Don Bentley

Last updated
Don Bentley
OccupationWriter
Genre Thriller, war fiction
Notable works
Without Sanction
Target Acquired
Capture or Kill
Website
donbentleybooks.com

Don Bentley is an American novelist. He is known for the Jack Ryan Jr. novels, which are part of the Ryanverse featuring characters created by Tom Clancy, as well as his own Matt Drake series. He is currently the writer of the Mitch Rapp series of novels, originally by Vince Flynn.

Contents

Early life

Bentley graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in electrical and computer engineering. [1] He also graduated from Seton Hill University with a master's degree in fine arts. [1]

Career

Bentley served as a United States Army Apache helicopter pilot while stationed in South Korea, Germany, and Texas. [1] He also served in Afghanistan. [2] After his military service, he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation as a special agent. [3]

Bentley released his debut novel, Without Sanction, in 2020. Featuring the character Matt Drake, it was based on Bentley's own experiences in the military and the FBI. [2] It was followed by The Outside Man (2021), Hostile Intent (2022), and Forgotten War (2023).

Bentley was approached by Tom Clancy’s longtime editor Tom Colgan about writing the Jack Ryan Jr. series of novels, succeeding Mike Maden. His debut, Target Acquired , was released in 2021. [2] It was followed by Zero Hour (2022), Flash Point , and Weapons Grade (both 2023). In 2024, Bentley exited the series and was succeeded by M.P. Woodward. [4]

Bentley took over for Kyle Mills as the author of the Mitch Rapp series of novels, originally written by Vince Flynn. His debut, Capture or Kill, was released in 2024. [5] It was followed by Denied Access (2025). [6]

Bibliography

Matt Drake series

Jack Ryan Jr. series

Featuring characters created by Tom Clancy

Mitch Rapp series

Featuring characters created by Vince Flynn

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Bio". DonBentleyBooks.com. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 McElhiney, Brian. "Episode 5: How Don Bentley's Army and FBI experience inspired his thriller novels". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  3. ↑ "Don Bentley, Former Apache Pilot, SWAT Member, and Author of 'Capture or Kill'". Sofrep.com. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  4. ↑ Steck, Ryan. "TOM CLANCY SHADOW STATE: M.P. Woodward's First Jack Ryan Thriller Due Out this August". The Real Book Spy. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  5. ↑ Evans, Jon. "Don Bentley talks about his first Mitch Rapp thriller, "Capture or Kill"". WECT. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
  6. ↑ Steck, Ryan. "DENIED ACCESS: Don Bentley to Finish Vince Flynn's Prequel Trilogy with New Book this Fall". The Real Book Spy. Retrieved 8 May 2025.
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