Stephen P. Byers

Stephen P. Byers (B.Eng McGill U. '49) achieved several notable accolades during his career in construction management. His monorail design for the installation of precast concrete wall panels on the 38-story Chateau Champlain Hotel in Montreal was the cover story on the July 1966 issue of Construction Equipment and Materials. In 1983 he won the Craftsmanship Award for carpentry work presented by the KC Chapter of The American Institute of Architects. By

this time, he had ventured into acting in community theater. His one-man two-hour presentation of Clarence Darrow was recognized as "one of the most enjoyable Resident Theater presentations in years." Stephen was 57 years old at the time and was involved in storytelling and volunteer work at the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. In 1999 he received the prestigious "Friend of the Museum Award" and "Volunteer Excellence Award" from Governor Mike Huckabee. And then, at age 74, he took up creative writing.

In each of three novels--Bent Coin, Goad of Honor and The Naked jaybird--Stephen P. Byers examines three unrelated couples. In Bent Coin, Joe Haldimann pledges celibacy after his wife drowns, devoting himself to raising his four-year-old daughter Suzanne. Fearing the reappearance of characteristics of his unknown mother's oriental origin, he makes a tragic error steering Suzanne away from romance in her coming of age years towards a business career. The result is a highly-successful business woman who falls victim to a charlatan, yet beneath her strong exterior lies insecurity. Her lawyer directs her to a crippled Mafia lawyer for whom she develops sincere admiration. She finds solace in his wisdom, adores him, not as one cares for a lover but as one appreciates a prelate. A story of grief and greed, love and disappointment, vehemence and revenge.

Illegal whiskey production during prohibition lies at the heart of Goad of Honor. Sophie is the star of the novel, seen in a supporting role, but that's how it was with strong women in the thirties. Secure and confident, she instills in her husband the courage to face his destiny, inheriting the family business and exposing the illegal production during prohibition.

The Naked Jaybird is the story of Rolland and Dorothy Royce. She, a secure and confident psychologist believes he should pursue his natural artistic talent; he a white collar crime detective determined to follow his career path. Without realizing it, he is duped into to uncovering an intrigue that would destroy America. His assignment involves travel between Toronto, Vancouver and Taipei. Each time he returns home, he is consumed with jealousy when he finds an old college roommate has visited with his wife. The confrontation comes to head when he discovers the truth about his roommate, breaks the conspiracy case and realizes Dorothy has never been unfaithful.

Both men and women have found these novels captivating

Stephen's other books include two novels--Lost River Bridge and A Boy and His Horse; and two non-fiction works--Our Life In The Arts - Theater - Storytelling - Writing co-written with his wife Mary Elspeth and Beginning Creative Writing - A Learning Experience.

Details of all Stephen's work, including reviews, are available at www.booksbybyers.us