Gail Bowen

Gail Dianne Bowen, also known as Gail Bartholomew, is a distinguished Canadian author and playwright. She was born in Toronto, Ontario, and pursued her higher education at the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo, and the University of Saskatchewan. Bowen received her Ph.D. from the University of Saskatchewan and went on to teach English in the same province. She is currently a professor of English at the First Nations University of Canada.

Bowen is renowned for her mystery novels, which have gained significant popularity in Canada and beyond. Her writing is characterized by intriguing storylines and well-developed characters. One of her most notable series is the Joanne Kilbourn series, which features a widowed mother, political analyst, and university professor who often finds herself involved in criminal investigations in various parts of Saskatchewan. Several of the novels in this series have been adapted as Canadian television movies by Shaftesbury Films, showcasing their popularity and enduring appeal.

In addition to the Joanne Kilbourn series, Bowen has also written the Charlie D series, further demonstrating her versatility and talent as a mystery novelist. Her writing has been recognized with several awards, including the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel in 1995 for "A Colder Kind of Death." Bowen's ability to weave compelling narratives and create memorable characters has made her a respected and beloved figure in Canadian literature.
Joanne Kilbourn Mystery Books
# Title Year
1 Deadly Appearances 1990
2 Murder at the Mendel / Love and Murder 1991
3 The Wandering Soul Murders 1992
4 A Colder Kind of Death 1994
5 A Killing Spring 1996
6 Verdict in Blood 1998
7 Burying Ariel 2000
8 The Glass Coffin 2002
9 The Last Good Day 2004
10 The Endless Knot 2006
11 The Brutal Heart 2008
12 The Nesting Dolls 2010
13 Kaleidoscope 2012
14 The Gifted 2013
15 12 Rose Street 2015
16 What's Left Behind 2016
17 The Winners' Circle 2017
18 A Darkness of the Heart 2018
19 The Unlocking Season 2020
20 An Image in the Lake 2021
21 What’s Past Is Prologue 2022
22 The Legacy 2023
Charlie D Books
# Title Year
1 Love You to Death 2010
2 One Fine Day You're Gonna Die 2010
3 The Shadow Killer 2011
4 The Thirteenth Rose 2013
Standalone Novels
# Title Year
1 1919, The Love Letters Of George & Adelaide 1987
Plays
# Title Year
1 Dancing in Poppies 2002
Gail Bowen Omnibus
# Title Year
1 The Early Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn 2004
2 The Further Investigations of Joanne Kilbourn 2006
3 Gail Bowen Bundle 2013
4 The Joanne Kilbourn Mysteries 6-Book Bundle Volume 3 2014
Non-Fiction Books
# Title Year
1 Sleuth 2018
Gail Bowen Anthologies
# Title Year
1 Toronto Noir 2008
2 The Dame Was Trouble 2018