Picture a San Diego sharpshooter turned thriller maestro, crafting pulse-pounding tales that keep you up past midnight—meet Andrew Peterson! This internationally bestselling author of the Nathan McBride series blends his real-world marksmanship expertise with gripping storytelling, creating a hero who’s part Jack Reacher, part Jason Bourne. From his early days winning shooting competitions to donating thousands of books to wounded veterans, Peterson’s journey is as compelling as his novels.
The Making of Andrew Peterson
Born and raised in San Diego, California, Andrew Peterson grew up with a pellet gun in hand, winning his first shooting competition as a kid. This early passion led to a Master classification in the NRA’s High Power Rifle ranking system. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Oklahoma, Peterson worked as a real estate developer, never imagining he’d trade blueprints for manuscripts. His writing spark ignited in 1990, with a short story, “Mr. Haggarty’s Stop,” published in San Diego Writers Monthly. A pivotal 2005 writers’ conference, where he met thriller author Ridley Pearson, inspired him to dive into novels, birthing the Nathan McBride series.
Andrew Peterson’s Unforgettable Stories
Peterson’s Nathan McBride series, launched with First to Kill in 2008, follows a former Marine sniper and CIA operative haunted by a brutal past. McBride, a conflicted hero, tackles high-stakes missions with precision and heart. In First to Kill, he hunts terrorists with a cache of explosives, uncovering a web of corruption. Forced to Kill pits him against a sadistic interrogator from his past, while Hired to Kill sees him thwarting a terrorist plot targeting his family. Peterson’s writing is fast-paced, rich with authentic firearm details and military tactics, reflecting his own expertise. His plots weave personal stakes—family, loyalty, redemption—with global threats, making each book a thrilling ride.
The series, now seven books strong, has been translated into multiple languages and earned praise for its “breakneck pace” and “complex, unforgettable characters.” Peterson’s ability to craft a hero who’s both larger-than-life and deeply human has drawn comparisons to Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan. Fans love the meticulous research, from CIA operations to border conflicts, grounding the action in reality.
Why Andrew Peterson Matters
Beyond his page-turners, Peterson’s impact shines through his generosity. He’s donated over 3,000 books to troops overseas and wounded warriors in military hospitals, a nod to his deep respect for the military. His 2011 USO tour to Afghanistan, alongside authors like Sandra Brown and Clive Cussler, was a career highlight, where he thanked service members personally. Peterson’s thrillers resonate with readers who crave action with heart, and his support for veterans amplifies his legacy. In a genre packed with tough-guy heroes, Nathan McBride stands out for his scars—physical and emotional—and his relentless pursuit of justice.
- Born: San Diego, California
- Key Works: First to Kill, Forced to Kill, Hired to Kill
- Notable: Donated over 3,000 books to troops and veterans
Ready for a thriller that hits like a sniper’s bullet? Snag First to Kill and dive into Andrew Peterson’s heart-racing world of espionage and heroism!