Kelly Gay
Encyclopedia
Kelly Gay is an American author, known for her work in urban fantasy
. Gay has written books in both the adult and young-adult genres, penning the latter under the name of Kelly Keaton. She is particularly known for the Charlie Madigan series
, a story about a police officer who attempts to balance paranormal cases with life as a single mother. Her works have received critical acclaim and award recognition.
In 2008, two of her unpublished manuscripts became finalists in the Golden Heart Awards, presented by Romance Writers of America
. Her debut novel was acquired by Simon and Schuster the same year. She resides in North Carolina
with her husband and two children.
. Set in Atlanta, the story presents a future in which humanity has discovered two paranormal dimensions. As a result, Earth becomes a new home for various benevolent or malicious supernatural beings. The series follows the personal and professional challenges of Charlie Madigan, a single mother and a policewoman.
A review from Booklist
called the first novel "extraordinary." Publishers Weekly
stated, "Intricate world-building and richly complex characters mix with a fast-paced plot to create a standout start to a new series." The Better Part of Darkness was a double finalist in the 2010 RITA Awards, presented by Romance Writers of America. The novel also received recognition from the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, a trade association representing southern-area book stores in the United States. SIBA identified the novel as an "Okra Pick" in 2009, and also as a Long List Book Award Finalist the following year.
The second Charlie Madigan novel, The Darkest Edge of Dawn, was released in August 2010. Romantic Times Book Reviews called it better than its predecessor, and remarked that the "tight plotting keeps the pace brisk and the action exciting." The book was also nominated for a 2010 Australian Romance Readers Award, appearing in the category of "Favourite Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy or Futuristic Romance".
stated that the story "paints richly detailed scenes of the New Orleans landscape and crafts fully realized, sympathetic characters. Ari’s journey from loner to wary member of a band of misfits and her fall for one of them spins a compelling thread through her quest." Author Christopher Pike
called the book, "Unforgettable, complex, and unique."
Urban fantasy
Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Many urban fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods...
. Gay has written books in both the adult and young-adult genres, penning the latter under the name of Kelly Keaton. She is particularly known for the Charlie Madigan series
Charlie Madigan series
The Charlie Madigan series is a collection of urban fantasy novels by author Kelly Gay. The books present a future in which humanity has discovered two vastly different dimensions, making Atlanta a crossroads for various supernatural beings...
, a story about a police officer who attempts to balance paranormal cases with life as a single mother. Her works have received critical acclaim and award recognition.
Personal life
As a child, Kelly Gay was introduced to fantasy by her mother and grandmother. She grew up writing paranormal stories and screenplays while working an assortment of jobs. In 2006, Gay received a North Carolina Arts Council fellowship grant in screenwriting, which she credits with helping to boost her confidence as a storyteller.In 2008, two of her unpublished manuscripts became finalists in the Golden Heart Awards, presented by Romance Writers of America
Romance Writers of America
Romance Writers of America is a national non-profit genre writers association. It provides networking and support to individuals seriously pursuing a career in romance fiction and supports top authors such as Nora Roberts and Judith McNaught.-History:...
. Her debut novel was acquired by Simon and Schuster the same year. She resides in North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
with her husband and two children.
Charlie Madigan series
Gay's debut novel, The Better Part of Darkness, was released in November 2009. It is the first book in the Charlie Madigan seriesCharlie Madigan series
The Charlie Madigan series is a collection of urban fantasy novels by author Kelly Gay. The books present a future in which humanity has discovered two vastly different dimensions, making Atlanta a crossroads for various supernatural beings...
. Set in Atlanta, the story presents a future in which humanity has discovered two paranormal dimensions. As a result, Earth becomes a new home for various benevolent or malicious supernatural beings. The series follows the personal and professional challenges of Charlie Madigan, a single mother and a policewoman.
A review from Booklist
Booklist
Booklist is a publication of the American Library Association that provides critical reviews of books and audiovisual materials for all ages. It is geared toward libraries and booksellers and is available in print or online...
called the first novel "extraordinary." Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly, aka PW, is an American weekly trade news magazine targeted at publishers, librarians, booksellers and literary agents...
stated, "Intricate world-building and richly complex characters mix with a fast-paced plot to create a standout start to a new series." The Better Part of Darkness was a double finalist in the 2010 RITA Awards, presented by Romance Writers of America. The novel also received recognition from the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance, a trade association representing southern-area book stores in the United States. SIBA identified the novel as an "Okra Pick" in 2009, and also as a Long List Book Award Finalist the following year.
The second Charlie Madigan novel, The Darkest Edge of Dawn, was released in August 2010. Romantic Times Book Reviews called it better than its predecessor, and remarked that the "tight plotting keeps the pace brisk and the action exciting." The book was also nominated for a 2010 Australian Romance Readers Award, appearing in the category of "Favourite Sci-Fi, Urban Fantasy or Futuristic Romance".
Young-adult fiction
In 2010, Gay revealed plans to write young-adult fiction under the name Kelly Keaton. Her first YA novel, Darkness Becomes Her, was released in February 2011. The book presents a post-disaster New Orleans, renamed New 2, which is largely abandoned and believed to be inhabited by paranormal beings. An isolated teenager named Ari returns to New 2 seeking answers about her past, finding new mysteries and allies along the way. A review from School Library JournalSchool Library Journal
The School Library Journal is a monthly magazine with articles and reviews for school librarians, media specialists, and public librarians who work with young people. Articles cover a wide variety of topics, with a focus on technology and multimedia. Reviews are included for preschool to 4th grade,...
stated that the story "paints richly detailed scenes of the New Orleans landscape and crafts fully realized, sympathetic characters. Ari’s journey from loner to wary member of a band of misfits and her fall for one of them spins a compelling thread through her quest." Author Christopher Pike
Christopher Pike (author)
Christopher Pike is the pseudonym of American author Kevin Christopher McFadden . He is a bestselling author of young adult and children's fiction, but whose expertise is in the thriller genre. The pseudonym Christopher Pike is allegedly a reference to the captain of the USS Enterprise in the Star...
called the book, "Unforgettable, complex, and unique."
Charlie Madigan series
- The Better Part of Darkness (November 2009, ISBN 978-1439109656)
- The Darkest Edge of Dawn (August 2010, ISBN 978-1439110041)
- The Hour of Dust and Ashes (August 2011, ISBN 978-1451625479)
- Book 4 (2012)
Ari series
- Darkness Becomes Her (February 2011, ISBN 978-1442409248)
- Book 2 (February 2012)