Looking stunning in red, author Victoria Brooks was busy greeting guests and signing books before she got down to the business of reading from her new novel.

Marion Pearce (left), seen here with friend Frances Schild, is a member of the NS Soroptomists and a big fan of Victoria's.

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Friends Hilda and Melvin Zabensky (left) joined Victoria's husband, Guy Brooks, who was also the evening's MC.

Travel writer and television personality Alec Burden raised a glass in honour of the occasion.

Victoria's brother-in-law, Brian Hastings (left), and son Tyson Brooks were only too happy to help hand out copies, hot off the press.

Jennifer McMahon and Bard on the Beach's Christopher Gaze were all in character. The two will be married this upcoming December at Christ Church.

Fellow writer Kerry McPhedran (left) and Sandy McCrone were happy to be part of all the action.

Gladys Friesen (left) along with Diana and Tom Mason mingled with all the other characters as everyone gathered for cocktails.

Ross Morben, dressed as a character cyclo driver, is rumoured to really be a spy.

Whoa, that big gun really looks like the real thing. No worries, Robert Bozo Lalich only used it for part of his combat soldier character.

Famed photographer Alex Waterhouse (left) chatted with West Vancouver architect Tom Zimmerman during the reception.

Passing out beverages was Chad Alter, who has been a part of Jack's Dining Lounge ever since it opened six months ago.