Jacob Moon crime fiction is gaining attention for its psychological realism and authentic perspective. Jacob is an Army veteran, retired corrections officer, and now a rising voice in crime fiction. In this compelling episode of Palm Harbor Local, host Donnie Hathaway explores how Jacob’s 28-year career inside the Pinellas County Jail became the foundation for his gripping, character-driven novels.

A Life of Service Turned Storytelling

Jacob joined the U.S. Army straight out of high school and was stationed in Hawaii. After serving three years, he returned to Florida during a turbulent time in his life—dealing with personal loss, loneliness, and a major career transition. Fate led him to a job at the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, where he spent nearly three decades working in corrections.

His experience inside the jail gave him a rare perspective on the human condition. Jacob witnessed everything from hardened criminals to young adults making one bad decision that changed their lives forever. These stories and human behaviors became a deep well of inspiration for his future as a crime fiction author.

The Birth of a Crime Fiction Writer

Jacob always had a love for storytelling. From short stories and poetry in his teens to working on his first novel over a span of seven years, writing was always part of his life. But it wasn’t until a coworker urged him to start writing seriously that he committed to finishing his debut novel, Furlough.

That book, a jailbreak thriller, set the tone for Jacob Moon crime fiction: gritty, psychological narratives based on real-world insights. His books reflect not just the crimes, but the internal battles people face, shaped by trauma, upbringing, and mental health.

Why He Chose Self-Publishing Over Traditional Routes

Jacob opted for the self-publishing route for a few reasons. First, his first novel was nearly 190,000 words—far longer than what traditional publishers typically accept from new authors. Second, he wanted control over the creative process. Working with a freelance editor and cover designer, Jacob was able to bring his stories to life exactly as he envisioned.

Self-publishing also offers speed. Once his book was ready, he was able to launch it quickly through Amazon and other platforms, without waiting years for approval from an agent or publisher.

Jacob Moon Crime Fiction: Behind the Books

Jacob has now published three novels:

• Furlough (2020) – A prison break thriller based on his years in corrections
• Dead Reckoning (2021) – A crime drama completed in under a year
• Letter 26 (2024) – A horror-police procedural exploring a serial killer with a chilling psychological backstory

What makes Letter 26 stand out is its blend of horror, suspense, and psychological depth. The antagonist targets victims based on the first letter of their profession. The novel allows Jacob to explore the “nature vs. nurture” debate and the long-term effects of childhood trauma—themes drawn directly from his work with psychiatric inmates.

Advice for Aspiring Crime Fiction Writers

Jacob emphasizes that anyone can write a book, but the first step is simple: sit down and start writing. He encourages aspiring authors to treat their writing seriously, seek out professional editors and designers, and consider self-publishing as a real, viable path.

He also highlights the importance of marketing. Social media, local book fairs, Goodreads giveaways, and podcast interviews have all helped him build a growing reader base. Despite being a private person, he realized the importance of putting himself out there.

What’s Next for Jacob Moon

Jacob is currently working on a memoir about his time at the sheriff’s office. It will offer a raw, honest look at the realities of working in corrections and the emotional toll it takes. He’s also exploring more crime fiction ideas—many of which are inspired by real-life events and characters he’s encountered over the years.

Final Thoughts

Jacob Moon crime fiction offers more than entertainment—it brings depth, authenticity, and a psychological edge grounded in lived experience. His transformation from a corrections officer to a published author shows the power of storytelling, resilience, and self-belief. Whether you’re a fan of crime fiction or an aspiring writer yourself, Jacob’s story is one that will inspire you to start writing your own chapter.

To learn more or purchase Jacob’s books, visit writerjake.com. For more inspiring local stories, explore other episodes on Palm Harbor Local.