Michael Paul Marshall Smith, also known as Michael Marshall, M. M. Smith, and Michael Rutger, is an English novelist, screenwriter, and short story writer celebrated for his contribution to the speculative fiction and thriller genres. His literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, Only Forward, which garnered the prestigious August Derleth and Philip K. Dick awards. Following this, his novels Spares and One of Us caught the attention of DreamWorks and Warner Brothers, respectively, for film adaptation. Smith's renown further escalated with the success of the Straw Men trilogy, consisting of The Straw Men, The Lonely Dead (also published as The Upright Man), and Blood of Angels, all of which achieved international bestseller status.

Aside from his novels, Smith has proven his mettle in the realm of short fiction, winning the BFS Award four times. His notable short story collections, What You Make It and More Tomorrow and Other Stories, the latter of which won the International Horror Guild Award, showcase his versatility and expertise in crafting gripping narratives. Residing in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife and son, Smith continues to captivate audiences with his recent works, including The Intruders, Bad Things, and Killer Move.