Deze auteur schreef onder meerdere pseudoniemen, waaronder Robert Charles en Charles Leader. Zijn werk wordt gekenmerkt door spannende verhalen die vaak thema's als misdaad en intrige verkennen. Smith bouwt meesterlijk spanning op, waardoor lezers op het puntje van hun stoel blijven zitten. Zijn romans worden gewaardeerd om hun actievolle plots en goed ontwikkelde personages.
Set in a small East Texas town during the 1960s, the narrative explores the journey of young people grappling with their identities amidst a backdrop of innocence and a slower-paced life. As they navigate the challenges of growing up, themes of direction and purpose emerge, reflecting the universal quest for self-discovery during a transformative era.
Set in the early sixteenth century, the story follows William of Widford as he uncovers a skeleton tied to a centuries-old gold theft. His adventure leads him to Italy, where he encounters a charming woman bandit and later returns to England with the help of Joan, the headmaster's daughter. Their quest for treasure is interrupted by abductions by the Knights of Saint John and Barbary pirates. Ultimately, William's resilience shines as he escapes captivity and completes his education, eventually serving in King Henry VII's intelligence service.
