Books
Other novels, anthologies, and children's books
Final Round
I really had no business writing a book about golf, but I rather like the way it turned out. I couldn't figure out how to make golf interesting to non-golfers, so I focused on the characters, gonzo pro golfer Conner Cross, and his caddy, Fitz. The research on the Masters tournament was great fun.
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The Midnight Before Christmas
Another great favorite of mine. A true Christmas book, in the Dickensian sense. This book is so pure I've even let Alice read it. Several high school teachers have used it in their English classes. I've had many readers tell me they re-read it every Christmas. I love this book.
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Double Jeopardy
My attempt to write a straight-ahead thriller, which I enjoyed so much I began adding more "thriller elements" to the Ben books. I still wouldn't mind revisiting Travis Byrne— or whatever name he's currently using.
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The Code of Buddyhood
My first "non-crime" novel, although now that I think about it, there is a murder. Also corpses, subterranean passageways, and a spaceman from another planet (sort of). If Bobby Beresford seems a lot like Ben Kincaid, it's because he is. Since I couldn't get "Code" published (at the time), I reused much of his background when I created Ben. I think of it as an early Ben book, sort of Ben's adventures before he became an attorney.
Anthologies Edited by William Bernhardt
Natural Suspect
I started this project to raise funds for extremely worthwhile projects for The Nature Conservancy, but once I recruited ten of the best writers in the country, it actually turned into a very good story! I wrote the first chapter and the last. Each of the other authors wrote a chapter, based only upon what they read the in the previous chapters—no collaboration or consultation was permitted. And it turned out great! Go figure.
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Legal Briefs: Stories By Today's Best Thriller Writers
The short story is generally considered an American art form (thank Edgar Allan Poe for the literary theory that gave it shape) but in today's world they are very difficult to publish. I invited many of the writers I admire most—starting with John Grisham—to contribute a story. I think everyone enjoyed the chance to stretch their short form muscles—and to raise money for charity at the same time. Philip Margolin's story was selected for the Best Mystery anthology for the year.
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For Young Readers
Equal Justice: The Courage of Ada Sipuel
The First Lady of the State of Oklahoma, Kim Henry, told me she wished there was a book for young readers that would make Oklahoma students more aware of the achievements of civil rights pioneer Ada Sipuel. I thought it was a wonderful idea and was happy to help make it happen. This book was chosen to be an Official Oklahoma Centennial publication and has been distributed to grade schools throughout the state.
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Princess Alice and the Dreadful Dragon
This book began as a bedtime story I told my three children, Harry, Ralph—and Alice. Thanks to the glorious illustrations of my dear friend Kerry McGhee, it has become something much more. This project was a delight from start to finish. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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