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The Pooka Women's Club Mysteries #2
A Cryptic Death
Not yet published
Expected 11 Feb 26An heiress’s fortune up in flames. A desperate nun with no past. Secrets buried in a crypt.
Pooka, Indiana, is still reeling from the fallout of the Pooka Women’s Club’s last investigation. With farms failing, families fleeing, and fingers pointed squarely at Biddy Bramley and her fellow amateur sleuths, the town has never been more divided. Even Biddy herself is barely holding it together—until a bloodied nun appears on the club’s doorstep, shaken, desperate, and terrified.
Sister Dymphna has no memory of who she was before taking her vows—only unexplained injuries, a fortune in cash, and the chilling sense that someone wants her gone. Grateful for a distraction and never willing to turn their backs on a woman no one else believes, the Women’s Club takes the case.
As buried secrets surface in a local church’s crypt and whispers of Sister Dymphna’s past begin to emerge, the investigation expands to include one of the club’s own—and draws dangerous attention.
A Cryptic Death is the second installment in The Pooka Women’s Club Mysteries, a cozy mystery series celebrating sharp-witted women, unlikely friendships, and small-town intrigue. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, layered secrets, and amateur sleuths navigating life’s second acts, this novel blends suspense with warmth and dry humor.
Featuring classic cozy mystery elements (an eccentric town, a puzzling cold case, a mysterious outsider, and a tight-knit group of determined women), A Cryptic Death is ideal for fans of thoughtful, clean whodunits and mature protagonists who know that it’s never too late to uncover the truth.
Pooka, Indiana, is still reeling from the fallout of the Pooka Women’s Club’s last investigation. With farms failing, families fleeing, and fingers pointed squarely at Biddy Bramley and her fellow amateur sleuths, the town has never been more divided. Even Biddy herself is barely holding it together—until a bloodied nun appears on the club’s doorstep, shaken, desperate, and terrified.
Sister Dymphna has no memory of who she was before taking her vows—only unexplained injuries, a fortune in cash, and the chilling sense that someone wants her gone. Grateful for a distraction and never willing to turn their backs on a woman no one else believes, the Women’s Club takes the case.
As buried secrets surface in a local church’s crypt and whispers of Sister Dymphna’s past begin to emerge, the investigation expands to include one of the club’s own—and draws dangerous attention.
A Cryptic Death is the second installment in The Pooka Women’s Club Mysteries, a cozy mystery series celebrating sharp-witted women, unlikely friendships, and small-town intrigue. Perfect for readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries, layered secrets, and amateur sleuths navigating life’s second acts, this novel blends suspense with warmth and dry humor.
Featuring classic cozy mystery elements (an eccentric town, a puzzling cold case, a mysterious outsider, and a tight-knit group of determined women), A Cryptic Death is ideal for fans of thoughtful, clean whodunits and mature protagonists who know that it’s never too late to uncover the truth.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 11, 2026
About the author
Virginia Ann
2 books5 followersVirginia Ann is a consumer industry analyst with a decade of experience uncovering hidden trends, following the money, and making sense of complex business dealings—all skills that have translated well into crafting intricate mysteries.
Before venturing into fiction, Virginia authored numerous financial articles. Her insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Reuters, and she has appeared as an expert guest on CNBC’s Squawk Box, BNN, and Bloomberg.
A lifelong lover of charming small-town whodunits, Virginia brings her keen analytical eye to the world of cozy mysteries, blending intrigue, humor, and strong female friendships. She lives in Wisconsin with her beloved cocker spaniel, Millie, and, when not devouring cozy mysteries or writing, can be found gardening and decorating. The Potter’s Final Piece is her debut novel.
Before venturing into fiction, Virginia authored numerous financial articles. Her insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and Reuters, and she has appeared as an expert guest on CNBC’s Squawk Box, BNN, and Bloomberg.
A lifelong lover of charming small-town whodunits, Virginia brings her keen analytical eye to the world of cozy mysteries, blending intrigue, humor, and strong female friendships. She lives in Wisconsin with her beloved cocker spaniel, Millie, and, when not devouring cozy mysteries or writing, can be found gardening and decorating. The Potter’s Final Piece is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is the second book in The Pooka Women's Club series and it is fantastic.
I read it in one sitting, wondering who Sister Dymphyna really was, and what was really happening in the locked crypt.
The women in this series are such a quirky bunch, but I can't help loving all of them.
Sheila is such a strong person in the story, and I absolutely loved the ending.
Many thanks to the author for providing the ARC of the book for my honest review.
I read it in one sitting, wondering who Sister Dymphyna really was, and what was really happening in the locked crypt.
The women in this series are such a quirky bunch, but I can't help loving all of them.
Sheila is such a strong person in the story, and I absolutely loved the ending.
Many thanks to the author for providing the ARC of the book for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Cryptic Death is a Superb story about a group of women called the Pooka Women's Club who have very different skills. The women take a case as Sister Dymphna lost her memory and asks for their help. There are many twists and turns throughout the story which are linked to the past. But what will they uncover as the story unfolds? Can they discover the truth?
Excellent story and series that I have enjoyed reading and I highly recommend that you read.
Excellent story and series that I have enjoyed reading and I highly recommend that you read.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews