Give Out Creek

"Toews builds interest in Stella and other characters as she mingles their personal conflicts with a mystery that will force Stella to face her deepest fear and keep readers guessing to the end. It all bodes well for what looks to be a promising series." — Publishers Weekly

"Toews has a nice eye for details that give charm to the B.C. outback... this one shows promise to come." — Margaret Cannon, The Globe & Mail

"A tale of crime, passion, friendship, family and, as is often the case with a crime story, jealousy. This entertaining read...takes readers on an enjoyable journey to discover the truth behind two untimely deaths." \n- Aleesha Harris, Vancouver Sun

Shortlisted for the 2019 Left Coast Crime Lefty for Best Debut Mystery Novel

Shortlisted for the 2016 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Unpublished Crime Novel

In the small mountain town of Nelson, newspaper reporter Stella Mosconi never speaks of a childhood boating accident that left her with a crippling fear of deep water. Now spring runoff is in the alpine, the creeks are on the rampage, and Stella watches the lake rise outside her door. When a new friend is found dead in her rowboat, she is drawn into the investigation despite a complicated history with the police officer in charge. The death of a second woman – a suspect in the case – brings more trouble Stella’s way as she struggles to hold her family together. But can she find the courage to face her most intense fear if that’s what it will take to solve the murders?

Give Out Creek was shortlisted for the 2016 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Unpublished Crime Novel.

J.G. Toews is a former columnist and technical writer who co-authored three non-fiction books with longtime journalist Nicole Parton (Key Porter Books, 1998-2000). Give Out Creek is her debut novel and the first in a series of Stella Mosconi mysteries. Judy lives in Nelson, BC Canada.