Operation Betrayed by Helen C. Escott

Operation Betrayed is Helen C. Escott’s sixth novel in her Operation series. Excluding her Operation Wormwood duology, each of her Operation books can be read as a stand-alone.

“The RNC (Royal Newfoundland Constabulary) has created a Missing and Murdered Women’s Task Force to look into historical and current files,” the media relations officer began. “The task force was created by Chief Robert DeSilva and the Minister of Justice, the Honourable Arthur Churchill. It is headed up under the leadership of Inspector Nicholas Myra, the officer in charge of the Major Crime Unit.”

Inspector Nicholas Myra and his task force, Sargent Mike Wall and Constable Donna Whiffen, are investigating two identical murders that happened almost three decades apart. The details of the women’s murders were not made public. They are also looking into the disappearance of Bernice Walsh, which happened around the same time as the first murder, 27 years earlier. Constable Liam Pittman, from the mentorship program, is assigned to help them. Pittman might be a plant and may or may not be working against them.

“Every woman has value, and we deserve to have our murders investigated and solved and our killers locked away.” – Sister Pius

Twenty-seven years ago, Inspector Myra’s father, Frank, and his partner conducted the most extensive investigation in the history of the force into the rape and murder of Karen Mugford. Now, Myra is investigating the rape and murder of Ruby Antle, two identical murders. Is it the same murderer or a copycat, someone who was leaked the information? With the backing of modern technology and DNA testing, and good old-fashioned legwork, will they finally discover the monster who murdered these ladies?

“Don’t use today’s standards to stand judgment of yesterday’s hard work.”- Frank Myra

To make matters more complicated, Chief Robert DeSilva has announced his upcoming retirement. Inspector Myra is the favoured candidate to replace him, with Inspector Clarence Brown intending to compete for the same position. Mysterious, unfounded rumours about Inspector Myra start popping up. Where are these unfounded rumours coming from, and who will replace Chief Robert DeSilva?

Set in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Operation Betrayed by Helen C. Escott was inspired by real cases. It is the perfect recipe for a great psychological thriller, complete with murder, betrayal, lies, secrets, and danger, featuring twists that come as a surprise. Helen’s writing is engaging with just the right amount of detail to keep you guessing who the guilty parties are until the very end. If you haven’t read any of Escott’s other thrillers, Operation Betrayed will definitely have you auto-buying the rest. I can’t wait to read Escott’s next Operation novel and visit Inspector Myra once again.

Helen C. Escott is an award-winning Canadian author and playwright whose cinematic storytelling and deep insight into the human condition have earned her a distinguished place among contemporary crime writers.

A former senior communications strategist with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, she brings a rare authenticity and precision to her work—translating decades of real-world experience into gripping narratives that pulse with realism, emotional truth, and suspense.

Her bestselling Operation Series—a six-book collection of crime thrillers—has captivated readers across Canada and beyond. The first book in the series was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada’s Best First Crime Novel Award. The entire series has been optioned for television and lauded for its chillingly current investigations, unpredictable twists, and deeply human characters. The series’ success was further recognized with a Silver Medal for Best Regional Fiction at the 24th Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards and the 2023 Best Atlantic-Published Book Award from the Atlantic Publishers Marketing Association (APMA).

Publisher: Flanker Press (September 19, 2024)
Paperback 8″ x 6″ | 384 pages
ISBN: 9781774572931

Sue Slade

Sue Slade has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. After working with children and adults with special needs, she now has her midlife dream job of working with books. Sue manages an independent, locally owned bookstore, Dartmouth Book Exchange. Through her charismatic sharing centred around books and community, Sue has created an engaging cornerstone for authors, customers, and book lovers of all ages. Sue is an avid reader and her reviews cross over many genres.