A former crime reporter, C.J. Daugherty began writing the Night School series while working as a communications consultant for the Home Office. The young adult series was published by Little Brown and went on to sell over a million and a half copies worldwide. A web series inspired by the books clocked up well over a million views. In 2020, the books were optioned for television. She later wrote The Echo Killing series, and co-wrote the fantasy series, The Secret Fire. Her books have been translated into 25 languages and have been bestsellers in multiple countries. She lives with her husband, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker, Jack Jewers.