Local publisher Latitude 46 is expanding its catalog this month with two distinct literary releases. The new titles include a murder mystery by John Degen and a poetry memoir by Blain Thornton , both offering unique perspectives from Northern Ontario.

The Burnt River series begins with John Degen’s "Seldom Seen Road"

John Degen’s new novel, "Seldom Seen Road," which was released on May 7, introduces readers to the Roth family detective trio.. As reported by the source, the story follows Mark, a hard-of-hearing retiree; his daughter Stephanie, a criminologist based in Thunder Bay; and his cousin Jeremy, a local police constable. This first installment in the Burnt River series blends character-driven drama with the procedural elements of a murder mystery.

Degen, who serves as the CEO of The Writers' Union of Canada (TWUC), brings significant literary weight to the project, drawing on his background as a poet and novelist. The author, a University of Toronto alumnus, currently lives and works in Thessalon,providing an authentic voice to the Northern Ontario setting.

A May 22 launch for Blain Thornton at Sudbury Theatre Centre

In a different tonal direction, Blain Thornton’s poetry memoir, "Here's to Letting Go," is set for a public launch on May 22. The event will take place at the Sudbury Theatre Centre from 7 to 9 p.m. Thornton, a non-binary artist and the founder of Mooncrater Theatre in Sudbury, uses this work to explore themes of survival and healing following a chaotic childhood.

According to the report,Thornton is a recipient of the 2023 Creative Writing Medal and has previously served as the managing editor for the first edition of the Pulse Literary Journal. Their academic background includes studies at the Ontario College of Art & Design University.

From Thessalon to Sudbury: A regional literary push

The simultaneous release of these two works highlights a growing trend of regional publishers like Latitude 46 providing platforms for hyper-local narratives. By blaancing the commercial appeal of a murder mystery series with the intimate, personal nature of a poetry memoir, the publisher is catering to a wide spectrum of readers.

This move mirrors a broader movement in Canadian literature where voices from outside major urban hubs like Toronto or Ottawa are gaining more structured support through specialized presses. Such efforts are crucial for maintaining the cultural identity of Northern Ontario , ensuring that local experiences are documented and shared beyond their immediate geography.

Will the Burnt River trio return for more mysteries?

While the release of "Seldom Seen Road" establishes a new series , several details regarding the future of the Roth family remain unconfirmed. It is currently unknown how many books are planned for the Burnt River series or if the publisher has already commissioned subsequent titles. Additionally, while Thornton's work is a significant milestone, it remains to be seen how their involvement with Mooncrater Theatre might influence future literary or theatrical collaborations in the Sudbury area. The source does not specify if there will be further signings or public readings scheduled for either author later this year.