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The Pooka Women's Club Mysteries #2
A Cryptic Death
***IPPY Gold Medal Winner—Best Mystery***
She doesn’t know her own name. Someone does, and they want her dead.
For a year, Dymphna has tried to remember who she was before she arrived at the convent of Sacred Heart of the Woods: a woman with an unexplained fortune in her pockets, no memory of her past, and not one answer the doctors could give her. She’s finally made peace with the unknown and is ready to take her vows to become a nun. But someone won’t let her. It’s becoming horribly clear that whoever Dymphna used to be, a person has followed her to the convent and wants her gone for good.
Enter Sheila. She’s the last woman on earth you’d expect to befriend a nun and move into a convent, but the only one stubborn enough to keep this nun alive. Together they make an improbable team: the sister who can’t remember her sins, and the woman who knows everyone else’s. While Sheila chases the threads of Dymphna’s forgotten life, the rest of the Pooka Women’s Club turns to the secrets sealed inside an old crypt that was never meant to be opened.
Faith and felony don’t usually mix. But in Pooka, they may be all that stands between these two and an early grave.
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.
She doesn’t know her own name. Someone does, and they want her dead.
For a year, Dymphna has tried to remember who she was before she arrived at the convent of Sacred Heart of the Woods: a woman with an unexplained fortune in her pockets, no memory of her past, and not one answer the doctors could give her. She’s finally made peace with the unknown and is ready to take her vows to become a nun. But someone won’t let her. It’s becoming horribly clear that whoever Dymphna used to be, a person has followed her to the convent and wants her gone for good.
Enter Sheila. She’s the last woman on earth you’d expect to befriend a nun and move into a convent, but the only one stubborn enough to keep this nun alive. Together they make an improbable team: the sister who can’t remember her sins, and the woman who knows everyone else’s. While Sheila chases the threads of Dymphna’s forgotten life, the rest of the Pooka Women’s Club turns to the secrets sealed inside an old crypt that was never meant to be opened.
Faith and felony don’t usually mix. But in Pooka, they may be all that stands between these two and an early grave.
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.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2026
About the author
Virginia Ann
3 books8 followersVirginia Ann is an IPPY Gold Medal-winning author of cozy mysteries including The Pooka Women's Club Mystery series. Previously, she was 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 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.
March 1, 2026
I just finished A Cryptic Death, and it absolutely did not disappoint. As the second book in the Pooka’s Women Club mystery series, it builds beautifully on the foundation of the first novel while deepening the suspense and raising the stakes.
This was a true page turner for me. Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, another unexpected twist shifted everything. The pacing is tight, the plotting is smart, and the character development continues to shine. Each woman in the club feels layered and authentic, and their relationships add meaningful depth beyond the central mystery.
What I especially appreciated was how seamlessly the suspense and emotional elements were woven together. The twists felt earned rather than forced, which made the ending even more satisfying.
If you enjoy mystery novels with strong female characters, clever plotting, and surprising twists, this series is well worth your time. I closed the final page feeling both satisfied and eager for more. I truly cannot wait for Book 3.
This was a true page turner for me. Just when I thought I had the mystery figured out, another unexpected twist shifted everything. The pacing is tight, the plotting is smart, and the character development continues to shine. Each woman in the club feels layered and authentic, and their relationships add meaningful depth beyond the central mystery.
What I especially appreciated was how seamlessly the suspense and emotional elements were woven together. The twists felt earned rather than forced, which made the ending even more satisfying.
If you enjoy mystery novels with strong female characters, clever plotting, and surprising twists, this series is well worth your time. I closed the final page feeling both satisfied and eager for more. I truly cannot wait for Book 3.
February 12, 2026
More than a Mystery... A Journey into the Heart
The personalities, story, thoughts and actions all superb. The author doesn't use flowery phrases or memorable lines like poetry. Rather she creates a roadmap of the Heart. She does that in creating people within her books you root for and love as family.
And perhaps a little bit jealous you don't live in a place like Pooka, Indiana, know women like these you call your dearest friends or are a member of a Women's Club like no other.
The personalities, story, thoughts and actions all superb. The author doesn't use flowery phrases or memorable lines like poetry. Rather she creates a roadmap of the Heart. She does that in creating people within her books you root for and love as family.
And perhaps a little bit jealous you don't live in a place like Pooka, Indiana, know women like these you call your dearest friends or are a member of a Women's Club like no other.
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.
February 13, 2026
A cozy adiacent with darker tones, strong characters, set in a small town which is not the usual postcard perfect place.
There's secrets, something from the past, there danger in the present. A cast of clever and witty woman, an intriguigng plot.
Liked it.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
There's secrets, something from the past, there danger in the present. A cast of clever and witty woman, an intriguigng plot.
Liked it.
Recommended. Many thanks for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
May 10, 2026
The women do it again and solve another complicated murder. Brilliant story line.
July 11, 2026
Enjoying this Series
I love all of the Ladies in the Pooka Women's Club. This one was a bit dark but there were enough light moments to make me happy.
I love all of the Ladies in the Pooka Women's Club. This one was a bit dark but there were enough light moments to make me happy.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews