Cover of Rough & Messy Justice: A Train Heist, Murder, and Misdeed in the Crowsnest Pass, the latest true crime release by W. Keith Regular.
Submitted photo from Tuesday’s Bookshop
Nicholas L. M. Allen
May 7, 2025
Tuesdays Bookshop hosts historian W. Keith Regular for Rough & Messy Justice signing and Q&A
Crowsnest Pass residents are in for an immersive experience in local history as Tuesday’s Book Shop in Bellevue welcomes author and historian W. Keith Regular for a special reading and book signing of his latest release, Rough & Messy Justice: A Train Heist, Murder, and Misdeed in the Crowsnest Pass on May 10 at 2 p.m.
Regular, a retired educator and Ph.D. historian with a focus on early 20th century Alberta, will present a reading, take questions from the audience, and engage with attendees about the true crime case that shook the Crowsnest Pass more than a century ago. The event will take place just down the street from where the story’s key events, the Bellevue Café shootout, actually occurred.
“Keith Regular… is doing his new book,” said Lorraine Davis, owner of Tuesday’s Book Shop. “He has his PhD. He’s a historian.”
Rough & Messy Justice recounts the gripping story of an armed CPR train robbery in 1920 that led to a deadly gunfight in the Bellevue Café between Alberta Provincial Police and Russian bandits who had fled across the border from Montana’s coal mines. Following a manhunt and trial marred by racism, unreliable witnesses and legal flaws, one of the suspects was executed after a spectacle of a trial.
Davis said the book is part of a true case series and that the author has presented readings of his work at other venues across Alberta to strong reception. The event will include a Q&A session and Davis hopes to organize a short walking segment to offer attendees a better experience of the book’s historical setting.
“I’m hoping we can even do a little… this is where it happened, like a little bit more of a tangible experience,” she said.
When Regular visited Nanton for a similar event, Davis noted it was very interactive. “He had done a reading for them and then Q&A. And yeah, it was very interactive,” she said.
No reservations are necessary, and the event is open to all. “We’ll have 30 seats available and then it’ll be standing room only,” Davis said.
Tuesday’s Book Shop, known for hosting local authors and artistic events, previously held a reading about a solo journey in Patagonia and frequently organizes “art jams” where guests gather to finish creative projects.
Looking ahead, Davis said she hopes to host more literary and musical gatherings this summer, including poetry and story slam nights.
“We’re doing another art jam coming up on May 31,” she said, also noting plans to collaborate with other local artists and musicians for future events.
Davis encouraged locals and newcomers alike to attend, especially those curious about Crowsnest Pass history.
“It’ll be a wonderful time when Keith is here, especially if they’re huge history buffs,” she said, “If you’re new to the area like I am, I’m just enamoured by the history.”
Tuesday’s Bookshop is located in downtown Bellevue at 2462, 213 Street.Crowsnest Pass residents are in for an immersive experience in local history as Tuesday’s Book Shop in Bellevue welcomes author and historian W. Keith Regular for a special reading and book signing of his latest release, Rough & Messy Justice: A Train Heist, Murder, and Misdeed in the Crowsnest Pass on May 10 at 2 p.m.
Regular, a retired educator and Ph.D. historian with a focus on early 20th century Alberta, will present a reading, take questions from the audience, and engage with attendees about the true crime case that shook the Crowsnest Pass more than a century ago. The event will take place just down the street from where the story’s key events, the Bellevue Café shootout, actually occurred.
“Keith Regular… is doing his new book,” said Lorraine Davis, owner of Tuesday’s Book Shop. “He has his PhD. He’s a historian.”
Rough & Messy Justice recounts the gripping story of an armed CPR train robbery in 1920 that led to a deadly gunfight in the Bellevue Café between Alberta Provincial Police and Russian bandits who had fled across the border from Montana’s coal mines. Following a manhunt and trial marred by racism, unreliable witnesses and legal flaws, one of the suspects was executed after a spectacle of a trial.
Davis said the book is part of a true case series and that the author has presented readings of his work at other venues across Alberta to strong reception. The event will include a Q&A session and Davis hopes to organize a short walking segment to offer attendees a better experience of the book’s historical setting.
“I’m hoping we can even do a little… this is where it happened, like a little bit more of a tangible experience,” she said.
When Regular visited Nanton for a similar event, Davis noted it was very interactive. “He had done a reading for them and then Q&A. And yeah, it was very interactive,” she said.
No reservations are necessary, and the event is open to all. “We’ll have 30 seats available and then it’ll be standing room only,” Davis said.
Tuesday’s Book Shop, known for hosting local authors and artistic events, previously held a reading about a solo journey in Patagonia and frequently organizes “art jams” where guests gather to finish creative projects.
Looking ahead, Davis said she hopes to host more literary and musical gatherings this summer, including poetry and story slam nights.
“We’re doing another art jam coming up on May 31,” she said, also noting plans to collaborate with other local artists and musicians for future events.
Davis encouraged locals and newcomers alike to attend, especially those curious about Crowsnest Pass history.
“It’ll be a wonderful time when Keith is here, especially if they’re huge history buffs,” she said, “If you’re new to the area like I am, I’m just enamoured by the history.”
Tuesday’s Bookshop is located in downtown Bellevue at 2462, 213 Street.
