Michael Marshall (also known as Michael Marshall Smith) is a British novelist and screenwriter best known for his work in the speculative fiction genre, which encompasses elements of science fiction, horror, and thriller. Born on May 3, 1965, he initially gained recognition for his first novel, "Only Forward" (1994), which won the August Derleth Award for Best Novel. Marshall gained further acclaim with his subsequent works such as "Spares" (1996) and "One of Us" (1998). Under the name Michael Marshall, he also writes mainstream thrillers like "The Straw Men" (2002), which is part of a trilogy involving complex conspiracy theories and detective fiction. His writing is characterized by its gripping plots, well-drawn characters, and a penchant for exploring the darker aspects of human nature and society.