Ice Blues

Richard Stevenson (4 March 1952 - 18 October 2023) was a Canadian teacher and poet. Stevenson taught English at Lethbridge College in Lethbridge, Alberta, and also taught for a couple of years in Nigeria. Stevenson held degrees in English and creative writing from the University of Victoria and University of British Columbia. He was also a musician with the young adult group Sasquatch and the jazz/poetry ensemble Naked Ear. Stevenson was an accomplished writer, publishing more than 40 works of poetry, haiku, and fiction, with five titles forthcoming posthumously. A former editor-in-chief of PRISM international, he served in various editorial, jury, and writing and arts group executive capacities over the years. Stevenson's reviews and poems have appeared in hundreds of magazines, anthologies, e-zines, and journals published in Canada, the United States, and overseas. Richard received the following awards during his distinguished literary career: Norma Epstein Award for Creative Writing (co-winner), 1983. Vancouver Literary Storefront Chapbook Award, 1983. Stephan G. Stephansson Award for Poetry, for the book, From the Mouths of Angels. The award is bestowed annually by the Writers' Guild of Alberta. ACIFA Excellence in Promoting Student Learning Award, 1996. Pyrowords' Literary Rose Award, 1997.Second Prize, Sketches of Miles Contest, 2001.

A Donald Strachey Mystery, Book 3 - Shocked to discover the body of the grandson of the godfather of Albany's political machine in his car, P.I. Donald Strachey knows he is in for trouble. But when he learns that the murder victim left a $2.5 million legacy with instructions that it be used to destroy that machine, along with a personal letter to Strachey asking for his help, his suspicions are confirmed.Faced with power-brokers at all levels, Albany's only gay P.I. tries to fulfill the dead man's mission-with his own survival at stake.Written over a period of three decades, the Donald Strachey series authentically chronicles gay life as it unfolded in upstate New York. An author's note is included."As a mystery novel this is thoroughly satisfactory. Mr. Stevenson plots well, makes sharp observations about people, and has a literate, sophisticated writing style that is often spiked with humor." - New York Times Book Review"An entirely unpredictable, witty, and raunchy adventure." - Publishers Weekly"Stevenson is also a good writer of fine wit, and his asides are as good as his story." - Philadelphia Gay News¿¿"Sassy and sexy ... Don Strachey is a private dick who really earns his title." - Armistead Maupin