Lawyer, judge and author too

I was fascinated when I started doing research about Mark Thielman, an author who has an interesting background that goes beyond writing. Thielman is an acclaimed crime fiction writer, but he also serves as a Magistrate Judge in Fort Worth, Texas. He previously served for over 27 years as a prosecutor for the Tarrant and Dallas County District Attorney’s Offices. I can’t imagine better credentials for a writer who specializes in short stories and novels dealing with crime and the workings of an investigation and legal proceedings.

Thielman’s work and his awards

His stories have appeared in such noteworthy publications as Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, and several anthologies. I discovered that he has won a number of awards, including twice receiving the Black Orchid Novella Award from the Nero Wolfe Literary Society. I learned that the organization is a New York based group of fans of Rex Stout’s Nero Wolfe novels.

Nance and Johnson fight crime

At any rate, Mark Thielman’s novels (and at least one short story so far) are about the crime solving adventures of National Parks Service special investigators Alison Nance and Clarence Johnson. In his debut novel, The Devil’s Kitchen,which came out in April 2025, the pair look into a crime set in Yellowstone park. From the book’s description-

-“When a history professor is fatally shot at the base of Yellowstone Canyon, seasonal park ranger and former homicide detective Clarence Johnson finds himself roped into the murder investigation.”

Johnson and Nance uncover a historic conspiracy, an ancient relic, and high suspense as the suspects keep disappearing. It’s a race against time!

His second novel, The Hidden River, which was published in October 2025, takes place in the Everglades. And I must say, that title makes perfect sense to me as a Florida resident because I know that the Everglades is often described as a ‘River of Grass.’ His next novel, out now as both an ebook and a paperback, is titled The Firefall. This one is set in Yosemite National Park.

Personal connection to his writing

What especially appealed to me was the fact that Mr. Thielman says on his website that he wanted to be a writer since his high school days, and that his wife convinced him that he should finally start his writing career. That was in 2014. By 2015 he had his first book. As a writer myself who has benefitted from my wife’s encouragement, I readily understood.

Free download and news

I couldn’t find anything on his website that suggested what his next book might be, but he does have a wide range of national parks remaining to choose from, so check back with us for news. He did write a short story that explains the backstory about how the two investigators got together in the first place. Called “Dogged Pursuit,” it describes how Detective Clarence Johnson of the Homicide Department is sidelined due to an injury. Recovering from that and feeling restless, with no sense of purpose, he visits the Humane Society. They pair him with a wary rescue dog, and he also gains an unexpected new partner, Alison Nance. Thielman describes this as a “must-read for longtime fans.” Fans can get it free Here at Bookfunnel.