You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover, But it Does Give You a Peek Inside

by Mike Martin, @mike54martin

With the publication of Friends are Forever there are now 16 books in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. I know that sounds like a lot, but the series started in 2012. The old writer’s joke is: How do you get to be an older, established writer? Keep writing and don’t die!

That means we have had to come up with 16 somewhat different covers that all fit within the general theme of what might be a Sgt. Windflower Mystery. And while you certainly can’t judge a book by its cover, it should give the reader a hint of what’s inside. Over that time we’ve done many different things. But everything we hope, has led readers back to Grand Bank and to that most beautiful corner of Canada. This has included ice bergs and boats and fishing stages and sheds. And lighthouses, of course. But the most touching covers, I believe have come from pictures. Particularly ones that we and our family have taken while visiting Newfoundland.

We are fortunate indeed to be able to visit Newfoundland every year for most of the month of August. That means we get to enjoy the people and the scenery that make this place so special. And of course, we get to eat. A lot. Homemade raisin bread toast almost every morning. Fish every meal we can. Jiggs Dinner at the wonderful Garnish Bakeapple Festival. Cheesecake of all types, including Sgt. Windflower’s favourite chocolate peanut butter at Sharon’s Nook and Tea Room aka the Mug-Up.

To try and compensate for this orgy of eating we walk when we are in Newfoundland. A lot. We do hikes in Gros Morne National Park, to the shipwreck site in St. Lawrence and up to the top of the hill at Cook’s Lookout in Burin. Of course, we do tons of walking in Grand Bank. On the hiking trail up to the lookout and up to the Cape on every fine day. But some of the best walks are after supper when we and the dog try and stroll off some of the extra calories that we’ve consumed during the day.

It is also a calm and peaceful way to end another glorious day in Grand Bank. That is exactly what we were trying to show you in the cover for Friends are Forever. Looking out over the Atlantic Ocean as the sun slides away into the horizon. Wouldn’t you like to be there? You may not be able to get there right away but you can get a taste of what it might be like by reading the book.

A great cover should invite you in and in the case of a series welcome you to take a peek inside. So come in, sit down. You’re among friends again. We’re happy to see you.

Mike Martin is the author of the Award-Winning Sgt. Windflower Mystery series. The latest book is Friends are Forever. Available from Amazon and where all fine books are sold.