Picture a storyteller who spins cozy mysteries as warm and inviting as a Tennessee yarn shop—meet Molly MacRae! This American author has charmed readers with her Highland Bookshop Mysteries and Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series, blending small-town intrigue with a dash of humor and heart. From her roots in the Blue Ridge Mountains to her cozy nook in Champaign, Illinois, MacRae’s stories transport us to worlds where quirky characters and clever plots unravel like a well-knit sweater.
The Making of Molly MacRae
Molly MacRae’s journey to mystery writing began in the foothills of northeast Tennessee, where she spent two decades immersed in the rich culture of Jonesborough, the state’s oldest town. With degrees in anthropology and museum education, she served as a curator at a local history museum, soaking up stories of small-town life that would later inspire her novels. Her love for books led her to manage The Book Place, an independent bookstore, fueling her passion for storytelling. MacRae’s early writing career took flight with short stories published in Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, earning her the prestigious Sherwood Anderson Award for Short Fiction.
Molly MacRae’s Unforgettable Stories
MacRae’s novels are a love letter to cozy mysteries, weaving intricate plots with vibrant settings. Her Haunted Yarn Shop Mystery series, starting with Last Wool and Testament (2012), follows Kath Rutledge, a textile preservationist in Blue Plum, Tennessee, who inherits her grandmother’s yarn shop—and a depressed ghost named Geneva. The series, praised for its quirky characters and small-town charm, includes titles like Dyeing Wishes and Crewel and Unusual. In contrast, the Highland Bookshop Mysteries, beginning with Plaid and Plagiarism (2016), transport readers to Inversgail, Scotland, where four women run Yon Bonnie Books, solving murders amid scones and tartan. Books like Scones and Scoundrels and Heather and Homicide showcase MacRae’s knack for humor and cultural detail, drawing from her year studying at Edinburgh University. Her style blends light paranormal elements, witty dialogue, and a deep sense of place, making each story a delightful escape.
MacRae’s standalone works, like Lawn Order and Wilder Rumors, also reflect her Tennessee roots, featuring bookstore owners and museum curators entangled in mysteries. Her short story collection, My Troubles, stars sisters Margaret and Bitsy, whose sibling antics in Stonewall, Tennessee, keep readers laughing and guessing. MacRae’s ability to craft relatable characters and vivid settings has earned her a loyal following among cozy mystery fans.
Why Molly MacRae Matters
Molly MacRae’s impact lies in her ability to capture the heart of small-town life, blending humor, mystery, and community into stories that feel like a warm hug. Her novels celebrate strong, independent women who solve crimes with wit and resourcefulness, resonating with readers who crave escapist yet relatable tales. By infusing her work with her experiences as a curator, bookstore manager, and librarian, MacRae brings authenticity to her settings, making Blue Plum and Inversgail feel like places you could visit. Her contributions to Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine and her national bestselling status with Pegasus Crime highlight her as a standout in the cozy mystery genre.
- Key Works: Last Wool and Testament, Plaid and Plagiarism, Scones and Scoundrels, My Troubles
- Awards: Sherwood Anderson Award for Short Fiction
- Current Home: Champaign, Illinois, where she works as a librarian
Ready to unravel a mystery with a side of scones or yarn? Grab Plaid and Plagiarism or Last Wool and Testament and dive into Molly MacRae’s cozy, captivating world!