Picture a Canadian storyteller who swapped a badge and gun for a pen, crafting thrillers that pulse with real-world grit—meet Simon Gervais! Born in Montréal, this former federal agent turned New York Times bestselling author weaves tales of espionage and action that keep readers on the edge of their seats. His unique blend of insider knowledge and heart-pounding narrative has made him a standout in the thriller genre.
Gervais’s journey from counterterrorism to crafting novels like The Thin Black Line is as gripping as his stories. With a career spanning military service and high-stakes law enforcement, he brings authenticity to every page, making his thrillers feel like a peek behind the curtain of global security.
The Making of Simon Gervais
Born in Montréal, Québec, Simon Gervais joined the Canadian military as an infantry officer in 1997, training in advanced reconnaissance and small-unit tactics. In 2001, he became a federal agent with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, diving into drug investigations in Toronto and collaborating with the DEA. By 2004, he shifted to an anti-terrorism unit in Ottawa, deploying to Europe and the Middle East. Later, as a close-protection specialist, he guarded dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama. This high-octane career inspired his pivot to writing, debuting with The Thin Black Line in 2015, launching his Mike Walton series.
Simon Gervais’s Unforgettable Stories
Gervais’s novels are a masterclass in thriller fiction, blending relentless action with intricate plots. His Mike Walton series, starting with The Thin Black Line, follows a counterterrorism expert navigating personal tragedy and global threats. Its sequels, like A Red Dotted Line, amp up the stakes with twists that critics call ‘Coney Island roller coaster’ rides. The Pierce Hunt series, beginning with Hunt Them Down, mixes family dynamics with explosive action, earning over 375,000 sales. The Last Protector, the first in the Clayton White series, introduces a Secret Service agent entangled in political intrigue, now being adapted for TV by CBS Studios with Jerry Bruckheimer. Gervais’s contribution to Robert Ludlum’s legacy, The Blackbriar Genesis, showcases his ability to craft seamless, action-packed plots in the Jason Bourne universe.
His style is cinematic, with vivid settings from Athens to New York and complex characters who blur the line between hero and foe. Gervais’s real-world expertise infuses his work with authenticity, earning praise from authors like Brad Thor and Steve Berry for its realism and suspense.
Why Simon Gervais Matters
Simon Gervais bridges the gap between the shadowy world of espionage and thriller fans, offering stories that feel ripped from headlines. His novels, with over a million copies sold, resonate with readers craving intelligent, high-stakes adventures. The TV adaptations of his Clayton White and Pierce Hunt series signal his growing influence in entertainment. As a member of the International Thriller Writers Organization, Gervais inspires aspiring authors, proving that real-world experience can fuel fiction that captivates and thrills.
- Born: Montréal, Québec
- Key Works: The Thin Black Line, Hunt Them Down, The Last Protector, The Blackbriar Genesis
- Notable: Clayton White series in development for TV with CBS Studios and Jerry Bruckheimer
Snag The Last Protector and dive into Simon Gervais’s thrilling world of espionage and action!