New murder mystery set right here in city

By Lethbridge Herald on September 12, 2025.

Sam Leishman
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dark scenes and laugh-out-loud moments set against the backdrop of some of Lethbridge’s most prominent landmarks is the latest work of local author Scott Charlton Paul.

The fictional murder mystery novel, A Murder of Prose, follows the insatiable curiosity of reference librarian Samuel Rigondeaux and the keen observation skills of an ex-RCMP detective struggling with PTSD and homelessness, known only as Flagstaff. 

With their forces combined, the pair chase down a serial killer who is targeting a group of novelists that Rigondeaux has connected with at a night class at the Lethbridge Library as he works to write a novel of his own. 

In this world, though, the library has been relocated to a more atmospheric, fictional site near the Galt Museum, looking west over the river valley.

Rigondeaux and Flagstaff’s investigation weaves through Indian Battle Park and Galt Gardens, past the High Level Bridge and even over to the Birds of Prey Centre in Coaldale as they connect how crow feathers found at each crime scene might reveal the killer’s identity.

“I consciously included recognizable Lethbridge landmarks to create an immersive experience for readers who know and love the city,” Paul told the Herald. “Crows are also synonymous with southern Alberta, and are perhaps the smartest of all birds. In the novel, they play a key role.”

Paul recounted that the concept behind A Murder of Prose came to him one memorable spring morning while speaking with a homeless man – who would inspire the creation of Flagstaff’s character – outside of the real downtown library as two crows observed them intently.

Paul, himself is a retired lawyer, once worked closely with the Lethbridge Police Service and the RCMP during his five years as a Federal Crown Prosecutor. He says it was a three-year journey of interviewing detectives, judges and forensic experts to ensure he did justice to the police procedural aspects of this story.

As for the title, Paul says its clever play on words came from an unexpected, but welcome source.

“An advanced reader, Scott Warris, co-owner of Analog Books, awoke in the middle of the night with this inspired idea. It perfectly encapsulates the novel’s core elements: murder, writing, and crows.”

A Murder of Prose is set to be released on Oct. 1 during a special event at Analog Books, starting at 6 p.m. Paul will then be touring to other stores in Nanton, Calgary, Bellevue and the small community of Rainier in Newell County throughout the rest of October. Further details are available on his website, scottpaul.ca.

Paul adds that he’s a voracious murder mystery reader, and he’s very much looking forward to sharing his writing with others of a similar mindset.

“Beyond the thrill of the chase, the novel will also appeal to fans of literary crime fiction who appreciate rich character development.”

A Murder of Prose is Paul’s second novel. His first book, The Sunbeam Room, was released last fall. It tells the story of Digger’s journey to honour his mother’s dying request to find the daughter she gave up at birth.

oth of Paul’s works will be available for purchase at Analog Books.