Charlie Moon Books In Order

Publication Order of Charlie Moon Books

The late American writer James D. Doss was one of the greatest of his genre and has inspired countless other writers with the legacy he left behind. Creating a number of thriller and mystery novels, he was well known for his ability in building tension gradually throughout, alongside his witty and engaging style. His characters were also easy to relate to for many, with a lot of his iconic protagonists being highly memorable during his time as an author. One such character was that of his Charlie Moon character who really managed to capture many reader’s eye during the initial run of his original series. Providing his audience with an in-depth three-dimensional portrayal of this eponymous protagonist, he really captured their imagination for the duration of the franchise. Today readers are still discovering this intriguing character, as his legacy continues to live on, as both the critics and general public alike flock to his work.
In the novels Charlie Moon himself is a rancher, along with being a tribal police investigator, as he uses his expert powers of deduction to solve crimes. With lot of knowledge of Native American life, Doss manages to capture this side of America, as he paints it in a positive and progressive light, with an element of the supernatural at times even. Running for a duration of over seventeen books in total it was a fairly long and extensive series that managed to build a sense of familiarity that kept its readers continually coming back for more again and again.
The Shaman Sings
Originally published in 1994 on the first of November, this title was first brought out through the ‘Avon Books’ publishing label to much acclaim. It was to be the book that started the whole ‘Charlie Moon’ series, introducing him for the first time to his audience and setting up his whole premise as well. Bringing the reader into his world, James Doss manages to engage them straight away, as he captures their attention immediately from the very outset.
With this being the first book in the series, the leading character of the later novels Charlie Moon isn’t so prominent, as he’s seen in the background more here. Largely due to his popularity, though, and his appealing personality he becomes the focus of following novels, with this being the only one where he’s more of a supporting character. As an introduction to his world and the style of the novels it’s ideal, as it provides the perfect gateway in through the character of Chief Scott Parris who’s initially an outsider from the beginning. The themes of Native American life are still highly prominent and it’s a great place to catch the onset of this unique and distinctive perspective on a different culture not often portrayed in such novels. Showing a clear understanding about the people and what their culture is about, Doss really knows his subject matter, allowing it to come alive and almost leap off the page for the reader. Set in Southern Colorado upon the Ute reservation, it really manages to bring the place to life giving it a sense of vibrancy and immediacy in what is a fully fleshed out description of the environment.
Dark omens are afoot as the Ute shaman Daisy Perika has seen something rather foreboding on the horizon who, along with her friend Nahum Yaciti, must divine what they mean. That’s when the young physics graduate student Priscilla Song is murdered in her laboratory whilst working late one night, a case which Chief Scott Parris is soon on to. Looking through all the clues he must attempt to work out where the truth and lies separate, all whilst getting help from the most unlikeliest of places. Will they solve the case? Can they find the killer before it’s too late? What will happen when the shaman sings?
The Shaman Laughs
Initially brought out through the ‘St. Martin’s Press’ publishing house this time, this sequel was first released in 1995 on the first of January. Following directly on from the previous novel, it tells the story of the next chapter in the life of Charlie Moon and his next subsequent case to solve. Providing much of the same as what came before, Doss really has a clear understanding of what works and what doesn’t here, as well as providing some twists and turns along the way.
Utilizing the themes of Native American life once again, Doss heads back to somewhat familiar territory, whilst also managing to keep it new and fresh in the process. This is also the novel where the eponymous Charlie Moon of the title comes to the forefront of the narrative, having only starred briefly in the previous one. Giving him full dominion over the narrative this time, Doss really allows Moon to come alive as a character, and it’s easy to see why so many readers have taken to him over the subsequent years since.
This time it’s the much loved eponymous Ute police officer Charlie Moon who’s now on the case, and it’s now up to him to solve the case of another tragic murder. Dealing with what might be a horrific torture death, it appears this could be their most challenging and difficult case that they’ve had to deal with yet. With a number of animal deaths being committed as well, it seems that this force can only mean evil is afoot again, something which he can solve using both his powers of deduction, along with the help of the Native Americans once more. Will he be able to crack the case? Where will the killer strike next? Just what will occur when finally the shaman laughs?
The Charlie Moon Series
With over seventeen books in total for this series, it’s easily one of the more comprehensive and complete franchises that is available on the market currently today. Leaving behind an extremely strong legacy that would be the envy of any up-and-coming writer, it’s definitely one of the most conclusive as well, as it really provides a feel for the character of Charlie Moon. The effects of this legacy and this franchise are expected to continue for some years to come, with his audience growing constantly at a rapid pace every day.