C.C. Harrison Books In Order

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

About C.C. Harrison

C.C. Harrison is an American author known for writing mystery and suspense novels. Her books pull readers in with well-built plots and unexpected turns. She has a talent for shaping characters that feel real and relatable. This makes her stories enjoyable for those who like gripping, fast-paced fiction.

One of Harrison’s strengths is creating protagonists who are smart and engaging. Her main characters often face challenges that keep the story moving forward. The way she develops their personalities adds depth to her books. Readers find themselves invested in the outcomes because of how she crafts their journeys.

She truly crafts memorable characters who feel authentic and multi-dimensional. Her protagonists, like Viva Winter and Amanda Bell, are strong yet flawed women whose personal journeys drive the narratives. Supporting characters add richness, whether through cultural perspectives like Durango Yazzie or quirky small-town personalities. Harrison particularly excels at creating organic tension between characters through differing worldviews and motivations.

Harrison’s storytelling keeps audiences hooked with tight, engaging narratives. She balances tension and intrigue without making the plot confusing. Her writing style is straightforward but never dull, making her books easy to dive into. Fans of mystery and suspense appreciate her ability to deliver satisfying, entertaining reads.

Through her books she captivates readers across the globe with their mix of suspense and authenticity. She stays true to her voice, crafting stories that feel genuine and engaging. Her writing avoids unnecessary fluff, focusing instead on sharp, purposeful storytelling. This approach keeps readers turning pages, no matter where they are.

Her ability to entertain comes from well-paced plots and characters that resonate. She doesn’t force artificial drama, letting tension unfold naturally. This makes her mysteries feel real, not just constructed for shock value. Readers appreciate that her stories stay grounded while still delivering excitement.

Harrison’s work succeeds because she writes what she knows, with confidence. She doesn’t chase trends, sticking to the kind of storytelling she does best. This honesty in her writing creates a connection with her audience. Fans keep coming back because they trust her to deliver a satisfying, entertaining read every time.

C.C. Harrison continues to write, with new stories on the horizon. Fans can expect more of her signature mystery and suspense in future books. She stays committed to crafting engaging plots and memorable characters. Readers have plenty to look forward to as she keeps adding to her collection of work.

Early and Personal Life

C.C. Harrison was born in Detroit, where her early love for storytelling began. As a child, her first trip to the library sparked a lifelong passion for books and writing. That moment set her on the path to becoming an author, shaping her future in mystery and suspense.

Over the years, Harrison has written hundreds of articles and short stories, honing her craft. When not writing or reading, she enjoys staying active at the gym or exploring the mountains of Colorado. The rugged landscapes of the Southwest also inspire her, adding depth to her settings and stories.

Beyond writing, Harrison discovered a love for music later in life, teaching herself to play the ukulele. She now collects instruments, including guitars and dulcimers, embracing creativity in all forms. Her curiosity and dedication continue to drive her work, promising more engaging stories for readers to enjoy.

Writing Career

C.C. Harrison has earned national acclaim for her suspense and mystery novels, with several receiving prestigious awards. Her debut novel, The Charmstone, won Golden Quill’s Best Romantic Suspense and Best First Book, while also becoming a Colorado Award of Excellence finalist. Esteemed author Tony Hillerman praised it as “a valuable book,” cementing her reputation as a skilled storyteller.

Her success continued with Running from Strangers, a National Readers Choice finalist, and Sage Cane’s House of Grace and Favor, a Colorado Book Award finalist. Picture of Lies later claimed the Next Generation Indie Book Award for Suspense, while Death by G-String won the Colorado Humanities Book Award for Mystery. With more works in progress, Harrison’s writing career continues to thrive.

Death by G-String

C.C. Harrison’s cozy mystery Death by G-String was published on November 7, 2017, by Written Dreams Publishing. It is the first book in A Coyote Canyon Ladies Ukulele Club Mystery series. The novel blends musical themes with traditional mystery elements in a small-town setting.

Viva Winter must use her investigative skills when Kiki Jacquenette, star player of the Coyote Canyon Ladies Ukulele Club, is murdered before a big competition. The death threatens both the festival and Viva’s plans to establish Coyote Canyon as a folk music destination while repaying townsfolk scammed by her father. As suspicion falls on Viva herself, she races to solve the case before the killer ruins everything. The murder could destroy the town’s tourism hopes and leave Viva’s reputation in shambles.

This engaging mystery keeps readers hooked with its clever plot and small-town charm. The ukulele club setting adds a fresh, musical twist to the classic whodunit formula. Viva Winter makes a determined amateur sleuth whose personal stakes raise the tension. Mystery fans will enjoy the well-paced story and satisfying resolution.

The Charmstone

C.C. Harrison’s mystery novel The Charmstone was published on April 18, 2007 by Five Star. The book earned critical acclaim, winning Golden Quill’s Best Romantic Suspense and Best First Book awards. It was also named a Colorado Award of Excellence finalist in the mystery/suspense category.

Amanda Bell travels to Monument Valley to honor her late archaeologist father’s final request – delivering his literary collection to the Navajo Cultural Center. She clashes with director Durango Yazzie, a man torn between preserving his heritage and protecting ancestral lands from encroachment. As Amanda works, she encounters threats, secretive locals, and unexplained watchers in the desert. The mystery deepens with questions about an ancient charmstone’s protective powers and what really happened to her father.

This compelling mystery blends cultural discovery with suspense against Monument Valley’s striking backdrop. Readers will appreciate the authentic Navajo cultural elements woven throughout the intriguing plot. The tension between Amanda and Durango adds depth while the desert setting creates perfect atmospheric tension. Mystery lovers will enjoy the well-crafted story with its mix of archaeology, heritage, and danger.