WATCH VIDEO: Meet a #1 New York Times bestselling novelist who loves Israel and served in the US army

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL – “Don Bentley rocks – this guy knows his stuff! His military thrillers are among the best in the business. And FORGOTTEN WAR is as good as it gets. Intense. Explosive. Riveting. Absolutely unforgettable!”

That’s the endorsement I wrote for his forthcoming military thriller, which releases April 25 – and I’m not kidding – this guy is very, very good.

He’s had equally kind things to say about my work.

In fact, his endorsement is gracing the cover of my next Marcus Ryker novel, The Libyan Diversion, which releases on May 16. 

But Don Bentley isn’t just good at what he does.

He has got to be the busiest man in the industry these days. 

Not only does he write his own Matt Drake Thriller series, of which FORGOTTEN WAR is the latest installment.

Several years ago, he was also recruited to write the Jack Ryan Jr. series, which follows the life, career and adventures of the son of the iconic Jack Ryan, the Marine turned CIA analyst turned clandestine operative created by Tom Clancy back in the 1980s and debuted in one of my favorite novels of all time, The Hunt For Red October.

But wait, there’s more.

Don was also recently tapped to take over writing the exploits of Mitch Rapp, a series of fantastic political thrillers created by the late Vince Flynn, about a Syracuse University graduate whose girlfriend is killed by terrorists in the Pan Am 103 bombing over Lockerbie, Scotland, gets recruited by the CIA, and trained and deployed as America’s most lethal and effective assassin.

Don, my friend, when do you sleep?

If you’ve never read his stuff, get started – he’s wicked smart and funny, too.

One of things I love most about his novels is that he writes from decades of real-world experience and insider knowledge.

After all, Don served in the U.S. Army as an Apache helicopter pilot.

Later, he worked as an FBI special agent. 

After his time with the Bureau, Don spent time in the corporate world, working for companies that developed technology for the Special Operations community, including for an Israeli company.

All his time here in Israel – particularly in Tel Aviv, one of his favorite cities in the world – deepened his love for Israel.

If that weren’t enough, he’s a devout Christian, husband and father.

For all these reasons, I wanted to interview him and get to know him better.

And, as you’ll see, we had a great time together. 

We talked about how he got into writing in the first place – especially after his series of other amazing careers – what his writing process looks like, how he juggles all these different series, and of course his franchise character and latest release. 

I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.