists, and deeply human characters. The series’ success was further recognized with a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2023 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award from the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA).
Helen’s writing is distinguished by its cinematic pace, vivid realism, and emotional resonance. Her works reflect not only the complexities of crime and justice but also the moral and psychological landscapes of those who live within them. Drawing upon her years as a Civilian Member of the RCMP, she weaves intricate plots rooted in authenticity and insight. Her career with the RCMP included leading communications for high-profile national operations—such as the force’s response to the September 11th terrorist attacks—and developing regional strategies to combat organized crime and outlaw biker gangs. She also designed and taught a media relations course delivered across Canada, including at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, and served as a communications strategist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Her literary and public contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Veterans Ombud Commendation Lifetime Contribution Award for her outstanding work with veterans. Among her other honors are the CLB Governor and Commandants' Medallion (2017) for excellence in volunteering and fundraising, the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2019), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Certificate of Recognition (2022) for her advocacy on behalf of veterans.
Published Works
Crime Thriller Series (Flanker Press):
• Operation Wormwood — A top-five finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards for Best First Crime Novel.
• The Reckoning — The powerful conclusion to Operation Wormwood, acclaimed for its dark, ingenious plotting.
• Operation Vanished — Winner of the Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.
• Operation Trafficked — A lightning-paced and chillingly relevant thriller exploring the global human trafficking network.
• Operation Masonic — A gripping, historically layered mystery set within the secretive world of Freemasonry.
• Operation Betrayed — A haunting exploration of betrayal, justice, and the societal biases that shape investigations.
Standalone Novels:
• We Will Meet Again — A multi-generational story of love, loss, and resilience that spans nearly a century.
• In Search of Adventure: 70 Years of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador — A comprehensive collection of memoirs and personal stories, named one of the top Atlantic Canadian memoirs.
• I Am Funny Like That — A memoir of humorous essays reflecting on motherhood, marriage, and the lighter side of a writer’s life.
Legacy and Media Presence
A frequent guest on television, radio, and literary panels, Helen C. Escott remains an influential voice in Canadian arts and culture. Her background in broadcasting, coupled with her deep understanding of communications, has made her a sought-after speaker for teaching courses on writing, and w
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 5, 2025
Her best book yet, really enjoyed this one!!
December 8, 2025
My review is coming soon to https://miramichireader.ca/author/sue...
October 27, 2025
I have read all of Ms Escott’s books to date and I have to say I think this one is my favourite. They are all great but this story was engaging, suspenseful and leaves you on the wedge of your seat. I love supporting Canadian authors especially excellent writing like this.
December 23, 2025
I'm rating this five stars based on the "Operation" series. prior to this, I believed Operation Masonic was the best one in the series, but Betrayed is a cut above. More involved, more detailed, and Ms. Escott has established herself as a top-rated crime novelist. She has created some great characters, both good and evil.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews