Step into the thrilling, laugh-out-loud world of Donovan Creed, where a former CIA assassin turned contract killer navigates a life of high-stakes danger and quirky humor! Penned by John Locke, the Donovan Creed series is an eleven-book thrill ride that blends gritty action, snappy dialogue, and a touch of heart, captivating readers with over 1.7 million copies sold worldwide. This self-published sensation redefined the thriller genre, proving that indie authors can dominate the charts with the right mix of grit and wit.
From the streets of Louisville to global crime syndicates, Donovan Creed’s adventures are anything but ordinary. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced thrillers or just love a hero who’s equal parts lethal and lovable, this series is your next obsession. Let’s dive into the wild world of Creed!
How Donovan Creed Began
John Locke, a former insurance agent and real estate investor, traded spreadsheets for suspense when he launched the Donovan Creed series in 2010. Inspired by his love for action-packed stories and a desire to break free from traditional publishing, Locke created Creed—a tough-as-nails anti-hero with a knack for trouble and a weakness for romance. Using Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing, Locke became the first self-published author to sell over one million eBooks, with Creed leading the charge. His innovative marketing, detailed in How I Sold 1 Million eBooks in Five Months, turned him into a pioneer of the DIY-Publishing Era.
The Heart of Donovan Creed
The series kicks off with Lethal People (2010), where Creed, a hitman with a heart of bronze, investigates a deadly arson case that pits him against crime boss Joe DeMeo. Expect bizarre allies like circus clowns and an angry midget, plus plenty of laughs amidst the chaos. Lethal Experiment (2010) ups the ante with a moral dilemma: accept $100,000, but a murderer dies. Creed’s struggle to balance his killer instincts with his desire for a normal life with Kathleen Gray and adopted daughter Addie keeps readers hooked. Saving Rachel (2010) delivers twists as Creed races to rescue a kidnapped woman, while A Girl Like You (2011) explores a rare genetic mystery with global stakes.
The Donovan Creed series thrives on its blend of thriller and comedy, with themes of loyalty, redemption, and the messy pursuit of normalcy. Set in a gritty, modern world of spies and mobsters, Locke’s infectious style—think snappy banter and unpredictable plots—makes every book a page-turner. Fans love Creed’s moral ambiguity, a killer who’s as likely to save a child as he is to take a contract. Translated into 29 languages, the series’ global appeal lies in its universal mix of action and heart.
Why Donovan Creed Resonates
The Donovan Creed series didn’t just sell books—it changed the game for self-publishing. Locke’s success inspired countless indie authors, proving that quality storytelling and savvy marketing could rival traditional publishers. Despite a 2012 controversy over paid reviews, the series’ fanbase remained loyal, drawn to Creed’s unique charm and Locke’s unpretentious prose. Time Magazine hailed Locke as a star of the DIY-Publishing Era, and his influence endures in the thriller genre, where humor and heart are now staples.
Creed’s lasting appeal lies in his relatability. He’s flawed, funny, and fiercely loyal, making readers root for him even as he skirts the law. For fans of Jack Reacher or Dexter, Donovan Creed offers a fresh, irreverent take on the anti-hero, wrapped in short, punchy novels perfect for a weekend binge.
- Publication Years: 2010–2013
- Number of Books: 11
- Notable Achievement: First self-published series to sell over 1 million eBooks on Amazon
Ready for a wild ride? Grab Lethal People and dive into Donovan Creed’s thrilling, hilarious world today!