Picture a Colorado storyteller who weaves heart-pounding thrillers and cozy mysteries with a bird’s-eye view of suspense—meet Chris Goff! This award-winning American author has captivated readers with her bestselling Birdwatcher’s Mystery series and the electrifying Raisa Jordan thrillers. From her roots in nonfiction to crafting tales that echo global headlines, Goff’s journey is as thrilling as her novels.
With accolades like the Anthony Award for Best Crime Fiction Audiobook and nominations for the Colorado Book Award, Goff’s knack for authenticity and relentless pacing has earned her a devoted following. Ready to dive into her world of intrigue? Let’s explore the life and legacy of this mystery maestro!
The Making of Chris Goff
Raised in the scenic foothills of Evergreen, Colorado, Chris Goff grew up surrounded by nature, with bird feeders dotting her family’s lawn. Her outdoorsy childhood, filled with hiking, skiing, and spotting hummingbirds, sparked a lifelong love for the environment that later shaped her Birdwatcher’s Mystery series. Inspired by her mother’s broadcasting career, Goff pursued journalism, writing for local newspapers in Summit County. Her early nonfiction work, including editing rock-climbing guides for Chockstone Press, honed her storytelling skills before she leaped into fiction.
Goff’s writing dreams took flight after meeting bestselling author Maggie Osborn, who encouraged her to pursue novel-writing. A childhood love for Mary Higgins Clark’s suspenseful tales and a knack for crafting intricate plots set the stage for her transition to mysteries and thrillers. Her persistence paid off, turning a small-town journalist into a celebrated author.
Chris Goff’s Unforgettable Stories
Goff’s Birdwatcher’s Mystery series, starting with A Rant of Ravens (2000), blends cozy mystery charm with environmental themes. The series follows Rachel Stanhope, a bird enthusiast who stumbles into crimes, from illegal falcon trading to coffee-growing conspiracies. Praised by Tony Hillerman as “charming” and David Morrell as “addictive,” these novels weave ecological insights with clever whodunits, earning nominations for WILLA Literary Awards.
In her Raisa Jordan thriller series, Goff shifts gears to high-stakes international intrigue. Dark Waters (2015) introduces Raisa “Rae” Jordan, a U.S. Diplomatic Security Service agent navigating conspiracies in Israel. Its sequel, Red Sky (2017), races through Ukraine and Asia to avert a new Cold War. Critics, including Lee Child, laud Goff’s “terrific” characters and “whip-smart” narratives, with Dark Waters snagging a 2016 Anthony Award nomination. Her vivid settings and nuanced protagonists make each book a pulse-pounding journey.
Goff’s style is a masterclass in balance: cozy mysteries offer warmth and wit, while her thrillers deliver relentless suspense and geopolitical depth. Her ability to craft strong female leads, like the resourceful Rae Jordan, sets her apart in a genre often dominated by macho heroes.
Why Chris Goff Matters
Chris Goff’s impact lies in her ability to make mysteries accessible and thrilling, blending environmental awareness with gripping narratives. Her Birdwatcher’s Mystery series has inspired readers to notice the natural world, while her Raisa Jordan thrillers mirror real-world tensions, earning praise for their authenticity. As a mentor and member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, Goff champions aspiring writers, shaping the future of the genre.
Her awards, including the 2002 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year, reflect her influence in Colorado’s literary scene and beyond. By crafting stories that entertain and educate, Goff leaves a legacy of suspense that resonates with fans worldwide.
- Birthplace: Evergreen, Colorado
- Key Works: A Rant of Ravens, Dark Waters, Red Sky, A Parliament of Owls
- Awards: 2016 Anthony Award nominee, 2002 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year
Snag Dark Waters and dive into Chris Goff’s thrilling world of suspense—you won’t put it down!