Charles McCarry was an American author, best known for his spy thriller novels. He was born on June 14, 1930, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and passed away on February 26th, 2019. McCarry had a varied career before becoming a novelist, including working for the CIA undercover from 1958 to 1967. His experiences with the CIA would later provide inspiration for his writing.
After leaving the CIA, McCarry became a contributor to several national publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post. He also worked as an editor-at-large for National Geographic. In addition to his work as a writer and editor, McCarry served in the United States Army and was a correspondent for Stars and Stripes. He also worked as a small-town newspaperman and was a speechwriter in the Eisenhower administration.
McCarry is perhaps best known for his series of books featuring the character Paul Christopher, a super spy for the CIA. The series includes a total of nine novels, with Christopher's character evolving over time. Initially introduced as an effective spy, Christopher becomes a pariah to the agency and a hunted man after launching an unauthorized investigation into the Kennedy assassination. Eventually, he spends ten years in a Chinese prison before being released and embarking on a mission to uncover the mystery of his mother's disappearance at the beginning of World War II. The series is notable for its historical detail and depiction of spycraft, as well as its exploration of Christopher's relationships with his family, friends, wives, and lovers.
Aside from the Paul Christopher series, McCarry has also written novels featuring other members of the Christopher family. His novel "The Better Angels" was loosely adapted to the film "Wrong is Right" starring Sean Connery. McCarry is married and has four adult sons, and he lives in Western Massachusetts.