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If you love cozy mysteries set in small towns with clever clues and unforgettable characters, you’re going to love this behind-the-scenes look at bestselling indie author Michele PW (Michele Parisa Wacek). You can watch the replay here.
In our recent Reader Crate live author interview, Michele shared how she went from successful copywriter to full-time fiction author, what inspired her Redemption, Wisconsin series, and why cozy mysteries are having such a powerful moment right now.
Here’s everything you missed.
Michele PW has always been a writer — in fact, she taught herself to read at just three years old because she wanted to write fiction so badly.
Although she built a successful copywriting business, fiction was always her dream. During a deeply emotional moment while sitting beside her mother in the ICU, Michele made a life-changing promise: she would no longer delay writing her books.
That decision launched what would become multiple series, including psychological thrillers and beloved cozy mysteries.
For readers who love supporting indie authors, Michele’s journey is especially inspiring.
Many of Michele PW’s books take place in Redemption, Wisconsin, a fictional small town inspired by real Wisconsin communities like Reedsburg and Black River Falls.
The town has a slightly haunted backstory — inspired by real historical events, including:
A mysterious late-1800s period of chaos in Black River Falls
The historic Children’s Blizzard of 1888
In Michele’s fictional version, all the adults in Redemption disappeared during a devastating winter storm in 1888, leaving only children behind. That lingering mystery adds depth to both her psychological thrillers and her cozy mystery series.
If you enjoy small-town mysteries with layered history and subtle supernatural undertones, Redemption is a town you’ll want to visit.
One of Michele’s current cozy mystery series is The Redemption Detective Agency, including:
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Motive
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Dog Walker
The Mysterious Case of the Missing Ghost
This series follows Emily, a perfectionist whose life unravels after losing her job, fiancé, and home. She moves in with her quirky Aunt Tildy in Redemption, where she joins a slightly unconventional detective agency.
This cozy mystery series features:
Found family
Senior sleuths
Light romance
Humor
Twist-filled mysteries
Small-town charm
If you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong female leads and a blend of heart and humor, this series delivers.
Michele also writes the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries, which lean more heavily into complex, twisty plots reminiscent of Agatha Christie-style mysteries.
Here’s how the two series compare:
Charlie Kingsley Mysteries
Stronger emphasis on intricate mystery
More twists and layered clues
Cozy setting with higher mystery intensity
Redemption Detective Agency
Stronger emphasis on cozy elements
Found family and humor
Slightly lighter tone
Whether you prefer a twist-heavy cozy mystery or one filled with warmth and character-driven charm, Michele has a series for you.
During our cozy mystery author interview, Michele shared why she believes the genre is thriving.
Readers are drawn to:
Found family dynamics
Ride-or-die friendships
Small-town settings
Low-stakes suspense
Comfort elements like tea, coffee, baking, and gardening
In uncertain times, cozy mysteries offer both escapism and connection.
You still get the puzzle. You still get the suspense.
But you also get warmth.
And that combination is powerful.
One of the most unique things Michele PW offers is interactive mystery games based on her Redemption Detective Agency series.
Readers receive a case file filled with clues to solve themselves — stepping directly into the role of detective.
It’s a fun, immersive experience perfect for book clubs, family nights, or mystery lovers who enjoy solving puzzles beyond the page.
You can explore those games and bonus reader content at mpwnovels.com.
Michele has:
Additional Redemption Detective Agency books planned
A new Charlie Kingsley mystery releasing soon
A Halloween-themed cozy mystery in development
Potential crossover storylines between series
For fans of small-town cozy mystery series, there’s plenty more to come.
If you love discovering new cozy mystery authors like Michele PW, you’ll love our themed monthly subscription.
Our upcoming crate, Grounds for Suspicion, is filled with:
Twisty mystery novels
Clever clues
Small-town charm
Curated bookish goodies
Reader Crate offers:
One-book option
Two-book option
Three-book option
Monthly or gift subscriptions
Visit readercrate.com to learn more.
