Picture a high-flying military pilot turned master storyteller, weaving tales of espionage and global intrigue—meet Mark A. Hewitt! This American author has taken the political thriller genre by storm with his Duncan Hunter series, where CIA pilot Duncan Hunter battles terrorists and corrupt politicians in heart-pounding adventures. With a PenCraft Award for 'Thriller of the Year' under his belt, Hewitt’s novels blend real-world grit with page-turning suspense, drawing readers into a world of covert ops and aviation expertise.
Hewitt’s stories aren’t just fiction—they’re fueled by his incredible life as a retired aviation executive, military pilot, and college professor. His knack for crafting authentic, high-stakes narratives has earned him comparisons to Tom Clancy, making him a must-read for thriller fans craving a dose of national security drama.
The Making of Mark A. Hewitt
Born with a passion for flight, Mark A. Hewitt’s journey to authorship was anything but ordinary. A retired military pilot, he soared through the skies before transitioning to a career as an aviation executive and assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With a Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College and an MBA in Aviation, Hewitt’s expertise in national security and aviation shaped his storytelling. His fascination with 'quiet' spy planes from the Vietnam War sparked the ideas behind his gripping novels, which are all approved by the CIA’s Publication Review Board for their authenticity.
Hewitt’s extensive international travel and real-world experiences as a pilot and professor gave him a unique lens on global politics and espionage. These influences inspired him to pen his debut novel, Special Access, in 2013, launching the Duncan Hunter series and cementing his place in the thriller genre.
Mark A. Hewitt’s Unforgettable Stories
The Duncan Hunter series is Hewitt’s crown jewel, a collection of political thrillers that follow CIA contract pilot Duncan Hunter as he navigates a world of terrorism, conspiracies, and high-stakes missions. In Special Access (2013), Hunter, a former Marine Corps pilot, joins a covert CIA program to fight the War on Drugs, only to uncover a web of political corruption. The series’ second installment, Shoot Down (2014), tackles a jumbo jet explosion and a chilling ransom plot, showcasing Hewitt’s knack for blending real-world issues with pulse-pounding action.
Blown Cover (2017), the PenCraft Award-winning 'Thriller of the Year,' sees Hunter racing to stop a traitorous ex-president and a rogue computer scientist after an airliner vanishes over the Pacific. The series continues with titles like Wet Work (2020) and Midnight Ops (2024), each weaving intricate plots around terrorism, political intrigue, and aviation expertise. Hewitt’s writing style is technical yet accessible, with richly developed characters and a conservative lens that resonates with readers who enjoy stories of patriotism and justice.
Hewitt’s ability to weave real-life events—like the fallout from Osama bin Laden’s killing or the dangers of political collusion—into his fiction sets him apart. His novels are a thrilling mix of military precision, spy-craft, and moral dilemmas, appealing to fans of Brad Thor and Vince Flynn.
Why Mark A. Hewitt Matters
Mark A. Hewitt’s impact on the political thriller genre lies in his ability to make readers feel like they’re in the cockpit of a covert mission. His authentic portrayal of aviation and national security, backed by his real-world expertise, offers a rare glimpse into the shadowy world of intelligence operations. The Duncan Hunter series has garnered a loyal following, with fans praising its fast-paced action and relevance to contemporary issues like media bias and global terrorism.
Beyond entertainment, Hewitt’s work sparks conversations about patriotism, duty, and the cost of political corruption. His novels, approved by the CIA, provide a thrilling yet thought-provoking escape, making him a rising star in espionage fiction. As one reviewer noted, 'Hewitt’s stories read like they’re ripped from today’s headlines,' ensuring his legacy as a storyteller who captures the pulse of our times.
- Birthplace: United States
- Key Works: Special Access, Shoot Down, Blown Cover, Wet Work
- Awards: PenCraft Award for 'Thriller of the Year' (2018) for Blown Cover
- Education: Master’s in National Security and Strategic Studies, MBA in Aviation
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Special Access and dive into Mark A. Hewitt’s world of espionage and high-flying adventure!