Where to Begin Your Christopher Smith Journey
With over three million books sold, Maine author Christopher Smith has earned a reputation for writing relentless, cinematic thrillers that keep readers hooked from the very first page. His writing is lean, fast-paced, and highly visual—a style heavily influenced by his fifteen years as a professional film critic. Whether you are looking for high-society corruption, a paranormal tale of teenage vengeance, or a gritty wilderness survival story, there is a clear starting point for you.
If you love high-stakes psychological thrillers featuring wealthy dynasties, corrupt billionaires, private investigators, and international assassins, you should start with Fifth Avenue. This is Smith’s flagship series and the one that launched his career. If you prefer young adult suspense with a dark, supernatural twist, you will want to grab Bullied, which Smith wrote under the pseudonym C.R. Smith. For those who want a quick, standalone experience of pure adrenaline, the survival thriller You Only Die Twice is the perfect place to start.
The Fifth Avenue Series in Detail
The Fifth Avenue series is Christopher Smith’s most famous work. It is a sprawling, high-stakes thriller saga that moves from the penthouses of Manhattan's elite to the streets of Pamplona, Spain. The series is best read in order of publication, as the plot lines build upon one another, carrying recurring characters and long-term vendettas across multiple books.
1. Fifth Avenue (2010)
The book that started it all introducing Louis Ryan, a ruthless billionaire set on destroying the wealthy Redman family to avenge a past tragedy. This book sets up the dark, glamorous, and dangerous world of New York's elite, featuring family secrets, betrayal, and Mafia connections.
2. Running of the Bulls (2011)
This sequel shifts focus slightly to Marty Spellman, a private investigator who finds himself in a race against time to stop highly trained assassins. The book was inspired by Christopher Smith’s own real-life experience running with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, adding a visceral, realistic sense of danger to the high-tempo plot.
3. From Manhattan with Love (2011)
This entry is a shorter novella that bridges the gap between the major novels. It focuses heavily on Leana Redman and Carmen Gragera, an elite international assassin, exploring their complex relationship and setting up the pieces for the next major conflict.
4. From Manhattan with Revenge (2012)
In this direct follow-up, Carmen Gragera takes center stage. Driven by grief and rage after the murder of her lover, Alex Williams, she targets a powerful syndicate. Assisted by an eccentric Park Avenue heiress, a 103-year-old former psychiatrist, and a fellow assassin named Vincent Spocatti, Carmen wages a bloody, calculated war of vengeance.
5. A Rush to Violence (2012)
This installment maintains the series' breakneck pacing, expanding on the fallout of Carmen's crusade and the web of conspiracy surrounding the elite characters. The tension reaches a boiling point as the survivors are forced to confront the consequences of their violent choices.
6. Park Avenue (2013)
The sixth book brings the saga full circle, returning to the heart of New York's elite. It wraps up major character arcs, resolving the long-standing feuds and power struggles that began on Fifth Avenue.
The Bullied Series (Written as C.R. Smith)
For readers who want something different from standard corporate intrigue, Christopher Smith wrote a four-part paranormal thriller series under the pen name C.R. Smith. This series deals with the intense, real-world struggles of bullying, but adds a dark supernatural element that provides a unique form of catharsis.
The story follows Seth Moore, an eighteen-year-old boy who has suffered severe bullying at school. Everything changes when he obtains a mysterious amulet that grants him devastating telekinetic powers. This series is a continuous story and must be read in order:
- Bullied (2011): Seth discovers the amulet and begins to realize the extent of his terrifying new telekinetic abilities.
- Revenge (2011): Armed with supernatural power, Seth turns the tables on his tormentors, but the cost of vengeance begins to weigh on him.
- Witch (2011): The mythology of the amulet expands, introducing new supernatural forces and complicating Seth's struggle for control.
- War (2011): The final confrontation where Seth must decide how to use his power once and for all, facing enemies both human and paranormal.
Standalone Novels and Non-Fiction Collections
If you aren't ready to commit to a full series, Christopher Smith has written in other formats as well. His primary standalone thriller is You Only Die Twice (2012). Set in the deep woods of Maine, the story follows Cheryl Dunning, a woman who previously survived a near-death experience, as she is hunted by two fanatical serial killers. The killers believe they are executing a divine punishment, forcing Cheryl to use her knowledge of the rugged Maine terrain to survive.
Additionally, fans of Smith’s cinematic style may enjoy his non-fiction work. Drawing from his fifteen years writing over 4,000 film reviews for the Bangor Daily News, Smith published collections of movie reviews. These books offer a humorous, critical look at cinema and provide excellent context for the sharp, scene-by-scene pacing he uses in his fiction:
- Queued! (2010)
- Queued! The Best and Worst of Netflix in 101 Independent Movie Reviews, Vol. 2 (2010)
- Your Movie Gave Me Hives (2011)
What to Know Before You Start
Before you dive in, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind. First, make sure you search for the Bullied series using the author name C.R. Smith, as there are other romance books with similar titles by different authors. Second, do not skip the novella From Manhattan with Love when reading the Fifth Avenue series; though shorter, it contains crucial character development for Carmen Gragera that makes From Manhattan with Revenge much more satisfying. Finally, expect a lean, fast-paced reading experience. Smith avoids unnecessary fluff, a trait praised by fellow Maine resident Stephen King, who famously called him a 'cultural genius.' Ready your reading list and enjoy the ride!