Amherst Island, Ontario - What happens when a satellite built for peaceful purposes becomes a tool in a global power struggle? In his novel In A Pinch, Daniel J. Showalter blends insider knowledge of Canada’s space program with gripping fiction, delivering a uniquely Canadian story of suspense, espionage, and resilience.

Set around the turn of the century, just before the invasion of Iraq, In A Pinch follows an ordinary Canadian man whose work at the Canadian Space Agency suddenly places him in the center of an international crisis. Tasked with overseeing a radar surveillance satellite, he discovers that the system—intended only for civilian use—may have been used by a Middle Eastern rebel hiding behind a third party. As tensions threaten a diplomatic rift between Canada and Iraq, he embarks on a dangerous search to uncover the truth.

What begins as a technical anomaly escalates into a high-stakes sting operation involving federal authorities, elusive criminals, and life-threatening risks to himself and his family. Forced to draw on strengths he never knew he had, the protagonist must see his role through—at all costs.

Author Daniel J. Showalter brings authenticity to the narrative, drawing on nearly 30 years of experience with the Canadian Space Agency, where he managed the operation of radar surveillance satellites and retired as Director of the David Florida Laboratory in 2020. His professional background provides readers with a rare glimpse into Canada’s space program, federal operations, and the individuals working behind the scenes.

“I had always thought that the premise of the book was intriguing, and would make a good story,” says Showalter. “After retiring from public service, I finally had the opportunity to write it.”

While inspired by real-world concerns, In A Pinch is ultimately a work of fiction—an edge-of-your-seat thriller that invites readers to consider the complex intersection of science, politics, and human courage.

More than just a tale of espionage, In A Pinch highlights the uniquely Canadian backdrop of its characters and locations, aiming to foster a greater appreciation for the nation’s contributions to space technology and global cooperation.

About the author:

Daniel J. Showalter was born in Stratford, Ontario, and has lived in Ontario, Quebec, the Northwest Territories (now Nunavut), and Luxembourg. A former flight dynamics analyst, he joined the Canadian Space Agency in 1990 and retired in 2020 after a distinguished career. Many of the places and experiences depicted in In A Pinch are drawn from his own life and professional insights, giving the story remarkable depth and realism.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon and other online retailers.

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