Star Shooting: A Novel

by David K. Dodd

Overview

Star Shooting is a coming-of-age novel that tells the story of Ronnie Cousins. A star of his small rural community, excelling in school and sports, Ronnie is universally popular-a true leader among his peers. Everyone predicts a very bright future for him. But there are turbulent times during his sixteenth year, and a series of misfortunes sends him spirally downward, ending in a shocking act that stuns his community. The story concludes with an intense trial in which opposing attorneys battle for Ronnie's future. Readers, like jurors, will struggle to understand Ronnie's motive and to decide upon ultimate justice. A compelling story of youthful promise, friendship, and family, Star Shooting is a tragicomedy-at once heartbreaking and heartwarming-that will captivate readers of all ages.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940013777255
Publisher:	Bay Creek Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	01/16/2012
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	292
File size:	567 KB

About the Author

I am the author of five books, including two true-crime offerings and three novels. All are available as paperbacks and eBooks.

Furnace Murder, my first true-crime book (coauthored with Harvey W. Rowe), tells the fascinating 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.

My latest book is Fatal Sword, a heartbreaking, true story of a deadly fight between two friends on Christmas Eve 2001. The fight was spontaneous and shocking, but readers will be able to see how the life paths of the men led up to the disastrous event.

I have also written three novels that focus on individual potential and the power of family. In the first, Star Shooting, Ronnie Cousins is a young adolescent who is talented and popular, the star of his family, and a true leader among his friends and peers, but his golden life crashes suddenly when he commits a shocking act. Readers will be left wondering what went wrong, and how it all could have been prevented. In the follow-up novel, Star Dawning, readers find the protagonist starting all over and trying to find his way, needing family connections to survive.

NOY World, my third novel, is a dystopian story of the catastrophic results of climate change. Three friends struggle to survive their humdrum existence, moving from one village to another to pursue a better tomorrow. At every turn, they dodge NOY, which controls nearly everything.

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. Previously a resident of Fish Creek, Wisconsin, I now live in St. Louis, Missouri.

Editorial Reviews

Star Shooting ia an excellent, riveting story of real life, real people, and real experiences. Better than Patterson! A story of a young boy growing up in mid America during the sixties, his life is like the lives of many until that fateful event. David Dodd has great insight into people and life's challenges. It is a rewarding read. Can't wait for another!

Amazon.com - Ben West

Even if you weren't around for the turmoil of the 1960's, you can still relate to this vietnam era tale. Ronnie (our protagonist) is surrounded by so many in-depth characters and locations, it's easy to get lost in his story. Without giving too much away, let's call this a coming of age story with a dark turn. I'm left wanting more.

Amazon.com - Patrick Fisher

This was a great book, an easy read and hooked me from the very beginning. I think anyone who was raised in a small town could really relate to Ronnie, the main character, but even if you didn't grow up in a small town, the events and experiences are easy to relate to. I would definitely read other books by this author and look forward to his next book. I would recommend this book to book clubs as it would make for some very interesting discussions. The trial in the story would entice many diffe

BarnesandNoble.com - Pam Wood