About Helen C. Escott

Helen C. Escott is an award-winning Canadian author and playwright whose cinematic storytelling and deep insight into the human condition have earned her a distinguished place among contemporary crime writers. A former senior communications strategist with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she brings a rare authenticity and precision to her work—translating decades of real-world experience into gripping narratives that pulse with realism, emotional truth, and suspense.

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Her bestselling Operation Series—a six-book collection of crime thrillers—has captivated readers across Canada and beyond. The first book in the series was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best First Crime Novel Award. The entire series has been optioned for television, and lauded for its chillingly current investigations, unpredictable twists, and deeply human characters. The series’ success was further recognized with a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2023 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award from the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA).

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Helen’s writing is distinguished by its cinematic pace, vivid realism, and emotional resonance. Her works reflect not only the complexities of crime and justice but also the moral and psychological landscapes of those who live within them.

 

Drawing upon her years as a Civilian Member of the RCMP, she weaves intricate plots rooted in authenticity and insight. Her career with the RCMP included leading communications for high-profile national operations—such as the force’s response to the September 11th terrorist attacks—and developing regional strategies to combat organized crime and outlaw biker gangs. She also designed and taught a media relations course, which was delivered across Canada, including at the Canadian Police College in Ottawa, and served as a communications strategist at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

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Her literary and public contributions have been widely recognized. In 2021, she received the Veterans Ombud Commendation Lifetime Contribution Award for her outstanding work with veterans. Among her other honors are the CLB Governor and Commandants Medallion (2017) for excellence in volunteering and fundraising, the Governor General’s Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers (2019), and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Certificate of Recognition (2022) for her advocacy on behalf of veterans.

 

Published Works

Crime Thriller Series (Flanker Press):

• Operation Wormwood — A top-five finalist for the 2019 Arthur Ellis Awards for Best First Crime Novel.

• The Reckoning — The powerful conclusion to Operation Wormwood, acclaimed for its dark, ingenious plotting.

• Operation Vanished — Winner of the Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.

• Operation Trafficked — A lightning-paced and chillingly relevant thriller exploring the global human trafficking network.

• Operation Masonic — A gripping, historically layered mystery set within the secretive world of Freemasonry.

• Operation Betrayed — A haunting exploration of betrayal, justice, and the societal biases that shape investigations.

 

Standalone Novels:

• We Will Meet Again — A multi-generational story of love, loss, and resilience that spans nearly a century.

• In Search of Adventure: 70 Years of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Newfoundland and Labrador — A comprehensive collection of memoirs and personal stories, named one of the top Atlantic Canadian memoirs.

• I Am Funny Like That  — A memoir of humorous essays reflecting on motherhood, marriage, and the lighter side of a writer’s life.

 

Legacy and Media Presence

A frequent guest on television, radio, and literary panels, Helen C. Escott continues to be an influential voice in Newfoundland and Canadian arts and culture. Her background in broadcasting, coupled with her deep understanding of communications, has made her a sought-after speaker for teaching courses on writing and women in crime fiction. Her works have been featured in national interviews, book reviews, and discussions exploring the intersections of justice, empathy, and storytelling.

 

Connect

Helen C. Escott welcomes engagement from readers, journalists, and literary professionals. Her books are available through Flanker Press and major booksellers nationwide. To learn more about her work, upcoming projects, or media appearances, visit www.helencescott.com.