David K. Dodd

My latest book is Fatal Sword, a heartbreaking, true story of a deadly fight between two friends on Christmas Eve 2001. The two men were each fun-loving in different ways but suffered from personal setbacks and disappointments. Although the fight was spontaneous and startling, readers will be able to see how the life paths of the men led up to the disastrous event.

The book includes a riveting, detailed presentation of the seven-day trial in a small community in Wisconsin. The judge, jurors, attorneys, the defendant, and courtroom observers were all acquainted with each other, at least to some degree. The maneuvering of the prosecutor and the defense attorney was fascinating, and the jury's verdict dramatic.

My first true crime book (coauthored with Harvey W. Rowe) was Furnace Murder (2014). It tells the fascinating true story of the horrific murder of an 85-year-old woman in 1948. The crime shocked the small town of Sturgeon Bay, WI, and catapulted the city into the national spotlight. The story is told primarily through the eyes of a 14-year-old boy who lived in the sheriff's quarters of the county jail.

I have also written three novels that focus on individual potential and the power of family. In the first, Star Shooting, the main character is a young adolescent who is talented and popular, the star of his family and a true leader among his friends and peers. Nothing is more interesting in life than following the life paths of our most cherished friends or loved ones. Sometimes they reach great heights, other times they fail. Even the brightest among us have demons, and sometimes the demons win out. This is the case with Ronnie Cousins, the young protagonist of Star Shooting. Readers will be left wondering what went wrong, and how it all could have been prevented.

Star Dawning, the second novel, is a sequel to the first. The main focus shifts to families - how they can protect, or damage. Our families can stop us short of the brink of disaster, or drive us right over! Star Dawning presents three young families, each with problems as well as potential. Readers will follow the perils of these families and try to predict their future. In the middle of it all is Ron Cousins, the main character from Star Shooting. He is now a young man, starting all over and trying to find his way, needing family connections to survive.

My third novel, NOY World, is the story of a dystopian society that has resulted from catastrophic climate change. Three friends struggle to survive their humdrum existence, moving from one village to another to pursue a better tomorrow. Always, NOY is looking over their shoulders, controlling nearly everything. Readers will be captivated by how the human spirit overcomes the nearly total degeneration of the physical and social environment.

My novels are both comedic and tragic, and you will find them to be at once heartbreaking and heartwarming. And be prepared to be challenged by the mysteries of human predicament!

A little more: Formerly a psychologist, I worked with autistic children, juvenile offenders, and psychologically disturbed adults. In addition, I taught a variety of psychology courses in a variety of settings, including prison. All of my experiences help define me now as a writer. Previously a resident of Fish Creek, Wisconsin, I now live in St. Louis, Missouri.