John W. Bebout

Author & Poet

my latest book:

AWARD FINALIST: American Legacy Book Award 2024

FEED THE CROW is a heart-stopping, historical fiction adventure story that ​takes place in the late 1860s and is set in the beautiful islands of the Florida Keys ​and the Caribbean. Kate Warne, a Pinkerton detective, is in Key West recovering ​from a personal tragedy when she is asked to investigate a series of thefts from ​ships owned by a friend. But the thefts turn into murder and kidnapping and Kate is ​drawn deeper and deeper into a world she thought no longer existed: piracy. The ​reader is carried along with Kate as she experiences the beauty and customs of ​the islands and the vagaries of 19th century justice. As one reviewer put it, "You ​don't read a novel by John Bebout, you live it."

biography

John W. Bebout was born in Poughkeepsie, New York and received degrees from the University of Florida, SUNY-New Paltz, and Pennsylvania State University. He is a published poet

and the author of four historical novels, including the award-winning 'Cause of Darkness.' Dr. Bebout is also a Navy veteran and, in a former life, was a paleontologist who authored/coauthored more than two-dozen peer-reviewed publications.

Other novels- 'Till the sun grows cold'

TILL THE SUN GROWS COLD is the story of two star-crossed lovers during the turbulent days following the American Civil War; it is a tragic search for justice, by land and sea, with one of the strongest female characters in recent historical fiction.

Sample Review:

TILL THE SUN GROWS COLD by John Bebout is a fascinating, gripping, and entertaining novel. Kate and Merritt are strong characters who individually charmed me, but it’s their budding romance that kept me engaged from start to finish. The plot was unexpected and intriguing, and one message in particular resonated with me; the message about revenge and how it never ends. After seeking revenge for his son, Merritt feels no more satisfied; instead, the love between him and Kate appears to be the true source of his lust for life again. Revenge only resulted in more lives lost and no retribution for himself or his son. I loved reading this book; it is beautifully written, the story flowed effortlessly, and there was a clear direction and purpose in the plot.

'The Life and redemption of Teddy Miller'

Winner of the 2024 International Impact Book Award for

Drama and Tragedy Fiction

THE LIFE AND REDEMPTION OF TEDDY MILLER combines in one volume ''The Cause of ​Darkness' and 'The Light from Darkness' to tell the story of a young man's epic journey in ​search of love and redemption. See individual reviews below.

'THE LIGHT FROM DARKNESS is the story of a young man's epic journey home in search of love and redemption.

SAMPLE REVIEW:

It was amazing. Rich in evocative detail and human insight, Bebout’s historical tale set in the last months of the American Civil War tells the story of a young man as he makes his way home to the lovely terrains of Shenandoah Valley and to his beloved. It is 1864. The Civil War has almost run its course. Seventeen-year-old Teddy Miller is in Great Tortugas, the desolate island off the Florida Keys, to look for his estranged father in a Yankee prison. But the tragic news of his father’s death forces Teddy to find his way back home. Teddy begins his horrendous journey, unaware of a cruel twist of fate awaiting him there. Bebout adeptly describes the rough and varied terrain of Teddy’s journey that takes him over land and sea and the various intriguing characters, including courageous heroes and malevolent villains he meets, all the while struggling with his inner demons. Teddy’s growing sense of his own identity, the people around him, and his relentless guilt over his hand in his family’s tragic fate is portrayed with great understanding and perception. Bebout competently evokes the Civil War era as he delves into the delinquencies of the Confederate Army, the difficult live of escaped Black slaves, and the devastating ways the war’s tragedy affects masses. Teddy and Eugenie’s sublime love story is poignant, and the meticulous researched details, including people’s way of living, sea voyages, and the period’s Virginia laws are infused skillfully into the narrative. Lovers of historical fiction are in for a treat. –Goodreads Review

'THE CAUSE OF DARKNESS' is the story of a 16-year-old boy named Teddy Miller set during the last full-year of the American Civil War.

wINNER OF THE 2021 ElIT bronze MEDAL FOR historical FICTION.

SAMPLE REVIEW:

I felt this was one of the best historical fiction stories I have ever read with exceedingly high tension as well as low points all mixed with dramatic twists and turns which produced a cornucopia of emotions. I felt, the author described and set the scenes quickly and very realistically using an economy of words. For example,

“On our ride over from Warrenton, the cavalrymen had ridden in a loose double-column with one scout far out in front of us and another following in our rear. But before we entered New Market, Lieutenant Marcus ordered a parade formation. He and I rode at the front while directly behind us rode two troopers, one carrying a large American flag and the other the company colors. Behind them, the men trotted along in a tight, double column. The men rode with perfect posture and looked magnificent in their cavalry jackets. The brass on their Spencer carbines, holstered within easy reach on their saddles, glistened in the rays of the lowering sun.”

I thought the author intelligently and very cleverly varied the scenes and in this fast-paced story. I also found the story intriguing, dramatic and entertaining written by a very gifted author. Highly recommended!

It was my pleasure to be given a complimentary copy of this book but that does not in any way influence this review. --Bruce Miller

some of my ​favorite ​poems

Every once in a while, I will post one of my poems. ​This one has not been published, but it means a ​great deal to me. It is much the story of my life ​after my divorce. I hope you enjoy it. -John

Contact Me...

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. Stay well and happy reading.

Coming Soon

Kate Warne Returns

“Nightmares are

dreams, too”

Click here to download

the first three chapters