Picture a rugged storyteller who swapped combat boots for a typewriter, spinning tales of wartime chaos and gritty heroism—meet Nicholas Cain! A Vietnam War veteran turned action-adventure novelist, Cain channeled his experiences as a military policeman into the cult classic Saigon Commandos series, blending raw realism with heart-pounding thrills. His knack for vivid, street-level narratives made him a standout in the 1980s action genre.
The Making of Nicholas Cain
Born in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Nicholas Cain grew up with a spirit of adventure. In 1972, despite a high draft number, he volunteered for the Vietnam War, serving as a military policeman with the 716th MP Battalion in Saigon from 1972 to 1973. His time patrolling the chaotic streets of wartime Saigon shaped his worldview and fueled his storytelling. After an honorable discharge as a sergeant in 1975, Cain pivoted to law enforcement in Colorado, working as a state trooper and city cop. These high-stakes roles honed his understanding of crime and justice, laying the groundwork for his writing career.
Cain’s leap into fiction came after publishers rejected his non-fiction manuscript, Saigon Alley. Zebra Books saw potential but demanded a fictionalized version with amplified action, sex, and violence. Under the pen name Jonathan Cain, he transformed his experiences into the Saigon Commandos series, launching his prolific career in 1983.
Nicholas Cain’s Unforgettable Stories
The Saigon Commandos series, spanning 12 books from 1983 to 1986, is Cain’s crown jewel. Set in 1967 Saigon, it follows Sergeant Mark Stryker and the 716th MPs as they tackle crime in a city teeming with deserters, killers, and Viet Cong sympathizers. The debut novel, Saigon Commandos, mixes police procedural with men’s adventure, juggling cases like a psychotic prostitute and war atrocities. Critics dubbed it the “Hill Street Blues of Vietnam” for its gritty ensemble storytelling. Book nine, Mad Minute, inspired a 1988 cult film by Roger Corman’s Concorde Studios.
Cain’s style is visceral and authentic, drawing on his MP days to depict the chaos of wartime Saigon with unflinching detail. His prose pulses with action—think jeep chases and rooftop shootouts—balanced by the moral dilemmas of soldiers who are “cops first, then soldiers.” Beyond Saigon Commandos, Cain wrote the War Dogs series as Nik Uhernik, the Little Saigon series, and eight Chopper-1 novels as Jack Hawkins. His 30-plus books in under a decade showcase a relentless work ethic and a knack for high-octane narratives.
The Tet Trilogy, the final three Saigon Commandos novels, including Tortures of Tet, captures the 1968 Tet Offensive with harrowing accuracy. Cain’s research shines, incorporating real radio transmissions to immerse readers in the battle’s confusion. His ability to blend historical grit with pulp energy sets him apart in the action-adventure genre.
Why Nicholas Cain Matters
Nicholas Cain’s work resonates with fans of military fiction for its authenticity and unapologetic intensity. His novels offer a window into the Vietnam War’s lesser-known corners—urban crime and military policing—while delivering the thrills expected of 1980s pulp fiction. Though he stopped writing in 1990 to become a private investigator in Los Angeles, his Saigon Commandos series remains a cult favorite, cherished for its raw energy and vivid characters. Cain’s legacy endures among readers who crave stories that feel lived-in, not just imagined.
His influence extends to modern military fiction, where authenticity is king. By drawing on his own boots-on-the-ground experiences, Cain paved the way for authors who prioritize real-world grit over fantasy. His brief but blazing career reminds us that even niche voices can leave a lasting mark.
- Born: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
- Key Works: Saigon Commandos series, War Dogs, Little Saigon
- Military Service: US Army MP, Vietnam War (1972–1973)
- Career Shift: Became a private investigator in 1990
About Nicholas Cain
Ready for a thrilling ride through wartime Saigon? Snag Saigon Commandos and dive into Nicholas Cain’s pulse-pounding action-adventure world!