J.C. Carleson is a former CIA officer who transitioned into writing after nearly a decade of covert service. Her experiences in the clandestine world inform both her fiction and nonfiction works, which often explore themes of espionage, intrigue, and global conflict. Drawing from firsthand knowledge of high-stakes operations, she brings authenticity to narratives set in war zones, diplomatic circles, and shadowy intelligence networks.
A graduate of Cornell University, Carleson's career took her across the globe, from conflict regions to elite social gatherings in European capitals. Her writing reflects this diverse background, blending real-world insights with gripping storytelling. Though she initially never considered a creative path, her unique perspective as an undercover operative provided fertile ground for crafting compelling narratives. Now based outside Washington, DC, she continues to draw from her extraordinary experiences in her work.