Who is Colonel Lee Martin?
Colonel Lee Martin (Ph.D.)
Hello, friends. I’m Colonel Lee Martin, retired Army officer having served a total of 26 years. Welcome to my website. A native West Virginian, I am now residing in a community outside of Atlanta, Georgia. In the late 1990s, I went back to school to earn my masters and doctorate in Counseling Psychology, after which I joined the faculty of an Atlanta university teaching Psych courses for 18 years. As I have always had a passion for writing, I was successful in getting my first novel published in 2004 entitled The Third Moon is Blue. Getting this book out further compelled me to continue writing, and voila, 20 years later, I had 22 novels under my belt.
A Life of Service, A Legacy of Storytelling
As you will discover on this website, I have created a series of action novels featuring my popular, cool and calculating protagonist, Bruce McGowan, a former Army Special Forces captain, later serving as an FBI special agent for 20 years, and as a State Department counter-terrorist operative. He’s a character who will rival other fictional, lethal action heroes such as Jack Reacher, James Bond and Cole Maddox. The books are numbered chronologically and it is best if you begin with Book One, Wolf Laurel. Subsequent novels will take you through about 20 years of Bruce’s thrilling adventures. McGowan a fearless, highly-skilled man of action is driven by not only a strong moral code and sense of patriotism, but by the love of his beautiful wife, Adriana. Quick-witted, resilient and often comedic, he is the government’s most sought-after operative in the world of covert operations. The majority of the McGowan novels are set in the stunning countryside of Greenbrier County, West Virginia, a place with which I am fully familiar. And by the way, both Bruce and I graduated from a military school once located in that area. I offer the McGowan Collection in three different formats: paperback, Kindle version, and on Audible, narrated by the talented Canadian reader, Benjamin Hunter.
As you will see on my website, the McGowan series is first series listed, followed by my stand-alone collection of mystery novels that contain both heart-warming and heart-wrenching storylines having snippets of intense drama, romance, guile, and yes, murder, my most popular being the vastly-acclaimed novel, The Valiant. In these novels, I will take you from 19th Century Charleston, South Carolina, in The Six Mile Inn, to the late 1950s in nostalgic books such as At the Devil’s Tea Table and Panther’s Breath, books for every generation. Other novels will have more recent settings.
Whichever book you begin with, when you have reached the exciting, often surprising ending, my publicist, Terry Byrnes, CPPB, of IER Media, a former Navy submariner and co-author of a portion of the dynamic novel, The Terminus Protocol, asks that you leave your honest critique on the Amazon site. Thanks for reading.
Why are your books different from typical military thrillers?
What sets my work apart is authenticity. I write from real combat experience, not just research. My stories reflect how decisions are made under pressure, how conflict unfolds in unpredictable ways, and how those experiences stay with individuals long after the mission ends. Readers get a perspective grounded in reality, not exaggeration.
What inspired you to start writing military fiction?
Writing became a way to translate real experiences into meaningful stories. After years of service and leadership, I wanted to share not just events, but the lessons behind them. These stories are shaped by what I’ve seen, the people I’ve worked with, and the challenges faced in real-world situations.
Who will benefit from reading your books?
- Readers who enjoy realistic military thrillers
- Those interested in counterterrorism and global conflict
- Individuals seeking stories with psychological depth
- Readers who value authenticity over exaggerated fiction
- Anyone curious about leadership and decisions under pressure
Book Distribution
Colonel Lee Martin’s works are published and delivered under the guidance of I.E.R. Media. All titles are sold exclusively through Amazon Books, providing readers worldwide with reliable access to paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions.
In addition to Amazon’s global reach, Martin’s catalog is also listed through:
- Amazon Books (exclusive retail and fulfillment partner)
- IngramSpark (expanded catalog distribution)
- Books-A-Million (booksamillion.com listings)
- Books.By
From Soldier to Author – The Evolution of a Voice
Colonel Lee Martin’s transition from military service to literature was not a departure—it was an extension of his mission. His characters, many of them veterans or individuals grappling with trauma and justice, reflect the trials and triumphs of real life. Whether depicting small-town crime, historical injustice, or international terrorism, Martin’s work is shaped by personal understanding and lived experience.
His prose is straightforward yet deeply evocative, drawing readers into a world where moral gray areas are explored with nuance. Each novel poses important questions about ethics, duty, and the fragility of the human condition.
Claim Your Free Audible Book Today!
Register with your name and email to receive a complimentary book (choose email or audio version) and step into the thrilling world of Colonel Martin’s novels. Don’t miss your chance to join the readers’ circle and get exclusive updates.
The Author Behind the McGowan Collection
Perhaps best known for The McGowan Collection, Colonel Lee Martin created the iconic Bruce McGowan character as a symbol of relentless justice and internal conflict. McGowan, a retired FBI agent turned counter-terrorist operative, is complex, principled, and haunted—mirroring the realities of those who live in service to their country.
The series explores modern threats, domestic politics, and covert operations through an unflinching lens, offering readers high-stakes plots anchored in realism. Across 11+ titles, McGowan navigates both national security and personal demons, giving fans a rich and expanding narrative arc.
Note : The McGowan Collection is the only series available in audiobook format.
Ready for Your Next Great Read?
Colonel Lee Martin’s books are more than stories—they are explorations of courage, humanity, and justice. Whether you’re seeking gripping thrillers or deeply reflective dramas, his catalog offers something unforgettable.
All titles are available exclusively through Amazon in print, audio, or Kindle editions
The Story Behind Leadership
“Leaders are people who can discern the inevitable and act accordingly.”
“If you’re truly serious about your own success, you’ll adapt the proven concepts, sensible suggestions, and clearly presented examples to your skill set. It will help you optimize personal and professional effectiveness.”
Stew Bolno
Latest Writings
Insights on Military Conflict, Leadership, and Real-World Strategy
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Reviews By Readers
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Fatima Mahmoud
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Mohamoud Arafa
Lorem ipsum that packs a punch. For a new twist on an old classic, drop some Samuel L. Jackson filler text in your next project and Pulp Fictionize that shit.
Fatima Mahmoud
Lorem ipsum that packs a punch. For a new twist on an old classic, drop some Samuel L. Jackson filler text in your next project and Pulp Fictionize that shit.
Fatima Mahmoud
Lorem ipsum that packs a punch. For a new twist on an old classic, drop some Samuel L. Jackson filler text in your next project and Pulp Fictionize that shit.
Mohamoud Arafa
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