Picture a storyteller who swapped the hustle of television studios for the shadowy world of World War II espionage—meet Glenn Dyer! This former TV executive turned historical thriller author has carved a niche with his gripping Conor Thorn series, blending meticulous research with heart-pounding narratives that transport readers to the 1940s. Dyer’s novels don’t just tell stories; they plunge you into the high-stakes cat-and-mouse games of wartime spies.
With a knack for weaving historical facts into fiction, Dyer has become a rising star in the historical thriller genre. His passion for World War II history shines through, making each book a time machine to an era of daring missions and covert betrayals. Ready to uncover the man behind the page-turners? Let’s dive in!
The Making of Glenn Dyer
Glenn Dyer’s journey to authorship wasn’t a straight shot. Before penning novels, he spent over 35 years as a commercial television executive, working in cities like Salt Lake City, Dallas, Washington, DC, and Denver. A graduate of Villanova University and Boston University, Dyer’s career was rooted in storytelling through media, but his fascination with World War II history simmered beneath the surface. After retiring to Park City, Utah, in 2013, he traded scripts for manuscripts, channeling his love for history into fiction.
What sparked this pivot? Dyer’s lifelong obsession with the 1930s and 1940s, fueled by once-secret wartime documents and untold stories, inspired him to craft novels that feel as real as they are thrilling. His background in high-pressure media likely honed his ability to keep readers on edge, a skill he now pours into every plot twist.
Glenn Dyer’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Dyer’s work is the Conor Thorn series, a collection of World War II espionage thrillers featuring OSS agent Conor Thorn. The series kicks off with The Torch Betrayal (2018), inspired by a missing page from General Eisenhower’s wartime diary containing secrets about Operation Torch. Readers follow Thorn on a desperate mission to recover the document before it falls into Nazi hands, blending historical intrigue with relentless action.
The second novel, The Ultra Betrayal (2020), sees Thorn chasing a missing Swedish cryptographer in 1942, uncovering a Nazi conspiracy that could derail the Allied effort. The Unquiet Genius (2021), the third installment, dives into the race for nuclear supremacy, with Thorn hunting a reclusive physicist. The series’ fourth book, Trust No One (2023), ramps up the stakes as Thorn and MI6 agent Emily Bright navigate political treachery. Dyer’s style—crisp prose, vivid settings, and meticulously researched historical cameos (think Ian Fleming and Alan Turing)—makes each novel a masterclass in suspense.
Dyer’s thrillers stand out for their balance of action and authenticity. He doesn’t just write about World War II; he immerses readers in its atmosphere, from smoky war rooms to perilous missions. Fans of Alan Furst or John le Carré will find Dyer’s blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth irresistible.
Why Glenn Dyer Matters
Glenn Dyer’s impact lies in his ability to breathe life into lesser-known corners of World War II history. By spotlighting events like Operation Torch or the disappearance of physicist Ettore Majorana, he educates as much as he entertains. His Conor Thorn series has earned praise from bestselling authors like Jack Carr and Steve Berry, cementing Dyer’s place among historical thriller elites. For readers, his novels offer an escape into a world where courage and cunning decide the fate of nations.
As an indie author and member of the International Thriller Writers and The OSS Society, Dyer’s dedication to his craft inspires aspiring writers. His transition from TV to novels proves it’s never too late to chase a passion, making him a storyteller for dreamers and history buffs alike.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: The Torch Betrayal, The Ultra Betrayal, The Unquiet Genius, Trust No One
- Associations: International Thriller Writers, The OSS Society
Snag The Torch Betrayal and dive into Glenn Dyer’s pulse-pounding world of espionage! Whether you’re a history nerd or a thriller junkie, his Conor Thorn series will keep you up past midnight.