RichardDugganLawyerWriter
Howdy!
My name is Richard Duggan, but most folks call me Dick. I'm a semi-retired lawyer, licensed in Missouri and Texas, now residing in South Florida. My law practice has consisted primarily of criminal defense and real estate litigation. I have published five novels, all fact-based fiction, and each featuring romance, intrigue and mystery. Three of my published works are a series, featuring the husband and wife law team of John and B.J. Ryan. The fourth and final novel in this series is now available on Amazon's Kindle EBooks.
All of my novels are fact-based, they each combine intimate relationships, friendships and mystery, and each has a surprising ending. They’re all guaranteed to capture the reader’s interest and imagination from the beginning to the end.
If you've read any of my books, and would like to discuss them, or if you'd like to engage in some good old fashioned conversation, I'd appreciate hearing from you. My phone and fax numbers are the same - 239-498-5908.
My email address is redpjd@embarqmail.com . You and your friends are welcome any time.
My books make excellent gifts. They may be ordered through Amazon or any book store. If you'd like to send me an email, I may be able to save you some money on your purchases.
Sincerely, Dick Duggan
Dick, I just finished reading "A Town Divided". It was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I think it should be very successful and hopefully become a best seller. As I've mentioned before, I like novels that have trials and legal proceedings. Incidentally, I thought you did well with the medical references and events. CB
I couldn't help but read with interest how the Myers Real Estate office records played in determining the outcome of the trial. Interesting too what Judge Bristoll might have said to Franklin Gillard in his chambers. I am honored to have a signed copy from a long term friend and renowned publisher. According to the back cover, you are working on another book. I will look forward to its publication. DM
Dear Dick - I really enjoyed reading your book - I’d love a copy of your next offering. Can you write something in the front as I appreciate that personal touch?Keep them coming - Best Regards, RW
I Just wanted to let you know that on Sunday morning the temptation to read your book took over and I was finished with it by Monday afternoon. As always, you delivered again! I really enjoyed it. PL
Great Job! TD
I couldn't help but read with interest how the Myers Real Estate office records played in determining the outcome of the trial. Interesting too what Judge Bristoll might have said to Franklin Gillard in his chambers. I am honored to have a signed copy from a long term friend and renowned publisher. According to the back cover, you are working on another book. I will look forward to its publication. DM
Dear Dick - I really enjoyed reading your book - I’d love a copy of your next offering. Can you write something in the front as I appreciate that personal touch?Keep them coming - Best Regards, RW
I Just wanted to let you know that on Sunday morning the temptation to read your book took over and I was finished with it by Monday afternoon. As always, you delivered again! I really enjoyed it. PL
Great Job! TD
A TOWN DIVIDED
Although arrogance is appropriately described by professionals as a personality deficit, in certain circumstances it may be compared to a contagious disease. It often cripples an individual, and if it is allowed to propagate, it may adversely affect an entire group of individuals. It has been known to spread over and contaminate organizations, companies, and neighborhoods. As the affected population grows larger, this affliction becomes proportionately more difficult to cure. Entire towns have been divided, and sometimes destroyed, due to the viciousness and hatred of large groups of arrogant inhabitants.
Perhaps the desire to exact pain on others is a phenomenon that can be explained. Try to visualize a societal game, whereby a large group of socially active persons are the participants. Joining the game is not mandatory. Only those persons who wish to participate are invited to play the game. Two team captains are selected. Both captains choose sides, and the game begins when there are equal numbers of participants on each side.
The object of the game is to convince as many opponents to change sides as possible, utilizing any verbal or written means, including insults, epithets, and innuendos, as may be necessary to accomplish the goal. When all personal insults, epithets and innuendos finally fail to attract persons from the opponents’ side, the game is over. The game could be named, “A Social Tragedy,” as members of the two teams remain permanently, socially divided.
Applying the game’s rules to the town of River Valley, one might conclude that Franklin Gillard and Jack Parker have been selected as team captains. Gillard started the game, and Parker was unintentionally drawn into it. The question is - will the town of River Valley have a winner? Or will all its citizens be the losers? Time will tell.
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“By seven fifteen, the grader’s engine was running, and the road grader began carving out a winding driveway, with Jack Parker sitting in the driver’s seat. Jack had planned that by the end of that Saturday afternoon, the grading of the driveway would be completed. The paving of the driveway would follow at a later date, after the home was ready for occupancy. Jack and Cindy had visually laid out the driveway, and Carolyn Baker had drawn it on a blueprint. The long driveway would run around, and among, several of the oldest, largest and loveliest oak trees in RiverValleyCounty. It would end in a circle along the front of the new home.
Jack was smiling, as he began driving the grader, beginning at the public road, and continuing in a westerly direction, along the south side of the pond. His beaming wife, her parents, and a proud Cecil and Carolyn Baker, all stood and watched the grader begin the initial stage of the house-building project.
However, the jubilant, ground breaking festivities, along with the smiling faces of the participants, would end much sooner than anyone had anticipated. A few minutes past 8:00 a.m., after Jack had run the grader a distance of only fifty feet, RiverValleyCounty’s SheriffRaymond Gentry drove his official patrol car behind the grader and stopped. The car’s emergency lights were flashing, as Sheriff Gentry drove his patrol car onto Parkers’ property. Jack, and everyone in attendance, all watched in amazement. They all silently asked themselves, ‘What the hell’s the sheriff doing here?’ They wouldn’t have to wait long. They would soon find out.
Sheriff Gentry climbed out of his car, and he was carrying a legal-looking document. He walked to the front of the road grader, where he was easily seen by the driver, Jack Parker. Gentry hollered at Jack, as loud as he could, ‘Jack Parker, shut off the grader’s engine, and climb down. I’ve got some papers for you and Mrs. Parker.’ “
Perhaps the desire to exact pain on others is a phenomenon that can be explained. Try to visualize a societal game, whereby a large group of socially active persons are the participants. Joining the game is not mandatory. Only those persons who wish to participate are invited to play the game. Two team captains are selected. Both captains choose sides, and the game begins when there are equal numbers of participants on each side.
The object of the game is to convince as many opponents to change sides as possible, utilizing any verbal or written means, including insults, epithets, and innuendos, as may be necessary to accomplish the goal. When all personal insults, epithets and innuendos finally fail to attract persons from the opponents’ side, the game is over. The game could be named, “A Social Tragedy,” as members of the two teams remain permanently, socially divided.
Applying the game’s rules to the town of River Valley, one might conclude that Franklin Gillard and Jack Parker have been selected as team captains. Gillard started the game, and Parker was unintentionally drawn into it. The question is - will the town of River Valley have a winner? Or will all its citizens be the losers? Time will tell.
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The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
“By seven fifteen, the grader’s engine was running, and the road grader began carving out a winding driveway, with Jack Parker sitting in the driver’s seat. Jack had planned that by the end of that Saturday afternoon, the grading of the driveway would be completed. The paving of the driveway would follow at a later date, after the home was ready for occupancy. Jack and Cindy had visually laid out the driveway, and Carolyn Baker had drawn it on a blueprint. The long driveway would run around, and among, several of the oldest, largest and loveliest oak trees in RiverValleyCounty. It would end in a circle along the front of the new home.
Jack was smiling, as he began driving the grader, beginning at the public road, and continuing in a westerly direction, along the south side of the pond. His beaming wife, her parents, and a proud Cecil and Carolyn Baker, all stood and watched the grader begin the initial stage of the house-building project.
However, the jubilant, ground breaking festivities, along with the smiling faces of the participants, would end much sooner than anyone had anticipated. A few minutes past 8:00 a.m., after Jack had run the grader a distance of only fifty feet, RiverValleyCounty’s SheriffRaymond Gentry drove his official patrol car behind the grader and stopped. The car’s emergency lights were flashing, as Sheriff Gentry drove his patrol car onto Parkers’ property. Jack, and everyone in attendance, all watched in amazement. They all silently asked themselves, ‘What the hell’s the sheriff doing here?’ They wouldn’t have to wait long. They would soon find out.
Sheriff Gentry climbed out of his car, and he was carrying a legal-looking document. He walked to the front of the road grader, where he was easily seen by the driver, Jack Parker. Gentry hollered at Jack, as loud as he could, ‘Jack Parker, shut off the grader’s engine, and climb down. I’ve got some papers for you and Mrs. Parker.’ “
I just finished reading Friends and Betrayals. Once I began reading, I had trouble putting it down. I read the entire book in two days. Great Read! I can’t wait for your next book.
Sincerely, M.A., Dallas, Texas
My daughter brought your book, Friends and Betrayals, while I was in the hospital recovering from knee surgery. It has a great story line, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I lived in Kansas City when I was a young girl, so the setting in your story brought back special memories. Thanks for sharing your talent.
W.W., Sunrise Beach, MO
While reading you novel, Friends and Betrayals, I began to wonder how John was going to expunge himself from his criminal friend Frank. You did a great job.
Your love of the law, of your family, and helping your fellow man, clearly shows through in your writing I look forward to your next book.
M.B., Huntsville, Alabama
Friends and Betrayals
About the Book
John Ryan and Frank Genovo grew up together and were lifetime friends, but as they grew into manhood their lives took them into different directions. John practices law and Frank practices flaunting the law. Frank has more ladies than he can handle. John has only one lady, and he can hardly handle her.
Frank also is a highly skilled, but somewhat shady businessman, and takes competition very seriously, especially from an out-of-state competitor. Both will do almost anything to discourage competition between one another.
B.J. is a dedicated assistant prosecuting attorney, not only to her county, but for her deceased best friend and former college roommate. She is vengeful and carries a secret with her into every criminal courtroom, nearly destroying herself and her marriage in the process.
Chuck Robertson, a successful businessman, is forced into taking in a silent partner, and after a long wait he is finally able to get revenge.
Ben Mathis is a highly skilled engineer, and he has been promised a lifetime career job, until the promise is broken by a bigoted boss and a co-conspirator.
Friends and Betrayals takes you into police stations, judges’ chambers and courtrooms, and lets you become a virtual participant in criminal investigations, civil depositions and court proceedings.
Friends and Betrayals combines intimate relationships, friendships and mystery, and has a surprising ending.
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The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
“What Ben related to me was almost unbelievable. I just couldn’t believe what had happened to him, Kathy and his family .… the moment when Ben and I first looked at one another, I knew immediately I wanted him for a client, and he needed me as an attorney, but mostly he needed me as a friend.
Ben … had never sued anybody and really didn’t want to sue anyone now, but he felt he had been backed-up against a wall and had no other choice but to seek help from a lawyer. His first words to me were, “Can you help me?” My heart melted, hearing those words from this frightfully disabled young family man looking me in the eye, who had virtually lost the use of his legs, and would depend on a wheel chair and crutches for the remainder of his life … Even though I prided myself as a real estate lawyer, how in the hell could I tell him I wouldn’t help him? I was at his disposal from the moment he struggled into my office.
Hell, I would have agreed to represent him no matter what his problem was. If his car had a flat tire on the freeway I would have sued the freakin’ Governor, for God’s sake! … I was at his disposal.”
About the Book
John Ryan and Frank Genovo grew up together and were lifetime friends, but as they grew into manhood their lives took them into different directions. John practices law and Frank practices flaunting the law. Frank has more ladies than he can handle. John has only one lady, and he can hardly handle her.
Frank also is a highly skilled, but somewhat shady businessman, and takes competition very seriously, especially from an out-of-state competitor. Both will do almost anything to discourage competition between one another.
B.J. is a dedicated assistant prosecuting attorney, not only to her county, but for her deceased best friend and former college roommate. She is vengeful and carries a secret with her into every criminal courtroom, nearly destroying herself and her marriage in the process.
Chuck Robertson, a successful businessman, is forced into taking in a silent partner, and after a long wait he is finally able to get revenge.
Ben Mathis is a highly skilled engineer, and he has been promised a lifetime career job, until the promise is broken by a bigoted boss and a co-conspirator.
Friends and Betrayals takes you into police stations, judges’ chambers and courtrooms, and lets you become a virtual participant in criminal investigations, civil depositions and court proceedings.
Friends and Betrayals combines intimate relationships, friendships and mystery, and has a surprising ending.
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The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
“What Ben related to me was almost unbelievable. I just couldn’t believe what had happened to him, Kathy and his family .… the moment when Ben and I first looked at one another, I knew immediately I wanted him for a client, and he needed me as an attorney, but mostly he needed me as a friend.
Ben … had never sued anybody and really didn’t want to sue anyone now, but he felt he had been backed-up against a wall and had no other choice but to seek help from a lawyer. His first words to me were, “Can you help me?” My heart melted, hearing those words from this frightfully disabled young family man looking me in the eye, who had virtually lost the use of his legs, and would depend on a wheel chair and crutches for the remainder of his life … Even though I prided myself as a real estate lawyer, how in the hell could I tell him I wouldn’t help him? I was at his disposal from the moment he struggled into my office.
Hell, I would have agreed to represent him no matter what his problem was. If his car had a flat tire on the freeway I would have sued the freakin’ Governor, for God’s sake! … I was at his disposal.”
Silent Witness to Murder
Once again, thanks for sharing your professional experiences with your readers. I believe Silent Witness to Murder was more exciting than Friends and Betrayals. Keep up the good work.
M.A., DAllas, Texas
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your books, Friends and Betrayals and Silent Witness to Murder. You should consider doing tapes.
C.S., Kansas City, Missouri
SILENT WITNESS TO MURDER
A Fictional Novel
About the Book
At the conclusion of the author’s first book of this series, Friends and Betrayals, and as Silent Witness to Murder opens, John Ryan and his wife B.J. decided to renew their wedding vows by enjoying a second honeymoon vacation at Freeport, Bahamas. On the final day of their stay at the resort hotel, while B.J. was packing for their trip home in Kansas City, John decided to turn on T.V. to find out what was happening in the news. He and B.J. were shocked as Liz Bollinger of Worldwide Cable News, broadcasting from Kansas City, informed the viewers of a gangland-style shooing, in which John’s friend Frank Genovo was the intended target and John’s dad Harry Ryan was an unintended victim.
Only one witness saw the shootings, a neighbor who lived across the street from John’s mother and father. She was walking her dog late on the night of the incident, and she was able to see and remember everything clearly exactly as it happened. However, she was afraid for herself and her pet, and when she was interviewed by the police she told them it was too dark and she was unable to see anything.
Two Kansas City police detectives go about gathering evidence, but their police captain doesn’t like the direction the evidence is heading, so he intentionally diverts the detectives on a different path. The two detectives abandon their previous investigation, and they eventually arrest a good friend and client of John and B.J., by the name of Chuck Robertson. Chuck claims innocence, and he pleads with John and B.J. to help him. B.J. reluctantly agrees to represent him on his criminal defense. B.J. hires a private investigator, who proceeds to dig up evidence the detectives conveniently hide or ignore.
As the investigation unfolds, John and B.J. assist his mother in locating a home and in providing for her security. B.J. and John learn they are to be parents, and they purchase a new home for themselves and their new expectant child. The birth of the baby is not without complications, resulting in heartaches for the Ryan family.
Silent Witness to Murder is an intriguing tale of murder and suspense, combined with pain and compassion of the Ryan clients, friends, family and associates. Just as with Friends and Betrayals, this story combines intimate relationships, friendships and mystery, and has a surprising ending. The reader will feel the author is talking directly to her or him, and Silent Witness to Murder is guaranteed to capture the reader’s attention and imagination from beginning to end.
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The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
B.J. wasn’t listening or watching the T.V. set, and I wasn’t paying much attention, as Liz was facing the camera and introducing herself. I barely heard her as she began talking, “Good morning ladies and gentlemen of our viewing audience. I am Liz Bollinger, reporting this breaking news story for Worldwide Cable News.”
Then, all of a sudden Liz Bollinger commanded my attention. As she continued talking into the camera I jumped up from my lounge chair and grabbed B.J., pulling her onto the bed alongside me facing the television set. B.J. looked at me with that what the heck are you doing kind of look, and she started to say something, but I gently shushed her and pointed to the t.v. set. We both watched and listened, and we were completely stunned by what we saw and heard.
Bollinger continued, “I’m reporting from Kansas City, JacksonCounty, Missouri, and I’m standing on Garfield Street, near the intersection of Third Street. You can see a driveway immediately behind me, the scene of violence and tragedy which occurred last evening at approximately ten p.m., central time. The home you see behind me on my left is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Genovo. The home on my right is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ryan.”
B.J. pulled herself closer and held onto my arm tightly as Liz Bollinger continued reporting, “This was the scene of a horrible and tragic gangland-execution-style assault late last night. The intended target was violently and mercilessly gunned down, and the executioners took down an innocent victim along with him. The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Genovo, Frank Genovo, age thirty seven, was the target, and he was brutally shot after he had exited his automobile, parked in the driveway behind me. The shooting occurred as the intended victim was walking from his car - you can see it here in the driveway. He apparently had come to visit his parents.”
“But folks, even more tragic in this occurrence was the accidental shooting of an innocent neighbor. I have just learned a few moments ago that this neighbor, who had received an apparent stray bullet from one of the assailant’s weapons, has just died at the CityHospital. He was taken to the hospital last night after receiving a bullet wound in his back. All efforts by the doctors to keep him alive have failed, and he was pronounced dead at 8:18 this morning.”
A Fictional Novel
About the Book
At the conclusion of the author’s first book of this series, Friends and Betrayals, and as Silent Witness to Murder opens, John Ryan and his wife B.J. decided to renew their wedding vows by enjoying a second honeymoon vacation at Freeport, Bahamas. On the final day of their stay at the resort hotel, while B.J. was packing for their trip home in Kansas City, John decided to turn on T.V. to find out what was happening in the news. He and B.J. were shocked as Liz Bollinger of Worldwide Cable News, broadcasting from Kansas City, informed the viewers of a gangland-style shooing, in which John’s friend Frank Genovo was the intended target and John’s dad Harry Ryan was an unintended victim.
Only one witness saw the shootings, a neighbor who lived across the street from John’s mother and father. She was walking her dog late on the night of the incident, and she was able to see and remember everything clearly exactly as it happened. However, she was afraid for herself and her pet, and when she was interviewed by the police she told them it was too dark and she was unable to see anything.
Two Kansas City police detectives go about gathering evidence, but their police captain doesn’t like the direction the evidence is heading, so he intentionally diverts the detectives on a different path. The two detectives abandon their previous investigation, and they eventually arrest a good friend and client of John and B.J., by the name of Chuck Robertson. Chuck claims innocence, and he pleads with John and B.J. to help him. B.J. reluctantly agrees to represent him on his criminal defense. B.J. hires a private investigator, who proceeds to dig up evidence the detectives conveniently hide or ignore.
As the investigation unfolds, John and B.J. assist his mother in locating a home and in providing for her security. B.J. and John learn they are to be parents, and they purchase a new home for themselves and their new expectant child. The birth of the baby is not without complications, resulting in heartaches for the Ryan family.
Silent Witness to Murder is an intriguing tale of murder and suspense, combined with pain and compassion of the Ryan clients, friends, family and associates. Just as with Friends and Betrayals, this story combines intimate relationships, friendships and mystery, and has a surprising ending. The reader will feel the author is talking directly to her or him, and Silent Witness to Murder is guaranteed to capture the reader’s attention and imagination from beginning to end.
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The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
B.J. wasn’t listening or watching the T.V. set, and I wasn’t paying much attention, as Liz was facing the camera and introducing herself. I barely heard her as she began talking, “Good morning ladies and gentlemen of our viewing audience. I am Liz Bollinger, reporting this breaking news story for Worldwide Cable News.”
Then, all of a sudden Liz Bollinger commanded my attention. As she continued talking into the camera I jumped up from my lounge chair and grabbed B.J., pulling her onto the bed alongside me facing the television set. B.J. looked at me with that what the heck are you doing kind of look, and she started to say something, but I gently shushed her and pointed to the t.v. set. We both watched and listened, and we were completely stunned by what we saw and heard.
Bollinger continued, “I’m reporting from Kansas City, JacksonCounty, Missouri, and I’m standing on Garfield Street, near the intersection of Third Street. You can see a driveway immediately behind me, the scene of violence and tragedy which occurred last evening at approximately ten p.m., central time. The home you see behind me on my left is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Genovo. The home on my right is owned by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ryan.”
B.J. pulled herself closer and held onto my arm tightly as Liz Bollinger continued reporting, “This was the scene of a horrible and tragic gangland-execution-style assault late last night. The intended target was violently and mercilessly gunned down, and the executioners took down an innocent victim along with him. The youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Genovo, Frank Genovo, age thirty seven, was the target, and he was brutally shot after he had exited his automobile, parked in the driveway behind me. The shooting occurred as the intended victim was walking from his car - you can see it here in the driveway. He apparently had come to visit his parents.”
“But folks, even more tragic in this occurrence was the accidental shooting of an innocent neighbor. I have just learned a few moments ago that this neighbor, who had received an apparent stray bullet from one of the assailant’s weapons, has just died at the CityHospital. He was taken to the hospital last night after receiving a bullet wound in his back. All efforts by the doctors to keep him alive have failed, and he was pronounced dead at 8:18 this morning.”
My wife and I have read all of your novels, and loved every one. They are excellent reading. We look forward to your next one. Keep writing!
E.Z., Winfield, Kansas
Very cool!!!! I gave your books to my Dad to read. He thoroughly enjoyed them.
T.M., Sunrise Beach, MO
Friends and Betrayals
Consequences of Foolish Behavior
About the Book
Consequences of Foolish Behavior is the author’s third novel in a series featuring B.J. and John Ryan and Frank Genovo. As were the first two novels, although this book is fictional it is based upon actual facts and events. It contains a compilation of actual law cases, both civil and criminal, although the names, places and events have been altered.
The primary focus is on Pat Warner, the wife of a prominent physician, Dr. Jerry Warner. Pat is kidnapped by the distraught father of a young patient whose life Dr. Warner was unable to save. Pat is held captive for five months before she is released by her abductor. While she is being held captive, her fate and whereabouts are unknown and the authorities presume she has been murdered. Based upon an abundance of circumstantial evidence Dr. Warner is charged with Pat’s murder and faces a jury trial. Liz Bollinger of Worldwide Cable News comes onto the scene in a very surprising and informative way, and her telecast is instrumental in helping to solve the seemingly unsolvable mystery of the kidnapping and apparent murder.
Of secondary focus is a civil lawsuit against a major tabloid magazine, involving libel of a non-profit youth organization and its president Frank Genovo. This civil case against the tabloid points out how facts can be twisted by an overly ambitious news reporter to tell a far different story than the honest truth. This case is of national importance and is also covered by Liz Bollinger.
When the author decided to write this third novel in the series, it was his intent to hopefully discourage some folks from engaging in wrong behavior for foolish and selfish reasons or with ulterior motives, without first considering the possible consequences of their behavior.
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The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
Liz Bollinger said, “Thank you for your continuing fine reporting work, Trish. We have a few minutes remaining, so I’d like to fill the space left with some breaking news of interest to you folks who live and work in Platte County, Missouri.”
Pat and Wally both moved forward in their chairs and listened attentively as Liz Bollinger continued speaking into her microphone.
“I’m sure you’re all aware that the murder trial of Dr. Gerald Warner began a week ago today in the CircuitCourtofPlatteCounty, with Judge Roger Browning presiding.”
Pat gasped out loud when she heard the name of her husband, “Oh God, no! Oh God, not Jerry! Oh God, it just can’t be Jerry!” Wally was mostly expressionless, although there was a slight smirk on his face. Needless to say, the faces of both Pat and Wally became glued to the television screen as they continued listening to Liz Bollinger.
About the Book
Consequences of Foolish Behavior is the author’s third novel in a series featuring B.J. and John Ryan and Frank Genovo. As were the first two novels, although this book is fictional it is based upon actual facts and events. It contains a compilation of actual law cases, both civil and criminal, although the names, places and events have been altered.
The primary focus is on Pat Warner, the wife of a prominent physician, Dr. Jerry Warner. Pat is kidnapped by the distraught father of a young patient whose life Dr. Warner was unable to save. Pat is held captive for five months before she is released by her abductor. While she is being held captive, her fate and whereabouts are unknown and the authorities presume she has been murdered. Based upon an abundance of circumstantial evidence Dr. Warner is charged with Pat’s murder and faces a jury trial. Liz Bollinger of Worldwide Cable News comes onto the scene in a very surprising and informative way, and her telecast is instrumental in helping to solve the seemingly unsolvable mystery of the kidnapping and apparent murder.
Of secondary focus is a civil lawsuit against a major tabloid magazine, involving libel of a non-profit youth organization and its president Frank Genovo. This civil case against the tabloid points out how facts can be twisted by an overly ambitious news reporter to tell a far different story than the honest truth. This case is of national importance and is also covered by Liz Bollinger.
When the author decided to write this third novel in the series, it was his intent to hopefully discourage some folks from engaging in wrong behavior for foolish and selfish reasons or with ulterior motives, without first considering the possible consequences of their behavior.
Free Preview
The author has selected the following passage for the reader’s review:
Liz Bollinger said, “Thank you for your continuing fine reporting work, Trish. We have a few minutes remaining, so I’d like to fill the space left with some breaking news of interest to you folks who live and work in Platte County, Missouri.”
Pat and Wally both moved forward in their chairs and listened attentively as Liz Bollinger continued speaking into her microphone.
“I’m sure you’re all aware that the murder trial of Dr. Gerald Warner began a week ago today in the CircuitCourtofPlatteCounty, with Judge Roger Browning presiding.”
Pat gasped out loud when she heard the name of her husband, “Oh God, no! Oh God, not Jerry! Oh God, it just can’t be Jerry!” Wally was mostly expressionless, although there was a slight smirk on his face. Needless to say, the faces of both Pat and Wally became glued to the television screen as they continued listening to Liz Bollinger.
I’ve been reading your book and I can’t put it down. It’s a tear jerker. I love it and can’t wait to finish it but on the other hand I don’t really want it to end.
B.G., Orlando, FL
I finished your book yesterday at home on my lunch hour. I really don't know what to say except that is one of the best and most heart wrenching books I have ever read. I've read a lot of books and not one has ever ripped at my heart like that one. Truly a masterpiece my friend.
B.B., Fort Myers, FL
I thought of my father a lot while reading your book. He is the greatest man in my eyes I just kept thinking of how I would feel if my own father wrote that book and what I would feel as his child reading it. You have given your family and friends something priceless.
T D., SunriseBeach., Missouri
Dick, it takes a very special person to write a book like I just read. It is a very beautiful love story. I wondered if any part of it was autobiographical. I just told Dorothy that it should be her next read.
Dr. C. B., Horseshoe Bay, Texas
What a wonderful story!! I enjoyed the characters and their journey through the lives they built for themselves and their family members albeit not without some very difficult bumps along the way. You wrote the Henley family's story with such compassion and insight that it tugged at my heartstrings on many levels as I am sure it will with most of your readers. I hope you don't mind my reflections and comments. We will all look forward in anticipation to your next book.
J. F., Jacksonville, FL
WHEN LOVE COMES ALONG
A Fictional Novel, by Richard Duggan
About the Book
WHEN LOVE COMES ALONG is a love story, and highlights the Henley family from the time Evelyn, Jesse and Becky were young until Jesse’s death. It is a story about Jesse’s and Evelyn’s love of each other, and of their friends and family members. It tells of Jesse’s strength and Evelyn’s devotion. It is fast-paced and is guaranteed to capture the reader’s attention and imagination from beginning to end.
A Fictional Novel, by Richard Duggan
About the Book
WHEN LOVE COMES ALONG is a love story, and highlights the Henley family from the time Evelyn, Jesse and Becky were young until Jesse’s death. It is a story about Jesse’s and Evelyn’s love of each other, and of their friends and family members. It tells of Jesse’s strength and Evelyn’s devotion. It is fast-paced and is guaranteed to capture the reader’s attention and imagination from beginning to end.
DEATH of a PARTNERSHIP (Now available on Kindle E Books)
This is the author’s fourth and final novel in a series featuring the all-abiding love and devotion shared by B.J. and John Ryan.
B.J. is a well known, respected criminal defense attorney. Partly due to her success, the law firm of Ryan, Ryan and Reynolds has expanded to include the three original partners and three young associates. One of the new associates, Michael McAvey, has been assigned to work with B.J. during the first few months of his employment. After this training period, he would be working exclusively on defense cases assigned by her.
This arrangement was working well until B.J. began interfering with Michael and the trials of his cases. She became belligerent with him and his clients, to a point where Michael announced that he was leaving the firm. When confronted by her law partner and husband John, B.J. had no memory of her interference, nor of her negative attitude.
John decided B.J. was overworked, and they scheduled a week-long vacation together in Colorado. After three days in Colorado, B.J. falsely told John she was needed on an emergency case in Wichita, Kansas. It was the only time in a twenty year marriage that either of them had ever lied to the other. She continued with her strange behavior during her trip to Kansas, nearly resulting in losing the firm’s third partner.
She’s been suffering with bad headaches, losses of memory, and changes in her personality. She often treats her family, friends and associates as though they were her enemies, rather than those who love her and want nothing but the best for her. She is diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor, and undergoes major surgery. John and their two children nurture, sympathize with, and take loving care of B.J., while she recovers from her surgery.
The story tells of B.J.’s willingness and desire to help the law firm that she and John built over a period of many years, all the while suffering from the extraordinary pain and discomfort associated with dreaded brain cancer. As a tribute to the law firm, in her final work assignment she works at home, and becomes instrumental in helping John and their junior partner, Vicki Reynolds, win a huge jury verdict against a large insurance company.
B.J.’s illness reaches an unexpected and tragic climax. Will John and B.J.’s love endure forever, or will it suddenly come to an end? Why would John suddenly, and without warning, leave his terminally ill wife of nearly twenty years?
