Marla Cooper - Author
@marlacooper.bsky.social
Author of the Kelsey McKenna Destination Wedding series. Blogger at Chicks on the Case. Currently pursuing a couple of cockamamie dreams — including relaunching my series! Not to be confused with DB Cooper's niece Marla.
I love awkward, and what's more awkward than unwittingly writing a book about your future co-workers?
"When I wrote The Story That Wouldn’t Die, I never imagined it might make my real job awkward. But here we are." Christina Estes shares how her series about a reporter who uncovers secrets tied to City Hall took on new meaning once she started working at... City Hall.
#mystery #cozymystery #booksky
#mystery #cozymystery #booksky
Guest Chick: Christina Estes
Today the Chicks are pleased to welcome back Christina Estes, winner of the Tony Hillerman Prize for Best First Mystery Set in The Southwest for Off the Air. The sequel, The Story That Wouldn’t Die…
chicksonthecase.com
August 27, 2025 at 5:58 PM
I love awkward, and what's more awkward than unwittingly writing a book about your future co-workers?
Today at Chicks on the Case: Mystery author Leslie Karst goes deep — and makes me want to air up my bike tires. Follow Leslie at @lesliekarst.bsky.social, and come check out this great post already!
One minute you’re tackling hills, watching pelicans and plotting a mystery. The next, you’re taking a casual detour into planetary mass. Leslie Karst’s latest bike ride is proof that we all need to step away from the screens sometimes! @lesliekarst.bsky.social 🧐🌎 #mystery #cozymystery #booksky
Massive Questions
I go on two longish bike rides a week, and to pass the time—and take my mind off my burning calves as I climb steep hills—I think about various things. Often, I use this time to brainstorm ideas fo…
chicksonthecase.com
August 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Today at Chicks on the Case: Mystery author Leslie Karst goes deep — and makes me want to air up my bike tires. Follow Leslie at @lesliekarst.bsky.social, and come check out this great post already!
Whew! Had a little rant about my favorite grammatical pet peeves on the blog today, and now I feel so much better! We're having a lively discussion in the comments, so come join us — and drop your favorite below. 👇
Grammar Crimes of the Digital Age
It’s hard being a grammar geek in the digital age. When you’re online, it seems like the rules are more like… suggestions. Anyone who spends any amount of time on social media will run across all S…
chicksonthecase.com
July 25, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Whew! Had a little rant about my favorite grammatical pet peeves on the blog today, and now I feel so much better! We're having a lively discussion in the comments, so come join us — and drop your favorite below. 👇
Reposted by Marla Cooper - Author
You can't call immigrants lazy moochers looking for government handouts and then round them up at Home Depots where you know they are looking for work.
You can't say immigrants don't follow the rules and then round them up in courthouses where they are following the rules.
Get your lies straight.
You can't say immigrants don't follow the rules and then round them up in courthouses where they are following the rules.
Get your lies straight.
June 10, 2025 at 11:13 PM
You can't call immigrants lazy moochers looking for government handouts and then round them up at Home Depots where you know they are looking for work.
You can't say immigrants don't follow the rules and then round them up in courthouses where they are following the rules.
Get your lies straight.
You can't say immigrants don't follow the rules and then round them up in courthouses where they are following the rules.
Get your lies straight.
Just curious: Do you remember your dreams? My FIL, a former baker in his 70s, said he STILL has stress dreams about drowning in dough! I barely remember mine, but this post makes me jealous that I don't! #amwriting #debutnovel #mystery
Trying to escape a maze garden in your sleep with characters who aren’t even yours? Guest Chick Jenny Dandy spills about dream-writing and her debut novel, THE PENTHOUSE ON PARK AVENUE. Check it out! #mystery #cozymystery #booksky
Guest Chick: Jenny Dandy
Today the Chicks are happy to present the marvelous Jenny Dandy, author of the Houses of Crime mysteries: The Brownstone on E. 83rd and The Penthouse on Park Avenue. Today she’s talking about…
chicksonthecase.com
July 2, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Just curious: Do you remember your dreams? My FIL, a former baker in his 70s, said he STILL has stress dreams about drowning in dough! I barely remember mine, but this post makes me jealous that I don't! #amwriting #debutnovel #mystery
Fans of Ann Myers and Nora Page will definitely want to check out this wonderful post by Ann Claire! (Spoiler: they're all the same person.) Seriously, though, this is a great post for writers about not giving up! #amwriting #mystery #cozymystery
Writing a novel is just like running 100 miles at 10,000 feet, right? Deadlines, grumpy emotions, and a crew that keeps you going. Also: pickle juice might be the secret weapon for both.
An inspiring guest post by Ann Claire, author of the Cyclist Guide Mysteries! #mystery #cozymystery #booksky
An inspiring guest post by Ann Claire, author of the Cyclist Guide Mysteries! #mystery #cozymystery #booksky
Guest Chick: Ann Claire
Happy Wednesday! Patricia here, and it’s truly my pleasure to welcome Ann Claire to Chicks on the Case. I love her post. As a writer and runner, it especially resonated with me. Whether you&#…
chicksonthecase.com
June 25, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Fans of Ann Myers and Nora Page will definitely want to check out this wonderful post by Ann Claire! (Spoiler: they're all the same person.) Seriously, though, this is a great post for writers about not giving up! #amwriting #mystery #cozymystery
Join me in my underground bunker as I execute @lisaqmathews.bsky.social's tips for surviving the week.
Lisa Q. Mathews has the perfect prescription for when the world feels like a dumpster fire, including cat posters, brewery trips, and dance parties with the grand-littles. (Oh, and reading. Lots of reading.) Come get your dose of cozy joy!
@lisaqmathews.bsky.social
#mystery #cozymystery #booksky
@lisaqmathews.bsky.social
#mystery #cozymystery #booksky
The Little Things: Authors and Readers Survival Edition
Welcome, world-weary (wary?) Chick friends. News got you down? Sometimes it’s the little things that can help us feel better when life gets tough…
chicksonthecase.com
June 23, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Join me in my underground bunker as I execute @lisaqmathews.bsky.social's tips for surviving the week.
POV: You spend two hours setting up your MailerLite account and building a form to embed on your website, only to find out that Canva won't let you embed it and your only option is to rebuild the website on another platform if you want to have that functionality...
June 21, 2025 at 7:30 PM
POV: You spend two hours setting up your MailerLite account and building a form to embed on your website, only to find out that Canva won't let you embed it and your only option is to rebuild the website on another platform if you want to have that functionality...
Grab a free book!! Today only, June 20.
It’s Stuff Your Kindle Day at Romance Bookworms. Mostly romance, but cozy mystery lovers can find some cozy / romance hybrids. Go go go!
#mystery #romance #booksky #amreading #bookgiveaway #freebooks
www.romancebookworms.com/kindle-categ...
It’s Stuff Your Kindle Day at Romance Bookworms. Mostly romance, but cozy mystery lovers can find some cozy / romance hybrids. Go go go!
#mystery #romance #booksky #amreading #bookgiveaway #freebooks
www.romancebookworms.com/kindle-categ...
Kindle Categories — Romance Bookworms
www.romancebookworms.com
June 20, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Grab a free book!! Today only, June 20.
It’s Stuff Your Kindle Day at Romance Bookworms. Mostly romance, but cozy mystery lovers can find some cozy / romance hybrids. Go go go!
#mystery #romance #booksky #amreading #bookgiveaway #freebooks
www.romancebookworms.com/kindle-categ...
It’s Stuff Your Kindle Day at Romance Bookworms. Mostly romance, but cozy mystery lovers can find some cozy / romance hybrids. Go go go!
#mystery #romance #booksky #amreading #bookgiveaway #freebooks
www.romancebookworms.com/kindle-categ...
This one's personal.
Today on the blog, I'm airing my grievances with one cartoon cereal mascot. I'm looking at you, bee!
Do you have a secret nemesis?
#amwriting
Today on the blog, I'm airing my grievances with one cartoon cereal mascot. I'm looking at you, bee!
Do you have a secret nemesis?
#amwriting
My Ongoing Beef with the Talking Bee
Yesterday morning, I got mad at a talking cartoon bee. I went to the kitchen and opened up the cabinet, and there he was, mocking me. Hear me out.
chicksonthecase.com
June 20, 2025 at 2:40 PM
This one's personal.
Today on the blog, I'm airing my grievances with one cartoon cereal mascot. I'm looking at you, bee!
Do you have a secret nemesis?
#amwriting
Today on the blog, I'm airing my grievances with one cartoon cereal mascot. I'm looking at you, bee!
Do you have a secret nemesis?
#amwriting
This may be my favorite "how do you get your ideas" stories yet! @mollymacrae.bsky.social
Book giveaway alert! Today on the blog: Molly MacRae dishes on how Emrys Lloyd the pirate ghost floated right out of her bathroom and into her cozy mystery series. Check it out & enter the giveaway! 🛁👻 #bookgiveaway #mystery #cozymystery #booksky #pareidolia @mollymacrae.bsky.social
Guest Chick: Molly MacRae & #Giveaway
Happy to have Molly back on the blog! I’m always excited to hear about origin stories, and Molly has a great one! Clouds in My Bathroom Sink – An Origin Story and a giveaway Origin stories ar…
chicksonthecase.com
June 18, 2025 at 2:49 PM
This may be my favorite "how do you get your ideas" stories yet! @mollymacrae.bsky.social
Raise your hand if you need a dog to smile at you today! ✋
June 14, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Raise your hand if you need a dog to smile at you today! ✋
I love a good anthology! Come find out the inspiration behind MIDNIGHT SCHEMERS & DAYDREAM BELIEVERS at Chicks on the Case! 🐣
Twenty-two authors. Twenty-two wild schemes. ZERO werewolves (because Judy just doesn’t get them 🤷♀️). Go behind the scenes with Midnight Schemers & Daydream Believers — edited by Chick friend Judy Penz Sheluk! #mystery #cozymystery #booksky
Follow Judy at:
@judypenzsheluk.bsky.social
Follow Judy at:
@judypenzsheluk.bsky.social
Guest Chick: Judy Penz Sheluk
It’s always a pleasure to host our beloved Canadian friend Judy Penz Sheluk, whose career is awe-inspiring. Not only is she an accomplished author, she’s also launched her own publishin…
chicksonthecase.com
June 12, 2025 at 3:48 PM
I love a good anthology! Come find out the inspiration behind MIDNIGHT SCHEMERS & DAYDREAM BELIEVERS at Chicks on the Case! 🐣
Such a fun post! And what is UP with those families who go enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant but spend the whole time looking at their phones?! @lisaqmathews.bsky.social
Phones down, manners ON! Lisa dives into everything from polite Parisian kiddos (thanks, Natalie Portman!) to generational tech headaches and why even our AI sidekicks haven’t lost their charm. Follow Lisa at: @lisaqmathews.bsky.social — please and thank you!
#cozymystery #booksky
#cozymystery #booksky
It’s 2025. Do You Know Where Your Manners Are?
Sure, everyone is super “busy” these days. With the 24/7 demands of work, family, intrusive ads, creeping new technologies, and the current state of the world, most people have their heads down, j…
chicksonthecase.com
June 10, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Such a fun post! And what is UP with those families who go enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant but spend the whole time looking at their phones?! @lisaqmathews.bsky.social
Stop by the blog today to say hi to Kyra Davis Lurie ... this one's going straight to the TBR list! Check out those reviews on Amazon ("Instant classic!") and follow Kyra at @kyradavis.bsky.social.
#TBR #bookrelease
#TBR #bookrelease
Kyra Davis Lurie: "The best celebrity gossip is vintage celebrity gossip." Don't miss today's blog as Kyra spills the Gilded Age tea on Black Hollywood stars from the 1940's and how they relate to her newest release, THE GREAT MANN.
@kyradavis.bsky.social #booksky #tbr
@kyradavis.bsky.social #booksky #tbr
Guest Chick: Kyra Davis Lurie
Ellen here, and I’m thrilled to welcome my friend and fellow San Fernando Valley dweller Kyra Davis Lurie, who has an exciting release to share. Wait until you hear about it. I cannot wait to…
chicksonthecase.com
June 9, 2025 at 5:55 PM
Stop by the blog today to say hi to Kyra Davis Lurie ... this one's going straight to the TBR list! Check out those reviews on Amazon ("Instant classic!") and follow Kyra at @kyradavis.bsky.social.
#TBR #bookrelease
#TBR #bookrelease
My sleuth is a destination wedding planner, so setting is such a huge part of every book. In other words, I can totally relate!
Think setting doesn’t matter? Tell that to the fog rolling in with murder on its mind. Guest Chick Michele Drier dishes on how place sets the mood—and sometimes steals the scene.
#mystery #cozymystery #writing
#mystery #cozymystery #writing
Guest Chick: Michele Drier
We’re so happy to welcome back the wonderful Michele Dreier. Setting is a huge component of mysteries and Michele’s take on the topic is spot on. I’ve always considered setting as a cha…
chicksonthecase.com
June 6, 2025 at 6:37 PM
My sleuth is a destination wedding planner, so setting is such a huge part of every book. In other words, I can totally relate!
Novel pitch: DEATH OF A BROMANCE
Not exactly a surprise ending, but still binge-worthy!
Not exactly a surprise ending, but still binge-worthy!
June 5, 2025 at 8:12 PM
Novel pitch: DEATH OF A BROMANCE
Not exactly a surprise ending, but still binge-worthy!
Not exactly a surprise ending, but still binge-worthy!
Fascinating read at Chicks on the Case... my dad was a firefighter so now I absolutely need to read this book!
#mysteries #booksky #amreading
#mysteries #booksky #amreading
Take a peek behind the scenes of Jason Powell's debut novel, NO MAN'S GHOST. Not just a debut author, Jason is a firefighter and deep-fried Oreo afficionado. And he's bringing the 🔥🔥🔥 to Chicks on the Case in this interview with @cynthiakuhn.bsky.social!
#MysteryWriters #BookRec #mystery
#MysteryWriters #BookRec #mystery
A Visit with Jason Powell
Cynthia here–at Left Coast Crime, I had the great fortune to meet the wonderful Jason Powell, who kindly agreed to visit us and answer some questions about his book No Man’s Ghost, which is o…
chicksonthecase.com
June 5, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Fascinating read at Chicks on the Case... my dad was a firefighter so now I absolutely need to read this book!
#mysteries #booksky #amreading
#mysteries #booksky #amreading
Reposted by Marla Cooper - Author
Take a peek behind the scenes of Jason Powell's debut novel, NO MAN'S GHOST. Not just a debut author, Jason is a firefighter and deep-fried Oreo afficionado. And he's bringing the 🔥🔥🔥 to Chicks on the Case in this interview with @cynthiakuhn.bsky.social!
#MysteryWriters #BookRec #mystery
#MysteryWriters #BookRec #mystery
A Visit with Jason Powell
Cynthia here–at Left Coast Crime, I had the great fortune to meet the wonderful Jason Powell, who kindly agreed to visit us and answer some questions about his book No Man’s Ghost, which is o…
chicksonthecase.com
June 5, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Take a peek behind the scenes of Jason Powell's debut novel, NO MAN'S GHOST. Not just a debut author, Jason is a firefighter and deep-fried Oreo afficionado. And he's bringing the 🔥🔥🔥 to Chicks on the Case in this interview with @cynthiakuhn.bsky.social!
#MysteryWriters #BookRec #mystery
#MysteryWriters #BookRec #mystery
Crime scenes, everywhere! I relate to this so much.
Fun post, today on the blog: @patriciasargeant.bsky.social
Stop by and let us know your latest micro-investigation!
#cozymystery #mystery
Fun post, today on the blog: @patriciasargeant.bsky.social
Stop by and let us know your latest micro-investigation!
#cozymystery #mystery
Take a peek inside the mind of a mystery writer, as @patriciasargeant.bsky.social talks about what it's like to see crime scenes everywhere! #mystery #cozymystery #mysteryauthor #crimescene
chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/30/w...
chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/30/w...
Where’s the Crime?
Several years ago at a former job, I was promoted to a supervisory position. The transition was rough. Management was making stupid decisions. Direct reports were (understandably) rebelling. I was …
chicksonthecase.com
May 30, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Crime scenes, everywhere! I relate to this so much.
Fun post, today on the blog: @patriciasargeant.bsky.social
Stop by and let us know your latest micro-investigation!
#cozymystery #mystery
Fun post, today on the blog: @patriciasargeant.bsky.social
Stop by and let us know your latest micro-investigation!
#cozymystery #mystery
This is such a fun blog post! My blogmates and I are dishing about our worst job ever, and invite you to do the same!
Ever have a job — or a boss — who was the literal worst? Come share your story on the blog today, and read all about the jobs we left behind!
#cozymystery #booksky #mystery
chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/23/c...
#cozymystery #booksky #mystery
chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/23/c...
Chick Chat: Who Worked it Worst?
Who hasn’t suffered through a terrible job–or an even more insufferable boss? Just for fun, we Chicks are holding a little contest to see who had the worst job or most challenging emplo…
chicksonthecase.com
May 23, 2025 at 8:04 PM
This is such a fun blog post! My blogmates and I are dishing about our worst job ever, and invite you to do the same!
1. Check out J.C.'s flamingo suit
2. Congratulate him on his latest book
3. Enter to win a copy of IN THE DITCH
Today on Chicks on the Case!
#booksky #bookgiveaway #cozymystery #mystery
2. Congratulate him on his latest book
3. Enter to win a copy of IN THE DITCH
Today on Chicks on the Case!
#booksky #bookgiveaway #cozymystery #mystery
Book giveaway!! Today on Chicks on the Case. Stop by and say hi to one of our favorite writer friends, J.C. Kenney, who's talking superheroes, flamingo suits, Florida, and more! And while you're at it, you can follow him at: @jckenney.bsky.social
#booksky #bookgiveaway #cozymystery #mysterywriter
#booksky #bookgiveaway #cozymystery #mysterywriter
Guest Chick: J.C. Kenney
The Chicks are thrilled to have author pal J.C. Kenney on the blog with us again. Welcome back. J.C. will be giving away a copy of Dead in the Ditch to one lucky commenter. Take it away — J.C.! He…
chicksonthecase.com
May 21, 2025 at 4:31 PM
1. Check out J.C.'s flamingo suit
2. Congratulate him on his latest book
3. Enter to win a copy of IN THE DITCH
Today on Chicks on the Case!
#booksky #bookgiveaway #cozymystery #mystery
2. Congratulate him on his latest book
3. Enter to win a copy of IN THE DITCH
Today on Chicks on the Case!
#booksky #bookgiveaway #cozymystery #mystery
Today on the blog, I talk about that time Shonda Rhimes "stole" my idea — and more! Have you ever had an Idea Doppleganger?
#cozymysteries #amwriting #mysterywriter #cozymystery #chicksonthecase #booksky
#cozymysteries #amwriting #mysterywriter #cozymystery #chicksonthecase #booksky
"She stole my idea!" Or is it really just that great minds think alike...? Today on the blog, Chick Marla @marlacooper.bsky.social talks about Idea Dopplegangers.
#cozymysteries #amwriting #mysterywriter #cozymystery #wheredoyougetyourideas
chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/16/i...
#cozymysteries #amwriting #mysterywriter #cozymystery #wheredoyougetyourideas
chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/16/i...
Idea Doppelgängers
When Someone Else Writes Your Brilliant Thought Have you ever had an idea that that felt fresh, personal, and totally original, then someone else comes up with an idea that’s suspiciously similar —…
chicksonthecase.com
May 16, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Today on the blog, I talk about that time Shonda Rhimes "stole" my idea — and more! Have you ever had an Idea Doppleganger?
#cozymysteries #amwriting #mysterywriter #cozymystery #chicksonthecase #booksky
#cozymysteries #amwriting #mysterywriter #cozymystery #chicksonthecase #booksky
Are you Team Cheese, Team Chocolate, or Team Both? Come meet Korina Moss and learn about her delicious Cheese Shop Mysteries today on Chicks on the Case! #cozymystery #mystery #mysteries #cozymysteries @korinamossauthor.bsky.social chicksonthecase.com/2025/05/07/g...
Guest Chick: Korina Moss
Today we are pleased to welcome into the Coop the Queen of All Things Cheese, Korina Moss, author of the marvelous (and mouth-watering) Cheese Shop Mysteries, with a Very Big Question for you all. …
chicksonthecase.com
May 7, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Helllloooooooo @patriciasargeant.bsky.social! We're so glad to have you join us!
It's spring, and we've got a brand new Chick! Please help us welcome @patriciasargeant.bsky.social to the blog as we say farewell to Becky Clark. Patricia, welcome to the flock!
#mystery #cozymystery #booksky #cozymysteries
#mystery #cozymystery #booksky #cozymysteries
Goodbye to Becky, Hello to Patricia
For a million boring reasons, I have decided to step away from regularly contributing to Chicks on the Case. I have so enjoyed my time here, goofing off with you in the henhouse, squawking with the…
chicksonthecase.com
April 25, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Helllloooooooo @patriciasargeant.bsky.social! We're so glad to have you join us!