Welcome to the Madison Murder Mysteries — Author Jonathan David
A small book with a big story. Welcome to the Madison Murder Mysteries, a short-story series written, edited, narrated, and handmade by Author Jonathan David in Madison, Wisconsin.
In this introductory podcast, Jonathan introduces the series, explains how he produces his miniature books, and shares what readers can expect from his fiction, video audiobooks, writing sessions, and website membership.
A Mystery Series Set in Madison, Wisconsin
The Madison Murder Mysteries follows Agent Fox, a former FBI agent who becomes a professor at UW–Madison and assists with local investigations. Each installment offers an individual mystery while contributing to a larger connected story.
Jonathan draws inspiration from walks around Madison with his dog, observations of the city, and local news and events. Those details become material for fictional mysteries set on Madison’s isthmus.
- First installment — Red Blood Sushi. The pilot story introduces readers to the series.
- Short, approachable reading. Jonathan estimates approximately 30–90 minutes of reading, depending on the reader, and about an hour for the audiobook.
- Connected but individually readable. Each story has its own mystery within the developing series.
- A local setting with broader appeal. Madison readers may recognize the surroundings, while readers elsewhere can enjoy the mystery.
Tiny Books — Handmade by the Author
Jonathan manufactures these books himself: printing the pages and covers, cutting the materials, assembling the books, and preparing the packaging. The short-story editions use regular-size text despite their small physical dimensions.
He also demonstrates a prototype countertop display intended for select local stores. The display holds the packaged books so readers can pick up a small mystery while visiting a shop or coffee stop.
- Original stories written by Jonathan.
- Hand-cut and assembled books.
- Matching bookmarks and packaging.
- Production quantities limited by the time available to make them.
Short-Story Books and Miniature Novels
The podcast distinguishes two small-book formats. The Madison Murder Mysteries short stories are designed for comfortable reading with regular-size text. The miniature replicas of full novels contain much smaller text and serve as readable novelty editions.
Jonathan shows examples connected with The Killers’ Therapist and Capitol Murders — The Madison Ripper, including a full-size handmade book and its miniature counterpart.
What Comes with a Handmade Bundle?
In this introduction, Jonathan describes a handmade novel bundle priced at $99, with availability limited by his production capacity. The demonstrated bundle includes:
- A handmade, author-signed book.
- A complimentary miniature edition.
- Matching bookmarks.
- A magnifying glass for the miniature novel.
- A recording of the production process as a video certificate of authenticity.
The separate Madison Murder Mysteries short-story books have their own pricing. Check the current store listing for the exact contents, price, shipping terms, and availability of each product.
Original Writing and the Use of AI
Jonathan explains that he writes the Madison Murder Mysteries himself. He distinguishes that original fiction from his use of AI to assist with graphics, packaging prototypes, preliminary measurements, and summaries of his spoken podcast transcripts.
For the series logo and packaging, he describes starting with his own design ideas, using AI assistance, and then revising the results. He checks and adjusts the measurements himself before producing the physical materials.
He also discusses a separate, explicitly labeled AI-written experiment, Nicola and Albert’s Scientific Adventures. That project is distinct from the fiction he writes himself.
Watch the Writing and Narration Process
The channel introduces Jonathan’s work through podcasts, previews, and video audiobooks. His website offers the fuller collection, including recordings of his writing and narration process.
- Writing recordings. Watch his screen and see the manuscript develop as he types.
- Author-narrated audiobooks. Hear the stories read by the person who wrote them.
- Chapter-by-chapter viewing. Follow the writing and narration in organized sections.
- Production demonstrations. See how the handmade books and packaging come together.
Jonathan also discusses the possibility of live writing sessions for interested members. Any such service will have its own access details when offered.
Fiction, Entertainment, and Other Work
Fiction is the main focus of this channel. Jonathan writes across different styles, including mysteries, psychological thrillers, horror, romance, and science fiction. Different books offer different experiences.
The Madison Murder Mysteries is presented as a lighter, more whimsical mystery series than some of his other fiction. Jonathan describes it as approximately suitable for readers ages 13 and older; other titles may contain mature themes and are recommended for adults.
His educational material draws on his experiences studying mathematics and working with college students. That content focuses on study habits and guidance, particularly for adults returning to college. His mentorship services do not include completing students’ homework.
Meet Jonathan and Explore His Books
Jonathan discusses selling and signing books at local events on State Street in Madison. Follow his announcements for upcoming appearances and opportunities to see the handmade editions in person.
If a handmade title or bundle you want is not listed yet, ask about its availability. Jonathan explains that he is still organizing the storefront and refining the ordering process.
Support the Stories and Join the Library
Paid memberships help support the time spent writing, narrating, manufacturing books, and producing new content. Free previews remain available for viewers who want to explore the work before joining.
Become a member to explore the full digital library of fiction, ebooks, podcasts, lessons, and author-narrated video audiobooks—all presented ad-free on my website. Visit the membership page to compare Digital Fan Club, Fiction Fan Club, and other available options.
Monthly and annual members can request podcast topics. Requests are addressed one at a time in the order received, with up to two requests per month. Members can also comment and interact with other members.
The Madison Murder Mysteries — Small Books. Big Stories.
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. The Madison Murder Mysteries is fiction; references to local places or events form part of a fictional narrative. Some other fictional works contain mature themes and are recommended for audiences 18 and older. Product prices, availability, and membership offerings may change; consult the current listings before purchasing.