Matthew Betley is an American author, best known for his thriller novels and the Logan West series. Betley was born in New Jersey but grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, which he considers his hometown. His interest in thriller novels can be traced back to his time at St. Xavier High School and Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he graduated with a B.A. in psychology and minors in political science and sociology. During his final year at Miami University, Betley had a formative experience while working as an intern investigator in Washington, D.C., for the Public Defender’s Office, investigating felony murder cases.
After graduation, Betley worked in corporate America for five years before joining the Marine Corps in 1999. During his ten years in the Marine Corps, Betley was trained as a scout sniper platoon commander, an infantry officer, and a ground intelligence officer. His deployments include Djibouti after 9/11 and Fallujah, Iraq, prior to the surge, where he served in staff officer support billets. Betley's military experiences have significantly influenced his writing, providing him with a wealth of knowledge and authenticity to draw upon when creating his thrilling narratives.
Betley's Logan West series has received significant critical acclaim, with his first book, "Overwatch," being nominated for a Barry Award for Best Overall Thriller and named a Top Ten Book of 2016 by the Military Times. His subsequent novels, "Oath of Honor," "Field of Valor," and "Rules of War," have also received similar praise. Betley's latest thriller, "Amira," tells the origin story of Amira Cerone, a fan-favorite female protagonist.
In addition to his writing career, Betley is a recovering alcoholic with more than twelve years of sobriety. He credits the Marine Corps with providing him with the discipline and personal accountability that led him to seek help. Betley is open and direct about his recovery and has spoken to large groups of people, sharing his message that if he can get sober, anyone can. His recovery and sobriety provide the authenticity for Logan West’s struggle with his inner demons.