by David M. Ward
Excruciating is a dark, character-driven fiction novel that delves into the thin line between suffering and redemption. The story centers on Matt Rix, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) struggling with profound grief and addiction following the tragic death of his son. As Matt navigates the high-pressure environment of the operating room, his life spirals out of control through illicit drug use, a crumbling marriage, and a secret affair with a colleague. The narrative takes a surreal turn when Matt begins experiencing bizarre, drug-induced hallucinations during surgery, blurring the boundaries of reality. Amidst this personal turmoil, a sinister plot unfolds involving embezzlement, blackmail, and murder orchestrated by a manipulative travel nurse and a compromised hospital CEO.
About the Author
David M. Ward is a retired U.S. Army Reserve Colonel and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist with over two decades of experience in operating room and trauma care. His extensive 37-year military career began in 1988 as an enlisted combat medic, followed by service as an Air National Guard Flight Nurse, and ultimately as an Army Reserve nurse anesthetist before his retirement in December 2025. Ward's service included deployments and missions in the First Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Africa, Europe, Central America, Hawaii, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Iraq. Excruciating is his debut novel, drawing heavily on his professional background to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the complexities of human nature. Born and raised in Philadelphia, he currently resides in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
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