First-Time Author Pens New Bedford-Based Murder Mystery

Paul Rooney says he kicked around the idea of writing a book for years. At this point in his life, he felt he had the time and decided to go for it. The result is Widows Cove, a 450-page fictional murder mystery, set in New Bedford, on the Cape and in surrounding areas.

Dr. Rooney is a psychotherapist with a practice in New Bedford. He stopped by Townsquare Sunday this week to discuss his book, how the idea of writing came about, and his plans for the future.

"I've been thinking about writing a book since high school," Rooney said. "Now that life has slowed down a little bit, I said this may now be the time."

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The book's main character is veteran FBI Agent Rob Ragusa and his dealings with the fictional Widows Cove bar in New Bedford. His investigation into a fire aboard the fishing vessel Emma Jean and its subsequent sinking leads Ragusa and his law enforcement partners into a world of international drug smuggling and murder.

Rooney said many of the characters in his book come from people he's met in his life. He said he spent hours talking with people in law enforcement and in the fishing industry to better understand how those professions work.

"I do have a fair amount of fishermen who are clients in my practice," Rooney said. "They gave me information from their experiences. I also interviewed a captain who since retired, who had three boats in the harbor. He was terrific."

Rooney said the story was based mostly on his imagination – and yes, there might be a second book coming, depending on the sales of Widows Cove. He said sales have been brisk and he's "breaking even" right now.

I read the book and enjoyed it, especially the references to New Bedford. The book is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Townsquare Sunday is a community affairs program heard Sunday mornings on WBSM.

If you or your organization would like to be featured, please contact the host at jim.phillips@townsquaremedia.com.