How I Became A Crime Author
Ever wonder how a real estate agent from North Queensland transforms into a bestselling crime author? Well, grab a seat, because C.T. Mitchell’s story is as twisty as one of his novels.
🧩 The Early Days: Accounting, Trading, and the Seeds of Suspense
Born in Cairns, Australia, C.T. Mitchell was the only son in a typical 1960s-70s Aussie family. His dad, an accountant, envisioned a future for him in the same field. So, at 17, he headed to Brisbane to study accounting. But the numbers game didn’t quite add up for him. By the end of his degree, he was itching for something more dynamic. That’s when he jumped into the fast-paced world of stock market trading. In 1980, during Australia’s mining boom, he found himself on the trading floor, buying and selling industrial shares.
One day, a client asked him to sell 67 odd-lot shares in SEQ, an electricity firm. The task was nearly impossible, and after a week of unsuccessful attempts, his boss gave him the boot. But that setback didn’t deter him. He bounced back, diving into real estate, where he encountered a whole new cast of characters—some shady, some charming, all unforgettable. It was these real-life experiences with dubious deals and colorful personalities that planted the seeds for his future in crime writing.ctmitchellbooks.com
✍️ The Leap into Writing: From Procrastination to Publication
Fast forward to 2015. C.T. had spent years dreaming of writing but was stuck in the “one day” club. He doubted his abilities, fearing his B+ English skills weren’t enough. But then he decided to take the plunge. He joined an online writing group, found a mentor who understood his fears, and set a plan in motion.ctmitchellbooks.com+1thecwa.co.uk+1
His strategy? Write often, play to his strengths, and self-publish. He committed to writing 1,000 words a day, finishing a novella in ten days. In just 20 months, he penned 20 mystery eBooks. The results? Nine books hit #1 on Amazon US & UK in the mystery, thriller, and suspense genres. He built a loyal reader base of over 10,000 subscribers and caught the attention of publishers. Austin Macaulay UK signed him, and Juggernaut India offered a 25+ book deal. His debut novel, Murder Secret (originally Breaking Point), was even shortlisted for a film adaptation with Amazon Prime and Netflix. ctmitchellbooks.com+5ctmitchellbooks.com+5Amazon+5ctmitchellbooks.com+2thecwa.co.uk+2ctmitchellbooks.com+2
🔍 The Detective Jack Creed Series: Grit Meets Glamour
C.T. Mitchell’s flagship series, Detective Jack Creed, introduces readers to a hard-nosed, anti-establishment detective with a flair for fashion. Creed is described as “Rebus in a Valentino suit”—tough, loyal, and always in control. The series blends traditional police procedural with global settings and psychological thrills. Books like Dead Shot, Dead Ringer, and Dead Wrong showcase his knack for suspense and character development. Goodreads+5thecwa.co.uk+5ctmitchellbooks.com+5
🧶 Cozy Mysteries with a Twist
Not just about gritty thrillers, C.T. also crafts cozy mysteries that charm readers with their quaint settings and amateur sleuths. Series like Father Douglas and Lady Margaret Turnbull transport readers to sleepy villages Down Under, where secrets lurk beneath the surface. These short, twisty tales are perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of suspense. Amazon+2Goodreads+2Goodreads+2
🎁 Ready to Dive In?
Curious to see what all the fuss is about? C.T. Mitchell offers free chapters from his Detective Jack Creed series, including Dead Shot, Dead Ringer, and more. Dive into the world of crime, suspense, and unexpected twists. Grab your free reads at ctmitchellbooks.com/free-reading-online.thecwa.co.uk+2ctmitchellbooks.com+2Fantastic Fiction+2
📚 About C.T. Mitchell
C.T. Mitchell is an Amazon bestselling author known for his gripping mystery and thriller novels. With a background in real estate and stock market trading, he brings a unique perspective to his writing. His works have garnered international acclaim, with multiple 5-star awards and film adaptation discussions. Whether you’re into hard-hitting thrillers or cozy mysteries, C.T. Mitchell has a story for you.thecwa.co.uk
💬 Let’s Chat!
What’s your favorite mystery trope? Cozy village settings? Hard-boiled detectives? Or maybe a twist you didn’t see coming? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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