Step into the quirky, spine-tingling world of Charlie Rhodes, where a young psychic with telekinetic powers hunts monsters while hiding her own supernatural secrets! The Charlie Rhodes series by Amanda M. Lee is a delightful blend of young adult paranormal fiction, cozy mystery, and laugh-out-loud humor. Follow Charlie as she navigates small-town mysteries, battles creatures like Bigfoot and chupacabras, and uncovers truths about her mysterious past, all with a heart of gold and a knack for adventure.
This addictive series hooks readers with its X-Files-meets-Scooby-Doo vibe, perfect for fans of supernatural sleuthing and charming character dynamics. With 15 books packed with wit, romance, and paranormal thrills, Charlie Rhodes is a hidden gem in the YA fiction world, ready to captivate your imagination.
How Charlie Rhodes Began
Amanda M. Lee, a prolific author and self-proclaimed science fiction fanatic, launched the Charlie Rhodes series in 2017 with The Bigfoot Blunder. A longtime newspaper reporter, Lee channels her love for quirky characters and supernatural lore into her writing, crafting stories under her own name and pseudonyms like Lily Harper Hart. Inspired by her fascination with urban legends and paranormal phenomena, Lee created Charlie Rhodes as a spunky, relatable heroine whose journey mirrors the author’s own dreams of exploring the unknown.
The series emerged as a spin-off from Lee’s Wicked Witches of the Midwest, introducing Charlie as a fresh face in the monster-hunting world. Lee’s goal was to blend cozy mystery with high-stakes paranormal adventure, appealing to young adult readers and beyond. The result? A series that’s as heartwarming as it is thrilling, with Charlie’s telekinetic secret adding a unique twist.
The Heart of Charlie Rhodes
The Charlie Rhodes series kicks off with The Bigfoot Blunder (2017), where recent college grad Charlie joins the Legacy Foundation, a group investigating paranormal creatures. Tasked with proving Bigfoot’s existence in Hemlock Cove, Michigan, she uncovers a murder mystery while hiding her psychic abilities. In The Chupacabra Catastrophe (2017), Charlie heads to Texas to investigate a chupacabra sighting, sensing danger in an abandoned mining town. The Werewolf Whoops (2018) sees her tracking missing campers and possible werewolves, while The Grim Reaper Gaffe (2024), the series finale, pits Charlie against the evil witch Sybil in a Detroit showdown.
The series shines through its themes of self-discovery, found family, and embracing one’s uniqueness. Charlie’s struggle to conceal her powers while seeking her birth parents adds emotional depth, resonating with readers navigating their own identities. Lee’s humorous, snarky writing style, paired with vivid small-town settings, creates an immersive world where paranormal creatures feel plausible. Crossovers with Lee’s other series, like Mystic Caravan, add fun Easter eggs for fans, while the cozy mystery format keeps the stakes light yet engaging.
Charlie’s relationships—with her protective boyfriend Jack, quirky teammate Millie, and even a crossroads demon named Harley—infuse the series with warmth and humor. Whether she’s facing killer clowns or alien anomalies, Charlie’s blend of courage and vulnerability makes her a standout heroine in paranormal fiction.
Why Charlie Rhodes Resonates
The Charlie Rhodes series has carved a niche in young adult paranormal fiction, earning praise for its addictive storytelling and relatable characters. Fans on Goodreads laud Lee’s ability to weave humor, mystery, and romance, with many calling Charlie a refreshing take on the monster-hunter archetype. The series’ crossovers with Lee’s broader universe delight dedicated readers, creating a sense of community among fans of her work.
Its lasting appeal lies in its balance of lighthearted fun and emotional growth, appealing to teens and adults alike. By tackling themes like belonging and self-acceptance, Charlie Rhodes offers more than just monster hunts—it’s a journey of finding one’s place in a strange, magical world. With the series concluding in 2024, its legacy endures through its vibrant characters and re-readable adventures.
- First Book: The Bigfoot Blunder (2017)
- Latest Book: The Grim Reaper Gaffe (2024)
- Total Books: 15
- Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Fiction, Cozy Mystery
Ready to chase monsters and unravel secrets? Grab The Bigfoot Blunder and dive into Charlie Rhodes’s thrilling, hilarious world of paranormal adventure!