From chasing truth in the shadows to adventure in the sun
For decades, I ran a successful private investigation agency. I located over 5,600 missing people, investigated complex insurance fraud cases, spent time deep undercover — including infiltrating a religious cult to rescue a teenager — and dug deep into the background of devious individuals and corporations. My training as a master interviewer led to many confessions and hidden truths - and my reports were heralded as the best in the industry. It was a career forged on curiosity, persistence, and a keen eye for stories and facts often overlooked by others - including the police.
My passion for research and storytelling led me to start moonlighting in 2006. I began writing for newspapers and magazines, exploring such diverse topics as travel, men’s issues, criminal psychology, sports, aviation, politics, celebrity profiles, and even sexual fetishes. My work appeared in a wide range of publications, including The Globe and Mail, Huffington Post, AskMen.com, Airforce Magazine, and General Aviation News. I also taught law and security students at Sheridan College and contributed as an editor for EMC/Shield newspapers. My best-selling true crime book, Camouflaged Killer (2011) was published by Berkley Books and Penguin Canada, followed by Evil in Plain Sight, published in Ireland by Y Books.
Since then, I've traveled to 34 countries, 40 U.S. states, and all 10 Canadian provinces, uncovering hidden corners, meeting extraordinary people, and finding adventure in every unexpected twist along the way. My writing has appeared in International Living, TravelAwaits.com, Lonely Planet (digital and seven print guidebooks, including Florida, New England, Canada, Central America, and the Pacific Coast Highway), and DK Eyewitness, among others. Florida has become a particular specialty, though the world remains my oyster.
David Gibb, "Gumshoe in Paradise"
"Travel writing naturally blends my investigative skills with my passion for storytelling. I dig deep into the heart of every destination, interviewing locals to uncover history, secrets, and tips that most visitors never discover. I aim to inspire my readers to break free from routine, embrace curiosity, and explore life while they can — because after facing mortality, I know just how precious that opportunity is."
In 2020, after surviving a near-fatal accident — being struck by a speeding car and given a 5% chance of survival — my outlook suddenly changed. I chose to close the investigation agency to pursue a path closer to my heart. I turned my focus to exploring the world, sharing its wonders, and inspiring others to do the same. Gumshoe in Paradise was born.
Gumshoe in Paradise is more than a travel brand. It’s the journey of someone who once sought truth in shadows and now seeks joy, freedom, and adventure under sunny skies — inviting readers along for the ride. It’s a philosophy that life doesn’t end after tragedy – sometimes it truly begins there.
The Journey
My career as a travel chronicler began with a curiosity for the world’s quietest corners. Over two decades, I have navigated labyrinthine capitals and trekked untouched wilderness, building a path on the belief that a well-chosen image tells half a story, and an evocative sentence reveals the rest. From documenting island traditions to mapping definitive guidebooks, my journey is a search for the 'why' behind the 'where', often supplying magazine-quality photography to ensure a deep personal connection with the landscapes I explore.
Specialties & Creative Expertise
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Column Writing
Provocative and insightful destination columns for global publications, blending investigative roots with cultural narrative.
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Guidebook Authorship
Comprehensive research and writing for major guidebook publishers, focusing on hidden local secrets and logistical precision.
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Editorial Photography
Magazine-quality visuals that complement long-form features, capturing the raw atmosphere of 34 countries and counting.
The Value of a Seasoned Perspective
In an era of fleeting content, I provide depth, reliability, and visual excellence. My work bridges the gap between evocative storytelling and practical exploration.
Unwavering Reliability
Decades of field experience mean I hit every deadline with precision, whether it's a quick-turn column or a complex guidebook project.
Multi-Format Versatility
From detailed destination features to magazine-quality photography, I deliver a complete editorial package ready for publication.
Global Network, Local Insight
With 34 countries and counting, I specialize in uncovering the human stories and hidden gems that others often miss.
Collaborating with Visionary Editors
"Working with David is a seamless experience. His ability to deliver narrative-driven destination features alongside museum-grade photography transforms every article into a visual journey. He doesn't just write a guidebook; he crafts a roadmap for the soul."
Terry Bush, Editor-in-Chief, EMC Newspapers
Let's Tell a Story
Now collaborating with editors worldwide