Acclaimed Canadian author Frank Talaber has unveiled his latest literary venture, The Ainsworth Chronicles, a genre-defying book series that interweaves crime, mystery, and the paranormal, all set amid the atmospheric backdrop of Victoria, British Columbia.
Widely recognized for his offbeat storytelling and deep psychological insights, Talaber’s newest trilogy introduces readers to Detective Carol Ainsworth, a complex protagonist navigating both real-world crimes and otherworldly forces.
Book One: The Joining
The series opens with Ainsworth’s first undercover operation at Victoria’s historic—and allegedly haunted—Fairmont Empress Hotel. Tasked with surveilling a wedding involving two rival Italian families, Ainsworth is soon drawn into a world of spirits, ancient curses, and unexplained phenomena. The plot thickens with the arrival of a mysterious FBI agent, a seductive mob figure, missing children, and ghost-infested tunnels beneath the city. What begins as routine police work quickly transforms into a life-or-death struggle between the natural and supernatural.
Book Two: The Mystery of Ms. Teak
The sequel delves deeper into metaphysical territory. When psychic Agnes Van Lunt manipulates time to prevent a child’s death, she inadvertently triggers a series of dangerous ripple effects. Ainsworth finds herself contending with vengeful Russian mobsters, ghostly apparitions, and troubling changes in her young nephew. As time and truth unravel, the mysterious absence of Ms. Teak adds another layer of intrigue to an already complex narrative.
Book Three: Into the Dark Side
In the darkest installment yet, Ainsworth investigates a series of suspicious deaths staged to look like drug overdoses. Joined by shaman Charlie Stillwaters, she must also reckon with a vigilante killer targeting local dealers. Their journey brings them face-to-face with Raven, a powerful figure from Stillwaters’ past. The novel explores themes of vengeance, psychological trauma, and the thin veil separating the living from the dead.
Frank Talaber has long been known for his unique ability to blend grounded detective fiction with elements of spiritual and paranormal suspense. With The Ainsworth Chronicles, he offers readers a richly imaginative world where the boundaries between reality and the unknown are constantly tested.
“Frank Talaber is a celebrated Canadian author whose powerful storytelling and literary talent represent the very best of Canada’s vibrant literary scene,” said literary commentator Ayoade Damilare.
The series is now available through major online retailers and select bookstores
