Step into the cozy, crafty world of the Home Crafting Mysteries, where soap-making sleuth Sophie Mae Reynolds whips up both bath products and solutions to small-town murders! Penned by Cricket McRae, this charming six-book series blends the warmth of cozy mysteries with the hands-on allure of homesteading crafts, set in the quaint town of Cadyville, Washington. With suspense, romance, and a dash of DIY know-how, it’s a delightful escape for fans of heartwarming whodunits.
From unraveling the mystery of a handyman’s death to diving into the art of cheese-making, Sophie Mae’s adventures hook readers with their clever plots and relatable characters. Whether you’re a cozy mystery buff or a crafting enthusiast, this series offers a unique mix of intrigue and small-town charm that’s hard to resist.
How Home Crafting Mysteries Began
Cricket McRae, a Wyoming native with a passion for traditional crafts, launched the Home Crafting Mysteries in 2007 with Lye in Wait. Drawing from her own experience running a soap-making business, McRae crafted Sophie Mae as a curious, resourceful widow who stumbles into sleuthing. Her love for pioneer skills—soap-making, canning, spinning—infuses the series with authenticity, inspired by her fascination with Nancy Drew and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Set in the Pacific Northwest, where McRae lived for 20 years, the series reflects her knack for blending cozy storytelling with practical know-how.
The Heart of Home Crafting Mysteries
The series kicks off with Lye in Wait (2007), where Sophie Mae finds her handyman dead in her workshop, killed by lye—a key ingredient in her soaps. Determined to clear her name, she uncovers arson, bigamy, and family secrets. In Heaven Preserve Us (2008), Sophie Mae volunteers at a crisis hotline, only to face a threatening caller and a boss poisoned by botulism. Spin a Wicked Web (2009) sees her spinning yarn with a co-op, until a fellow member is strangled with Sophie’s skein. Something Borrowed, Something Bleu (2010) takes her to Colorado, tackling a cold case tied to her brother’s suicide while learning cheese-making.
Each book weaves a new craft—soap-making, preserving, spinning, cheese-making—into the mystery, making the series a treasure trove for DIY fans. Themes of community, resilience, and romance (especially Sophie Mae’s evolving relationship with Detective Barr Ambrose) anchor the stories. Cadyville’s quirky residents, from Sophie’s best friend Meghan to her meddling mother, add humor and heart, while the Pacific Northwest setting paints a vivid backdrop of lush forests and tight-knit towns.
McRae’s style is light yet grounded, with mature themes like mental health and loss adding depth to the cozy formula. Her knack for pacing keeps the mysteries engaging, with twists that surprise without overwhelming. Recipes and craft tips sprinkled throughout invite readers to try Sophie Mae’s projects, blending fiction with real-world inspiration.
Why Home Crafting Mysteries Resonates
The Home Crafting Mysteries stand out in the cozy mystery genre for their unique fusion of crafting and sleuthing, appealing to readers who crave both a good puzzle and a creative spark. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and immersive setting, with reviews highlighting McRae’s ability to make Cadyville feel like home. The series’ focus on traditional skills has inspired some to try soap-making or canning, fostering a niche but loyal following.
Though not a blockbuster like some cozy series, its impact lies in its authenticity and charm. McRae’s background lends credibility to the crafts, while Sophie Mae’s growth as a sleuth and woman resonates with readers seeking empowering, down-to-earth heroines. Its lasting appeal is evident in its availability across e-readers and ongoing fan discussions online.
- First Book: Lye in Wait (2007)
- Last Book: Deadly Row to Hoe (2012)
- Total Books: 6
- Setting: Cadyville, Washington
Ready to unravel a mystery while learning to make soap or spin yarn? Grab Lye in Wait and dive into the Home Crafting Mysteries’ cozy, crafty world!