Cricket McRae Books in Order

Introduction to Cricket McRae's Crafty Universes

For fans of cozy mysteries with a hands-on, creative flair, Cricket McRae is a name to know. Writing under her own name, as well as the popular pen names Bailey Cates, Bailey Cattrell, and K.C. McRae, this Colorado-based author has created some of the genre's most beloved series. Her books are famous for combining traditional mystery elements with real-world recipes, home crafting tips, aromatherapy, and a touch of magical realism.

Because she writes across several distinct subgenres under different names, navigating her bibliography can seem challenging at first. However, her series are self-contained, meaning you can easily dive into whichever craft or theme appeals to you most. Below, we break down her recommended reading orders, series details, and standalone projects.

The Recommended Starting Paths

Since the author's series do not cross over, the best place to start depends entirely on the cozy subgenre you prefer:

• If you love magic and baking: Start with Brownies and Broomsticks, the first book in the popular Magical Bakery Mystery series published under the pseudonym Bailey Cates. Set in Savannah, Georgia, it is perfect for readers who enjoy light fantasy, close-knit communities, and delicious dessert recipes.
• If you prefer realistic home crafts: Start with Lye in Wait, the debut of her Home Crafting Mystery series written under her own name, Cricket McRae. This series is heavily inspired by her own experience running a soap-making business in the Pacific Northwest.
• If you love gardening and essential oils: Start with Daisies for Innocence, written under the name Bailey Cattrell. This three-book series focuses on aromatherapy and botanical secrets in a small California town.
• If you want a darker, grittier mystery: Try Shotgun Moon, a standalone Western mystery written under the pen name K.C. McRae. This is a dramatic departure from her cozy books, featuring a suspenseful story set in rural Montana.

Magical Bakery Mystery Series (As Bailey Cates)

Writing as Bailey Cates, the author delivers her longest-running and most popular series. The books follow Katie Lightfoot, a hedge witch who mixes spells and herbal magic into the cakes and pastries she bakes at the Honeybee Bakery in Savannah, Georgia. Along with her spell-weaving aunt and a local coven, Katie solves local murders while navigating her own magical education and romantic life.

Because of the ongoing character relationships and Katie's developing magical abilities, these books must be read in publication order:

1. Brownies and Broomsticks (2012)
2. Bewitched, Bothered, and Biscotti (2012)
3. Charms and Chocolate Chips (2013)
4. Some Enchanted Éclair (2014)
5. Magic and Macaroons (2015)
6. Spells and Scones (2016)
7. Potions and Pastries (2017)
8. Cookies and Clairvoyance (2019)
9. Witches and Wedding Cake (2020)
10. Spirits and Sourdough (2022)
11. Rituals and Rolling Pins (Scheduled for release on November 10, 2026)

Home Crafting Mystery Series (As Cricket McRae)

Written under the author's real name, this six-book series stars Sophie Mae Reynolds, a resourceful soap-maker living in the fictional town of Cadyville, Washington (loosely based on the real-world Snohomish, Washington). Sophie Mae uses her knowledge of domestic crafts, natural beauty products, and local plants to help solve crimes. Each installment features authentic DIY crafting tips and recipes at the end.

The series is complete and should be read in chronological order to follow Sophie Mae's personal and professional journey:

1. Lye in Wait (2007)
2. Heaven Preserve Us (2008)
3. Spin a Wicked Web (2009)
4. Something Borrowed, Something Bleu (2010)
5. Wined and Died (2011)
6. Deadly Row to Hoe (2012)

Enchanted Garden Mystery Series (As Bailey Cattrell)

Under the name Bailey Cattrell, the author wrote a botanical-themed trilogy set in the fictional town of Poppyville, California. The protagonist, Elliana Allbright, runs a custom perfume and aromatherapy shop called Scents & Nonsense. Tucked behind her shop is a mystical garden that provides ingredients for her fragrances and helps her uncover clues to solve crimes in her community.

This series should be read in order:

1. Daisies for Innocence (2016)
2. Nightshade for Warning (2017)
3. Marigolds for Malice (2018)

Standalone Western Mystery (As K.C. McRae)

For readers looking for something darker than a typical cozy mystery, the author published Shotgun Moon (2013) under the pen name K.C. McRae. Set in the rugged town of Hazel, Montana, the novel follows Merry McCoy, a woman returning home to her family's ranch after serving time in prison. When her cousin is accused of murder, Merry is forced to investigate. This standalone is highly atmospheric, gritty, and focuses on survival and redemption.

Practical Reading Advice and Caveats

When starting your reading journey, keep these tips in mind:

• No Crossovers: You do not need to read her different series in any specific combined order. The characters in the Home Crafting, Magical Bakery, and Enchanted Garden series live in separate universes and never cross paths.
• Always Read Chronologically Within a Series: While the individual mysteries in each book are resolved by the final page, the character dynamics, romantic subplots, and local town settings evolve significantly from book to book. Reading them out of order will spoil major life changes for the protagonists.
• Try the Back Matter: One of the highlights of her cozy mysteries is the additional content included by the author. You will find real recipes for baked goods, instructions for soap-making, and tips on aromatherapy blends that tie directly into the events of the stories.