CHEYENNE, WY – Author Steven W. Horn’s techno-thriller The Pumpkin Eater weaves a story of dark secrets with the clandestine efforts of those willing to kill to protect the crimes of the past.
Horn’s latest novel and the first in his series, A Sam Dawson Mystery, uncovers a shocking story of undetected mass murders of young women, involving genetic manipulation and the dark history of America’s attempt to genetically improve the human species.
The book launch will be held at City News in Cheyenne, WY from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31. Following the book launch, the author has numerous book signings scheduled across the West, starting initially with Cheyenne, Casper and Laramie.
The author uses his diverse background to write compelling stories. In The Pumpkin Eater, Horn, a former university dean, draws upon his extensive knowledge of science, as well as his past experiences as a high-level political appointee, to write a dark tale.
“Novels can be more than just entertaining, they should stimulate an emotional response by the reader while leaving them with something to think about long after the book is finished,” Horn said.
The novel accelerates the suspense on every page while challenging readers to consider politically charged social issues as the novel races toward an unthinkable ending.
Horn explains that, “Writers are urged to write what should not be forgotten. Remembering the forgotten errors of history cannot correct the past. Rather, it may prevent flawed decisions in the future.”
In The Pumpkin Eater, photographer Sam Dawson discovers the crime by chance, noticing identical epitaphs on two graves, separated by a thousand miles. While three-quarters of a century have passed since the murders, the tragedy lives on, involving Sam’s long missing sister and his daughter.
Trying to uncover the truth, Sam races to unearth the graves of a lost cemetery and to expose the mass murders of people who were involved in an experiment much larger and more sinister than Sam envisioned.
Horn is recognized for his fast-paced stories. Another Man’s Life, his highly acclaimed first novel, has been nominated for numerous awards. The novel depicts the reality of Vietnam wartime atrocities intertwined with the guilt that still threatens innocent lives more than three decades later.
He is working on the next mystery for Sam Dawson to uncover.
About the Author
Steven W. Horn draws upon an eclectic array of career experiences in crafting his stories. From high ranking political appointee and international diplomat to the highest level of academic achievement, his unique background provides grist for the writing mill. A decorated Vietnam veteran and award winning scholar, Horn writes from experience. He lives in Wyoming.
Reviews
“Dramatic and intelligent, this is a smart start to a new detective series.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Sam Dawson, one of the more likable characters to debut this year, is an RV driving photog with a shotgun-riding bloodhound named Elle. Not exactly ten-feet-tall or bulletproof, Sam is one of the guys who breaks cases the old fashioned way—knocking on one more door, checking one more photograph… Climb in with Sam and Elle but hang on tight because you’re in for a bumpy and breathless ride.” – Craig Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of the Walt Longmire Mysteries and the basis for the A&E’s hit series Longmire
“The story reads beautifully, great characterization and scenes. Your writing skills are at their best.” – Peter R. Decker, author of Saving the West