Picture a Belfast-born storyteller who traded the city’s turbulent streets for global adventures, only to return with gritty, heart-pounding thrillers—meet John Steele! This masterful author of thriller and historical fiction has captivated readers with his Jackie Shaw series, blending meticulous research with raw, emotional narratives that illuminate Northern Ireland’s complex past. Steele’s knack for weaving fact and fiction makes his stories both thrilling escapes and poignant reflections on conflict and redemption.
The Making of John Steele
Born in Belfast in 1972, John Steele grew up amid the Troubles, a period of intense sectarian violence that shaped his worldview and later his writing. At 22, he left Northern Ireland for the United States, kicking off a nomadic life that included a 13-year stint in Japan, among other places. Steele’s eclectic career—drummer in a rock band, illustrator, truck driver, and English teacher—infused his storytelling with a worldly perspective. His early short stories, sold to North American magazines, hinted at the gripping narratives he’d later craft in his novels.
John Steele’s Unforgettable Stories
Steele’s Jackie Shaw series is his crowning achievement, a trilogy that plunges readers into Belfast’s violent underworld and beyond. Ravenhill (2017), the series debut, follows Jackie Shaw, an undercover agent navigating paramilitary life in 1993 Belfast, only to confront his past 20 years later at his father’s funeral. Praised for its gritty realism and moral complexity, it earned a nomination for the Crime Writers’ Association Dagger Award. Seven Skins (2018) takes Jackie to London’s seedy underbelly, where he battles assassins targeting ex-police officers. Critics lauded its whip-smart noir and authentic dialogue. Dry River (2019) transports readers to Japan, pitting Jackie against yakuza gangs in a fast-paced, visceral thriller. Steele’s style—tense, character-driven, and steeped in historical detail—makes each book a masterclass in blending action with introspection.
Steele’s narratives stand out for their unflinching portrayal of violence and its psychological toll. Jackie Shaw, a conflicted ex-soldier, embodies the struggle between duty and morality, making him a compelling, flawed hero. By grounding his stories in real events, like the Troubles or Japan’s criminal underworld, Steele crafts thrillers that educate as much as they entertain, earning comparisons to Lee Child and Adrian McKinty.
Why John Steele Matters
John Steele’s impact lies in his ability to humanize the chaos of conflict. His Jackie Shaw series doesn’t just thrill; it offers a window into Belfast’s scarred history and the enduring effects of violence. Readers and critics alike praise his authentic voice, born from his Belfast roots and global experiences. Steele’s work challenges the notion that Northern Ireland’s stories don’t sell, proving there’s a global appetite for nuanced tales of redemption. His growing fanbase eagerly awaits future works, hoping Jackie Shaw’s journey continues.
- Born: 1972, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Key Works: Ravenhill, Seven Skins, Dry River
- Awards: Nominated for the CWA John Creasey New Blood Dagger Award
Ready to dive into Belfast’s gritty underworld? Snag Ravenhill and lose yourself in John Steele’s thrilling, thought-provoking world!