Mystery Novels by Colonel Lee Martin

Suspenseful Stories with Depth, Grit, and Purpose

Colonel Lee Martin doesn’t just write mystery novels—he crafts layered, psychological thrillers rooted in truth. A decorated U.S. Army Colonel and Doctor of Counseling, Martin brings real-world experience and deep emotional insight to every story. His fiction is immersive, intelligent, and morally complex.


From haunted small towns to high-stakes murder trials, his novels explore the consequences of trauma, betrayal, violence, and redemption. Each book is a journey into the human condition—where justice isn’t guaranteed, and truth is rarely black and white.

A Collection of Gripping Standalone Thrillers

Colonel Lee Martin’s mystery titles span themes of psychological suspense, rural crime, faith, and loss. While each novel stands alone, together they reflect a consistent narrative tone: emotionally driven, morally complex, and tension-filled.


Featured Titles Include:

The cover of the book the third moon is blue by lee martin.

The Third Moon is Blue

A masterful blend of introspection and suspense, this novel follows a man’s emotional collapse and journey back to what matters—love, family, and home.

A book cover for the six mile inn by lee martin

The Six Mile Inn

Loosely inspired by the infamous Lavinia Fisher case, this historical thriller explores Charleston’s dark past through a tale of murder and mystery.

A watercolor painting of a woman sitting in a window next to a telescope.

Starbright

Set in 1982 Georgia, this coming-of-age crime drama follows young Starr Ravenel as she becomes entangled in a series of murders terrorizing her town.

The cover of the book ten minutes till midnight by lee martin

Ten Minutes Till Midnight

Based on true events, this courtroom drama centers on Denver’s most chilling murder case, raising questions about justice, recovery, and survival.

The cover of the book southern psalms by lee martin

Southern Psalms

A faith-driven story set in 1960s Louisiana. A former Amish minister battles guilt, prejudice, and spiritual doubt in a moving tale of redemption.

Panther 's breath is a novel by lee martin.

Panther’s Breath

After the death of their mother, two siblings are thrown into a dangerous world of crime and secrets. This emotionally raw story explores love, fear, and family loyalty.

A man is standing on top of a mountain looking at the sunset.

The Valiant

A gripping tale of secrets, heartbreak, and courage, where a mysterious school custodian and a troubled quarterback confront murder, prejudice, and hidden pasts in 1963 Alabama.

A man is standing on top of a mountain looking at the sunset.

Palisades

In a small West Virginia town, a grief-stricken police chief faces murder, corruption, and forbidden desire.

Woman with blonde hair, wearing a white top, looking down, titled

Retrogame

After a brutal attack, a man’s lost memories unravel a web of secrets, deception, and betrayal.

The cover of the book ten minutes till midnight by lee martin

At the Devil's Tea Table

a 1950s Appalachian thriller of suspense, intrigue, and the fight between good and evil

Each title is available in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook editions exclusively on Amazon.

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Why These Stories  Resonate with Readers

Colonel Lee Martin’s novels are grounded in authenticity. He doesn’t rely on clichés or gimmicks—his characters are flawed, driven, and deeply human. These stories resonate because they reflect real struggles, ethical dilemmas, and the psychological consequences of our choices.

His background in counseling allows him to explore trauma, grief, fear, and faith with nuance. As a veteran, he understands what it means to fight for something—and what it costs to lose it.


Readers of his work often describe it as:


  • Intellectually satisfying
  • Emotionally gripping
  • Spiritually reflective
  • Suspenseful from start to finish

From murder mysteries to redemptive dramas, his fiction strikes a rare balance between action and introspection.

Crime Fiction That Feels Real

Colonel Lee Martin’s novels stand out for their atmosphere and emotional gravity. Whether set in a sleepy southern town or an urban courtroom, each story is driven by purpose. Themes include:


  • Psychological trauma
  • Injustice and social change
  • Faith under fire
  • The morality of vengeance
  • Coming-of-age amid chaos
  • The long-term effects of violence

These aren’t tidy, easily resolved mysteries. They’re challenging, reflective, and memorable long after the final chapter ends..

Best Sellers

Reader Favorites from Colonel Martin’s Library

The cover of the book the third moon is blue by lee martin.

The Third Moon is Blue

A fan favorite praised for its emotion, tension, and complexity.

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The cover of the book ten minutes till midnight by lee martin

Ten Minutes Till Midnight

A true-crime-inspired novel that grips readers with every courtroom scene.

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Panther’s Breath

Lauded for its family drama and small-town mystery elements.

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Southern Psalms

A moving and faith-driven mystery steeped in personal struggle and cultural tension.

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At the Devil’s Tea Table

Loved for its Southern gothic tone and classic good vs. evil dynamic.

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The Third Moon is Blue

A fan favorite praised for its emotion, tension, and complexity.

BUY NOW

Where to Buy

All of Colonel Lee Martin’s mystery novels are available exclusively on Amazon. Books are printed on demand and offered in Kindle and audiobook formats as well—ensuring accessibility for every kind of reader.


Simply choose your preferred format and immerse yourself in suspenseful fiction written by an author who’s lived a life of courage, discipline, and insight.

In addition to Amazon’s global reach, Martin’s catalog is also listed through:

  • Amazon Books (exclusive retail and fulfillment partner)
  • IngramSpark (expanded catalog distribution)
  • Books-A-Million (booksamillion.com listings)