RUSSELL T. WRIGHT
Real Fiction with Enlightenment Themes
All the stuff that makes reading fun--sex, violence, comedy, bourbon--but without the nihilism of most fiction these days. Consistent spiritual themes have been gleaned and distilled in non-fiction form, as well, to give you options.
I’m a retired naval officer and former attorney who traded cruisers and courtrooms for the beaches of Florida’s Space Coast. After an awakening experience decades ago, I began exploring the intersection of spirituality, philosophy, and direct inner-body experience.
My fiction is not the usual nihilistic fare. The novels are paced by murder, bourbon, sex, fast cars, and poker, but they quietly point toward transformation, consciousness, and an awakened way of living. My non-fiction book, A Map of the Soul, is more direct: it offers simple, testable experiments in inner-body awareness — the missing piece that makes ancient teachings suddenly click where peace and joy actually live.
If my books or ideas resonate, I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reach me by email or on x.com.
A battle-scarred ex-Marine turned private detective traffics in fast cars, high-stakes poker, and sudden moments of enlightenment while investigating the murder of a seductive Miami poker pro.
Fiction
Healing Seed
Just Out!
The first English translation of a Latin American literary gem on karma, healing and the nature of miracles. Magical realism fantasy or journalistic memoir? You decide. This one is a wild ride.
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The Big Granola
A Florida neo-noir detective murder mystery that explores inner-body awareness as it relates to PTSD.
Brand New!
"This book makes one hope that more are to come. Series please !! Love Max." --Cynthia L, Amazon (Mar. 8, 2026)
"I especially loved adding the poker room elements with the players quirks and "tells" contributing to the murder investigation. Now add in the space launch industry with the realistic private entrepreneur involvement and you have an entertaining read ahead of you. Great job!" --Amazon Customer (March 11, 2026)
Bourbon Makes Strange Bedfellows
A political dramedy set in Kentucky's bourbon country that explores inner-boy awareness as it relates to health and healing. This is a title that was originally published in 2017, now brought up to date, post-pandemic and post-RFK,Jr HHS takeover. This is such a good book (even if I do say so myself) and still very timely.
"This political thriller is more than just that. It is deep and philosophical. It's making me change the way I look at the world, myself, and how I fit in it. The surprising aspect is how hilarious the book is. The characters are interesting and humorous. There are a lot of references which make the dialogue even funnier if you get them. Overall it is a suspenseful, profound, and funny story. I give it an 11."--Gerald del Rosario, Amazon (July 10, 2019).
The Self-Improvement Book Club Murder
A murder mystery that explores inner-body awareness as it relates to addition. The Self-Improvement Book Club Murder was my first published novel (8th overall, but who's countine!) way back in 2011. The idea was to take the best bits from all the classic self-help books and weave a story out if them. The result is a pretty powerful self-development book of its own, along with a great murder mystery (even if I do say so myself). It's still a fun and effective read today.
Updated!
"From the first page of The Self-Improvement Book Club Murder I was hooked."--Shopper (Amazon, January 13, 2012)
"I loved the book...couldn't put it down! Wright's description of a 'self-improvement book thinly disguised as a murder mystery' is totally spot-on!."--KyRealtyBroker (Amazon, March 10, 2011)
Non-Fiction
A Map of the Soul
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Coming Soon!
Ten simple experiments that will bring you to a new understanding of the nature or reality, and show you how you can bend it to your will.
Random comments, better known as
Deep Thoughts
Upcoming