Picture a storyteller who weaves heart-pounding suspense with raw human emotion—meet Mike Dellosso! This American author, based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, has carved a niche in Christian suspense novels, thrilling readers with tales like the Jed Patrick series. A colon cancer survivor, healthcare worker, and father of five daughters, Dellosso infuses his stories with faith, resilience, and relentless twists that keep you up all night.
From his debut novel to teaching creative writing, Dellosso’s journey is as gripping as his books. Let’s dive into the life and works of this master of suspense!
The Making of Mike Dellosso
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Mike Dellosso grew up with a knack for storytelling. His early life was shaped by a love for words, leading him to earn a BA from Messiah College and an MBS from Master’s International School of Divinity. Before writing full-time, Dellosso worked in healthcare, a field that grounded his perspective on life’s fragility. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2008, he faced mortality head-on, emerging with a renewed sense of purpose that fuels his writing. His battle with cancer and faith-driven outlook became cornerstones of his creative voice.
Dellosso’s writing career kicked off with The Hunted in 2008, a suspense novel that set the tone for his signature blend of thrills and spiritual depth. Balancing family life with his wife, Jen, and their five daughters, he began teaching creative writing workshops and serving as an adjunct professor at Lancaster Bible College, inspiring aspiring authors.
Mike Dellosso’s Unforgettable Stories
Dellosso’s novels are fast-paced, emotionally charged, and often laced with supernatural or psychological twists. His Jed Patrick series, starting with Centralia (2015), follows a former soldier grappling with memory loss and a shadowy agency. Set in the real-life ghost town of Centralia, Pennsylvania—where an underground mine fire has burned since 1962—the novel blends gritty action with themes of faith and identity. Its sequel, Kill Devil (2016), dives deeper into Jed’s internal conflict, earning praise for its well-developed characters and moral dilemmas.
Other standout works include Scream (2009), a chilling tale of loss and redemption, and Frantic (2012), which weaves faith into a high-stakes chase. Dellosso’s style shines in his ability to craft flawed, relatable characters and dialogue that feels authentic without relying on clichés. His stories often explore trust, sacrifice, and the search for truth, resonating with readers who crave suspense with soul. Writing under the pen name Michael King for family dramas like A Thousand Sleepless Nights, he showcases his versatility.
With thirteen novels and contributions to periodicals, Dellosso’s work stands out in Christian fiction for its seamless integration of spiritual themes without feeling preachy. His pacing—described as relentless yet thoughtful—makes his books perfect for fans of Robert Ludlum or Ted Dekker.
Why Mike Dellosso Matters
Mike Dellosso’s impact lies in his ability to merge edge-of-your-seat suspense with profound human experiences. His novels challenge readers to confront fear, faith, and moral gray areas, all while delivering unputdownable stories. As a cancer survivor, he brings authenticity to themes of suffering and hope, inspiring readers and writers alike through his conference talks and teaching. In Christian fiction, Dellosso is a trailblazer, proving that faith-based stories can rival mainstream thrillers in intensity and craft.
His work also shines a light on resilience, reflecting his own life as a father, educator, and survivor. By setting stories in places like Centralia, he grounds fantastical plots in real-world intrigue, making his books both escapist and thought-provoking.
- Birthplace: Baltimore, Maryland
- Key Works: Centralia, Kill Devil, Scream, Frantic
- Fun Fact: Dellosso teaches at the Greater Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference.
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Centralia and dive into Mike Dellosso’s world of suspense and soul!