In introducing my most recent book, a murder mystery novel entitled “The First Communion Murders,” I thought I would discuss the inspiration for its plot, which is briefly suggested by its title.

I was the executor for my younger brother’s estate after he passed away several years old; a heart attack the cause. After settling his financial affairs, I went through his possessions, which were extensive since he was somewhat of a hoarder. Aside from a multitude of semi-useless household appliances, several closets of freshly laundered business suits, shirts, ties and shoes, and boxes loaded with now irrelevant documents, I came across hundreds of photographs — a collection which included dozens of faded family pictures, including a professional studio photograph of my brother’s first communion, an occasion that likely took place sometime in the spring of 1960 or 1961. Looking at the photograph of dozens of six or seven-year-old boys staring into their futures on the steps of a church, eight of whom had small Xs ascribed above their heads, I was reminded of my brother’s occasional comments regarding the eventual success of some of his classmates, some of whom were admittedly impressive. It then occurred to me that sometimes envy and other unfortunate emotions that originated in childhood could build into adult bitterness strong enough to lead to murder. The voyage of discovery regarding the meaning of the small Xs ascribed above the heads of the boys in the first communion photograph is the story chronicled in the book.

In addition, several months before starting to write the book, I attended a house auction during which a streamer trunk was purchased. I imagined that the protagonist finding the first communion photograph would be an interesting plot element.

Check out my book to learn more!