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At ReaderCrate, one of our favorite things to do is introduce cozy mystery readers to the talented authors behind the stories we love.
Recently I had the pleasure of hosting a live cozy mystery author interview with Karen McSpade, a prolific writer known for her twisty plots, strong heroines, and delightful blend of mystery, humor, and sometimes even a little magic.
Karen was also a featured author in our February Cozy Crime Crate, where readers discovered her book Black Forest Cake Murder from the Sinclair Sisters Bakery Mystery series.
If you love cozy mystery series filled with charm, clever sleuths, and unforgettable characters, Karen’s books are a wonderful place to start. You can watch replay here
Karen describes herself not just as a writer, but as a storyteller.
Her love of storytelling began in childhood, listening to her Italian grandparents share family traditions and stories. Those moments sparked a lifelong fascination with narrative and performance.
That passion eventually led her into the world of theater. Karen studied directing in college and later earned a Master of Fine Arts in directing, spending years bringing stories to life on stage.
Later she built a successful corporate career in communications and marketing with Walmart while continuing creative work in theater and film production.
But when she was laid off in 2017, Karen faced an unexpected crossroads.
Instead of returning to corporate life, she decided to pursue something she had always loved:
writing cozy mysteries.
Her debut novel, Murder and Grits, launched the Piper Sandstone Cozy Mystery series in 2021.
Today Karen has written more than thirty-six cozy mystery books across multiple series.
Karen writes several cozy mystery series, giving readers different worlds and styles to explore.
This paranormal cozy mystery series takes place in Crystal Beach, Florida and follows journalist Sydney Grace.
When Sydney learns her grandmother has been accused of murder—and happens to be a witch—she returns home to clear her name.
Along the way she discovers something surprising:
She has magical abilities too.
The series features:
paranormal mysteries
ghosts and magical talents
a charming coastal setting
a hilariously opinionated telepathic cat named Mojo
Readers who enjoy paranormal cozy mystery books will love this series.
Karen’s Piper Sandstone mysteries are perfect for readers who prefer traditional cozy mysteries without paranormal elements.
These books feature fast-paced mysteries, intriguing suspects, and a strong female sleuth.
Interestingly, Piper’s martial arts background comes directly from Karen’s own life.
Karen’s father was a competitive karate master and black belt who competed across the United States.
That experience helped inspire Piper’s character.
Food-themed mysteries are always a favorite among cozy readers, and Karen’s Sinclair Sisters Bakery Mysteries deliver the perfect mix of family drama, small-town charm, and murder.
One standout title is:
Black Forest Cake Murder
This deliciously twisty mystery was featured in the ReaderCrate Cozy Crime Crate and even includes a companion Black Forest cake recipe and book club guide for readers.
It’s a wonderful pick for cozy mystery book clubs.
Karen begins most writing days early in the morning with coffee and a goal of writing 1,500–2,500 words per day.
But writing is only part of an author’s job.
Her day also includes:
marketing and promotions
networking with other authors
learning new tools like Amazon ads
experimenting with platforms like TikTok
Publishing a book requires far more than simply writing the story.
As Karen explained during the interview, authors must also learn about book covers, formatting, marketing, and reader outreach.
When it comes to writing style, Karen describes herself as a “planster.”
That means she likes the freedom of writing organically while still having a general roadmap for the story.
Sometimes her characters surprise her along the way—even if she already knows the ending.
This flexible approach allows her stories to stay lively and character-driven.
During our lightning round interview questions, Karen shared a few fun details.
Favorite drink while writing: Coffee
Favorite pet: Dogs
Favorite cozy mystery author: Richard Osman
Favorite writing snack: Peanut butter pretzels
Karen currently has several exciting projects underway.
She is working on:
Book three in the Mystic Brews and Murder magical tea shop mystery series
A new installment in the Crystal Beach Magic Mystery series
A traditional mystery novel she describes as a passion project
And fans of Crystal Beach have something special to look forward to.
Readers have requested that Sydney Grace finally get married, so Karen is planning a wedding-themed mystery in a future installment.
Readers who want to explore Karen’s cozy mystery series can connect with her here:
Facebook: Karen McSpade Books
TikTok
Her email newsletter (which includes free prequel stories)
Karen also offers two free prequel books for readers who want to try her work:
Hash Browns and Homicide
Doggone Troubles
At ReaderCrate, our mission is to help readers discover wonderful cozy mystery authors while enjoying a curated reading experience.
Each crate includes:
📚 A cozy mystery book
🎁 Reader-themed gifts and surprises
🕯️ Cozy items like candles and treats
📖 Extras like recipes, bookmarks, and book club materials
It’s the perfect way to discover new authors and enjoy a cozy reading night.
Karen McSpade was a fantastic addition to our community, and we’re so glad readers enjoyed her book.
📚 If you love cozy mysteries with charm, humor, and just a hint of magic, Karen McSpade’s books are definitely worth adding to your TBR list.
Happy reading—and happy sleuthing.
—
Alyssa Granlund (Lyssa Lund)
Founder of ReaderCrate
