Flight of Aquavit: A Russell Quant Mystery

…a menacing blackmailer…from the killing chill of winter landscapes and the midnight world of e-dating to the kaleidoscope nightspots of New York City…

At the dead end of desolate country road, a late night meeting suddenly becomes an ambush. Gay private detective Russell Quant is faced with personal threats he can’t ignore, a friend who may be a foe and a cagey client with a treacherous monkey on his back. As Quant trails a menacing blackmailer known only as Loverboy, he finds himself immersed in the midnight world of e-dating and parking lot romance. Lured to New York City, Quant tests his wit, wisdom and wiles from the Old World grandeur of Fifth Avenue to the kaleidoscope world of Broadway’s electric nightspots.

The fast pace continues when Quant returns to Saskatoon where he grapples with decoys and deceit, realizing that no one is as they appear. Threat turns into deadly reality and the need to uncover the identity of Loverboy becomes increasingly desperate. Quant deftly maneuvers through the twists and turns of a perilous case and a personal life rife with its own mystique and mayhem.

Praise for Anthony Bidulka and Flight of Aquavit:

“Few…could match [Russell Quant’s] over-the-top cleverness with words or archness of observation.” Canadian Book Review Annual

“…there is sincerity and just a hint of sage world-weariness about the self-questioning lifestyle and relationships the author draws from his charming, vulnerable detective.” Canadian Book Review Annual

“Amuse Bouche was clearly just a small sampling of the author’s greater talents, ones finely showcased in this latest offering.” Outlooks (Calgary)

“Bidulka treats the reader to enough red herrings with which to open a fishmarket and more than one writer’s fair share of keen observations and appealing bons mots.” Outlooks (Calgary)

“I was surprised at how “comforting” it was to be reunited with familiar characters—almost like returning to school after summer break.” Outlooks (Calgary)

“Bidulka’s writing style is light and breezy, and there’s a playfulness to it not generally found in crime fiction.” Outlooks (Calgary)

“The world of Mr. Quant is Miami Vice and contemporary gay Saskatoon all squeezed into one perogie.” Swerve (Winnipeg)

“…the pages turn at a frantic speed, each suspenseful chapter a chaser for the preceding.” Swerve (Winnipeg)

“…Quant is a delight to spend time with…” StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)

“The characters who inhabit Quant’s Saskatoon are fascinating…” StarPhoenix (Saskatoon)

“Between Quant’s quips and hard-boiled comments and the colourful cast that includes enough suspicious characters to fill a rogues’ gallery, readers will find that Detective Russell Quant is a fun guy…” tobe (Ottawa)

“What’s in the air in Saskatoon? First we have bestselling Gail Bowen, now another bright and witty novel from Anthony Bidulka…” Globe & Mail (Toronto)

“There’s plenty of action here, and Bidulka spreads it out with witty dialogue, smart commentary and plenty of good, sharp writing.” Globe & Mail (Toronto)

“…just about everything’s right with Anthony Bidulka’s fledgling series…” The Free Press (London)

“…Bidulka takes off and runs with it into a fast, compelling plot…” The Free Press (London)

“There’s plenty to like in these books, from their clever titles…to the twists and turns that Quant must face…” Jesse Monteagudo (Fort Lauderdale)

“Author Bidulka…knows how to tell a sharply-written story that’s intriguing and fun.” Mandate Magazine

“Bidulka manages to spin a compelling detective story with colourful characters, hilarious situations, and touching relationships.” Midwest Book Review

“A quality achievement for a first time author. Bravo!” Midwest Book Review

Read Chapter One