Picture an American storyteller who weaves magic into cozy mysteries, whisking readers to enchanted towns where witches and vampires sip coffee—meet Annabel Chase! Writing under her pen name (her real name is Keeley Bates), Chase has charmed fans with her paranormal fiction, blending humor, heart, and a dash of the supernatural. Her Spellbound and Saints & Strangers series invite readers into worlds where the ordinary meets the extraordinary, making her a beloved voice in contemporary fiction.
With a knack for crafting relatable characters and immersive plots, Chase transforms everyday settings into magical playgrounds. Whether it’s a cursed town or a quirky neighborhood, her stories sparkle with wit and wonder, earning her a loyal following. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of Annabel Chase!
The Making of Annabel Chase
Born in the United States, Annabel Chase, aka Keeley Bates, didn’t start as a writer. Before spinning tales of witches and angels, she practiced law on two continents, navigating courtrooms with the same precision she now brings to her plots. Her legal background infuses her stories with sharp dialogue and clever problem-solving, but it was her love for mythology, history, and magic that sparked her writing career. Trading legal briefs for fictional worlds, Chase found her calling in crafting cozy mysteries and urban fantasies that feel like a warm hug with a spooky twist.
Chase’s dual citizenship in the US and UK adds a unique flavor to her storytelling, blending American charm with a touch of British whimsy. A mother of two and proud dog owner, she dreams of living in a magical town where she can flirt with vampires and shop at stores like Ready-to-Were. This playful spirit shines through in her books, making her a natural fit for paranormal fiction.
Annabel Chase’s Unforgettable Stories
Chase’s bibliography is a treasure trove of paranormal cozy mysteries and urban fantasies, with her Spellbound series leading the charge. Launched in 2017 with Curse the Day, Spellbound introduces Emma Hart, a lawyer-turned-witch who stumbles into a cursed town where supernaturals are trapped for centuries. Emma’s journey—filled with broomstick mishaps, vampire crushes, and murder mysteries—captivates with its humor and heart. The series, spanning 10 books and a sequel series, Spellbound Ever After, is a fan favorite for its quirky cast and magical chaos.
Under her real name, Keeley Bates, Chase penned the Saints & Strangers series, a contemporary cozy mystery saga. Starting with A Dead End (2015), it follows Kit Wilder, a washed-up actress turned amateur sleuth in Westdale, a town of Mayflower descendants. The series, praised for its modern take on cozy mysteries, earned an Honorable Mention in the 2016 Library Journal Indie Ebook Awards. Chase also explores other worlds with series like Starry Hollow Witches, where single mom Ember Rose uncovers magical secrets, and Federal Bureau of Magic, a humorous take on supernatural law enforcement.
Her writing style is a delightful mix of snappy dialogue, vivid settings, and relatable heroines who face fears (like Emma’s dread of heights) with pluck. Chase’s themes—community, self-discovery, and the magic in everyday life—resonate deeply, making her books perfect for readers craving escapism with a side of mystery.
Why Annabel Chase Matters
Annabel Chase has carved a niche in paranormal fiction by blending cozy mystery warmth with urban fantasy’s edge. Her stories celebrate underdogs—witches, actresses, or single moms—who find strength in quirky communities. Fans adore her ability to make magical worlds feel like home, fostering a sense of belonging. Her influence extends to aspiring writers, showing how humor and heart can elevate genre fiction.
Chase’s work also bridges cultures, drawing on her US-UK roots to craft universally appealing tales. By writing under two names, she showcases versatility, appealing to both paranormal enthusiasts and traditional mystery lovers. Her growing fanbase and critical praise signal a lasting legacy in cozy fiction.
- Pen Name: Annabel Chase (Real name: Keeley Bates)
- Key Works: Spellbound, Saints & Strangers, Starry Hollow Witches
- Genres: Paranormal Cozy Mystery, Urban Fantasy
- Notable Award: Honorable Mention, 2016 Library Journal Indie Ebook Awards (A Dead End)
Ready to get spellbound? Snag Curse the Day or A Dead End and dive into Annabel Chase’s magical, mystery-filled worlds!