Picture a Cuban-born storyteller who swapped island sunsets for the pulse-pounding world of spies and suspense—meet Oscar Ortiz! From his exile to the United States at age 11 to crafting the electrifying CODE NAME DELTA series, Ortiz has spun tales that grip readers across the globe. His knack for blending relentless action with international intrigue makes him a standout in the thriller genre.
The Making of Oscar Ortiz
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, in 1959, Oscar Ortiz was a dreamer who found solace in spy thrillers and detective noir. Exiled to the U.S. as a child, he grew up in Miami, devouring works by masters like Ian Fleming and Dashiell Hammett. Initially a commercial artist for 30 years, Ortiz’s creative spark led him to a 2006 film writing course at Miami-Dade College, igniting his storytelling career.
His early forays into writing earned accolades, including the Sole Second Prize in the 2006 Enrique Labrador Ruiz International Storywriting Award for his crime story La culpa fue de Hammett. A finalist in the 2006 Telemundo Writers Workshop, Ortiz soon transitioned from art to scripting for Telemundo Puerto Rico and Cubana de Televisión Studios, setting the stage for his literary leap.
Oscar Ortiz’s Unforgettable Stories
Ortiz’s crown jewel, the CODE NAME DELTA series, is a 14-novel saga narrated by Patrick Coonan, a former U.S. Ranger sniper turned undercover operative codenamed Delta. Leading a shadow-warrior team called the Quadrille, Coonan battles Russian mafia, KGB saboteurs, and terrorists. Titles like Operación Caribe and Red Goliath pulse with high-stakes missions, earning praise for their relentless pacing and moral complexity.
Beyond Delta, Ortiz’s crime story Settling of Scores appeared in the 2007 anthology Havana Noir, showcasing his knack for gritty, Cuban-inflected noir. His Sanpedro el detective series follows a Miami-based Cuban exile detective, blending humor and hard-boiled mystery. Critics liken Ortiz’s punchy, cinematic style to Hammett and Mickey Spillane, with a modern nod to James Bond’s grit.
The CODE NAME DELTA series, already published in Spanish and French, is now reaching English readers through MX Publishing, with books three and four slated for release soon. Ortiz’s ability to weave global conspiracies with personal stakes keeps fans hooked, making each novel a thrilling ride.
Why Oscar Ortiz Matters
Oscar Ortiz’s journey from Cuban exile to thriller maestro mirrors the resilience of his characters. His stories resonate with readers who crave action laced with ethical dilemmas, offering a fresh voice in a genre often dominated by predictable tropes. By infusing his Cuban heritage into Miami’s vibrant backdrop, Ortiz enriches the thriller landscape with cultural depth.
His growing international acclaim, from Havana Noir to the global reach of CODE NAME DELTA, underscores his impact. Ortiz proves that obscure authors can captivate with sheer storytelling prowess, inspiring aspiring writers to chase their creative dreams.
- Born: 1959, Matanzas, Cuba
- Key Works: CODE NAME DELTA series, Havana Noir, Sanpedro el detective
- Awards: Sole Second Prize, 2006 Enrique Labrador Ruiz Storywriting Award
Snag Red Goliath or Operación Caribe and dive into Oscar Ortiz’s thrilling world of spies and suspense!