Crafted Suspense. Cinematic Worlds. Legacy-Level Impact.
I’m Gary Smith—a novelist and storyteller known for crafting immersive thrillers that read like cinematic experiences. Rooted in rich character arcs, international intrigue, and evocative settings—especially the timeless allure of Italy—my stories pull readers to the edge of their seats and keep them there. With a background in fine art photography and cultural exploration, I fuse vivid imagery with layered suspense, creating narratives that don’t just entertain—they stay with you. Whether exploring the craft of mystery, the path from book to screen, or the role of place as character, I’m passionate about storytelling that resonates long after the final chapter.
value for your audience
Things I love to talk about...
I’m a novelist and storyteller specializing in thrillers, and I love sharing practical, real-world tips on how to craft compelling narratives that hook readers and hold their attention.
Mystery, Thriller & Crime
The Clues You Missed: How Great Mysteries Hide in Plain Sight
Inside a Thriller Writer’s Mind: Twists, Red Herrings, and Unsolvable Crimes
Can You Beat the Detective? A Thriller Writer’s Perspective
The Dangerous Hero: Why We Love Men on the Edge
Why the Best Thrillers Feel Like Films
Cinematic Storytelling & Book-to-Film
Screen-Ready Fiction: What Hollywood Looks For
How to Write a Book That Plays Like a Movie
The Book-to-Film Formula: What Makes Stories Adaptable
Photography Meets Fiction: Creating Cinematic Scenes
Why Some Adaptations Fail—and How to Spot the Ones That Won’t
Literary Fiction & Deep Reading
Italy as Muse: Writing That Transports
What Makes Characters Unforgettable?
Stories That Linger: Writing With Lasting Impact
When Fiction Feels More Real Than Life
Art, Culture, and Storytelling That Elevates
Travel & Culture
Between Two Worlds: How Italy Shapes My Writing
How Travel Transforms the Stories We Tell
Place as Power: Why Setting Changes Everything
Why We Crave Stories That Take Us Elsewhere
Writing With a Passport: The Global Lens of Fiction
Writing & Publishing
How to Write a Book Readers Feel, Not Just Read
From Fine Art to Fiction: The Visual Edge in My Writing
The Cinematic Author: Writing That Moves Like Film
Thrillers That Hook: The Anatomy of Reader Obsession
Why Setting Is a Character—And How to Write It That Way
Explore my world of stories
More Than You Know
Gary Smith, an acclaimed author and photographer, advances his mystery adventure series featuring Warren Steelgrave in this latest installment. Following the tone set by his debut novel, The Willing, Steelgrave delves into a bomb threat investigation tied to a cunning, radicalized Middle Eastern hate group whose shifting, intricate plot targets more than one faith. Smith emphasizes Steelgrave’s knack for enlisting aid from an eclectic trio—Italy’s national police, a formidable Mafia syndicate, and a loyal FBI agent from the U.S.—whose secret alliance must stay hidden from public view, especially given the crime family’s pragmatic “ends justify the means” ethos. Steelgrave’s sharp foresight keeps him ahead of the terrorists’ unpredictable moves, but a lapse in vigilance leads to a vengeful ambush, leaving him gravely wounded by a knife attack; as he heals, his beloved Cindy O’Brien briefly reenters his life for a fleeting, poignant reunion.
In The Blood
In the eighth installment of the acclaimed Warren Steelgrave series, Warren grows uneasy about the widening rift between him and his soulmate, Cindy O’Brian, prompting him to travel to Italy alone in hopes that distance might mend their bond. Upon arriving, he’s met by the FBI, who urgently need his help to locate his close friend Jack Sullivan, a writer nearing completion of a book exposing stock market fraud and the murder of broker George Daily—details that put Jack’s life at risk and hold critical value for the agency. Alarmed for Jack’s safety, Warren sets out to find him, only to discover Jack fleeing for survival, dragging Warren into the crosshairs of the same relentless pursuers now hunting them both for the explosive secrets Jack carries. As the pursuit intensifies, Jack senses Warren’s distraction over his faltering relationship with Cindy could prove fatal for them both, and by the end, numerous lives—including that of a dear friend—are lost. Amid the chaos, Warren grapples with Cindy’s elusive presence in his life, torn between waiting for her or seeking a fresh start, inviting readers to follow a principled man once again challenged by a world where a handful of individuals can unleash havoc.
Betrayal
In Gary Smith’s latest novel, Warren Steelgrave is drawn from peaceful nights of reflection and writing on his veranda to answer a friend’s plea: Brigadier Mattia’s son, Carlo—a member of a global task force probing drug and sex trafficking in the U.S.—has vanished. Join Steelgrave as he deftly navigates a deadly conspiracy of worldwide scope, relying on bravery and expertise to unravel the truth. Traverse the shadowy paths of deception spanning Italy and the United States, wondering if this tale will conclude with justice and hope—or if its final pages will mark Warren’s own epitaph.
To Hunt Men
With vivid scenes and insights into the minds of both ruthless terrorists and the rare, honorable souls ready to act when duty beckons, this story unfolds. Warren Steelgrave is torn from serene nights of reflection and writing on his veranda, driven to probe a dubious young art dealer at the urging of his friend and former lover, Catherine Ricci. Track Steelgrave’s meticulous journey as he employs valor and cunning to expose a lethal plot of global reach, orchestrated by zealots prepared to die to revive a “noble” cause that has long simmered in their souls. Navigating a treacherous web of tainted art deals, narcotics, and Chinese syndicates, Warren taps into his reliable network—old allies, the FBI, and the local Carabinieri—to predict and thwart the chaos these self-styled patriots are poised to unleash.
A few of my favorite appearances
Podcast Interviews
Gary Smith on the 5 Things You Need To Be A Successful Author or Writer from Medium.com
WA.Org Interview with Author Gary Smith
areas of expertise
Bestselling Expert in Mystery, Thriller & Crime Fiction
I’m a master of suspense-driven storytelling, specializing in gripping mysteries and thrillers that hook readers from the first page. My work blends sharp psychological insight, cinematic pacing, and high-stakes tension to deliver unforgettable fiction. I’m passionate about exploring the craft behind compelling crime narratives, sharing the creative process, and discussing how my stories translate powerfully to screen for film and television.
Authority in Literary Fiction and Cultural Narrative
My work weaves depth, nuance, and cultural resonance—making me a go-to guest for literary and book-centric podcasts. I bring powerful conversations around identity, history, and the art of immersive storytelling, connecting deeply with audiences who crave sophisticated, thought-provoking fiction.
Global Storyteller with a Passion for Travel and Cultural Immersion
Rooted in a deep connection to Italy and a passion for global storytelling, I bring a unique lens to how setting shapes narrative. My work resonates with travel and culture enthusiasts who crave fiction that transports them. I love sharing my experiences living abroad, exploring how culture informs character, and revealing why setting isn't just a backdrop—but a living, breathing presence in every story I write.
Recognized Expert in Writing and Publishing
With deep expertise in storytelling, writing craft, and the publishing landscape, I offer actionable insights for aspiring authors and creatives. I speak on cinematic writing techniques, building suspense, and navigating the path to publication. My passion for story and strategy makes me a valuable voice for writing-focused podcasts seeking both practical guidance and creative inspiration.
Specialist in Story-to-Screen Narratives and Cinematic Fiction
As a writer with a cinematic edge, I craft stories that feel destined for the screen. With expertise in visual storytelling, scene architecture, and adaptation strategy, I bring valuable perspective to film and screenwriting podcasts. I speak on the art of turning books into films, the crossroads of literature and Hollywood, and what makes a novel truly adaptation-ready.
question ideas to ask
Tap Into My Expertise
How do mystery writers skillfully plant clues readers overlook—while weaving in red herrings that mislead without revealing the truth?
What drives our fascination with crime stories and edge-of-your-seat thrillers?
How does true crime inform the craft of writing believable, edge-of-your-seat fiction?
How can writers craft fiction that feels as gripping and immersive as a true crime series?
What role do authentic locations and cinematic detail play in building tension on the page?
How do mystery writers weave real investigative techniques into fiction to create believable plots?
How do great storytellers master misdirection to plant clues and still surprise their readers?
How do authentic settings and visual storytelling heighten the suspense in a mystery novel?
about me
Meet Gary Smith
Specialist in Visual, High-Tension Storytelling
I was born in 1948, and from a young age, I found refuge in my imagination—crafting a private world where storytelling became second nature. Over time, I developed a quiet fascination with people: how they moved through the world, the emotions they hid, and the connections they made. My love for literature was sparked early, thanks to my brother, who would bring home weathered books from rummage sales and share them with me. By the end of high school, I had absorbed works like Cyrano de Bergerac, The Canterbury Tales, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Breakfast at Tiffany’s—each one shaping how I viewed the world and the human experience.
At 16, I made the unconventional decision to forgo college, stepping directly into the working world. I began as a general laborer before finding my calling as an electrician. In 1979, I launched my own electrical contracting company, which I grew into a multimillion-dollar national business. While business became my profession, the arts remained a constant thread in my life. Photography took root early, ever since my uncle gave me my first camera at the age of eight. That gift led me to a solo gallery show in 1981, and in 1983, I was honored to receive a personal invitation from Ansel Adams to attend his renowned workshop—a transformative moment alongside some of the most respected names in the field.
Writing entered my life later, but it quickly became one of my deepest callings. In 1994, I contributed to the Connections Leadership Project for the State of California, helping high school students explore and navigate themes of prejudice. When I was asked to submit my own work, three of my pieces were included in Options: Making Connections in Today’s World (1997). At the project’s final luncheon, an editor read aloud my essay about the loss of my son. As my words filled the room, I felt both exposed and deeply seen. Afterward, a man approached me with tears in his eyes, saying that my story had helped him process his own grief. That moment crystallized the true purpose of my writing.
I write to connect. To give voice to what’s often unspoken. To help others feel less alone in the stories they carry.
Follow Me
Atmospheric Mystery, High-Stakes Intrigue, and Suspense Built for the Screen
Copyrights 2025 | Gary Smith