David M. Ward Releases Debut Medical-Horror Novel Excruciating

BUCKS COUNTY, PA, UNITED STATES, October 27, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- David M. Ward, a retired U.S. Army Reserve colonel and nurse anesthetist, has released his debut novel, "Excruciating," a medical-horror thriller that delves into the uncertainties and fears that can arise in a hospital setting. The book, which follows a nurse anesthetist grappling with personal loss and professional challenges, was released on October 25, 2026, in e-book format and will be available in paperback and hardcover by October 30, 2026.

Ward's background as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with over two decades of experience in operating rooms and trauma care provides a rich foundation for his narrative. His military service, which spanned from 1988 to late 2025, has given him a unique perspective on the fragility of human life and the responsibilities that come with it. "Excruciating" explores themes of grief, isolation, addiction, and the thin line between human suffering and redemption, all set against the backdrop of a hospital where trust and control are constantly tested.

The novel's protagonist, Matthew Rix, is a nurse anesthetist whose professional world begins to unravel as he faces personal loss and increasingly disturbing events. His work in the operating room, where patients place their lives in his hands, is juxtaposed with his unstable personal life, including a strained marriage and career. The narrative builds tension as Matthew is drawn into a murder investigation that challenges his sense of control and forces him to question his own judgment.

Ward's professional background is integral to the novel's premise. His experience in high-stress, life-or-death situations allows him to craft a story that is both medically grounded and psychologically intense. "Excruciating" is a dark, character-driven supernatural thriller that explores the boundaries of human judgment and the unknown. It is a testament to Ward's ability to blend his clinical expertise with a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The release of "Excruciating" marks a significant moment in Ward's career, as it is his first foray into fiction writing. His 37-year military career, which included deployments to the First Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Africa, has provided him with a wealth of experiences to draw upon. These experiences, combined with his clinical expertise, have resulted in a novel that is both gripping and thought-provoking.

In "Excruciating," Ward challenges the reader to question the limits of human knowledge and the possibility of the unknown. The novel is a blend of medical suspense, psychological thriller, and supernatural horror, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre. As the story unfolds, readers are drawn into a world where the familiar becomes unfamiliar, and the line between reality and the supernatural begins to blur.

With its release, "Excruciating" is set to captivate audiences who enjoy medical-horror stories that explore the darker aspects of human experience. Ward's background as a nurse anesthetist and his military service have provided him with a unique perspective that enriches the narrative, making it a must-read for those interested in the intersection of medicine and the supernatural.