A Capital Mystery 2 Returns with a New Collection of Ottawa-Inspired Stories

OTTAWA, ON – Explore the rich tapestry and history of Ottawa through the eyes of twenty-three local writers in A Capital Mystery 2, a captivating new anthology that uncovers the hidden stories, forgotten corners, and unexpected mysteries woven throughout Canada's Capital City.

Featuring contributions from acclaimed mystery writers Brenda Chapman and Mike Martin alongside a talented collection of emerging authors, the anthology invites readers to look beyond Ottawa's reputation as a quiet government town and discover a city filled with intrigue, mischief, humour, heartbreak, and occasionally, murder.

From Kanata to Orléans, Britannia Beach to the Mer Bleue bog, these stories transform familiar places into extraordinary settings. Lawyers, piano teachers, poets, puppeteers, and storytellers of every kind draw upon the city's neighbourhoods, landmarks, and history to craft tales that range from light-hearted adventures to gripping mysteries and poignant human dramas.

The anthology also journeys through Ottawa's collective memory, revisiting beloved cultural landmarks such as Le Hibou, the Laff, and Barrymore's—places that have left their mark on generations of residents. Along the way, readers may encounter suspicious happenings at the Landsdowne Farmers' Market, unsettling discoveries during the Tulip Festival, and mysteries unfolding in locations as ordinary as a jewellery store, an escape room, or even while skating along the Rideau Canal.

No corner of the city is safe from the imagination of these inquisitive writers.

While every story is a work of fiction, together they offer a fascinating new perspective on the city we call home—revealing the character, history, and hidden possibilities that exist just beneath Ottawa's familiar surface.

Edited by Bernadette Cox and Mike Martin, A Capital Mystery 2 celebrates the places, people, and stories that make Ottawa unique, while reminding readers that every city has secrets waiting to be uncovered.

The anthology will be released by Ottawa Press and Publishing on September 15, 2026. Attached is the list of authors and their stories.

Additional details, including the official cover reveal and contributor spotlights, will be announced throughout the summer.

For more information about A Capital Mystery 2, upcoming announcements, or contributor features, please contact:

Mike Martin

Co-Editor, A Capital Mystery

mike54martin@yahoo.ca