Davies' Debut Novel "Catch Me When You Can" Hits Shelves

Miami, Florida Mar 8, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Retired educator John Philip Davies captivates readers with the release of Catch Me When You Can, available March 7th in print and eBook format. The novel delivers chilling suspense and historical intrigue through a compelling narrative. Catch Me When You Can marks the authors first foray into fiction, following two critically reviewed books on education. 

The novel opens with two eerily similar murdersa thousand miles and three weeks apart. George Maybrick, a merchant seaman, is swiftly arrested and confessesnot just to these murders, but to others in port cities worldwide. Psychiatrist Dr. Richard Crane is called to assess Maybricks mental competency and treat his chronic nightmares. What he discovers is chilling: a serial killer who is a brilliant self-taught artist with a passion for the poetry of Dylan Thomas. 

The more I thought about the possibility of the first serial killer in modern history returning in the present day through reincarnation, the more it took hold of me. I spent the next five years doing a deep dive into both subjects. As I did, I began to sketch out a narrative and create a cast of characters that eventually became Catch Me When You Can, says Davies. 

Praise for Catch Me When You Can

A super unique spin on the Ripper story!
Nina Bruhns, award-winning New York Times and USA Today best-selling author

Catch Me When You Can gripped me from the start
Merle Saferstein, author of Wisdom of the Century and Living and Leaving My Legacy, Vols. I & II

Davies moved to Miami with his wife, Roxanne, in 1986 to join the leadership team at Miami Country Day School. He led the school for 18 of his 32 years as Head of School before retiring in 2018. Their sons Christian and Harrison both graduated from MCDS in 2007 and 2009 respectively. In his spare time, he enjoys painting, writing, traveling and keeping in shape.