Fuhrer's Heart: An American Story, a re-release of the 2006 book spotlighting the dangers of white nationalism in American democracy, is a suspense thriller set in the New Orleans academic world and inspired by right-wing extremism and electoral politics. Full of suspicious deaths, action, conspiracies, and sex; the author adds to this tumultuous mix a great dose of racial tension and political intrigue. One of the main characters is a young and highly ambitious African American named Michael Woods. His dreams for a better life lure him from the working-class lifestyle of his family, former cotton pickers in rural South. He graduates from college and upon receiving a PhD is fiercely recruited by New Orleans's prestigious Institute for Public Policy. Unbeknown to Michael, the liberal leaning Institute has recently been infiltrated by white supremacists portraying themselves as members of the liberal establishment. The New Orleans Gambit Weekly calls Fuhrer's Heart "a quick and engaging read that presents an insight into how racism has endured through the ages."

James D. Ward is a university professor who teaches and publishes in the field of public administration and policy. Prior to entering academia, he worked as a newspaper and television reporter.