Possessed by a hungry ghost?? Where the heck did that come from? I get asked that every time when I tell someone about Possessed by Murder.
To be honest, I have no idea.
When Henrietta Bathers first showed up in Murder at First Sight, I had no clue I would be writing a book about her. She was simply a character who wandered into the story and made herself at home.
Henrietta makes me laugh. She’s kind and sweet, but she’s also stubborn. So stubborn.
When she entered Amelia’s body, I knew I didn’t want someone scary sharing body space with my favorite lead character. I also decided my ghostly character should have a funny quirk that led to Henrietta’s obsession with food. Can you imagine suddenly having taste buds again after decades of not being able to eat? I would gorge myself on chocolate. (Especially as the calories wouldn’t count since they go to someone else’s body.)
Food is such an amazing concept. We need it to survive, but it is so much more than fuel. We turn to food when we need comfort. We celebrate with it. We share it with the people we love. Certain smells and tastes can remind you of a person, a holiday, a kitchen, or a moment you thought you’d forgotten.
Think about chicken noodle soup.
Maybe that was the soup your mother made when you were sick as a child. You’ve never quite managed to get the recipe exactly right yourself, but the smell of it simmering on the stove can still take you back. Suddenly, you’re six years old, wrapped in a blanket on the couch, safe and secure because someone is taking care of you.
Or celebrations.
You finally got that promotion you’ve been working towards and to celebrate you go out for a fancy dinner or cook that expensive steak you’ve always wanted to try.
Those long evenings with friends, when nobody is in a hurry to leave. You share dishes, steal bites from each other’s plates, and laugh all night.
Or after a bad day, there’s the simple pleasure of a cookie warm from the oven. Sometimes that’s enough to soothe your soul.
Now imagine having all of that taken away. Imagine dying, but your spirit is confined to your hometown. You watch the world change around you while the years turn into decades. People you love grow old and die, their souls not bound to the same constrictions as yours. The landscape changes. Technology advances. The world keeps moving, but you don’t.
And you’re alone.
Then, one day, someone comes along who can see you. Not only can they see you, but they can help you. When they decide to hold an impromptu séance, the opportunity to possess them appears so you latch on tight.
After decades of being a ghost, you can experience the world again.
Wouldn’t food be one of the first things you’d want?
Henrietta’s food obsession started as a quirky character trait. But I quickly recognized Henrietta wasn’t simply hungry because she liked food. She was hungry because food is one of the things that makes us feel alive. For someone who has been dead for decades, that’s a powerful thing to rediscover.
JP writes cozy mysteries with quirky characters that make her laugh when they disagree with the laid-out plans for their story and take her on a different path. She lives in Winnipeg, Canada, and hates the cold weather but loves the winter months because they’re a great excuse to hibernate with a cup of tea or a glass of red wine. When she’s not writing or reading, she spends her summers in the garden and her winters plotting how to win her neighbourhood Christmas display competition. They don’t know it’s a competition, but she plays to win nonetheless.
The holiday season is a time for reflection, celebration, AND—let’s be honest—comfort. While the lights sparkle AND the scent of pine fills the air, there’s something about this time of year that makes you want to slow down and embrace the simple joys of life. AND what could be more wonderful than enjoying a quiet moment with your furry pet pal, a steaming cup of hot cocoa, AND a cozy book to keep you company?
Furry Friends and Holiday Snuggles
There’s no better companion during the holidays than your pet. Whether it’s your cat curling up in your lap as you read, your dog gently resting their head on your feet by the fire, or the sound of purring filling the quiet of a chilly night, pets add a layer of warmth AND comfort to the season. They’re always there to share in the moments of peace AND joy that make Christmas so magical. Their presence turns any moment into a special one—whether you’re wrapping gifts, watching holiday movies, or simply taking in the holiday cheer.
The Magic of Cozy Books
For me, one of the most magical parts of the holiday season is curling up with a good book. There’s something about wintery nights AND holiday mornings that make reading extra cozy. Picture this: You’re tucked under a blanket, your pet cuddled up nearby, AND you’re lost in the pages of a festive novel or heartwarming story. It’s the ultimate relaxation, AND there’s no better time of year to dive into your favorite holiday reads. From classic Christmas tales to cozy mysteries set against snowy backdrops, books bring a special kind of magic that’s perfect for the season.
The Simple Joys of the Season
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays—shopping, cooking, parties, AND planning—but sometimes the best moments are the quiet ones. This year, let’s focus on those simple joys: the purr of a content cat, the warmth of a faithful dog by your side, AND the satisfaction of finishing a great book by the glow of Christmas lights. These moments are what make the holidays truly unforgettable.
So, here’s to enjoying the good times, embracing the cozy companionship of our pets, AND finding magic in every page we turn. After all, when you have your furry friends, a good book, AND a warm, festive atmosphere, it really is the most wonderful time of the year.
French toast is always a favorite in my house. It’s usually something I reserve for weekends or a holiday, so when I was mulling over dishes that could be an extra-special breakfast specialty at Malone’s Diner in Paws, Claws, and Curses, the first book in my Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, it was the natural choice.
What usually sets my French toast apart from others is a trick I learned from a chef at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel years ago, and that’s to replace the traditional custard mixture with melted French vanilla ice cream. Sometimes I also add a touch of orange zest.
To put a sweet holiday spin on this recipe, I’ve replaced the melted ice cream with another special occasion favorite in my house: eggnog. I’d like to think the Citrus Grove locals who hang out at Malone’s Diner would appreciate it as much as my family does.
Eggnog French Toast
Inspired by the Custard French Toast served at Malone’s Diner in Paws, Claws, and Curses by DeAnna Drake
INGREDIENTS
For the French Toast:
2 cups eggnog
3 large eggs
1/2 tbsp. cinnamon
Butter or non-stick cooking spray
12 slices of bread, thick-cut
Optional Toppings:
Butter
Powdered sugar
Maple syrup
Berries
Whipped cream
DIRECTIONS
Preheat griddle or large frying pan. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggnog, eggs, and cinnamon until well blended. Pour the egg mixture into a shallow baking dish or pie plate. Dip both sides of a slice of bread into the egg mixture.
Prepare the griddle or pan with butter or cooking spray. Cook the bread in batches until golden, a few minutes each side. Keep warm in the oven until ready to eat.
Serve with your favorite toppings.
For Custard French Toast: Replace the eggnog with 2 cups melted French vanilla ice cream.
For Orange Cream French Toast: Follow the directions for Custard French Toast, omit the cinnamon and replace with a teaspoon of orange zest and a teaspoon of orange extract.
DEANNA DRAKE is the editor of RECIPES TO DIE FOR: Holiday 2024 Edition and the author of Paws, Claws, and Curses and the rest of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series. DeAnnaDrake.com
The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a collection of delicious, heartwarming recipes from eight of Tule Publishing’s most beloved cozy mystery authors? We’ve created Recipes to Die For: Holiday 2024 Edition,” where the spirit of the season meets the irresistible charm of cozy mysteries, and your favorite authors share not just stories, but some incredible holiday dishes!
Imagine your kitchen filled with the delightful scents of spiced cookies, simmering soups, and other home-cooked comfort foods—just like the cozy kitchens you have read about in your beloved mysteries. This cookbook is more than just a collection of recipes. It’s a festive collaboration between authors whose stories and characters have charmed readers time and again. Each recipe comes with a personal touch—a treasured family dish, a treat inspired by the pages of the author’s novels, or a holiday memory that shaped their love for cooking.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, there’s something here for everyone. From a mouthwatering breakfast and savory dinners to decadent desserts, these recipes are designed to bring a little extra magic to your festivities.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. As you cook your way through the book, you’ll get to know the talented women behind some of your favorite cozy reads—and perhaps discover a few new mysteries to add to your TBR pile!
So, grab your apron, clear out the kitchen, and get ready to whip up some culinary magic with recipes that are as comforting as a cozy mystery on a snowy day. Recipes to Die For is here to help make your holiday season a little tastier, and a lot more fun!
UP NEXT:
For the next 8 days, you’ll be treated to a special look inside the cookbook. You can also pick up your own free copy of Recipes to Die For today!
DEANNA DRAKE is the editor of RECIPES TO DIE FOR: Holiday 2024 Edition and the author of Paws, Claws, and Curses and the rest of the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series. DeAnnaDrake.com
A paleta is a Mexican dessert. Ice cream or sorbet and fruit on stick, perfect for eating on, well, any Texas day because ice cream is good any time.
M decided to visit her local Nevaria (ice cream shop) and they helped to pair paletas with her books. Here are the results.
A Dashie discovery meets Pina Colada.
Daisy of Daisy’s Nevaria picked the white and yellow dessert because the colors match the font on the front cover. M picked it because local town gossip, Piper, invites our amateur sleuth, Leslie, and her best friend, Sophia, over for pool drinks so she can get in on the investigation.
A Pom Pom Premise meets kiwi
Daisy picked kiwi because the green of the paleta matches the money and grass on the cover. M picked kiwi because it’s a sweet and tart fruit that takes a little adjusting to for your tastebuds. Kind of how Tiffany Williams tartness finally wins over Leslie in this book.
A Poodle Perplexity meets chocolate covered strawberry
M asked Daisy if she had any wedding cake flavors to go with the books. Daisy did not but she did have cheesecake. M decided that wasn’t enough. There needed to be fancy and sprinkles and lo and behold, there it was, a chocolate covered delight just waiting to be bought. (Which M did and ten more paletas thank you very much).
Which paleta sounds the most appetizing to you? What flavor do you think you’d pick to go with A Corgi Conundrum?
M. Alfano is a crazy dog lady from a small town in Texas. When not writing cozy mysteries you can find her as the substitute elementary school music teacher or writing contemporary romance under Magan Vernon.
Like many authors, I am often asked why I “became” a writer. The short answer is that I was born that way. As far back as I can remember, I was able to look at a situation, remove myself, and think about the “story” that was unfolding before me, no matter how mundane. I was always making up stories to keep my brother entertained when I was charged with babysitting him. I didn’t know that not everyone saw the world as I did until I was in college.
In English class one day the professor told us to write a short paragraph about a flower. We needed to make the description so vivid that anyone could picture it, see it. There were about twenty of us in the class. One girl raised her hand and asked, “what do you mean?” The professor repeated the assignment, but the girl shrugged and shook her head and said, “I still don’t know how to do that.” Something must have clicked for my professor as he turned to her and said, “Oh, you can’t make something from nothing, can you?” There are some people who can’t create something that doesn’t exist, don’t worry about it.” I feel sure I was not the only person in class who never knew such a thing existed. It was then I realized that is what writers do constantly—they make something from nothing.
Here is a rough idea of how I come up with story ideas and characters. I may be moved by a feeling, a look, a line of dialogue I overhear, or read, or a scene from a movie, and it lodges in my brain for use later. One day, it rises to the top and demands attention. No matter how long I ignore it, it is there, often growing, changing, and connecting with another idea. I always feel as if there is a separate part of my brain working on what I need to write next that I’m not totally aware of—yet. A friend of mine calls it the writing elves. These little creative brain elves are busy building the framework for a new book.
No two writers create in exactly the same way. All creative people can’t write a book, or have no desire to write. But most everyone will find their creative outlet. I found out later that the girl who could not envision a flower, couldn’t “build it in her mind” was a very talented quilt maker.
Why do I write? I can’t not write. It’s how I see and understand the world. Besides, I like creating something from nothing.
Thanks for stopping by the blog and congratulations on the release of your book, Retirement Can Be Murder!
