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Nanaimo author named as finalist for national humour writing award

Susan Juby’s ‘Mindful of Murder’ contends for Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour
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Nanaimo author Susan Juby’s novel ‘Mindful of Murder’ was named as a finalist for the 2023 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour. (News Bulletin file photo)

A Nanaimo author’s murder mystery might just land her an award for funny business.

Susan Juby’s Mindful of Murder, which follows a butler who is called away to settle the affairs and will of a former employer, was shortlisted for the 2023 Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour, according to a release by Stephen Leacock Associates.

Juby’s work is up against Wayne Johnston’s Jennie’s Boy and Zarqa Nawaz’s Jameela Green Ruins Everything for the award.

In the release, Michael Hill, president of the Stephen Leacock Associates, said the three finalists met their judging criteria perfectly.

“The books must be humorous, well-written and show a great degree of style and depth. Our national panel of independent judges has selected the three top humorous books from the past year from 71 entries,” he said.

The Nanaimo author was previously presented the Stephen Leacock medal for her novel Republic of Dirt: A Return to Woefield Farm, which tells the story about a girl from Brooklyn who inherits a plot of land.

In mid-April, Juby was also shortlisted for a B.C. and Yukon children’s literature prize for Me Three, a story about a boy whose life is “turned upside-down” when allegations against his father start to arise.

The winner of the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour will be announced on Sept. 16 at the Leacock Medal Gala Dinner in Severn, Ontario. The winner will receive a medal and a $25,000 prize.

READ MORE: Nanaimo authors shortlisted for B.C. children’s lit award

READ ALSO: Nanaimo author Susan Juby releases murder mystery set at island spiritual retreat


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