Featured Author

James R. Nelson

Master of Suspense Set Against the Beauty of Two Worlds

We are delighted to feature acclaimed novelist James R. Nelson, an award-winning author known for his 16 captivating mystery novels and numerous short stories. Nelson’s work explores the human condition through suspenseful storytelling, often set against the vivid backdrops of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the sun-soaked coastlines of Florida.

About the Author

James R. Nelson is an award-winning author known for his 16 captivating mystery novels, and numerous short stories. Raised in Michigan’s remote Upper Peninsula, the solitude of living in the woods fueled his love for reading and kindled an interest in storytelling. His literary canvas often spans two distinct locales: the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the sun- soaked landscapes of Florida, where he currently resides.

He is a founding board member of the Brevard Author Society and the past treasurer of the Space Coast Writer’s Guild. He belongs to several author critique groups and has frequently appeared as a guest speaker at various writer groups and book clubs around Brevard County, along with numerous book signings in Florida, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

Nelson’s works transport readers into intriguing worlds filled with suspense, secrets, and unexpected twists. His ability to blend vivid settings, complex characters, and suspenseful plots has earned him a devoted following in the world of mystery fiction.

Works by James R. Nelson

  • THE STEPHEN MOREHOUSE MYSTERY SERIES

    • The Butterfly Conspiracy

    • The Peacock Prophecy

    • Menagerie of Broken Dreams

    • The Monarch Graveyard

    • The Hanged Man

  • THE ARCHIE ARCHIBALD PRIVATE DETECTIVE SERIES

    • A Crimson Sky for Dying

    • Fatal Assumptions

    • The Black Orchid Mystery

    • Unsafe Harbor

  • STAND ALONE NOVELS

    • The Pilot

    • The Maze at Four Chimneys 

    • The House on Turner Lane

    • Winter Island

    • Dying to Win

  • Peacock Redux and Other Short Stories

  • 50 Tips for Writing Novels and Short Stories

A selection of his books are available at Moon River Cafe and wherever books are sold. A full listing of his books is here.

Join Us for an Exclusive Author Event

Date: Friday, April 18, 2026
Location: Moon River Cafe – Galleria
Event: Live reading & discussion with James R. Nelson, followed by a book signing

Don’t miss this intimate evening of literature, conversation, and creativity. 

✨ Moon River Cafe: Where Stories and Souls Connect. ✨