When Brad Shade arrives in Swift Current in the wake of an old friend’s suicide, all he wants to do is make an appearance at the funeral and get back home. But Mitzi, the grieving widow, can’t believe her husband took his own life, especially when his multimillion-dollar business is thriving. When Shade starts asking questions, he ends up taking a sometimes violent detour through the dark side of a small prairie town that has no shortage of secrets it wants kept at almost any cost.

The second in the Brad Shade series, The Black Ace reunites us with the wisecracking former journeyman who never played by a rule he wouldn’t bend or break for a win, who always plays to win, and doesn’t know how to leave well enough alone.

G.B. Joyce is a feature writer and editor with Sportsnet magazine. He has written for ESPN the Magazine, The Globe and Mail, and the Ottawa Citizen, and has won four National Magazine Awards. Joyce is the author of eight books.

G.B. Joyce's profile page

"The Black Ace is pure mystery and suspense, with great characters and a well-designed plot. Brad Shade is ready for a long run." - The Globe and Mail

"Hockey meets pulp fiction." - Toronto Star

“Hockey fan or not, this funny, smart and briskly-paced tale of small-town villainy by this Toronto sportswriter will grab you.” - Winnipeg Free Press