Newsletter Sign Up
The Writing Life / Festival Insider / News & Gossips
Helen Walsh
Bio
Helen Walsh’s debut novel, Pull Focus, published September 7, 2021 by ECW Press in North America and October 7, 2021 in the UK.
Pull Focus was named by Kirkus to their Best of 2022 Mystery & Thriller list.
Walsh is also the founder and president of Diaspora Dialogues, a charitable organization that supports writers to turn their craft into a career, through mentorship, professional development, and opportunities to present and publish their work.
Previously, Walsh was publisher and president of the Literary Review of Canada, a monthly book review magazine; director of Spur, a festival of politics, arts and ideas; and a film writer & producer in Canada and the US.
Pull Focus
Publisher: ECW Press
Release Date: Sept 7, 2021 (Canada/US); Oct 7/2021 (UK)
Jane has been appointed interim director of a film festival after her boss is removed for sexual harassment. Knives are out all around her, as factions within the community want to see her fail. At the same time, her partner, a fund manager, disappears, and strange women appear uttering threats about misused funds. Yet the festival must go on. As Jane struggles to juggle all the balls she’s been handed and survive in one piece, she discovers unlikely allies and that she’s stronger than she thinks. Pull Focus wraps the #metoo issues in the entertainment industry in a thrilling story.
“Two thumbs up for action, suspense, and lust.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“[An] accomplished thriller debut […] Walsh’s expert knowledge of the film industry, the corporate world, and the ruthlessness of players in both adds arresting verisimilitude to this novel. Great for fans of Britt Lind’s Deception & Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Malibu Rising.” – Publishers Weekly, Booklife
“Amazingly propulsive […] A masterclass debut that shows Walsh as a talent to watch.” – Off the Record (UK)
“Fall 2021 Must Read.” – Chatelaine Magazine, The Miramachi Reader, 49th Shelf, Film Daily, and more.
“2021 Holiday Gift Recommendation” – Canadian Living Magazine.
Available now!