After learning to play guitar, write music, create computer code and design a video game, what is the next thing that Bradford native, Daniel Picklo decided to tackle?  Writing his first novel!  That’s exactly what Picklo, a Senior Web Developer for BridgeRev, (an Oklahoma City based company), did in 2024.  His debut novel, The Dead Don’t Forgive, released on Saturday, October 5 through Amazon.com in paperback format.  The hardback edition became available by October’s end. 

Picklo, a Bradford Area High School and Pitt-Bradford alumnus, has been employed in the Marketing and Technical Services industry for ten (10) years, but states, “Writing and storytelling were always my first real passions. But, realizing that most authors cannot live off of their writing, I looked at other avenues that could provide a living.”  Picklo expressed his gratitude for the position he’s currently afforded that enables him to write for fun.

The Dead Don’t Forgive is a psychological-thriller, set in the Pacific Northwest.  The protagonist, Sam Stratton, battles grief and remorse for the untimely death of his young wife.  In an effort to find healing, Sam treks into the wilderness on a therapeutic, 3-day hike with others who battle their own private demons.  The intrepid group soon discovers that their pasts are more similar than previously thought, as they disappear deeper into the rugged wilderness.  Thoughts of healing and atonement are quickly replaced by the struggle to survive.

Picklo reveals that he was penning stories back in grade school.  “I wrote a series called ‘Ghost Hunters’ that featured my friends and relatives as the main characters,” he relates.  By high school, he was writing military-themed stories.  He states, “this time I wanted to go beyond my comfort zone and try something different.  But, after rereading a previous work, I realized that I’ve been writing thrillers longer than I previously thought!”

Inspiration for his first novel arrived while on vacation in 2021.  Picklo attempted to write a version of the story in 2023 but frustration caused him to place it on hold before once again revisiting the story in April of 2024.  Writing every evening and most weekends enabled Picklo to finish his draft by August. “When I started writing again, my only goal was to finish the story.  I had no intention of releasing anything and instead just wanted to say I was able to finally finish a book,” Picklo shares.

Early reviews have been positive. “This is a fantastic debut novel! It has so many elements that make it a good thriller: unpredictable characters, unexpected twists, a dark and gloomy setting, and questionable reality. I also loved the survival and horror elements tied into it,” stated Amazon customer, Sandy Burkhouse.  “Unlike many authors who make their main characters a hero without fault; Picklo’s main character was real, relatable and flawed. Wonderful read! I’m looking forward to the next,” shared another Amazon customer.

The Bradford Area Public Library (BAPL) is hosting Picklo for an author’s visit on Saturday, November 9 at 6PM.  It will be an engaging evening as Picklo will share insights to his inspirations and the challenges he faced on his writing journey.  Following the author’s presentation, an opportunity for a Q and A session and book signing will take place.  Light refreshments will be available and a limited number of The Dead Don’t Forgive will be available for purchase.