Picture a Colorado storyteller who turned her love for birds and nature into gripping mysteries and thrilling international adventures—meet Christine Goff! Raised in the rugged beauty of Evergreen, Colorado, this award-winning author has captivated readers with her 'Bird Watcher Mysteries' and 'Raisa Jordan' thriller series, weaving environmental themes into tales of murder and intrigue. From cozy mysteries to pulse-pounding espionage, Goff’s stories are as vibrant as the landscapes that inspire them.
The Making of Christine Goff
Born and raised in the mountain community of Evergreen, Colorado, Christine Goff grew up surrounded by nature’s wonders. Her outdoorsy father introduced her to hiking, fishing, and birdwatching, sparking a lifelong passion for the wild. A hummingbird fluttering at the family’s feeder was her first avian muse, setting the stage for her future mysteries. Before writing fiction, Goff honed her craft as a journalist, penning columns for Summit County newspapers and editing climbing guides for Chockstone Press. Her leap into novels came after years of writing, with early unpublished works—a thriller, a horror novel, and a young adult story—paving the way for her breakout success.
Christine Goff’s Unforgettable Stories
Goff’s 'Bird Watcher Mysteries' series, starting with A Rant of Ravens (2000), blends cozy mystery charm with environmental urgency. The series follows Rachel Wilder, a New Yorker navigating love and murder in the Colorado Rockies, where birdwatching uncovers clues to crimes. Each novel tackles issues like habitat destruction, illegal falcon trade, or environmental poisons, earning praise for its vivid settings and engaging casts. Published in the UK and Japan, the series includes titles like Death of a Songbird and A Parliament of Owls, the latter set in the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge. Goff’s 'Raisa Jordan' thrillers, beginning with Dark Waters (2015), shift gears to international espionage. Raisa, a Diplomatic Security Service agent, tackles global crises in Tel Aviv and Ukraine, delivering whip-smart narratives lauded by authors like Lee Child. Red Sky (2017), a finalist for the 2018 Colorado Book Award, showcases Goff’s knack for high-stakes drama.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of cozy and edgy, with richly described landscapes and intricate plots. Whether it’s the serene trails of Colorado or the tense streets of Tel Aviv, Goff’s stories reflect her deep knowledge of over 250 bird species and her travels across Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii for research. Her environmental focus resonates, highlighting how human actions impact nature, wrapped in mysteries that keep readers guessing.
Why Christine Goff Matters
Christine Goff’s work stands out for its unique blend of nature and narrative, making environmental issues accessible through compelling stories. Her 'Bird Watcher Mysteries' have inspired readers to notice the birds around them, while her thrillers shine a light on global diplomacy and conflict. Beyond writing, Goff’s impact extends to the literary community, where she teaches workshops, speaks at conferences, and serves on boards for groups like Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America. Awards like the 2002 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year and nominations for WILLA Literary Awards underscore her influence. Goff’s stories remind us that nature and human drama are intertwined, urging readers to protect the world they love.
- Key Works: A Rant of Ravens, Dark Waters, Red Sky
- Awards: 2002 Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ Writer of the Year, 2018 Colorado Book Award Finalist
- Fun Fact: She’s an avid birder who can identify over 250 bird species!
About Christine Goff
Snag A Rant of Ravens or Dark Waters and dive into Christine Goff’s thrilling blend of nature and mystery!