Picture an American storyteller who weaves magic into cozy mysteries, blending spellbinding treats with sleuthing—meet Bailey Cates! Known for her New York Times bestselling Magical Bakery Mysteries and Enchanted Garden Mysteries, Cates enchants readers with tales of witches, bakeries, and botanical wonders set against charming backdrops like Savannah, Georgia. Her knack for infusing everyday magic into gripping whodunits has made her a beloved figure in paranormal cozy mysteries.
With a background as diverse as her plots, Cates’s journey from the Pacific Northwest to full-time author in Colorado is as captivating as her stories. Let’s dive into the life and works of this magical wordsmith who believes enchantment is all around us—if we only look for it.
The Making of Bailey Cates
Born in the western United States, Bailey Cates grew up with a curiosity that led her to earn degrees in philosophy and English from Colorado State University. Her early career was a patchwork of eclectic roles—driver’s license examiner, soap maker, and even localization program manager for Microsoft, which took her across the globe. But it was her two decades in the Pacific Northwest that sparked the inspiration for her cozy mysteries, where lush landscapes and quirky communities fueled her imagination. Settling back in Colorado, Cates found her true calling as a full-time author, channeling her love for gardening, cooking, and herbalism into her writing.
Bailey Cates’s Unforgettable Stories
Cates’s Magical Bakery Mysteries, launched with Brownies and Broomsticks in 2012, follows Katie Lightfoot, a new witch running the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah. With her aunt Lucy’s spell-infused recipes, Katie bakes enchanted treats while solving murders. The series, now spanning 11 books including the 2025 release Rituals and Rolling Pins, blends light paranormal elements with cozy charm, earning praise for its vivid characters and mouthwatering recipes. Some Enchanted Éclair, a fan favorite, sees Katie catering a film set, only to unravel a killer’s plot.
Writing as Bailey Cattrell, Cates also pens the Enchanted Garden Mysteries, starting with Daisies for Innocence. This series stars Elliana Allbright, a perfumer with a magical garden, who sniffs out killers amid fragrant blooms. Cates’s style shines through her seamless mix of ancient earth magic, modern settings, and relatable heroines. Her novels, often described as savory and suspenseful, appeal to fans of cozy mysteries craving a sprinkle of enchantment.
As Cricket McRae, Cates wrote the Home Crafting Mysteries, showcasing her versatility with a soap-making sleuth, Sophie Mae Reynolds. Her standalone western mystery, Shotgun Moon, further highlights her range. Whether it’s a witchy bakery or a scented garden, Cates’s stories celebrate nature, community, and the magic in the mundane.
Why Bailey Cates Matters
Bailey Cates has carved a niche in paranormal cozy mysteries, offering readers an escape into worlds where magic is subtle yet transformative. Her focus on strong female leads and nature-based magic resonates with those seeking cozy reads with depth. By blending ancient witchcraft with modern sleuthing, she bridges genres, appealing to both mystery buffs and fantasy fans. Her influence extends to inspiring readers to find magic in their own lives—whether through baking, gardening, or simply noticing the world’s wonders.
- Pen Names: Bailey Cates, Bailey Cattrell, Cricket McRae
- Key Works: Brownies and Broomsticks, Some Enchanted Éclair, Daisies for Innocence, Shotgun Moon
- Hobbies: Gardening, cooking, herbalism, biking, hiking
Ready to taste the magic? Snag Brownies and Broomsticks and dive into Bailey Cates’s enchanting world of cozy mysteries!