MISSISSAUGA LIBRARIES HOLD KEY TO UNLOCKING SECRETS IN NEW MYSTERY NOVEL

Saturday, 25 February 2012 12:35

Literary

Flyers posted at local libraries contain passwords needed to access clues in interactive serial novel

[Mississauga, Ontario] - Josh Martin's new online mystery novel, Run, is full of twists, turns and a whole lot of secrets. In addition to weekly chapters posted on his website, www.PlotHinge.com, Martin is also making bonus
content available on password-protected pages. The content on these pages will help readers unravel some of the story's secrets, answering questions like: Just who is the Man in Charge? Why is Will being chased? And, can Isabella really be trusted?

So where might one find the password to access these pages? For that, Martin has teamed up with libraries across Canada-including all 18 branches of the Mississauga Library System-who have agreed to post the password on their community bulletin boards. Blurring the line between the virtual and physical world like this is another way Martin is trying to make his suspense thriller stand out.

How the weekly installments unfold is another unique aspect of Martin's literary project. At the end of each chapter the story is left at a cliff hanger with the story able to progress in a couple different directions. Martin
then connects the story to an upcoming, real-world event (the weather, election results, winner of a hockey game, etc.). The outcome of that event decides which direction the plot will proceed and the following chapter will be written accordingly.

For example, the chapter leading up to Groundhog Day ended like this:

"February 2nd is Groundhog Day. As the superstition goes, depending on whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow will determine how much longer winter will be. Wiarton Willie is a popular groundhog from Wiarton, Ontario and a perfect Plot Hinge to kick things off. So here's how we'll decide how chapter 1 unfolds:

1) If Wiarton Willie sees his shadow on February 2nd then there will be fresh snow on the ground in which Will has left his footprints. The Man in Charge will spot his tracks and find him at Tina's house.

2) If, however, Wiarton Willie does not see his shadow, then the man will not spot Will's footprints, allowing Will and Tina to avoid being discovered."

So while it's a fictional story, the plot hinges on these real-world events, outside of the author's control. New chapters to Run are posted each Thursday and will continue until the end of June 2012. The chapters are quick and action-packed with an emphasis on keeping the suspense alive. Participation is free with readers able to subscribe to receive email notifications whenever a new chapter is posted.

The password available at participating libraries will allow readers to access regularly updated bonus content including clues, character profiles and background information not publically available. A full list of participating locations can be found online at http://plothinge.com/bonus-content-2/safehouse-secrets/

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS IN MISSISSAUGA

• Mississauga Central Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Burnhamthorpe Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Churchill Meadows Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Clarkson Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Cooksville Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Courtneypark Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Erin Meadows Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Frank McKechnie Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Lakeview Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Lorne Park Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Malton Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Meadowvale Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Mississauga Valley Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Port Credit Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Sheridan Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• South Common Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Streetsville Library, Mississauga, Ontario
• Woodlands Library, Mississauga, Ontario