Picture a Texan storyteller who swapped covert CIA missions for crafting heart-pounding thrillers—meet Taylor Moore! A sixth-generation Texan with a knack for adventure, Moore channels his intelligence work and love for the rugged Texas High Plains into novels that pulse with action and authenticity. His debut, Down Range, introduced readers to DEA agent Garrett Kohl, a hero as tough as the land he calls home.
With a background that reads like a thriller itself, Moore’s journey from farm life to global espionage and back to storytelling makes his work irresistibly gripping. Ready to dive into a world where spies, cartels, and Texas grit collide? Let’s explore the man behind the page-turners!
The Making of Taylor Moore
Born and raised on a farm northwest of Houston, Taylor Moore grew up steeped in the lore of the Texas High Plains. His passion for adventure took him on a solo trek at 24 through Bolivia’s jungles, over the Andes, and across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. After earning a journalism degree from Texas A&M and studying public policy at Pepperdine, Moore’s curiosity led him to the CIA, where he served as an intelligence officer during the global war on terror. His work as a contractor for the Department of Defense, focusing on counternarcotics and security, gave him a front-row seat to the shadowy world of espionage—perfect fodder for his novels.
Moore’s writing bug bit early, but it wasn’t until he settled in the Texas Panhandle with his wife and two children that he turned his experiences into fiction. Inspired by authors like Nelson DeMille, whose The Charm School captivated him, Moore set out to craft stories that blend spy tradecraft with the heart of a Western.
Taylor Moore’s Unforgettable Stories
Moore’s novels, starring DEA Special Agent and former Green Beret Garrett Kohl, are a thrilling mash-up of spy fiction and neo-Western grit. His debut, Down Range (2021), follows Kohl from Afghanistan to Texas, where he protects a young Afghan boy while battling a drug cartel infiltrating his hometown. Critics praised its authenticity and vivid depiction of the High Plains, earning nominations for the Barry Award and a spot on the Texas Library Association’s Lariat Reading List.
The follow-up, Firestorm (2022), ups the ante as Kohl faces Talon Corporation, a shady energy consortium backed by Russian mercenaries. When a CIA operative is kidnapped, Kohl’s fight to save his land becomes a high-stakes war. Ricochet (2023) sees Kohl tackling Iranian operatives and a nuclear threat, while Cold Trail (2024) wraps the series with a domestic terrorism plot involving gas pipelines. Moore’s style—raw, emotional, and packed with insider details—sets him apart, drawing fans of C.J. Box and Jack Carr.
Each book weaves Moore’s CIA expertise with his love for Texas, creating a world where family, loyalty, and survival collide. His characters, like the brave Afghan boy Asadi or the complex CIA operative Kim Manning, add heart to the high-octane action, making readers root for them page after page.
Why Taylor Moore Matters
Taylor Moore’s impact lies in his ability to bring the Texas High Plains to life as a character in its own right—wild, unforgiving, and beautiful. His novels resonate with readers who crave authentic, grounded thrillers that don’t skimp on heart. By blending his CIA insider knowledge with a deep connection to his roots, Moore has carved a niche in the thriller genre, appealing to fans of neo-Westerns and espionage alike.
His work also shines a light on the sacrifices of intelligence operatives and the resilience of rural communities, offering a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by urban settings. As a rising star, Moore’s storytelling promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats for years to come.
- Born: Northwest of Houston, Texas
- Key Works: Down Range, Firestorm, Ricochet, Cold Trail
- Notable Awards: Down Range nominated for Barry Award, named Strand Magazine Best Mystery
- Fun Fact: Once trekked solo to Antarctica on a Russian icebreaker
About Taylor Moore
Snag Down Range and dive into Taylor Moore’s thrilling world of spies and Texas grit—your next adventure awaits!