Three New Parks Pat Mysteries Release
Prepare for an unparalleled mystery series event as award-winning Canadian author P.D. Workman releases three new addictive page-turners in her acclaimed Parks Pat Mysteries series! Get ready to immerse yourself in high-stakes investigations with Métis homicide detective Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude in Grounded in the Wind (Book 13), Reservoir of Secrets (Book 14), and Peril in the Blooms (Book 15).
Meet Detective Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude
Meet Your Guide to Calgary’s Darkest Corners: Margie Patenaude, affectionately known as “Parks Pat,” is not your average detective. Dubbed the expert on cases occurring in Calgary’s vast network of parks and wilderness areas, Margie brings a unique blend of grit, intuition, and vulnerability to every case.
As a Métis woman and single mother, she navigates the complexities of her personal life while confronting the darkest aspects of human nature, always striving to deliver justice. These Canadian crime fiction stories are praised for their “powerful emotional truth combined with unputdownable suspense.”
New Releases: Parks Pat Mysteries Books 13–15
Grounded in the Wind (Parks Pat Mysteries Book 13)
A drone attack in Prairie Winds Park leads Margie into a chilling world of Eastern European crime syndicates, ransomware, and corporate corruption. As the stakes escalate, Margie must “follow the money” to expose a sophisticated network that goes far beyond a simple murder.
This investigation dives deep into the unsettling realities of modern cybercrime and its devastating human cost.
Reservoir of Secrets (Parks Pat Mysteries Book 14)
What begins as a seemingly tragic kayaking accident at a family picnic quickly unravels into a complex tale of poisoning and buried family secrets.
Margie finds herself navigating a treacherous web of relationships, where everyone has something to hide, and the truth about Richard O’Connor’s death is more convoluted than anyone imagined. Can she uncover the dark conspiracy before more lives are endangered?
Peril in the Blooms (Parks Pat Mysteries Book 15)
The festive opening of a botanical garden at Riley Park turns deadly when a prominent botanist is shot with a poisoned bullet. Margie’s investigation uncovers a shocking truth.
This strong female lead must confront ethical dilemmas and cultural sensitivities to bring the killer to justice and protect ancient wisdom.
Why Readers Love P.D. Workman’s Mysteries
“P. D. Workman does not shy from probing the deep psychological scars of childhood trauma, mental illness, and addiction. Also characteristic of this author, these extremely sensitive issues are explored with extensive empathy, described with incredible clarity, and portrayed with profound insight.” — Kim, Goodreads Reviewer
Perfect for Fans of Louise Penny and Linda Castillo
If you love Louise Penny’s atmospheric Canadian mysteries or Linda Castillo’s gripping police procedurals featuring strong female detectives, you’ll want to dive into these new Parks Pat Mysteries today.
Start Your Next Page-Turner Today
P.D. Workman has penned over a hundred addictive page-turners, celebrated for their diverse and divergent sleuths and timely social commentary. When she’s not crafting her next masterpiece, this prolific author is running, reading, or enjoying time with her family.
All Parks Pat Mysteries are crafted to be enjoyed as stand-alone stories or enjoyed as part of the series. For new readers, begin Margie’s journey FREE with Book 1, Out with the Sunset, which comes with the exclusive Parks Pat Survival Pack bonus material! Plus, catch up on the entire series with a special deal on the bundle for Books 1–12.
Author Interview: P.D. Workman on the New Parks Pat Mysteries
Writing the Series
Q: How has Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude grown since the first book?
A: In the beginning, Margie was brand new to Calgary—though she had been there as a child. She was just starting out as a homicide detective, still finding her footing, and her daughter Christina had no friends in Calgary. The only real comfort for Margie then was living within walking distance of her Moushoom. Now, many books later, Margie is an established and confident detective with strong friendships in the department, and Christina has her own circle of friends at school. Watching both of them grow and put down roots has been rewarding.
Grounded in the Wind (Book 13)
Q: This book dives deep into drones, cybercrime, and national security. How did you prepare for that?
A: I did a lot of research for Grounded in the Wind. I had to learn about drones, cybercrime, airports, and the different law enforcement and investigative bodies in Canada. I even consulted with some of these organizations to make sure I portrayed the drone incident realistically and that I got the technical aspects—like hacking—right.
Q: What made Prairie Winds Park the right setting?
A: Prairie Winds Park is unique because it’s a popular planespotting location and also protected airspace—you can’t even fly a kite there. That detail added authenticity and tension to the story.
Reservoir of Secrets (Book 14)
Q: How does this book differ in its mystery structure?
A: In some murder mysteries—like a locked-room case—it feels like no one could have done it. In others, everyone seems to have a motive. Reservoir of Secrets is one of those where anyone could have done it, and everyone had a reason. That creates a different kind of tension: readers are constantly questioning every character.
Q: What themes were you most drawn to while writing it?
A: Family secrets, hidden trauma, and the way past grievances shape the present. Those are themes that I explore often in my work, and here they’re woven into every relationship in the book.
Peril in the Blooms (Book 15)
Q: Botany and poison play a big role in this story. Why did you choose that focus?
A: I’ve used botanical poisons in other stories, but this time I wanted to focus on plants that are native to Calgary gardens and also those historically used by Indigenous people. That gave the poison in this story multiple layers of meaning, with both practical and cultural dimensions.
Q: What do you think will surprise readers most?
A: I think the depth of history behind the poison, and how it ties into cultural and ethical questions, will be unexpected. This isn’t just a matter of “what killed the victim”—it’s about tradition, wisdom, and responsibility.
Behind the Writing
Q: Which of these three books was hardest to write?
A: Definitely Grounded in the Wind. The research required was immense, and I wanted to do justice to the technical aspects of drones and cybercrime. At the same time, I wanted to stay true to the grounded, character-driven storytelling that Parks Pat readers expect.
About the Series
Q: Do I need to read the Parks Pat Mysteries in order?
A: No. Each Parks Pat Mystery is written to stand alone, with its own complete case and resolution. But if you enjoy following Margie “Parks Pat” Patenaude’s growth as a detective and mother, you’ll love reading the series in order.
Q: Where should I start if I’m new to the Parks Pat Mysteries?
A: You can start with any book, including the new releases. Many readers begin with Out with the Sunset (Book 1), which is available free with the Parks Pat Survival Pack, or dive right into Grounded in the Wind, Reservoir of Secrets, or Peril in the Blooms.
Q: What makes the Parks Pat Mysteries different from other police procedurals?
A: These stories combine the authenticity of Canadian crime fiction with the unique perspective of Métis homicide detective Margie Patenaude. They are praised for emotional depth, realistic characters, and gripping suspense set against Calgary’s beautiful parks and natural landscapes.
Q: Are the Parks Pat Mysteries similar to Louise Penny’s books?
A: Yes. If you enjoy Louise Penny’s atmospheric Canadian mysteries or Linda Castillo’s gripping police procedurals featuring strong female detectives, you’ll find the same unputdownable blend of suspense, setting, and character in the Parks Pat series.
Q: How many Parks Pat Mysteries are there?
A: As of September 2025, there are 15 books in the series, beginning with Out with the Sunset. The newest releases — Grounded in the Wind, Reservoir of Secrets, and Peril in the Blooms — bring Margie’s journey into thrilling new territory.
More questions answered about the Parks Pat Mysteries series
