Daycare Dangers

by MariaLisa deMora

In the idyllic small town of Willow Creek, Sunnybrook Cottage Daycare is a haven of laughter, glitter, and innocent secrets…until one child's whispers turn deadly.

Theresa Daye loves her life running the colorful daycare, capturing hilarious kid quips on her popular blog, and sharing hugs with her pint-sized charges. But when a cryptic email echoes a private conversation from the playroom, quoting a shy girl's eerie mantra, "smart people always come out on top," Theresa's world of rainbow doors and nap-time stories unravels into a chilling maze of hidden dangers.

As anonymous threats escalate, a blurry photo of a child's drawing arrives, revealing secrets that point to a web of corporate intrigue, a suspicious uncle, and a cold-case murder lurking closer than the playground fence. With the help of a charming librarian and her loyal assistant, Theresa must navigate shadowy watchers, courtroom dramas, and her own budding romance—all while protecting the little ones who trust her most.

But in a place where monsters hide behind finger-paint smiles, can Theresa uncover the truth before the next "quip" becomes a cry for help?

Daycare Danger is a heartwarming cozy mystery brimming with small-town charm, adorable antics, and edge-of-your-cot suspense. Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author MariaLisa deMora delivers a tale where the stakes are as high as a tire swing—and the exits lead to justice.

151 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2026

About the author

Raised in the south, Wall Street Journal & USA TODAY bestselling author MariaLisa deMora learned about the magic of books at an early age. Every summer, she would spend hours in the local library, devouring books of every genre. Self-described as a book-a-holic, she says "I've always loved to read, but then I discovered writing, and found I adored that, too. For reading...if nothing else is available, I've been known to read the back of the cereal box."

A member of Romance Writers of America, deMora​ has penned a variety of stories, with five established series that include motorcycle romance, veteran repatriation, and time travel, as well as a romantic standalone, dark suspense, and a legal thriller. Her website is filled with links and information, as well as extras like character interviews, playlists, poetry, and trailer videos!

Her short bio reads, "Plate-spinner / cat herder at work; totally geeked author; single mom in the thick of autism at home; hockey freak; wanna-be hiker; usta-be/on-again EQ gamer."

Reviews

[Vickju Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love mysteries. These kind of mysteries with love, happiness and a happily ever after are my thing. And this book has all of that plus the bonus of trying to save a life of a little girl while trying to figure out who is sending emails, breaking and entering and trying to hurt the innocent.
This is a brilliantly written book and I am so glad MariaLisa is back writing.

[Diana Kellermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daycare Dangers took me on a journey where I fell in love with some characters, cheered for the antagonists to reap consequences, and was surprised with other characters. There were twists and turns I hadn't expected. I loved how mystery, intrigue, and love wound throughout the story. I am intrigued with how MariaLisa deMora paints pictures with words that propels the reader into Daycare Dangers.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daycare Dangers by MariaLisa deMora

Edge of Your Seat Mystery

I was blessed to receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book.
Every teacher has stories of what kids say. Many have created blogs, written books, or created stand-up comedy routines. So, this story could be real. Theresa is a true caregiver and teacher. She has a blog where she posts things kids say/do. She believes a child when they tell her something.
She pays attention to body posture and a child’s art.

I was highly interested in this theme of daycare, danger, and mystery. MariaLisa kept me on the edge of my seat the entire read. I was waiting for what would happen next with clenched teeth (should have read it with my mouthguard in). In many placed I shouted, “YES!”. My heart pounded. I was enthralled. I had tears in my eyes as I tried to explain the story to my husband.

I have a degree in Child Development & Family Studies, a minor is social work, and a Masters in Teaching. I have worked with children as a caregiver, teacher, director of daycares, and sometimes as an advocate.

Whether you have children, take care of them, or just enjoy a good story. This one’s for you!