John Miles Books In Order

Publication Order of Johnnie Baker Books

Publication Order of Laura Michaels Books

About John Miles

Jack Miles Bickham, aka John Miles, was an American writer known for creating many novels. He wrote 75 books in his career, with two turned into films. These movies were The Apple Dumpling Gang and Baker’s Hawk. His ability to tell stories kept readers interested.

Bickham had a talent for making characters feel real. His protagonists were often easy to root for, adding excitement to his books. The way he built their personalities made the stories more fun. Readers found themselves drawn into the worlds he created.

His skill at writing engaging plots made his work stand out. The narratives moved smoothly, keeping things entertaining. Whether in books or on screen, his stories left an impression. Bickham’s writing remains enjoyable for those who like well-told tales.

As a writer he wrote stories that reached readers across the globe. His books were packed with action, humor, and heart, making them hard to put down. He stayed true to his own style, never forcing trends or gimmicks. That authenticity made his work stand out in a crowded field.

His stories moved quickly, with sharp dialogue and unexpected twists. Readers enjoyed his knack for balancing tension with lighter moments. Whether writing westerns, mysteries, or adventures, he kept his voice consistent. Fans appreciated that his books felt genuine, not just designed to sell.

Bickham understood what made fiction entertaining without sacrificing depth. His characters faced real struggles but in ways that felt exciting. He wrote for himself first, which made his work connect with others. That honesty is why his stories still find new readers today.

Jack Miles Bickham’s stories continue to find new audiences, proving their lasting appeal. His books remain in print, and the films adapted from his work are still enjoyed today. Writers study his techniques, learning from his clear, engaging style. As long as people enjoy well-told tales, his legacy will endure.

Early and Personal Life

Jack Bickham was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1930. From an early age, he developed a love for storytelling, which later shaped his career. His passion for writing grew over time, leading him to craft engaging mysteries and adventures.

He became a respected professor at the University of Oklahoma, teaching journalism for decades. His dedication earned him the title of David Ross Boyd Professor, the university’s highest teaching honor. Alongside teaching, he directed a professional writing program, helping aspiring authors refine their skills.

Bickham continued writing novels while inspiring students until his passing in 1997. His battle with lymphoma did not stop him from leaving a lasting mark on literature and education. Readers and writers alike still appreciate his contributions to storytelling today.

Writing Career

Jack M. Bickham had a prolific writing career, publishing over 75 novels under various pen names, including John Miles and Jeff Clinton. He wrote across multiple genres, from westerns like the Wildcat O’Shea series to espionage thrillers featuring CIA agent Brad Smith. Two of his books, The Apple Dumpling Gang and Baker’s Hawk, were adapted into successful films, broadening his reach beyond readers.

His work gained further recognition through features in Reader’s Digest Condensed Books and the Detective Book Club. In 1998, he received the Arrell Gibson Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing his place among notable Oklahoma writers. Inducted into both the Oklahoma Journalism and Writers Halls of Fame, Bickham left a lasting legacy in American fiction.

Overhead

Jack M. Bickham’s thriller Overhead was published in 1993 by Tor Books. It serves as the third installment in the Brad Smith series, following the adventures of the tennis pro and part-time CIA operative. The novel continues Bickham’s blend of espionage and action within his signature fast-paced storytelling style.

Brad Smith heads to Montana to assist a friend whose sports resort faces financial ruin. While there, the CIA tasks him with uncovering a data smuggling operation. The breach originates from a classified Air Force research facility. Smith must balance personal loyalty with his professional mission in this high-stakes scenario.

Readers who enjoy fast-paced thrillers will find this book hard to put down. The mix of personal stakes and high-tension espionage creates an engaging balance. Fans of the Brad Smith series will appreciate another clever mission with the charismatic protagonist. It’s a solid pick for those who like action with relatable characters.

Double Fault

Jack M. Bickham’s thriller Double Fault was published in 1994 by Tor Books. It marks the fifth installment in the Brad Smith series, featuring the tennis pro and part-time CIA operative. The novel maintains Bickham’s trademark blend of sports, espionage, and tightly-paced suspense that defined the popular series.

The FBI pursues members of an infantry unit responsible for a Vietnamese village massacre. Meanwhile, the killers track down the pilot who witnessed their war crime. This pilot happens to be a friend of Brad Smith, the former tennis star turned CIA operative. Smith gets pulled into the deadly chase as tensions escalate.

This thriller delivers tense cat-and-mouse action that keeps pages turning. Fans of military conspiracies will appreciate the high-stakes pursuit across dual timelines. Brad Smith’s involvement adds an extra layer of personal stakes to the gripping narrative. It’s a solid choice for readers who enjoy morally complex espionage stories with historical connections.

Wildcat’s Claim to Fame

Jack M. Bickham’s Western Wildcat’s Claim to Fame was published in 1971 by John Curley. It serves as the second installment in the Wildcat O’Shea series, written under Bickham’s Jeff Clinton pseudonym. The novel continues the adventures of its roguish protagonist in classic action-packed frontier storytelling style.

Wildcat O’Shea jumps into action when his favorite author gets kidnapped by the wrong criminals. The attractive secretary provides extra motivation for his involvement. Though expecting literary immortality as his reward, Wildcat discovers the published account doesn’t portray him as he imagined. The outcome delivers an ironic twist to his adventurous efforts.

Many will enjoy Wildcat’s humorous misadventures in this action-packed Western. The kidnapping premise creates entertaining chaos with colorful characters. Fans of the series will appreciate O’Shea’s larger-than-life personality driving the story. The ironic payoff delivers a satisfying conclusion that stays true to the character’s roguish charm.