Steve Urszenyi's Blog, page 2
May 12, 2025
BLOOD OATH:
“Steve Urszenyi delivers his most gripping thriller yet—an explosive mix of heart-pounding action, razor-sharp tradecraft, and the bonds that define heroism. Special Agent Alex Martel is fierce, unforgettable, and unstoppable.” — New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee
I’m thrilled to share some exciting updates with you today about the next chapter in Special Agent Alexandra Martel’s journey. As many of you know, I’ve been hard at work bringing Alex’s most personal mission yet to life, and I’m happy to report we’re in the home stretch!
BLOOD OATH: Edits Complete!
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I’ve just finished the editing process for BLOOD OATH, the third installment in the Alex Martel series, and am now awaiting the final, first-pass pages from my publisher. This is one of the last steps before the book makes its way into your hands, and I couldn’t be more excited about how it’s turned out.
For those who haven’t heard the premise yet, BLOOD OATH takes Alex to the heart of Africa, where what should have been a peaceful safari with her father spirals into a deadly game of betrayal when he’s kidnapped by rebel forces. As Russian mercenaries and Chinese operatives descend on East Africa hunting for military secrets locked in her father’s mind, Alex must embrace her darkest instincts to save him. It’s her most personal—and dangerous—mission yet.
Steve, Christine, Joan, Lynne, and James in Serengeti National Park.Advance Reader Copies Coming Soon
For those eager to get an early look, I’m happy to announce that Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) will be available by the end of June. These early versions give select readers a chance to experience the story before the official release date. Stay tuned for more information on how you might get your hands on one!
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Pre-Order Now Available
While BLOOD OATH won’t hit shelves until November 18, 2025, you can secure your copy today by pre-ordering from your favorite retailer:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
Any indie bookseller!
Pre-ordering not only guarantees you’ll be among the first to receive the book, but it also provides valuable support for authors like me. Every pre-order helps signal to publishers and booksellers that readers are excited about a title!
Summer Events & Appearances
This summer, I’ll be hitting the road to meet readers and talk thrillers at various events. I’m particularly excited to be speaking at the MOTIVE Crime and Mystery Festival in Toronto in June. This will be a great opportunity to discuss the Alex Martel series, share insights into my writing process, and maybe even drop some exclusive hints about what’s coming next.
I’ll share a complete schedule of appearances in my next newsletter, so keep an eye on your inbox if you’d like to stop by and say hello.
From the Frontlines to the Page
As many of you know, my background as a paramedic and tactical medic continues to inform Alex’s adventures. In BLOOD OATH, I’ve drawn on my experiences to create what I believe is the most authentic and pulse-pounding installment yet. The Serengeti provides a stunning but unforgiving backdrop for Alex’s mission—a far cry from the icy landscapes of OUT IN THE COLD, but equally dangerous in its own way.
What Readers Are Saying
The response to the Alex Martel series has been incredible so far. As New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee said about BLOOD OATH:
“Steve Urszenyi delivers his most gripping thriller yet—an explosive mix of heart-pounding action, razor-sharp tradecraft, and the bonds that define heroism. Special Agent Alex Martel is fierce, unforgettable, and unstoppable.”
I’m humbled by the support and enthusiasm you’ve shown for Alex’s journey from PERFECT SHOT through OUT IN THE COLD, and I can’t wait for you to join her on this next adventure.
Until next time, stay safe out there.
Steve
P.S. If you’ve enjoyed the Alex Martel series so far, the greatest gift you can give is to spread the word! Share your thoughts on social media, leave a review, or simply tell a friend who loves thrillers. Word of mouth makes all the difference for authors, and I appreciate each and every one of you who takes the time to do so.Thanks for reading Medic Turned Scribe! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
April 1, 2025
Farewell to the Chronicler of Galway's Dark Soul
Some of my treasured books by Ken Bruen.I woke to the news like a punch to the gut. Ken Bruen is gone. Just like that—taken on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 74. The world feels darker today, emptier somehow, as if the rain-slicked streets of Galway are mourning alongside me.
My hands trembled as I pulled “The Guards” from my bookshelf this morning. The spine is cracked, pages yellowed and dog-eared, coffee stains marking passages I’ve returned to dozens of times. I ran my fingers over his name on the cover and felt the sting of emptiness. How can a man I never met in person leave such a gaping hole in my heart?
Jack Taylor came into my life like a hurricane in 2001. Broken, flawed, struggling with demons I recognized all too well. Through Ken’s razor-sharp prose, Jack became more than a character—he became a companion through my darkest nights. There’s something about the way Ken wrote that bypassed all defenses, slicing straight to the marrow. His words didn’t just cut; they excavated truth from places most writers fear to tread. Sometimes the blade was surgical, sometimes deliberately dull—making you feel every jagged tear of revelation.
I remember the day I impulsively sent Ken that photo. My Harley gleaming outside the Galway Arms here in Toronto, a small connection to his world from mine. I hit send without expectation, just a fan reaching out across the void. His response came the next day—warm, wry, and genuine. “A fine machine,” he wrote, “parked outside a decent pub. You’ve got your priorities straight.”
That began years of correspondence I’ve treasured more than he could have known. We traded stories about Ireland’s rain-soaked beauty and Canada’s vast wilderness. He told me about teaching in Brazilian prisons and Japanese universities; I shared tales from my days as a paramedic. When I mentioned my fumbling attempts at writing, I expected polite encouragement. What I got was a literary lifeline.
“Write,” he told me in one email. “Don't overthink it. Let the words bleed onto the page.” That advice has stayed with me through three published books and counting. God, I can hear his voice in those words even now.
In 2007, I walked Galway’s streets with Ken’s books as my guide. I stood outside Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop where he often did signings. I sipped whiskey at Garavan’s, watching the door half-expecting Jack Taylor—or Ken himself—to stumble in. The Claddagh stretched before me, the Atlantic wind cutting through my jacket just as Ken had described it. I took photos of everything, meaning to share them with him, perhaps suggest a meeting.
But I hesitated. What would I say to this literary giant whose words had rewired my brain? How could I express what his encouragement meant without sounding like just another fawning fan? So I never asked, and now that door has closed forever. The regret sits heavy in my chest tonight.
On my desk sits my dog-eared copy of “The Guards,” perhaps my favorite Jack Taylor novel. There’s a passage I’ve highlighted, underlined, committed to memory: “Time doesn’t pass. We pass.” Tonight, I’ll pour a measure of Jameson, raise it to Ken, and try to live by those words.
I never shook Ken Bruen’s hand. Never shared a pint with him in a Galway pub. Never thanked him properly for the gift he gave me—the permission to write in my own voice, to trust the rhythm of my words, to let the page breathe between the lines of text. But somewhere between his emails and his books, he became my mentor, my guide, my friend.
The sun is shining outside my Toronto window now. Ken would likely not approve of this backdrop to my grief. I imagine it’s raining in Galway, though, the city weeping for its darkest poet. I’ll miss you terribly, Ken. Your words will echo in mine until my own pen falls silent.
Slán abhaile, mo chara. Safe home, my friend.
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March 25, 2025
BLOOD OATH: Cover Reveal & Series Update
Dear Readers,
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you today! My third Alexandra Martel thriller, BLOOD OATH, is coming November 18, 2025, and I’m delighted to reveal the cover for the first time right here in this newsletter.
I am enormously grateful to the art department and marketing team at Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Publishing. Each successive Alex Martel cover has been better than the last. So now, with that build-up, I present to you the cover for BLOOD OATH:
BLOOD OATH: The Next Alexandra Martel AdventureIn this action-packed thriller, Special Agent Alexandra Martel’s fight becomes personal when her father is abducted by rebel forces.
In the heart of Africa, CIA Special Agent Alexandra Martel’s safari with her father spirals into a deadly game of betrayal when he is kidnapped by rebels. Suddenly, her peaceful Serengeti vacation transforms into a desperate race against time. As retired General David Martel is held by local rebels, Russian mercenaries and Chinese MSS operatives descend on East Africa, all hunting the military and special projects secrets locked in her father’s mind.
Alex assembles an elite team to navigate the treacherous terrain, but complications arise when her CIA boss, Caleb, shows up unexpectedly, stirring feelings she’s tried to bury since her husband’s death. As competing forces close in, Alex uncovers betrayals stretching from the Serengeti to the highest levels of global intelligence. Trust becomes as scarce as water in the African savanna.
With enemies converging from all sides, Alex must embrace her darkest instincts to save her father. But in a world where allies become enemies and nothing is as it seems, how much of herself is she willing to sacrifice to honor the bonds of blood?
Stay tuned and visit Ryan Steck's The Real Book Spy to watch for the first review to drop.
Don’t wait! You can pre-order BLOOD OATH today! No, really. Please pre-order BLOOD OATH today. Pre-ordering your favorite authors’ books tells publishers that people want to read their books and may help bring those books to a wider audience, meaning your favorite authors can keep writing more books!
Above: The genesis of BLOOD OATH. Lynne and I entering Serengeti National Park during our safari in 2019.
OUT IN THE COLD
OUT IN THE COLD: Fiction as TruthsayerFor those who haven’t yet picked up my latest novel, OUT IN THE COLD (released November 12, 2024), it follows Special Agent Alexandra Martel as she investigates an attack on a megayacht in the Mediterranean. Her investigation leads her from the French Riviera to Washington to Helsinki and the Baltic Sea, where she uncovers a chilling conspiracy.
What makes this novel particularly relevant is how it mirrors our current geopolitical landscape. The central premise—a conspiracy orchestrated by wealthy American elites to manipulate global politics while framing Russia—resonates powerfully with today’s headlines. As Martel peels back layers of deception, she discovers that the real threat comes not from foreign adversaries but from within America’s own power structure—a cabal of Washington insiders, military-industrial complex leaders, and ultra-wealthy elites determined to reshape the global order.
The novel explores Finland as a strategic battleground, which has proven particularly prescient given current tensions in the Baltic region. Through what critics have called “smoke-and-mirrors plotting,” Martel navigates this treacherous landscape while “staying one step ahead of bad guys while dodging death attempts.”
Critical AcclaimI’m humbled by the reception that OUT IN THE COLD has received:
BookBub: Best New Action Novels
BookNet Canada—Loanstars: Top 10 Adult Canadian Books of November 2024
“Alex is a formidable addition to the pantheon of kick-ass heroines of military thrillers.” —Publishers Weekly
“OUT IN THE COLD is nonstop action, with a heroine who never gives up, never surrenders. Like a ride on a runaway rollercoaster.” —Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of The Spy Coast
“PERFECT SHOT was a fantastic ride. Steve Urszenyi rolls on the throttle in OUT IN THE COLD to make it even better! Alexandra Martel is one terrific protagonist!” —Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy: Shadow of the Dragon
“With OUT IN THE COLD, Steve Urszenyi delivers another electrifying, world-class thriller. The writing is precise, poignant, and utterly compelling. A jaw-dropper from start to finish.” —Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Elias Network
“Alexandra Martel is the heroine readers are clamoring for, and Out in the Cold delivers the goods. Steve Urszenyi skillfully crafts a narrative as chilling as the Arctic winds, brimming with action that grips readers from start to finish and showcases Alex as a protagonist who effortlessly rivals renowned characters like Scot Harvath and Court Gentry.” —Jack Stewart, retired Navy fighter pilot and bestselling author of Unknown Rider, a Battle Born Thriller
“Well-developed characters battling their way through a complex plotline rich in conspiracy, espionage, and political and international intrigue keep readers highly engaged from the first page to the last in Out in the Cold. Highly recommended to fans of high-action, covert, political thrillers.” —Mystery & Suspense
“Ex-paramedic Urszenyi has done it again with Out in the Cold. This highly decorated former paramedic knows chaos and disaster firsthand. I needed special agent Alex Martel in my counterterrorism unit in the ’80s and ’90s.” —Fred Burton, former counterterrorism special agent and New York Times best-selling author of Beirut Rules
My background as a police tactical medic and emergency management leader has allowed me to infuse the narrative with technical precision, particularly in scenes involving tactical operations and emergency management. This realism makes the central conspiracy all the more believable and disturbing.
What's NextAs I put the finishing touches on BLOOD OATH edits, I’m already planning Alex Martel’s next adventure and some other exciting projects! Stay tuned for exclusive excerpts, behind-the-scenes insights, and special subscriber offers in the coming months.
Thank you for your continued support. I couldn’t do this without my readers.
Until next time,
Steve Urszenyi
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December 17, 2024
Happy Holidays from Me to You
Dear Reader:
Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter and for your amazing support throughout the year! Because of you, I can keep writing and sharing new Alex Martel stories!
I’m looking forward to bringing you news about the third installment in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series and other upcoming projects in the coming months. Meanwhile …
Wishing you and yours a blessed and joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Copyright (C) 2024 Steve Urszenyi Author. All rights reserved.
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November 12, 2024
Book Tour Stop at Indigo Sherway Gardens! 🎉🎉
Dear Reader,REMINDER:
OUT IN THE COLD
Book Tour Stop at Indigo Sherway GardensIf you’re in the Greater Toronto Area, please join us on Thursday, November 14th, at 6:00 pm ET as we make a stop at Indigo Sherway Gardens for the next event in the Fall 2024 Book Tour to celebrate the publication of Out in the Cold.
CalendarHere are some key dates in my 2024 Fall Book Tour.
Please come join me at one or more of the stops on my tour. I would love to see you in person! But, if you can’t make it, some of these events will be carried live or can be streamed after.
What’s Out in the Cold about, you ask? Here’s the blurb:Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.
While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel—whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.
Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming up again with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.
As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust—and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.
Purchase Out in the Cold Today!
Copyright (C) 2024 Steve Urszenyi Author. All rights reserved.
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November 10, 2024
Out in the Cold launches on Tuesday!! 😍😎
Dear Reader,Thank you for being a subscriber to my newsletter!
Out in the Cold is available tomorrow,November 12th!
CalendarHere are some key dates in my 2024 Fall Book Tour.
Please come join me at one or more of the stops on my tour. I would love to see you in person! But, if you can’t make it, some of these events will be carried live or can be streamed after.
Out in the Cold ReviewsHere’s what they’re saying:“OUT IN THE COLD is nonstop action, with a heroine who never gives up, never surrenders. Like a ride on a runaway rollercoaster.”
—Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of The Spy Coast
“This latest Alex Martel thriller is a gnarly espionage novel.”
—Dayton Daily News
“In the world of espionage and high-stakes thrillers, few authors can match the adrenaline-fueled intensity and pulse-pounding action of OUT IN THE COLD, the latest novel from Steve Urszenyi. He’s only two books in, but if Urszenyi can keep this pace, his name will soon be mentioned among the pantheon of today’s master storytellers. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page!”
—Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy and author of Out For Blood
“PERFECT SHOT was a fantastic ride. Steve Urszenyi rolls on the throttle in OUT IN THE COLD to make it even better! Alexandra Martel is one terrific protagonist!”
—Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy: Shadow of the Dragon
“With OUT IN THE COLD, Steve Urszenyi delivers another electrifying, world-class thriller. The writing is precise, poignant, and utterly compelling. A jaw-dropper from start to finish.”
—Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Elias Network
“Alexandra Martel is the heroine readers are clamoring for, and Out in the Cold delivers the goods. Steve Urszenyi skillfully crafts a narrative as chilling as the Arctic winds, brimming with action that grips readers from start to finish and showcases Alex as a protagonist who effortlessly rivals renowned characters like Scot Harvath and Court Gentry.”
—Jack Stewart, retired Navy fighter pilot and bestselling author of Unknown Rider, a Battle Born Thriller
What’s Out in the Cold about, you ask? Here’s the blurb:Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.
While sailing across the Mediterranean, the megayacht Aurora is rocked with explosions, taken under siege by unknown assailants. On board are some of Europe’s wealthiest and most powerful political players, including the secretary general of Interpol, a high-ranking Finnish diplomat, and Special Agent Alex Martel—whose lethal sniper skills kick in to bring them safely to shore.
Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming up again with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.
As the US is pulled deeper into the conflict, a global catastrophe seems inevitable. But who is really responsible for these escalating attacks on Finland? The Russians, or someone much closer to home? As new allies surface and old enemies reappear, Alex has no way of knowing who to trust—and she might only have one last shot to keep the world from going to war.
The Thriller Zone with David Temple is your authoritative source for information about your favorite authors and their new releases. David and I had a blast on his show, just released today, November 11th! Click on the graphic to give it a listen. Thanks, David!
Badass in Heels is the brainchild of former FBI supervisory special agent Nancy Aguilar. In it, she interviews female FBI Special Agents who introduce the world to women in the FBI.
I was honored that Nancy chose to feature me on her program. In truth, of course, it was all about the protagonist from my books, Special Agent Alexandra Martel. We had a great conversation, one I think you’ll truly enjoy.
Click on the graphic to play the episode.
Purchase Out in the Cold Today!
Well, that’s it for this edition of my newsletter. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me on this journey. See you soon on social media and in my next newsletter!
Copyright (C) 2024 Steve Urszenyi Author. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
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September 23, 2024
Summer?! Welcome to Autumn!! 😎☀️
Dear Reader,Thank you for being a subscriber to my newsletter!
It’s hard to believe summer is over. In fact, kids everywhere are back in school, mornings are feeling a little crisper, and coffee shops are advertising pumpkin spice lattes. (Ew, but that’s another story.)
That means, among other things, that this is a great time for reading… and writing!
Out in the Cold NewsThe second installment in the Special Agent Alexandra Martel series, Out in the Cold, will be available on November 12th, but you can pre-order your copy now. Already, people are having their say, and early reviews are great!
Here’s what they’re saying:
“OUT IN THE COLD is nonstop action, with a heroine who never gives up, never surrenders. Like a ride on a runaway rollercoaster.”
—Tess Gerritsen, NYT bestselling author of The Spy Coast
“This latest Alex Martel thriller is a gnarly espionage novel.”
—Dayton Daily News
“In the world of espionage and high-stakes thrillers, few authors can match the adrenaline-fueled intensity and pulse-pounding action of OUT IN THE COLD, the latest novel from Steve Urszenyi. He’s only two books in, but if Urszenyi can keep this pace, his name will soon be mentioned among the pantheon of today’s master storytellers. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page!”
—Ryan Steck, The Real Book Spy and author of Out For Blood
“PERFECT SHOT was a fantastic ride. Steve Urszenyi rolls on the throttle in OUT IN THE COLD to make it even better! Alexandra Martel is one terrific protagonist!”
—Marc Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of Tom Clancy: Shadow of the Dragon
“With OUT IN THE COLD, Steve Urszenyi delivers another electrifying, world-class thriller. The writing is precise, poignant, and utterly compelling. A jaw-dropper from start to finish.”
—Simon Gervais, former RCMP counterterrorism officer and bestselling author of The Elias Network
“Alexandra Martel is the heroine readers are clamoring for, and Out in the Cold delivers the goods. Steve Urszenyi skillfully crafts a narrative as chilling as the Arctic winds, brimming with action that grips readers from start to finish and showcases Alex as a protagonist who effortlessly rivals renowned characters like Scot Harvath and Court Gentry.”
—Jack Stewart, retired Navy fighter pilot and bestselling author of Unknown Rider, a Battle Born Thriller
What’s Out in the Cold about, you ask? Well, here’s the short blurb:
Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threatens to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.
Someone is waging a ruthless campaign of attacks against Finland, one of NATO’s newest members, in an attempt to throw the Alliance into turmoil. Teaming up again with CIA agent Caleb, Alex is thrust into the middle of the fray, pursuing the villains from the waters off of Monaco to the Baltic Sea and home to American soil.
Some of you might recall that just over a year ago, my wife Lynne and I visited a few places in Europe, including Helsinki, Finland—a place that has been at the center of ongoing political intrigue and brimming with spies since the Cold War.
Finland and its people are beautiful. It has a remarkable history, and its geography very much reminded us of our home in Canada. I am so glad we went! Helsinki factors prominently in the pages of Out in the Cold!
Pictured below: (Top) Lynne and I on Suomenlinna Island, an 18th-century sea fortress and nature area with centuries-old artillery and defensive walls spread across six linked islands in the Gulf of Finland.
(Bottom) The Helsinki skyline and Helsinki Cathedral (which plays a pivotal role in Out in the Cold) as seen from the harbor ferry coming back from Suomenlinna. (Photos: ©️ Steve Urszenyi 2023.)
We also visited sites around Washington, DC, and toured Alexandria, Langley and McLean, Va, stopping at some well-known establishments to collect additional background information while I was researching various aspects of the story.
I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that there will be geopolitics at play and maybe a conspiracy or two within the pages of Out in the Cold!
Perfect Shot NewsIn case you hadn’t heard, my debut novel, Perfect Shot, was a featured review in the Globe and Mail a few months back, and it was also a Canadian Living magazine selection. Apple Books said the story’s protagonist, Alexandra Martel, is their “new favorite hero—Alex is relentless and dedicated to taking down the bad guys.”
And Perfect Shot was a finalist for three literary awards:
International Thriller Writers (ITW) 2024 Best First Novel award.
Rakuten Kobo Emerging Writer 2024 (Mystery) award.
Crime Writers of Canada 2024 Best Crime First Novel award.
Thank you to everybody who has read or listened to Perfect Shot! And please don’t forget to leave a rating (5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ are always nice) and review on Goodreads, Amazon, or anywhere else you like. Reviews really, REALLY help authors!
Perfect Shot Mass Market Paperback!Today, September 24, 2024, is the publication day for the mass-market paperback edition of Perfect Shot, but it’s already in bookstores everywhere! What’s better than a copy of Perfect Shot? A smaller, travel-friendly version! Did I hear someone say “stocking stuffer”? 🎄🎁
CalendarHere are some key dates of upcoming events I’ll be attending or important publication milestones and waypoints:
September 24: Perfect Shot mass-market paperback pub date
November 12: Out in the Cold pub date
November 19: Murder By the Book, Houston, TX, an in-person conversation with Steve Urszenyi and Chris Mullen
November 20: The Poisoned Pen, Scottsdale, AZ, an in-person conversation with Steve Urszenyi and Jack Stewart
So, if you’re going to be in Houston or Scottsdale, I would love to meet you in person!
Sad News from the Literary WorldOn September 17, 2024, Nelson DeMille passed away at the age of 81 years, following a brief battle with cancer. DeMille was a veritable titan of the literary world. Together with so many others, I mourn his passing.
The first of his books that I read was Plum Island. I went on to read many, many more: The Lion’s Game, Night Fall, The Lion, The Panther, Radiant Angel, The Gold Coast, The Gate House. The list goes on.
One of the things I learned from him was to give the reader a strong sense of place. While his characterizations were epic (think John Corey, John Sutter, etc.), it was his ability to lock me into the settings of the worlds he brought to the page that I will forever remember and try to replicate in my own writing.
He will always be among my most favorite authors. Thank you, Mr. DeMille, for sharing your gift with your readers.
Pre-Order Out in the Cold Today!
Well, that’s it for this edition of my newsletter. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me on this journey. See you soon on social media and in my next newsletter!
Copyright (C) 2024 Steve Urszenyi Author. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
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February 28, 2024
🥰 Unveiling 'Out in the Cold' Cover! 🤩
Dear Reader,Thanks for being a subscriber to my newsletter. I’m excited to share some updates with you!
First of all, great news! Out in the Cold, the exhilarating second installment of the Alexandra Martel thriller series, has not only been christened with its permanent title (changed from my work-in-progress title) but also adorned with an awesome new cover as well!
To see it, you’ll have to read (or scroll) to the end of this newsletter.
Out in the Cold will be published my Minotaur Books on November 12th. In my next newsletter, I will include a longer glimpse into the story, but you can already read about it in the article “OUT IN THE COLD: Steve Urszenyi’s Next Alex Martel Thriller Set for November Release” on The Real Book Spy website. More details will follow in a month or so.
Make sure you stay tuned for opportunities in the coming months to win Advance Reader Copies (ARC) of Out in the Cold!
Perfect Shot has been Named a Finalist for the ITW’s ‘Best First Novel’ Award!The International Thriller Writers (ITW), an organization that represents professional thriller authors from around the world, has named Perfect Shot a finalist for the 2024 ‘Best First Novel’ award! I am humbled and honored that my writing has been recognized with this nomination. The ITW awards will be announced on June 1st at ThrillerFest in New York City, and I will be there!
Perfect Shot is in some pretty excellent company, so good luck to my fellow nominees! You can see them all in the image below. And, by all means, look them up and check out their books if you’re not already familiar with their writing.
If you’d like to see all the finalists from all categories, visit the 2024 ITW Thriller Awards web page.
Perfect Shot in the Globe and Mail (and another great review)
The Globe and Mail carried an article titled “Five mystery books to cozy up with this winter” on January 26th in which reviewer Margaret Cannon had some very high praise for my debut novel. Her review opens with:
“It's not often I encounter a debut thriller with all the bells and whistles, but Steve Urszenyi, a former paramedic and tactical medic for the Ontario Provincial Police, serves up everything. There's a smart and engaging protagonist, plenty of action in exotic places and a plot line that would make Tom Clancy think twice.”
Then her review gets better! Go check it out for yourself. It’s a great read.
And in yet another great review, the website BookTrib had this to say:
“Urszenyi’s plotting and the texture of his writing reads like post-modern John le Carré. He strikes all the right tones in crafting a modern-day masterpiece of international intrigue that qualifies as a major debut in this superb international thriller.”
High praise indeed!
In addition to the wonderful review in the Globe and Mail and BookTrib, Perfect Shot and I have been featured in a number of other articles, reviews and podcasts. You can see a partial listing on my website.
Out in the Cold Cover Reveal!
There it is! Isn’t it pretty? I am so thrilled with the cover concept and design that the art department at St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books came up with! I think it really conveys the story setting and mood! What do you think? Drop me an email and let me know!
Well, that’s all for this edition of my newsletter. Thanks for staying in touch!
Copyright (C) 2024 Steve Urszenyi Author. All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
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January 17, 2024
Looking Forward to 2024!
Dear Reader,Happy New Year! Thank you for being a subscriber to my newsletter! Your continued interest and support are greatly appreciated!
Can you believe 2024 is already here? It’s going to be a big one for fans of Perfect Shot and the Alex Martel thriller series, and I’m so excited about everything that’s coming this year!
Perfect Shot launched on November 14, 2023, and the response has been fantastic! In Canada, it debuted as an Indigo Bestseller (photo below left). It’s available from coast to coast in the United States and Canada. And it’s even available in most Costco stores north of the border (photo below right)!
As of December, it’s also been for sale in the United Kingdom and will be for sale in Australia by the middle of February.
Readers have sent photos from all corners of the globe, from the Northwest Territories and Vancouver Island to the California coast and as far away as Marrakesh, Morocco, and Perth, Australia, showing me the book on bookstore shelves and in places far and wide, making Perfect Shot a truly international thriller.
Perfect Shot has been seen in the cockpits of helicopters and airliners and in police cars, fire stations, military bases, and hospital emergency departments. I am so grateful to everyone that snapped a photo and posted it to social media or DM’d it to me.
And, of course, I’d be nowhere without the kind and generous support of other writers who walked this path before me. Thank you to Simon Gervais, Jack Carr, Marc Cameron, Mark Greaney, Robert Dugoni, and so many others for giving of their time and talents to help get the word out!
Book 2 Title RevealBut I know why you’re really here. You’re wondering what the title of my next book is. So, without further ado…
Book 2 in the Alex Martel thriller series is called…
Out in the Cold.
What do you think? Personally, I love it, and I hope you do, too! It’s a fitting title, but of course, you won’t know that until you’ve had a chance to read it. Out in the Cold will be published on November 12, 2024, but you can pre-order it today!
The countdown is on!
What’s it about, you ask? Well, here’s the short blurb:
Special Agent Alex Martel is thrown back into a deadly world of deception when a series of attacks threaten to incite World War III in this action-packed thriller.
Some of you might recall that last spring, my wife and I visited a few places in Europe, including Helsinki, Finland—a place arguably at the center of ongoing political intrigue involving a couple of the world’s superpowers and a little northern alliance called NATO.
Helsinki is beautiful. It has a remarkable history, and its geography very much reminded us of our home in Ontario, Canada. I am so glad we went—it factors prominently in the pages of Out in the Cold!
Pictured are Lynne and I on Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress and nature area with centuries-old artillery and defensive walls spread across six linked islands in the Gulf of Finland. (Photo: ©️ Steve Urszenyi 2023.)
We also visited many sites around Washington, DC, and toured Langley and McLean, Virginia, stopping at some well-known establishments to collect additional background information while I was researching various aspects of the story.
I don’t want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that there will be geopolitics at play and maybe a conspiracy or two within the pages of Out in the Cold!
Out in the Cold CoverThe art department of St. Martin’s Press is hard at work designing the cover and other elements of the next Alex Martel thriller, Out in the Cold. If the cover of my debut novel, Perfect Shot, is anything to go by, the cover art for the next in the series is going to be killer!
So, stay tuned… there will be a big reveal planned in the very near future!!!
Perfect Shot Mass Market Paperback!On September 24, 2024, the mass-market paperback edition of Perfect Shot will be out in bookstores everywhere! You can already pre-order a copy from your favorite bookseller or by heading over to the Macmillan Publishing website at https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250879127/perfectshot. (The algorithms love pre-orders, so if you want to help an author out, the best way is to pre-order their book. The second best way is to leave them a five-star review!)
Key Dates in 2024Here are some dates of conferences I’ll be attending or important publication milestones and waypoints:
February 27: Perfect Shot publishes in Australia
May 24-25: The Montreal Mystery Festival
May 28 - June 1: ThrillerFest
August 28 - September 1: Bouchercon Nashville
September 24: Perfect Shot mass-market paperback pub date
November 12: Out in the Cold pub date
Books I’m ReadingEvery writer is first and foremost a reader, and I’m no exception. So, what books have I recently read or are in my to-be-read (TBR) pile?
I recently reviewed Ryan Steck’s novella, Redd Christmas for The Real Book Spy website. Click on the image of the cover and take a look at what I wrote.
In short… it’s awesome!
Outlaw, by my good friend Jack Stewart, is the second installment in the Battle Born series. If you love technothrillers that read like a Tom Clancy novel, then you’re going to love everything about this series.
Jack is a former Top Gun aviator and instructor, and his novels come alive with true-to-life action like only he can write!
Landlside is the debut novel of U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Silver Star recipient, and former CIA paramilitary officer, Adam Sikes.
It is a tightly crafted geopolitical thriller that is also a gripping personal story. Its protagonist, Mason Hackett, is a character you’ll be cheering for from beginning to climactic end.
I honestly can’t say too much about The Rising Order because I have only just started it, but what I can say is that after only the first few pages, it already has me hooked!
But don’t take my word for it, check it out yourself and see what all the critics are saying… and then go buy it and read it!
News, Reviews, Interviews & PodcastsSince the publication of Perfect Shot, I have appeared on several podcasts, including The Crew Reviews, The Poisoned Pen, Course of Action, First Chapter Fun, and the Thriller Zone. A number of reviews have been published online as well. Please take a moment and have a look when you have some time:
News, Reviews, Interviews and Podcasts
Well, that’s it for this edition of my newsletter. Thank you for supporting and encouraging me on this journey. See you soon on social media and in my next newsletter!
Copyright (C) 2024 Steve Urszenyi Author. All rights reserved.
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