Ridley Pearson is an American author known for his suspense, thriller, and adventure books. Born on March 13, 1953, in Glen Cove, New York, he has penned more than fifty novels.

His works include the New York Times bestseller Killer Weekend, the Lou Boldt crime series, and numerous books for young readers. Among his acclaimed children's novels are Peter and the Starcatchers, Peter and the Shadow Thieves, and Peter and the Secret of Rundoon, co-written with Dave Barry.

Pearson divides his time between Missouri and Idaho with his wife and two daughters. He also writes Chris Klick mysteries under the pseudonym Wendell McCall.