Logan West On A Sabbatical
Readers and Fans,
As you’ve heard me say in the past countless times, you are what matters most. Without you, there is no Logan West. I am forever in your debt that Logan and his band of merry men and women have graced the pages of four world-class thrillers. Unfortunately, at this time, Logan and his task force are going on a hiatus. Consider it a temporary vacation. He is not gone, as I have at least two outstanding tales to tell in the Logan West universe, including an Amira Cerone origin story that has been in the works for more than a year.
Also as you know, I am ruthlessly direct and honest, to the point that I’ve often been criticized for disclosing too much information. But that is who I am, as a recovering alcoholic and former Marine, and in that vein, it is why I’m the one telling you this know, especially since it was mentioned in a Cincinnati Enquirer article this past week.
Publishing is a brutal business, and all authors have gone through rough times, both personally and professionally. And there comes a time in every career – and that time varies – where a decision has to be made. And based on a variety of factors, for me, that time is now.
As a result, I am writing a standalone thriller that will be a true Matthew Betley roller coaster, but it’s one that anyone who lives in suburban America will be able to relate to, with the intent to draw in new readers, not just ones in the geopolitical action thriller genre. I am keeping all details under wraps, and I’ll be taking a break from the amount of social media posts I do. Politics has become noise, and I need to focus on what’s important.
I know there will be disappointment, but trust me when I tell you that you won’t be disappointed with the new story. It’s going to be a true, intense thriller written in the only way that I know how to write them with the potential to be the biggest thing I’ve written.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Like I said earlier, you are what matters.
Semper Fidelis,
Matt
Matthew,
Good luck with your new venture. I will be standing in line to buy it when it comes out. Take the time to do the things that you need to do, that are important to you. We readers always hunger for the next story, but we can also be patient.
Semper Fi
Thanks, Steve. The book turned out beautifully. I think you’ll love it. I’m hoping for a 2021 publication date. We have a lot of balls up in the air right now, and of course, it’s 2020. So all best are off. Lol. All the best, Matt
Any of those balls drop? Taking bets again? very interested to meet L.W. in your geopolitical thrills, & am also hoping for a 2021 publication date.
Always Dee
I have not written to you much but I am a reader and a fan. Just like my all-time favorite, Michael Connelly, changes directions at times an author must be true to his feelings…beliefs…self…? I will be reading the new book when it comes out.
My son was a Corpsman with the 5th Marines in Iraq in 2004ish…still keeps in touch with his guys. He would love to be an author and although he is in law school now and his bride is in the JAG Corps in the Army I think it is on a burner somewhere.
I am so glad to hear you are working on your alcoholism…I admire you for doing that…must be quite difficult and an added pressure to your work on the new book.
Best, Maureen Tuohy
Thanks, Maureen. I appreciate that. 5th Marines went through a lot in Iraq in 2004. I used that time period in both OVERWATCH and FIELD OF VALOR for a reason. Send him a “semper fidelis” and my best for me. As for being a recovering alcoholic, at this point 11 1/2 years sober, it’s a fundament part of who I am. I just keep on doing it one day at a time. I’m fortunate that my sobriety is strong. Stay tuned for the new book – it’s a doozy. All the best, Matt
I guess Logan is on daddy duty for a while… 🙂
I’m sad to hear that Logan West will be put on hold, as I was really looking forward to the Amira origin story. That said I’m sure your next thriller will be just as awesome and I can’t wait to read it! And when Logan West is ready to re-enter the stage, I will still be here.
On another note, although I have never had problems with alcohol/drugs/etc in my life, your sobriety story continues to inspire me to cut my own bad habits and to be a better person in general. Thank you for inspiring me to live a better life, and I eagerly await your next book! (I hope you can manage at least one book tour stop in Virginia, hint hint)
Thanks, Leo. I appreciate your loyal readership. Trust me – you’ll enjoy the standalone. More importantly, I’m humbled that I have had any impact on your life at all. I continue to fail plenty but keep trying. All the best, Matt
I’ll miss Logan of course, but I’ll read everything you write..Even if you decide to re-write the Dictionary. You are that good! Looking forward to….whatever. LOL Much love, respect ……and Semper Fi!
Thanks, Kitty. I just saw this. 🙂 I didn’t realize I had a bunch of comments sitting in my website queue. You’re going to love the new standalone. Trust me. Thanks for being a fan from the beginning. Stay safe and healthy. Best, Matt
Excited about your next book and hope that you will plan to visit Book Carnival when it ready. Really enjoy your writing style.
Thanks, Anne. I’d love to visit California. I’ve never done a West Coast book event. Who knows what book tours will look like when 2020 is over? Stay safe and healthy. Best, Matt
Matt, hope all is well….. Can’t wait….
Thanks, Marty. All is well, even in 2020. Stay tuned. 🙂
Really bummed…. Though I am sure the next book will be fine, I am really bummed to hear about the hiatus of Logan West. I do understand the desire to seek a broader audience but I can can say that my friends and I who always read this at the same time, (Kinda like a book club with beer, wings and testosterone) felt special that we were part of the Logan West universe. I have enjoyed sharing these books with my brother (A former Marine officer and FBI agent) and have him tell me stories of the brotherhood and banter of his days in the military. That being said, Matt’s a great writer and I will be purchasing his next book. But don’t forget about Logan!
Thanks, Glen. I appreciate that and understand. Believe me, it was not my first choice but a necessity of this business, which is only about $$ and sales. Having said that, I believe you’ll love the standalone I wrote, and more importantly, there will be another Logan West, one way or another. Stay tuned. And tell your brother “Semper Fidelis” for me. Best, Matt
Matt, I don’t know if I want to kick your ass, huff and puff, have a fit or just sit down and cry, cry, cry….
I discovered you by sheer luck, got addicted. Chose you rather than another Author named Greaney… even recommended you to The RealSpy Book Guy, Kevin…sang you and Logan many praises….
BUT …..I feel you…..😢😢😢😢
I wish you all the best, stay strong, positive, happy and healthy, never give up…
Ok this old gir is done…. and never mind the bitching….. we love you…
Stay strong, Jackie. It was a business decision. Having said that, I know you’ll love the standalone. Also, there will be another Logan West at some point, as I had two stories plotted it before I decided to leave my publisher. Stay tuned. There will be a Betley book in 2021. 🙂
Matt,
I was in the Navy for 8 Years. I am also a recovering alcoholic. Sober since Feb, 2002. I am proud that you are addressing your addiction. I admire your efforts and I appreciate your service to our country. I enjoy your books. I have to admit that I prefer to read series but most authors seem to write standalones or Multiple series. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, shipmate. Keep up the good path on sobriety. It’s better than the alternative. 🙂 As for the books, authors write standalone in order to draw in readers who might not be reading their series – that’s why I did it. This is a brutal business, and publishers only care about $$ and sales. Trust me – I’ll be writing another Logan West book at some point. I had two stories planned before I decided I had to leave my publisher. I think you’ll like the standalone. Trust me. Fair winds and following seas.
I’m actually excited about a new setting
I do like logan west, but I don’t like when authors stick to just one protagonist and that hero’s universe (it gets kinda boring)
Thanks, Abe. I hope you love the new one when it comes out. Stay tuned.
As a former Marine, I look forward to your books. Good luck and Semper
fi
Thanks, William. I hope you enjoy them. Buckle up. Semper Fidelis.
Just read “Overwatch” – brilliant.
Thanks, Derek. I appreciate it. Buckle up for the next three. They get more intense. 🙂
My husband loves your books and I can’t wait to get him you’re a new thriller that you’re writing.
Thanks, Carmell. I appreciate that. The new one is finished. Just working out the details with a publisher. Stay tuned. 🙂
Just finished Field of Valor and starting Rules of War. I’m sure that you hear this a lot but I really enjoy your writing style and your development of your main character, Logan West and his sidekicks, John, Cole and Amir. I am and avid reader and have read all of the books written by Vince Flynn (Kyle Mills), Mark Greaney, Brad Thor, Brad Taylor, Ben Coes, Jack Carr, and Don Bentley, just to name a few. You certainly hold your own in this genre. Since there is not as much to do in this time of COVID, thanks for your talent. Would love to meet you at a book signing sometime as I live just north of you in Dayton. Kudos, stay safe and take of yourself!
Thanks, Carl. I appreciate all of that. Unfortunately, I don’t live in Ohio anymore. I’m sadly on the East Coast. 🙂
Stay safe and enjoy the wild ride that is RULES OF WAR. All the best, Matt
I love action books – Tom Clancy, Marc Greaney, Brad Thor, Jack Mars, Marc Cameron, Jack Carr, Daniel Silva, etc. etc. & now Matt Betley – Keep writing whatever inspires you. Can’t wait to read your next book👍
Thank you for your service – in & out of the rooms!
Thanks, Diane.
I appreciate that.
Keep taking it one day at a time.
And AMIRA comes out next month on 6 April – you’ll love it!
Best,
Matt
I absolutely luv the Logan west series got all my friends hooked n can’t wait for 5 th book to come out u r truly talented writer n I personally will look forward to whatever u write next please let us know when to start looking for Logan again cause I’m on edge of my seat now lol
Thanks, Laura.
I truly appreciate it.
I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to respond. I don’t check my site as often as I should. Forgive me.
As for the books, AMIRA comes out next month on 6 April.
Buckle up for her origin story told after the events of RULES OF WAR.
Stay safe and healthy.
Best,
Matt
My brother has retired from the Air Force after 20 years. I have been blind my entire life and have always enjoyed military thrillers. For us blind people there is a library for the blind and visually handicapped. I discovered all of the Logan West thrillers in this collection of audiobooks. I eagerly await the next one. I am a member of audible as well. I was very sad not to see your books in the audible collection. I would like to have purchased the audio versions there to support your efforts as an author. I am very grateful to have access to the library for the blind but I am also very grateful for the thrillers that authors like you right. My audible collection contains nearly 1000 titles. I love to support authors. While I will miss Logan West and his crew I can’t wait to read your standalone novel. I am sure it will be just as exciting as the last four books by you that I have read. I hope someday to find all of your books on audible. Rest assured that I will purchase them even though I have already read them with my access from the library for the blind.
Thanks, Mitchell.
I appreciate the support.
Tell your brother Bravo Zulu on retiring – well done.
And all of the books are on Audio. AMIRA comes out next month, but I don’t have an Audio yet for it. Hope to soon.
Stay safe and healthy.
All the best,
Matt
Matt,
We miss you and Logan…. it’s sad that the Aholes accused you of what ever…That just made me re read them, still a great thrill
Hugs
Stay safe
Jackie
Thanks, Jackie. Fear not – all is well!
And AMIRA comes out next month on 6 April. 🙂
Stay safe and healthy.
Best,
Matt
Matt,
Been a (long) while. Glad to hear you are doing well and writing. We crossed paths at MIOC…so many years ago…In any event, take care, congrats on the sobriety, working thru the same issue with my brother, I know the effort you put in daily!.
James,
Hit me up on my FB fan page so we can chat more freely https://www.facebook.com/MatthewBetleyOfficialFanPage
I’m sorry to hear about your brother. It can be hard. I’ve got 12 years in a few weeks. How has life been treating you?
And I apologize if I was an ass back then – I truly look back on that person and can’t believe how selfish, self-centered, arrogant, and stupid I was, especially for a pretty smart guy. LOL. But I was blind to my faults because I was a functioning alcoholic and generally miserable with life.
Anyhow, let’s connect on FB.
Semper Fi, brother.
Matt
Sir,
I have read all the Logan West books and have enjoyed them immensely. While I am sad they are on temporary hiatus, I can understand your reasons. Priorities are important and by making these difficult decisions, you will be the better for it. There are many out there who will learn from your perseverance and determination to make the difficult but necessary decisions. Besides, I want your mind free and clear to write the next Logan West adventure. Looking forward to Amira. May God bless you and give you the strength to persevere.
Maureen
I started listening to Audible a few years ago and stumbled across your series. I’ve listened to 2.5 of the LW books over the last week and I’m hooked. As someone else who calls the Cincinnati area home, I have to wonder if the weather man you described at the beginning of chapter 3 in Field of Valor is based on a Cinci area weatherman who’s also known for his enthusiastic descriptions of weather phenomena?
Love the books and will be looking for more of your titles in the future.
read all of your books. Waiting for more Logan West. Wishing you the best. Semper Fi