Picture a storyteller who swapped tech meetings and banjo strings for the turquoise waters of a Caribbean mystery—meet Davin Goodwin! This American author burst onto the scene with his 2020 debut, Diver’s Paradise, a thrilling tale that blends scuba diving with murder and intrigue. With a life as vibrant as his stories, Goodwin’s unique path makes him a standout in the mystery genre.
From playing banjo at international festivals to logging over 800 dives in Bonaire, Goodwin’s eclectic experiences shape his gripping Roscoe Conklin Mystery series. His novels aren’t just page-turners; they’re a ticket to an island escape, laced with suspense and a laid-back vibe. Ready to dive into his world?
The Making of Davin Goodwin
Born in Rockford, Illinois, Davin Goodwin’s early life was a tapestry of music, technology, and adventure. A graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in Computer Science, he carved out a career in the tech industry, managing software developers. But his heart beat for more than code. At sixteen, he picked up a five-string banjo, playing for hours daily and later performing at the International Kiev Music Festival in 1992. His love for scuba diving, sparked by trips to Bonaire with his wife, Leslie, fueled his creative spark. After years of dreaming about writing, encouragement from family in 2010 led him to pen his first novel, though it took a six-year hiatus before he polished Diver’s Paradise into a published gem.
Davin Goodwin’s Unforgettable Stories
Goodwin’s Roscoe Conklin Mystery series, set on the sun-soaked island of Bonaire, is a love letter to scuba diving and suspense. His debut, Diver’s Paradise (2020), introduces Roscoe Conklin, a retired detective whose idyllic island life is shattered by a friend’s murder back home. The novel’s fast-paced plot, vivid island descriptions, and Conklin’s witty charm earned praise from authors like Steve Berry, who called it a “stay-up-all-night page-turner.”
The follow-up, Paradise Cove (2022), deepens the series with a darker mystery—a dismembered body washes ashore, pulling Conklin into a web of shady dealings. Goodwin’s style blends a relaxed, conversational tone with explosive twists, reflecting Bonaire’s laid-back yet unpredictable vibe. His intimate knowledge of the island, drawn from nearly 30 trips, paints a setting so vivid readers feel the sand between their toes. Influenced by Robert B. Parker’s snappy dialogue, Goodwin crafts characters who linger long after the final page.
Why Davin Goodwin Matters
Davin Goodwin is more than a mystery writer; he’s a storyteller who captures the allure of a Caribbean paradise while unraveling human secrets. His novels resonate with readers craving escapist thrills with a touch of authenticity, earning comparisons to Randy Wayne White and John D. MacDonald. By weaving his passions—diving, music, and adventure—into his work, Goodwin has carved a niche in the genre, inspiring aspiring authors to draw from their own lives. His growing fanbase eagerly awaits the next Roscoe Conklin adventure, proof of his rising star in crime fiction.
- Birthplace: Rockford, Illinois
- Key Works: Diver’s Paradise (2020), Paradise Cove (2022)
- Notable Passion: Scuba diving, with over 800 dives in Bonaire
Ready for a thrilling escape? Snag Diver’s Paradise and dive into Davin Goodwin’s sun-soaked world of mystery and suspense!