The love of reading and writing, for me, started as a child. My dad would read to me as a young boy. As I grew older, I also developed a passion for history. I remember reading Richard Harding Davis (a famous war journalist) and thinking “I wish I could write like him,” his talent is truly amazing.

Fast forward to my adult years. I graduated from the University of North Carolina with a degree in History and Political Science; then from Emory University School of Medicine in 1968. After that, I became Major Toppell, US Army, Medical Corps. Following 5 years of service, I practiced Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine in Houston for 40 years! Although my career wasn’t focused on writing, I still found ways to incorporate writing into my life. The bulk of my writing was in medical wards and intensive care units. I started to give lectures on American history, and even wrote a published satire article in “The Best of Medical Humor” collection.

I now live in Plano, Texas, spending my retirement writing murder mysteries and enjoying life with my beautiful wife, Loretta.