CHERYL A. HEAD

I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and from the very beginning I've been viewing the world with wide-eyed wonder and skepticism. I graduated early from high school, then found myself thrust into complex work, far-flung travel, and diverse life experiences that would hone my skills as an observer of the world, and fuel the themes that show up in my writing— the complexity of human nature; the ubiquity of  racism, greed and fear; and the power of empathy, curiosity, and community.

 

I have a communications degree from Wayne State University, and a graduate management degree from Ohio University. I am a daughter, mother, partner and citizen. I am Black and queer. Detroit holds my heart; New York City sparks my creative soul; and I reside in Washington, DC. I support my family, my queer community, my writing community and love all the ways they converge.

 

Most of my writing will be historical crime fiction. It will be diverse, inclusive and feature the fascinating, unbearable, loving, dangerous, quirky, despicable people who reside on our planet.​  I still have plenty of stories to tell.  Thanks for visiting me here!

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​                                          RECOGNITION

 

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2026 Fiction Contest Winner

Saints & Sinners Literary Festival

 

2026 Best American Mystery and Suspense 

"Finding Jimmy Baldwin"

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Time's Undoing

• Los Angeles Book Prize Finalist;

• Strand Critics Award Finalist;

• Hurston Wright Legacy Award Finalist;

• Anthony Award Nominee

• Macavity, and Agatha Award Finalist.

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Charlie Mack Motown Mysteries

• Anthony Award Nominee;

• 2x Lambda Literary Award Finalist;

• IPPY Silver Medal;

• Goldie-Ann Bannon Popular Choice Award.

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​Long Way Home

• Next Generation Indie Award Finalist

(Historical Fiction)

• Next Generation Indie Award Finalist

(African American Literature)

 

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