Shelley Grandy’s ‘Devious Web’ sets a tech whodunit in Toronto and cottage country

Canadian author Shelley Grandy’s mystery novel “Devious Web” mixes a Toronto startup, Ontario cottage country and a murder investigation into a summer read aimed at fans of tech-driven suspense. The book’s local settings, political backdrop and wide distribution give it reach beyond the traditional mystery audience.

Why it matters: - “Devious Web” leans on recognizable Toronto and Georgian Bay settings, which can make the mystery feel more grounded for readers. - The novel blends business, politics, family conflict and murder, widening its appeal beyond a standard whodunit. - Simon & Schuster is distributing the book worldwide, giving the title broad access through major and independent retailers.

What happened: - Canadian author Shelley Grandy wrote “Devious Web,” a mystery novel centered on Toronto and Ontario’s cottage country. - The book follows tech CEO Tom Oliver as he comes under attack while weighing a sale of his Toronto-based data analytics startup to a Silicon Valley AI company. - Tom’s friend, homicide detective Jason Liu, investigates the case as colleagues and family members come under suspicion. - The novel is available in paperback, ebook and audiobook editions. - Readers can learn more at more information.

The details: - Grandy says she visited every location in the novel, including Toronto, Georgian Bay cottage country and North Carolina, to make the settings feel authentic. - A five-star Amazon.ca review singled out the Toronto setting as rare in fiction and well suited to a whodunit thriller. - Grandy’s background includes work as a journalist, corporate communications director and founder of a high-tech PR firm. - The book launched just before the 2024 U.S. presidential election. - The story touches on business and political issues that have since become more prominent in the news, including gerrymandering of U.S. voting districts. - Publishers Weekly BookLife Reviews called the book “A thrilling and well-crafted read that will captivate fans of tech-driven mysteries.” - Midwest Book Review said the novel builds a complex story with twists, tension and character connections that surprise even experienced mystery readers. - Additional reviews are available on Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes & Noble and Indigo. - Grandy’s social profiles are available on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Between the lines: - Grandy is positioning the novel as both a travel-tinged escape and a contemporary business thriller. - The emphasis on real locations and current political themes suggests an effort to make the story feel timely and familiar. - Comparisons to “The Lincoln Lawyer” and “Suits” point to a crossover between legal, corporate and character-driven drama.

What's next: - Grandy says she hopes readers enjoy the book whether they are on staycation or traveling. - Continued reviews and word-of-mouth could help the novel reach readers who follow tech, politics and destination-based fiction. - The book remains available through online booksellers, major retailers and independent bookstores.

The bottom line: - “Devious Web” is being sold as a locally rooted, tech-forward mystery with broad commercial distribution and timely themes.