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A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery #6
Whiskers and Ciphers
A corpse in the town’s fountain spells trouble for Rebecca Cuthbert, who, along with her talking cat, Aneksi, must uncover the killer and dangerous truths behind the cursed artifacts plaguing Citrus Grove.
The normally quiet community is buzzing with excitement as the local university prepares to host an academic conference on Egyptian antiquities that’s attracting scholars, collectors—and a few hidden agendas. Did a newcomer carry out this crime, or is the culprit closer to home?
With Detective Nick Devon at her side and her knack for connecting the dots, Rebecca finds herself once again in the thick of the investigation. With help from her resourceful grandfather and her clever feline friend, she is determined to unlock the secrets of a mysterious antique journal. But each new clue reveals a longer list of suspects, deeper suspicions, old enemies, and more threats.
Solving this puzzle may come at a deadly cost. Can she crack the case before the murderer strikes again?
The normally quiet community is buzzing with excitement as the local university prepares to host an academic conference on Egyptian antiquities that’s attracting scholars, collectors—and a few hidden agendas. Did a newcomer carry out this crime, or is the culprit closer to home?
With Detective Nick Devon at her side and her knack for connecting the dots, Rebecca finds herself once again in the thick of the investigation. With help from her resourceful grandfather and her clever feline friend, she is determined to unlock the secrets of a mysterious antique journal. But each new clue reveals a longer list of suspects, deeper suspicions, old enemies, and more threats.
Solving this puzzle may come at a deadly cost. Can she crack the case before the murderer strikes again?
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2025
About the author
DeAnna Drake
12 books331 followersDeAnna Drake writes charming, magic-touched cozy mysteries filled with small-town secrets, heart, humor, and feline companions who always know more than they let on. Her interconnected series—Purr-fect Relic and Laguna Bay Midlife Witch—blend twisty mysteries with enchanted relics, family bonds, and talking cats with centuries of history. If you love cozy escapes with found family, a touch of danger, and a whole lot of magic, you’ll feel right at home in the Magical Cats Universe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
August 30, 2025
The historic center of Citrus Grove is buzzing with anticipation for a university symposium on Egyptian antiquities. Stirling Cuthbert, the owner of Cuthbert's Exotic Antiques, is eager for the influx of visitors, as his shop features a variety of Egyptian artifacts.
Stirling is still grappling with the troubling theft of cursed artifacts by a former employee, which has contributed to the recent string of crimes. His granddaughter Rebecca adopted a tabby named Aneski, and both have played key roles in retrieving some items.
The community is shaken by a shocking crime in the town center, and Stirling and Rebecca become particularly worried upon discovering the victim's identity and its connections to Stirling’s friend Vee and cousin Phineas. Rebecca recalls earlier interactions at the store that now seem significant.
One of the many joys of reading this series is when Rebecca encounters a puzzle during her sleuthing. She takes a moment to reflect on the exceptional investigative skills of Adelaide Morris, her favorite fictional sleuth. Adelaide is a fictional Egyptologist from the Victorian era who also serves as a detective in the Adelaide Morris Mysteries. I think of Adelaide as a unique blend of Jessica Fletcher and Columbo, inspiring me to embrace Rebecca's insights and try to solve the case before the reveal. My aha moment is yet to come, but with the unexpected twists in the characters' stories, whether you are a seasoned reader of the series or a newcomer, I am sure you will be eager for more.
Thank you to DeAnna Drake, Tule Publishing Group, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
Reviewer's Note: Deanna Cameron writes Historical Romance set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as Contemporary Romance. The author uses the pseudonym D.D. Croix authoring YA Fantasy Fiction and DeAnna Drake for the purr-fect cozy mystery series and "Mouse in the House: A Magical Mouse Caper Novella."
Stirling is still grappling with the troubling theft of cursed artifacts by a former employee, which has contributed to the recent string of crimes. His granddaughter Rebecca adopted a tabby named Aneski, and both have played key roles in retrieving some items.
The community is shaken by a shocking crime in the town center, and Stirling and Rebecca become particularly worried upon discovering the victim's identity and its connections to Stirling’s friend Vee and cousin Phineas. Rebecca recalls earlier interactions at the store that now seem significant.
One of the many joys of reading this series is when Rebecca encounters a puzzle during her sleuthing. She takes a moment to reflect on the exceptional investigative skills of Adelaide Morris, her favorite fictional sleuth. Adelaide is a fictional Egyptologist from the Victorian era who also serves as a detective in the Adelaide Morris Mysteries. I think of Adelaide as a unique blend of Jessica Fletcher and Columbo, inspiring me to embrace Rebecca's insights and try to solve the case before the reveal. My aha moment is yet to come, but with the unexpected twists in the characters' stories, whether you are a seasoned reader of the series or a newcomer, I am sure you will be eager for more.
Thank you to DeAnna Drake, Tule Publishing Group, and Booksprout for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.
Reviewer's Note: Deanna Cameron writes Historical Romance set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as Contemporary Romance. The author uses the pseudonym D.D. Croix authoring YA Fantasy Fiction and DeAnna Drake for the purr-fect cozy mystery series and "Mouse in the House: A Magical Mouse Caper Novella."
September 7, 2025
I have only read the book before this one so I have an idea of the main characters and what the series is about. If this is your first time reading a book in the series, it shouldn’t be hard to figure out the main characters.
This series has a delightful premise with the magical cat Aneski who I discovered in this book could turn into a tiger as one of her magical abilities, as well as sniffing out hexes. She used to live with Cleopatra and worked for her! Now that’s an amazing cat!
Rebecca works with her grandfather Stirling in his antiques shop. Some of these antiques can be magical.
There is a murder of a woman at a fountain which leads the reader down many twisty turns, figuring out who the murderer is and what is going on. I enjoyed the journey. There is also a bit of a romance with Nick, the detective.
The end of the book has a lot of action as a lot of things come together. I am always surprised when a book is well written when you can’t figure out who did it! One nice thing about a cozy mystery is usually the mystery is wrapped up at the ending of a book.
This is an easy to read story and nicely written. There isn’t any swearing or major violence. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and all the main characters. I also have to put in a comment about the very appealing book cover! Nicely done!
I did receive an ARC from the author and was able to read the book before it was published. This review is completely my own opinion.
This series has a delightful premise with the magical cat Aneski who I discovered in this book could turn into a tiger as one of her magical abilities, as well as sniffing out hexes. She used to live with Cleopatra and worked for her! Now that’s an amazing cat!
Rebecca works with her grandfather Stirling in his antiques shop. Some of these antiques can be magical.
There is a murder of a woman at a fountain which leads the reader down many twisty turns, figuring out who the murderer is and what is going on. I enjoyed the journey. There is also a bit of a romance with Nick, the detective.
The end of the book has a lot of action as a lot of things come together. I am always surprised when a book is well written when you can’t figure out who did it! One nice thing about a cozy mystery is usually the mystery is wrapped up at the ending of a book.
This is an easy to read story and nicely written. There isn’t any swearing or major violence. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and all the main characters. I also have to put in a comment about the very appealing book cover! Nicely done!
I did receive an ARC from the author and was able to read the book before it was published. This review is completely my own opinion.
September 9, 2025
Whiskers and Ciphers was another fantastic addition to this series!
I always love seeing what kind of mystery Rebecca and Aneksi have to solve, and I've got to say this mystery was a really good one. It definitely kept me guessing. I had lots of theories about who killed the woman in the fountain and why but was completely shocked by the reveal.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, don't hesitate to check out this series. You'll love it! It's so much fun. While all the books can stand alone, I'd still recommend starting at the beginning because it's such a great series. I can't wait for the next book!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
I always love seeing what kind of mystery Rebecca and Aneksi have to solve, and I've got to say this mystery was a really good one. It definitely kept me guessing. I had lots of theories about who killed the woman in the fountain and why but was completely shocked by the reveal.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, don't hesitate to check out this series. You'll love it! It's so much fun. While all the books can stand alone, I'd still recommend starting at the beginning because it's such a great series. I can't wait for the next book!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
August 12, 2025
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. I can't get enough of Rebecca, Aneksi and Nick. If you love all things Egyptian this series is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
Rebecca Cuthbert lives in a small California town with her grandfather, Stirling, whom she never knew she had until the death of her parents. Together, they own and run Cuthbert Antiques, which specializes in Egyptian artifacts, both real and manufactured.
Recently, Stirling's cousin Phineas has come to visit, and he states that he wants part of the antiques, as they should have come to him originally. (Read the book to find out why!). But now there's a woman in the store, and she's been spending her time looking around at the antiques, eventually making it known that she's waiting for Phineas. But when he arrives, he's not alone -- he has with him an esteemed scholar, which causes a pang of jealousy.
The next morning, the woman in the store is found in the town's fountain, dead. It's eventually discovered that she was murdered, and naturally Rebecca wants to know if it's one of the cursed artifacts they are looking for that may have caused it. But her kitten Aneksi, who was originally a pet of Queen Cleopatra, cannot smell a 'hex' as she calls them.
Rebecca believes Phineas is involved in the murder, and now he's nowhere to be found. But while searching for clues, she's finding out that it's more than just a hex that's concerning, but that the murder has taken herself and Stirling to a whole new level. And this time, if they can't stay ahead of a killer, they may be the next victims...
This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all. I am also absolutely obsessed with the story line and the characters. I find it absolutely enchanting. This book does take us to a new level of mystery. There is a lot going on here, and Rebecca is in the thick of it all.
Is Phineas really the killer, or is he just being framed as one? Could the ancient artifacts have anything to do with it? What is going on with Detective Nick Devon, Rebecca's boyfriend? Not to mention Rebecca's best friend Luna is having problems, and she's trying to help her as well.
I don't really want to give anything else away here, but I can say that this book was probably the best in the series in my humble opinion. I enjoy each of these on their own, but this one left me with more mystery to solve, as did the last in the series (which answered some questions in this one). I cannot wait to visit with the Cuthberts and Aneksi once again. Highly recommended.
Recently, Stirling's cousin Phineas has come to visit, and he states that he wants part of the antiques, as they should have come to him originally. (Read the book to find out why!). But now there's a woman in the store, and she's been spending her time looking around at the antiques, eventually making it known that she's waiting for Phineas. But when he arrives, he's not alone -- he has with him an esteemed scholar, which causes a pang of jealousy.
The next morning, the woman in the store is found in the town's fountain, dead. It's eventually discovered that she was murdered, and naturally Rebecca wants to know if it's one of the cursed artifacts they are looking for that may have caused it. But her kitten Aneksi, who was originally a pet of Queen Cleopatra, cannot smell a 'hex' as she calls them.
Rebecca believes Phineas is involved in the murder, and now he's nowhere to be found. But while searching for clues, she's finding out that it's more than just a hex that's concerning, but that the murder has taken herself and Stirling to a whole new level. And this time, if they can't stay ahead of a killer, they may be the next victims...
This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all. I am also absolutely obsessed with the story line and the characters. I find it absolutely enchanting. This book does take us to a new level of mystery. There is a lot going on here, and Rebecca is in the thick of it all.
Is Phineas really the killer, or is he just being framed as one? Could the ancient artifacts have anything to do with it? What is going on with Detective Nick Devon, Rebecca's boyfriend? Not to mention Rebecca's best friend Luna is having problems, and she's trying to help her as well.
I don't really want to give anything else away here, but I can say that this book was probably the best in the series in my humble opinion. I enjoy each of these on their own, but this one left me with more mystery to solve, as did the last in the series (which answered some questions in this one). I cannot wait to visit with the Cuthberts and Aneksi once again. Highly recommended.
September 11, 2025
Antiquities and Experts
This is the most exciting so far of Rebecca and Aneksi's adventures! Her grandfather, Sterling's friendly rival at the University sets up a symposium in Egyptian antiquities. A famous expert on antiquities is expected to show up. People from around the world are arriving. A mysterious and quite rude woman shows up at the store. Seems she knows Phineas Cuthbert, the troublesome British cousin of Sterling much to his shock. Meanwhile, Sterling has found the decoder for the mysterious journal left by his ancestor. When the woman ends up drowned in the town fountain there are more suspects than clues. With so many strangers in town and Phineas still searching for the cursed antiquities vault, Rebecca hurries to put together clues to find the killer. Despite her detective boyfriend warning her off, she and Aneksi persist. The last scenes are a fast paced rush to find justice worthy of any TV crime show!
This is the most exciting so far of Rebecca and Aneksi's adventures! Her grandfather, Sterling's friendly rival at the University sets up a symposium in Egyptian antiquities. A famous expert on antiquities is expected to show up. People from around the world are arriving. A mysterious and quite rude woman shows up at the store. Seems she knows Phineas Cuthbert, the troublesome British cousin of Sterling much to his shock. Meanwhile, Sterling has found the decoder for the mysterious journal left by his ancestor. When the woman ends up drowned in the town fountain there are more suspects than clues. With so many strangers in town and Phineas still searching for the cursed antiquities vault, Rebecca hurries to put together clues to find the killer. Despite her detective boyfriend warning her off, she and Aneksi persist. The last scenes are a fast paced rush to find justice worthy of any TV crime show!
September 11, 2025
How could Whiskers and Ciphers by DeAnna Drake be book six in the A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series. Boy, has the time gone by fast for the characters. It seems like Rebecca just moved to live near her grandfather, we met Aneksi and the entire hunt for the cursed artifacts began. Thos of us who love cats know that in the heart of each domesticated one is a large cat just waiting for the right time to appear, setting things right. I love that Aneksi!
Things are beginning to get out of hand in the quiet community of Citrus Grove with another murder. Then the local university hosting the Egyptian antiquities conference bring even more chaos to the town. This book has some startling surprises, twisty turns and a storyline that is impossible to stop reading. Oh what a great author’s imagination to make this unbelievable story seem possible.
Things are beginning to get out of hand in the quiet community of Citrus Grove with another murder. Then the local university hosting the Egyptian antiquities conference bring even more chaos to the town. This book has some startling surprises, twisty turns and a storyline that is impossible to stop reading. Oh what a great author’s imagination to make this unbelievable story seem possible.
September 11, 2025
Rebecca Cuthbert and magical, speaking cat Aneski are on a mission to recover cursed Egyptian artifacts that were stolen from a hidden vault beneath her grandfather’s shop. After confessing to her boyfriend, Detective Nick Devon about her cat’s ability to speak, Aneski has stopped being careful about speaking around strangers. When a body is found in the park after being seen with her grandfather Stirling Cuthbert’s cousin Phineas, he is now a person of interest. To be sure the death was not caused by a hexed artifact, Rebecca and Stirling begin to investigate. I love this magical series, and this book is another fun and entertaining book. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.
September 15, 2025
DeAnna did it again, I absolutely love her books, I liked that this was a little different than the other books and once you read it you will know what I'm talking about. I knew Phineas was up to no go and he has always been my least favorite character so far, even the killers have ranked higher than he has. I wish we got more interaction between Rebecca and Nick, so hint hint maybe in the next book more interactions for them please. Poor Stirling didn't deserve anything that happened to him but he is a clever man with the trick he pulls at the end of the book.
August 27, 2025
I loved this book as much as the previous ones in this series. You can read it as a stand alone book, but it is more fun if you read the previous ones as well. I can only recommend it!
Aneksi is more prominent in this book and I loved that. A talking cat who lived during Cleopatra's reign and is embodied in a snuggly cute kitten body, who can resist that?
The relationship between Nick and Rebecca is progressing in a great way, romance is in the air.
The mystery has lots of twists and turns and left me guessing what happened. I didn't see the solution coming but loved it, and I can't wait to read what comes next, especially with the bombshell at the end regarding Nick!
Aneksi is more prominent in this book and I loved that. A talking cat who lived during Cleopatra's reign and is embodied in a snuggly cute kitten body, who can resist that?
The relationship between Nick and Rebecca is progressing in a great way, romance is in the air.
The mystery has lots of twists and turns and left me guessing what happened. I didn't see the solution coming but loved it, and I can't wait to read what comes next, especially with the bombshell at the end regarding Nick!
September 10, 2025
Wonderfully written by Deanna Drake and no mistake. Purrfect in fact ,I know ,I couldn’t resist the pun just a bit of fun. And so is this cozy mystery .Aneska the talking cat and Rebecca Cuthbert have a killer relationship and that’s all well and good because catch a killer ? Of course they would. And they do with the help of Detective Nick Devon by her side and the help from her grandfather too tells her what should be done to solve this one. Egyptian antiquities are on display but it leaves not only disarray but dismay . Who are the ones to blame for this crime ? There’s quite a list this time to plough through and the course to the culprit to plot ,one dot at a time . This book is sublime to read ,I devoured at speed . Great prose and the characters I love the most ? I’m not telling it wouldn’t be fair ,so I’ll say I love them all so there. Just my little bit of fun as this book sure is .It’s a gem absolute bliss.
September 7, 2025
Whiskers and Ciphers is the 6th thrilling, revelation-packed installment in the Purr-fect Relic series. Rebecca once again dives headfirst into danger—sometimes wisely looping in Detective Nick, other times charging in headlong without aid when she really shouldn’t.
Aneksi continues to shine as my favorite character, and I love that she’s stepping more fully into the spotlight (though I can’t help but wonder when someone in Citrus Grove will notice this “kitten” isn’t growing up!).
The ending is bursting with revelations, setting up so many exciting possibilities for what’s next. I’ll be anxiously awaiting Book 7—will Drake wrap everything up in one epic conclusion, or are we at the start of a long, twisty unraveling of all these knots? Either way, I’m here for it.
Aneksi continues to shine as my favorite character, and I love that she’s stepping more fully into the spotlight (though I can’t help but wonder when someone in Citrus Grove will notice this “kitten” isn’t growing up!).
The ending is bursting with revelations, setting up so many exciting possibilities for what’s next. I’ll be anxiously awaiting Book 7—will Drake wrap everything up in one epic conclusion, or are we at the start of a long, twisty unraveling of all these knots? Either way, I’m here for it.
September 10, 2025
Fantastic Read!!! Applause!!!
I really liked this series from book 1. This current sequel is just brilliant for expanding the mysteries that just drew me in and I read the whole book in 3 hours. So many great twists and turns and super character development. I was really rooting for the characters and excited by the ending. Thanks to the author for a great series. I can’t wait until the next book!!
I really liked this series from book 1. This current sequel is just brilliant for expanding the mysteries that just drew me in and I read the whole book in 3 hours. So many great twists and turns and super character development. I was really rooting for the characters and excited by the ending. Thanks to the author for a great series. I can’t wait until the next book!!
September 8, 2025
Whiskers and Ciphers is a great book about Rebecca Cuthbert who works at her Grandfather's Antique shop and a clever talking immortal kitten. Rebecca assisted her boyfriend Detective Nick Devon in investigating the mystery which started in the fountain. Rebecca tried to see if the mystery was linked to an Artifact or a Hex.
Excellent story and series that I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent story and series that I highly recommend that you read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2025
I enjoyed this book. There is something about this unusual series that just captures the imagination and makes the impossible seem possible because let's face it a talking cat that was Cleopatra's cat. Believable no but that's what's so much fun with paranormal cozy mysteries. The author can let their imagination go and create pure entertainment. This is book six in the series and while it is not necessary to have read the previous books, it does help because it gives you more of an understanding of what is going and who everybody is. Especially with Phineas finally showing his true colours. I like the characters but Aneksi (the cat) somehow manages to steal the show every time. The mystery seemed to be going no where with no clues and too many possible suspects but to be honest I never would have come up with the right answer if Rebecca hadn't stumbled over it. I look forward to seeing where the changes are going to take the series next.
With the university hosting a conference on Egyptian antiquities with a big named guest in attendance, the last thing they need is to find a dead body in the fountain. With Aneksi unable to sense a cursed artefact in play and Nick taken off the case, it's up to Rebecca. Is Phineas finally going to reveal that he can't be trusted or is some more dangerous in play? Who killed the woman in the fountain? Was it over anything from the vault or was it a love triangle?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
With the university hosting a conference on Egyptian antiquities with a big named guest in attendance, the last thing they need is to find a dead body in the fountain. With Aneksi unable to sense a cursed artefact in play and Nick taken off the case, it's up to Rebecca. Is Phineas finally going to reveal that he can't be trusted or is some more dangerous in play? Who killed the woman in the fountain? Was it over anything from the vault or was it a love triangle?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
August 23, 2025
Another Great Cozy Mystery In This Series! It was great to see the relationship between Rebecca and Aneski continue to grow, and to follow along until the mystery was solved!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2025
Book 6 of A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery story of Rebecca Cuthbert, her talking cat Aneksi, her Grandfather, and Detective Nick Devon. Wow so many great twists and turns to solve this complex murder mystery and the shockers that came with it were real attention grabbing. I couldn’t stop reading this drama filled murder mystery and can’t wait to see what happens next with Rebecca and Nick.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 8, 2025
This story is full of cozy mystery and charm!
Like the rest of the books in the series, it is a little bit sweet, a little bit romantic, and has paranormal elements. I feel like it's best read in series, rather than as a stand-alone. The story pulled me right away, and is another great read by Drake! Looking forward to the next in the series!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Like the rest of the books in the series, it is a little bit sweet, a little bit romantic, and has paranormal elements. I feel like it's best read in series, rather than as a stand-alone. The story pulled me right away, and is another great read by Drake! Looking forward to the next in the series!
I received this story as an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2025
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. Aneksi is my absolute favourite character, she is totally adorable and wonderfully clever, and completely amazing as a tiger.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
August 22, 2025
I have read every book in this series, and this one did not disappoint. Might be the best one yet. I thought I knew how it was going to end, but I was pleasantly surprised. As always, the story is very well written. You know it's good when the author makes you feel all the emotions. You also know it's good when you want to reach inside the book and smack the characters, lol. Looking forward to the next adventure.
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 10, 2025
Whiskers And Ciphers by DeAnna Drake Book Review
This book is written in the first person. We meet Rebecca who has had a hard past that has led her to where she is today: Solving murders. Having the book written in this way gives us a sense of what the character is thinking and feeling, an insight not all characters will see. I love that.
In this book we have Deciphering a journal, Murder in a fountain and possible Cursed artifacts.
There's a comical scene and plenty of romance to add to the story.
The descriptions in this book are so detailed. I feel like I am there. “Every detail exuded Victorian charm, from the delicate lace curtains framing the windows to the careful craftsmanship that made it feel like a storybook retreat.”
“Her style exuded a free - spirited cheerfulness that suited her perfectly.” I love the character descriptions in this book. They give us a real sense and connection to them.
“Soaking in the fragrance and the calming rustle of leaves. It was a fleeting moment of peace that I knew wouldn't last.” Using the senses is a clever technique to help set the scene. There is also some foreshadowing here that things will not remain calm, what could be afoot?
What secrets are being hidden?
DeAnna is so good at building tension. Who is in the shop, did they attempt to break in?
Shout out to Aneski the Cat for being such a great, comical companion like no other.
Lies.
Something much bigger is going on here. You'll have to read it to find out just what. Such a heartbreaking backstory.
Some descriptions also reflect the character's mood. This is such a clever writing technique. “The lights embedded in the fountain made it an illuminated focal point, but tonight it was nothing but darkness. It matched my mood perfectly.”
How does Citrus Grove History fit into all of this?
Are our characters safe?
A mystery that will keep you guessing. I had no idea who the killer could be. It was so well written.
Keeps the pages turning. You won't be disappointed.
The ending is so intense. Who got hurt and can they be found in time as well as the killer? What a twist!
A missing journal and Canopic Jar. A code to crack. The story is not over. The fight for answers is just beginning.
This book is written in the first person. We meet Rebecca who has had a hard past that has led her to where she is today: Solving murders. Having the book written in this way gives us a sense of what the character is thinking and feeling, an insight not all characters will see. I love that.
In this book we have Deciphering a journal, Murder in a fountain and possible Cursed artifacts.
There's a comical scene and plenty of romance to add to the story.
The descriptions in this book are so detailed. I feel like I am there. “Every detail exuded Victorian charm, from the delicate lace curtains framing the windows to the careful craftsmanship that made it feel like a storybook retreat.”
“Her style exuded a free - spirited cheerfulness that suited her perfectly.” I love the character descriptions in this book. They give us a real sense and connection to them.
“Soaking in the fragrance and the calming rustle of leaves. It was a fleeting moment of peace that I knew wouldn't last.” Using the senses is a clever technique to help set the scene. There is also some foreshadowing here that things will not remain calm, what could be afoot?
What secrets are being hidden?
DeAnna is so good at building tension. Who is in the shop, did they attempt to break in?
Shout out to Aneski the Cat for being such a great, comical companion like no other.
Lies.
Something much bigger is going on here. You'll have to read it to find out just what. Such a heartbreaking backstory.
Some descriptions also reflect the character's mood. This is such a clever writing technique. “The lights embedded in the fountain made it an illuminated focal point, but tonight it was nothing but darkness. It matched my mood perfectly.”
How does Citrus Grove History fit into all of this?
Are our characters safe?
A mystery that will keep you guessing. I had no idea who the killer could be. It was so well written.
Keeps the pages turning. You won't be disappointed.
The ending is so intense. Who got hurt and can they be found in time as well as the killer? What a twist!
A missing journal and Canopic Jar. A code to crack. The story is not over. The fight for answers is just beginning.
September 11, 2025
Whiskers and Ciphers is the sixth book in DeAnna Drakes’s fun and exciting series, A Purr-fest Relic Cozy Mystery. The book is set in Citrus Grove, California and features Rebecca Cuthbert and her talking cat Aneksi. Rebecca works in her grandfather Sterling’s artifacts shop. Her boyfriend Nick is the detective in town. As the book opens, the college is hosting a conference for ancient artifacts and attendees have been attending sessions as well as visiting the restaurants and stores in town. Rebecca has had some people come by who are involved in the events. Sterling’s brother Phineas has been staying with him and is searching for the artifacts that he has locked up in a secret room in the basement. He has their great great grandfather’s journal but it is written in code and he needs to get the decoder.
Rebecca wakes up and looks outside to see a large crowd. She goes down to see what is happening and discovers a body was found in the nearby fountain. It is a woman who she had seen with Phineas the day before. She finds her boyfriend Nick and tries to find out what is going on. She isn’t sure if the death is linked to one of the cursed artifacts. The keynote speaker for the conference Emma, shows up at the Cuthbert’s shop looking for Phineas. He is supposed to be her date to the dinner. In his absence, Sterling is asked to be her date.
There’s a lot of surprises and unexpected things happening in the story. The book is well written. I love the characters. They are genuine and so likable. It is great seeing so many of the same people in each book. The romance between Rebecca and Nick is so enjoyable to read. The interactions between Rebecca and her grandfather as well as with Aneksi are very sweet. I was very surprised to read who the villain was in the book. I tried to follow the clues but couldn’t seem to figure it out. I am looking forward to the next book so I can read additional adventures of Rebecca and Aneksi. This is a five star book I am happy to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Rebecca wakes up and looks outside to see a large crowd. She goes down to see what is happening and discovers a body was found in the nearby fountain. It is a woman who she had seen with Phineas the day before. She finds her boyfriend Nick and tries to find out what is going on. She isn’t sure if the death is linked to one of the cursed artifacts. The keynote speaker for the conference Emma, shows up at the Cuthbert’s shop looking for Phineas. He is supposed to be her date to the dinner. In his absence, Sterling is asked to be her date.
There’s a lot of surprises and unexpected things happening in the story. The book is well written. I love the characters. They are genuine and so likable. It is great seeing so many of the same people in each book. The romance between Rebecca and Nick is so enjoyable to read. The interactions between Rebecca and her grandfather as well as with Aneksi are very sweet. I was very surprised to read who the villain was in the book. I tried to follow the clues but couldn’t seem to figure it out. I am looking forward to the next book so I can read additional adventures of Rebecca and Aneksi. This is a five star book I am happy to recommend.
I was fortunate to receive this ARC from Tule Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2025
Ever since Stirling’s cousin, Phineas, arrived, Rebecca has been suspicious of him. Finding a coded journal among his things related to the cursed artifacts deepens those suspicions. As Rebecca and Stirling search for a decoder for the journal, trouble arrives in Citrus Grove. A woman staying at Vee’s and looking for Phineas drowns in the park fountain. Phineas claims to be blackmailed by a consortium looking for the artifacts. Worried that the murder was caused by an artifact, Rebecca does some digging around town. However, a number of her suspects aren’t telling the truth. Aneski worries that her powers are fading when she doesn’t sense anything. With a killer on the loose and multiple lives in danger, will Rebecca and Aneski save the day?
Another exciting addition in DeAnna Drake’s paranormal cozy series. Weaved throughout the murder mystery are the everyday problems in the lives of the locals, including job issues for Nick, housing for Luna, and relationship bumps for several couples. These issues help ground the series and balance the supernatural aspects. While Nick wants Rebecca to stay out of the investigation for her safety, he realizes he needs her help if an artifact is in play. Aneski’s crisis of faith in her abilities is heartbreaking as she is a perfect furball even without adding in magic. The final showdown with the killer is edge of your seat and the fallout leaves plenty of future story possibilities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another exciting addition in DeAnna Drake’s paranormal cozy series. Weaved throughout the murder mystery are the everyday problems in the lives of the locals, including job issues for Nick, housing for Luna, and relationship bumps for several couples. These issues help ground the series and balance the supernatural aspects. While Nick wants Rebecca to stay out of the investigation for her safety, he realizes he needs her help if an artifact is in play. Aneski’s crisis of faith in her abilities is heartbreaking as she is a perfect furball even without adding in magic. The final showdown with the killer is edge of your seat and the fallout leaves plenty of future story possibilities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2025
Whiskers and ciphers is the latest instalment in the adventures of Rebecca Cuthbert and her grandfather Stirling. With the help of Aneksi, a delightful, supernatural cat, they are trying to recover some dangerous cursed objects which were stolen from Stirling’s shop.
When a woman attending a conference at a nearby university is killed, they fear there may be a connection.
They also become even more suspicious of Stirling’s cousin Phineas. I was very interested to see that part of the plot further developed. It connects with what we had previously learned about someone who was showing great interest in the property of Rebecca’s deceased parents. That ongoing story is one of my favourite parts of these books, and I’m looking forward to finding out more.
As always, the book was fun, and full of humour, adventure, and good characters. I enjoyed it very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
When a woman attending a conference at a nearby university is killed, they fear there may be a connection.
They also become even more suspicious of Stirling’s cousin Phineas. I was very interested to see that part of the plot further developed. It connects with what we had previously learned about someone who was showing great interest in the property of Rebecca’s deceased parents. That ongoing story is one of my favourite parts of these books, and I’m looking forward to finding out more.
As always, the book was fun, and full of humour, adventure, and good characters. I enjoyed it very much.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2025
Such a fun mystery! A strange woman shows up at the antique shop, only to leave with Phineas. Stirling and Rebecca go searching for the decoder for the journal and manage to find it. When the strange woman ends up dead in the fountain, Rebecca worries that it’s the result of one of the missing artifacts. But Aneski can’t sense one. And the decoder isn’t helping in decode journal. Plus, there is a symposium going on and the key speaker seems to have a thing for Phineas and Stirling. Not that Stirling is interested. But when Phineas goes missing, and his office is ransacked, Rebecca fears the worst, as he’s still her prime suspect for the murder. Rebecca needs to find him and stop him. Or so she thinks.
A great addition to the series. I like that this one is slightly different than the others. And of course, Nick now knowing everything makes it a whole lot easier. Also, I don’t like or trust the new chief of police!
A great addition to the series. I like that this one is slightly different than the others. And of course, Nick now knowing everything makes it a whole lot easier. Also, I don’t like or trust the new chief of police!
August 16, 2025
Another winner!
I love this series! It has so much - great writing, a wonderful story-line with a mystery that keeps you guessing, an adorable talking immortal kitten (Aneksi), and characters you can't help but love (well, some of them ;).
In this one, a dead body is found in the town's fountain, and Rebecca, along with Aneksi, help her boyfriend, Detective Nick Devon, solve the murder. A bunch of suspects and twists and turns along the way add to the excitement and make this a hard to put down book.
Meanwhile, she and her grandfather (with help from Nick and her cute kitten), try to decipher an old journal, hoping it might help with the mystery and with figuring out what other dangerous antiques might exist.
It's non-stop adventure, and I can't wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this series! It has so much - great writing, a wonderful story-line with a mystery that keeps you guessing, an adorable talking immortal kitten (Aneksi), and characters you can't help but love (well, some of them ;).
In this one, a dead body is found in the town's fountain, and Rebecca, along with Aneksi, help her boyfriend, Detective Nick Devon, solve the murder. A bunch of suspects and twists and turns along the way add to the excitement and make this a hard to put down book.
Meanwhile, she and her grandfather (with help from Nick and her cute kitten), try to decipher an old journal, hoping it might help with the mystery and with figuring out what other dangerous antiques might exist.
It's non-stop adventure, and I can't wait for more!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 18, 2025
Searching for the answers to a complicated cipher.
Rebecca and her grandfather Stirling Cuthbert are trying to decode the journal left by her great grandfather to find out how many dangerous artifacts he brought back from Egypt and stored in their basement vault many years ago. Having included her boyfriend Nick in the truth of their searching has eased Rebecca's mind and strengthened their relationship. When a mysterious woman comes to the shop looking for cousin Phineas and later winds up dead in the town fountain is it just a "normal" murder or one related to the missing artifacts. Either way the search for a killer is on. Another fine addition to this series with interesting and evolving characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rebecca and her grandfather Stirling Cuthbert are trying to decode the journal left by her great grandfather to find out how many dangerous artifacts he brought back from Egypt and stored in their basement vault many years ago. Having included her boyfriend Nick in the truth of their searching has eased Rebecca's mind and strengthened their relationship. When a mysterious woman comes to the shop looking for cousin Phineas and later winds up dead in the town fountain is it just a "normal" murder or one related to the missing artifacts. Either way the search for a killer is on. Another fine addition to this series with interesting and evolving characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2025
Whiskers and Ciphers is such a fun ride! The mix of cozy mystery, ancient Egyptian lore, and just a sprinkle of magic makes for a fresh and entertaining story. Rebecca is a smart, relatable heroine, and her dynamic with Aneksi (the talking cat—yes, she talks!) adds so much charm and humor.
The mystery kept me on my toes with a great balance of suspense and small-town vibes. I especially loved the academic conference setting and all the hidden secrets it stirred up. A few slower moments here and there, but overall, I was hooked from the first chapter.
If you enjoy clever whodunits with a magical twist and a strong female lead, this one definitely belongs on your TBR!.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The mystery kept me on my toes with a great balance of suspense and small-town vibes. I especially loved the academic conference setting and all the hidden secrets it stirred up. A few slower moments here and there, but overall, I was hooked from the first chapter.
If you enjoy clever whodunits with a magical twist and a strong female lead, this one definitely belongs on your TBR!.
I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2025
This one has a lot of surprises!
I do love this series. I adore Aneksi and how such an adorable little kitten can turn into a tiger. Then we have Rebecca and her deepening relationship with Nick. Not to mention, there is also her grandfather and his love life. We can’t forget the whole cast of side characters as well, every one of which has a role to play in Rebecca and Stirling’s lives. These stories are as much about relationships as they are about solving murders. It’s always fun to sit back and watch as Rebecca and crew solve murders. This particular story had more twists and turns than I expected. Thank you, DeAnna Drake for writing such a great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I do love this series. I adore Aneksi and how such an adorable little kitten can turn into a tiger. Then we have Rebecca and her deepening relationship with Nick. Not to mention, there is also her grandfather and his love life. We can’t forget the whole cast of side characters as well, every one of which has a role to play in Rebecca and Stirling’s lives. These stories are as much about relationships as they are about solving murders. It’s always fun to sit back and watch as Rebecca and crew solve murders. This particular story had more twists and turns than I expected. Thank you, DeAnna Drake for writing such a great story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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