Dean M. Shapiro is a New Orleans-based freelance writer and journalist with more than 40 years of experience in his field. He is also a publicist, copyeditor, and has authored seven books and has more than 1,500 newspaper, magazine, and web articles to his credit. His career as a journalist dates back to the late 1960s when, as a sophomore in college, he reported award-winning stories from the anti-war protests in Washington, D.C. He also served for years as a news researcher for NBC news and veteran newsman Tom Brokaw and others.
About Dean M. Shapiro
Dean M. Shapiro is a New Orleans-based freelance writer and journalist with more than 40 years of experience in his field. He is also a publicist, copyeditor, and has authored seven books and has more than 1,500 newspaper, magazine, and web articles to his credit. His career as a journalist dates back to the late 1960s when, as a sophomore in college, he reported award-winning stories from the anti-war protests in Washington, D.C. He also served for years as a news researcher for NBC news and veteran newsman Tom Brokaw and others.
Published Works
Mr. Shapiro co-authored The Blood Covenant with Rena Chynoweth, one of the 13 wives of polygamist cult leader Ervil LeBaron. Nicknamed the "Mormon Manson," LeBaron, ordered the murders of 2 dozen people, including members of his own family. The book, released by Diamond Books/Eakin Press, was the subject of a 1993 CBS made-for-TV movie, "Prophet of Evil: The Ervil LeBaron Story" starring Brian Dennehy, William Devane, and Tracey Needham.
Mr. Shapiro also co-authored the novelization of the critically acclaimed feature film, Belizaire the Cajun, a work of fiction set in the bayous of southern Louisiana in 1859. The novel, co-written with the film's director, Glen Pitre, was published in hardcover and trade paperback by Pelican Publishing Company of New Orleans in 1988.
His third book, Blondin, is a biography of the first man ever to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope in the mid-19th century. It was published by Vanwell Publishing Ltd. of St. Catherines, Ontario in 1990. 
His fourth book, The Eleventh Commandment, a suspense novel, was published in 2008 by PublishAmerica of Baltimore. How far will a reporter go to get a story? Tom Foster is about to find out. As the religion editor for a large daily newspaper, Tom goes undercover to expose a fanatical, polygamous cult leader suspected in the deaths of more than a dozen followers. He gets more than he bargained for when his own life is on the line, especially after he has fallen in love with one of the cult leader’s wives. Can Tom save her—and himself—when his deception is discovered? The answer comes after a tragic climax that shocks the world.
Mr. Shapiro’s fifth book is Historic Photos of Steamboats on the Mississippi by Turner Publishing. With paddle-wheels churning, tall smokestacks billowing, calliopes singing, and steam whistles sounding, the steamboats of the Mighty Mississippi proudly ruled the river. Some offered all the comforts of home (and more); others did the work for the industries that transformed the United States into the industrial giant it became. They carried presidents and kings, socialites and commoners, cotton and coal, lumber and steel. They enabled some of our nation’s major cities to grow and flourish. Told through historic photographs in these pages, the story of steamboats that plied the Mississippi and the glorious era they symbolized is vividly captured and enshrined for generations to come.
His sixth book is Historic Photos of Louisiana due out February 28, 2010 by Turner Publishing. From its founding in the early 1700s to the present, Louisiana has been one of the most fascinating and culturally diverse geographical areas on the North American continent. To many people, the name calls to mind images of sleepy bayous with moss-draped cypresses and the hot sounds of New Orleans–style jazz. But there is much more to “the Bayou State” than what exists in the popular perception. There exists a culture of hardworking people tilling the land, pulling fish and shrimp from the sea, staffing factories, and selling the fruits of their labors in the open marketplace. Louisiana is also a place where the joie de vivre—the “joy of life”—is celebrated like nowhere else. Both sides of this captivating locale, the work and the play, the struggles and the pleasures, are seen in the diverse, nearly 200 photographs showcased in this volume. Historic Photos of Louisiana is an entrancing look at this unique state.
He also ghostwrote Mackie Shilstone's Body Plan for Kids by Basic Media of Laguna Beach, CA.Mr. Shapiro contributed 375 entries to The American Spectrum Encyclopedia, a 16,000-entry, single-volume desktop reference work, was contracted by the American Booksellers Association through Harkavy Publishing Service of New York and released in 1991. He has also been contracted to write for several junior and senior high school history and geography textbooks in recent years.
Mr. Shapiro has been contracted to write essays and biographies for several junior and senior high school history and geography textbooks in recent years. He also is the author of ten screenplays, including Victim 341 which is loosely based on the Kim Groves murder he wrote about for the Crime Library website. Currently, he is working on a full-length nonfiction book on the same crime entitled Murder in the Lower Ninth. He has taught writing classes at the University of New Orleans and writes regularly for several New Orleans-area publications and websites.
Reviews and Testimonials
Based on The Eleventh Commandment
In his latest book, The Eleventh Commandment, author Dean Shapiro invites his readers on an astonishing journey into the depths of a dangerous polygamous cult, instilling anticipation one suspenseful chapter after the next. Leading the quest is the scrappy main character, Tom Foster. As the Religion Editor for a daily newspaper, Foster is bravely attempting to uncover the secrets of this small religious sect, which he will include in a scandalous report. Ensuing conflict is created when Foster reveals that it is not just a passion for his job driving him in this mission, but the pursuit of a woman named Rosa, who unfortunately happens to be the cult leader’s wife. Not intimidated by a deluded narcissist, Foster feigns loyalty to the cult leader in an effort to expose the scandals, lies, and murders that have taken place as a result of the reclusive religious group. But what he discovers appalls and scares him to the core. Realizing thousands of lives are at stake, including his beloved Rosa’s, it is now time to warn the public. But is it too late? The unpredictable ending provides the answer in a shocking surprise. Shapiro ignites apprehension by creating conflict that continues to escalate throughout the course of the novel. The insight into Foster’s life and his thoughtful reflections enable readers to share the ups and downs felt through his emotional journey. The serious subject matter, embellished with skin-shuddering imagery, is contrasted by Foster’s optimistic attitude. Readers will find themselves rooting for this heroic character as he goes face-to-face with the enemy. Dean Shapiro’s The Eleventh Commandment is a beautiful love story, embedded in a dangerous battle between good and evil. It leaves readers wondering which one will triumph, until the very last word. —Suzanne Pfefferle, Where Y'at magazine
Writing is in New Orleans’ blood almost as much as music. Many of America’s finest writers—Twain, Chopin, Faulkner, Williams, to only begin a very long list—have lived and worked here. The city seems to inspire language like no other place in the nation. The Big Easy’s literary tradition is alive and well. Dean Shapiro, a leading light among local writers for over two decades, recently published his latest effort, The Eleventh Commandment. This thriller has all the elements, which together create an engaging, pulse-pounding read from the white-knuckle opening (“As the sound of gunshots echoed off the trees and a stream of bullets whizzed past my ears, I raced desperately through the dense woods with my would-be captors in hot pursuit.”) to its inevitable but shocking ending. The pursued protagonist, Thomas Jonathan Foster, is religion editor for a large daily paper. (Having been a newspaper editor himself, Shapiro renders this side of the story spot on.) The fanatical leader of a polygamous cult is suspected of killing his followers, and Tom goes underground to find the truth and expose the cult. There he falls in love with not just a member of the sect, but one of its leader’s many wives. When his subterfuge is exposed, both Tom’s and his beloved’s lives are in imminent peril. The cult comes after them, leading to The Eleventh Commandment’s most satisfying conclusion. But you will have to read the book to find out what happens. Believe me, it is worth doing. Shapiro knows how to use surprise, suspense, foreshadowing and the like to spin a compelling yarn. Further, good novel writing also depends on finding the voice and style that fit the genre and make it sing out through strong characterization. Shapiro consistently achieves this. Consider, for example, this moment of reflection as Tom (the protagonist) is being given his admission exam by Aaron Moses. “Being tested on carrying out the dirty work of a pseudo-religious psychopath was not exactly what I had bargained for.” The tough frankness with a hint of sarcasm strikes just the right note for our hero in that moment. Finally, happily, unlike most page-turners, The Eleventh Commandment is intelligent. Shapiro’s general knowledge of the Bible, history, and more enlivens the story set so well in the world of journalism and religious cults. Shapiro knows the world of cult religion almost as well as he knows the newsroom. He co-authored Blood Covenant: The True Story of the Ervil LeBaron Family and its Rampage of Terror and Murder. This book that became the basis for a CBS TV movie starring Brian Dennehy tells the story of LeBaron’s renegade Mormon cult that began in the town of Le Baron in Mexico and became responsible for multiple crimes and terror. Shapiro’s co-author once was one of LeBaron’s ex-wives. —Lee Horvitz, Travel Host Magazine
Suspenseful, could not put it down. Well written and thought provoking. The author seems to have some inside knowledge. . . . Was this based upon a real situation? —Robert Dell, New York, NY
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I became engulfed with the story in the first chapter. I could hardly put the book down. It's been a long time since I read a book on any kind of fiction. It is well written and mind provoking. The author did a great job. I would love to see this book made into a movie. —Wilma Irvin, Kenner, LA
Based on Belizaire the Cajun
Set in the Cajun Country of Louisiana's Vermilion Parish during the 1850s, this historical novel, based on the 1987 motion picture, recounts the exploits of Belizaire Breaux, a Cajun herbalist and traiteur (faith healer) who defies the vigilante cattle barons that are terrorizing the region.
Based on The Blood Covenant
What will amaze readers most about this plodding, first-person narrative is not its description of strange doings of a Mexico-based radical Mormon cult, but rather Chynoweth's almost brainwashed-bland tone as she discusses her experiences with Ervil LeBaron (to whom she was married), a polygamist and religious fanatic who allegedly commissioned many murders "in the name of the church." Perhaps Chynoweth, currently in hiding in the United States, and journalist Shapiro stick to this "just the facts" tone to avoid sensationalism. . . . —Lauren Bielski, New York
This excellent book was written by Rena Chynoweth, the last and youngest of Ervil Lebaron's 13 wives. The Chynoweths were one of the core families to follow Ervil LeBaron. Rena and her older sister Lorna were married to him and bore him 10 children between them. Three of her brothers ranked high in the church and her parents were both dedicated followers. There have been a few books about the LeBarons and Ervil's group—The Church of the Lamb of God—but no other insider has written a book except Rena. She takes you through her family's entire story with the group from the early 60s to 1989. And she has one amazing story to tell. In other books about the group Rena has been much maligned, but I thought she came off as heartfelt, honest and sincere. I felt she took responsibility for her actions in shooting Dr. Allred, although I agree with her that she was under mind control to some degree at the time and is not entirely responsible for her actions. Rena and her family paid a very heavy price for their involvment in the group—2 of her Brothers, her niece and her sister ended up murdered in the 80s by some of Ervil's children for breaking away for the group or I guess in Lorna's case, fearing she was about to. They also lost other family and friends to murder due to their involvment with the group. This is as close to the inside workings and events in the group as anyone on the outside could ever hope to get or know. If you want to learn about Ervil LeBaron and his group, I recommend starting with this book first. —Miss Hater
I found this book to be very informative and touching. The author was willing to talk about very painful things from her past with the hope that doing so would help others trapped in a mind controlling cult. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have grown up in a more "normal" environment might learn to look with more compassion on those who are living—or have lived—in situations where they had no rights or say in their own lives. I think it took a lot of courage for her to write this book. —ErinTickle
In his latest book, The Eleventh Commandment, author Dean Shapiro invites his readers on an astonishing journey into the depths of a dangerous polygamous cult, instilling anticipation one suspenseful chapter after the next. Leading the quest is the scrappy main character, Tom Foster. As the Religion Editor for a daily newspaper, Foster is bravely attempting to uncover the secrets of this small religious sect, which he will include in a scandalous report. Ensuing conflict is created when Foster reveals that it is not just a passion for his job driving him in this mission, but the pursuit of a woman named Rosa, who unfortunately happens to be the cult leader’s wife. Not intimidated by a deluded narcissist, Foster feigns loyalty to the cult leader in an effort to expose the scandals, lies, and murders that have taken place as a result of the reclusive religious group. But what he discovers appalls and scares him to the core. Realizing thousands of lives are at stake, including his beloved Rosa’s, it is now time to warn the public. But is it too late? The unpredictable ending provides the answer in a shocking surprise. Shapiro ignites apprehension by creating conflict that continues to escalate throughout the course of the novel. The insight into Foster’s life and his thoughtful reflections enable readers to share the ups and downs felt through his emotional journey. The serious subject matter, embellished with skin-shuddering imagery, is contrasted by Foster’s optimistic attitude. Readers will find themselves rooting for this heroic character as he goes face-to-face with the enemy. Dean Shapiro’s The Eleventh Commandment is a beautiful love story, embedded in a dangerous battle between good and evil. It leaves readers wondering which one will triumph, until the very last word. —Suzanne Pfefferle, Where Y'at magazine
Writing is in New Orleans’ blood almost as much as music. Many of America’s finest writers—Twain, Chopin, Faulkner, Williams, to only begin a very long list—have lived and worked here. The city seems to inspire language like no other place in the nation. The Big Easy’s literary tradition is alive and well. Dean Shapiro, a leading light among local writers for over two decades, recently published his latest effort, The Eleventh Commandment. This thriller has all the elements, which together create an engaging, pulse-pounding read from the white-knuckle opening (“As the sound of gunshots echoed off the trees and a stream of bullets whizzed past my ears, I raced desperately through the dense woods with my would-be captors in hot pursuit.”) to its inevitable but shocking ending. The pursued protagonist, Thomas Jonathan Foster, is religion editor for a large daily paper. (Having been a newspaper editor himself, Shapiro renders this side of the story spot on.) The fanatical leader of a polygamous cult is suspected of killing his followers, and Tom goes underground to find the truth and expose the cult. There he falls in love with not just a member of the sect, but one of its leader’s many wives. When his subterfuge is exposed, both Tom’s and his beloved’s lives are in imminent peril. The cult comes after them, leading to The Eleventh Commandment’s most satisfying conclusion. But you will have to read the book to find out what happens. Believe me, it is worth doing. Shapiro knows how to use surprise, suspense, foreshadowing and the like to spin a compelling yarn. Further, good novel writing also depends on finding the voice and style that fit the genre and make it sing out through strong characterization. Shapiro consistently achieves this. Consider, for example, this moment of reflection as Tom (the protagonist) is being given his admission exam by Aaron Moses. “Being tested on carrying out the dirty work of a pseudo-religious psychopath was not exactly what I had bargained for.” The tough frankness with a hint of sarcasm strikes just the right note for our hero in that moment. Finally, happily, unlike most page-turners, The Eleventh Commandment is intelligent. Shapiro’s general knowledge of the Bible, history, and more enlivens the story set so well in the world of journalism and religious cults. Shapiro knows the world of cult religion almost as well as he knows the newsroom. He co-authored Blood Covenant: The True Story of the Ervil LeBaron Family and its Rampage of Terror and Murder. This book that became the basis for a CBS TV movie starring Brian Dennehy tells the story of LeBaron’s renegade Mormon cult that began in the town of Le Baron in Mexico and became responsible for multiple crimes and terror. Shapiro’s co-author once was one of LeBaron’s ex-wives. —Lee Horvitz, Travel Host Magazine
Suspenseful, could not put it down. Well written and thought provoking. The author seems to have some inside knowledge. . . . Was this based upon a real situation? —Robert Dell, New York, NY
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I became engulfed with the story in the first chapter. I could hardly put the book down. It's been a long time since I read a book on any kind of fiction. It is well written and mind provoking. The author did a great job. I would love to see this book made into a movie. —Wilma Irvin, Kenner, LA
Based on Belizaire the Cajun
Set in the Cajun Country of Louisiana's Vermilion Parish during the 1850s, this historical novel, based on the 1987 motion picture, recounts the exploits of Belizaire Breaux, a Cajun herbalist and traiteur (faith healer) who defies the vigilante cattle barons that are terrorizing the region.
Based on The Blood Covenant
What will amaze readers most about this plodding, first-person narrative is not its description of strange doings of a Mexico-based radical Mormon cult, but rather Chynoweth's almost brainwashed-bland tone as she discusses her experiences with Ervil LeBaron (to whom she was married), a polygamist and religious fanatic who allegedly commissioned many murders "in the name of the church." Perhaps Chynoweth, currently in hiding in the United States, and journalist Shapiro stick to this "just the facts" tone to avoid sensationalism. . . . —Lauren Bielski, New York
This excellent book was written by Rena Chynoweth, the last and youngest of Ervil Lebaron's 13 wives. The Chynoweths were one of the core families to follow Ervil LeBaron. Rena and her older sister Lorna were married to him and bore him 10 children between them. Three of her brothers ranked high in the church and her parents were both dedicated followers. There have been a few books about the LeBarons and Ervil's group—The Church of the Lamb of God—but no other insider has written a book except Rena. She takes you through her family's entire story with the group from the early 60s to 1989. And she has one amazing story to tell. In other books about the group Rena has been much maligned, but I thought she came off as heartfelt, honest and sincere. I felt she took responsibility for her actions in shooting Dr. Allred, although I agree with her that she was under mind control to some degree at the time and is not entirely responsible for her actions. Rena and her family paid a very heavy price for their involvment in the group—2 of her Brothers, her niece and her sister ended up murdered in the 80s by some of Ervil's children for breaking away for the group or I guess in Lorna's case, fearing she was about to. They also lost other family and friends to murder due to their involvment with the group. This is as close to the inside workings and events in the group as anyone on the outside could ever hope to get or know. If you want to learn about Ervil LeBaron and his group, I recommend starting with this book first. —Miss Hater
I found this book to be very informative and touching. The author was willing to talk about very painful things from her past with the hope that doing so would help others trapped in a mind controlling cult. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to have grown up in a more "normal" environment might learn to look with more compassion on those who are living—or have lived—in situations where they had no rights or say in their own lives. I think it took a lot of courage for her to write this book. —ErinTickle
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