Christopher Pike is the pseudonym of Kevin McFadden. He is a bestselling author known for his young adult and children's fiction, particularly in the thriller genre. McFadden was born in New York but grew up in California, where he still resides. A college drop-out, he worked in various jobs including factory work, house painting, and computer programming before gaining recognition as an author.

Initially, McFadden's attempts to write science fiction and adult mystery were unsuccessful. However, his career took a turn when an editor suggested he write a teen thriller, leading to his hit debut Slumber Party in 1985. This success marked the beginning of his prolific career in writing captivating stories for young adults.