October's Golden Journey

Leaf Peeping with Sean McPherson

The air in Bellingham carries a crispness that hints at change. Leaves blush with color, and the gang—Sean “Mick” McPherson, Emma, Niall and Libby, Hemingway, Maeve, the Bingham family (Joe, Marci, Carly, and Brianna), Rafferty, Ivy, and Maggie—knows exactly what to do with a day like this.

They pile into two vans: the Pines & Quill retreat van and the Bingham’s large, trusty ride. With thermoses of cider and flannel blankets in tow, they head north, crossing the border into British Columbia. Their destination? A leaf-peeping pilgrimage through the golden corridors of Stanley Park and the windswept trails of Beacon Hill.

The drive is a tapestry of autumn’s finest threads. Maple and birch trees line the roads like sentinels, their leaves ablaze in amber, crimson, and gold. The laughter from both vans spills into the air, mingling with the rustle of leaves and the low hum of engines. Mick, ever the observer, watches the scenery shift—each bend revealing a new masterpiece painted by nature’s hand.

In Stanley Park, the group wanders beneath towering trees, their canopies glowing like stained glass. Carly and Brianna race ahead, their boots crunching through leaf piles. Niall snaps photos while Libby sketches quietly, capturing the mood in charcoal and shadow. At Beacon Hill, the gang gathers near the water, where reflections ripple with color and the scent of salt and cedar fills their lungs.

Mick stands apart for a moment, letting the wind tousle his hair. October always brings a certain electricity—a charge in the air that feels both nostalgic and urgent. It’s the same feeling that pulses through the pages of Illusionist, book five in the Sean McPherson crime thriller series.

Set in this very season, Illusionist is steeped in October’s mystique. Fog rolls in like a secret. Shadows stretch longer. And just beneath the surface of beauty lies danger, deception, and the kind of truth that only reveals itself when the leaves fall away.

Dive into the adventure in your favorite format: paperback, Ebook, or audiobook! Whether you love the feel of pages, the convenience of an e-reader, or the immersive experience of listening, I’ve got you covered.

The Sean McPherson novels are also available for checkout at your local library. If they don’t have the format you want, ask the acquisitions librarian. They’ll be happy to order it for you.

Happy Reading!

Laurie Buchanan