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Operation #5
Operation Masonic
Operation Masonic
The Lost Cathedral
The Freemasons' Most Worshipful Grand Master has been murdered. His body has been laid out in the ritualistic Chamber of Reflection at the Masonic Temple, surrounded by centuries of secrets. Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Insp. Nicholas Myra and Cst. Donna Whiffen dig through thousands of years of history, secrets, scandals, and symbols in a hunt for the killer. The search leads them back to the Temple of Solomon and the first Masonic murder.
Rumours abound of hidden tunnels under churches and buildings in the centre of old St. John’s which lead to an unbelievable treasure at the heart of an Ecclesiastic Circle—a treasure that many would kill for. This is the historical backdrop to Helen C. Escott’s engrossing and well-researched novel Operation Masonic. This thriller is exceedingly clever and compellingly truthful.
“The killer is always the one who is not getting what they want. Who must have what they can’t have,” Insp. Myra informs his team of investigators.
Operation Masonic is fiction . . . but steeped in truth.
The Lost Cathedral
The Freemasons' Most Worshipful Grand Master has been murdered. His body has been laid out in the ritualistic Chamber of Reflection at the Masonic Temple, surrounded by centuries of secrets. Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Insp. Nicholas Myra and Cst. Donna Whiffen dig through thousands of years of history, secrets, scandals, and symbols in a hunt for the killer. The search leads them back to the Temple of Solomon and the first Masonic murder.
Rumours abound of hidden tunnels under churches and buildings in the centre of old St. John’s which lead to an unbelievable treasure at the heart of an Ecclesiastic Circle—a treasure that many would kill for. This is the historical backdrop to Helen C. Escott’s engrossing and well-researched novel Operation Masonic. This thriller is exceedingly clever and compellingly truthful.
“The killer is always the one who is not getting what they want. Who must have what they can’t have,” Insp. Myra informs his team of investigators.
Operation Masonic is fiction . . . but steeped in truth.
- GenresMystery
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2022
4 people are currently reading
2915 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 3, 2023
Helen C. Escott dazzles readers with her strong police procedurals, adding a Newfoundland flavouring, which makes the Canadian setting all the more intriguing. This latest piece pushes the limits of both policing, as well as the mysterious world of the Masons in the heart of St. John’s. Escott tackles some great social issues as well, while layering them with a strong procedural that centres on the murder of a man with a complicated past. As Escott makes her mark again, I am left to wonder where she plans on going next and how she’ll be able to top what she has published to date.
When Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers are called to the scene of the Masonic temple in the middle of a snowstorm, they find more than a pile of snow inside. The body of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Mortimer Williams, turns up, likely a murder suspect. Inspector Nick Myra and his team begin polling around, unsure if this was a Masonic ritual gone awry or someone out for blood.
Bringing a new hire, Constable Donna Whiffen, along with him, Myra begins digging into the Masons, as well as those who belong to the local chapter. There is more to the story than simply a man and his interactions with others, Rather, a secret past away from anything Masonic, lurks in the shadows, as well as the death of the victim’s parents decades before. Myra and Whiffen begin to wonder if someone is trying to divert attention from the true motive, or if everyone might be spinning their own web of lies to ensure they are not caught.
When Myra and Whiffen seek the assistance of a local historian, they discover that the Mason are deeply embedded in architectural events throughout St. John’s, particularly some of the most important churches in the city’s core. Myra also learns of secret passageways and rumours of a buried treasure, all of which might hold strong reasons for wanting to kill someone at the head of the organisation. Still, there are a few nagging feelings about who could be behind it all and how the murder took place. Myra and Whiffen may have busy lives at home, but they are not about to let this derail them from getting to the core of the most important search of their careers, as a murderer sits idly by. Escott keeps the reader hooked until the very end with this stellar piece. I am so pleased to have reconnected with the series.
There is something about how Helen C. Escott writes that pulls me in. Surely, the Canadian angle appeals to me, with some nuances that only those who know the country will understand, but it is also a strong ability to spin a tale and keep the reader engaged throughout. Escott uses her intuitive researching abilities to help support a strong story and keep plots from getting too too predictable. I can only hope there is more to come, as the series and its characters have grown on me.
Escott crafts a wonderful story and develops a strong narrative to guide the reader. Full of historical details about both the Masons and the city of St. John’s, Escott shows the reader that she is interested in reality with a dash of fictional creativity. While keeping the momentum going, Escott pulls on some characters from past novels and adds a new one for the reader to enjoy, as well as weaving in the struggles of home life and the hurdles found therein. The investigation takes on many angles and keeps the reader guessing, as the plot lines diverge at times, keeping the predictable nature of some novels at the door. Escott addresses many social and personal issues, as is usually the case, providing her reader a platform to better understand things and perhaps spark an interest in doing some of their own research. I am eager to see what is in the pipeline for Escott and this series, as each book works so well to develop strong themes and builds on where the previous story ended.
Kudos, Madam Escott, for a look into the mysteries of Freemasonry and more about your beloved St. John’s. I feel the pull to visit, if only to learn more about the historical side of the city that serves as an ideal setting for your novels.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
When Royal Newfoundland Constabulary officers are called to the scene of the Masonic temple in the middle of a snowstorm, they find more than a pile of snow inside. The body of the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Mortimer Williams, turns up, likely a murder suspect. Inspector Nick Myra and his team begin polling around, unsure if this was a Masonic ritual gone awry or someone out for blood.
Bringing a new hire, Constable Donna Whiffen, along with him, Myra begins digging into the Masons, as well as those who belong to the local chapter. There is more to the story than simply a man and his interactions with others, Rather, a secret past away from anything Masonic, lurks in the shadows, as well as the death of the victim’s parents decades before. Myra and Whiffen begin to wonder if someone is trying to divert attention from the true motive, or if everyone might be spinning their own web of lies to ensure they are not caught.
When Myra and Whiffen seek the assistance of a local historian, they discover that the Mason are deeply embedded in architectural events throughout St. John’s, particularly some of the most important churches in the city’s core. Myra also learns of secret passageways and rumours of a buried treasure, all of which might hold strong reasons for wanting to kill someone at the head of the organisation. Still, there are a few nagging feelings about who could be behind it all and how the murder took place. Myra and Whiffen may have busy lives at home, but they are not about to let this derail them from getting to the core of the most important search of their careers, as a murderer sits idly by. Escott keeps the reader hooked until the very end with this stellar piece. I am so pleased to have reconnected with the series.
There is something about how Helen C. Escott writes that pulls me in. Surely, the Canadian angle appeals to me, with some nuances that only those who know the country will understand, but it is also a strong ability to spin a tale and keep the reader engaged throughout. Escott uses her intuitive researching abilities to help support a strong story and keep plots from getting too too predictable. I can only hope there is more to come, as the series and its characters have grown on me.
Escott crafts a wonderful story and develops a strong narrative to guide the reader. Full of historical details about both the Masons and the city of St. John’s, Escott shows the reader that she is interested in reality with a dash of fictional creativity. While keeping the momentum going, Escott pulls on some characters from past novels and adds a new one for the reader to enjoy, as well as weaving in the struggles of home life and the hurdles found therein. The investigation takes on many angles and keeps the reader guessing, as the plot lines diverge at times, keeping the predictable nature of some novels at the door. Escott addresses many social and personal issues, as is usually the case, providing her reader a platform to better understand things and perhaps spark an interest in doing some of their own research. I am eager to see what is in the pipeline for Escott and this series, as each book works so well to develop strong themes and builds on where the previous story ended.
Kudos, Madam Escott, for a look into the mysteries of Freemasonry and more about your beloved St. John’s. I feel the pull to visit, if only to learn more about the historical side of the city that serves as an ideal setting for your novels.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
November 13, 2022
I recommend this book. This is the first time I have read Helen C. Escort and can not wait to read more.
June 19, 2023
Operation Masonic by Helen C. Escott-What a fantastic read! This was the second book I have read by Helen C Escott and I could not put it down.
Freemasons-Not a secret society but a society with secrets.
It is late November and an early storm is brewing in St. John’s. Constables Ryan and Stuckless are called out to a possible break and entry of the old Masonic temple. Battling their way through the snow laden streets they arrive at the old temple. As they make their way through the darkened building, they will soon discover this is more than just a break and entry. The Grand Master has been murdered.
Transferring from commercial crime section Cst. Donna Whiffen has joined Insp. Nicholas Myra’s team. Together they learn they are investigating more than just one murder. Who really was the Grand Master? Why did someone want him dead? What was he doing at the old Masonic Temple when the Masons no longer held meetings there? With rumours of hidden treasure and secret tunnels Whiffen and Myra are taken on a journey that will almost cost them their lives but will ultimately seal their friendship.
“Before we go in, I guess the tour could start right here.” Miller stood back and pointed at the concrete pillars that flanked the front doors. “These two pillars are constructed at the entrance of all Masonic lodges and temples. In the Bible, the two pillars are known as Boaz and Jachin. They stood at the porch of Solomon’s Temple.”
“Solomon’s Temple?” asked Myra. “As in the Song of Solomon?”
A fantastic murder mystery rich with interesting historical facts of Newfoundland and Labrador and Freemasonry. 10/10
Freemasons-Not a secret society but a society with secrets.
It is late November and an early storm is brewing in St. John’s. Constables Ryan and Stuckless are called out to a possible break and entry of the old Masonic temple. Battling their way through the snow laden streets they arrive at the old temple. As they make their way through the darkened building, they will soon discover this is more than just a break and entry. The Grand Master has been murdered.
Transferring from commercial crime section Cst. Donna Whiffen has joined Insp. Nicholas Myra’s team. Together they learn they are investigating more than just one murder. Who really was the Grand Master? Why did someone want him dead? What was he doing at the old Masonic Temple when the Masons no longer held meetings there? With rumours of hidden treasure and secret tunnels Whiffen and Myra are taken on a journey that will almost cost them their lives but will ultimately seal their friendship.
“Before we go in, I guess the tour could start right here.” Miller stood back and pointed at the concrete pillars that flanked the front doors. “These two pillars are constructed at the entrance of all Masonic lodges and temples. In the Bible, the two pillars are known as Boaz and Jachin. They stood at the porch of Solomon’s Temple.”
“Solomon’s Temple?” asked Myra. “As in the Song of Solomon?”
A fantastic murder mystery rich with interesting historical facts of Newfoundland and Labrador and Freemasonry. 10/10
October 31, 2022
Helen outdid herself this time. Masonic is literally Newfoundland's Da Vinci Code. You're in for a treat!
April 13, 2024
As my first read of Escott's, it definitely will not be my last. Drawn to the book based on my own relationship with Mason's and the phenomena that is Eastern Star, I had to read this one when I saw the title.
It impressed. The intrigue of the "not a secret society, a society with secrets" and the characters that made it come to life, the setting of Newfoundland, the well-rounded characters and mystery, all kept me wrapped and guessing until the very end.
Well done!
It impressed. The intrigue of the "not a secret society, a society with secrets" and the characters that made it come to life, the setting of Newfoundland, the well-rounded characters and mystery, all kept me wrapped and guessing until the very end.
Well done!
January 1, 2024
I lost count of how many time I said what the f×ck or holy shit.
If this was ever turned into a tv series or a movie, Helen C. Esco was right Newfoundland and Labrador is the main character. She captures your senses. She also helps you understand the minds of not only the investigators and their day to day lives but also the people they investigating.
As basic as this review is, the book is just as brilliantly written as her previous works. It's an excellent edition to Insp. Myra. storyline. I look forward to more in the coming years ( I hope I hope).
If this was ever turned into a tv series or a movie, Helen C. Esco was right Newfoundland and Labrador is the main character. She captures your senses. She also helps you understand the minds of not only the investigators and their day to day lives but also the people they investigating.
As basic as this review is, the book is just as brilliantly written as her previous works. It's an excellent edition to Insp. Myra. storyline. I look forward to more in the coming years ( I hope I hope).
January 21, 2023
Set in Newfoundland, “Operation Masonic” opens with the murder of Mortimer Williams the Freemason’s Grand Master at an old Masonic Lodge used presently as a theatre. In a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with talk of treasure and hidden tunnels Constabulary Inspector Nicholas Myra and Constable Donna Whiffen sift through secrets, falsehoods and scandals hunting for the killer.
Well-developed and riveting this murder mystery keeps you hooked as the two police officers tackle the mysterious world of the Masons in their search for the murderer while dealing with personal issues in their own lives. All too quickly suspense and tension escalate when the dead man's wife doesn’t want an autopsy, getting a restraining order to hide an uncomfortable secret while the murder of Williams' parents years before may hold a clue.
With multifaceted and compelling characters like the standoffish, domineering wife Doreen Williams to a deceptive, suspicious neighbor like Florence Pardy the plot holds you captive to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed Helen C. Escott’s crime thriller “Operation Masonic” and highly recommend it.
Well-developed and riveting this murder mystery keeps you hooked as the two police officers tackle the mysterious world of the Masons in their search for the murderer while dealing with personal issues in their own lives. All too quickly suspense and tension escalate when the dead man's wife doesn’t want an autopsy, getting a restraining order to hide an uncomfortable secret while the murder of Williams' parents years before may hold a clue.
With multifaceted and compelling characters like the standoffish, domineering wife Doreen Williams to a deceptive, suspicious neighbor like Florence Pardy the plot holds you captive to the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed Helen C. Escott’s crime thriller “Operation Masonic” and highly recommend it.
March 2, 2023
Another fantastic mystery by Helen C. Escott set in Newfoundland, Canada. This exciting mystery filled with interesting characters leaves you guessing “Who did it?” until the very end. A book of fiction laced with real people, real places, and real events, it is obvious that Helen puts a lot of time and research into each detail. Operation Masonic had me excited to open my book each evening, and the author’s notes at the end left me curious to learn more about the intriguing history of St. John’s, Newfoundland.
September 4, 2022
This is Ms. Escott's best in the "Operation" series. It reads like a good episode of "Vera" only with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary's Inspector Nick Myra conducting the investigation into the murder of a Masonic Grand Master in the old Masonic Temple. Good character development and good side stories round out the novel nicely. A few F-bombs, but otherwise a good page-turning mystery with historical touches.
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December 19, 2022A page turning thriller that you won't be able to put down, Escott does a superb job at weaving fact and fiction through this Newfoundland style Da Vinci Code mystery. Check out Fireside Collections for a review!
https://firesidecollections.blogspot....
https://firesidecollections.blogspot....
July 27, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! It was intriguing from the first page to the last. The history, both of St. John’s and the Masons was interesting, and the police investigators were on point. I have also read Operation Wormwood earlier this year and I could not put it down. Excellent writing and storyline.
November 25, 2023
i’m surprised that people love this book - it’s just not my kind of writing. someone lent me their copy and they liked it. there was nothing intriguing - just a lot of boring drawn out details. the writing itself seemed like dull.
July 7, 2024
I love historical fiction! The storyline in this one was great, but the writing didn’t quite grip me. It often felt slow, making it hard to get through at times, but the main characters were well-developed. It's worth reading if you can push through the slower sections.
July 24, 2024
Not usually the type of book I read but because it is loosely based on Newfoundland history I gave it a try. After 4 or 5 chapters I got more interested in the storyline and liked the book! I will definitely buy more of Helen’s books to read in this series.
September 20, 2022
This was a truly enjoyable mystery set in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Many thanks to Goodreads and Flanker Press for the opportunity to read this book.
December 7, 2022
Awesome read once again. Some of the characters in the book are based on family members of mine, they are depicted perfectly. Can't wait for the next book.
September 29, 2023
An enjoyable quick read. My husband is a Mason, so that part of it was fun. Worth reading.
November 4, 2024
Excellent book. I loved all the information on the masonic Temple. There was a lot of research in this book.
April 30, 2025
Top-shelf.
January 11, 2025
This story, the fifth in the Operation series, is filled with information and facts about Newfoundland and the free masons. If you've ever experienced either the place or the Society, this book will strike a cord. Add to that a crime, well really several crimes, and you have the makings of a great tale. I also enjoyed having several familiar characters back again.
As much as this book/story was about the free masons and the crimes, it also had a new policewoman's family story woven into the mix as her family navigates life with a child on the Autism spectrum.
This book is masferfully crafted & woven together. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
As much as this book/story was about the free masons and the crimes, it also had a new policewoman's family story woven into the mix as her family navigates life with a child on the Autism spectrum.
This book is masferfully crafted & woven together. I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews