Malabarista

Garry Ryan

Garry Ryan was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta. He received a BEd and a diploma in Educational Psychology from the University of Calgary, and taught English and creative writing to junior high and high school students until he retired in 2009. That same year, Ryan received the Calgary Freedom of Expression Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the local arts community.

Ryan’s debut Detective Lane novel, Queen’s Park (2004), sprang from a desire to write a mystery that would highlight the unique spirit and diverse locations of his hometown. The follow-up, The Lucky Elephant Restaurant (2006), won the 2007 Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Mystery. A Hummingbird Dance (2008) helped cement a loyal following for Ryan’s books in North America and overseas. In 2011, the fourth Detective Lane novel, Smoked, was shortlisted for the Alberta Readers’ Choice Award and nominated for the Lambda Literary Award for Best Gay Mystery.