Whonnock writer Cathy Ace has once again woven an intricate plot of intrigue and good food.

After a successful One Book Whonnock event just weeks ago where 30 people came out to discuss Ace’s first novel, she is launching her second in a series of murder mysteries, The Corpse with the Golden Nose, featuring Welsh-Canadian heroine Cait Morgan.

Her first novel was set in the south of France, but this time Cait Morgan is closer to home in B.C.’s wine country trying to solve the mystery surrounding two deaths and to prevent others from occurring.

Two things draw Ace to writing mystery novels: the puzzles and the people – but these are also the hardest aspects to write, she said.

Before she starts writing, Ace knows the people she’s going to write about “inside out” and how the puzzle will fit together.

“But then the two elements get together on the page and they have to be crafted in such a way that the puzzle seems to develop organically from the characters,” Ace said.

The second novel was finalized in November, so it felt to Ace that she’d been waiting for a long time for it to hit the shelves.

Ace said she’s grateful for the support she’s received from local media, booksellers, libraries, and friends in promoting her first two novels.

“It’s been a real eye-opener that I have to spend as much time promoting and trying to sell my books as it takes to write them – probably more,” she said. “And, without all that support for my first book, I wouldn’t have been given the chance to write a second, or a third.”

At the book launch this Saturday at The ACT, Ace will be talking about mystery writing and reading from her new book.

The doors and the bar open at 6 p.m. and the event kicks off at 6:15 p.m. with Ace doing a presentation on “Memorable Murder Mysteries.”

Many people who enjoy murder mysteries often have some book they remember for its specific circumstances.

“I want to look at how authors go about creating books – and characters – we remember long after we’ve closed the pages,” Ace said, adding that “sometimes they are still our ‘friends’ decades later.”

Ace will sign copies of her books for those who want to purchase them, and after that, she’ll read from the novel and take questions from the audience.

There will also be four draw prizes: two cookbooks, a volume about the wineries of Vancouver Island, and a book token for Black Bond Books.

The event ends at 7:45 p.m.

Having grown up in Wales, Ace was delighted when she heard the Vancouver Welsh Men’s Choir would be performing on the same evening at The ACT. The concert starts at 8 p.m.

Ace’s third novel, The Corpse with the Emerald Thumb, is due for publication in spring 2014, and will take place in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

The book launch is at 6:15p.m. at The ACT, 11944 Haney Pl.

How to Win?

A copy of Cathy Ace’s newest book, The Corpse with the Golden Nose, is up for grabs

One lucky TIMES readers will winan autographed copy of Cathy Ace’s bookHow do you win?

- Visit the TIMES’ website at: www.mrtimes.com, find “More Ways to Connect,” and click on “send us your letters, photos, video.”

- Fill in your name, email, and number.

- Then write a short note explaining why you want to attend this show. Please note your community, and include the keyword “Corpse” at the top of the note. Preference is given to Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows residents.

Entries must be received prior to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12 and winners will be notified by telephone and/or email. Note: submitted comments could be used in future editions of the newspaper. No staff or family of The TIMES or Glacier Media are eligible. This contest is restricted to online participants, 19 years or older only.