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Michael J. Lalonde writes Canadian thrillers that blend military action, political intrigue, and espionage, with compelling characters.

Michael J. Lalonde is a Canadian military thriller author whose writing blends military realism, intelligence operations, and political intrigue. As the creator of The Quiet War, Lalonde introduces a bold new series that puts Canada at the center of global conflict. Drawing on his background in military intelligence and national security, his work offers an authentic and hard-hitting look at what Canada’s warriors are capable of when the stakes are highest.

He served as an intelligence officer in the Canadian Armed Forces for 23 years before entering politics. He holds an MA in History from the University of Waterloo and an MA in International Affairs from Carleton University, academic foundations that complement his firsthand experience in military strategy and global affairs. A lifelong storyteller, his passion for writing was sparked by Tom Clancy’s Red Storm Rising, inspiring him to craft thrillers that blend operational authenticity with razor-sharp attention to detail.

Beyond writing, Michael is an avid scuba diver and a dedicated steak connoisseur, always in pursuit of the perfect cut. His commitment to precision—whether in storytelling, strategy, or a well-seared cow flank—defines both his fiction and his life.

His debut novel, The Quiet War: Canadian Front, is available for pre-order now.

A soldier on the edge, a government in crisis, and an enemy already inside the gates.

For decades, Canada has neglected its military and national security, resting easy under the protection of its allies. Politically fractured and socially divided, the nation has never been more vulnerable. Now, a shadowy global organization, ruthless and highly coordinated, has begun its campaign to destabilize the West—starting with Canada.

When mercenaries in South Sudan abduct Canadian diplomat Julie Lafleur, Captain Matt Lion—once JTF2’s finest but now haunted by his past—is called back into action. Tasked with leading an elite team of special operators and intelligence professionals, Matt must navigate a high-stakes mission to rescue Lafleur. But the operation uncovers far more than anyone expected, revealing a global conspiracy with dangerous implications.

Sarah Bouchard, a seasoned war correspondent and Matt’s closest confidante is drawn into the fray as her reporting exposes political fractures at home. While tensions rise in Ottawa, a young and untested politician is thrust into a leadership role she never sought, forced to make decisions that will define Canada’s future.

Mercenaries strike abroad and at home, infiltrators manipulate from within, and the clock is running out. What begins as a rescue mission spirals into a battle for Canada’s survival, where every move carries dangerous consequences. For Matt Lion, the stakes are personal, and failure isn’t just an option—it’s a reckoning he may not survive.

With unflinching authenticity and edge-of-your-seat tension, Canadian Front takes readers into the heart of Canada’s elite military operations, espionage, and political intrigue. In this debut from The Quiet War series, author Michael J. Lalonde delivers a tale of courage, betrayal, and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Fans of Tom Clancy and Mark Greaney will be immersed in Canadian Front, a gripping military and political thriller in which action, strategy, and psychological depth collide.

Canadian Front is the first instalment of The Quiet War series, which chronicles a global conflict unfolding across multiple theatres. Canada is the first target but not the last. Future instalments will expand to the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond, showcasing the far-reaching stakes of the war.

Buy now and discover the fight Canada never saw coming.

Works in Progress

Ready, Aye, Ready
Development 50%

Ready, Aye, Ready, the second instalment of The Quiet War series, expands the conflict beyond Canada’s borders. As sovereignty hangs in the balance, the legacy of Crown and Empire resurfaces, igniting the most gripping naval standoff since the Cuban Missile Crisis. With the odds stacked against them, old allies must come together once more, proving that history’s strongest bonds are forged in the fires of adversity.

Vanguard Ranger: A Story from The Quiet War
Development 75%

Vanguard Ranger: A Story from The Quiet War – A full-length novel exploring the origin story of Jason Yates, a U.S. Army Ranger first introduced in Canadian Front. As he reflects on the missions that shaped him, a long-buried truth emerges—an event from his past unknowingly set The Quiet War into motion. Now, in the face of uncertainty, his past and future collide in ways he never expected.

Veil of Innocence: A Story from The Quiet War
Final Formatting 99%

Veil of Innocence: A Story from The Quiet War – A short story chronicling the training and first major investigation of Emily Foster, a CSIS intelligence officer from Canadian Front. As she enters the shadowy world of espionage, Emily must navigate deception, surveillance, and high-stakes intelligence work—all while uncovering a mystery that could jeopardize the mission to rescue Julie Lafleur.

From Michael's Desk

Welcome to my blog, where I explore geopolitics, military and national security, politics, storytelling, and the craft of thrillers. Here, you’ll find insights on my novels, upcoming projects, reviews of the latest in military and political thrillers, and so much more.

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The Quiet War: Canadian Front by Michael J. Lalonde