Picture a New Yorker weaving tales of vampires and werewolves in a gritty, post-9/11 city—meet Jess Haines! A USA Today bestselling author, Haines has carved a niche in urban fantasy and paranormal romance with her H&W Investigations series. Her stories, led by the fearless yet human private investigator Shiarra Waynest, blend supernatural thrills with raw, relatable emotion, captivating readers worldwide.
Now based in Southern California, Haines’s journey from the bustling streets of New York to the sun-soaked coast infuses her work with a dynamic sense of place. With a knack for crafting worlds where the paranormal feels just a heartbeat away, she’s a storyteller who makes you believe in the magic lurking in the shadows.
The Making of Jess Haines
Born in New York, Jess Haines grew up surrounded by the vibrant energy of the city that would later inspire her alternate, supernatural-tinged version of it. Her love for storytelling was sparked by literary giants like Laurell K. Hamilton, Jim Butcher, and Stephen King, whose works fueled her passion for the fantastical. Before becoming a published author, Haines honed her craft through freelance technical writing, editing, and screenplays, building a versatile skill set that would shape her vivid narratives.
In 2010, Haines burst onto the urban fantasy scene with her debut novel, Hunted by the Others, the first in the H&W Investigations series. Inspired by her role-playing days and a memorable trailer for Blade, she created Shiarra Waynest—a character who evolved from a gaming concept into a beloved heroine. Haines’s transition from hobbyist to professional author was a leap of faith, driven by her desire to tell stories that resonate with fans of the supernatural.
Jess Haines’s Unforgettable Stories
At the heart of Haines’s bibliography is the H&W Investigations series, an eight-book saga that follows Shiarra Waynest, a human PI navigating a New York where vampires, werewolves, and mages coexist with mortals. Unlike typical urban fantasy heroines with supernatural powers, Shiarra is refreshingly ordinary—armed only with her wits, a snarky sentient belt, and sheer determination. This human perspective makes her battles against ferocious werewolves and cunning vampires all the more gripping.
Key works include Hunted by the Others (2010), where Shiarra is blackmailed into retrieving a dangerous artifact from a powerful vampire, and Deceived by the Others (2011), which sees her grappling with betrayal during a werewolf pack getaway. Stalking the Others (2012) amps up the action as Shiarra, fueled by an enchanted hunter’s belt, takes on her enemies with fierce resolve. Haines also explored young adult fantasy with the Blackhollow Academy series, starting with Smoke and Mirrors (2016), showcasing her versatility in crafting magical worlds.
Haines’s style is a thrilling mix of fast-paced action, witty dialogue, and complex character dynamics. Her alternate New York, set a decade after a fictional 9/11 where supernaturals “came out,” feels both familiar and fantastical. Themes of loyalty, prejudice, and personal growth weave through her stories, making them as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.
Why Jess Haines Matters
Jess Haines has left an indelible mark on urban fantasy by proving that a human protagonist can hold her own in a world of supernatural heavyweights. Her focus on Shiarra’s vulnerabilities and growth challenges genre norms, offering readers a relatable lens into a fantastical universe. Fans praise her for her world-building, which avoids heavy exposition while immersing readers in a richly detailed setting.
Beyond her novels, Haines’s engagement with her audience through social media and her website fosters a loyal community. Her influence extends to inspiring new authors to explore urban fantasy’s potential, blending grit, humor, and heart. In a genre often dominated by superpowered heroes, Haines’s human-centric storytelling is a refreshing, enduring contribution.
- Birthplace: New York, USA
- Key Works: Hunted by the Others (2010), Deceived by the Others (2011), Stalking the Others (2012), Smoke and Mirrors (2016)
- Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
- Notable Achievement: USA Today Bestselling Author
Ready for a thrilling ride? Snag Hunted by the Others and dive into Jess Haines’s spellbinding urban fantasy world!