Writer bases third book on experiences growing up in Hudson
By Angela Greiner Contributing Writer

P.D. LaFleur, the author of "In the Company of Strangers," is a former Hudson resident.

Hudson - P.D. LaFleur, the critically acclaimed writer of suspense mystery novels and a former 42-year Hudson resident, will appear in town Thursday Aug. 9 at 6:30 p.m., for his second annual book-signing event at the Hudson Public Library.

LaFleur visited the library as an author last year after his first book, "In the Company of Strangers," was published. One year later, LaFleur is back and this time will be signing his second book, "Vengeance Betrayed," which was released in April by RGI Press.

During this upcoming special presentation, LaFleur will discuss the mystery fiction genre.

As a frequent speaker on the topic of modern history, LaFleur explained that he was interested in the problems in Ireland and used that as the inspiration for his second novel.

"The concept for the story line of 'Vengeance Betrayed' came from the problems that have existed in Northern Ireland for centuries, and how they aff ected people," LaFleur said.

The novel is a suspense story about a prestigious English Parliament member and his elaborate scheme to disrupt the peace process plans in Northern Ireland. The setting ranges from London to Boston.

LaFleur described the book as an example of "misguided fury" and what that can do to humans, especially when they get into positions of power.

As a former New England native, La Fleur received a bachelor's degree in English from UMass-Boston. He then spent 30 years working in the financial services in the Boston area. He explained that he always enjoyed writing, but it was not until he retired from his positions as CEO of a major financial institute in Boston that he begin to write his first book.

"I began writing my first novel seven years ago and I have been writing ever since," LaFleur said. "I love to read and write."

He compared the control of the writer to that of an artist with a blank canvass.

"You start with a blank page and you get to make it all up," he said.

LaFleur was modest about the success of his first two books.

"When I got my first book in my hands, it was extremely exciting," he said.

His third book "Mill Town," will be released in December and LaFleur is currently working on a fourth. "Mill Town" is about the transformation of a factory town from its blue-collar past into middle-class suburbia. LaFleur explained that the book was about the dynamics of a small town and confessed that the story was inspired by events in Hudson.

"It is based on events, characters and situations that took place in Hudson," he said.

LaFleur said that he thinks readers in small towns across America will be able to identify with the story and the characters.

LaFleur currently lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida. His stop in Hudson will be one of five on a one-month New England book-signing tour. Books will be available to purchase at the event and LaFleur will donate $3 from the sale of the books during the event to the Hudson Public Library.

For more information, contact the Cora Arsenault, the reference librarian, at 978-568-9644.