Picture an American storyteller who spun tales of grim reapers with a sassy twist—meet Darynda Jones! A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jones has captivated readers with her Charley Davidson series, blending paranormal thrills, romance, and laugh-out-loud humor. From her New Mexico roots to global acclaim, her journey is a testament to imagination and grit.
Born with a knack for storytelling, Jones transformed childhood scribbles into award-winning novels that keep readers hooked. Her unique mix of supernatural suspense and witty charm has earned her a loyal fanbase and prestigious accolades, proving that a good story can light up the darkest corners.
The Making of Darynda Jones
Growing up in New Mexico, Darynda Jones was a daydreamer who penned chaotic ‘masterpieces’ at five, charming her family with tales of Barbie and Ken’s wild adventures. Her storytelling passion led her to write plays for neighborhood kids and craft stories for her brother. After moving to Albuquerque for her deaf son’s education, she earned a degree in Sign Language Interpreting and taught at a local college. In 2002, Jones reignited her writing dreams, facing rejections before her manuscript for First Grave on the Right won the 2009 Golden Heart Award, launching her career.
Darynda Jones’s Unforgettable Stories
Jones’s flagship Charley Davidson series, spanning 13 novels and several novellas, follows Charlotte ‘Charley’ Davidson, a private investigator and grim reaper who sees dead people and helps them cross into the light. First Grave on the Right (2011), an award-winning debut, introduces Charley’s sarcastic wit and supernatural adventures, earning the 2012 RITA Award for Best First Book. Second Grave on the Left (2011) deepens the stakes with Reyes Farrow, the sultry son of Satan, weaving romance and danger. Third Grave Dead Ahead (2012), a New York Times bestseller, showcases Jones’s knack for balancing humor and heart. Her Sunshine Vicram Mystery Series, starting with A Bad Day for Sunshine (2020), offers a cozy crime twist, while the Betwixt & Between series dives into paranormal women’s fiction.
Jones’s writing style is a delightful cocktail of snarky humor, steamy romance, and thrilling mysteries. Her characters, like Charley’s quirky receptionist Cookie, leap off the page, and her chapter-opening quotes from t-shirts or signs add a playful touch. Drawing from her New Mexico surroundings and personal experiences, like naming characters after students, Jones crafts stories that feel both fantastical and grounded.
Why Darynda Jones Matters
Darynda Jones has redefined paranormal romance by infusing it with humor and heart, appealing to readers who crave both thrills and laughs. Her Charley Davidson series has inspired a devoted global readership, with translations in 17 languages and praise from outlets like Publishers Weekly. By tackling themes of justice, family, and resilience, Jones’s work resonates deeply, while her success as a female author in a competitive genre highlights her trailblazing spirit. Her ability to entertain without preaching politics sets her apart, making her stories a joyful escape.
- Birthplace: New Mexico, USA
- Key Works: Charley Davidson Series, Sunshine Vicram Series, Betwixt & Between Series
- Awards: Golden Heart (2009), RITA (2012), Daphne du Maurier
Snag First Grave on the Right and dive into Darynda Jones’s paranormal playground—where grim reapers, hot demons, and coffee-fueled adventures await!