The second book chosen for One Book Whonnock features a Whonnockian author - Cathy Ace's mystery novel The Corpse with the Silver Tongue is the book that those living in east Maple Ridge will be reading and discussing into the spring.

Last year, Joy Kogawa's novel Obasan was chosen as the first One Book Whonnock selection, said the project's coordinator Jean Davidson.

Davidson said the books chosen should have a connection with Whonnock, and last year's selection reflected the history of Whonnock, which had many Japanese people living in it before Second World War.

The One Book Whonnock event is scheduled for Feb. 28 when those who are participating can meet to discuss the book.

It will also feature a combination of Welsh and Nicois treats - the book's protagonist is Welsh-Canadian and the book is set in Nice, on the French Riviera.

Davidson said she hopes in the middle of what is usually dreary February weather, people can "immerse themselves in the sunny Riviera."

One Book Whonnock is partly about community building in east Maple Ridge, Davidson said, and people who live, work, go to school, or worship in Thornhill, Whonnock, and Ruskin are all invited to join.

Davidson is hoping the project will inspire those who live in the area to gather with their neighbours or talk over their fences about the book.

"It's difficult to develop community in a place where everyone lives behind fences and gates," Davidson said about the rural area of east Maple Ridge.

Books chosen for the project have to have a connection to the area, must be well written, with accessible language, and appropriate for the community, Davidson said.

Having her book chosen for One Book Whonnock is "a real honour," Ace said, "I'm beside myself with glee."

She likes the fact the community is coming together for a positive reason, not a partisan reason, Ace said.

"So often people come together because they're annoyed about something," she said.

Ace said her novel's characters are "sufficiently universal" and the story isn't heavy. Many people enjoy a mystery novel, having grown up with the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and other mysteries, she said.

The Corpse with the Silver Tongue is available at the Haney Place Mall location of Black Bond Books, at the Maple Ridge Library, and online where e-books are sold. Black Bond Books is offering a 10-per-cent discount for people who are taking part in One Book Whonnock.

Ace will be making a presention at the Golden Ears Writers Club on Mystery Writing: From plotting to publishing. This takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 20 in the lobby of The ACT from 7 to 9 p.m.

She will also have a book signing at Black Bond Books on Nov. 29 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Ace has written the second book in her series, The Corpse with the Golden Nose, and it will be published on March 9.

For more information about One Book Whonnock, go to www.whonnock.ca, and for more information on Ace's book, go to her website at www.cathyace.com.

mrantanen@mrtimes.com