Picture a reclusive American storyteller spinning tales of gritty crime from a lakeside cabin—meet Declan James! This pseudonymous author, with over 25 years in law enforcement, crafts pulse-pounding mysteries in the Jake Cashen series that keep readers up all night. His knack for authentic detective work and twisty plots has earned him comparisons to Michael Connelly and C.J. Box, all while he guards his privacy like a seasoned undercover operative.
The Making of Declan James
Little is known about Declan James’s early life, as he prefers the shadows to the spotlight. What we do know is his remarkable 26-year career in law enforcement, including six years undercover in Vice-Narcotics and 16 years as a digital forensics detective. Honored by the FBI and U.S. Secret Service, James protected children from online predators on a national task force. This real-world experience fuels the raw authenticity of his novels, blending gritty realism with small-town intrigue. His shift to writing came after retiring to a Southern Michigan lake, where bourbon and fishing inspire his creative spark.
Declan James’s Unforgettable Stories
The Jake Cashen series, James’s flagship work, follows a former FBI agent turned small-town detective navigating Ohio’s Blackhand Hills. His debut, Murder in the Hollows (2022), kicks off with a judge’s murder, unraveling dark secrets through meticulous police work. Kill Season (2022) amps up the stakes as Cashen hunts a serial killer after his best friend’s execution-style death. Bones of Echo Lake (2023) tackles a decades-old cold case sparked by a grisly discovery, while Lethal Harvest (2024), the seventh installment, dives into a 15-year-old miscarriage of justice. James’s style—taut, twist-filled, and grounded in forensic detail—mirrors his law enforcement roots, delivering thrillers that feel ripped from reality.
Readers praise James for his ability to weave complex mysteries with relatable characters. Jake Cashen, flawed yet dogged, battles personal demons alongside killers, making each book a blend of heart and suspense. James’s Ohio settings, vivid and atmospheric, ground his stories in a sense of place, while his plots keep fans guessing until the final page.
Why Declan James Matters
Declan James has carved a niche in crime fiction by bringing an insider’s lens to the genre. His law enforcement background lends unmatched credibility, appealing to readers who crave authenticity over Hollywood flair. The Jake Cashen series, with eight books and counting, has built a loyal following, with fans eagerly awaiting each release. By staying true to small-town dynamics and real investigative techniques, James elevates the genre, proving that truth can be as thrilling as fiction.
- Key Works: Jake Cashen series (8 books, 2022–2025)
- Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, bourbon hunting
- Home: Southern Michigan lake
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Murder in the Hollows and dive into Declan James’s gritty, twisty world of crime!