ANTIGONISH, N.S. — Like A Marvel Cinematic Universe movie, it helps if you’ve seen some of the other films but you don’t necessarily have to in order to enjoy the latest release.
That is the way Dundee, Cape Breton author Michael Gerhartz described his second book, Dark Times, which is a follow up to 2012’s Thin Ice.
“It’s a series but the books, the stories, are independent from one another,” Gerhartz, who is having a book reading/signing event at the People’s Place Library in Antigonish April 13, said.
“It’s the same characters but you do not have to read the first one in order to understand the second one; it’s not picking up on the story of the first one. It’s an independent story but the same characters, so it reflects on some events that happened in the first one but, again, it’s not necessary [to have read the first one beforehand].”
Dark Times has been out since early February and Gerhartz, originally from Germany, said the reception has been “very good.” The book has already been nominated for a number of awards, including; best thriller for Independent Publisher Awards, an Indie Book Award, an Independent Press Award and International Rubery Book Award.
“I had book readings all over the Maritimes and even in Montreal and Quebec,” he said, regarding his first novel and turning his attention to the April 13 event in Antigonish. “I enjoy them.”
As for a little bit more on the author, it’s noted Gerhertz moved to Canada in 1999.
“Michael is now spending his time as a scuba instructor, tour guide, underwater photographer, and in the security industry, while also committing to scientific diving and environmental awareness,” promotional material around Dark Times, noted.
“[He] is the author Thin Ice and Dark Times, both novels focusing around the young and adventurous Natascha and EuroSec Corporation. He has had book readings in major Canadian cities as well as in Germany and during the FEIS literacy council [event]. Prior to writing novels, Michael’s articles and underwater images were published in several scuba magazines. He resides with his wife and two dogs in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.”
Gerhartz said it took him three years to complete his latest novel.
Dark Times will be available during the book reading/signing event at the Antigonish library, which goes from 2 to 4 p.m. The book is also available at most book stores and online.
