Chris Allen (author)
Chris Allen | |
|---|---|
 Chris Allen, Sheriff of New South Wales (2008) | |
| Born | December 7, 1964 Perth, Western Australia |
| Occupation | Thriller Writer |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Period | 1999-present |
| Notable works | Defender: Intrepid 1, Hunter: Intrepid 2 |
| Spouse | Sarah Allen |
Chris Allen is an Australian thriller writer, based in Sydney, Australia. A former paratrooper,[1][2] Allen has also served as Security Manager for the international aid agency CARE in Timor Leste;[2][3] with the Australian Protective Service;[2] and for the NSW Government as Head of Security for the Sydney Opera House[2][4] and as Sheriff of NSW.[2][5] He self-published his first novel, Defender of the Faith, in 2011.[6] That book was successful enough that he was offered a book deal with Pan Macmillan's digital imprint Momentum.[7] In February 2012 Allen entered into contracts for two books with Momentum. In 2014 Allen was contracted for a further two books with Momentum.[8]
Career
Allen served in three Commonwealth armies on four continents before leaving the military due to injuries. Following retirement from the army, he led security operations for an international aid agency in East Timor in 1999. Post 9/11, he served within Australia's government protective security and law enforcement environment. He was recruited to take over the protection of Sydney's Opera House after the 'No War' incident of 2003. In 2008 he was appointed Sheriff of New South Wales,[9] a post he held until 2011.[10]
Books
The Alex Morgan Interpol Spy Thriller series is a four-book series that includes:
- Defender (November 2012)
- Hunter (December 2012)
- Avenger (January 2015)
- Helldiver (November 2015)[9]
Reception
Reviews of Allen's work generally agree that the author leverages his life and work experience to good effect. The main character of the Intrepid series, Alex Morgan, is a Major as Allen was. Plot twists in the series often mirror Allen's career.[11] The Australian Army Newspaper wrote concerning Hunter that "Allen knows his weapons and aircraft particularly well, and his immense attention to detail shows he has obviously walked the streets of the cities where his character's actions take place."[12]
Personal Life
Chris Allen lives with his family including wife Sarah, sons Morgan and Rhett in Sydney, Australia.
References
- ^ Hardy, Karen (13 September 2014). "Take Three: Action thrillers from Australian authors". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d e "NSW Government Lawlink". NSW Government. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ Lacey, Stephen (13 August 2011). "2 of us" (PDF). Good Weekend Magazine. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ "Case study - Security for our critical infrastructure" (PDF). Standards Australia. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ "NSW Government Courts & Tribunal Services". NSW Government. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ "Defender of the Faith". Amazon.com. Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ "Chris Allen". Mind Food. 2013. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ^ "Momentum". Retrieved 20 February 2012.
- ^ a b "Chris Allen". Momentum. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ^ "History of the Office of the Sheriff". NSW Department of Justice. 25 March 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2015.
- ^ "Parachuting to publication". ISSUU. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- ^ Morley, Dave (30 March 2013). "Action-packed pages". Australian Army Newspaper. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
