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.
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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.
Engagement rings are much more than shiny jewels; they are symbols of love, commitment, and sometimes, unexpected adventure. In “Vanilla & Vendettas,” amateur sleuth and baker Ava Decker learns this all too well when a diamond ring meant to be a sweet surprise takes center stage in a cupcake caper. Join us as we delve into some of the most bizarre and entertaining places engagement rings have been found: both in real life and fiction.
Lost & Found: Bizarre Places Engagement Rings Have Turned Up 💍🔍
Engagement ring mishaps are more common than you might think.
The Fishy Find 🐟: A fisherman off the coast of Florida reeled in more than just his catch of the day. Inside the belly of a large fish was a long-lost engagement ring. The fisherman’s catch was another couple’s treasure rediscovered!
The Rattling Ride 🚗: After months of an unexplained rattle in her car, one woman finally took the vehicle to a mechanic. Upon inspection, the source of the noise was revealed, a diamond ring her husband had hidden to propose and accidentally dropped behind a panel.
Garden of Glee 🌼: After frantically searching her entire backyard, a gardener finally unearthed her engagement ring while planting new flowers, nearly five years after it had slipped off during a weekend project.
The Emotional Rollercoaster 🎢
Whether hidden in a pie or stashed away in a toolbox, the journey of a missing engagement ring can be an emotional rollercoaster. From panic and worry to relief and humor, these stories transform simple pieces of jewelry into epic adventures.
Conclusion 🔮
In “Vanilla & Vendettas,” Ava finds herself caught up in the whirlwind of tracking down a missing engagement ring, proving that even the sweetest plans can go awry. These tales remind us that while rings may wander, their stories often become some of the most memorable chapters in our lives.
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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. Be sure to check out her website: www.lisasiefert.com.
Hi, friend! I hope you had a great weekend. I also want to thank you for stopping by to join in the celebration of the release of Dead in the Ditch, the latest book in my Elmo Simpson Mysteries series.
Isn’t that a fun cover? I love it.
Anyway, you may be wondering why this post is titled The Magic Number. It’s because Dead in the Ditch is the third book in the series. That got me thinking about the number three.
I grew up in the seventies and spent my Saturday mornings watching Saturday morning cartoons. That included the School House Rock videos, one of which was called “Three Is a Magic Number”. If you haven’t seen it before, or haven’t seen it in a while, go check it out here and enjoy the trip back in time.
Well, that got me thinking about other things related to the number three. So, let’s chat about some of them.
How about the third book in a series? There are some great ones. “Voyage of the Dawn Treader” is the third book in the Chronicles of Narnia, a series I first read as a kid. For my money, Voyage is the best book in the series.
The third Hercule Poirot novel by the legendary Agatha Christie is none other than “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”. I think it’s an incredible story. And it happens to be her greatest novel, according to a lot of Christie experts and fans.
Let’s move to music. The third album by U2, my longtime favorite band, is “War”. Featuring the singles “Sunday, Bloody, Sunday” and “New Year’s Day” it’s the album that broke the band into worldwide fame. I think it stands among the band’s finest works.
Other great threes? Baseball legend Babe Ruth wore number three. The Magi, otherwise known as The Three Wise Men, those of the Christian faith may have heard of them. For fans of action adventure, there’s the crime-solving trio “Charlie’s Angels” from both the small screen and big screen.
We can’t forget Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Rice Krispies aren’t Rice Krispies without that fun trio. The younger crowd is represented by The Powerpuff Girls—Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. My kids loved watching that show when they were young.
Will Dead in the Ditch ever rise to the level of a memorable number 3? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, though. I had a lot of fun writing it and I hope you have fun reading it.
How about you? Are there any favorite threes or trios you think deserve mention? Tell me about them. After all, three is the magic number and we can all use some magic in our lives. Until next time, bubbles up!
About the author
J.C. Kenney is the Agatha Award Nominated and bestselling author of mysteries full of oddball characters in unusual settings. “Panic In the Panhandle,” book 1 of his Elmo Simpson Mysteries series, was named one of the Ten Best Cozy Mysteries of 2024. He’s also the co-host of The Bookish Hour and A Bookish Moment webcasts. When he’s not writing, you can find him following IndyCar racing or listening to music. He has two grown children and lives in Indianapolis with his wife and a cat. You can find him at https://www.jckenney.com/.
Happy May fellow cozy sleuths! We have some wonderful titles for you this month and we can’t wait for you to get into them! Plus, a GIVEAWAY: Because who doesn’t love FREE books?
We will pick ONE winner to receive a digital book of their choice from the May mystery releases.
Comment down below saying which book you’re looking most forward to reading! Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. The winner will be randomly selected and announced at the end of the month.
Good luck and happy reading!
Dead in the Ditch
Release Date: May 5th, 2025
Wild animal removal specialist Elmo Simpson needs to act fast before the good people of Paradise Springs decide to remove him!
Halloween has arrived, and all is well in Elmo Simpson’s life until his beloved cat Oscar wanders off and doesn’t return. While searching for Oscar, Elmo discovers a body in a ditch. A body that turns out to be Elmo’s former arch-nemesis, a man who Elmo believes stole intellectual property from him worth millions.
When word gets out who the victim is, the town becomes convinced Elmo is the murderer, intent on taking revenge. With nowhere to turn and the reputation of his recently purchased Sea Breeze Resort on the line, Elmo takes it upon himself to figure out who the real killer is. All the while, trying to assemble the threads that connect a dark time in his past with the equally perilous present.
“Carl Hiaasen, look out! You’ve got stiff competition.” ~Ellen Byron, multiple Agatha and Lefty Award winner. A funny, edgy, and entertaining new cozy mystery series!
A Wedding and A Murder
Release Date: May 12th, 2025
No one invited a murderer to this wedding, and yet …
The announcement sounded innocent enough: five romance writers have chosen Peachtree Valley for their annual gathering. One of the writers is Kirk’s aunt Lily, and as one of Helen Rogers’s newest investigators at the PI firm, he’s eager to show off his new job.
Helen and her fiancé, Ted Morgan, are eager to show guests a good time at their wedding.
But then someone shows their true stripes and murders one of the visiting writers, and police have no witnesses or clues to work with. It’s an investigator’s nightmare, but the Rogers, Adams, and Brown agency isn’t daunted by hard cases. Their deep dive into the publishing world uncovers jealousy, resentment, and a boatload of motives. Including clues that the killer has their sights on Aunt Lily next.
Can the team pool their talents one more time to save their lives and the wedding too? Or will Helen have to turn the page on this new chapter in her life?
Vanilla and Vendettas
Release Date: May 19th, 2025
Stolen sparkling bling. A shocking murder. Will her single-minded sleuthing free her from a sour situation?
Pastry chef Ava Decker is delighted to prepare a special cupcake for her BFF’s surprise engagement. But after the diamond ring disappears from its sugary hiding place, the empty-handed baker is suddenly suspect number one. So when a witness comes forward to the cops, Ava eagerly tracks him down… only to stumble across his dead body.
With the police insisting she mind her own business and an unhelpful psychic more worried about Ava’s stalled love life than useful clues, the amateur snoop might have bitten off more than she can chew. But when she’s arrested for possession of a poached Aston Martin, she’ll need more than her is-he-or-isn’t-he boyfriend and her impulsive bestie to extract herself from the gooey mess.
Can she turn the tables on a thief-turned-killer before she’s baking cakes behind bars?
Vanilla & Vendettas is the scrumptious third book in the Frosted Misfortunes cozy mystery series. If you like dorky heroines, light-hearted comic relief, and cute kitties with pooch envy, then you’ll adore Lisa Siefert’s tasty indulgence.
Blackmail and Kitty Tails
Release Date: May 21st, 2025
A glamorous gala, a cursed dagger, and a killer on the loose—Rebecca Cuthbert and her talking cat, Aneksi, face their most dangerous mystery yet.
When Rebecca Cuthbert volunteered to help with the Citrus Grove Women’s Club gala, she envisioned a night filled with elegant silk drapes, Egyptian-themed decorations, and tasty hors d’oeuvres—certainly not murder. But then the lights flicker out during the party setup, and club president Deborah Ralston is found dead, stabbed with an ancient dagger.
With Aneksi purring by her side and a murder weapon steeped in legend, Rebecca must unravel a twisted web of secrets, blackmail, and bitter rivalries behind this sinister murder. Everyone from suspicious club members to scorned lovers is a suspect, and time is running out as Rebecca’s own antique shop becomes linked to the deadly artifact.
Can Rebecca and her cat corner the killer before tragedy slashes her world again?
A cozy mystery perfect for fans of charming small towns, clever cats, and amateur sleuths!
With the release of the 9th book in my Little Dog Diner series, Rolling Up Revenge, I’d like to share some interesting facts about Maine, the setting for my fictional series.
Maine, or the Pine Tree State, is a place of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unique culinary delights. With its rugged coastline, fresh seafood, and outdoor adventures, Maine offers something for everyone.
An incredible 3,478 miles of coastline, dotted with over 4,000 islands, offers plenty of unspoiled beauty. The charming fishing villages are the perfect destination to enjoy what Maine is famous for—it’s lobster roll or another delicious seafood dish, while enjoying the view of a lighthouses perched on a rocky cliff. It’s hard to beat that!
But Maine isn’t all about its shoreline. Home to miles of rivers and streams, it’s perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Or, if you love hiking, Mt. Katahdin offers breathtaking views and marks the northern end of the Appalachian Trail. You even might even be lucky and spot a moose, the state animal. But don’t get too close.
After all that activity, you’ll definitely need to make time to indulge in the state dessert—blueberry pie—or the official state treat, the sweet whoopie pie. Both are on the menu at the Little Dog Diner!
Early risers can claim bragging rights for being the first to see the sun rise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. You can hike or drive to the top.
And for you book lovers? Legendary horror author Stephen King calls Maine his home. I know, his books aren’t cozy but still worth a visit. The state’s eerie landscapes and quiet towns are the perfect inspiration for his books.
Maine is an unforgettable destination waiting to be explored.
If you can’t visit … grab a copy of Rolling Up Revenge and embrace the magic of Maine through my cozy mystery!
About the Author
Emmie Lyn grew up in a small town in New England, much like the towns where her female characters live—scenic, quaint and filled with colorful characters. She loves to create mysteries with twists and unexpected turns that draw readers in and capture their imagination.
Emmie lives in rural Massachusetts with her husband, a rescue terrier, and a black cat with a bad attitude. She shares twelve acres with a wide variety of wildlife including deer, bunnies, turkeys, and many songbirds. When she’s not busy thinking of ways to kill off a character (for a book, of course!) she enjoys a cup of tea and chocolate in her flower garden, hiking, or spending time near the ocean.
