The Bystander by John David
Author Interview + Book & Author Info + Author Pet Corner!
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The Bystander
It wasn’t just another live shot …
TV reporter Pete Lemaster anticipates nothing more riveting than filming a short lifestyle segment for an upcoming college football rivalry when he arrives at the Jacksonville Waterfront pregame tailgate party. Then chaos erupts as a bystander stops an active shooter with an act of stunning bravery. And Pete suddenly holds a golden career opportunity in his hands—an exclusive video that goes viral.
With the citizen hero’s star rising among the Second Amendment folk, Pete, too, enjoys the perks of fame. But something about that now-famous moment feels off, so he uses his journalism skills to poke around. Suddenly, he’s not sure what he captured is the truth.
And now opportunistic political and media figures are threatening Pete’s life if he doesn’t back off. Can he blow the whistle on a coverup, out the real villain, and stay alive?
The Bystander combines the twists and turns of Catherine Steadman’s Something in the Water with a bit of Carl Hiaasen’s Florida snark.
“This debut novel hit it out of the park…” – Mystery Review Crew
“Breathless stuff and riveting.” I was just wondering when the hook would kick in when the shots were fired. Perfect. We’re hooked and the action sweeps us along as if we’re there. Everything is finely tuned here: the set-up, the shooter, the live broadcast, the aftermath. Breathless stuff and riveting. – Page Turner Awards
The Bystander Awarded as Finalist for 2025 Storytrade Book Award. The Bystander awarded 2025 Finalist for Traditional Mysteries – Storytrade Book Awards (USA)
Purchase your copy of The Bystander at Bookshop.org and Amazon.
Interview with The Bystander Author John David
The Bystander involves an active shooter at a tailgate party. What interested you about using that particular scenario to launch your debut novel?
In 2022, there was an active shooter incident at a mall in Indiana. That event struck me and became the spark for what eventually turned into The Bystander.
Once I had the initial idea, I began looking for a way to tell the story in a setting that felt natural to me, and I landed on the idea of a football game tailgate. I am a big sports fan, and in much of my writing, I weave in some connection to sports. The atmosphere of a tailgate is energetic and celebratory, which makes it a powerful backdrop when contrasted with sudden violence. The story was inspired by a real event, but it quickly evolved into a fictional narrative.
The Bystander centers on TV reporter Pete Lemaster. Tell us about that character, how do the events of the novel change him?
When I created Pete Lemaster, I envisioned a television reporter who was good at covering local news and human-interest stories, but who quietly aspired to do more. At the beginning, he is young, ambitious, and focused primarily on capturing the facts. As the events unfold, Pete is thrust into a story that is far bigger and more dangerous than anything he has covered before. His growth as a journalist is central to the novel: He begins to see how the pursuit of truth can put him at odds with powerful forces but also how it can define him professionally and personally.
My background as a PR and media relations consultant also shaped Pete’s world. Years ago, local TV reporters and anchors were celebrities in their communities, while today the media landscape is fragmented and constantly shifting. Pete has to navigate this changing world while dealing with the chaos of the story itself. That journey forces him to confront larger questions about truth and accountability.
The Bystander weaves in politics and the Second Amendment—hot button topics in today’s climate. What drew you to writing about conspiracy and corruption?
There are really two layers to that. First, I find the debate around gun rights and gun violence to be one of the most complex and important conversations in America. The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution, yet the realities of gun violence are heartbreaking and divisive. It is an issue where people on both sides have deeply held beliefs, and the presence of extreme voices makes the discussion even more volatile. That complexity makes for a compelling backdrop.
The second layer is the theme of conspiracy and corruption. I have always been fascinated by the intersections of government, private industry, and media. We live in a world where someone can be working in government one day and, the next, representing the private sector—or where a communications professional can shape narratives for both sides. These blurred lines create opportunities for conspiracy, and sometimes corruption, to thrive.
While I want to believe the information we are given is truthful, the reality is that sometimes it is not. That tension between truth and deception is fertile ground for fiction.
You are a public relations and crisis communications consultant. What does a crisis communications consultant do? Does your work impact your writing?
As a crisis communications consultant, I work with companies and organizations facing difficult situations that draw media attention. Often, I get the call when a reporter is asking questions that could be damaging. My job is to help shape messaging, develop strategy, and protect reputations. Sometimes, a story turns out to be a non-issue, and I can help make the problem disappear. Other times, the challenge is very real, and I help clients navigate it while minimizing long-term harm.
Over the years, I have seen how crises unfold and how people respond to them. Most of the time, the issues are fairly straightforward. But every once in a while, something unusual or extraordinary happens, and those moments stick with you. I often take small pieces of those real-life experiences—the way someone reacted, or how a situation escalated—and weave them into my fiction. For example, in The Bystander, there is a subplot involving veterans’ issues, and some of the details came directly from real situations I encountered in my work. Using slivers of truth can give a story a feeling of authenticity.
You enjoy fishing out there in Florida—fresh water or salt? Deep sea or surf?
I enjoy all types of fishing, and I usually take any opportunity I can get.
Living in South Florida, I fish salt water, near shore, most frequently, but I have also enjoyed bass fishing on lakes and deep-sea fishing trips.
In recent years, I have spent a lot of time surf fishing. My wife loves the beach, and while I am not as enthusiastic about sitting on the sand, bringing along a fishing rod makes the experience much more enjoyable. It has become a balance for us—she gets her time on the beach, and I get the challenge and relaxation of fishing.
What are you working on now?
The Bystander is my debut novel, but I actually finished writing it almost three years ago. Since then, I have completed the second book in what is now called “The Lemaster Files.” The second book, The Pawn (you heard it here first! (Awesome!)), is scheduled to be released in May of 2026. I am currently working on the third book in the series. Between continuing to write, promoting my debut, and my day job, I have been very busy, but it is a rewarding kind of busy.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Writers:
In the acknowledgements for The Bystander, I specifically mentioned aspiring writers because I know how hard the journey can be. Writing a novel-length manuscript and then trying to get it published is incredibly challenging. I often call it a slog. My advice is to keep pushing forward.
I borrowed inspiration from legendary college basketball coach Jim Valvano, who during his battle with cancer famously said, “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” That is the mindset you need as a writer. If you believe in your work and know it has value, persistence is essential. I was fortunate to have people encouraging me to keep going, and I suggest others to seek out that support. It may take time to get published, but it is possible. I think I’m proof of that.
Excellent advice!
Author Pet Corner
We are definitely a pet family.
Over the years, we have had a half-dozen cats, two rabbits, and two dogs.
Right now, we have two cats and one dog.
Rocky is an eight-year-old, affectionate mutt and is almost always at my feet while I am working. He is the first to hear the twists, turns, and reveals of my novels.
The Bystander Author John David
John David is a long-time public relations and crisis communications consultant, author of a non-fiction business book, and a corporate ghostwriter.
His debut novel, The Bystander (The Lemaster Files Book 1), was longlisted for the BPA First Novel Award, was awarded as a finalist for the 2025 Storytrade Book Award for traditional mysteries, and was named a finalist for the 2025 Page Turner Award for mysteries and cozy mysteries.
It will be released by Tule Publishing in September of 2025. Though not a big joiner, he is a member of the International Thriller Writers Debut Author program.
When not working or writing, he enjoys fishing, talking about politics, and following the Florida Gators. He and his beautiful wife Pamela live in Pinecrest, Florida.
To learn more about John, visit any of the following links: Website, Instagram, X, and Bluesky.
Elena Hartwell/Elena Taylor
Header image from Pixabay
