Steve Shipley Author
Welcome to the World of Blake Willis—and Beyond
If you’re here, you’re likely someone who enjoys peeling back layers—of a mystery, a character, a geopolitical power play. You like your thrillers smart, fast-paced, and laced with the kind of tension that doesn’t let go after the last page.
You’ve come to the right place.
I’m Steve Shipley, author of the Blake Willis crime thriller series, where corruption, power, and technology collide across boardrooms, back alleys, and the geopolitical chessboard. My stories are grounded in real-world issues—cybercrime, AI fraud, human trafficking, espionage—and powered by complex characters who don’t always play by the rules, but who fight for something greater than themselves.
This site is your hub for everything I write. You’ll find:
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My full catalog of books, with descriptions, purchase links, and sneak peeks.
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Praise from readers and critics who’ve followed Blake through tangled webs of deceit and danger.
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Exclusive bonus content like reading order guides, character profiles, and behind-the-scenes notes, and SWAG.
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My non-fiction projects, including practical guides and memoir-style reflections on life, food, wine, and storytelling.
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While this site will stay relatively static (so it’s easy to navigate without constant changes), my thoughts and updates are very much alive over on Substack, where I share essays, reader Q&As, behind-the-scenes writing notes, and the occasional rant about rogue nation-states or bad coffee. I’ve moved my blogging and newsletter email list there as it is far easier to engage with you with a feel of being in a community. I invite you to join the conversation there.
Whether you’re a long-time reader or just picking up your first Blake Willis novel, thank you for being here. Writing is a solitary act—but storytelling? That’s something we share. And I’m glad to share it with you.
Scroll down to explore my books, read what others are saying, and maybe discover a few hidden corners of the world you haven’t seen before.
My Books
Blake Willis crime thriller series available now as eBook, paperback, or hardcover and free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Coming Soon!
Books #4 and #5 of the Blake Willis crime thriller series are just around the corner. Detailed release information is coming soon.
Non-Fiction
Non-fiction lifestyle books on growing up around alcohol and alcoholics, and still being able to appreciate wine!
The Author
Steve Shipley
I’m Steve Shipley. I have a background in mathematics and IT consultation, and I’m captivated by crime thrillers. So much so that I’ve started writing a series of them — the Blake Willis corporate and political crime thriller series.
Working around the world in business and technology has provided me an inside view, a fly on the wall perspective. I’ve been able to see how powerful people, including politicians, board members and executives, negotiate and decide, usually without the interests of shareholders, employees, customers, or constituents being considered.
A good tip in life and in mysteries is always to “follow the money trail.” Yet, how that’s done when criminals go to such great lengths to remove their physical and digital fingerprints remains invisible. And that’s where crime protagonists with elite skills come into play.
Early in my career, I spent my time on the outside looking in, before getting invited into the boardrooms and inner chambers. Then there I was, in the room where it happens. And through my books, I now share that with you. To find out more about me, and what influences my writing, see my full biography by clicking on the button below.
Calendar
Upcoming Events
Click on events requiring registration, and you will be directed to the event sign-up form.
February 2026
FALSE LOVE Cover Reveal
- We will share the FALSE LOVE cover. It's gorgeous and cannot wait to make it public!
March 2026
FALSE LOVE Release Date
- FALSE LOVE, a geopolitical thriller and book four in the Blake Willis Thriller Series, brings Blake and Orion team to Cambodia to find what happened to the Australian ambassador, only to find much, much more is at stake. Presales and publication dates will be finalized in October 2025.
May 2026
FALSE LEADS Cover Reveal
- Book #5, FALSE LEADS, cover reveal is just around the corner to the new year.
June 2026
FALSE LEADS Release Date
- Blake is thrown into his past as he needs to solve the murders of two of his global nemeses to clear his name and determine who ends up with bilions in inheritance. Presales and publication dates will be finalized in February 2026
Newsletter
Subscribe to Steve's Newsletter
Free Bonus Content
Newsletter subscribers will receive free bonus content and regular updates on the Blake Willis thriller series’ characters, settings, and themes, plus the occasion to win free books and SWAG.
My newsletter and writing community is on Substack, as I have found it to be more community-oriented, allowing us to engage more dynamically.
So sign up now to follow along! You may sign up for free, or if you want to support my writing, you may make a pledge. But it's not necessary and all content will remain free forever.
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Testimonials
What People Are Saying...
"Steve writes to excite and thrill."
"As a political junkie, I can’t wait to read this."
"Fast paced, thoroughly modern cyber crime thriller. Well researched with attention to detail across many disciplines. In the style of Dan Silva. I thoroughly enjoyed it."
"This is a fascinating book that includes murder, kidnapping, deception, fraud and whiskey. Well worth the read."
