Picture a New England quilter stitching together mysteries as cozy as a handmade quilt—meet Kathryn Mykel! This award-winning author has charmed readers with her Quilting Cozy Mystery series, blending small-town charm, humor, and intricate whodunits. With a needle-sharp knack for storytelling, Mykel’s novels, like Sewing Suspicion and Quilting Calamity, have earned her back-to-back Indie Cozy Mystery Tribe Book of the Year Awards in 2021 and 2022.
Born and raised in a tight-knit Massachusetts town, Mykel’s love for quilting and community weaves through her stories, inviting readers into a world where secrets unravel one stitch at a time. Her latest venture, the Washy Time Laundromat Cozy Mystery series, proves she’s not done spinning tales of intrigue and heart.
The Making of Kathryn Mykel
Kathryn Mykel grew up in the quaint corners of Massachusetts, where small-town life and community spirit shaped her storytelling. An avid quilter, she turned her passion for fabric and patterns into a thriving retail quilting business before diving into writing. After closing her quilt shop and navigating the shift to online retail, Mykel embraced self-publishing, channeling her expertise into lighthearted cozy mysteries. Her transition from corporate life to full-time author reflects her determination to craft stories that resonate with readers who crave humor and heart.
Kathryn Mykel’s Unforgettable Stories
Mykel’s Quilting Cozy Mystery series is a patchwork of suspense and charm, centered around Alex Bailey, a lawyer-turned-sleuth unraveling murders in her New England hometown. Sewing Suspicion (2021), the series opener, follows Alex as she investigates her grandmother’s suspicious death, earning the 2021 Indie Cozy Mystery Tribe Book of the Year Award for its clever plot and engaging characters. Quilting Calamity (2022), set on a quirky quilting cruise, nabbed the 2022 award with its nautical twists and lovable Spruce Street gang.
In 2023, Mykel launched the Washy Time Laundromat Cozy Mystery series with A Load of Trouble, set in the fictional Whistle Stop, Vermont. This standalone tale introduces Matty, a dumpster-diving sleuth, and a zany cast tackling a laundromat owner’s murder. Mykel’s style shines through her playful prose, quirky characters, and quilting metaphors, making each book a quick, suspenseful read that feels like a warm hug.
Her stories stand out for their humor and intricate plotting, with mysteries that keep readers guessing. Whether it’s a quilt hiding clues or a laundromat concealing secrets, Mykel’s ability to blend everyday settings with high-stakes drama has cemented her place in the cozy mystery genre.
Why Kathryn Mykel Matters
Kathryn Mykel has carved a niche in cozy mysteries by celebrating the art of quilting and the bonds of small-town life. Her books resonate with readers who enjoy clean, swear-free stories packed with suspense and laughter. Winning consecutive Indie Cozy Mystery Tribe Awards highlights her ability to captivate a dedicated fanbase, while her active engagement on social media and crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter shows her commitment to connecting with readers.
Mykel’s influence extends beyond her novels, inspiring quilters and mystery lovers to find joy in creativity and community. Her stories remind us that even in the quietest towns, secrets are waiting to be unpicked, making her a beloved voice in the genre.
- Born: Massachusetts, USA
- Key Works: Sewing Suspicion, Quilting Calamity, A Load of Trouble
- Awards: Indie Cozy Mystery Tribe Book of the Year (2021, 2022)
- Fun Fact: Mykel lives in a 30-foot RV with her dog, Bentley!
Snag Sewing Suspicion and dive into Kathryn Mykel’s cozy, quilted world of mystery and mirth!