DeAnna Drake's Blog

I’ve been dying to share this one with you (pun absolutely intended).

Ghosts, Lies, and Alibis, the second book in my Laguna Bay Midlife Witch Cozy Mystery series, has a cover and an official publication date — January 14!

In this new murder mystery adventure, a nosy reporter turns up dead behind the Halloween Boo-tique—and her ghost refuses to move on. That means Boo Boudreaux and her talking cat, Kheppy, are once again knee-deep in old secrets, small-town scandals, and a dash of midlife magic. Add in a few suspicious neighbors, a long-buried fire, and one suspicious, but charming old flame, and you’ve got a mystery that’s equal parts spooky and heartwarming.

If you loved Candy, Cauldrons, and a Corpse, you’re going to feel right at home in this next adventure. Expect witty banter, witchy sisterhood, and a few ghostly surprises along the way.

I’ll be sharing more sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes details, and maybe even a message or two from Kheppy herself in the coming weeks. (She has thoughts, as you might image!)

To learn more about GHOSTS, LIES, AND ALIBIS, click or copy/paste the link:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FZ74JRYT

The big day has finally arrived! I’m thrilled to announce that Candy, Cauldrons, and a Corpse—the very first book in my brand-new Laguna Bay Midlife Witch Cozy Mystery series—is officially out in the world today!

If you’ve missed spending time with magical felines and small-town secrets, you’re in for a treat. This series follows Boo Boudreaux, the owner of Laguna Bay’s Halloween Boo-tique, whose cozy coastal life takes a wild turn when a rival shop owner turns up dead—and all eyes (and claws) are suddenly on her.

Of course, Boo isn’t sleuthing alone. She’s joined by Khepeset, better known as Kheppy—an immortal, sharp-tongued talking cat you might remember from the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, where she was reunited with her long-lost sister, Aneksi. Like her sister, Kheppy might technically be the sidekick, but I think you’ll agree she absolutely steals the show.

Readers who grabbed the early Special Edition have already told me how much they love discovering Laguna Bay—a seaside town just a quick freeway trip south from Citrus Grove. Like its sister city, it’s brimming with secrets, charm, and a dash of danger. And I don’t want to spoil too much, but if you’re a fan of the Practical Magic movie or Charlaine Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse and Midnight, Texas books, I think you’ll fall right under Laguna Bay’s spell.

Expect a full cast of quirky, lovable characters, a talking cat with ancient wisdom and plenty of attitude, and a mystery that’s as twisty as a caramel-drizzled broomstick.

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING: 

As soon as I started this book, I was hooked and in no time, I was finished. I am so excited for the next book in the series and I highly recommend reading this! Read it for yourself and beware .. you might just become well and truly hooked on Deanna Drake’s fantastical stories, just like I have. — Ruth M.

This is a delightful paranormal cozy mystery. This story has mystery, humor, magic and a little romance. … The author has added a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end of the story who the murderer is. I am looking forward to reading more stories about Boo, Kheppy and the town of Laguna Bay! — Nancy L.

[image error] Ready to be bewitched by CANDY, CAULDRONS, AND A CORPSE?

The book is available now in ebook and paperback on Amazon, and it’s also included in Kindle Unlimited! [image error][image error]

[image error] Grab your copy today:

USA | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FVH89JXP

UK | https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVH89JXP

CANADA | https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FVH89JXP

AUSTRALIA | https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FVH89JXP

 

Or add it to your Goodreads Wishlist: 

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/242032331-candy-cauldrons-and-a-corpse

I’m beyond thrilled to finally share something I’ve been keeping under wraps… my brand-new series has arrived!

Candy, Cauldrons, and a Corpse (Laguna Bay Midlife Witch Cozy Mystery, Book 1) is now available, and I can’t wait for you to meet Boo Boudreaux—a Halloween shop owner with a complicated magical past, a sisterly bond that reminds me a little of Practical Magic, and a talking cat named Khepeset—Kheppy for short—who may just steal your heart.

If you’ve loved following Rebecca and Aneksi in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mysteries, I think you’ll feel right at home in Laguna Bay. This new series has the same mix of mystery, humor, magic, and feline sass—but Boo brings her own spark: midlife wisdom, a hint of second-chance romance, and that cozy focus on community and family secrets we all adore.

A New Way to Read My BooksFor years, readers have asked: “How can I read your books if I don’t use Amazon?” Until now, I didn’t have a good answer.

Starting today, I’ve opened my very own DeAnna Drake Store, where you can safely and securely buy ebooks directly from me. Even better—I’ll be putting new releases there first, before they head into Amazon and Kindle Unlimited. That means non-Amazon readers will have a window to grab them before they head to Amazon.

(And for my KU friends: don’t worry! The books will still head to Amazon and KU after this early window, just like always.)

Something Extra-SpecialWhile preparing this launch, I realized I could finally create something Amazon never allowed: a Special Edition ebook.

This limited-time edition of Candy, Cauldrons, and a Corpse includes:

Gorgeous illustrations

Recipes straight from Laguna Bay

Character spotlights to help you dive deeper into the world

Retelling of a key chapter from Khepeset’s mischievous feline point of view

Creating this has been a dream of mine for years, and I’m thrilled to finally share it. If readers love it as much as I do, I’ll definitely make more special editions in the future.

How to Get YoursCandy, Cauldrons, and a Corpse Special Edition is available right now in my new store—only through October 9.

For readers who want to grab the story early but don’t want the special edition content, I’ve got you cover. There’s a standard version of the ebook available in the store too.

This is brand-new territory for me, and I can’t wait to see if it opens the door to a whole new level of cozy storytelling. Thank you, as always, for being the kind of readers who inspire me to take creative risks.

https://DeAnnaDrake.com/store

Whiskers and Ciphers (Book 6 in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series) has officially arrived! I couldn’t be more excited to share this latest adventure with you.

This time, Rebecca, Stirling, and of course Aneksi (our favorite magical kitten) are caught up in a mystery that begins with a shocking discovery in Citrus Grove’s fountain. A cryptic journal, a brass decoder, and whispers of a secretive group known only as the Consortium weave together to create one of our sleuth’s most dangerous cases yet.

Writing this book reminded me of all the reasons I adore cozy mysteries—the small-town charm, complex but lovable characters, and the way family (including the furry members ) always finds its way to the heart of the story.

I hope Whiskers and Ciphers gives you the same joy to read as it gave me to write.

Here’s what some early readers are saying:

“As always DeAnna Drake delivers. I loved this chapter of the Purr-fect Relic series. It had twists and turns and a satisfying ending, but left me anticipating the next book.” —Darby, Goodreads reviewer

“Another well written installment of an unputdownable and rather addictive series. The story is intriguing and suspenseful with great worldbuilding, and I loved how Rebecca and Nick’s relationship developed.” —Lavender, Goodreads reviewer

“Talk about twists, turns, red herrings, and surprises! I don’t think I could have ever seen any of this coming, even in my wildest dreams! What an amazing mystery and thrilling read. I loved it!” —Jodi, Goodreads reviewer

Ready to get your paws on WHISKERS AND CIPHERS?

The book is available now in ebook and paperback on Amazon, and it’s also included in Kindle Unlimited!

Grab your copy today:

USA | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDKCC2FF

UK | https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FDKCC2FF

CANADA | https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0FDKCC2FF

AUSTRALIA | https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0FDKCC2FF

I’m thrilled to announce that Whiskers and Ciphers, Book 6 in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, will be releasing on September 10! This time, Rebecca Cuthbert and her adorable feline sidekick, Aneksi, find themselves knee-deep in secrets after a body turns up in the town’s historic fountain—just as an Egyptian antiquities conference comes to Citrus Grove. Ancient ciphers, cursed artifacts, and one very determined sleuth await! Preorders are officially open, so if you’d like to reserve your copy early (and make Aneksi purr with approval), you can grab it now. Mystery, mischief, and meows are just around the corner!

To learn more about WHISKERS AND CIPHERS, click or copy/paste the link:

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FDKCC2FF

Blackmail and Kitty Tails is finally here—and I’m over the moon (and maybe a little covered in cat fur) to share this fifth adventure in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series with you!

 Ready to get your paws on BLACKMAIL AND KITTY TAILS?

The book is available now in ebook & paperback on Amazon, and it’s also included in Kindle Unlimited!

 Grab your copy today:

USA | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW7X65W1

UK | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Blackmail-Kitty-Tails-Purr-fect-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DW7X65W1

CANADA | https://www.amazon.ca/Blackmail-Kitty-Tails-Purr-fect-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DW7X65W1

AUSTRALIA | https://www.amazon.com.au/Blackmail-Kitty-Tails-Purr-fect-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DW7X65W1

If you’re missing any of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery books, now is a great time to grab them all. For a limited time, the first book in the series — Paws, Claws, and Curses — is free!

 Paws, Claws, and Curses (Book 1) — FREE today
 Hisses, Hexes, and Homicide (Book 2)
 Furballs and Felonies (Book 3)
 Crime and Cat-astrophes (Book 4)

USA | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D2M8RZNW

UK | https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0D2M8RZNW

AU | https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D2M8RZNW

CAN | https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0D2M8RZNW

Fresh Bonus Content coming your way

You know I can’t resist cooking up a little something extra for my readers—and this time’s no different! For the next 6 days, I’ll be sharing some extra-special bonus goodies tied to Blackmail and Kitty Tails, especially for newsletter subscribers. Keep an eye on your inbox—the first surprise drops tomorrow!

Ready to dive into a world of talking cats, cursed artifacts, and small-town secrets?
Paws, Claws, and Curses — Book 1 of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series — will be FREE from May 19–23!
It’s the perfect chance to start the adventure before Blackmail and Kitty Tails (Book 5) arrives on May 21!
Don’t miss your chance to meet Rebecca, Stirling, and the magical, mischievous Aneksi.
https://www.amazon.com/Claws-Curses-Purr-fect-Relic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D2M32C3G

Check out Blackmail and Kitty Tails, the fifth book in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series! Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California? As a scorching heat wave turns up the tension in Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor sends Rebecca Cuthbert and her talking cat, Aneksi, on the hunt for another cursed artifact—and a cunning killer. While Detective Nick Devon follows the official case, Rebecca’s instincts lead her toward a missing ancient scepter, strange medical miracles, and a tangle of hidden motives. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected (and mysterious) visitor and Aneksi uncovering a long-lost sibling, Rebecca is left to crack the case before she becomes the next target!What’s inside? A talking cat that sniffs out trouble A determined amateur sleuth chasing down secrets A sweltering small-town summer hiding simmering tensions A mysterious, powerful artifact with a deadly past Slow-burn romance with a dash of detective charm A shocking murder—and plenty of twists and turns!Are you ready for another whisker-twitching cozy mystery adventure?Preorder at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW7X65W1!

 

I’m thrilled to announce Crime and Cat-astrophes has arrived, and I couldn’t be happier to share this fourth installment of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series with you!

Reviews at Amazon will start rolling in today, but at Goodreads, the book already has 45 reviews and 4.8 star rating, which is purr-fectly amazing!!!

Here’s what some of the reviewers are saying:

“Another wonderful addition to this fun-packed mystery from Deanna, that has been written beautifully. The characters are fun with unexpected twists that will have you hooked from the very first page.” — Elaine C.

“Amazing characters that make you smile with their quirks and a storyline that keeps twisting make this a book you don’t want to miss.” — G

“This book is another winner by Deanna Drake! It’s the fourth book in the series, but can be read alone. The storyline kept me engaged, as did all the others in the series.
After all, who doesn’t like talking cats and cursed artifacts?
I highly recommend this book and this series!” — Willow P.

“A perfectly plotted, fast-paced, most satisfying mystery. I love the characters, Aneksi and Khepeset are delightful, the story is intriguing, and the ending left me eager for the next book. A truly lovely book in a lovely series.” — Lavender J.

 Ready to get your paws on Crime and Cat-astrophes?

The book is available now in ebook & paperback on Amazon, and it’s also included in Kindle Unlimited!

 Grab your copy today:

US | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJTZZVH7

UK | https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crime-Cat-astrophes-Purr-fect-Relic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DJTZZVH7

CAN | https://www.amazon.ca/Crime-Cat-astrophes-Purr-fect-Relic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DJTZZVH7

AU | https://www.amazon.com.au/Crime-Cat-astrophes-Purr-fect-Relic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0DJTZZVH7

 

 Have you read it yet? Drop a comment and let me know what you think! 

Don’t miss any of the fun!

February 10 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST (Whiskers, Mysteries, and Magic: Behind the Scenes of Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery Book 4)

February 10 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

February 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

February 11 – Sarah Can’t Stop Reading Books – REVIEW

February 12 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

February 13 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT

February 14 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST FROM REBECCA CUTHBERT, STAR OF THE PURR-FECT RELIC COZY MYSTERIES (Detective Work 101: Tips and Lessons I’ve Learned as an Amateur Sleuth)

February 14 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST (From Clues to Cats: How Aneksi Brings Mystical Whimsy to the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery Series)

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