Picture an American storyteller who spins gripping mysteries against the rugged backdrop of Oregon’s high desert—meet Rod Collins! With a knack for crafting suspenseful tales that blend rural charm with heart-pounding thrills, Collins has carved a unique niche in the mystery-thriller genre. His Sheriff Bud Blair series and historical adventures like Bitter’s Run have captivated readers with their vivid settings and unforgettable characters.
Born in Oklahoma and raised in a family steeped in oral storytelling traditions, Collins channels his roots into narratives that feel both timeless and fresh. From his grandfather’s campfire tales to his own award-winning novels, his stories pulse with the spirit of rural America, making him a standout voice in contemporary fiction.
The Making of Rod Collins
Growing up in Shady Cove, Oregon, Rod Collins was shaped by the landscapes and lore of rural America. His grandfather, Charlie Troop, was a master storyteller, spinning yarns that sparked Collins’s imagination. After a career with the U.S. Forest Service, he retired in 1999 and dove into writing, publishing his debut novel, Spider Silk, before the year’s end. This late-life pivot to authorship was fueled by a lifelong passion for stories, which he describes as 'the meat of life.' His Oklahoma roots and Oregon experiences infuse his work with authenticity and heart.
Rod Collins’s Unforgettable Stories
Collins’s Sheriff Bud Blair Oregon Mystery series is the cornerstone of his bibliography, featuring five contemporary western murder mysteries set in Oregon’s starkly beautiful high desert. Spider Silk, the series opener, follows Sheriff Bud Blair as he unravels a string of murders linked to organized crime, earning a runner-up spot at the 2009 Hollywood Book Festival. Stone Fly, a finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, takes readers from Oregon to Puget Sound, blending sharp detective work with vivid landscapes. Bloodstone pits Blair against a Colombian drug lord, while Mariah’s Song tackles the gritty reality of drug addiction. The latest, Not Before Midnight, dives into Portland’s sex-trafficking underworld, with action stretching to Alaska.
Beyond mysteries, Collins excels in historical fiction. Bitter’s Run, set in 1865, follows John Bitter’s Oregon Trail journey, weaving romance and adventure into a post-Civil War saga. Its sequel, Abiqua, explores gold rushes and land grabs, cementing Collins’s knack for historical authenticity. His non-fiction works, like What Do I Do When I Get There?, a 2007 Pinnacle Book Award winner, and Rogue River Diaries, a memoir of his Shady Cove youth, showcase his versatility. Collins’s style—rich with forensic detail, dark humor, and relatable characters—keeps readers hooked, blending suspense with a deep sense of place.
Why Rod Collins Matters
Rod Collins’s impact lies in his ability to bring rural America to life, making Oregon’s deserts and trails as compelling as his plots. His Sheriff Bud Blair series has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following, with fans praising his well-drawn characters and immersive settings. By tackling themes like addiction and crime while celebrating the resilience of small-town life, Collins bridges contemporary issues with timeless storytelling. His late start as a writer inspires aspiring authors, proving it’s never too late to chase a passion.
- Key Works: Spider Silk, Stone Fly, Bitter’s Run, Not Before Midnight
- Awards: 2007 Pinnacle Book Award, 2009 Hollywood Book Festival Runner-Up
- Hometown: Shady Cove, Oregon
Ready to get lost in a thrilling mystery? Snag Spider Silk or Bitter’s Run and dive into Rod Collins’s world of suspense and heart!