Area minister writes mystery novel

By Ron Giofu

An Essex County minister has shown he has writing talents as well.

Rev. Darrow Woods, minister of Harrow United Church, has written “The Book of Answers,” a 299-page mystery novel.

“It’s a murder mystery set in a United church,” Woods explained. “It’s not a real United church, I made it up.”

The fictitious church is set in Oakville, where Woods served before coming to the area. He said he created a fictional church and characters so parishioners wouldn’t think the book was about someone they know.

“I didn’t want people at the churches I worked at to think I was writing about them,” he said.

Woods recalled when he worked at a church in Hamilton when one of his predecessors went missing and no one knew where he went.

“That’s one of the inspirations for the story,” he said.

Through his various stops during his career, Woods added that he has heard stories about ghosts and haunted churches and that became a part of the book.

“I’ve always loved mysteries,” he said.

Woods said people have often encouraged him to write but he didn’t believe suggestions to write a book of sermons would be read much. He said when making visits to people during his ministerial work, he would glance at their bookshelves to see what they liked to read and discovered many liked mystery books. He calls “The Book of Answers” a classic “who done it?” type of novel.

Despite a body being found in the fictitious church he writes about and wanting to know how people would react to it, Woods said he was not interested in writing about gore or violence

“It’s not a gritty, noir (book),” he said. “It’s not that kind of scene.”

Rev. Darrow Woods holds a copy of his new book “The Book of Answers.” He is minister of Harrow United Church. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Woods stated he has sold over 100 copies so far. He quipped that colleagues have asked him to write their sermons for them as they spent too much time reading the book.

There are also issues covered in the book and messages throughout, adding “it’s a fun book” but he included the messages because “I am a preacher.”

Woods said he took a mystery writers course after starting the book in 2016. He noted an earlier version of his book was a finalist for a Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence. He would eventually start his own publishing house – Reluctant Sleuth Press – and self-publish “The Book of Answers.”

There are two more books in the works, with Woods stating one is a sequel to “The Book of Answers” and another about a group of retired journalists known as the “Recycled Riders.”.

“I’m having a lot of fun with it,” said Woods.

The current book is $20 and can be found on www.amazon.ca, with Woods stating the easiest way to find it is to search his name. He has donated half of the proceeds thus far to Harrow United Church and will be doing the same for his former church in Oakville.

Sgt. Matt Capel-Cure (left) was awarded the Chief’s Recognition Coin from Windsor Chief Jason Bellaire. Special to the RTT

Local police officer honoured

By Ron Giofu

An officer with the Windsor Police Service – Amherstburg Detachment has been recognized for his efforts in the moments following a June 3 motor vehicle accident that led to a house fire.

Sgt. Matt Capel-Cure was awarded with a Chief’s Recognition Coin by Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire last Monday. The recognition came as a result of what police call Capel-Cure’s “brave efforts in saving a person’s life.”

According to police, Capel-Cure arrived on the scene of an incident on County Road 18 where a motor vehicle had struck a house’s gas line resulting in both the house and vehicle catching fire. The crash and house fire had taken place in the early hours of the morning, causing the home to be destroyed by fire.

“After seeing a male lying on the ground between the house and vehicle, Sgt. Capel-Cure helped to drag the individual to a place of safety,” a post on the Windsor police’s Facebook page states. “Sgt. Capel-Cure’s swift and decisive actions in rescuing the male driver demonstrated his exceptional courage, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of others. Thank you for your dedication and service to the community!”

Capel-Cure said he was happy to receive the award, but noted he couldn’t have helped the man without the aid of a nearby resident. He said Ryan Greenham assisted in pulling the driver to safety.

“He was a nearby resident and when he heard the crash, he went with me,” he said. “We ran in and pulled (the driver) out.”

Capel-Cure credited Greenham for his efforts and said Greenham deserves acknowledgement as well. He added the home was engulfed in flames when he arrived and he saw the driver needed assistance.