Pete Nelson is an accomplished author with a diverse literary career spanning fiction, nonfiction, and young adult literature. He earned his MFA from the University of Iowa Writers' Workshop and has contributed to prominent magazines such as Harper's, Playboy, Esquire, and Outside. His notable works include the Edgar Award-nominated Sylvia Smith-Smith young adult mystery series and the critically acclaimed nonfiction book "Left For Dead," which chronicles the sinking of the USS Indianapolis and won the 2003 Christopher Award. His fiction ranges from the holiday-themed novel "The Christmas List" to the military thriller series co-authored with Dave DeBatto, including "CI: Team Red" and "CI: Homeland Threat."
Nelson's writing reflects his versatility, blending meticulous research with engaging storytelling. His nonfiction often explores historical and social themes, as seen in "A More Unbending Battle," which details the Harlem Hellfighters' WWII experiences, and "That Others May Live," a narrative about search-and-rescue operations. His lighter works, such as "Real Man Tells All" and "Marry Like a Man," showcase his wit and observational humor. Beyond writing, Nelson has also released two music albums, "The Restless Boys Club" and "Days Like Horses," further demonstrating his creative range. He continues to reside in Westchester, New York, with his family.
Army Counterintelligence Books (with David DeBatto)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
CI: Dark Target
2006
2
CI: Mission Liberty
2006
3
CI: Team Red
2007
4
CI: Homeland Threat
2009
East Salem Trilogy Books (with Lis Wiehl)
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Waking Hours
2011
2
Darkness Rising
2012
3
Fatal Tide
2013
Sylvia Smith-Smith Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
Night of Fire
1991
2
Scarface
1991
3
Fast Lane West
1991
4
Sylvia Smith-Smith
1992
5
Deadly Games
1992
6
Dangerous Waters
1992
Standalone Novels
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
The Christmas List
2004
2
I Thought You Were Dead
2010
Non-Fiction Books
#
Title
Year
Goodreads
Amazon
1
King! When Elvis Rocked The World
1985
2
Real Man Tells All
1988
3
Marry Like a Man
1992
4
That Others May Live (With: Jack Brehm)
2000
5
Left for Dead
2002
6
Chile & Easter Island Adventure Guide
2005
7
Success Under Fire (With: Jamaal Wilkes, Gail Schaper-Gordon)
2006
8
A More Unbending Battle
2009
9
Plant Biomass Conversion (With: Elizabeth E. Hood, Randy Powell)