Picture a Canadian storyteller who traded sirens and squad cars for suspense-filled pages—meet Dwayne Clayden! With a 42-year career as a police officer, paramedic, and firefighter, Clayden channels his adrenaline-pumping experiences into gripping crime thrillers. His Brad Coulter series, set in the gritty 1970s and 1980s Calgary, hooks readers with authentic police procedurals and heart-pounding action.
Clayden’s unique blend of real-world expertise and storytelling flair has made him a standout in the crime thriller genre. From chasing criminals to saving lives, his life’s work fuels novels that feel like a front-row seat in a police cruiser. Let’s dive into the journey of this multifaceted author!
The Making of Dwayne Clayden
Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Dwayne Clayden grew up in the vibrant Bowness neighborhood, where he played football until the streetlights flickered on. Initially dreaming of coaching high school football, Clayden’s path shifted when he joined the Calgary Police Service at just 20 years old. Over four decades, he wore many hats—police officer, tactical paramedic, firefighter, EMS chief, and educator—each role shaping his deep understanding of emergency services. His passion for writing sparked in junior high, but it wasn’t until later that he began crafting the stories that would captivate readers worldwide.
Dwayne Clayden’s Unforgettable Stories
Clayden’s Brad Coulter series is the crown jewel of his bibliography, blending raw authenticity with pulse-pounding suspense. The series kicks off with Crisis Point (2018), a finalist for the Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Awards. Set in 1976 Calgary, it follows Detective Brad Coulter as he grapples with his partner’s death and a surge of crime, from Brinks truck robberies to violent shootouts. Readers praise its fast-paced plot and relatable characters.
The series continues with Outlaw MC, where Coulter battles warring motorcycle gangs, and Wolfman is Back, pitting him against a ruthless escaped convict. 13 Days of Terror ramps up the stakes with a sniper terrorizing Calgary, while Goddess of Justice explores a string of mysterious murders. Beyond the series, Clayden’s standalone novel Speargrass-Opioid offers a modern western thriller twist. His writing style—crisp, action-driven, and steeped in procedural detail—draws from his career, making every chase and confrontation feel vividly real.
Why Dwayne Clayden Matters
Dwayne Clayden’s impact extends beyond his page-turning novels. As a mentor, he inspires aspiring writers through speaking engagements at conferences and teaching at the Alexandra Writers Centre Society in Calgary. His talks on realistic police and paramedic procedures help authors craft authentic stories. A leader in the Calgary Crime Writers and a former board member of the Crime Writers of Canada, Clayden fosters a vibrant literary community. His novels not only entertain but also honor the resilience and humanity of first responders, resonating with readers who crave genuine, high-stakes drama.
- Birthplace: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Key Works: Brad Coulter series (Crisis Point, Outlaw MC, Wolfman is Back, 13 Days of Terror, Goddess of Justice), Speargrass-Opioid
- Awards: Finalist, 2015 Crime Writers of Canada Arthur Ellis Awards for Crisis Point
- Notable Fact: Co-authored four paramedic textbooks and spoke at EMS conferences for three decades
Snag Crisis Point and dive into Dwayne Clayden’s thrilling world of crime and justice! Whether you’re a fan of gritty procedurals or just love a good story, his books promise an unforgettable ride.