Detective Stories
Meet other local people interested in Detective Stories: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Detective Stories group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out detective stories events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the detective stories events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find detective stories events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Detective Stories Events Today
Join in-person Detective Stories events happening right now
Shut Up & Write — West Queen West (1.5 hours)
Come join us at the lovely, well-lit, and cozy Theatre Centre Cafe for an hour and a half of silent writing (on whatever writing projects you will)! After silent writing is done, feel free to stay and chat or go as you please.
If you are late you are welcome to join us (quietly and not disruptively).
Please note this is a casual event, and we will NOT be critiquing each other’s work.
**Other Important Details:**
WiFi name/password: #TheTheatreCentre (no password, open access)
Travel / Parking info: There is paid street parking as well as Green P underground parking located at 45 Abell St (2 mins walk from the venue)
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Venue Guidelines: Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.
Saturday Writing Meetup – near Bloor-Yonge
\*\*NOTE: This meetup currently lacks a regular host. (The current hosts are volunteers for online organizational purposes; they show up in person occasionally.) If you arrive and there is no host, don’t worry. Whoever is the longest-running member (or whoever wants to) can set the timer for the writing session. In this way, the meetup is self-sustaining, and not dependent on any one person. Thanks for your understanding.\*\*
Join us for an hour of quiet writing, followed by an hour of (optional) socializing.
\*\*SILENT WRITING BEGINS AT 1:15 PM. IF YOU'RE LATE, WELCOME! WE WILL IGNORE YOU (BECAUSE WE'RE BUSY WRITING) UNTIL 2:15 PM.\*\*
This meetup is open to everyone, whether you’re writing a novel, blog, class paper, or journal entry—or something completely different. Anyone interested is welcome to attend :)
LOCATION:
5 Elements Cafe, basement level
RSVP:
Please be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe.
We recommend coming down to the basement to grab a spot before you buy anything, just in case.
SCHEDULE:
1:00 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in.
1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour.
\*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\*
2:15 PM: Introduce yourself.
We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing.
(E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about reindeer.")
2:20 PM onwards: Chill/leave.
Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.
IN-PERSON Saturday Meeting!
Join us for our in-person Saturday critique session! We'll be meeting in the basement of **The Blake House**, which is located near Wellesley and Jarvis, about a 10-minute walk from Wellesley Station or Sherbourne Station.
**In respect to the Blake House for hosting us, we humbly request that attendees purchase a meal, dessert, or drink if you are able to do so.**
Feel free to bring in a piece of writing up to **2000 words** for reading and critique. Please bring paper copies so that listeners can easily follow and make notes. Dedicated listeners are equally welcome. In larger groups, please be mindful of giving everyone a fair chance to speak.
Our group values and meeting structure can be found here:
[https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines](https://www.torontosffwriters.com/sff-writer-rules-and-guidelines)
We ask that writers provide content warnings when necessary.
To limit the spread of diseases, we kindly ask that you stay home if you're feeling sick. We will be here every week!
**\*\*We support the hard work and effort that goes into writing fiction, and do not condone the use of AI to replace the creative process.\*\***
And, that's everything! See you there!
OPEN MIC: PART XII
**HELLO FELLOW WRITERS!**
**Well, finally we have our twelfth OPEN MIC night completely booked! Number 12 is fitting for the holiday season.**
***Our event is on December 20th (6pm to 9pm).***
**This time the Toronto Writers Community had booked space at the incredible venue, [Tranzac](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxZg-qLc5_g) \- in the Annex neighbourhood of Toronto\. Thus we have our first event where we booked a room for ourselves\. We will be in the Living Room\, the smaller of the two large rooms\, but big enough for our purposes\. The bar is in the other room\, but we can move between the hall\.**
**Bring yourselves, friends, and your talent. As always, this event is free. Please contact me here or on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/torontowriterscommunity/) if you are interested in reading your work! This will, yet again, be a night to remember.**
***Let's have a fun send-off before the holidays!***
Avengers’ Saturday Cafe for the Homeless
Note: You may be removed from the attendance list if you've participated in the previous week's event. This allows for more people to experience this Meetup.
Avengers put your costumes on and let’s go and save the world!
Well we can’t save the world (yet), but we aim to try to play a small part in the lives of those experiencing homelessness by making their day a bit better!
Description: Before the event the organizer will post a list in the comment section of the attendees and what they are responsible to bring (food/drink, kitchen supplies, cleaning supplies). We normally ask each attending member to bring approximately $15-20 worth of ingredients/supplies to our event. We will use the items to prepare and serve food/drink at The Meeting Place.
Timeline: We will meet on location at 11:00 am, with lunch served between 12:30-1:00 pm.
Membership Dues: Membership dues are $2.00 for the calendar year. Membership dues go towards paying for food/supplies incurred by no-shows. Membership dues are due at the first meetup of the year that you attend.
No Shows/Late Un-RSVP: We’re relying on members who RSVP to bring key ingredients for recipes! Please try your best to show-up or alternatively change your RSVP early so another member may fill the empty spot.
\*\*\* If you are on the waitlist, keep checking as you may be moved into attendance to replace someone. We will try to message you to confirm your attendance in advance.
Donations will be assigned before the event.
THE WOMAN IN BLACK | chilling British thriller | Orchestra $91 all fees
Join us for **The Woman in Black**, one of the longest-running plays in London's West End history — a masterful blend of suspense, atmosphere, and supernatural terror — with an all-British cast!
***Our group discount tickets will be in Orchestra @ $80 + service fee. Other tickets starting at $79 are also available.***
**The Show:** A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the spectre of a Woman in Black, engages a sceptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and exorcise the fear that grips his soul. It all begins innocently enough, but then, as they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves caught up in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. **Susan Hill**’s acclaimed best-selling novel comes dramatically alive in **Stephen Mallatratt**’s ingenious stage adaptation.
***
**OUR DISCOUNT TICKETS**
**Group Tickets:**
* **$80** \(Price 2 \| regular $99 in Orchestra Rows P to T \)
**Other Tickets:**
* **$79** \(Price 3 \| no discount in Orchestra Rows U to W\, Balcony Rows K to M and Lower Loges\)
* **$80** \(Price 2 \| regular $99 in Balcony Rows G to J\)
* **$96** \(Price 1 \| regular $119 in Orchestra Rows A to N and Balcony Rows A to F\)
* **$139** \(Premium \| no discount in Orchestra Rows D to G centre\) \(includes HST\)
**Service Fee:** $11 per ticket
***No Meetup Fee***
***
**HOW TO PAY**
1\. Sign up on this event page
2\. Send an email to belindameetup@gmail\.com to request the payment instructions
3\. Specify you are inquiring about **The Woman in Black**
4\. Include the name you use on this Thumbs Up Theatre website\.
5\. Belinda will email you the payment instructions
6\. If you don't receive the instructions in your inbox\, check your junk box in case it has gone there
Members must pay for their tickets in advance. Pick up your prepaid ticket(s) from Belinda at the meetup spot.
***
**OVERVIEW**
**Date:** Saturday, December 20, 2025
**Time:** Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Meet Belinda between 6:45 p.m. and 7 p.m. inside the theatre
**Where:** CAA Theatre, 651 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario (south of the Yonge-Bloor subway station)
**Show Length:** 2 hours, 15 minutes with intermission
***
**ACCESSIBILITY**
Our group discount tickets are in the Orchestra, which is wheelchair accessible. An elevator takes you to all levels, but the Balcony is not wheelchair accessible due to stairs.
***
**MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS**
Meet Belinda any time between 6:45 and 7 p.m. in the lobby beside the box office. Belinda is very short and will be wearing a bright pink hat and bright pink glasses. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance ONLY.
**Intermission Meetup Spots:** On the aisle beside Belinda in Orchestra P4.
**After Show Meetup Spot:** See Belinda beside the box office in the lobby.
**PLEASE NOTE OUR ZERO-TOLERANCE [CELLPHONE POLICY](https://www.meetup.com/thumbs-up-theatre-toronto/events/243426512/)**
Detective Stories Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sunday Shut Up & Write!® in Sheppard-Yonge
**#Note: As of Aug 17, 2025,** **we will be moving to Yonge Sheppard Centre** due to the closing of our prior venue Whole Foods. Please read the new location details.
**Coworking for writers in your area!**
Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area.
When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session.
Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries!
**A note about the format**
We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing.
For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com)
**Travel / Parking info:**
Public Transit:
1. Take the TTC subway to Sheppard-Yonge Station.
2. Use the Yonge St. Sheppard Ave exit
**Driving & Parking:**
Parking Entrance to Yonge Sheppard Centre is located on Greenfield Avenue and Doris Avenue. Accessible parking is available on P1, P3 and Concourse. Be sure to check for parking limits or fees.
**Location:**
We gather around the tables in the food court near Jimmy the Greek. If you spot a group of people with laptops out, that’s probably us!
**RSVP:**
Please do RSVP. But be advised that seating is first-come, first-served, even if you have RSVP'd. Seats are not reserved and we can't control how many other people are in the cafe.
**SCHEDULE:**
12:45 to 1:15 PM: Arrive and get settled in -- come in early if you want to get lunch.
1:15 to 2:15 PM: Write in silence for an hour.
\*\*If you arrive after 1:15, please silently find your own place to sit. We'll welcome you to join the group at 2:15.\*\*
2:15 PM: Introduce yourself. We'll go in a circle; just say your name and 1–2 sentences about what you're writing.
(E.g., "I'm Rudolph and I'm writing a non-fiction book about red-nosed reindeer.")
2:20 PM onwards: Chat, hang out, keep writing if you want, leave whenever.
The World of Charles Dickens: Toronto 1842! Hosted by Charles Dickens (NEW)
**THIS IS THE LAST TOUR BEFORE CHRISTMAS. I WISH YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THE VERY BEST FOR 2026. LET'S MAKE THE NEW YEAR A YEAR OF PEACE, UNDERSTANDING, FRIENDSHIP AND COMPANIONSHIP. AT TORONTO HISTORY WALKS LETS BRIDGE THE GAP AND MAKE CERTAIN EVERYONE HAS A PLACE.**
\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*
\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email**
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
**for more information or for signing up!\*\***
\*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:**
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
Yesterday it was a guided tour of Cedarvale Ravine with Ernest Hemingway, now it's the great British writer Charles Dickens who will conduct our last tour before Christmas. And this special walking tour will explore Toronto in 1842 during his world tour. He loved Toronto. Think a Christmas Carol. Think Toronto and a Christmas Carol. There is a link!
After visiting Toronto, the Scrooge character appeared in print to astonished readers. Several sites in the downtown core have a direct history and link to the writer, so come along on a magic voyage of discovery with Dickens himself and explore a world of literature and culture in old Toronto.
From the American Hotel at the corner of Front and Yonge to the dining halls of the rich and famous, this tour will ring in the holidays and put a smile on your face. Ok so it's not exactly the happy tour, but it's very similar.
And maybe he might even read a little from his famous book "A Christmas Carol." Here's hoping. If you want Dickens' to read during the tour, send a comment below! That could be a great ending, a little Christmas magic to go!
We begin this walking adventure at the dog fountain at Berczy Park on the north side of the fountain, Wellington Street East.
This tour has a ticket price of $15.00! per person!
\*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:**
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
Christmas Lights of Baby Point! (RETURN FOR A 5TH SEASON)
\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email**
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
**for more information or for signing up!\*\***
\*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:**
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
Let's explore one of Toronto's iconic districts and kick off the Christmas season with a walk that recaptures the feeling of the holidays.
Residents go above and beyond when decorating their homes and property. The lights are exceptional and deserve to be shown off, so let's look at some of the most popular neighbourhoods when it comes to Christmas lights.
And create a little Christmas magic in the meantime!
The tour begins at the southwest corner of Jane Street and Bloor Street West across from the **Jane Subway Station.**
This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person.
\*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:**
**torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**
Christmas Special Fast Friending: Meet new friends! (21-35/Happy Hours)
The holiday season can be a beautiful time, but it can also feel a little lonely—especially in a busy city. Our Christmas Special Fast Friending is the perfect place to step out, meet new people, and share some festive cheer.
Fast Friending makes it easy to start conversations and build meaningful friendships. Join us for an evening filled with warmth, laughter, and the joy of meeting like-minded people. Let’s celebrate the season together and make this Christmas a little brighter with the gift of new connections.
**Book tickets now & save money -**
[https://toro20thdec.eventbrite.co.uk](https://toro20thdec.eventbrite.co.uk)
\*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account.
EVENT COST:
Early Bird - CAD$ 10 per person
Regular Ticket - CAD$ 15 per person
Cash at meetup - If you have not purchased your ticket in advance then you can pay CAD$ 20 cash when you meet Tanya at the venue.
**Our venue for the evening** \- Stout Irish Pub is spacious\, has comfortable seating and not very noisy\. We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment\.
**Here's how your evening is planned -**
\- We will meet at 7\.00 pm when you will be welcomed by your host Tanya\. She will manage the evening and also help you make connections\.
If you are a bit shy or anxious then please come early. Tanya will help you meet other members in a small group and help you settle down and get comfortable. All attendees are also welcome to bring a lady friend along with them for free. This will make it a lot less stressful for you as you will always have your friend alongside.
\- From 7\.30 to 8\.30 pm\, we will start 'Fast Friending' where our host will ask you to speak to a different attendee every 3 minutes\. You will be able to meet lots of ladies and gentlemen and not be limited to only those sitting or standing next you\.
\- After 8\.30 pm you will have time to interact with those you have met as well as others\.
\- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\!
\- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\.
\- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 21 to 35 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\.
\- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\.
**Why do we have tickets?**
1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication.
2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved.
3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)-
We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk).
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas.
\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-
**Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.**
Secrets for socialising at our meetups - [https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx](https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx)
Making new friends -[ https://bit.ly/455TsWY](https://bit.ly/455TsWY)
How to make people like you instantly - [https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT](https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT)
Members review - [https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d](https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d)
Detective Stories Events Near You
Connect with your local Detective Stories community
Shut Up & Write!™ Easton Town Center
We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator.
Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking!
• What we'll do
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings.
Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done.
SCHEDULE:
10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros.
10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour.
11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing.
OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing.
BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer.
Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you!
• What to bring
Whatever you need to be able to write!
Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible.
See you at The Café on Saturday!
Shut Up & Write!® Easton Town Center
We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator.
Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking!
• What we'll do
Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays.
Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done.
SCHEDULE:
12:00 - quick intros.
12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour.
1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing.
OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing.
BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer.
Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you!
• What to bring
Whatever you need to be able to write!
Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible.
See you at The Café on Sunday!
Thriller Tuesday: THE HOUSEMAID at Cinemark Stoneridge!
Who doesn't enjoy a twisted tale to go along with their holiday cheer!? Join us as we get together for a psychological thriller and quite possibly the biggest book-to-film release this year: THE HOUSEMAID! The twisty-turny tale follows a young woman who takes a job as a housekeeper for a well-to-do family who could harboring dark secrets! Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: Trying to escape her past, a young woman accepts a job as a live-in housemaid for a wealthy couple. But what begins as a dream job quickly unravels into something far more dangerous - a sexy, seductive game of secrets, scandal, power and filled with shocking twists that will leave you guessing until the very end. The Housemaid is directed by Paul Feig (A Simple Favor) and based on the first in a series of books by Freida McFadden. The film stars Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48CtX6OgU3s
BUZZ: Early buzz is strong with critics calling it an "entertaining,” "twisty" and suspenseful psychological thriller with non-stop twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end!
PLAN: Details for this event have already been confirmed! Please purchase your ticket for the 7:15pm showing and we’ll meet in the lobby area between 6:45 and 7:00pm! This fun little twisted thriller is shaping up to be the surprise hit of the season so advance ticket purchase as soon as possible is advised! Once you have yours please list your seat number in the Comments below. The theaters are pausing “Discount Tuesday” pricing for the holidays but we picked some of the lowest price tickets in town!
Look forward to seeing you there, Dan
Speak Easy (Storytelling)
The topic for January is "Chemistry"
Speak Easy: true stories, told live.
The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 7:00 pm, show starts at 7:30 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast.
Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect.
The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!
Soul of an Octopus
We will be having an open discussion of the book "the Soul of an Octopus" by Sy Montgomery.
[this is the amazon link for this book](https://a.co/d/1bRn8h4)
December Book Club/White Elephant Book Exchange
Welcome, readers! ❄️
Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._**
A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy.
Looking forward to discussing with everyone!
At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place!
If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book.
We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.**
Happy reading! 📖
Oscar Watch International: THE SECRET AGENT at the Gateway Film Center!
Join us as we get the New Year started with one of the best films of the year: THE SECRET AGENT! This political thriller from Brazil is set in 1977 where a man flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown but soon finds the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event:
DESCRIPTION: In 1977, a former professor flees from a mysterious past and returns to his hometown of Recife in search of peace. He soon realizes that the city is far from being the refuge he seeks. The film stars Wagner Moura, Carlos Francisco, Tânia Maria, Robério Diógenes, Maria Fernanda Cândido, Gabriel Leone and Udo Kier in his final film role.
TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UfrzDKrhEc
BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The Secret Agent was the most awarded film at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won Best Actor for Wagner Moura, Best Director for Mendonça Filho, the Art House Cinema Award and the FIPRESCI Prize. At this year’s Golden Globes, it became Brazil’s first film ever to be nominated for Best Film (Drama)! It also received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Foreign Film, a Best Actor nomination for Wagner Moura and was selected as Brazil’s entry for Best International Film at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is receiving an incredible 99% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes where critics say, its “compelling script, impeccable acting, and striking 1970s aesthetic” make it “impossible to look away!” Critics say The Secret Agent is “one of the few standout movies of the year” and the Chicago Tribune calls it a “masterpiece of a film” and “the best film of the year!”
PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night!
PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will meet in the lobby area about 30 minutes before showtime! With this being a limited release film, we’ll tentatively plan to see it at the Gateway, but location may change based on where it is showing and the showtimes available. Once details are confirmed, advance ticket is advised. Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. Showtime, location and complete details will be confirmed and announced as the date gets closer.
Happy New Year and look forward to seeing you there, Dan




















