Chris Holm is an accomplished American author, known for his work in the crime, horror, and fantasy genres. He is the author of the Collector series and the Michael Hendricks series. Holm was born in Syracuse, New York, to a mother from a family of police officers and a father with a long-line of fantasy and science fiction interests. This unique upbringing, with influences from both the law enforcement and speculative fiction worlds, has likely contributed to the distinct style and subject matter of Holm's writing.\n \nHolm's writing career began at the early age of six, when he wrote a story called "The Alien Death From Outer Space" that landed him in the principal's office. Despite this inauspicious start, Holm's writing has improved significantly over the years. His short fiction has appeared in numerous publications, including Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine, and The Best American Mystery Stories. His work has been recognized with over fifty "Year's Best" nods and has been recommended for numerous awards.
In addition to his success in short fiction, Holm has also found critical acclaim with his novels. His Michael Hendricks thriller series, which features a hitman who only kills other hitmen, has been particularly well-received. The first book in the series, "The Killing Mind," was selected as a New York Times Editors' Choice and a 2015 Boston Globe Best Book. It won the 2016 Anthony Award for Best Novel and was also nominated for a Barry, a Lefty, and a Macavity. Holm's Collector trilogy, which reimagines the conflict between heaven and hell as outmoded crime pulp, has also been praised by critics.
Holm's work as a molecular biologist, and his possession of a U.S. patent, further highlights his versatility as an author. He currently resides in Portland, Maine with his wife, writer/editor/reviewer Katrina Niidas Holm.