Picture a Texas-born wordsmith weaving murder mysteries with a side of wedding-day chaos—meet Marla Cooper! This cozy mystery maestro captivates readers with her Destination Wedding Mystery Series, where exotic locales, culinary delights, and a sassy sleuth named Kelsey McKenna steal the show. From her Agatha Award-nominated debut to her knack for blending humor with intrigue, Cooper’s stories are as irresistible as a perfectly planned reception.
Now settled in Oakland, California, Cooper’s journey from freelance writer to novelist is a tale of serendipity and skill. Her sharp wit and love for storytelling shine through in every page, making her a beloved voice in the cozy mystery genre. Ready to dive into her world of taffeta, tequila, and tantalizing clues?
The Making of Marla Cooper
Born in Texas, Marla Cooper discovered her passion for writing at 18, realizing people could actually get paid to craft words. She promptly switched her college major from business to advertising, much to her accounting professor’s relief. Starting as an advertising copywriter, she later embraced freelancing, penning everything from travel guidebooks to haikus while working in her pajamas. It was while ghostwriting a destination wedding guide that inspiration struck, sparking the idea for her debut novel and launching her into the cozy mystery scene.
Now living in Oakland with her husband and a polydactyl tuxedo cat, Cooper’s Texas roots and California vibe infuse her writing with warmth and charm. Her freelance background honed her ability to adapt, making her stories as versatile as they are engaging.
Marla Cooper’s Unforgettable Stories
Cooper’s Destination Wedding Mystery Series is a delightful blend of cozy mystery staples—amateur sleuthing, quirky characters, and no gore—with a unique twist: destination weddings. Her debut, Terror in Taffeta (2016), introduces Kelsey McKenna, a wedding planner whose knack for solving murders rivals her talent for orchestrating dream nuptials. Set in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, the novel earned an Agatha Award nomination for Best First Novel, praised for its sharp writing and clever plot twists.
The series continues with Dying on the Vine (2017), set in California’s wine country, where Kelsey tackles another murder amid vineyards and rival wedding planners. A third book, From Basic to Bastogne, keeps the momentum with exotic settings and mouthwatering culinary descriptions, from Mexican feasts to wine-country spreads. Cooper’s style is light yet gripping, with humor that crackles like a well-timed toast and settings that transport readers to vibrant locales.
Her stories stand out for their sassy, independent heroines and locked-room mystery vibes, where wedding parties become suspect pools. Fans of Janet Evanovich and Carolyn Haines adore Cooper’s blend of wit, romance, and red herrings, making each book a page-turner perfect for a cozy night in.
Why Marla Cooper Matters
Marla Cooper has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, bringing fresh energy with her destination-wedding framework and relatable, feisty protagonists. Her ability to weave cultural details and culinary flair into tightly plotted mysteries elevates her work beyond standard cozies, appealing to readers who crave adventure without leaving their armchairs. The Agatha nomination for Terror in Taffeta underscores her impact, marking her as a rising star among mystery writers.
Cooper’s influence extends to inspiring aspiring authors, particularly through her blog and social media, where she shares insights on writing and the publishing world. Her humor and accessibility make her a fan favorite, fostering a community of readers who eagerly await Kelsey’s next adventure.
- Key Works: Terror in Taffeta, Dying on the Vine, From Basic to Bastogne
- Awards: Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel (2016)
- Current Home: Oakland, California
Snag Terror in Taffeta and dive into Marla Cooper’s deliciously fun cozy mysteries—your next beach read is calling!