Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Setting – California
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tule Publishing (February 12, 2025)
Print length ‏ : ‎ 199 pages

Synopsis

Did the professor get what he deserved, or is murder on the prowl in small-town California?

As a late-summer heat wave scorches the sleepy town of Citrus Grove, the suspicious death of a notoriously unpopular professor puts Rebecca and her talking cat, Aneksi, hot on the trail of another cursed artifact and a killer.

Police Detective Nick Devon, her dashing new flame, is following the rulebook in his investigation, but the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager is trusting her instincts as she follows the clues. With her grandfather distracted by an unexpected visitor—who may not be what he seems—and Aneksi rekindling a bond with a long-lost sibling, Rebecca knows she’s on her own to search for the ancient scepter that may hold the key to the dead professor’s medical miracle…and the reason behind his demise.

In this twisty tale of hidden motives, intensifying danger, and a dash of magic, Rebecca must rely on her wits—and, hopefully, Aneksi’s sharp claws—to solve the case before she becomes the cunning murderer’s next victim.

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Guest Post

Detective Work 101: Tips and Lessons I’ve Learned as an Amateur Sleuth

By Rebecca Cuthbert (transcribed by DeAnna Drake)

Hey there, mystery buffs! Ever dream of ditching your day job for the adrenaline-pumping world of crime-solving? Well, let me tell you, it’s not all magnifying glasses and trench coats—although I wouldn’t say no to a fabulous coat. My life as a shopkeeper took some unexpected turns, and now I’m practically a pro at tripping over dead bodies and unearthing dirty secrets. (Not exactly what I signed up for, but here we are.)

So, if you’re itching to add “amateur sleuth” to your resume, I’ve got some hot tips for you—straight from my own chaotic adventures. Between my literary idol Adelaide Morris (Victorian Egyptologist and crime-solver extraordinaire) and my grumpy-but-handsome boyfriend Detective Nick Devon, I’ve picked up some skills that’ll have you sleuthing like a pro. Let’s dive in!

Lesson #1: Awkward Silences Are Your Best Friend

Adelaide Morris taught me that patience isn’t just a virtue—it’s a weapon. When you’re grilling a suspect (or your nosy neighbor who “just happened” to see everything), silence is your secret weapon. Ask a juicy question, then shut your mouth. Seriously, zip it. People hate awkward silences and will often fill them by oversharing—sometimes way more than they meant to.

Like the time a neighboring shopkeeper spilled the beans on what she knew about the cursed artifacts that went missing from my grandfather’s shop. She blabbed so much she practically wrote my notes for me. Thanks, buddy.

Pro Tip: Keep your poker face strong. Smiling or squirming ruins the vibe. Channel your inner stone-cold detective and let the silence do the heavy lifting.

Lesson #2: Learn to Pick Locks (for Noble Reasons, Obviously)

If Adelaide can crack a lock in a corset and bustle, I figured I could manage it in jeans. Turns out, lock-picking is a surprisingly useful skill when you’re chasing down clues. (And no, it’s not as glamorous as the movies make it look. It’s a lot of fiddling and frustration.)

One time, I snuck into a business that held the clue to everything. Did I look like a badass? No. Did I solve the case? Absolutely.

Pro Tip: Practice on a lock-picking set and you’ll be proficient in no time. And maybe check the laws in your area… just in case.

Lesson #3: Self-Defense Is Non-Negotiable

Nick may grumble about my meddling, but he’s at least practical about it. His number one rule? Always be ready to defend yourself. His easiest trick? Hold your keys between your fingers like spikes. It’s not just for looks—those bad boys can pack a punch.

Nick has also drilled me on the basics: be aware of your surroundings, trust your gut, and for the love of all things antique, don’t wander into dark alleys alone. (That last one’s harder to follow than you’d think.)

Pro Tip: Take a self-defense class. You’ll thank yourself the first time a shady suspect decides to get a little too close for comfort.

Lesson #4: Hit a Dead End? Go Back to the Start

Let me be real with you: hitting a dead end sucks. But when you’re stuck, channel your inner Adelaide and rewind. Go back to the beginning and re-evaluate the clues. Nine times out of ten, you missed something—probably because you were too busy obsessing over the obvious suspect or being preoccupied by keeping so many secrets.

Case in point: I once spent two days convinced the wrong person was guilty, only to realize the real clue had been staring me in the face all along. Moral of the story? Slow down and retrace your steps.

Pro Tip: Look at everything with fresh eyes—and maybe bribe your magical talking cat to help. Aneksi’s instincts are usually spot-on.

Lesson #5: Trust Your Team (Even If They’re Furry)

Speaking of Aneksi, let’s talk teamwork. Solving mysteries isn’t a solo gig, no matter how many detective dramas suggest otherwise. Whether it’s a sweet magical cat, a reluctant detective boyfriend, or your ride-or-die bestie, having backup is key.

Aneksi has sniffed out clues, hypnotized witnesses (don’t ask), and saved my bacon more times than I can count. And while Nick rolls his eyes at my antics, his detective skills often fill in the gaps where my amateur efforts fall short. Teamwork makes the dream work, people.

Pro Tip: Surround yourself with people (or cats) who balance your strengths and weaknesses. Bonus points if they’re good at dodging danger.

Final Thoughts

Being an amateur sleuth isn’t exactly stress-free, but it’s never boring. Whether I’m decoding a cursed artifact’s secrets or staring down a suspect, there’s always a new challenge around the corner. And while I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, every case teaches me something new (even if it’s just how to avoid tripping over another dead body).

So, what do you think? Ready to try your hand at solving mysteries? Just remember: stay curious, stay safe, and when in doubt, channel your inner Victorian Egyptologist. Happy sleuthing!

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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.

When she’s not plotting new adventures for her characters, she 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.

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