Picture an English storyteller who turned personal trials into gripping thrillers—meet Angie Smith, the mastermind behind the CXVI series! Born in Doncaster, this West Yorkshire-based author has captivated readers with her fast-paced, twist-filled crime novels. After surviving breast cancer in 2013, Smith swapped a career in education for writing, crafting stories that keep you guessing until the final page.
Her CXVI trilogy, a blend of gritty Yorkshire policing and international espionage, has earned praise for its complex plots and compelling characters. With a knack for suspense and a love for travel, Smith’s novels transport readers from the streets of Wakefield to exotic locales, proving she’s a rising star in the thriller genre.
The Making of Angie Smith
Angie Smith was born in Doncaster and educated at Huddersfield University, where she earned a First Class Honours Degree in Education and Training. She built a successful career in adult education, specializing in training and performance management, and even presented a journal article at the International Social Work Conference in Durban. Her passion for travel and knowledge transfer partnerships earned her an award nomination, but life took a dramatic turn in 2013 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. The grueling treatment reignited her lifelong desire to write, setting her on a path to become a thriller author.
Angie Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s breakout work, the CXVI trilogy, kicked off with CXVI The Beginning of the End in 2015. This gripping murder mystery follows Detective Superintendent Greg Woods and the enigmatic Sergeant Maria Barnes as they unravel a series of coded killings linked to the mysterious initials CXVI. Readers love its breathless pace and shocking twists, with critics like MA Comley calling it “top drawer.” The trilogy continues with CXVI Secrets Broken and CXVI Desperate Measures, diving deeper into espionage and betrayal.
Beyond the trilogy, Smith penned The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup, a standalone espionage thriller set in Southern Africa. Inspired by her travels, it follows Taylor Hudson, a woman caught in a deadly game of spies. Her fifth novel, The Foundling: Sex Lies and Swimming Naked, introduces Jonathan Miller, an escort-turned-hero facing an assassin’s plot. Smith’s style—fast-paced, character-driven, and layered with intrigue—makes her books perfect for fans of British crime dramas like Happy Valley.
Her narratives blend meticulous research with vivid settings, from Yorkshire’s motorways to Mozambique’s azure waters. Smith’s ability to craft flawed, relatable characters like Maria Barnes, who hides secrets behind her quirky facade, keeps readers hooked. Her thrillers explore themes of trust, betrayal, and resilience, reflecting her own journey through adversity.
Why Angie Smith Matters
Angie Smith’s impact lies in her ability to transform personal hardship into stories that resonate globally. Her CXVI series has carved a niche in the crime thriller genre, blending police procedurals with espionage in a way that feels both authentic and electrifying. Fans praise her for bringing Yorkshire to life, grounding her high-stakes plots in relatable settings. By tackling complex themes with a light touch, she’s earned a loyal following and inspired aspiring authors to embrace their own stories.
Smith’s resilience as a breast cancer survivor adds depth to her legacy. Her novels, born from a rekindled passion, remind us that creativity can flourish in the face of challenges. As she continues to write, her influence in the thriller world grows, making her a name to watch.
- Born: Doncaster, England, 1961
- Key Works: CXVI Trilogy, The Spy Who Chipped The China Teacup, The Foundling
- Fun Fact: Her travels to Southern Africa inspired the exotic settings in her spy thriller.
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag CXVI The Beginning of the End and dive into Angie Smith’s world of suspense and secrets!