Author Spotlight: Irina McGrath

Irina McGrath, Ph.D., was born in St. Petersburg, Russia and immigrated to the United States nearly three decades ago. Since then, she has worked in various educational roles and developed a deep passion for writing. Her novel, Murder at Haddonford Manor, is the first in a series of Charlotte Reinford Mysteries.

Cozy Crime Reads Interview with Irina McGrath

What attracted you to the cozy mystery genre?

The cozy mystery genre has always been my favorite. I love that it gives you a mystery to solve without the heaviness or darkness. It’s like being invited into a world where you can slow down, notice the little things, enjoy the characters, and piece together a puzzle at your own pace. For me, it’s not just about the mystery - it’s about the feeling you get while solving it.

What are a few of the essential elements that make a cozy stand out to you as a reader?

The first thing that captures me is always the characters and the setting. I’m drawn to a detective who isn’t necessarily a professional, but someone observant - someone who quietly notices what others overlook.

Also, the setting has to feel real to me: the light coming through a window, the sound of footsteps in a hallway, the leaves moving in the wind - all these details matter. They let you truly feel the place and experience it alongside the characters. Being able to step into another world and feel like you’re a part of it is what makes the experience so special to me.

Do you have a favorite amateur sleuth?

Miss Marple is probably one of my favorites. I’ve always admired her personality and wisdom. I love how she observes quietly, listens carefully, responds thoughtfully, and never rushes to conclusions.

What inspired your first cozy mystery?

Honestly, it all comes from my love of reading and writing. I grew up fascinated with Agatha Christie, and her stories stayed with me. At the same time, I always loved creating my own stories.

My parents were space and aeronautics engineers in Russia, and they worked long hours. I spent many afternoons in daycare and after-school programs, and it was there that my love for storytelling took shape. To pass the time, I would sit with my friends - sometimes inside, sometimes under a tree - and tell them stories that lived in my imagination.

As the years passed, my stories grew with me. My characters became older, more thoughtful, more complex - reflecting the person I was becoming.

At one point, I decided it was time to put those stories on paper. But life had its own plans. I moved to the United States to teach high school, and writing had to wait. Still, it never truly left me - it stayed quietly in the background, waiting. Years later, I finally returned to it and gave those stories a place on the page.

How do you research and create the cozy elements in your books, such as the setting and community?

A lot of it feels very natural to me. It’s almost like watching a film in my mind - I can see the rooms, the light, the way people move and speak. I just try to capture that as honestly as I can.

When it comes to details, especially historical ones, I do take time to research. I want everything to feel believable. For example, I looked into the history of the Amber Room for Murder at Haddonford Manor, and I made sure smaller details, like the folding chessboard, were accurate.

What is one key step in your writing process that helps you transform an idea into a finished book?

I trust my instinct. If something doesn’t feel right, I don’t try to force it. I stop, delete it, and start again. Sometimes that means rewriting the same moment more than once, but I’ve learned that it’s worth it.

What advice would you give aspiring cozy mystery authors who want to start writing their first novel?

Don’t wait for the inspiration to come. Just start. writing. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Create the world you’d want to step into, the kind of place you’d want to stay in for a while. If you feel something while writing it, chances are the reader will feel it too.

How can readers connect with you online? I have a website and anyone can contact me via my site: https://www.charlottemysteries.com/

Also, they can find me on Facebook and Instagram