Niagara-on-the-Lake author Terry Davis will be at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Library on Wednesday, May 3, to sign copies of his novel, “The Pale Horse,” which has been shortlisted in the 2023 Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence competition.

“Just making the shortlist is a thrill,” said Davis, who writes under the nom de plume T. Lawrence Davis.

“It says that my book is well-crafted and a good read, which means a lot to me as an author. But I’d also like to see it be widely read and enjoyed, so the next step on my publishing journey will be to promote ‘The Pale Horse’ and get it into bookstores.”

Davis’s mystery/thriller is shortlisted in the Best Crime First Novel award category.

Kirkus reviews previously described the novel as an “engrossing whodunit” and declared “this intense, gripping racetrack drama is a winner by a nose.”

The book signing is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Set primarily at Woodbine Racetrack in Toronto and in nearby Oakville, “The Pale Horse” tells the story of the racetrack vet’s efforts to clear the name of a childhood friend who has been charged with committing a gruesome murder.

His personal investigation is complicated by the fact his new wife is the inspector leading the police murder investigation.

“I worked as a groom at Woodbine and other racetracks when I was in my 20s,” said Davis.

“That experience and the knowledge I gained assisting vets as they treated animals in my care when I ran a thoroughbred horse farm, gave me the background fodder to create a realistic backdrop for my mystery. I think it makes the book more compelling.”

Davis will have copies of his book available for purchase at the book signing. Cost is $20 for softcover and $30 for hardcover.

It also is available through Friesen Press, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo as well as in e-book formats through Kobo, Kindle, Google Play, Apple Books and Nook Books.