Where to Start with C.C. Hunter
If you are new to C.C. Hunter (the pen name of author Christie Craig), the best starting point is undoubtedly her blockbuster young adult paranormal fantasy series, Shadow Falls. Beginning with Born at Midnight, this series introducing Kylie Galen and the secret summer camp for supernatural teens is where the author's signature blend of humor, heart, and paranormal suspense shines brightest. If you prefer contemporary young adult mysteries with a touch of the supernatural, start with One Foot in the Grave (the first book in The Mortician's Daughter trilogy). For readers looking for adult romantic suspense with plenty of Southern charm and humor, you can dive straight into the novels she publishes under her real name, Christie Craig, starting with the Divorced and Desperate series.
The Shadow Falls Universe Reading Order
The Shadow Falls universe is C.C. Hunter's most popular work. It consists of the original five-book series, a three-book spin-off series (Shadow Falls: After Dark), a final concluding novel (Midnight Hour), and several essential companion novellas. For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to follow the publication order. Reading chronologically by starting with the prequel novella Turned at Dark can spoil character introductions and world mysteries that are best revealed as you read the main series.
Part 1: The Original Shadow Falls Series (Kylie's Story)
This series centers on Kylie Galen, a teenage girl who is sent to a camp for troubled teens, only to discover the camp is actually a sanctuary for supernatural creatures—vampires, werewolves, shapeshifters, witches, and fairies.
- Born at Midnight (2011) – The essential starting point where Kylie arrives at camp.
- Turned at Dark (2011) – A companion novella detailing Della Tsang's transformation. While set chronologically before Book 1, it is best read after Born at Midnight or Awake at Dawn to appreciate Della's character.
- Awake at Dawn (2011) – Book 2.
- Taken at Dusk (2012) – Book 3.
- Whispers at Moonrise (2012) – Book 4.
- Saved at Sunrise (2013) – A transitional novella focusing on Della Tsang, serving as a setup for the spin-off series. It is best read after Book 4.
- Chosen at Nightfall (2013) – Book 5, concluding Kylie's main story arc.
Part 2: Shadow Falls: After Dark (Della's Story)
Once you finish the main series, you transition to the spin-off, which changes perspective to Kylie's vampire roommate, Della Tsang, as she trains to become a paranormal investigator.
- Reborn (2014) – Book 1 of the spin-off.
- Eternal (2014) – Book 2.
- Unspoken (2015) – Book 3.
- Almost Midnight (2016) – A physical compilation book containing five novellas: Turned at Dark, Saved at Sunrise, Unbreakable, Spellbinder, and the exclusive novella Fierce.
- Midnight Hour (2016) – The final full-length novel that wraps up the entire Shadow Falls franchise.
- Fighting Back (2017) – A special follow-up novella featuring Kylie and Lucas, resolving their relationship dynamics after the events of Midnight Hour.
The Mortician's Daughter Series
This trilogy is a standalone paranormal mystery series following Riley Smith, a seventeen-year-old girl who can see and speak with the dead. Because her father is a mortician, spirits follow him home, and Riley must help them cross over. The books follow a strict chronological storyline and must be read in order:
- One Foot in the Grave (2017)
- Two Feet Under (2018)
- Three Heartbeats Away (2019)
C.C. Hunter's Standalone YA Novels
For readers who want a complete story in a single book, Hunter has written two contemporary YA novels that touch on heavy emotional themes with a thread of mystery:
- This Heart of Mine (2018) – Follows a teen girl who receives a heart transplant and becomes determined to solve the mystery of her donor's death.
- In Another Life (2019) – A gripping mystery about a girl who suspects her father kidnapped her when she was a toddler, leading her to search for the truth about her past.
Adult Romantic Suspense (As Christie Craig)
Writing under her real name, Christie Craig, the author pens humorous romantic suspense novels set in Texas. These books feature quirky characters, law enforcement heroes, and plenty of witty banter. They are grouped into several series, though many books can be enjoyed as standalones.
Divorced and Desperate Series
- Divorced, Desperate and Delicious (2007)
- Divorced, Desperate and Dating (2008)
- Divorced, Desperate and Deceived (2009)
- Divorced, Desperate and Dangerous (2014)
- Divorced, Desperate and Dead (2014)
- Divorced, Desperate and Daring (2015)
Hotter In Texas Series
- Don't Mess with Texas (2011)
- Blame It On Texas (2012)
- Texas Hold 'Em (2014)
Tall, Hot & Texan Series
- Gotcha! (2009)
- The Cop Who Stole Christmas (2013)
- The Junkyard Cowboy (2018)
Texas Justice Series
- Don't Close Your Eyes (2018)
- Don't Breathe a Word (2019)
- Don't Look Back (2020)
What to Know Before You Start
While the Shadow Falls novellas are optional, they add rich character backstories. Reading the anthology Almost Midnight provides the easiest way to access most of them in one place. Note that while C.C. Hunter is best known for YA paranormal romance, her Christie Craig novels contain mature themes, adult language, and explicit romance, making them suitable for older readers. No matter which series you choose, you can expect satisfying character growth, strong family and friendship bonds, and plenty of laughs along the way.