An Iowa lawman turned writer is preparing for a statewide tour to promote his third book. Donald Harstad of Elkader was the chief investigator for the Clayton County Sheriff’s office when he retired to write mystery novels in 1996. Harstad became a writer almost by accident in 1990 when he took an 11-day vacation and wrote his first book.The first book, “Eleven Days”, was published eight years later. A year later his second book, “Known Dead”, was published. The books are all set in fictional Nation County, Iowa, and feature Deputy Carl Houseman as the hero. Harstad will soon start a promotional tour for the latest book, “The Big Thaw.” He likes touring the country and hearing from his fans, as it gives him ideas. Harstad has a contract for two more novels. He hasn’t started the fourth yet, but expects it’ll be done in December.Harstad received an Anthony Award Nomination for “Best First Novel” and his second book was hailed by critics as “sophisticated, funny and diverting.”
