Local Author Writes Post-Civil War Mystery Novel Highlighting Historic Stillwater & the Scenic St. Croix River

David Fabio of our very own Stillwater Scribblers, a local writer’s group, has published his sixth novel, Bayfield’s Secret Notebook. 

Set in the 1860s at the close of the Civil War, David draws the reader into a tale of historical fiction, cleverly weaving together historical events, American geography, and creative storytelling. 

Part mystery, part romance, part adventure, it has something for everyone — from espionage and murder to buried secrets and hidden treasure!

As the story develops, the reader is transported via steamboat down the Ohio River and up the mighty Mississippi, finally reaching the beautiful St. Croix.  Along the way, we get a glimpse of the American South in places like Petersburg, Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri.  As we head north, the landscape begins to feel very familiar as we pass through towns such as Winona, Stillwater, Hudson, and Bayfield. 

In addition, all throughout the journey, David has incorporated interesting details about the Civil War, early river travel and railway development, and what life was like right here in Stillwater during the late 19th century.  Part fact, part fiction, it is like a history lesson cleverly disguised as a mystery novel that will keep you reading until the very end.

Bayfield’s Secret Notebook is available locally at the Valley Bookseller as well as on-line in paperback or e-book format from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and The Kindle Store.  David’s other books include Search and Seizure and Mystery of the Apostle Islands, both of which are mystery novels, and Tales of a River’s Bend, The Hidden Passage, and The Second Summer, which are novels written for youth.

David also co-writes the weekly column “Lake Life” for the Stillwater Gazette, which ties together his passion for writing, nature, and photography.  Once a science teacher in St. Paul and a Technical Service Engineer for 3M, he now enjoys family life with his wife Sandy, spending time with his grandchildren, doing outdoor photography, researching his next book, and writing. 

To read more about David and the books he has written, please visit www.davidfabio.com.