Picture a Midwestern storyteller who spins suspenseful tales that keep you up all night—meet Dustin Stevens! With over 75 novels, many hitting #1 on Amazon’s bestseller lists, Stevens has carved a niche in the thriller and mystery genres. From the gritty streets of Columbus in his Reed & Billie series to the rugged terrains of Yellowstone in Hawk Tate, his stories blend heart-pounding action with relatable characters. A master of suspense and an award-winning screenwriter, Stevens brings a unique mix of farm-country charm and worldly experience to every page.
The Making of Dustin Stevens
Born and raised in the heart of America’s Midwest, Dustin Stevens grew up surrounded by farm country, a setting that still shapes his storytelling. His love for football, sweet tea, and Dairy Queen reflects a down-to-earth spirit that resonates in his characters—ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges. After leaving the Midwest, Stevens pursued higher education in New England and the Rockies, living in over a dozen cities, from Washington, D.C., to Honolulu, where he now resides. These diverse experiences fueled his writing career, which began with his debut novel, Number Four, in 2010, sparking a prolific journey that’s captivated readers worldwide.
Dustin Stevens’s Unforgettable Stories
Stevens’s bibliography is a treasure trove of suspense, with series like Reed & Billie, Hawk Tate, and Zoo Crew leading the charge. The Boat Man, the first in the Reed & Billie series, won the 2016 Indie Award for E-Book Fiction, introducing Detective Reed Mattox and his K-9 partner, Billie, as they tackle chilling crimes in Columbus, Ohio. The Hawk Tate series follows Jeremiah 'Hawk' Tate, a former DEA agent turned rugged hero, with novels like Hellfire showcasing high-stakes action. The Zoo Crew series, starting with The Zoo Crew, blends legal drama and mystery, following law student Drake Bell and his eclectic crew in Montana. Stevens’s style is cinematic, with tight pacing, vivid settings, and characters who feel like neighbors—flawed, resilient, and deeply human.
Under the pseudonym T.R. Kohler, Stevens explores darker, standalone thrillers like The Debt, which earned an Independent Author Network Action/Adventure Novel of the Year award in 2017. His ability to craft intricate plots and unexpected twists keeps readers guessing, while his Midwestern roots ground even the wildest tales in authenticity. Whether it’s a small-town murder or an international conspiracy, Stevens’s stories pulse with tension and heart.
Why Dustin Stevens Matters
Dustin Stevens has redefined indie publishing, proving that self-published authors can dominate bestseller lists and earn critical acclaim. His focus on everyday heroes—detectives, ex-cons, law students—resonates with readers who see themselves in his stories. As a member of the Mystery Writers of America and Thriller Writers International, Stevens has influenced the genre by blending classic suspense with modern grit. His screenwriting accolades, including wins at the Honolulu and Nashville Film Festivals, highlight his versatility, making him a storyteller to watch in both literature and film.
- Key Works: The Boat Man, Hellfire, The Zoo Crew, The Debt
- Awards: 2016 Indie Award for E-Book Fiction, 2017 IAN Action/Adventure Novel of the Year
- Resides: Honolulu, Hawaii
Ready to lose yourself in a pulse-pounding thriller? Grab The Boat Man and dive into Dustin Stevens’s gripping world of suspense!