Hi, cozy reader friends! This is DeAnna Drake, author of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mysteries, and today is extra special for me—I’m celebrating the release of Whiskers and Ciphers, the sixth book in the series, and I’m absolutely thrilled to be back to share a little peek behind the scenes of how I write these stories.
When I first sat down to brainstorm the Purr-fect Relic series, I knew two things for certain: there would be an offbeat antique shop filled with Egyptian artifacts, and there would absolutely be a talking cat. What I didn’t realize then was just how much life (and delightful chaos) that talking cat would bring to the series.
Aneksi, the fluffy feline who partners with Rebecca Cuthbert, wasn’t just an afterthought—she was the first character to spring to life. I wanted a cat who wasn’t simply cute (though she certainly is that), but one who had her own wisdom, her own voice, and her own secrets. In fact, Aneksi’s roots stretch all the way back to Cleopatra’s court, which gives her a timeless charm—and a slightly mischievous streak—that fits perfectly with the cursed artifacts and small-town mysteries swirling around Citrus Grove.
Writing a talking cat character has been one of the most enjoyable parts of this series, but it also comes with its share of challenges. For one thing, Aneksi isn’t a human in a fur coat. She’s a cat—with a cat’s priorities, instincts, and worldview. That means she might notice things a human wouldn’t (a suspicious scent, a strange twitch of a tail), or she might stubbornly refuse to help unless there’s a promise of tuna involved. Keeping her reactions authentic to her feline nature while still making her an integral part of solving mysteries is something that’s always on my mind.
There’s also the matter of secrecy. Aneksi’s ability to speak is still a carefully guarded secret. Only Rebecca and a small circle of trusted allies know the truth. That adds an extra layer of tension (and comedy) to many scenes. Imagine trying to have a serious conversation with your talking cat about a cursed relic… while pretending she’s just purring in your lap!
In Whiskers and Ciphers, Aneksi’s talents take center stage like never before. When a visiting Egyptologist is murdered and a shadowy group known as the Consortium begins closing in on a dangerous artifact, Rebecca needs more than just her own sleuthing skills. Aneksi’s ancient knowledge, sharp instincts, and occasional tiger form become essential in unraveling the cryptic journal at the heart of the mystery. Her observations lead Rebecca down unexpected paths, and her magical abilities help protect the people she loves when danger strikes far too close to home.
I think part of why talking animal sidekicks are so irresistible in cozy mysteries is because they combine the comfort of a beloved pet with the cleverness of a true partner-in-crime-solving. They offer unconditional loyalty, a sounding board for the heroine’s worries, and in Aneksi’s case, a healthy dose of snark and sage advice. Plus, there’s something inherently magical about imagining that the creatures we love most might have a lot more to say than we realize.
Writing Aneksi has been, and continues to be, a purr-fect joy (and occasional hilarious headache). And in Whiskers and Ciphers, she proves once again that behind every great sleuth… there just might be an adorable talking cat.
About the author
DeAnna Drake is an award-winning author who writes witty and whimsical cozy mysteries filled with magical animals and feisty heroines who are always striving to balance the scales of justice in an offbeat world.
Under different names, DeAnna writes young-adult fantasy fiction, contemporary romances, and historical novels set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
When she isn’t plotting new adventures for her characters, she’s a craft addict, drinks too much tea, inge watches crime dramas, and escapes to Disneyland whenever she can.
She lives in Southern California with her family, which includes her two favorite people and one ridiculously pampered border collie.
Learn more at https://DeAnnaDrake.com.
