In George Mercer's mystery novels predators can be both human and animal.

George seems to be the quintessential Canadian author; he worked as a Park Warden for Canada's national parks system and now he writes about the fictional mysteries that take place in those parks.

George and I live on the same island off British Columbia's coast and it was great to chat with him about his career, his books, and his inspiration for more stories about the wild, sometimes forgotten places, in Canada's wilderness.

In the introduction I mention that this is the final episode of It's a Mystery Podcast for a while. I have enjoyed myself enormously in the last two years interviewing nearly 70 authors from around the globe.

When I had the idea for show in late 2015 it seemed like it would be a win for everyone: for you, the listeners, who would learn about new books and authors; for the authors themselves who would have an opportunity to shine a light on their books; and not least of all for me. My intention was to meet other authors and create a community of people I knew who are as passionate about writing as I am. I'm happy to say, that's what happened.

I keep in touch with many of the authors I've interviewed over these last two years. It has been a joy getting to know a bit about all of them through our interview together. There is a wealth of creative talent and energy in the world, and I'm so grateful, as I'm sure you are, that these writers take the time, effort and energy to bring us stories that touch our lives.

Thank you for being a part of this adventure for the past couple of years. It has been tremendous fun for me. I hope you enjoyed the interviews as much as I did. ;-)

All the episodes from It's a Mystery Podcast will remain available from the podcast page, and also on iTunes and YouTube, so if you happen to find the show after we've gone off the air, never fear! You can still learn more about the authors I've interviewed, and about their books of course.

This episode of It's a Mystery Podcast is sponsored by the brand new Town Called Horse short mystery, Water Horse.

The Town Called Horse is reeling when its connection to the outside world is cut off. Arthur ‘Sully’ Sullivan’s passenger and freight ship has burned in the night. There are no witnesses, no clues, and any evidence that might have existed has been swallowed by the lake.

You can find out more about today's guest, George Mercer, and all his books on his website GeorgeMercer.com. You can also find him on Twitter @egeorgemercer.Links and resources mentioned in this episode

Click on any of the book covers to go to George's books on Amazon

We mention Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series and also Paul Doiron's Maine game warden series

George mentions some of the parks he's worked in, including Cape Breton Highlands, and Wood Buffalo.

You can read the prologue of George's next book, Fat Cats, here, and also Chapter One here.

Geroge's site about nature, WriteNature.com

Press play (above) to listen to the show, or read the transcript below. Remember you can also subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts. And listen on Stitcher.

You can also click here to watch the interview on YouTube.

Transcription of Interview with George MercerAlexandra: Hi, Mystery readers. I'm Alexandra Amor. This is "It's a Mystery" podcast, and I'm here today with George Mercer. Hi, George.

George: Hi. How are you doing, Alexandra?

Alexandra: Very well. How are you today?

George: Great.

Alexandra: You've got a gorgeous background there. You're in British Columbia as well, aren't you, like I am?

George: Yeah, just outside of Sidney, on the Saanich Peninsula. So, looking out at the stormy southeast winds blowing in on town.

Alexandra: It has been quite a stormy time, hasn't it, lately on the west coast?

George: Yeah, and I was just sort of getting updated on the earthquake last night. I don't think we felt it here, although I think I woke up and walked around the ho...