Thy Brother's Keeper: A 2024 WhoDunIt Mystery Writing Competiton Awardee

"John David Bethel is appearing for the second time on StoryBeat Bethel discusses his novels background in politics and 'why he writes.'" "Recently, I read 2 of David’s newest books, Squinting at Shadows and Thy Brother’s Keeper, both of which are in the thriller mold of David’s earlier novels They are intense, page-turning mysteries that kept me wondering what would happen next. If you like reading thrillers, I highly urge you to check out David’s books.—Steve Cuden Screenwriter, Director, Playwright, Author“A hot day in a small town is the setting for an ominous opening chapter. It takes skill to convey suspense to the reader. The skill comes by making the reader fully aware that something is going to happen that most likely will be horrific, but we’re left in the dark, so must hang on and continue to follow a skilled writer walking us down a twisting path that grows darker by the minute.”—Ambrose Clancy, Editor, Shelter Island ReporterThy Brother’s Keeper weaves familial trauma, political power, and a chilling series of murders into a compelling psychological thriller. The novel centers on Declan Ryan, the sheriff of Owen, Oklahoma, who is thrust into a complex murder investigation just as his estranged brother Connor is released from prison. Twenty-five years earlier, Connor brutally murdered their abusive parents, leaving Declan emotionally scarred and forced into the foster system. Now, Connor reappears with a plea: help him find the killer of his missing fiancée, Maria Luna—a woman who has just been discovered gruesomely murdered at a local motel.John David Bethel is an award-winning author of novels UNHEARD OF and HOLDING BACK THE DARK. Other published novels include WRETCHED, MAPPING THE NIGHT and LITTLE WARS. His short fiction has been published in popular consumer magazines, and his essays and opinion editorials in respected political journals.Bethel also worked as press secretary/speechwriter to Members of Congress. Read more