Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped boardrooms for gritty crime scenes, weaving tales of 1980s tech and treachery—meet Delvin R. Chatterson! This Montreal-based author, originally from British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains, captivates readers with his Dale Hunter Crime Thriller series, blending entrepreneurial savvy with pulse-pounding narratives of corruption and courage. From mafia showdowns to tech revolutions, Chatterson’s novels are a thrilling ride through a bygone era.
Before he was a novelist, Chatterson was a real-life entrepreneur, navigating the fast-paced world of computer distribution. His unique blend of business acumen and storytelling flair makes his crime novels stand out, offering readers not just suspense but a glimpse into the challenges of entrepreneurship.
The Making of Delvin R. Chatterson
Born in Kimberley, British Columbia, Delvin Chatterson grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Canadian Rockies. He earned an engineering degree from UBC in 1968 and an MBA from McGill in 1972, setting the stage for a dynamic career. After stints with corporate giants like Alcan Aluminum and Coopers & Lybrand, Chatterson founded TTX Computer Products Inc. in Montreal, growing it from zero to $20 million in just eight years. This entrepreneurial journey, fraught with real-world challenges, inspired the fictional exploits of his protagonist, Dale Hunter.
Chatterson’s pivot to writing began with business books under the pen name Uncle Ralph, offering advice to entrepreneurs. But his love for storytelling soon led him to fiction, where he could amplify the drama of his experiences with crime, suspense, and high-stakes deals. His transition from non-fiction to novels was seamless, fueled by a knack for crafting compelling narratives.
Delvin R. Chatterson’s Unforgettable Stories
Chatterson’s Dale Hunter Crime Thriller series is the heart of his literary legacy, set against the backdrop of the 1980s computer boom. The series kicks off with No Easy Money (2018), where entrepreneur Dale Hunter battles the Montreal Mafia’s extortion schemes while juggling a burgeoning tech business. Readers are hooked by the explosive mix of crime, cash, and computers, with Hunter’s refusal to play by gangster rules driving the tension.
The series continues with Simply the Best (2019), diving deeper into international crime as Hunter faces Triad smuggling schemes, and Merger Maniac (2019), where mafia money-laundering threats test his resolve. The fourth installment, Bad Boys in Boston (2024), fast-forwards to modern times, tackling sex trafficking with gritty realism. Chatterson’s style is fast-paced and cinematic, blending authentic tech details with heart-pounding action. His stories resonate with readers who love crime fiction with a business twist, drawing comparisons to John Grisham’s legal thrillers.
Beyond novels, Chatterson is crafting a short story collection, Snapshots from Home, and has updated his business books, Don’t Do It the Hard Way and The Complete Do-It-Yourself Guide to Business Plans (2020). His ability to juggle genres showcases his versatility and commitment to storytelling.
Why Delvin R. Chatterson Matters
Delvin Chatterson’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the entrepreneurial struggle through crime fiction. His novels don’t just entertain—they shine a light on the ethical dilemmas faced by business owners, from resisting corruption to protecting loved ones. By rooting his stories in the 1980s tech world, he captures a pivotal era, making his work a nostalgic yet timeless read for fans of thrillers and business alike.
Chatterson’s Montreal setting, infused with its multicultural vibrancy, adds depth to his narratives, while his advocacy for “enlightened entrepreneurship” inspires readers to think critically about success. As he continues the Dale Hunter series with upcoming titles like Crash Landing and Whatever It Takes, his growing fanbase eagerly awaits more tales of grit and ingenuity.
- Birthplace: Kimberley, British Columbia
- Key Works: No Easy Money, Simply the Best, Merger Maniac, Bad Boys in Boston
- Notable Fact: Ran for Canadian MP in 2000 as a Liberal candidate
Snag No Easy Money and dive into Delvin R. Chatterson’s thrilling world of crime and computers!