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Pinecrest resident John David has added novelist to his resume, along with public relations and crisis communications consultant. His debut work of fiction, The Bystander, was recently published by Tule Publishing in California.
The contemporary mystery, infused with thriller elements, follows television reporter Pete Lemaster, who witnesses an active shooter incident. During the attack, the gunman is killed by an armed bystander. Lemaster captures the event on camera, and the footage propels his career into the spotlight after going viral. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the circumstances surrounding the shooting are far more complicated than they first appeared.
While the novel touches on issues of gun rights and veterans’ challenges, David emphasizes that it is primarily an entertaining tale of suspense. He says that early feedback from readers has been positive and flattering, with online influencers calling it “a page turner” and one saying, “hands down one of the most fun thrillers I’ve read in a while.”
The book has already earned recognition in the literary community. It was longlisted for the BPA First Novel Award and was also named to the 2025 Page Turner Awards longlist.
David began drafting The Bystander in late 2022, inspired by a real-life event at an Indiana mall that year. The journey to publication, he explained, was far more difficult than he anticipated.
“To get a work of fiction published through a traditional publisher is, in my opinion, a test of will,” David said. “You have to believe in your work, because the process can be a total slog.”
Although David previously authored a nonfiction business book, he discovered that fiction publishing is an entirely different experience. After more than a year and a half of effort, he signed a three-book deal with Tule Publishing’s mystery imprint.
A Pinecrest resident since 1997 and a lifelong Floridian, David is supporting the launch of The Bystander with a statewide book tour. The first stop took place in Ormond Beach, followed by events in Orlando, Coral Springs, and Delray. On October 21, he will appear at Books & Books in Coral Gables for an evening event presenting his debut novel to the South Florida literary community. The Bystander is available through all major online retailers and can be ordered at local bookstores. More information about the book and the author at ByJohnDavid.com.
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