At the age of 86, Hanmer's Christopher (Bob) Lohan has just self-published his first book, a mystery novel entitled “The Three Coins.”
“My parish priest said 'I'm waiting for the sequel,'” Lohan said, laughing. “I said 'Well it took me 42 years to write the last one, so there's a bit of a limitation there.'”
Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1930, Lohan moved to Canada in 1951. He worked in the rail industry for about 45 years, starting on the railway gangs and retiring 20 years ago as head of safety with CP Rail.
He's been married 61 years to Helena. The couple have five children, 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
Lohan said he had the idea for the book a long time ago, but it was difficult for him to write while he was still working. He's had a lot more time to work on the project since he retired.
“The Three Coins,” set in 1951, is about two Irish immigrants to Toronto who travel back home to unravel a tragic mystery that stretches back almost 20 years — one that will change both their lives forever.
Lohan said the book touches on his experiences as an immigrant to Canada and his love of Ireland.
Until the last three years, when he's experienced some major health challenges, Lohan had travelled back to Ireland every couple of years.
“I think (the book) would be read by anybody who's interested in a mystery and anybody who's interested in Ireland,” he said.
“The Three Coins” is available for purchase online through Friesen Press' website for $18.99 for a paperback, $33.99 for a hardcover and $6.99 for an eBook.
