Works by
Garry Ryan
(Writer)

Detective Lane Mysteries

1. Queen's Park (2004)
   Ordinarily Detective Lane has a knack for discovering the whereabouts of missing persons. But the city’s latest victim has disappeared without a trace. After brutally attacking his young nephew, ex-mayor Bob Swatsky has gone missing along with 13 million dollars of tax-payers’ money. Is he on the lam with the cash, or is it something far more sinister? A zany cast of characters, a love doll, and a chain smoking grandma with an oxygen tank, lead Detective Lane on an exhilarating romp through the streets of Calgary. A man hunt is on, and alone, Lane must uncover the truth before someone ends up visiting Queen’s Park. . . . permanently. The first book in the Detective Lane mystery series is an intriguing look at the prejudices gay cops face on the police force, and at the dangers of keeping secrets.

2. The Lucky Elephant Restaurant (2006) -- Winner 2006 Lambda Literary Award for Gay Men's Mystery); Nominated, 2006 Lambda Literary Award for Male Fiction
   When the young daughter of popular radio talk show host Bobbie Reddie disappears along with Bobbie’s ex-husband, Detectives Lane and Harper are on the case. Haunted by flashbacks from a previous missing child case, Lane once again takes to the streets of Calgary looking for answers.
   
   Meanwhile, university student Jay Krocker befriends the mysterious Lucky Elephant Restaurant owner Lam Tran, known to many as Uncle Tran. As Jay and Uncle Tran become mixed up in the missing child case, their intentions baffle the detectives—are they there to help or hinder?
   
   As the pressure mounts for Lane and Harper to swiftly close the case, Lane’s private life becomes threatened. The two detectives are running out of time and must untangle the many lies surrounding this bizarre investigation before another child disappears.

3. A Hummingbird Dance (2008)
   A Hummingbird Dance begins with a disappearance connected to an unsolved murder. When Detectives Lane and Harper investigate the death of a sixteen-year-old First Nations man, they begin to unravel a series of killings. They must also deal with complex family issues while risking their lives to uncover the truth behind the killings.
   
   When I envision a hummingbird dance, I am reminded of the weeks of observation required to come to the conclusion that hummingbirds are very human. They become extremely aggressive in defense of their flowers or feeders. This knowledge was gathered during two weeks of photographing hummingbirds in San Diego. Hummingbird behaviour allowed me to better understand human behaviour and our violent desire to hold onto what we think we own.
   
   Now add to this mix the idea that a talented artist can make you believe a marionette is a real person. Only by bringing a marionette to life can the reader understand what was lost when Alex was murdered. Alex’s friend brings him to life on her stage, and I believe that her art and her voice makes this tragedy more authentic for the reader.

4. Smoked (May 1, 2010 release)
   Detective Lane returns for a fourth time in "Smoked", Garry Ryan's darkest mystery to date. When Jennifer Towers is found dead in a graffiti-tagged dumpster, Detectives Lane and Harper must decipher the art to find its artist - and possibly the victim's killer. What begins as an unconventional murder investigation leads to the disturbing discovery of two abused children, whose father becomes a prime suspect in the case. In true Detective Lane form, Lane must protect the damaged youths while keeping his own family in tact. With a surprising shift in tone, "Smoked" highlights the Detective Lane mystery series as one that reminds us of this generation's obligation to the children in its care.