Picture an Australian storyteller who swapped parachutes for pages, crafting heart-pounding spy thrillers that rival James Bond—meet Chris Allen! Born in Perth in 1964, this former paratrooper and Sheriff of New South Wales channels his high-octane life into the electrifying Alex Morgan Interpol Spy Thriller series, captivating readers with gritty realism and global intrigue.
From military deployments across four continents to securing the Sydney Opera House, Allen’s career is a thriller plot in itself. His novels, praised for their authenticity and relentless pace, have hooked fans worldwide and even caught Hollywood’s eye, with his Intrepid series optioned for film and TV. Ready to dive into his world of espionage?
The Making of Chris Allen
Born on December 7, 1964, in Perth, Australia, Chris Allen grew up with a passion for adventure and storytelling. His early years were shaped by a fascination with military history and spy fiction, but it was his real-world experiences that set him apart. Joining the Australian Army as a young man, Allen rose through the ranks, serving as a paratrooper and later a Major in military intelligence. His deployments to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America, alongside attachments to the British Parachute Regiment, gave him a front-row seat to global conflict and intrigue.
After retiring from the military in 1996, Allen’s career took thrilling turns—leading security for CARE International in East Timor, upgrading counter-terrorism measures at Sydney Airport post-9/11, and serving as Sheriff of New South Wales. These roles honed his understanding of high-stakes operations, inspiring him to pen his debut novel, Defender, in 2011. Writing became his new mission, blending lived experience with imagination.
Chris Allen’s Unforgettable Stories
Allen’s Alex Morgan Interpol Spy Thriller series is his crown jewel, centered on the black-ops division of Interpol called Intrepid. The series kicks off with Defender (2012), where Alex Morgan, a former army Major turned spy, hunts a rogue agent in a pulse-pounding chase from Africa to Sydney. Hunter (2012) ups the ante as Morgan tracks Serbian war criminals and rescues a kidnapped pianist, weaving international justice with breakneck action.
Avenger (2013) sees Morgan battling the Night Witch, a criminal mastermind tied to global trafficking, while Helldiver (2014) pushes Intrepid to the brink as Morgan and agent Elizabeth Reigns confront a threat to their agency’s core. Known for gritty realism, Allen’s style mirrors his military past—think Jason Bourne with a touch of Bond’s charisma. His plots, rich with espionage, betrayal, and moral dilemmas, resonate with readers craving authentic, high-stakes narratives.
Allen’s upcoming works, including Shapeshifter (Intrepid #5) and a new series featuring ex-Commando Benjamin Rhett and ASIO agent Kat Thomas, promise more adrenaline-fueled adventures. His ability to ground fiction in real-world detail—down to the smell of gunpowder or the tension of a covert op—sets him apart in the thriller genre.
Why Chris Allen Matters
Chris Allen’s impact lies in his knack for making espionage feel real. His novels don’t just entertain; they pull readers into the shadowy world of black ops, where loyalty is tested and danger is ever-present. By drawing on his extraordinary career, Allen offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those who operate in the world’s most perilous corners. His series has not only topped bestseller lists but also sparked interest in adapting Intrepid for the screen, signaling his growing influence.
Beyond his books, Allen inspires aspiring writers, proving that life’s wildest chapters can fuel unforgettable stories. As a member of the Australian Crime Writers Association, he champions the thriller genre, blending pulse-pounding action with human depth. His work reminds us that heroes, flawed yet fearless, walk among us.
- Born: December 7, 1964, Perth, Australia
- Key Works: Defender, Hunter, Avenger, Helldiver
- Notable: Intrepid series optioned for film and TV
Snag Defender and dive into Chris Allen’s thrilling world of spies and secrets—your next adventure awaits!