Picture a Spokane storyteller who spins gritty crime tales with a cozy twist—meet Colin Conway! A master of mystery fiction, Conway has penned over forty novels, blending his law enforcement roots and real estate savvy into page-turners like the acclaimed 509 Crime Stories. His knack for authentic, thrilling narratives has captivated readers worldwide, proving you can solve murders and broker deals with equal flair.
From the streets of Spokane to the pages of his novels, Conway’s journey is as dynamic as his characters. With a career spanning the U.S. Army, police work, and commercial real estate, he’s a storyteller who’s lived the stories he tells. Ready to dive into his world of detectives, outlaws, and cozy bookstores? Let’s explore!
The Making of Colin Conway
Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Colin Conway’s love for storytelling took root in high school English classes, where writing came as naturally as breathing. After serving in the U.S. Army, he chased his childhood dream of becoming a street-smart detective, inspired by shows like Starsky & Hutch. Conway joined the Spokane Police Department, spending five years as a patrol officer and liaison, experiences that would later fuel his gritty crime novels. His passion for crime fiction deepened during his military days, devouring works by Lawrence Block and John D. MacDonald, setting the stage for his own writing career.
While working as a police officer, Conway began crafting stories, balancing night shifts with his growing ambition to write. After leaving the force, he dove into commercial real estate, a field where he thrives as a broker, investor, and developer. Yet, writing remained his true calling, with his debut novel, Some Degree of Murder, co-authored with Frank Zafiro in 2012, marking the start of a prolific career.
Colin Conway’s Unforgettable Stories
Conway’s bibliography is a treasure trove for crime fiction fans, spanning cozy mysteries, police procedurals, and hard-hitting thrillers. His flagship 509 Crime Stories series, set in Eastern Washington, features rotating leads and standalone tales that pulse with authenticity. The Side Hustle follows two detectives hunting a blogger’s killer, while The Blind Trust weaves a multi-county murder mystery with Sheriff Tom Jessup at its heart. Each novel crackles with Spokane’s rugged charm and Conway’s insider knowledge of law enforcement.
Not one to be pigeonholed, Conway pushes boundaries with the Cozy Up series, dubbed “not your grandma’s cozy” by author Libby Klein. Cozy Up to Death introduces Brody Steele, a bookstore owner with a knack for solving murders, blending humor and suspense in a fresh take on the genre. The Charlie-316 series, co-authored with Zafiro, dives into political thrillers, with its debut novel hailed as “riveting and compulsively readable.” Conway’s style—vivid, twist-filled, and grounded in real-world grit—makes every story a rollercoaster.
His John Cutler Mysteries, starring a former cop turned private eye, and the lighthearted Flip-Flop Detective series round out a diverse portfolio. Whether it’s a gang showdown or a cozy bookstore caper, Conway’s narratives are packed with sharp dialogue, complex characters, and a love for Spokane’s underdog spirit.
Why Colin Conway Matters
Colin Conway’s impact lies in his ability to make crime fiction feel personal and universal. His novels don’t just entertain—they reflect the heartbeat of Spokane, capturing its working-class ethos and stark beauty. By drawing on his varied career, Conway crafts stories that resonate with readers who crave authenticity, from cops and PIs to everyday folks caught in life’s crosshairs. His prolific output—over forty titles—has earned him a reputation as one of Spokane’s most dedicated storytellers.
Beyond his books, Conway inspires aspiring writers to juggle passion with practicality. Balancing a thriving real estate career with a demanding writing schedule, he proves you don’t need to quit your day job to chase your dreams. His stories, infused with humor and heart, invite readers to see the world through a lens of curiosity and resilience.
- Born: Spokane, Washington
- Key Works: 509 Crime Stories, Cozy Up series, Charlie-316 series
- Fun Fact: Conway’s writing companion is Rose, his codependent Vizsla!
Snag The Side Hustle or Cozy Up to Death and dive into Colin Conway’s thrilling, heartfelt world of crime fiction!