Picture an American storyteller who swapped a badge and a pilot’s wings for a pen, crafting high-octane thrillers that keep you up all night—meet John Etzil! This New Jersey native weaves gritty, action-packed mysteries inspired by his colorful life, from snapping photos as a teen to soaring through the skies. His novels, like Airliner Down and the Jack Lamburt series, pulse with authenticity and suspense, proving it’s never too late to chase your storytelling dreams.
The Making of John Etzil
Born with a creative spark, John Etzil’s early years were shaped by a camera lens and a love for Agatha Christie’s mysteries. As a teenager, he lugged cameras to high school football games, capturing moments others missed. After college in the 1980s, he joined the New York City police force, but four years in law enforcement showed him he craved independence. Etzil traded his badge for entrepreneurship, diving into photography and later aviation, where he earned a commercial pilot’s license. These passions—photography, law enforcement, and flying—became the bedrock of his vivid, realistic storytelling.
John Etzil’s Unforgettable Stories
Etzil didn’t start writing until he pondered retirement, seeking a creative outlet that could travel with him. His debut novel, Airliner Down (2017), is a heart-pounding aviation thriller where a flight veers off course, and a terrorist onboard threatens disaster. Critics praised its meticulous detail and relentless pace, calling it ‘a fast-paced thriller in the spirit of Ward Larsen’s Passenger 19.’ The Jack Lamburt Vigilante Justice series, starting with First Justice (2019), follows a small-town sheriff with a dark past delivering no-holds-barred justice. Titles like Fatal Justice and Urban Justice blend gritty realism, high-tech surveillance, and visceral action, earning Etzil a loyal following. His style—sharp dialogue, rapid chapters, and rugged charm—mirrors his influences, from Nelson DeMille to Janet Evanovich, with a nod to his love for ‘airplanes, Jiu Jitsu, and badass women with tattoos.’
Etzil’s novels stand out for their authenticity. His insider knowledge of cockpit dynamics and sheriff life infuses his work with a lived-in feel, while his humor and heart keep readers hooked. Whether it’s Jack Lamburt outsmarting mobsters or a pilot racing against time, Etzil’s stories are guilty pleasures perfect for an afternoon escape.
Why John Etzil Matters
John Etzil’s impact lies in his ability to turn a late-life passion into a thriving writing career, inspiring readers and aspiring authors alike. His Jack Lamburt series has carved a niche in the vigilante thriller genre, with fans praising its ‘fiendishly enjoyable’ mix of violence and revenge. Etzil’s journey—from cop to pilot to bestselling author—shows that reinvention is possible at any age. His gritty, action-packed tales resonate with readers who crave stories that feel real, drawn from a life as thrilling as his fiction.
- Key Works: Airliner Down, First Justice, Fatal Justice, Urban Justice
- Hobbies: Commercial pilot, Gracie Jiu Jitsu purple belt, weight training
- Residence: New Jersey, with his wife, two sons, and two dogs
Snag Airliner Down or dive into the Jack Lamburt series for a thrilling ride with John Etzil’s signature grit and heart!