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By Marty Mulrooney

Michael Marshall (also known as Michael Marshall Smith) is a British novelist, screenwriter and short story writer, currently living in London, UK. His groundbreaking first novel, the science fiction thriller Only Forward, won the Philip K. Dick and August Derleth awards, as well as much critical acclaim. He built on this success with two more sci-fi novels that soon followed, Spares and One Of Us, before switching genre and his writing name with the release of The Straw Men (as Michael Marshall.)

This was my first introduction to Michael’s work, and one I shall likely never forget. I was 15 years old, reading a book about child kidnappings, murder and secret societies deep in the heart of America, the summer light fading fast as I lost track of time. No doubt some extremists, who likely think the Harry Potter books promote witchcraft in children, would have balked at this series of events. Still, I was totally enthralled and I have read every book Michael Marshall has published since.

He has a strange power to take real life and twist it totally on its head, whilst still retaining a strong sense of reality. If you have never read Michael’s work, I urge you now, go and grab one of his books. His earlier sci-fi works such as Only Forward, or the later reality-based endeavours such as The Straw Men (my personal favourite) all offer a great place to start. It’s the type of storytelling that grips the reader and won’t let go, and you will not be disappointed. His fans can certainly attest to this already. So now, without further ado, it is an absolute privilege and a pleasure to be able to say that Michael Marshall (Smith) has taken some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us here today at Alternative Magazine Online…

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