A Psychological Thriller Set in 1940s Pittsburgh

Enter the Chilling Underbelly of a Dark City.

Dive into Marco Polo: A Pittsburgh Murder Mystery, a heart-pounding psychological thriller set in 1940s Pittsburgh, where shadows whisper secrets and heroes skirmish with personal demons.

A Pittsburgh Novel. Written by a Pittsburgh Guy.

Marco Polo: A Pittsburgh Murder Mystery is written by Pittsburgh native Jeff Heckler and unveils 1940s Pittsburgh on the brink, unearthing hidden secrets in its historical depths.

You’ll go on a riveting journey through the underbelly of a broken city, recalling historical landmarks like Western Pennsylvania Penitentiary (“West Pen”), Western Pennsylvania’s Islay’s, Forbes Field and many more.

The History Within

  • Black Sunday in Pittsburgh

    On September 24, 1950, the daytime sky turned black over much of the northeastern United States. The Pittsburgh Pirate’s afternoon game at Forbes Field was played under the lights.

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  • Homer Brown - Attorney & Civil Rights Activist

    Considered the first African American judge in Pittsburgh, Homer Brown was a civil rights activist who made a powerful impression on the people of the city and its historical impact.

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  • Dixmont State Hospital

    Dixmont State Hospital of Pennsylvania

    An insane asylum located northwest of Pittsburgh, the Dixmont facility opened in 1953. After more than two decades of abandonment, it was demolished in 2006.

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  • Isaly's

    Pittsburgh-Based Deli Isaly's

    Scenes from Jeff Heckler’s Marco Polo: A Pittsburgh Murder Mystery take place in Western Pennsylvania’s Isaly’s, a hometown deli and ice cream shop that opened in Pittsburgh in 1929.

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Unveiling the Characters

Captain Wendell Lee

A dashing African American war hero turned attorney, as he battles alcoholism and the damage caused to his family and his life while racing against time to rescue his kidnapped daughter.

Declan "Dekker" O'Shea

A hard drinking private investigator, but the picture-perfect partner, Declan "Dekker" O'Shea acts as Wendell’s sidekick who can closely relate to his spiraling struggles to overcome alcoholism.

Enjoy Micro-Storytelling of Marco Polo: A Pittsburgh Murder Mystery on Social Media

Experience Marco Polo: A Pittsburgh Murder Mystery on social media in a unique way. Leveraging AI and mico-storytelling, Jeff Heckler’s master work will pop from the pages and come to life in this short-form style content.

You can now listen to Marco Polo on Audible! Narrated by award-winning actor and producer David Dietz, dive into author Jeff Heckler's debut psychological thriller featuring a twist you never saw coming. Listen today at the link in our Story!
Get a first look at Jeff Heckler's next psychological thriller, Karma Foundation! Learn more and get the first two chapters now at the link in our Story!
Thank you for your love and support! Author Jeff Heckler's first ever book signing at @theaustinclub was a huge success and we couldn't have done it without you. If you have a picture you'd like to share or a comment about the event, leave your feed
Thank you so much for your review, Linda! "Marco Polo took me back in time (circa WWII) before one of its main characters grabbed me by the lapels on the strength of his character. Little did I know just how agonizing his trials later in the bo
"Something was off. She realized that now. She stared at the driver and he returned her gaze. She lowered her head beneath the seat in front of her. She tried hard to think. Her options seemed few. Maybe she could confront him. Call him out. Dem
Have you heard of Priscilla? Centuries of stories have been told that she haunts @theaustinclub to this day. One account is quite chilling, an employee claiming he was attacked while carrying food. As he walked from the elevator, the plate was knock
Join author and long-time Austin resident Jeff Heckler Thursday, April 25 at 6:30PM CT at @theaustinclub for his first book signing! This is a free event with complimentary hors d'oeuvres, non-alcoholic beverages and a cash bar for beer and cocktails

#MarcoPoloBook