Cozy mysteries are a favorite genre for those who like an engaging tale about interesting people, some of whom may be murdered early on, while others are able to track down clues and figure out whodunnit, without excess blood and/or truly grim details.

Northern Colorado author Cricket McRae’s lead character, homemade soaps-crafter Sophie Mae Reynolds, has an instinct for solving mysteries, a group of artistic friends and a hunky cop boyfriend in McRae’s latest book: “Spin a Wicked Web,” just released in March by Midnight Ink Publishing ($13.95 paper).

The writer, whose earlier books are “Lye in Wait” and “Heaven Preserve Us,” will appear in Douglas County Libraries’ Colorado Author Series in May. She will talk about herself and her writing career. Books will be available for purchase and signing:

7 p.m. May 12, Philip S. Miller Library, Castle Rock, 100 S. Wilcox St.

7 p.m. May 14, Neighborhood Library at Roxborough, 8357 N. Rampart Range Road, 303-660-2941.

7 p.m. May 19, Neighborhood Library at Lone Tree, 8827 Lone Tree Parkway, 303-799-4487.

7 p.m. May 21, Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Blvd., 720-348-9522.

Call 303-791-READ or visit www.douglascountylibraries.org/events/colorado authors to register.

A reader who Googles “cozy mysteries,” will find a large, well-organized Web site with definition (small picturesque town, characters who might be friends or neighbors, often runs in a series). There is an extensive list of authors, TV and movies, themes including holidays and awards. Fans could be happily occupied for years!

“Spin a Wicked Web” is set in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, where McRae lived before she moved to Colorado. (She actually had her own handmade soap business for two years). She is a Westerner, born in Wyoming and a graduate of CSU, which gives a flavor to her writing. It’s not certain if the Sophie Mae series will continue past this title and McRae says she has put together a proposal for a grittier Colorado series.

The writer is also a home crafter and gardener, who has long worked with various projects: soap making, home preserving and fiber arts, which is Sophie Mae’s most recent skill in the new book. She joins the town’s art co-op/gallery, learns to spin and gets sometimes unwisely involved in the interactions of fellow artist members and their families. One victim appears to have been strangled with Sophie Mae’s first spun yarn!

McRae, like any good mystery writer, strews red herrings along the way to keep her readers guessing.

Her books are available through Douglas County Libraries and through local bookstores. Good for a few hours of entertainment.