Former police department spokesperson releases fourth crime novel

CAMARILLO, Calif. (KEYT)

A former police department spokesperson turned author just released his fourth book entitled, Top Shelf.

David Keith worked for the Oxnard Police Department and the Ventura County District Attorney's office before becoming a full-time writer.

Keith's first book Ivy Betrayal kicked off the series about investigator Jack Keller. Some of the characters are based on friends and colleagues.

The cover art on all of his books is created by former Ventura County News Network anchor Dan Green, who now anchors in Monterey.

Keith is an early riser who likes to write at a favorite Starbucks.

"I get up at 4-4:30 a.m. I like to write at Starbucks in Oxnard in the Collection, they have a certain seat for me there. I wrote this entire book sitting in same chair at Starbucks in Oxnard, all the baristas know me there, and it is kind of fun, and all the people that come in, I was there for months and months." said Keith.

Keith gets his inspiration in strange places.

"Driving to Las Vegas one time looking out at some mountains I got an idea, having a truck come into my lane on 101 Freeway, one time gave me an idea, I don't know, it's kind of weird, but that is when stuff pops into my head."

Top Shelf is based on a real case.

"You don't often find dead bodies inside police stations, but you do in this, and it is a little bit bizarre, but I always tell people, it was based on a true story something that happened in Nevada a number of years ago. It gave me some inspiration to write this," said Keith.

Keith is already working on his fifth book at the same Starbucks.

He recently sold copies to friends at a book signing at his Camarillo home.

Readers can also buy a copy of Top Shelf on Amazon.com.