The third book in the Grondère series by local author, Kathryn Adams, has just been published in time for Christmas! Make sure to buy a few copies as gifts and/or yourself. And make sure to take part in our competition to win a signed copy through the link at the bottom of the article.
The first book in the series, Death in Grondère, was followed by Summer Shadows in Grondère. Now you can get your hands on this hot-off-the-press Winter Wolves in Grondère! We asked Kathryn a few more questions about this latest endeavor and get first-hand news of a possible 4th one... stay tuned!
Kathryn, where do you get your inspiration?
Right here on my doorstep. The beauty of this country and the natural world are big sources of inspiration. Every time I look out the window or go for a hike or a ski, the ideas flood in and I just want to share what I'm seeing and feeling. But I also love people and I am constantly observing and making mental notes.
This is your 3rd book in the Grondère series. Do you have plans for any more?
I thought I would stop at three but I visited somewhere I didn't even know existed and inspiration struck. Mines of Mystery in Grondère is the working title.
The storyline
A body lies at the foot of one of the most formidable off-piste ski routes in Grondère, just as the cry of a wolf is heard for the first time in the Swiss resort. Accident or murder? The police are baffled as to who could be behind the death of one of Grondère’s popular residents. At least, for once, Lucy and her friends have no links to this new mystery. Or do they? As the wolf begins to make its presence felt, it turns out not to be the only predator in town. Lucy and her friends are about to find themselves at the heart of a cruel intrigue whose roots are far-reaching — and dangerous.
We have recently found out about a digital design greeting card website based in Switzerland. It is run by a local entrepreneur and there are currently 7 designers, some feature doggy related designs too!
Most cards run between Fr. 3.- and Fr. 10.- but some are even available for a limited time for free. Help support our local entrepreneurs by choosing this alternative paperless greeting system.
Designdog.ch is an online pop-up shop which sells digital cards designed by a team of canine artists. Each dog has their own trademark designs. It is available only for a certain period. Limited edition and paper-free! The site currently shows designs for Christmas and New Year.
The idea of sending unique digital card greetings to family and friends was conceptualized by a local entrepreneur during a recent Covid lockdown as a way to allow people communicate easily, quickly, and in a fun, cool way.
Next pop-up schedule: Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day.
A blank canvas? Isn’t there a design missing? What is Swiss Post trying to tell us with this special stamp – which is undoubtedly the right name for it? The answer to the puzzle is as striking as it is obvious. Canvas is the classic backcloth for paintings and, as such, has come to symbolize art in general.
Because it’s blank, it represents art not yet created – perhaps due to a lack of funding. Swiss Post has been promoting and collecting contemporary art since 1924. The collection that it has put together comprises around 400 works and a nationwide portfolio of art in architecture pieces. In 2020, a new art strategy was devised.
The new commitment to art is based on three spheres: the art collection, art in architecture and a partnership with art events in the periphery. Swiss Post plays a pioneering role when it comes to corporate art collections and promoting culture in Switzerland – and that’s exactly what the new special stamp set aims to raise awareness of. The first in the series is this stamp dedicated to Swiss Post’s traditional art collection. Switzerland has never had a stamp made purely of canvas before. That’s why a making-of film was also produced for this very special stamp.
Rocky's Adventure Hardcover – July 21, 2021
by Katrina Syran (Author), Martina Selway (Illustrator)
When we found about that a local author, Katrina Syran from Rolle, had recently published a children's book, we just had to know more!
We caught up with Katrina and she explained that Rocky is real, and the book is based upon a true story. She is even offering one lucky knowitall.ch reader a signed copy. Read down to find out how you can buy some as Christmas presents too.
The story
Rocky is a naughty parrot who lives in Switzerland with his family. One day after his family places his cage on their balcony so he can enjoy watching other birds, Rocky escapes and flies away with his green parrot girlfriend.
Rocky loves exploring the outside world. But soon after he and his girlfriend fly into a forest, Rocky is captured by a big man who takes him home and clips his wings. Frightened and feeling quite alone, Rocky realizes he misses his wonderful family. Will he ever find his way back home to reunite with those he loves?
In this tale of courage and hope inspired by a true story, a domestic parrot living in Switzerland escapes from his cage and embarks on an unexpected adventure full of danger and surprises.
When we heard that we know about another local author from our area, Michel Chevallier, we had to find out more about this thriller. At the moment the book is only in French but we hope it will become a bestseller and soon be translated in English for those of you interested!
The story takes place in 1935 Rome. "Rome est une femme" (Rome is a Woman) follows the footsteps of Cesare, a 21-year-old policeman, whose investigation into the murder of a young woman found on the beach of Ostia leads him to cross the history of the Eternal City and to confront the Fascist power to solve the crime.
In his multiple itineraries, Cesare investigates the murderer, his filiation and his sexuality. He travels through Rome, where the contrast between state and religion are obvious. He approaches intriguing women and confronts the vulgarity of daily life under totalitarian rule.
His mentor, the police chief Gaetano, leads him through this investigation. Cesare embarks on an emotional journey through his own past. Everything changes when the solution to the crime brings Cesare and Gaetano face to face with the the chief of the regime's police force, who makes them unwilling accomplices.
Michel tells us about his own background
I always knew that if I wrote a book, it would be about Rome. Rome is at the crossroad of history, gods, earthly and terrestrial divinities, it is rooted in mythology and reality. Besides, my wife is from Rome and I have a strong emotional link to the city.
I started writing after a break in my professionnal life that affected me. I needed to express myself, event though the story I wrote has nothing to do with what actually happened to me.
