Old friends, new enemies—Denny Durant’s toughest story yet.

Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding ride as Denny dives headfirst into a dangerous new story. This time, his investigation leads him into the shadowy world of one of his old friends from Afghanistan—elite infantry officer Mike McPhee. It’s a connection that could spark chaos.

With danger lurking at every turn, Denny’s determination will push him to the edge in a race against time. Will he uncover the truth, or will this story be his undoing? Find out in this thrilling, high-stakes adventure!

Full Synopsis Buy Book

The Author

C.J. Fournier is a journalist and crime writer. He has lived and worked in Berlin, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London and Montreal. The Freelancer is his first novel. He lives in Ottawa.

Full Bio Buy “The Pathfinder”

News & Events

C.J. Fournier Wins the 2026 Toby Award for Best Canadian Mystery

May 26, 2026 | News

The Pathfinder, Book 2 in the Denny Durant Montréal Crime Series, has won the 2026 Toby Award for Best Canadian Mystery.

What Readers Are Saying About The Freelancer

“Loved the book. A real page turner with great characters, easy to imagine settings for any Montrealer, and an action-packed ending. There’s a bit of Denny Durant in every male reporter.”

Theo Argitis

“Loved the book. A real page turner with great characters, easy to imagine settings for any Montrealer, and an action-packed ending. There’s a bit of Denny Durant in every male reporter.” Theo Argitis

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book—a fantastic read. I loved the structure of the story and how it was written. The characters and the places in which they orbited were real and enduring. The book was fast moving, a real page turner and the ending of each chapter was masterful—it required real fortitude to put the book down.”

John Hanly

“Riveting detective tale in a Montreal ‘painted to perfection’ with real life gems linked to journalism and human relationships.”

Noreen Walsh

“Riveting detective tale in a Montreal ‘painted to perfection’ with real life gems linked to journalism and human relationships.”Noreen Walsh

“The Freelancer is a fun read, written in a style that fans of Travis McGee novels (by John D. MacDonald) will likely enjoy.’’

A.E. Pittman

“The Freelancer is a fun read, written in a style that fans of Travis McGee novels (by John D. MacDonald) will likely enjoy.’’A.E. Pittman

“The Freelancer is a satisfying read, carried by interesting characters and an intricate plot filled with twists and turns.”

Neil Turner, Goodreads review

“The Freelancer is a satisfying read, carried by interesting characters and an intricate plot filled with twists and turns.”Neil Turner, Goodreads review

“Definitely a page turner with fast paced twists and turns.”

B.A. Stellarton, Amazon review

“Watch out Ian Rankin, Mr. Fournier is your new competition.”

MadMax, Amazon review

“Love the characters. Love the city! A refreshing new style to a well-trodden genre.”

Stephen, Amazon review

“Loved it! Devoured in one sitting.”

Diane Rieken, Amazon review

“A fast-paced, suspenseful read with many twists and hold-your-breath moments.”

JSC, Amazon review

“A fast-paced modern take on a well-known genre. If you like Montreal you will love this book.”

Paul B, Amazon review

“Do yourself a favour and spend a Saturday following Denny Durant, the observant protagonist of Fournier’s The Freelancer, as he tracks down leads in Montreal’s underworld.”

Catherine, Amazon review

“Do yourself a favour and spend a Saturday following Denny Durant, the observant protagonist of Fournier’s The Freelancer, as he tracks down leads in Montreal’s underworld.”Catherine, Amazon review

“I highly recommend this book.”

Ann M, Amazon review

“Fournier has woven a hell of a tale!”

Michel de la Barre, Amazon review

“Paints a vivid picture of Montreal and the story keeps you engaged and guessing until the end.”

Amazon customer review

“Fast paced, great characters, exciting and insightful. A real page-turner.”

Mark Richards, Amazon review

“The one-liners alone are worth the read.”

Renée, Goodreads review

“Gritty old-timey detective novel feel, set in Montreal. I loved it — from the first page.”

Cheryl Kane, Goodreads review

“Gritty old-timey detective novel feel, set in Montreal. I loved it — from the first page.”Cheryl Kane, Goodreads review

Have you read The Freelancer?

Submit a Review

Join Our Newsletter

Get in on the ground floor on what Chris is up to next.