LEXINGTON, Va. Feb. 19, 2025 — New York Times bestselling author, Ace Atkins, delighted an audience in Virginia Military Institute’s Gillis Theater Feb. 12 with conversation and readings from his fictional literary works. A large contingent of cadets, many majoring in English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies, as well as faculty, staff, and community members, were in attendance.  

Atkins, who started his writing career as a crime beat reporter, read a few excerpts to the audience from his popular Quinn Colson series, which consists of 11 novels. Atkins described Colson, the hero of the series, as a former Army Ranger who returns home to Mississippi after serving in Afghanistan, to find his native county overrun with corruption.

“Quinn has a sense of honor and justice. Even when people tell him that it’s not in his best interest to do the right thing or to stand up for what is right, he just can’t help himself. To me, that’s what makes him truly American,” explained Atkins. 

The Quinn Colson series is set in Mississippi, where Atkins himself resides. He labeled the Deep South as an exciting place about which to write.

“Hypocrisy, dirty politicians, religious fundamentalism, I mean, we have it all. Trust me, I could walk into any coffee shop in Mississippi and come out after an hour with 10 novels,” he quipped.  

Atkins acquired a spark for reading as a young teenager when he discovered the James Bond novels by Ian Flemming. The spark ignited greater joy with works by Dashiell Hammett and Flannery O’Connor. He considers the works of novelist and Nobel laureate, William Faulkner, who also lived in Mississippi, as a huge source of inspiration.        

Atkins has authored a total of 31 books including multiple true crime novels, as well as 10 books in the iconic Spenser franchise, begun by the late author, Robert B. Parker.  

Atkins’ appearance at VMI was sponsored by the Dean’s Academic Speakers Program and the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies. 

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE