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Fred Ramsay '58: Priest and Professor Turned Author

If you are looking to read a “finely wrought” (says Kirkus Reviews) and “entertaining” (per Publishers’ Weekly) mystery, not to mention one set in Jerusalem in 29 C.E. and starring a crime-solving duo composed of a rabbi and a physician, look no further than “Holy Smoke,” the third volume of a trilogy by Frederick Ramsay. He’s a member of W&L’s Class of 1958.

Fred’s new book comes out Tuesday, Feb. 5, from Poisoned Pen Press, and follows the previous two installments in his Jerusalem mystery series, “Judas: The Gospel of Betrayal” and “The Eighth Veil.”

Fred has taken quite a path to authorship. In addition to his B.S. from W&L, he holds an M.A., M.Ed. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He served in the Army and taught anatomy, embryology and histology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He also served as an associate dean there. According to his website, he’s also worked “as a Vice President for Public Affairs, . . . an insurance salesman, a tow man and line supervisor at Baltimore’s BWI airport, a community college instructor, and substitute.” Oh, and in 1971, he was ordained an Episcopal priest. He’s retired from those many careers now and spends his time writing. He lives in Surprise, Ariz.

The Jerusalem mysteries make up only one of Fred’s series. He also pens the Ike Schwartz mysteries, set in a fictional, Lexington-like town called Picketsville, Va., and the Botswana mysteries, which take place in Africa.

You can read more about Fred’s books and even order signed copies on his website.

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