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Maritime whodunit revels in the unexpected

Maritime whodunit revels in the unexpected

Finding a right-wing senator's daughter who hasn't been seen for a few hours around a Bay of Fundy lobster fishing port is really well below homicide detective Kes Morris's capabilities, but it's a chance for her to show she's off the pills, off the depression, she's got her head screwed on straight again.
Who could possibly have foreseen that Morris would stumble upon a murder — neigh, make that murders — most egregious? Or that horses, fast boats in the night and exceptionally powerful people might be involved?
As one character says, there are different rules for the wealthy and, indeed, there appear to be.
Salt on Her Tongue
Morris first appeared in the stunning murder mystery Beneath Her Skin in January of 2022, and hasn't been seen since. Given that author C.S. Porter is a pseudonym for a Canadian crime writer, she (or he, or they) may have been writing other works in the interim. We all feel the loss.
Morris has made a mess of her life in those intervening years, but as in the first book, we don't get all the answers we crave; no one goes through life reiterating what's gone on before.
Some authors besiege you with so much backstory that there's no point in buying the previous books, and readers may despair of ever getting into the new adventure. Not so with Porter.
Once again where we are is a tad mysterious, though members of your book club who are sleuthing fiction aficionados may seize upon the publisher's being in Halifax and the Nova Scotia government's assisting with grants, and point to them as, as we lovers of crime fiction call them, clues.
Porter says only that this is happening on the Bay of Fundy, about two hours' drive from a major city, unnamed; there's one reference to Toronto, a couple mentions of the RCMP, and that's it for proper names.
Currently on hiatus
A review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe.
Salt on Her Tongue is a mere 250-odd pages, but feels far longer. The secondary characters all read quite real: the contemptuous and contemptible powerful and wealthy, the pushed-aside local police chief in a town where nothing much ever happens, the fishing boat skipper who gets constantly underestimated, the devious, manipulative scheming young student, Kes's ex (glad to be rid) of her and their daughter, whom Kes rarely sees, being married to the job and all.
Kes has a long-suffering boss who appreciates her talent but has had it up to here with her lone-wolf insubordination. And, of course, there's the requisite genius hacker who breaks umpteen laws to help Kes.
The plot takes us in directions entirely unexpected, which is always to be cherished, and to unanticipated outcomes — well, those you'll have to read for yourself.
Salt on Her Tongue is not the extraordinary debut that Beneath Her Skin was, but it's darned good; it just quietly puts its hooks into you, and before you know it, you're turning the final pages, totally entranced.
Retired Free Press reporter Nick Martin wonders how many Canadian senators have the clout to order a major police department to do their bidding; better yet, how many senators can your book club name?
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Journalist, father, friend
Journalist, father, friend

Winnipeg Free Press

timean hour ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Journalist, father, friend

The notes of a familiar Blue Rodeo or Tragically Hip song would often fill the dining room, Ted Wyman's fingers gliding on the guitar strings, a warm smile spreading across his face as he sang along with his long-term partner Kim Fedick. For Wyman, these intimate musical moments, shared with loved ones, were the essence of a life lived richly. 'We'd finish up a great meal and then he'd just go grab his guitar and start playing something I loved,' Fedick said. 'Then we'd just sing together for hours. That's what I think about the most.' SUPPLIED Wyman loved to play the guitar and sing with family and friends. Wyman, the longtime sports editor of the Winnipeg Sun who died last November after a brief battle with cancer, was the guy who brought a smile to everyone's face whenever he entered a room. While he didn't want to be the life of the party, Wyman brought life to every gathering he ever showed up at, offering a familiar and safe space for people to be themselves and share their stories. For 58 years, Wyman packed a remarkable amount of living into his time, touching countless lives with his infectious spirit, boundless curiosity and a superpower for forging meaningful connections. He was a dedicated father, a passionate journalist, an avid traveller and a talented musician. 'A lot of it was just that he loved people, he respected people and he wanted to rise up to the level of the people he admired,' Chris Wyman, Ted's son, said. SUPPLIED Winnipeg Sun Sports editor Ted Wyman died in November after a brief battle with cancer. 'I don't know that he ever knew this, but he had already gotten there, as other people were looking up to him.' Born Edward Bryce Archibald Wyman in Brandon on June 11, 1966, and raised in Winnipeg, Wyman grew up on Elm Street in River Heights, graduating from Kelvin High School. While his younger years were filled more with discovery than popularity, this experience fostered a deep empathy that would define his later inclusive nature. His childhood included family trips to Europe, where his mother Anna encouraged him to journal, nurturing an adventurous spirit that would stay with him. Indeed, his path seemed set early on; at just 11 years old, inspired by local sports media legends like Jack Wells and Jack Matheson, Wyman declared his ambition to become a sports writer. Supplied Ted as a young boy After graduating from RRC Polytech, Wyman began his professional journey at the Interlake Spectator, working out of a dilapidated cabin his father, Herbert, provided him with. From there, he headed back to his birthplace to work for the Brandon Sun, then the Moose Jaw Times-Herald, gaining foundational knowledge and solidifying the passion that would drive his career. Wyman's arrival at the Winnipeg Sun in 2003 marked a significant chapter. He rose to sports editor in just three years, becoming a respected figure in Canadian sports journalism. Co-workers marvelled at his ability to pack so much into a day, his quick wit and his encyclopedic knowledge of sports. Colleagues recalled on numerous occasions him effortlessly rattling off stats from the WHA Jets or a full Blue Bombers' roster from decades past. 'When he had to write a story, that guy could focus like a laser,' said Wyman's brother, Jeff Wyman, noting the intense dedication he had to his craft. SUPPLIED Wyman (left) and a media contingent at the old Canad Inns Stadium. 'He would absolutely just block everything out in the entire world.' His brilliance extended beyond sports. Wyman could get every question right on Jeopardy, Fedick said, and even crafted intricate crossword puzzles for her enjoyment. His journalism was always about more than just scores and statistics. 'He had such a passion for what he did, but it was always about the people he met along the way,' said Wyman's sister, Alison Marantz. 'Whenever he visited me in Calgary during one of his work trips, it was always, 'Oh, yeah, I met up with my buddy so-and-so.'' SUPPLIED From left: Siblings Jeff, Mike, Alison and Wyman. Wyman was the youngest of the four siblings. Wyman's interview style was conversational and fair, earning him respect from athletes and colleagues alike. He was staunch in his journalistic principles, refraining from cheering at sporting events when with family and friends. Wyman's book, Ice Gold, which offered an insider's view of Canada's double-gold-medal curling feat at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, exemplified this approach, focusing on the stories behind the triumph. He firmly believed the inclusion of box scores in the sports section was the hallmark of a real paper and he fiercely advocated for his staff. As his close friend Jay Bell, a former Free Press sports editor, put it, 'There was nothing disingenuous about Ted Wyman. He had a way of making you feel very comfortable… he freaking knew everybody.' Wyman's profound impact on the sports world was recognized with his induction into the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Media Roll of Honour, and posthumously with CurlManitoba's Honourary Life Membership and Curling Canada's Paul McLean Award. SUPPLIED Ted Wyman at the 2014 launch of Ice Gold: Canada's Curling Champions at McNally Robinson. This lasting commitment to the field is further represented by the Ted Wyman Memorial Scholarship, established in his memory for journalism students at RRC Polytech. Beyond the newsroom, Wyman was a dedicated father to his daughter Emily and son Chris. Emily remembers his unwavering excitement and his desire for them to have as beautiful a childhood as he did. 'He was always the cool, fun dad. He would always joke that he stopped aging at 10 years old,' Emily said. 'But he also taught us to be honest and upfront with our feelings and to never assume that your love is felt as much as you are putting it out there. 'He thought if you were happy, you were the most successful and richest person alive.' Wyman was a consistent presence in his children's lives, often meeting them for lunch breaks at school while working the night sports desk at the Sun. SUPPLIED Wyman with his beloved children, daughter Emily and son Chris. His children were a source of immense pride and he consistently showed up for them, never missing a musical or an important moment. Wyman also instilled a love of reading in Chris; they devoured the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter series together. Music was another passion. A self-taught musician, Wyman could pick up a guitar and learn songs in an evening. He was never shy to perform one of his favourite Tom Petty songs for an audience and frequently hosted lively jam sessions in his basement. His love for music was a joyful expression of his soul. Wyman's adventurous spirit took him around the world, covering major events from Grey Cups to Olympic Games. But what truly defined these travels was his unparalleled ability to connect with people; he made friends everywhere he went, possessing an almost uncanny ability for turning strangers into companions. SUPPLIED Wyman in Mexico, one of his favourite places to visit. His childhood family trips to Europe sparked a lifelong wanderlust in his children, too; Emily recently visited Antarctica, completing travels to all seven continents. For Wyman, these shared journeys were a cornerstone of his belief in the importance of maintaining family traditions. 'His joy was contagious,' said Bronwyn Berry, a longtime friend. 'He embraced everything. Just look at Wyman and his T-shirts! He used these beer T-shirts to meet people and start up conversations. Next thing you knew, they're the best of buds.' Berry described this as a 'childhood wonderment' that Wyman never lost, driving his desire to know every story, every best place to eat and every beach with a breathtaking sunset. His non-judgmental nature meant 'everybody was his friend,' as Dave Martens, another close pal, attested. Berry and Martens, among many others, gravitated to Wyman because they were similar in that they wore their hearts on their sleeves. SUPPLIED Wyman and his dog Titan. Their bond was only strengthened by the deep conversations they shared. Wyman's smart sense of humour never came at anyone's expense; he simply loved bringing people together. Summers were particularly cherished by Wyman, often spent in Gimli, making lasting memories around the campfire at Loni Beach. This was truly his happy place. 'I want people to remember Ted for how passionate he was about life and how great he was about life,' Martens said. 'Because that guy packed a lot of life into 58 years, more than most people.' SUPPLIED Wyman and his long-time partner Kim Fedick. SUPPLIED Wyman early into his cancer treatment. SUPPLIED Wyman and Free Press sports reporter Jeff Hamilton. Jeff HamiltonMultimedia producer Jeff Hamilton is a sports and investigative reporter. Jeff joined the Free Press newsroom in April 2015, and has been covering the local sports scene since graduating from Carleton University's journalism program in 2012. Read more about Jeff. Every piece of reporting Jeff produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.

Contrary to Trump's claims, Canadian border is not major source of fentanyl, U.S. report says
Contrary to Trump's claims, Canadian border is not major source of fentanyl, U.S. report says

Calgary Herald

time2 hours ago

  • Calgary Herald

Contrary to Trump's claims, Canadian border is not major source of fentanyl, U.S. report says

Article content Most of the fentanyl entering the United States continues to come from the southern border, not the northern one, according to a recent report by an American think-tank, despite President Donald Trump's statement on Thursday that Canadian authorities have failed 'to stop the drugs from pouring into our country.' Article content 'Countering supply effectively depends on understanding what the dominant drug-trafficking routes are,' says the report by the Manhattan Institute, which was published July 1. 'New data on fentanyl seizures presented here largely reinforce previous understanding that most IMF (illegally manufactured fentanyl) enters the U.S. from the south. These data call into question tariffs and other policies and policy justifications that treat the threat from the northern border as comparably severe.' Article content Article content The report used new data regarding fentanyl seizures, which challenges public pronouncements made by Trump and the White House about the threats posed by the Canadian border. Authors Jon Caulkins and Bishu Giri write that such concerns are largely overstated and could even undermine America's ability to prioritize tightening the country's border with Mexico. Article content Article content The report looked at 'large' seizures of fentanyl — defined as over a kilogram of powder or more than 1,000 pills — that would suggest wholesale trafficking as opposed to smuggling for personal use. It found that officials made more large seizures in U.S. counties along the northern and southern borders when compared to the rest of the country. However, far more seizures were made in the south. Article content 'Counties along the Mexican border account for only 2.35 per cent of the U.S. population; but in 2023–24, they hosted about 40 per cent of the nationwide quantity of fentanyl appearing in large seizures, for both powder and pills,' says the executive summary of the Manhattan Institute's report. 'By contrast, counties in the lower 48 states that border Canada account for 3.1 per cent of the U.S. population but only 1.2 per cent of the powder and just 0.5 per cent of the pills obtained in large seizures.'

Maritime whodunit revels in the unexpected
Maritime whodunit revels in the unexpected

Winnipeg Free Press

time5 hours ago

  • Winnipeg Free Press

Maritime whodunit revels in the unexpected

Finding a right-wing senator's daughter who hasn't been seen for a few hours around a Bay of Fundy lobster fishing port is really well below homicide detective Kes Morris's capabilities, but it's a chance for her to show she's off the pills, off the depression, she's got her head screwed on straight again. Who could possibly have foreseen that Morris would stumble upon a murder — neigh, make that murders — most egregious? Or that horses, fast boats in the night and exceptionally powerful people might be involved? As one character says, there are different rules for the wealthy and, indeed, there appear to be. Salt on Her Tongue Morris first appeared in the stunning murder mystery Beneath Her Skin in January of 2022, and hasn't been seen since. Given that author C.S. Porter is a pseudonym for a Canadian crime writer, she (or he, or they) may have been writing other works in the interim. We all feel the loss. Morris has made a mess of her life in those intervening years, but as in the first book, we don't get all the answers we crave; no one goes through life reiterating what's gone on before. Some authors besiege you with so much backstory that there's no point in buying the previous books, and readers may despair of ever getting into the new adventure. Not so with Porter. Once again where we are is a tad mysterious, though members of your book club who are sleuthing fiction aficionados may seize upon the publisher's being in Halifax and the Nova Scotia government's assisting with grants, and point to them as, as we lovers of crime fiction call them, clues. Porter says only that this is happening on the Bay of Fundy, about two hours' drive from a major city, unnamed; there's one reference to Toronto, a couple mentions of the RCMP, and that's it for proper names. Currently on hiatus A review of funny, uplifting news in Winnipeg and around the globe. Salt on Her Tongue is a mere 250-odd pages, but feels far longer. The secondary characters all read quite real: the contemptuous and contemptible powerful and wealthy, the pushed-aside local police chief in a town where nothing much ever happens, the fishing boat skipper who gets constantly underestimated, the devious, manipulative scheming young student, Kes's ex (glad to be rid) of her and their daughter, whom Kes rarely sees, being married to the job and all. Kes has a long-suffering boss who appreciates her talent but has had it up to here with her lone-wolf insubordination. And, of course, there's the requisite genius hacker who breaks umpteen laws to help Kes. The plot takes us in directions entirely unexpected, which is always to be cherished, and to unanticipated outcomes — well, those you'll have to read for yourself. Salt on Her Tongue is not the extraordinary debut that Beneath Her Skin was, but it's darned good; it just quietly puts its hooks into you, and before you know it, you're turning the final pages, totally entranced. Retired Free Press reporter Nick Martin wonders how many Canadian senators have the clout to order a major police department to do their bidding; better yet, how many senators can your book club name?

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