A retired Canadian lawyer's latest book is in the spotlight in a free Thursday event
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By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM News
Cobourg
The Reader's Nook in downtown Cobourg is hosting a Thursday evening author event just made for true crime lovers – an exploration of John L. Hill's book Acts Of Darkness.
Cobourg resident Hill is a retired Canadian lawyer known for his work in criminal and prison law, having handled a number of high-profile cases – some involving solitary confinement and wrongful convictions.
From the chilling crimes of Paul Bernardo and the unrepentant violence of Michael McGray, to the calculated schemes of Edwin Alonzo Boyd, Helmuth Buxbaum and Gilbert Galvan, Acts of Darkness unravels the lives of some of Canada’s most notorious offenders.
The 7 p.m. event features Hill in conversation with another local author, Shane Peacock – who has a new crime novel of his own, A Place of Secrets.
“John is a really interesting man with fascinating stories to tell, a 'prison lawyer' who has defended many people both accused and convicted of murder, some high profile ones, and is an advocate for prison reform,” Peacock said.
Hill is a triple graduate of Queen’s University with degrees in political science and law, and he also holds an LL.M. in Constitutional Law from Osgoode Hall. He has written extensively, including the book Pine Box Parole, where he examines how the prison system can exacerbate criminal behaviour.
He continues to write about crime and imprisonment and is nominated for a 2025 Crime Writers of Canada award.
True crime lovers, mark your calendar for Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at Reader's Nook, 29 King St. W.
