Picture a mayor turned master storyteller, spinning tales of vengeance in the Wild West—meet Robert J. Thomas! This American author, once the longest-serving mayor of Westland, Michigan, swapped city hall for the dusty trails of Western fiction, captivating readers with his thrilling Jess Williams series. His debut, The Reckoning, introduces a young gunslinger fueled by justice, setting the stage for over 130 novels that keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Thomas’s journey from public service to bestselling author is as gripping as his stories. With a knack for blending historical grit with heart-pounding action, he’s carved a unique niche in the Western genre, proving that a good tale can transcend time and place.
The Making of Robert J. Thomas
Born with a storyteller’s spirit, Robert J. Thomas began his career far from the literary world. Starting in 1970 at Westland, Michigan’s city government, he rose to mayor in 1990, serving three terms until 2002. His first book, How to Run for Local Office, published in 1999, sold over 25,000 copies, showcasing his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible prose. But it was his love for Westerns—fueled by classic films and novels—that sparked his true calling. After retiring, Thomas poured his energy into fiction, beginning with The Reckoning in 2004.
Robert J. Thomas’s Unforgettable Stories
The Jess Williams series is Thomas’s crown jewel, a sprawling saga of a young man turned deadly shootist after his family’s brutal murder. The Reckoning kicks off the series, introducing Jess’s relentless quest for justice, armed with a mysterious, futuristic pistol that adds a sci-fi twist to the 1870s setting. Fans praise its raw intensity, with one reader calling it ‘a page-turner that redefines Westerns.’
Brother’s Keeper and Sins of the Father follow, deepening Jess’s character as he navigates moral dilemmas and bloody range wars. Each novel, from The Dodge City Massacre to the 138th installment, Red Riders, blends fast-paced action with themes of revenge and redemption. Thomas’s style—gritty, direct, and unapologetic—captures the lawless spirit of the Old West while keeping readers hooked with unexpected twists.
With over 130 Kindle books, Thomas’s prolific output and consistent top-100 ranking in Westerns highlight his dedication. His ability to craft a flawed yet compelling hero like Jess Williams sets him apart, earning him a loyal fanbase eager for each new adventure.
Why Robert J. Thomas Matters
Robert J. Thomas’s impact lies in his reinvention of the Western genre for modern readers. By infusing historical settings with contemporary pacing and a touch of speculative flair, he bridges old-school fans and newcomers. His KDP Select All-Star Author status for three months in 2014 underscores his commercial success, but it’s his storytelling passion that resonates most. Readers from Michigan to New Mexico rave about Jess Williams, a character who embodies both ferocity and compassion.
Thomas’s journey from mayor to novelist also inspires aspiring writers, showing that it’s never too late to chase a creative dream. His stories remind us that justice, however brutal, remains a timeless pursuit.
- Key Works: The Reckoning, Brother’s Keeper, Sins of the Father, Red Riders
- Notable Achievement: KDP Select All-Star Author, 2014
- Current Residence: Las Vegas, Nevada
Snag The Reckoning and saddle up for Robert J. Thomas’s wild Western ride!