Martin Cruz Smith, born Martin William Smith, is an esteemed American novelist renowned for his mystery and suspense fiction, often set in international or historical contexts. He embarked on his literary journey with a BA in Creative Writing from the University of Pennsylvania in 1964 and transitioned from journalism to fiction between 1965 and 1969.

Smith's debut mystery novel, Gypsy in Amber (1971), which introduces the character of NY gypsy art dealer Roman Grey, earned him an Edgar Award nomination. His breakthrough novel, Nightwing, not only garnered critical acclaim but was also adapted into a movie. However, Smith is best known for his series featuring Russian investigator Arkady Renko, which debuted with Gorky Park in 1981. This novel was heralded as the "thriller of the '80s" by Time Magazine, achieved bestseller status, and won the Gold Dagger Award from the British Crime Writers' Association. The series has expanded to ten novels, the latest being Independence Square, published in May 2023.

In addition to his real name, Smith has written under various pseudonyms, including Ted Irish, Dr. Emile Korngold, Sol Roman, Nick Carter, Jake Logan, Martin Quinn, Simon Quinn, and Martin Smith.