Welcome! I’m Duke Southard, an author, retired educator, and lecturer.
I have published seven novels, a commissioned history, and an anthology of
award-winning short stories and essays.
Please check out my blog where I write about true crime and a wide ranging variety of literary and everyday subjects.
My Programs
My programs are offered free of charge to any schools, public libraries, and educational/community groups.
Free Book
Grab a free copy of my book, The Week from Heaven and Hell
My Books
View a list of my published books, including Tainted Justice.
Recent Posts
Stacey Burns Murder Case-Progress Report
As far as I can determine, there is no progress in the case of the Stacey Burns murder. I would love to have someone in authority say publicly that this is not true. I would feel so much better as would many, many others if someone who has official information would...
Agent for Justice-Update
The second edition of Agent for Justice is now available in paperback from Amazon and soon to be available as a Kindle e-book. Exciting to see the new design, both interior and exterior, and, of course, the great story! (-: Duke
Eight questions!
The last post on this blog included eight questions for Mr. Ed Burns. I know it has only been just over a day since it was posted so I'll assume that he and his lawyer have not had time to construct a response. I can guess that the response will be quite simple. There...
Amazing Silence
Well, my last post certainly created much silence out there. Can anyone deny that those who are alive five years after a close friend or family member has died (in Stacey's case, been murdered) continue to grapple with their search for the truth? Come on, Mr. Ed...
“The dead are mute. . .”
Sue Grafton, who wrote the brilliant alphabet series of mysteries featuring P.I. Kinsey Millhone, has a perfect description of a homicide which sounds vaguely like the original lead detective in the Stacey Burns murder case. Detective Steve Rowland said that he is...
e-book formatted
The e-book version of Agent for Justice is being formatted. It should be available in about two-three weeks from Amazon.
You talking to me?
Last October, in an article in the Granite State News about my work on the book about the Stacey Burns murder, I was quoted as saying something like this. "If I were the New Hampshire State Police, I would want to talk to me." This may sound egotistical but I simply...
The public is not in danger?
Today, we return to a question which has been asked here before on more than one occasion. First, a review of the facts of the murder of Stacey Burns: She was stabbed multiple times. The murder must have been well planned in advance. It was not a random killing;...
No surprises, just disappointments
Here is a quote from the novel (untitled as of this moment) I am currently working on, along with Murder in a Small Town: The Tragic Death of Stacey Burns. I am thinking that the two stories might have something in common. (As I have said before!) "There were no...
At the printer!
The second edition of Agent for Justice was sent to the printer early this afternoon. That places it on track to be available in approximately four weeks. If this time frame changes, I'll be sure to let everyone know. I'm excited to see it in its new format! Duke
Arrest-WHAT IS NEEDED?
Post after post on this blog has raised questions. This will be no different. To the New Hampshire State Police and the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office: What is it that you need to arrest someone for the vicious killing of Stacey Burns? Is it a murder weapon?...
Wrong Questions?
My writing environment includes a shelf directly in front of my eyes so that whenever I look up I am admonished by a half dozen or so clever and supposedly inspirational sayings staring back at me. One has been on my mind lately as I struggle with the lack of answers...