Closer by Sea (Google Books ⧉, Amazon ⧉, Bookshop ⧉)

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

“Can you make out this last one to me?” I ask Perry Chafe, a Canadian TV writer and producer on the hit shows Republic of Doyle and Son of a Critch. Chafe lives here on the island, and he’s stopped by to sign copies of his debut novel, Closer by Sea. I’ve requested an advance reading copy from the publisher but it hasn’t come in. “I promise I’ll buy it on my lunch break!” I tell him. I gather up all the copies of the book we have in stock for him to sign—not nearly enough!—and he’s a true pleasure to deal with, open and friendly. “I’ll sign this book for you, Charlene,” Chafe tells me, “but only if you let me buy it for you.”