Picture a Bronx-born storyteller who swapped a Green Beret for a pen, crafting thrilling tales that blend military grit with speculative wonder—meet Bob Mayer! A New York Times bestselling author, Mayer has sold over 6 million books, captivating readers with his unique fusion of real-world expertise and imaginative storytelling across genres like science fiction, thrillers, and romance.
The Making of Bob Mayer
Born on October 21, 1959, in the Bronx, New York, Robert John Mayer grew up in a working-class family, the son of a garbageman and a housewife. His path to authorship was anything but ordinary. After graduating in the top 10% of his class at West Point with a degree in psychology, Mayer became a Green Beret, commanding an A-Team and teaching at the JFK Special Warfare Center. His military background, steeped in strategy and survival, laid the foundation for his authentic, high-stakes narratives. In 1991, he traded combat boots for a typewriter, launching his writing career with a fierce determination to tell stories that resonate.
Bob Mayer’s Unforgettable Stories
Mayer’s bibliography is a treasure trove of over 90 books, spanning science fiction, military thrillers, and even romance. His debut, Eyes of the Hammer (1991), introduced the Green Beret series, following Dave Riley on a covert mission in Colombia. The series, praised for its authenticity, showcases Mayer’s knack for blending tactical precision with pulse-pounding action. Under the pen name Robert Doherty, he penned the Area 51 series, a speculative saga exploring alien mysteries and ancient myths, which hit #1 on Amazon’s science fiction charts. New York Minute (2019), the first in the Will Kane Green Beret series, dives into 1970s New York with a gritty, Jack Reacher-esque hero. Mayer’s style—described as “factual fiction”—weaves history, mythology, and military know-how into stories that feel thrillingly plausible.
His collaborations with romance novelist Jennifer Crusie, like Agnes and the Hitman (2007), a New York Times bestseller, reveal his versatility, blending humor and heart with his signature edge. Whether writing about interdimensional gates in Atlantis or covert ops in Chasing the Lost, Mayer’s stories grip readers with their blend of real-world stakes and speculative twists.
Why Bob Mayer Matters
Bob Mayer’s impact transcends his impressive sales. His novels offer readers an escape into worlds where military precision meets mythical intrigue, inspiring fans of both Tom Clancy and Isaac Asimov. As a speaker and writing instructor, he’s empowered aspiring authors through workshops and his Who Dares Wins program, sharing Special Forces tactics for creative success. His Cool Gus Publishing, co-founded in 2010, embraced the digital revolution, reissuing his backlist and championing other authors. Mayer’s legacy lies in his ability to make readers question what’s possible, all while grounding his stories in the authenticity of his lived experience.
About Bob Mayer
- Born: October 21, 1959, Bronx, New York
- Key Works: Eyes of the Hammer, Area 51, New York Minute, Agnes and the Hitman
- Awards: Romance Writers of America Honor Roll (only male recipient)
- Fun Fact: He’s run 14 marathons and earned a black belt in the Orient!
Ready to dive into a world of covert missions and cosmic mysteries? Snag New York Minute and experience Bob Mayer’s thrilling factual fiction for yourself!