
Stephen Montoya
Local crime novelist Mark Thielman talks about his very first full-length crime novel.
Mark Thielman wears many hats — attorney, part-time criminal magistrate, and as of 2015, an author of thrilling mysteries that weave together his experience in the courtroom with a talent for gripping storytelling. Thielman, whose first full-length novel is due to hit shelves in April 2025, has long been a recognized name in the world of short stories. His work has been featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, and various anthologies. But his new venture promises to immerse readers in a world that blends history with modern-day crime, deep in the heart of Yellowstone National Park.
The novel, “The Devil’s Kitchen,” is the first book in the “Johnson and Nance Mysteries” series. With a plot that weaves an ancient conspiracy tied to a relic of the French Revolution, the novel is a fast-paced thriller that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Yellowstone, “The Devil’s Kitchen” is more than just a crime novel; it’s a journey into the hidden and dangerous depths of one of America’s most iconic national parks.
Though Thielman’s transition into fiction writing may seem like a natural one, his journey to publishing a full-length book wasn’t an easy one.
“I started writing in 2015,” he says, reflecting on his path. “I used to work in the DA’s office, and after a change in administration, my wife said, ‘You’ve been talking about writing for a while — why not give it a go?’ So, I stayed home and began to write.”
Despite the shift from the legal world to writing, Thielman didn’t set out to write about lawyers or courtroom dramas. Instead, he found himself drawn to historical mysteries, blending his passion for the past with his legal expertise. One of his early successes was a story that featured John Milton, the blind English poet, as a sleuth — a clever way to combine history with crime.
“The legal background certainly helps with writing mysteries,” Thielman admits, “but I wasn’t particularly interested in writing about lawyers. I wanted to step away from my day job and tell stories that were fresh and exciting.”
It’s for this very reason “The Devil’s Kitchen” is set in Yellowstone, a place Thielman knows and loves outside of the confines of a courtroom. “I’ve always enjoyed the national parks,” he says. “There’s just something magical about them — Yellowstone especially, with its geysers and wildlife. It felt like the perfect setting for a mystery.”
Thielman’s research into Yellowstone led him to discover the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB) — a group of detectives tasked with solving serious crimes within the park. It’s this branch that serves as the backbone of Thielman’s story, as the characters investigate a murder with ties to an ancient historical relic.
“We’ve traveled to a few of the national parks for research,” Thielman shares, “and it’s been a real privilege to do so. We visited the Everglades and Yosemite this year for the upcoming books. You get to do your research while also taking in some of the best scenery America has to offer. It’s an adventure in itself.”
For Thielman, writing mysteries isn’t just about the plot — it’s about immersing the reader in a world he knows well. He creates characters who are both compelling and grounded in the real world, though he’s quick to emphasize that while they may be inspired by people he’s met, they’re largely fictional.

Stephen Montoya
When it comes down to the writing itself, Thielman is a firm believer in discipline. “Writing is as much about showing up every day as it is about creativity,” he explains. “You can’t wait around for the muse to strike. You have to put words on the page. Bad words can be fixed, but no words can’t be.”
As a self-professed morning person, Thielman makes writing a part of his routine. “I try to get my words down in the morning. Once that’s done, I can go about my day,” he says. This structured approach to writing helps him stay productive, even as he balances his part-time career in the law with his newer role as an author.
A key part of any writer’s process is knowing when to end the story. For Thielman, that moment came naturally. “With a murder mystery, once you know who the killer is, it’s time to wrap things up,” he says. “But you need to tie up the loose ends from both the modern and historical parts of the story. The ending came organically. Sometimes, you just know.”
As he prepares for the release of “The Devil’s Kitchen,” Thielman reflects on the thrill of seeing his work come to life. “It’s always exciting when something you wrote gets published,” he says. “But there’s something especially thrilling about seeing your book on a cover, with your name right there.”
Looking ahead to 2025, Thielman has even more in store for fans. His next two books in the “Johnson and Nance Mysteries” series are already in the works, with the second set in the Everglades and the third in Yosemite.
“I’m just excited for the future,” he says. “Not one, but two books coming out next year — what more could I ask for?”