Picture a Maine storyteller who swapped film critiques for pulse-pounding thrillers—meet Christopher Smith! With over three million books sold, this international bestselling author crafts gritty tales of revenge and paranormal suspense, earning praise from none other than Stephen King, who dubbed him a 'cultural genius.' From the cutthroat world of New York’s elite to the haunting struggles of bullied teens, Smith’s stories grip readers worldwide.
Born and raised in Maine, Smith’s journey from small-town critic to literary sensation is as thrilling as his novels. His unique blend of cinematic flair and raw emotion has made him a standout in the thriller genre, with series like Fifth Avenue and Bullied captivating fans across the globe.
The Making of Christopher Smith
Christopher Smith’s roots in Maine shaped his storytelling. Growing up in Hermon, he studied English and business at the University of Maine, where his love for narrative took hold. For 15 years, he was a celebrated film critic for the Bangor Daily News, penning over 4,000 reviews and earning the Motion Picture Association’s Best Critic award in 2010. His sharp insights appeared on NBC affiliates and E! Network, honing his knack for tension and drama—skills that would later fuel his novels.
Smith’s pivot to fiction came in 2010 with the release of Fifth Avenue, a thriller that skyrocketed to bestseller lists. Inspired by his time in New York and a daring run with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, he began weaving tales that blend high-stakes intrigue with visceral emotion, drawing readers into worlds where no one is safe.
Christopher Smith’s Unforgettable Stories
Smith’s Fifth Avenue series is a masterclass in psychological thrillers. The first book, Fifth Avenue, follows billionaire Louis Ryan’s vengeful quest to destroy the Redman family, unraveling secrets and Mafia ties in a fast-paced narrative. Its sequel, Running of the Bulls, amps up the chaos as private investigator Marty Spellman races to stop assassins, inspired by Smith’s own brush with danger in Pamplona. Both novels hit Amazon’s Top 100, cementing Smith’s reputation for relentless pacing and shocking twists.
The Bullied series, written under the pseudonym C.R. Smith, takes a darker, paranormal turn. Centered on Seth Moore, an 18-year-old who gains telekinetic powers from a mysterious amulet, the series explores bullying’s devastating toll. Titles like Bullied and Revenge deliver heart-pounding suspense, tackling real-world issues with supernatural flair. Smith’s standalone novel, You Only Die Twice, is equally gripping, following Cheryl Dunning’s fight for survival against fanatical killers in Maine’s woods.
Known for lean, precise prose, Smith avoids fluff, focusing on raw emotion and unpredictable plots. His cinematic background shines through in vivid scenes and complex characters, earning comparisons to Stephen King, who lauded his cultural insight. Whether it’s corporate greed or teenage vengeance, Smith’s themes resonate with readers seeking both thrills and depth.
Why Christopher Smith Matters
Christopher Smith’s impact lies in his ability to blend genres—thriller, mystery, and paranormal—into stories that feel both universal and deeply personal. His exploration of bullying in the Bullied series has struck a chord with young adults and parents alike, offering a cathartic lens on a pressing issue. Meanwhile, the Fifth Avenue series skewers wealth and power, appealing to fans of high-stakes drama.
With over three million books sold in a dozen languages, Smith’s global reach is undeniable. His transition from critic to novelist inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and persistence can redefine a career. Stephen King’s endorsement underscores his influence, marking him as a Maine literary gem whose stories linger long after the final page.
- Birthplace: Hermon, Maine
- Key Works: Fifth Avenue, Running of the Bulls, Bullied, You Only Die Twice
- Awards: Motion Picture Association Best Critic (2010)
- Fun Fact: Smith ran with the bulls in Pamplona, inspiring Running of the Bulls.
Ready for a wild ride? Snag Fifth Avenue or Bullied and dive into Christopher Smith’s thrilling world of suspense and revenge!