On Thursday, September 11, 2025 – Take Cover Books hosts the launch of author Terry Kirk’s new novel Pitfall, the first in her series of historical fiction thrillers.
Published by At Bay Press, Pitfall is a gripping, fast-paced story set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1929 Market Crash. Recently named a Top Book to Read by CBC Reads, this book will enchant you from the first page.
The folks at Take Cover Books can’t wait to celebrate this incredible literary achievement with you!
(Photo credits: At Bay Press.)
Pitfall synopsis from At Bay Press
Frank Cork is head trader at Chicago’s leading brokerage firm. It’s October 1929, and Frank has made a killing trading wheat futures on the city’s commodities exchange. At thirty-two, Frank and his wife, Katrina, have climbed from the South Side to the tony northern suburbs. They’re at the top of their game in their stunning modernist home with two young children. But on October 29, 1929, Frank watches in the trading pit as his fortune is wiped out in a single day. Some traders skulk home while others lurk in the shadows of the Clark Street Bridge. Frank drags himself to Grand Central Station. Hawkers scream, “Black Tuesday, Market Crash,” as Frank staggers onto the nearest train. Flattened by shame, the fallen trader finally debarks a thousand miles later as his train crosses the border into Saskatchewan. Holed up in a shed on the Canadian Prairies, Frank wrestles with how to redeem himself and return home. The only opportunity in sight is selling Canadian whiskey to the Chicago mob. Frank faces setbacks at every turn, including a terrifying visit to the still in the tunnels under Moose Jaw. In Chicago, Frank’s firm is looking for him. Was it suicide? Murder? Everyone’s a suspect, from the managing partner to the mob-boss mayor.
“A plot that features a keen sense of what makes a good tale, impeccable historical research, a deep understanding of market forces – and a first-hand knowledge of rural Canada at ground level.”
– Anthony Wilson-Smith, President of Historica Canada and former Editor of Maclean’s magazine
About Terry Kirk
Terry Kirk is a lawyer and writer living in downtown Toronto. She studied journalism and English literature, and holds a Juris Doctor (Law) and Master’s degree focused on digital transformation. Widely recognized as an innovator in the finance and fintech sector, these creative juices flow through the author’s novels, Pitfall and Plunder (the upcoming second novel in the series). Read more about her – and her upcoming books – here.
About Take Cover Books
Take Cover Books is owned and operated by Sean and Andrew, two brothers who can be very chatty, but really enjoy sharing their love of books. In addition to being brothers, they’re musicians with a history of DIY organizing and show promotion. So, naturally, they opened a bookstore, where they work alongside their wonderful booksellers Youshra and Jordan, who have great taste (and make them look cool). They host an online Reading Club and an in-shop Film Club; and regularly host other events like book launches, readings and even concerts.
(Photo credits: Terry Kirk.)
Event details
Hosted by: Take Cover Books
Type of event: book launch
Featured author: Terry Kirk
Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Start time: 7:00 PM ET
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: Free, RSVP required (see the booking link below)
Location: Take Cover Books, 59 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON, K9H 1G4
Booking link: Reserve your spot by clicking on the RSVP button here.
Buy Pitfall: Order Pitfall from Take Cover Books by clicking on the Buy Books button here.
Contact details: Take Cover Books, 59 Hunter Street East, Peterborough, ON, K9H 1G4, Canada; (705) 772-4280, info@takecoverbooks.ca, takecoverbooks.ca
Content warning: Adult situations. References to suicide, violence and organized crime.
Accessibility: Please contact the bookstore.