Picture an Australian storyteller who swapped lecture halls for witchy mysteries, weaving magic and humor into cozy tales that charm readers worldwide—meet Morgana Best! A USA Today bestselling author, Morgana crafts paranormal cozy mysteries brimming with quirky characters, supernatural twists, and small-town charm, all while championing her vegan lifestyle and animal rescue efforts.
From her sunny beachside home in Australia, Morgana’s novels transport readers to enchanted worlds where amateur sleuths solve crimes with a dash of whimsy. Her compassionate spirit and love for animals shine through her stories, making her a beloved figure in the cozy mystery genre.
The Making of Morgana Best
Born and raised in the Australian outback, Morgana Best survived a childhood surrounded by venomous snakes and deadly spiders, which perhaps sparked her knack for crafting suspenseful yet lighthearted mysteries. A former college professor, she traded academic life for storytelling, drawing inspiration from her coastal surroundings and a lifelong love of cozy mysteries. Her vegan lifestyle and passion for animal rescue—evident in her rescued dingo and chocolate Labrador—infuse her work with warmth and relatability.
Morgana’s transition to writing was fueled by a desire to create stories that blend humor, magic, and heart. Influenced by icons like Agatha Christie, she carved her niche in paranormal cozy mysteries, where witches, ghosts, and quirky pets solve crimes in tight-knit communities.
Morgana Best’s Unforgettable Stories
Morgana’s extensive bibliography includes over 80 books across 14 series, with her signature series, The Kitchen Witch, leading the pack. In Miss Spelled, the first book, Amelia Spelled inherits a cake shop and discovers her witchy heritage, only to become a murder suspect. This delightful blend of culinary chaos and supernatural sleuthing sets the tone for the 21-book series, known for its fast-paced plots and lovable characters.
Another gem, A Midlife CatAstrophe from the MenoPaws Mysteries, follows Sybil Potts, a divorcee unraveling murders in a sleepy Australian town with the help of a chatty cat, JenniFur. Morgana’s Witch Woods Funeral Home series, starting with A Ghost of a Chance, features Laurel Bay, who sees ghosts and solves mysteries in a haunted funeral home. Her Australian Amateur Sleuth series, like Live and Let Diet, offers non-paranormal cozy fun with eccentric characters like Sybil Potts and her tarot-reading neighbor, Mr. Buttons.
Morgana’s style is light, humorous, and clean, with a focus on whimsical settings and clever plots. Her stories often feature older protagonists, empowering women over 40 and 50 to shine as smart, resourceful sleuths. Her love for animals ensures furry friends are safe, while her knack for “delightful ways to murder victims” keeps readers guessing.
Why Morgana Best Matters
Morgana Best has redefined the paranormal cozy mystery, blending supernatural elements with relatable, empowering characters. Her stories resonate with readers seeking escapist fun with a side of heart, particularly women navigating midlife challenges. By championing veganism and animal rescue, she connects with fans on a personal level, fostering a loyal community through her website and social media.
Her influence extends beyond books, inspiring aspiring authors to embrace humor and authenticity in their work. Morgana’s ability to craft engaging, wholesome mysteries while maintaining a prolific output solidifies her as a cornerstone of the cozy mystery genre.
- Key Series: The Kitchen Witch, MenoPaws Mysteries, Witch Woods Funeral Home
- Notable Work: Miss Spelled (2015)
- Fun Fact: Morgana’s rescued pets, including a dingo, inspire her animal characters.
Ready for a magical mystery? Snag Miss Spelled and dive into Morgana Best’s enchanting world of witches, ghosts, and cozy crime-solving!