Picture a storyteller who spins cozy mysteries with a dash of homecraft magic—meet Cricket McRae! Writing under her own name and as Bailey Cates and Bailey Cattrell, this Colorado-based author crafts delightful tales that blend her love for soap-making, gardening, and sleuthing. From her Pacific Northwest-inspired Home Crafting Mysteries to the spellbinding Magical Bakery series, McRae’s stories invite readers into worlds where everyday crafts spark extraordinary adventures.
With a knack for weaving her eclectic life into her narratives, McRae’s journey from a Microsoft program manager to a beloved mystery writer is as intriguing as her plots. Let’s dive into the life, works, and charm of this versatile author whose stories are as warm as a homemade candle.
The Making of Cricket McRae
Born on May 7, 1964, Cricket McRae grew up in the American West, where her curiosity for philosophy and English led her to Colorado State University. Her liberal arts degrees set the stage for a career that defied her mother’s warning about never having a “regular” job. From driver’s license examiner to bookseller, and even a stint managing newspaper ads, McRae’s varied path included two years running her own soap-making business. Her global travels as a localization program manager at Microsoft further enriched her perspective, planting seeds for the vivid settings in her novels. After settling in Colorado, she channeled her passions into writing, adopting pseudonyms to explore different cozy mystery subgenres.
Cricket McRae’s Unforgettable Stories
McRae’s bibliography is a treasure trove of cozy mysteries, each series infused with her love for crafts and community. Her Home Crafting Mysteries, starring soap-maker Sophie Mae Reynolds, kick off with Lye in Wait (2007). In this Pacific Northwest-set series, Sophie stumbles upon a body in her workroom, unraveling a murder with recipes for homemade beauty products sprinkled throughout. Critics, like Booklist’s Whitney Scott, praised its “credibly written characters” and “appealing eccentricities.” The series spans six books, ending with Deadly Row to Hoe (2012), blending homecraft tips with suspense.
As Bailey Cates, McRae serves up the Magical Bakery Mysteries, where baker Katie Lightfoot mixes spells with sweets in Savannah. Starting with Brownies and Broomsticks (2012), this series layers magical realism over cozy crimes, earning Kirkus Reviews’ praise for its “compelling plot” and “engaging characters.” Meanwhile, the Enchanted Garden Mysteries, written as Bailey Cattrell, follow aromatherapist Elliana Allbright, whose green thumb solves crimes in Daisies for Innocence (2016). McRae’s standalone western mystery, Shotgun Moon, showcases her range, diving into grittier themes. Her style—rich with sensory details, practical crafts, and strong female leads—makes her stories both relatable and enchanting.
Why Cricket McRae Matters
Cricket McRae’s impact lies in her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary. Her novels celebrate the magic of everyday skills—baking, gardening, soap-making—while empowering readers with resourceful heroines. By blending practical tips with cozy mysteries, she’s carved a niche that resonates with fans of tactile, community-driven stories. Her work, praised for its authenticity and charm, has built a loyal readership, particularly among cozy mystery enthusiasts. McRae’s pseudonymous ventures expand her reach, proving her versatility in a genre that thrives on comfort and intrigue.
- Birth Date: May 7, 1964
- Key Works: Lye in Wait, Brownies and Broomsticks, Daisies for Innocence, Shotgun Moon
- Pseudonyms: Bailey Cates, Bailey Cattrell
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Magical Realism, Western Mystery
Snag Lye in Wait or Brownies and Broomsticks and dive into Cricket McRae’s cozy, crafty world—perfect for a cozy night in!