Walker shared that small-town life leaves an indelible mark, no matter where you go, and it provided the perfect backdrop for his book.
Set in a Dover-esque town, Follow the Silence is a gripping murder mystery. Walker described the process of writing as both challenging and exhilarating.
Seeing his reflections on life in Port Dover come to life on the page was an amazing experience.
While there is much to love about growing up in a small town, Walker noted that its complexities and darker sides also make it the ideal setting for a whodunnit.
The charm and closeness of small-town life are balanced by its secrets and undercurrents.
For those familiar with Dover, Walker hinted that there are plenty of local details in the novel that will resonate.
Readers may find themselves recognizing locations, people, or events woven into the story.
Walker will be launching his novel locally this Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Port Dover Harbour Museum. The public is invited to attend to meet, or reunite with, Walker and listen to him read excerpts from the book.
The novel, Follow the Silence, tells the story of Jimmy Benjamin, who has returned home to face his greatest fear and his fondest memory: the lakefront town where he grew up. Set against the backdrop of the shockwaves of 9/11, the narrative flows through the tugs and waves of the waters of Muskoka and the Great Lakes basin. Jimmy must uncover the truth about two murders, allegedly committed by his family, to reclaim his place in the idyllic town and among the family who once nurtured him.