About
Kacey Carpenter is an author, educator, nature writer, and community organizer. He writes stories about the places we explore, the people we meet, and the lessons we discover along the way, with a particular interest in nature, travel, civic engagement, and the power of storytelling to create change.
Kacey is the author of the National Park Mystery-Thriller series, including Murder in Vacationland, set in Acadia National Park, and Do Not Die Today, set in Joshua Tree National Park. He is currently writing the third book in the series, set in Oregon. His other books include The Fight We're In: Organizing for Power and Change, READY, SET, GO! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes, and My Journey with Bernie. He also publishes Life Is a Journey, a weekly newsletter sharing stories from the trail, the road, the classroom, and the community.
Kacey teaches nature-inspired writing at Portland Community College, coaches nonprofits and organizations working for good causes, and leads Sierra Club outings that help people discover and connect with the outdoors. He serves as secretary of the Oregon Chapter of the National Writers Union and as an Ambassador for the Portland Chapter of the Authors Guild. He holds degrees from UCLA and the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Oregon.
His purpose is simple: to write stories that matter, help people learn, and do some good along the way.
Featured Work
Murder in Vacationland: Danger Follows the Trail to Acadia National Park
Three childhood friends reunite for a camping adventure in Maine, but their plans take a deadly turn when they pull a body from the Kennebec River. The victim was carrying a secret that powerful forces will do anything to recover.
As Alex, Ben, and Mitch are pursued from the Maine coast into Acadia National Park, they must rely on their friendship and very different skills to survive. From the rugged shores of Mount Desert Island to a terrifying encounter on a disappearing sandbar, the wilderness becomes both their refuge and their greatest threat.
Murder in Vacationland is a fast-paced National Park mystery thriller combining outdoor adventure, espionage, suspense, and the enduring power of friendship.
Other Works
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The Fight We're In: Organizing for Power and Change
2026
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Do Not Die Today: Use Caution! The Desert Can Be Deadly
2025
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READY, SET, GO!: Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes
2023
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My Journey with Bernie: The Revolution Starts with Us
2017
Awards and Recognition
- 2025 Bruin Excellence in Civic Engagement Award, UCLA Alumni Association — Recognized by UCLA for civic leadership and community engagement, honoring alumni who make a positive impact in their communities and inspire change through civic action.
