The PJ Steele Series
Simple Extradition
The debut novel introducing PJ Steele, a former Pararescueman now a Deputy US Marshal.
Extraction gone wrong
Next book in the series. Coming Soon.
Cold Defection
Coming later this year.
1st time fiction author
A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Beckett enlisted at nineteen, serving in temporary and permanent duty locations across the globe. His nine-year military tenure provided the foundation for a career defined by operational expertise, eventually transitioning from the service into the world of Department of Defense (DOD) contracting.
Drawing from a background that spans from Y2K state government consulting to complex Disaster Recovery (CBCP) and Security (CISSP) planning, Beckett leverages his travel experiences to weave realism into his narratives.
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He holds an MBA from Auburn University campus in Montgomery and spent the culmination of his private sector career mastering Data Analytics with SAS, a discipline he uses to bring a sharp, analytical edge to his research.
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Beckett is an instrument-rated pilot and certified rescue diver, skills that help inform the authenticity of his protagonist’s world. When he isn’t navigating the complexities of his next thriller, he can be found traveling throughout the world or at his home in Panama City Beach, Florida, where he has lived with his wife of nearly forty years.
LATEST UPDATES
The Origins of PJ Steele
Diving into the real-life inspirations behind the character that started it all, from Turkey to publishing.
Some have asked me what was my inspiration for my character PJ Steele. When I was stationed in Turkey many years ago I was kind of adopted by the Davis family. Master Sergeant Cliff Davis a Vietnam era Medic and my NCOIC TSGT Linda Davis. I crashed many a night on their couch. I learned to scuba dive there and Cliff taught me on the Search & Rescue (mostly recovery by the time we got there) team. I learned so many things about life, death and underwater navigation. Cliff and Linda are no longer with us but they will forever be in my heart. Cliff’s medical expertise and 4 Purple Hearts and dedication to saving lives was definitely part of my inspiration for this character.
Writing the Modern Thriller
Chuck Beckett discusses how to research to maintain authenticity and tension while writing military fiction in an ever-changing world.
How long did it take to write this book? The character has been in my head for several decades. Ten years ago I attempted to fully retire. I went to the beach and wrote several chapters that show up throughout this book. During COVID I wrote a few more chapters and read and researched a lot about todays US Air Force Pararescuemen and US Marshal Service. It wasn't until about 18 months ago that I decided to finish it. Over the last three months I had several individuals read the first full draft and I made a few more updates. Finally I had a professional proofreader suggest edits. The best advice I can give is read as many books on the subject as you can get your hands on. I found the official Pararescue Medical Operations Manual and use it as a reference manual. Researched the US Marshals operations. I tracked and calculated the training timelines for PhD, USAF Pipeline training, Marshals Bootcamp, to list a few. Tried to add as much realism as I could.
Upcoming Release Details
Get your first look at the cover art and a sneak peek into the first chapter of the upcoming PJ Steele novel, Savage Tunisian Ambush.
Chapter excerpt coming soon!
Connect with the Author
Whether you have a question about the PJ Steele series, feedback on the blog, or simply want to discuss military history and thriller writing, I'm here to connect.
Email: chuck@pjsteelenovels.com
Under Construction.
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The future will be here sooner than you think.