graham macdermott Author Biography
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Graham MacDermott was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, in 1950 and spent the first 16 years of his life in the tiny lumber town of Plaster Rock. In 1969, MacDermott joined the Canadian Armed Forces where he met his wife, Bonnie. Following his military service he worked as a newspaper reporter, a radio news director and music host. He left the exciting, hip, world of radio to work at a paper mill where he operated heavy equipment; unloaded logging trucks as a sling-man and did regular shifts in the wet and dry end. During this period, he and Bonnie lived the “back to the land” life on a dilapidated old farmstead in Nova Scotia where they raised sheep, goats, pigs and chickens.
One night, while sitting on a bulldozer waiting for the green light that would tell him to push more wood chips in the giant hopper that fed the mill; he decided it was time to head back to university. In addition to picking up a private pilot’s license, MacDermott had also started an undergraduate degree while still in the air force. The couple, now with a young son, Angus, sold the farm and over the next few years MacDermott completed his undergraduate degree at Saint Mary’s in Halifax and a graduate diploma in education from McGill University in Montreal.
The young family, expanded now by the addition of daughter, Caitlin, took a teaching assignment in the Quebec Arctic, in the remote Inuit village of Sugluk. MacDermott taught grades 5, 6 and 7 while Bonnie operated the village library in their home. There were many adventures and great experiences over the next couple of years.
In 1982 MacDermott made one of the best moves of his life when he took a position teaching in the Radio and Television Arts program at Kingstec Community College in Kentville, NS. He went back to university part-time and completed a Masters degree and spent the remainder of his academic career with the Nova Scotia Community College retiring as Principal of the Ackerley Campus and the Aviation Institute in Dartmouth, NS, where he and Bonnie now reside.
Revenge River was my first full length crime novel. It took me about two years to write.
Developing the character of Kyle McKinley was particularly interesting as he is considerably older than most protagonists who appear in crime novels. Make no mistake, he's still more than capable but he's well aware that age is catching up with him. Kyle is reminded of this each time he's with his First Nations pal, Peter Paul. He sees a lot of himself in the former US Army Ranger. When he meets and falls for RCMP officer, Marie Arsenault, he wonders for a time if he may be too old for her to have any interest in him. Most of his fears about age disappear as their relationship develops.
My second novel, River Heat, is now out. This one took me a couple of years as well. Let me whet your appetite. The body of a young Asian woman is found on a beaver pond. Kyle McKinley's old friend Arnie Cousins is missing under mysterious circumstances, the wealthy owner of Eagles Nest Lodge keeps flying in a strange assortment of guests, and they're not there just for the fishing. Meanwhile, Marie has arrived to spend a couple of weeks with Kyle at his cabin on the big river.
A strange tattoo, deadly drugs, a psychotic bodyguard, a Mexican cartel hitman, a motorcycle gang and a distant forest fire, all set the stage for another exciting McKinley adventure in northern New Brunswick. I think you're going like it.
REVENGE RIVER REVIEWS
Couldn't put it down!
Great story; well written and easy to read
Couldn't put it down!
*****
5 out of 5 stars.
Chapters customer Meddie
September 19, 2016
What a page-turner! I couldn't put it down. This crime novel had me captivated from the first page to the last. Loved that it was in a Canadian setting with lots of Canadiana woven into the storyline. Looking forward to the next Kyle McKinley novel.
A Great Read
Great story; well written and easy to read
Couldn't put it down!
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Shelley Meldrum
July 22, 2106
Excellent novel! Terrific character development; a great read.
If you are a fan of the work of Lee Childs and/or Michael Connolly- you will love this book! And- you will be a fan of Graham McDermott! So happy to hear another novel featuring character Kyle is underway!
Great story; well written and easy to read
Great story; well written and easy to read
Great story; well written and easy to read
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Indigo customer (HamOnRye)
November 9, 2016
This was an gripping story with well written characters and a line or two that made me laugh out loud! I hope Graham MacDermott continues to write Kyle McKinley tales and I hope more readers of crime stories pick up on this new Canadian talent! I'm a fan!
More McKinley
What's not to like? Revenge River is an impressive first novel.
Great story; well written and easy to read
*****
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazon Customer
August 12, 2016
Revenge River is an exciting nail-biter that leaves you wanting more from author Graham MacDermott. Well developed characters play out a detailed story complete with romance, wit and of course revenge. MacDermott’s protagonist, Kyle McKinley, is the kind of guy you want to know in real life and his background leaves room for many more thrilling McKinley adventures. The chapters are the perfect length to pick up the book for a few minutes when you absolutely have to know what happens next. However, you’ll not to to put the book down once you crack it open! This well written tale from MacDermott is a must read.
What are you waiting for? Read this book.
What's not to like? Revenge River is an impressive first novel.
What's not to like? Revenge River is an impressive first novel.
*****
5 out of 5 stars
By Scott Robinson
June 29, 2016
I really enjoyed this novel! Having recently been on a Sandra Brown kick and would liken the spirit of this novel to Mean Streak. I was just as pleased with MacDermott's first effort in this genre. I liked the Canadiana of the novel and how the characters developed in a way that made me think I might know them...or have crossed paths with them at some point. This novel was written in a way that didn't need the gory details but used a certain quality of subtle reference to allow me as a reader to conjure my imagination of what the scenes were like (any good novel should in my opinion). The characters and the plot left me wondering what would Kyle McKinley do next? This is a great read that is entertaining, suspenseful with well developed characters that really draw the reader in. This is a bargain read and a definite recommendation for anyone who likes crime novels or simply being entertained.
What's not to like? Revenge River is an impressive first novel.
What's not to like? Revenge River is an impressive first novel.
What's not to like? Revenge River is an impressive first novel.
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Amazon customer: old man harlem August 17, 2016
The central character, Kyle McKinley, is far from the familiar flawed anti-hero extant in much contemporary crime drama and that makes him appealing. Likewise Marcel Latour, McKinley’s somewhat unpredictable would-be killer for whose intent the book is titled, keeps us guessing about his capacity to complete his mission. As to the setting, if you appreciate Barry Maitland’s architectural sensibilities that conjure intriguing urban settings for his protagonists, you’ll enjoy MacDermott’s gift for rich description that takes the reader deep into rural Canada. For Canadian readers, such attention to detail will ring bells and make connections that are both entertaining and rewarding. For the ‘offshore’ reader, the opportunity is to discover and become immersed in an environment where criminal intent leads to some enthralling moments.
A Great Can't Put It Down Read!
A Great Can't Put It Down Read!
A Great Can't Put It Down Read!
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Ian H MacLeod
June 30, 2017
Verified Purchase
A great can't put it down read! Great settings, characters and plot - you can smell the trees and hear the buzz of the insects. Whether you know New Brunswick or not, you can feel yourself there in the middle of the action. A masterful combination of fact and fiction with a setting that is as topical as it is riveting. Great characters, sights and sounds!
Can't wait for the sequel and the many books that will hopefully follow in this series - buy it and start reading now!
I really enjoyed this story.
A Great Can't Put It Down Read!
A Great Can't Put It Down Read!
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Tracy Wilson
February 10, 2017
Verified Purchase
I really enjoyed this story. The plot unfolded at a good tempo with a nice balance of character development and scenery depiction - apparently I am missing out on a lovely part of the country. It was easy to relate to the characters and be invested in the outcome as the events occurred and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. I especially enjoyed the wrap up at the end!
Made For New Brunswickers
A Great Can't Put It Down Read!
Made For New Brunswickers
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Florence Rose
May 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed this read. Well developed characters, solid understanding of regional issues and the River, oh that river. I can’t wait to read the next book!Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.
Fantastic Novel
This is a Great Story
Made For New Brunswickers
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Scott Robinson
December 5, 2017
Verified Purchase
Fantastic novel. Great characters and unique realistic setting. Looking forward to the sequel.
This is a Great Story
This is a Great Story
This is a Great Story
*****
5 out of 5 stars
Amazon customer
October 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
This is a great story, almost finished the book and it just arrived a week ago. Highly recommend!
RIVER HEAT REVIEWS
Couldn’t Put it Down
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in Canada on May 31, 2020
Verified Purchase
What a great read! Couldn't put it down. The descriptions of the sounds, smells, and locations were so life-like that I felt that I was right there in the thick of the action. The story line kept me on my toes. I love strong intelligent women and there were several in this book-none of that damsel in distress stuff. The ending just whetted my appetite for more of Kyle McKinley......can't wait.
An Intriguing Mystery
5.0 out of 5.0 stars
Reviewed in Canada on May 20, 2020
An intriguing well written mystery; a good read. This is the second book with the same main characters who have personalities and are easy to identify and relate to. MacDermott is a good story teller and will continue to improve with each novel . I've recommended both his books to friends and family, I await his next novel.
River Heat is the perfect follow up to Revenge River!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
This is a great story, well told! I was very excited to receive this follow up novel from Graham MacDermott after reading his first title "Revenge River"! I enjoyed being re-introduced to the familiar characters and connected with the many east coast references. I look forward to more stories about Kyle McKinley and hope the author is busy working on the next title. You won't be disappointed, this is a great read!
A Can't Put Down Page-Turner - A Great Read!!
Reviewed in Canada on April 15, 2020
Graham has done it again! You can smell the air and hear the river as you turn the page and the characters are great, becoming good friends. I saw and felt New Brunswick with every word. I can only hope that this is the second of many McKinley mysteries - thanks so much Graham!
And if you haven't read it yet, get Revenge River too. can't wait for book three!!
Reviewed in Canada on April 14, 2020
Verified Purchase
Graham MacDermott has done a fantastic job developing a community of characters under the hot northern New Brunswick sun. His eye for detail paints a masterpiece for the readers’ senses. You can smell the land and river after the rain, see the humidity hanging in the air, hear the various planes and jets flying overhead, taste the famous potato salad, and feel the romance between Kyle and Marie getting hotter each day. MacDermott keeps you flipping the page and I promise, you won’t want to put the book down until it’s done. We can only hope Kyle McKinley’s story continues in a third novel from this breakout Canadian author.
Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2020
McKinley returns amid a smorgasbord of characters and criminality while MacDermott’s gift for generating atmospheric detail makes for environments that you can taste and smell while the tension builds. With a well-paced, slow burn to the finish, the yarn comes full circle and interesting characters do what interesting characters do best – leave you hungry for what will come next.
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