Eugene Meese set his debut mystery novel A Magpie's Smile during a frenetic eight days in 1977 Calgary, an oil-crazy town experiencing its first economic boom. Meese, who lived in Calgary and saw the effects of that boom first-hand, tackled his story with gusto, not to mention careful (some might say superhuman) attention to detail — even making sure that the descriptions of the weather were as accurate as possible.

Readers and reviewers all responded enthusiastically, and now Meese has been rewarded with a nomination for Best First Novel at the Crime Writers of Canada's 2010 Arthur Ellis Awards  — think of them as the Canadian equivalent of the Edgars, and it puts Meese in excellent, murder-minded company indeed.

The winner will be announced on May 27 during a ceremony at the Mysteriously Yours Dinner Theatre in Toronto. For the full shortlist and more information about the ceremony, click here.