Picture a retired cop turned urban fantasy maestro, spinning tales of faeries and mobsters under the neon glow of Las Vegas—meet Tom Keller! A former Federal Defender investigator with a knack for mythology, Keller has enchanted readers with his Vegas Fae series, where ancient gods and magical creatures collide with the gritty charm of Sin City.
With a career that’s taken him from police precincts to the pages of bestselling novels, Keller’s unique blend of real-world experience and fantastical storytelling has carved out a niche in urban fantasy. His stories aren’t just about magic—they’re about the human (and not-so-human) heart of Vegas.
The Making of Tom Keller
Born and raised in the United States, Tom Keller’s early life was shaped by a fascination with myths and legends, from Greek gods to Norse dwarves. After studying at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he embarked on a career in law enforcement, eventually becoming a computer forensics expert and Federal Public Defender investigator. These roles honed his knack for unraveling mysteries, a skill that would later fuel his writing. Inspired by Las Vegas’s vibrant, shadowy allure and his love for mythology, Keller began crafting stories that merged the magical with the mundane, launching his authorial journey with the Vegas Fae series in 2012.
Tom Keller’s Unforgettable Stories
Keller’s Vegas Fae series, starting with Return of the High Fae (2012), follows ex-cop turned private investigator Robert Hoskins, who discovers he’s the long-lost King of the Fae. Set in an alternate Las Vegas where faeries run the casinos and vampires lurk in the shadows, the series blends police procedural grit with mythological flair. Of Gods and Fae (2014) and Twist of Fae (2015) expand Hoskins’ world, introducing Titans, werewolves, and demons, all woven into fast-paced, action-packed narratives.
Keller’s writing style is grounded yet imaginative, drawing on his law enforcement background to craft believable investigative scenes while unleashing a “hodgepodge of myths” that fans adore. His protagonist, Hoskins, is a refreshing departure from typical urban fantasy heroes—an older, divorced dad with grown kids, navigating magical chaos with a laid-back demeanor and a trusty Fae hound, Charlie. The series, now spanning nine books, including A Distant Fae (2024), and a spin-off, Heirs of the Vegas Fae, has earned praise for its thrilling pace and vivid world-building, though some readers note occasional editing hiccups.
Keller’s ability to merge Las Vegas’s glitz with ancient lore sets him apart. As one reviewer put it, his books are “an exciting romp through worlds you wouldn’t necessarily want to visit,” making them a hit among fans of Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne.
Why Tom Keller Matters
Tom Keller’s impact lies in his ability to transform Las Vegas into a mythological playground, blending urban fantasy with the city’s real-world pulse. His stories resonate with readers who crave grounded heroes and intricate worlds, offering a fresh take on the genre by sidestepping clichéd romance tropes. Keller’s work has built a loyal following, with fans eagerly awaiting each installment, and his series is often recommended for its accessibility to both teens and adults.
Beyond his books, Keller’s journey from cop to author inspires aspiring writers, proving that diverse life experiences can fuel compelling storytelling. His membership in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America underscores his growing influence in the genre.
- Born: United States (exact date unavailable)
- Key Works: Vegas Fae series, Heirs of the Vegas Fae series
- Notable: Retired police officer and Federal Defender investigator
- Latest Release: A Distant Fae (2024)
Ready to dive into a Las Vegas where faeries deal the cards and gods roam the Strip? Grab Return of the High Fae and lose yourself in Tom Keller’s thrilling urban fantasy world!