Tom Rob Smith, born on February 19, 1979, is an acclaimed English author, screenwriter, and producer. Raised in London, Smith possesses a rich multicultural heritage with a Swedish mother and an English father. His academic journey led him to Cambridge University, where he graduated in 2001. Following his graduation, Smith ventured to Italy to further his studies in creative writing for a year. This period of intense learning honed his skills, setting the stage for his later career as a scriptwriter.

Smith's debut novel, Child 44, catapulted him into the limelight. The novel, set against the grim backdrop of Stalinist Russia, delves into a series of chilling child murders. Published in early 2008, Child 44 received critical acclaim and was translated into 17 languages. It earned him the 2008 Ian Fleming Steel Dagger award for Best Thriller of the year by the Crime Writer's Association. Moreover, the novel was a Barnes & Noble recommended book and found its way onto the long list for the 2008 Man Booker Prize in July. In November of the same year, Smith received a nomination for his outstanding work.