My sister and I grew up hearing our fun-loving mom say ‘We’re having an adventure’ anytime best laid plans went awry. It was her way to spin a wrong turn into an enjoyable side trip. I began writing A BRUSH WITH MURDER knowing it’d be a high stakes sailing regatta story. Amidst the turmoil of the Shepherd sisters’ race to save their father, I realized that the three sisters were just different versions of me and my sister.
When I was eight, around Mollie’s age, my veteran-Marine-turned-high-school teacher dad became a sailor. He bought a used red sixteen-foot sailboat and named it Tomato Sloop. After building his captain skills and confidence, he slowly traded up until his final sailboat, a thirty-something-foot yacht named Snowbird. When he was sailing or racing in regattas on one of the Great Lakes, he was home.
One day, when we were still sailing on little Tomato Sloop, we encountered a storm while out on the water. The sky suddenly went dark, wind kicking up and tossing us into growing waves while we were pelted with small hailstones mixed into the rain. My mom’s words, “Don’t worry; we’re having an adventure,’ almost convinced me and my sister that all would be okay. But in a flash of lightning and clap of thunder, the sidestay keeping the tall mast upright snapped, the metal cable smacking against the rigging. The boat listed to one side from the weight of the partially untethered mast. The mainsail flapped and cracked in the wind, heavy lines and metal grommets whipping about. My sister and I scrambled to the high side of the cockpit and watched water pour over the railing into the boat. The top of the mast kissed the choppy, churning water. One of us screamed.
Somehow, my dad got control of the mainsail, tightening it and the boom and pulling the keeling boat back from the tipping point just long enough to sail aground onto a peninsula, bringing us to safety.
‘Don’t worry; we’re having an adventure,’ was a pretty effective way to tamp down any anxiety or fear in unpredictable situations. It usually worked. But that day on the boat, amid the chaos making eight-year-old me imagine I might die of drowning in a shipwreck, it was my dad’s calm that kept me from completely losing it. I’m sure he was scared. But he ordered us to the high side, checked our life jackets were tight and our white-knuckled fists grasped the deck railing and got us to safety. As a kid, I remember thinking the boat didn’t capsize because he refused to let it. I didn’t know the mast was still somewhat secured by the forestay and shrouds on the opposite side. My mother’s sunny point of view gave me the option to see a catastrophe as a quest. My dad’s quiet strength gave me the courage to embark on the journey.
Savanna Shepherd and her sisters never shy away from adventure—even when that adventure is disguised as a daunting or dangerous mission. I am certain their mother Charlotte has uttered those same words to them—‘Don’t worry; we’re having an adventure!’
About the author
Tracy Gardner is an Edgar Award nominated author of two cozy mystery series, one recent novel earning a spot on New York Public Library’s Best 100 Books list. Tracy also writes book club fiction with heart and grit under pen name Jess Sinclair. A Detroit native with one foot in the sand of Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tracy is a mother of three, the daughter of two teachers, and works as a nurse when not writing. She lives with her husband and a menagerie of spoiled rescue dogs and cats who inspire every fictional pet she writes.
At the end of Old Habits Die Hard, there were two vacancies to be filled at The Abbey: Senior Living. To recap, The Abbey is a former Catholic parish and school converted to senior apartments and 120 and 218 have new tenants at the start of Dropped Like a Bad Habit. Considerably bigger than the average apartments, 218 was a science lab, 120 a music classroom, very desirable real estate for everyone, but Meadow Jackson, The Abbey’s building manager, has a strict policy of No Apartment Swaps. To quote everyone’s Kindergarten teacher, You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit. Vacancies go to a newcomer, otherwise people would be forever moving and Meadow would never get the empty apartments filled with all the petty politics, right?
Allow me to introduce you to Natalie “Call me Nat” Williams and Dell King.
Ladies, first. Nat’s a recent widow, her daddy owned a car dealership that she and her late husband expanded into several locations. She’s rich and a bit of a …snot. Her apartment is decorated with a nautical theme and Nat prefers wearing cashmere to polyester, and she name- drops at every opportunity because she likes to remind everyone where she comes from (which makes Bernie wonder, What’s somebody as well-connected as Nat doing HERE?).
Nat immediately becomes a thorn in Sister Bernadette Ohlson’s side because as the self- appointed leader of The Abbey, Bernie likes to run the show. The trouble is, Nat doesn’t take advice or direction well from others, she’s used to being the Queen B. In Dropped Like a Bad Habit the tension between Bernie and Nat builds. Nat’s also a one-upper. If Rin mentions how her granddaughter recently mastered Beethoven’s Sonatina in G major, Nat will pipe up that her granddaughter performed Beethoven’s Sonata no. 25 in G major, op. 79 1 Presto alla tedesca at a concert. If Elena shows off a Quinceañera dress she finished sewing for a client, Nat will inform everyone that her daughter wore a vintage Oscar de la Renta gown to her prom, and do you know how difficult it is to find a seamstress skilled enough to make alterations on a custom piece like that? Bernie constantly grinds her teeth while ginning up ways to put Nat in her place.
Meanwhile, Dell’s the talk of the building. The attractive older gentleman gets everyone’s attention simply by showing up. All the women want him (except for Bernie, of course, since she’s married to God) and all the men want to be him—or at least be his friend. Dell’s tall, athletically built, and polite. Dell’s also private. He graciously accepts all baked goods and declines all invitations to dinner, much to Elaina, Nat, and Rin’s chagrin. He also leaves The Abbey every day, sometimes overnight… No one knows where he goes, but Phil Thomas and Leo Tanaka suspect it might have something to do with his enviably thick head of grey hair. It’s got to be hair plugs! The women are quick to object, though, pointing out the fact that Dell’s usually carrying a tennis racket, golf clubs, or a duffle bag when he leaves. He’s obsessed with exercise!
Dell quickly bonded with Cliff Warneke of all people! They’re regularly hanging out in the common area watching the Trail Blazers. Bernie’s suspicious of anyone who isn’t local, and he doesn’t seem to value community the way the rest of her neighbors at The Abbey do. Will Dell earn her trust, or remain a fishy outsider?
Melissa Westemeier grew up around the edge of nerd culture, but marriage and motherhood with three sons immersed her in it. She’s fluent in Marvel, DC, Dr. Who, Star Wars, Godzilla, and more thanks to their influence. Her fiction work includes rom-com and a trilogy loosely based on her experience tending bar on the Wolf River in Wisconsin. She’s thrilled to realize her childhood dream of writing murder mysteries. Her books blend her humor and appreciation for nerd culture while tackling serious themes and unpacking the puzzle of whodunnit (and how and why!). In her spare time, Melissa needs to be outside or near a window. Her passions include hiking, swimming, biking, reading, and fantasizing about her next vacation destination.
In Bonbons & Burglars, Ava’s new kittens aren’t just chasing clues—they’re doing it in style. That’s right: she gets 2 new mischievous sidekicks that are sporting diamond-studded collars, and honestly? They might be the real divas of the story.
So, in honor of our new four-legged fashionistas, let’s talk CAT BLING—because if you’re going to solve crimes and steal hearts, you might as well sparkle while doing it. ✨
💎 The Most Paws-itively Glamorous Cat Accessories
1. Diamond-Studded Collars (Fake, but Fabulous)
Think rhinestones, velvet, and just enough sparkle to say, “Yes, I’m a cat. Yes, I deserve this.” Ava’s kittens rock theirs like mini Kardashians with whiskers.
Enchanted Lockets for Cats(Okay, not actually enchanted)
Mini locket-style pendants that hold a photo of their human, a tiny note, or even a sliver of catnip. Bonus: a dramatic accessory for when the kittens dramatically meow and flop during interrogations.
3. Cat Crowns & Tiaras
Yes, they exist. No, they won’t stay on. But for five glorious seconds? Instagram gold.
4. Blinged-Out Harnesses for Walks of Fame
Perfect for the adventurous kitty who wants to strut down Main Street like it’s a red carpet.
5. Sparkling Food Bowls (Because Why Not?)
Even kibble tastes fancier in a glitter-coated dish. Trust us.
Ava’s Tip:
When your cupcake bakery assistant goes missing, the bride is sobbing and there’s a corpse in your freezer… focus on what you can control: like making sure your kittens are the best-dressed detectives on the scene. 🐾🔍
💎 Top 3 “Luxury” Cat Collar Brands (Totally Real…ish)
Known for: Matching collar-and-bracelet sets for pets and their humans.
Why it’s Ava-approved: Because nothing says “crime-solving duo” like coordinating accessories. Stylish, vegan, and guilt-free.
🐾 Tell Me in the Comments:
Would your cat wear a bejeweled collar or tear it off in 0.5 seconds flat?
And if your pet had a fashion label, what would it be called?
About the Author
Lisa Siefert is a USA Today Bestselling Mystery Author who writes humorous cozy mysteries. She dedicates all of her free time to testing out different latte flavors at every coffee shop she comes across and has never once skimped on dessert because life is too short not to. She lives in San Diego with Lucky, her own devious but adorable Abyssinian kitten. She excels at recounting every Hallmark Movie plot ever conceived and can also whip up a mean batch of mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Her books feature amateur women sleuths that always believe in silver linings despite all of the murderous clouds surrounding them.
Weddings are supposed to be joyful celebrations filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few embarrassing toasts—but in the world of cozy mysteries, a trip down the aisle can quickly lead to a trip to the morgue. From runaway grooms to bludgeoned bridesmaids, these wedding-themed cozies prove that saying “I do” can be downright dangerous. So grab a slice of (non-poisoned) cake and settle in—these whodunits are worth RSVPing for.
1. Vanilla and Vendettas by Lisa Siefert
When a cupcake hides more than just frosting, chaos is bound to follow. Pastry chef Ava Decker bakes up a sweet surprise for her BFF’s engagement—only to become the prime suspect when the diamond ring goes missing and the only witness winds up dead. Between a psychic with mixed priorities and an impulsive BFF, Ava has to whip up more than cupcakes to clear her name. If you love mystery with sass, sweets, and suspicious suspects, this deliciously twisty read is for you.
Perfect for readers who like their mysteries frosted with humor and sprinkled with chaos.
2. A Wedding and a Murder by Vickie Carroll
What should have been a dream wedding turns into a nightmare when one of the guests—an acclaimed romance writer—is murdered. PI Helen Rogers, her soon-to-be husband Ted, and their quirky investigative crew must dive deep into the world of publishing politics, professional jealousy, and hidden agendas to crack the case. With Aunt Lily next on the killer’s hit list, the wedding might turn into a funeral if they can’t find the culprit in time.
Come for the romance, stay for the reveal. This one’s for sleuths who like their mysteries laced with literary drama.
3. A Wiener Dog Wedding by M. Alfano
All Maddie wants is a simple ceremony with her fiancé, Detective Adam Waltz, and their beloved pack of dogs. But when the wedding officiant is found dead in a bowl of queso, Maddie and Adam realize someone’s out to sabotage more than just their big day. With small-town Texas charm, a loyal band of canine companions, and plenty of laughs, this mystery serves up a case that’s as cheesy as it is chilling.
Great for readers who love pet cozies, second chances, and weddings that go completely off-leash.
4. Maid of Dishonor by Nancy Robards Thompson
A dreamy wedding at a restored historic mansion turns deadly when the maid of honor—an old college friend with plenty of secrets—is found murdered. Maddie Bell and her mom had big dreams for their family-run wedding venue, but now they’re racing to solve the crime before rumors destroy their business. With a touch of Southern charm, mother-daughter sleuthing, and a social media scandal in the mix, this is one rehearsal dinner you won’t forget.
For fans of cozy family dynamics, high-society drama, and a touch of Southern Gothic flair.
5. Dishing up Deceit by Emmie Lyn
When a stranger shows up at a beach wedding claiming to be a long-lost relative—then winds up dead—chef-turned-sleuth Holly is once again pulled into a web of secrets. With the groom acting shady and the guest list full of potential suspects, Holly and her trusty dog Pip are on the case. As the tension heats up, Holly’s left wondering: is this a case of cold feet, cold-blooded murder, or both?
Perfect for fans of beachside settings, culinary clues, and mystery served with a dash of snark.
Whether you’re a sucker for second-chance romances, suspicious florists, or brides who sleuth better than they dance, wedding-themed cozy mysteries offer just the right mix of romance and chaos while bringing the plus one of secrets, scandals, and the occasional corpse. Whether you’re in it for the romance or the reveal, these five mysteries prove that “till death do us part” can be more than just a vow… it can be a clue. So throw on something comfy (bonus points if it’s white), pour yourself a glass of bubbly, and dive into a mystery where something old, something new, something borrowed… and something dead takes on a whole new meaning.
Giveaway Alert
Love the sound of these dangerously delightful wedding cozies? One lucky reader will win eBook copies of all five featured titles—because nothing says “I do” like a binge-worthy stack of mysteries.
How to Enter:
Leave a comment on this blog post telling us your favorite mystery wedding trope (runaway groom, suspicious cake,blushing bride with a secret, etc.).
Hi, cozy reader friends! This is DeAnna Drake, author of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mysteries, and I’m thrilled to be celebrating the newest book in the series—Blackmail and Kitty Tails!
The confetti’s flying all over my writing room, the celebratory tea is steeping, and Aneksi… well, she’s napping in a cozy corner after graciously allowing me to take center stage today. (She says she’s already famous enough, thank you very much.)
Since this is the fifth book in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, I thought it was the purr-fect time to answer a question I get a lot:
Why a talking cat? Or, more specifically… Why Aneksi?
The short answer: because cozy mysteries are so much more fun with a little magic and a lot of whiskers.
But the long answer? Let’s dig into it, shall we?
She’s More Than a Sidekick
Aneksi isn’t just there to add charm (though she has that in abundance). She’s a confidante, a protector, and a centuries-old magical being with a surprising amount of wisdom—and sass. She challenges Rebecca when she’s too impulsive, comforts her when the world feels too heavy, and sometimes topples over a statue or two just to keep things interesting.
Let’s be honest: Rebecca couldn’t solve these crimes on her own. She needs Aneksi’s help.
She Sees What Others Don’t
Aneksi has the uncanny ability to sniff out secrets—literal and metaphorical. She notices suspicious behavior, senses cursed artifacts, and has a sixth sense about danger. Plus, her low- to-the-ground perspective means she’s always finding things hidden in shadows, under tables, or inside unsuspecting tote bags.
When you’re hunting down a murderer armed with a cursed Egyptian dagger, having a clever cat at your side isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.
She Keeps the Tone Light (Even When the Stakes Are Deadly)
Cozies are all about balance. There’s murder, sure—but there’s also humor, heart, and the comfort of a community that rallies around its own. Aneksi is my favorite way to inject levity into even the tensest scenes. Whether she’s curling up in an ancient sarcophagus or hypnotizing someone into spilling a secret, she keeps things delightfully off-kilter.
She also has a gift for saying what the rest of us are thinking—and with more cattitude.
She’s a Link to the Past—and the Future
Aneksi’s magical roots stretch all the way back to Cleopatra’s court, and while that might sound like ancient history, it means she carries a unique knowledge of the world that helps Rebecca understand the cursed artifacts they face. But she’s not stuck in the past. She’s adjusting to small-town California life just fine—thank you very much—and if she has to help solve a murder or two to protect her new home, so be it.
So, why talking cats?
Because they remind us that friendship can come in unexpected forms. Because they say what we sometimes can’t. And because they make solving crimes a whole lot cozier.
If you haven’t met Aneksi yet, now’s the perfect time. Blackmail and Kitty Tails is out today, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this glitzy, twisty, claw-sharpened mystery.
Don’t miss my Publication Celebration with 6 days of special bonus content giveaways for subscribers. Not a subscriber yet? Join the fun here: https://DeAnnaDrake.com/join
With cozy vibes and purring gratitude, DeAnna
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, binge 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.
