Here is a sneek peek into my book I am currently writing titled: A Monster Among Us: My Battle with Narcissistic Partners. I’m excited (and a bit nervous) to share that I’m writing my first book! They say to write what you know, so I’m drawing from my own life experiences for this deeply personal project, pouring my heart into every page.

Since this is my first time writing, I’d appreciate your kindness and feedback. I know it won’t be perfect, but your thoughts on overcoming challenges, dealing with difficult people, or navigating life’s ups and downs would mean the world to me.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Your support will help me grow as a writer, and I hope my book resonates with you. This is just the beginning—stay tuned for more updates! I can’t wait to share more with you all!

This is the About the Author page, so it is only a snippet of what is to come. This is not the final product and there will probably be plenty of revisions to it. Thanks for reading.

About the Author

My name is Ralph Dunne, and my life has been marked by deep love, profound loss, and an ongoing battle to find peace amidst the chaos. I’m a 56-year-old widower, a father of two successful children, and someone who has faced more challenges than I ever imagined. As you read my first book, A Monster Among Us: My Battle with Narcissistic Partners, you’ll come to understand the personal tragedies I’ve endured, the demands of a long career in law enforcement, and the devastating impact of my experiences with narcissistic relationships.

I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the Westbank of Jefferson Parish, in a family with deep ties to public service. My father, Ralph Dunne Sr., was a respected police officer with the New Orleans Police Department. From an early age, I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps. At 21, I joined the force, becoming a second-generation police officer. This wasn’t just a job for me—it was a calling. I grew up with the values of duty, honor, and courage, and being a police officer was my way of living those values every day.

In 1991, when I was 23 and just starting my career as a police officer, tragedy struck. My father, Ralph Sr., was murdered during an attempted robbery. He was walking on the levee between Gretna and Algiers when two juveniles approached him near Mardi Gras World. One of them shot him in the stomach. A former colleague rushed him to the hospital, but two weeks later, he succumbed to his injuries—just two weeks after my wedding to my beloved Evelyn. Losing my father at that moment in my life was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure. It reminded me of the dangers of the profession I had chosen, but it also deepened my commitment to making a difference in my community.

My marriage to Evelyn was the cornerstone of my life. We met when we were both 19, and I knew right away that she was someone special. Evelyn was a vibrant, compassionate woman who worked as a sign language interpreter for children in the Jefferson Parish school system. She had a passion for her work, and she was loved by the students and staff alike for her kindness and dedication. It’s funny to think that Evelyn once told me she would never date a firefighter or a police officer, yet she ended up marrying me—a man who was both.

We got married when we were 23, and our life together was filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect. Evelyn was always the kind of person who gave more than she took. She had a gift for bringing joy to others, often dressing up as different characters at school to entertain the students. She was my best friend, my partner, and my soulmate.

But in 2020, my world was shattered. Evelyn died suddenly from a heart attack during the COVID-19 pandemic. I’ll never forget the day she called me at work, telling me she was having severe chest and arm pain. I rushed home, only to find her unresponsive in bed. I tried everything I could—I performed CPR—but it wasn’t enough. She was gone. Losing Evelyn was the hardest thing I’ve ever experienced. It felt like a part of me died with her.

In her memory, I got a tattoo of the sign language sign for “I love you” over my heart. It’s a small way to keep her close to me, even though she’s no longer here. Evelyn’s death also intensified the struggles I’d been dealing with for years—anxiety and depression that had started back in 2011 when my son, Matthew, was deployed to Afghanistan, my daughter, Kelsey, left for college, and my mother, Jenny, passed away. The weight of all these losses became almost unbearable after Evelyn died.

My career in law enforcement has been both rewarding and challenging. I started as a patrol deputy, but over the years, I worked my way up through the ranks, becoming a detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and eventually, a captain. My work has exposed me to some of the darkest sides of humanity—investigating murders, rapes, and child abuse cases, witnessing countless deaths, and dealing with the emotional toll that comes with it all.

One of the most haunting cases I worked on involved twin seven-year-old girls who were blind and deaf. They died in a house fire, and I had to watch as their autopsies were conducted. That memory still lingers with me. Another incident that I’ll never forget happened while I was fishing with my son Matthew. We saw a man fall out of his boat, and I watched helplessly as the boat’s propeller struck him, taking his life instantly. These experiences, combined with the personal tragedies I’ve faced, have taken a heavy toll on me emotionally.

Despite everything, I’ve remained committed to my work. After retiring from my first department in 2009, I joined another agency, where I’m currently serving as a detective. My drive to protect those who can’t protect themselves has been the guiding force behind my career, even when the burden feels too heavy to bear.

After Evelyn passed away, the loneliness was overwhelming. I’ve always been a shy and reserved person, not someone who easily reaches out to others, especially women. I found myself turning to alcohol to numb the pain and to make the anxiety and depression a little more bearable. But I knew, deep down, that it wasn’t the answer. Alcohol is a depressant, and relying on it when you’re already struggling with depression is a dangerous road. There were times when I found myself in a very dark place, questioning whether I could keep going.

In an attempt to find some semblance of normalcy, I started dating again. Since Evelyn’s death, I’ve been involved with multiple women. Unfortunately, many of these women exhibited narcissistic traits—some minor, others more pronounced. The most impactful relationship lasted over two years and was with a woman who I now realize was a full-blown narcissist.

These relationships left me questioning myself—wondering if I had a “type” that I was unconsciously drawn to, women who would ultimately use me and treat me poorly. Despite my efforts to find love and companionship, I kept finding myself in toxic relationships that only deepened my loneliness and despair.

A Monster Among Us: My Battle with Narcissistic Partners

Writing this book, A Monster Among Us: My Battle with Narcissistic Partners, has been a therapeutic journey for me. I started writing as a way to process my emotions, to make sense of the chaos that had come to define my life. This book isn’t just a memoir—it’s an exploration of the insidious nature of narcissistic abuse and its profound impact on a person’s life. By sharing my story, I hope to shed light on the often hidden and misunderstood aspects of narcissistic relationships, offering readers the validation and support they need to begin their own healing journeys.

Writing has forced me to confront some of the most painful memories of my life, to relive the darkest moments. But it has also given me a sense of purpose and meaning that I hadn’t felt in a long time. By putting my experiences into words, I’ve been able to find clarity, to make sense of the confusion, and to begin reclaiming my life from the grip of narcissistic abuse.

My story is one of resilience, courage, and the unyielding pursuit of healing. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s ability to endure even the most profound losses and emerge stronger on the other side. Through this book, I hope to reach others who may be suffering in silence, to offer them hope and a path forward.

As I continue to navigate the complexities of life as a widower and a survivor of narcissistic relationships, I remain committed to my personal growth and healing. I’ve learned that this journey isn’t a linear one—it’s filled with ups and downs, moments of progress and setbacks. But through it all, I’ve come to understand the importance of self-compassion, forgiveness, and the willingness to seek help when needed.

My hope is that A Monster Among Us: My Battle with Narcissistic Partners will not only resonate with those who have experienced similar struggles but also serve as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to reclaim their life from the grip of narcissistic abuse. I believe that by sharing our stories, we can find strength in our vulnerabilities and help others find the courage to heal. This book is my way of doing just that—offering a glimpse into my life, my struggles, and my journey toward healing.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope my story helps you find the strength to face your own challenges and the courage to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the road may be.