Charles Henderson Books In Order

Publication Order of Jack Valentine Marine Sniper Books

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Charles Henderson
The American writer Charles Henderson is a thriller author with a lot to say and offer the genre, with his authentic and straightforward voice. From a technical standpoint his work is unsurpassed, largely due to his own background in the military, and the wealth of knowledge this affords him when writing. Clear and articulate, he knows what he wants to say and precisely how to say it, an approach which has brought him a broad base of fans worldwide. Serving in Vietnam, he’s seen a lot of action over the years, something which has also inspired his work as a novelist.

Over time he has developed his voice as an author, and this has proven to be hugely successful, as he stories really do strike a chord. Working for publications such as LIFE, he’s also reported on the Vietnam War in a journalistic capacity too, bringing his skills to an even wider audience. Taking note of what he saw there, he’d really manage to drop the reader into the world, allowing them to get an idea of what it was actually like. Not shying away from some of the more tougher aspects of reporting either, he definitely leaves nothing out when it comes to writing.

Keeping his readers hooked, he writes in a compelling manner that really draws them in, holding them there on the edge of their seat. Gripping his audience, he really understands what it is that he’s looking for with his work, as well as saying what he wants to say. There’s many messages beneath his writing too, as he conveys the feelings and ideas of the men that fought alongside him. He’s not stopping any time in the near future either, as there’s a lot more to still come from him in the years to follow.

Early and Personal Life:
Born in Artesia, New Mexico, on the 26th of August 1948, Charles Henderson was raised in America, gaining a keen interest in literature from an early age. Going on to attend Artesia High School, he would soon graduate in June, 1966, before heading off the study at university. Attending Syracuse University in 1981, he would graduate first in class there with a degree in photojournalism, gained from the Department of Navy Photojournalism.

Prior to this he’d work as a reporter for the Artesia Daily Press based in New Mexico, before heading off to serve in the Marine Corps. This would give him a lot of insight not only into writing as a skill, but also reporting from the front lines of the battlefield. Currently living in Peyton, Colorado, which is near Colorado Springs, he breeds and raises professional rodeo horses, along with writing regularly.
Writing Career:

Starting out in non-fiction writing, Charles Henderson would originally work with real-life accounts of those involved in the Vietnam War. Bringing out ‘Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills’ in 1986, he would tell the true story of a sniper and his time in spent during the war. Following this he would go on to write ‘Marshalling the Faithful’ in 1997, which would take a look at a marines first year spent in Vietnam.
Much of this would come from his reporting, as Henderson would act as reporter and photojournalist for publications such as Life and Time. He’d also go on to create a documentary in Vietnam after his time spent reporting there which, along with his own time serving, would give him a real insight into the conflict there. Still putting out work regularly, he continues to write, with a lot more to say, having also produced his first fictional work in 2016 with ‘Terminal Impact’.

Marine Sniper: 93 Confirmed Kills
Initially published through the Berkley imprint and originally brought out back in 1986, this would feature real-life reporting. It would also offer a forward by E.J. Land, giving some background information on the book itself and their own thoughts. Working completely as a stand-alone title, it’s completely its own thing, not being a part of any overall series or franchise.

This is a completely true story documenting from the front lines of the Vietnam War, recounting a sniper’s experience there. Learning about who he is and what he’s thinking, it’s a great insight for anyone looking to understand what it was actually like. Hearing the thoughts of him and his fellow soldiers, it seeks to inhabit the people, providing an immersive experience for the reader.

Following the real-life career of Sergeant Carlos Hathcock, this charts his time serving as a legendary sniper during the Vietnam War. Lying undetected for days on end, he’d remain in the same position without even moving, barely shifting a muscle whilst there. Controlling both his breathing and his heartbeat, he’s got 93 confirmed kills, and it’s a record that’s still yet to be matched. Discovering who he is as a person, this seeks to fully understand his experience and what it was like there as a marine sniper with 93 confirmed kills.

Terminal Impact
Released through the Berkley publishing house once again, this would first come out back in 2016 on the 1st of November. Not only was it one of the first fictionalised novels to come from Henderson as an author, it would also be the first in the series of ‘Jack Valentine Marine Sniper’ novels. Taking a lot of his own military knowledge and experiences reporting, Henderson gives this his signature sense of authenticity.

This would show that Henderson clearly has what it takes when it comes to writing fiction, it what is a compelling and engaging action thriller. Keeping the reader glued to their seat, it definitely doesn’t let up, as it’s a constant page turner with twists and turns all the way. As a character Jack Valentine is an interesting one, as he felt fully fleshed out upon the page, with a three-dimensional personality.

At the young age of just twenty, Jack Valentine the Marine Scout-Sniper would gain his first kill in Iraq, during the beginning of the Persian Gulf War. Then, in 2006, he’s based in Baghdad, as he’s focused on taking down Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the infamous al-Qaeda terrorist. It appears his platoon is facing a problem though, as there’s a leader of a ruthless band of mercenaries who has Jack in his sights, whilst also tailing the FBI agent and Jack’s love Liberty Cruz. Will he be able to protect her and keep her out of harm’s way? Can he track down the enemy terrorist mercenary? What will happen as they all reach terminal impact?