Why I Wrote Capital Murders — Introducing The Madison Ripper
What happens when a twisted Jack the Ripper copycat appears in Madison, Wisconsin? In this video, author Jonathan David introduces Capital Murders — The Madison Ripper, explains the experiences that inspired its provocative satire, and previews his plans to narrate the audiobook himself.
The story combines a murder mystery with dark humor and social commentary. Jonathan describes its tone through a mix of influences—South Park, Chappelle’s Show, and Family Guy, alongside the suspense he enjoys in Stephen King’s storytelling.
A Mystery Connected to The Killer’s Therapist
The Madison Ripper belongs to a larger fictional world that begins with The Killer’s Therapist: a therapist who is himself a serial killer seeks out other killers to give them therapy. Those patients then branch into stories of their own.
Jonathan describes Capital Murders as a series within that larger series. Its Madison setting gives him a place to combine suspense, local atmosphere, and pointed observations about social behavior.
- The central threat — A Jack the Ripper copycat brings a disturbing mystery to Madison.
- The storytelling style — Suspense and mystery share the page with deliberately provocative comedy.
- The larger connection — Individual stories expand the fictional world introduced in The Killer’s Therapist.
- The intended experience — Entertainment that invites readers to think about the behavior being portrayed.
Turning Difficult Experiences into Fiction
Jonathan says the book grew out of a stressful period during the pandemic, when he was experiencing illness and conflict with people around him. He describes channeling his frustration with gossip, judgment, and hostility into a fictional story.
His approach was intentionally confrontational. Rather than writing a gentle portrait of the city, he wanted to exaggerate behavior he found troubling and turn it into satire. In the video, he also describes that provocation as a marketing decision, while acknowledging that it alienated some readers.
These are Jonathan’s explanations of his inspiration and creative choices. The novel’s characters, dialogue, and events are fiction; they should not automatically be read as statements of the author’s personal beliefs or conduct.
Who Is This Book For?
Jonathan positions the book for readers who enjoy irreverent humor, political satire, and dark mysteries. He specifically describes an audience interested in satire aimed at the liberal political culture he associates with Madison.
The book’s deliberately abrasive tone will appeal differently to different readers. This introduction offers a preview of that tone so you can decide whether the story matches your interests.
Expect mature themes, provocative social commentary, and dark humor. Jonathan’s comparisons describe the atmosphere he is aiming for; the book is his own fictional work.
A Series Written Around Madison Book Signings
Jonathan explains that he developed the Capital Murders series for the audience he meets at his downtown Madison book signings. At the time of recording, he describes selling books on the 100 block of State Street during the Dane County Farmers’ Market.
He also announces a planned follow-up, State Street Zodiac, continuing the series’ mixture of mystery and satire. Separately, he discusses a planned The Killer’s Therapist prequel centered on Lilith Grady. Check his website for publication updates and current event information.
An Audiobook Read by the Author
Jonathan plans to present the full audiobook in video form, reading directly from the book. Listeners will be able to hear his narration or watch him perform it on his website.
He is building his website around an ad-free entertainment experience for members, including audiobooks and recordings of his writing process. In this introduction, he explains that direct reader support helps him dedicate time to producing those works.
Handmade Books and Miniature Replicas
The video also shows Jonathan’s handmade books alongside an edition produced through a third-party press. The miniature version contains the complete novel in a much smaller format and is presented with a magnifying glass and matching bookmark.
These handmade products offer another way to collect his work. Visit the store for current editions, bundle contents, prices, and availability.
Original Writing and AI-Assisted Cover Art
Jonathan states that he writes the fiction himself and plans to share recordings of his writing process. He distinguishes that work from the cover image shown in the video, which he says was generated with AI from his design and then adjusted by him.
For readers interested in how the books take shape, the planned recordings offer a view of the author at work—from developing the story to narrating the finished book.
Support the Stories You Enjoy
If you enjoy Jonathan’s fiction, explore his membership options, audiobooks, and physical books. He also mentions a Fiction Fan Club and separate mentorship services; consult the current listings for what each option includes.
In the video, Jonathan invites interested fans who cannot afford a membership to ask him about free access. That is an invitation to contact him about available arrangements rather than an automatic access offer.
Disclaimer — My videos and podcasts express personal opinions and are intended strictly for entertainment. Commentary may include speculation, hearsay, satire, or fictional material and should not be treated as verified fact or professional advice. This introduction discusses mature fiction intended for adults. Products, membership benefits, events, and release plans may change; consult current listings for details.