For our 2024 holiday release, The Stygian Society presents a charming departure from our typical fare. The Christmas Bird Diary, written by Montreal author Matt Poll, is a cozy mystery that brings a warm, supernatural twist to the holiday season. Set against the snowy backdrop of 1960s Montreal, this heartwarming tale is perfect for readers of all ages.
A Familiar Holiday Story with a Touch of Mystery
The Christmas Bird Diary follows Mairin Lang, a university student returning home for the holidays. What starts as a typical family Christmas takes a turn when Mairin uncovers her late grandfather Murray’s ornithological diary. What begins as a nostalgic exploration of family history soon becomes an intriguing mystery with a supernatural edge.
This publication marks a shift for us at The Stygian Society, venturing into cozy mystery territory while still maintaining that unique touch that has become synonymous with our press.
Bilingual Edition and Local Flavor
For the first time, we’re releasing a publication in both English and French: The Christmas Bird Diary and Le carnet de l’oiseau de Noël. This bilingual release celebrates our commitment to connecting with readers across Canada and Montreal, particularly showcasing the city’s charm and history.
This book also signals our move into ‘new classics’—works that bring fresh storytelling to the table while carving out a new place in the literary world. We’re excited to introduce readers to a different side of our press, one where mystery and heartwarming tales mix with a subtle supernatural twist.
Montreal Connections
At its heart, The Christmas Bird Diary is a love letter to Montreal. Set in familiar locations such as NDG, Villa Maria, the Redpath Museum, and McGill University, the story grounds itself in the city’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere. The author, Matt Poll, has a deep connection to Montreal, and the illustrator, Dan Svatek, is a lifelong friend of Poll's.
Together, Poll and Svatek bring this story to life, merging their shared love of birding and their lifelong friendship into a narrative perfect for the Christmas season.
The Christmas Bird Diary promises to be a Montreal Christmas classic, a tale that will appeal to readers who crave mystery, nostalgia, and a touch of the supernatural.
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