Alumni Book Nook: Anthony Bidulka (BA’83, BEd’91, BComm’91)

University of Saskatchewan (USask) graduate Anthony Bidulka (BA’83, BEd’91, BComm’91) is an award-winning author of mystery, suspense, and thriller novels who has toured extensively throughout Canada and the United States. Following a career as a chartered professional accountant in Saskatoon, Bidulka turned to writing full-time in 2001. His second book, Flight of Aquavit, was awarded the Lambda Literary Award for Best Men’s Mystery, making him the first Canadian to win in that category. His book Going to Beautiful was awarded the Crime Writers of Canada Award of Excellence as Canada’s Best Crime Novel for 2023. Bidulka has written more than a dozen books, including 2025’s Home Fires Burn. QUANT is his latest mystery novel and his 16th book. It was released on Sept. 30, 2026.

A great believer in community involvement, Bidulka has sat on the boards of local, national, and international organizations, including Persephone Theatre, the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild, Crime Writers of Canada, the International Association of Crime Writers, Remai Modern Gala Modern, and The Word On The Street Saskatoon. He received the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Nation Builders Award and was named, along with his husband Herb McFaull, Saskatoon Citizen of the Year. For his promotion of Saskatchewan through his writing, co-founding Camp fYrefly Saskatchewan—a leadership retreat for gender and sexually diverse and allied youth—and his widespread volunteer and philanthropic efforts in the community, Bidulka was honoured by the selection of a two-part park in Saskatoon named Bidulka Park and Bidulka Park North.

Bidulka is a proud USask alumnus who remains actively involved with his alma mater. USask has inducted him into the College of Education Wall of Honour and has presented him with the College of Arts and Science Alumni of Influence Award. Thanks to a generous donation from Bidulka and McFaull, Residence Services at USask officially launched the Queer Housing Lounge in the fall of 2024. It was designed to provide students living in Queer Housing with a community space where they can feel safe, supported, and comfortable in their home during the academic year. Bidulka previously served on the USask Alumni Advisory Board and chaired the USask Alumni Achievement Awards committee. He is currently a member of the College of Education Dean's Ambassador Circle.

Here, Bidulka talks about QUANT and what inspired him to write it.

What is the focus of your new book?

Dealing with grave family matters and personal challenges, PI Russell Quant returns to his hometown of Howell, Saskatchewan. On a perfect spring day, the body of a beloved local resident is found at the bottom of a gorge. There’s a suicide note. Russell begins to question the cause of death and wonders if the bucolic village he once knew is hiding a more sinister reality. Russell searches for the truth, from Canadian prairie to Caribbean paradise. As a once-peaceful farming community struggles to survive, deception and greed wage war against resilience, hope, and family legacy.

Why would you recommend your book to USask alumni?

The Russell Quant books are more than mysteries; they are tales about people and places that are underrepresented in the Canadian mystery genre and may particularly appeal to USask alumni because of the Saskatchewan setting.

Did your education at USask play a role in researching and/or writing this book?

My skills as a teacher and knowledge of financial matters are key to a writing career.

Why did you decide to write this book?

1. Writing stories about underrepresented people.
2. Writing stories about underrepresented places.
3. Entertain readers.
4. Highlight Saskatchewan.
5. Telling a good whodunit.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

An Anthony Bidulka book reading experience: Come for the mystery, stay for the heart and humour.