Midnight Express Books
Midnight Express Books
Author John L. Orr is a relatively new client/author to Midnight Express Books, joining us in 2025.
You may recognize his name as he is actually quite famous.
Promising author John Orr has built an impressive career in law enforcement as an arson investigator, working as a fire department captain in Glendale, California in the greater Los Angeles area. Twenty-four years’ experience has resulted in over 200 arson arrests and the successful prosecution of 40 serial arsonists. In an attempt to build a second career, John decided to apply his knowledge and extensive background toward novel writing. The manuscript of “Points of Origin” began to take shape as the detailed account of a seasoned arson investigator and fire captain protagonist, quite obviously based on John’s life, as he chases down a serial arsonist responsible for a string of fires which have resulted in several deaths. Orr relies on his background which includes attending federal and state fire investigation conferences that detail specific case research and analysis. He is careful not to reveal overly sensitive information in his manuscript, particulars identifiable to definitive cases.
In a twist worthy of a Grisham thriller, however, his research and vast knowledge would become the flickering flame that would ignite a wildfire of suspicion cast back upon Orr himself, engulfing him in a blaze of personal destruction.
As the manuscript gained momentum, he shared it with associates. In 1991 his fiction story would burn the hand that created it, serving as “exhibit one” in a criminal arson and murder investigation that would send him to prison for life. As searing and horrific as this story begins, however, what would transpire thickens the plot as it begins to boil over to add gasoline to an already blazing wildfire of adversity.
Orr had contracted with a publishing firm. Infinity Publishing, for “Points of Origin” as well as another manuscript, “Points of Truth”, a memoir detailing his life, career, and the perilous journey through the legal system.
For a time, minor royalties were paid, then suddenly and without explanation, the royalties stopped, as did all communication from the publisher. Letters from readers indicated that the book was still selling, but Infinity Publishing had disappeared. Orr couldn’t gain control of the digital manuscript, and cease and desist orders to Infinity were ignored. For 12 years he struggled with attempts at reclaiming the rights to his own story, hundreds of hours of sweat, strain, and toil. To make matters more difficult, trying to track down Infinity Publishing or find answers was a nearly impossible mission from inside prison walls.
Finally, in 2026 he met another publisher, Linda Huddleston at Midnight Express Books who took an interest in his plight. With her guidance, Orr was able to republish “Points of Origin” and “Points of Truth” as updated, revised versions, and reclaim ownership of his work. Midnight Express Books is a longtime publisher focused on assisting incarcerated writers. Through word-of-mouth endorsement by others who have had positive publishing experiences with Midnight Express Books, Orr had found an honest, ethical, and conscientious publishing outlet more concerned with a quality product and customer satisfaction that their own bottom line.
Our mission has always been to treat our clients with integrity and fairness.
Orr’s difficulties weren’t over yet, however. The burning embers of adversity were still simmering as he sent proof copies of his revised book in and out of the institution. During that process he was informed that “Points of Origin”, a book he had ordered and received many times at various California prisons with no problem, had been placed on the California Department of Corrections’ banned book list due to fears that readers might be inspired to incite violence such as murder, arson, and rioting. As ridiculous as the claim may be, it left Orr and Midnight Express to appeal the decision, a lengthy and protracted effort with no clear chance of a successful outcome.
While Orr and the publishing team have been able to complete editing and proofing of the revised edition, he still will not be able to lay hands on the finalized work, along with all other California prisoners. However, the book is available to prisoners in other states and to the entire un-incarcerated free world.
If you would like to communicate with John, here is his mail address:
Mr. John L. Orr #P13502
MCIC / E21-B204
POBox 409090
Ione, CA 95640
He is also available for text messaging through Securus Technologies, for which there is an app.