Interview with David Dundas

Appointment with Death: A Novel
David J. Dundas
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595456949
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (12/08)

 

Today, Tyler R. Tichelaar of Reader Views is pleased to interview David Dundas, who is here to talk about his new thriller, “Appointment with Death.”

David J. Dundas was born and raised in London, England, coming from a family with a long blood line in law enforcement and the military. A decorated Military veteran and a police officer, David continues his dual careers. He is currently serving his country in Iraq. He writes poetry as well as works of fiction.

Tyler:  Welcome, David. I’m glad you could join me today. From what I understand, “Appointment with Death” is quite a thrilling read that people can’t put down. To begin, will you tell us about the killer in this story and what makes him exciting?

David:  The killer, Silas, is a sick, somewhat twisted killer who enjoys the thrill of the hunt. His victims will plead and beg for their lives. Silas is indeed a smart killer to be reckoned with.

Tyler:  As the story progresses, we are allowed inside the killer’s thoughts. What made you decide to provide this information to the reader, beyond what those seeking the killer know?

David:  I wanted the reader to get into the mind of the killer, to understand that people who kill are not always abused, or shunned. Silas by far came from a well to do family background. I wanted the reader to feel his pain, to cringe at turning the next page. To anticipate his thrill for the kill.

Tyler:  Will you tell us what motivates Silas to kill—what does he find exciting about it?

David:  Silas is driven on sweet revenge. He believes society on a whole is in debt to him. Call it mercy killings. Silas feels like he is ridding society of scum. Well scum in the form of high society call girls.

Tyler:  Silas’s victims are all high class “ladies of the night.” Why does he choose such women to be his victims?

David:  Silas for some reason always got off on women who seemed out of his league. He felt call girls were over priced, and by far he felt shunned. He could not have a simple relationship. No Silas wanted more. He wanted women to suffer.

Tyler:  Did you do any research into killers like Silas? Where did you get the idea for this character?

David:  The idea for Silas was pretty easy. I sat and thought about people in general whom society would never think of pulling off a crime. Silas to me would have been the perfect choice, an all American so to speak. My research? Truthfully, there was little. Silas was created from scratch.

Tyler:  Will you tell us about the main character and why you think readers will appreciate him as the protagonist?

David:  Murphy, by far, is the meat and potatoes. He tries his utmost to match wits with someone, who by far is mostly superior, at what he does. Murphy, in trying to find the killer, questions whether this is the career that he really wanted. Silas leaves Murphy second-guessing himself, as well as others. I felt that creating Mike Murphy to battle Silas would prove to be the ultimate confrontation.

Tyler:  What about the killer do you think makes him an intriguing criminal to keep the reader interested?

David:  I think the reader will get into the mind of Silas. Silas to me is a diamond in the rough. He has no remorse. No sympathy for his victims. He has the propensity to kill more people. As the novel intensifies, readers hopefully will lick their lips almost cheering for the killer, as he makes local, state, and federal authorities chase false leads.

Tyler:  Cheer for the killer? Do you think Silas has some sympathetic qualities then, or will readers just admire his cleverness?

David:  I definitely think readers will admire, if not enjoy, his cunning ways as he tries his best to out shine, out plot and embarrass the police. I wanted the reader to admire his wits yet hate his ways.

Tyler:  What are some of the difficulties faced in the quest to find and stop the killer?

David:  The difficulties are trying to find out when Silas will kill again, and who the next victim will be. Silas leaves everyone wanting more. The cops are frustrated. The town folk afraid. I believe Silas wants to create a frenzy, and with this frenzy he wants the cops to grovel, and pull their hair out, trying to catch him.

Tyler:  David, I understand “Appointment with Death” is of novella length—only fifty-five pages if I’m not mistaken. How did you manage to cram an entire thriller into such a short space?

David:  I wanted to create such a want for this book. I definitely wanted to get the reader’s attention. I definitely feel that telling a story should be short and sweet. I think my style of writing hopefully will catch on. I am a realist, and many people want a book that will zap them from beginning, to the end.

Tyler:  How would you define your writing style in terms of plot and sentence structure. When you sit down to write, what is your number one goal?

David:  I love to create fragments, and or run on episodes. I am not one for the eraser so whatever I create, I will continue to write, and if it feels good I just run with it. My style of writing stems from years of growing up in England and writing short dynamic stories.

Tyler:  David, I didn’t give you much of an introduction in the beginning. Will you tell us more about your background, personally or family wise, in law enforcement?

David:  I have been a City Police Officer for ten years. I am also an Iraq combat war veteran. I really enjoy Law Enforcement. I feel that my background really helps my writing. I have a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice and a Master’s in Criminal Psychology.

Tyler:  How would you describe the influence of this background upon your writing?

David:  I would say 100 percent. I love writing short stories, whether fact or fiction. I think it is somewhat, ironic.

Tyler:  I understand you are currently deployed to Iraq. What is your role there, and do you still find time to write?

David:  My role in Iraq is considered (opsec) which means I can’t really mention it. I am doing my best serving my country. I have a few more months left. Then I will return to the greatest country on earth. Good ole U.S.A.

Tyler:  Do you have plans for writing any more books, and if so, will you tell us about them?

David:  Yes I just finished another novella called “Body Parts,” a pulse-racing story.

Tyler:  Thank you, David, for joining me today. Before we go, will you tell us where our readers may go online to find out more information about “Appointment with Death”?

David:  Yes, definitely. The book is available at www.iuniverse.com. I thank you for giving me the time to talk about my book, and most of all I would like to thank my fans. I dare you to read!!

Tyler:  Thank you again, David, for the interview. I wish you much success with continuing to write exciting stories.

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