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Showing posts from August, 2025

What I’m Writing Next

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 I’m deep into writing my next thriller, and while I can’t reveal too much yet, I can promise it’s one of the most intense plots I’ve ever worked on. Expect high stakes, shocking revelations, and a return of some fan-favorite characters. Stay tuned—there’s more to come soon. šŸ“š Catch up before the release: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Meet Roman Lee: From the Gridiron to the Crime Scene

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 Before Roman Lee ever chased down criminals, he was chasing touchdowns. As a pro football player, Roman knew how to read the field, anticipate the next move, and outthink his opponent. When his athletic career ended, he returned to his hometown—not to retire, but to protect it. Now, as a detective, Roman tackles each case with the same drive and discipline that made him a star athlete. In this six-book series, you’ll see him go head-to-head with dangerous suspects, uncover long-buried secrets, and prove that justice takes more than just a badge—it takes heart. šŸ“š Start the Roman Lee series here: https://www.amazon.com/ROMAN-LEE-6-book-series/dp/B08RBFJMM7

Casey Stark: Fighting Crime and Changing Diapers

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In Knoxville Justice , Casey Stark is more than just Tad Ranger’s partner—she’s a new mom navigating the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life. Her commitment to justice is matched only by her love for her child, and that tension brings depth to her character and the cases she takes on. šŸ“š Meet Casey in Ballot : https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Tad Ranger’s Unlikely Path to the TBI

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 Tad Ranger, the lead investigator in the Knoxville Justice series, didn’t start out in law enforcement. He was a walk-on football player for the University of Tennessee, earning a scholarship and a starting spot as a Safety. When his playing days ended, he traded the field for the world of criminal investigations. That discipline, focus, and ability to read the game now serve him well in the pursuit of justice. šŸ“š Meet Tad in Knoxville Justice : https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

How Real-Life Investigators Shaped Shaun Tolliver

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 Shaun, Lori’s brother in the Nashville Justice series, is a mix of imagination and research. I’ve drawn inspiration from real investigators—especially those with unconventional backgrounds. His methods might not always be textbook, but they get results. That blend of street smarts and determination makes him one of my most compelling characters. šŸ“š See Shaun in action: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

The Legal Term Behind Ex Parte

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 "Ex Parte" is a Latin term meaning "from one party." In legal contexts, it refers to a proceeding brought by one person in the absence of another. In my novel Ex Parte , the term is more than just a title—it reflects the theme of one-sided battles, where power and truth aren’t equally distributed. Understanding the legal meaning adds another layer to the story. šŸ“š Discover the novel’s deeper meaning: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

My Most Shocking Plot Twist Yet

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 Writers live for those moments when a twist makes the reader gasp. In one of my recent books, I planted the seeds early, hiding clues in plain sight. Most readers never noticed—until the big reveal. The best twists aren’t just surprising—they’re inevitable in hindsight. That’s the magic I aim for every time. šŸ“š See if you can spot the clues: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

How to Read My Books in the Best Order

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 You can read my books in any order, but if you want the full experience—especially when it comes to character development and callbacks—here’s my recommendation: Nashville Justice Series: Start with Book One and follow Lori Tolliver’s journey in sequence. Knoxville Justice Series: Each book can stand alone, but reading in order reveals deeper character arcs. Whichever way you choose, expect twists, turns, and a few sleepless nights. šŸ“š Start your reading journey here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

My Legal Thrillers Have a Soundtrack

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 While writing, I often create playlists to set the tone for a scene—moody blues for tense courtroom moments, driving rock for action sequences, and quiet piano for reflective scenes. For Fatal Verse , country ballads were on repeat. For Ex Parte , it was cinematic scores with a spy-thriller edge. Music helps me find the emotional core of a chapter and keep the pacing tight. šŸ“š Hear the stories that music helped shape: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Cover Designs You Never Got to See

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 Before a book is released, cover designs go through multiple drafts. Some are bold and cinematic, others subtle and symbolic. A few early concepts for my books looked nothing like the final versions—and while I loved them, they didn’t quite capture the tone. Choosing the right cover is about more than aesthetics. It’s about promising the reader the exact type of story they’re about to experience. šŸ“š See the covers that made the cut: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Do the Ends Justify the Means in My Justice Series?

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 In both Nashville Justice and Knoxville Justice , characters often face impossible moral decisions. Is bending the rules ever acceptable if it means catching the bad guy? Lori Tolliver, Tad Ranger, and even Shaun have all walked that fine line. Sometimes the right choice isn’t the legal one—and those are the moments that test their character. I want readers to wrestle with these questions as much as my characters do. šŸ“š Decide for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

The Knoxville Justice Series: New City, New Crimes

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 While Nashville Justice focuses on Music City’s legal world, Knoxville Justice dives into the investigative work of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). Meet Tad Ranger—a former University of Tennessee football player turned TBI agent—and his partner Casey Stark, a new mom balancing family life with chasing criminals. This series combines small-town politics, big-time crime, and personal stakes for characters you’ll love. šŸ“š Start Knoxville Justice here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Martin Pace: Ex-CIA, Ex-Con, Still Dangerous

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 Martin Pace, the central figure in Ex Parte , is one of my most complex characters. Once a CIA operative, he was betrayed by his own agency, imprisoned, and left to rebuild his life on the outside. He’s a man shaped by secrets, driven by revenge, and walking a thin line between justice and vengeance. šŸ“š Step into Martin’s world: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Why I Can’t Stop Writing Legal Thrillers

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 The law is filled with tension—rules and loopholes, justice and injustice. It’s a world where one piece of evidence can change everything, and that uncertainty is what makes it perfect for fiction. Legal thrillers allow me to explore moral gray areas, human motives, and the high-pressure environment of the courtroom. Every case is a puzzle—and I love solving puzzles. šŸ“š Experience the thrill: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

The Cost of Curiosity – When Knowledge Turns Deadly

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 “Curiosity killed the cat.” It’s a clichĆ©—but in Artifact , it’s also a warning. For Calvin Prentice and his team, curiosity isn’t a quirk of academics. It’s a compulsion. A drive so strong it blinds them to danger until it’s too late. The closer they get to uncovering the truth, the more lethal the consequences become. Allies vanish. Threats multiply. And each discovery feels less like enlightenment and more like a trap. In the world of Artifact , knowledge doesn’t just come at a price—it comes with blood. šŸ“š See how deadly curiosity becomes in Artifact: Artifact by Cole

From First Draft to Finished Thriller: My Earliest Outline

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 Before the Nashville Justice series had a name, there was a rough outline scribbled in a notebook. Lori Tolliver was just a concept then—her backstory, her brother Shaun, even her first case would evolve through countless rewrites. Looking back, I see how much the characters grew and how the stakes got higher with each draft. The story you read today is the product of layers of revisions, feedback, and late-night brainstorming sessions. šŸ“š Read where it all began: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

The Country Music Murder Mystery Behind Fatal Verse

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 In Fatal Verse , the murder of rising country music star Ashley Brenner shakes Nashville to its core. While the case is fictional, it draws from the high-pressure, high-drama world of the music industry—where fame can be both a blessing and a curse. This book blends music, fame, and the search for truth into a page-turning legal thriller. šŸ“š Get Fatal Verse here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Why Nashville Is the Perfect Setting for Legal Thrillers

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 Nashville offers a unique mix of Southern charm, political power, and gritty street life. It’s a city where fame and fortune mingle with scandal and secrets—making it perfect for a thriller backdrop. The contrast between the polished world of country music and the shadowy corners of the legal system fuels tension in every Nashville Justice novel. šŸ“š Take a trip to Nashville—thriller style: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Revenge, Redemption, and the CIA: Behind the Scenes of Ex Parte

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 In Ex Parte , you meet Martin Pace—a former CIA operative betrayed by the very agency he served. After a prison sentence for a mission gone wrong, he lands in Nashville with one goal: settle the score. This book blends espionage elements with my signature legal thriller style, creating a high-stakes ride from start to finish. It’s about trust, betrayal, and how far one man will go to reclaim his life. šŸ“š Start reading Ex Parte here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

How I Write Legal Thrillers That Keep You Turning Pages

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 My process starts with an idea—often sparked by a real headline or court case. From there, I create characters who feel authentic and plotlines that push them to their limits. I aim for a steady build of tension, dropping just enough hints to keep readers guessing until the final reveal. Authentic legal details ground the story, while fast pacing ensures you can’t put it down. It’s a delicate balance of law, suspense, and human emotion—and it’s why my books keep readers hooked. šŸ“š See for yourself: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Meet Lori & Shaun: A Legal Powerhouse with a Twist

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 In the Nashville Justice series, Lori Tolliver is the brains of the law practice, but her brother Shaun—fresh out of prison—brings street smarts and grit. They share a complicated past and an unbreakable bond. Together, they navigate cases that put them against dangerous criminals, powerful corporations, and sometimes even the system itself. Their relationship is the emotional heart of the series, proving that justice isn’t just about the law—it’s about loyalty. šŸ“š Meet Lori & Shaun here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

What Inspired the Nashville Justice Series?

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 The Nashville Justice series was born from my fascination with the city’s rich cultural backdrop—music, history, and yes, plenty of intrigue. When I created Lori Tolliver, a young attorney determined to fight for justice, I knew Nashville would be the perfect setting. A city where the glitter of the stage collides with the shadows of crime gives endless possibilities for plot twists. From courtroom drama to tense investigations, each book is crafted to immerse you in a story that feels real, yet dangerous. šŸ“š Start the Nashville Justice series here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4

Welcome to the Official Blog of Author Cole Steele

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 Welcome, readers! I’m the author of gripping legal thrillers and suspense-filled crime fiction, including the Nashville Justice and Knoxville Justice series. My novels blend high-stakes courtroom drama, intense investigative work, and characters you can’t help but root for. This blog will be your behind-the-scenes pass into my writing world. Here, you’ll find sneak peeks at upcoming books, writing tips, and deep dives into my series’ most unforgettable moments. If you enjoy fast-paced mysteries that keep you turning pages long after bedtime, you’ve come to the right place. šŸ“š Explore all my books here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B01N7MMPU4