Crime and Cat-astrophes - An Interview & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome DeAnna Drake to Cozy Up With Kathy today. DeAnna writes the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series. CRIME AND CAT-ASROPHES is the fourth book in the series and will be released tomorrow!

 
Kathy: CRIME AND CAT-ASROPHES is the latest installment in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series. Why did you choose to focus on cursed artifacts for your series?

DD: Hello! Thank you for inviting me to be here to help celebrate tomorrow’s (Feb. 12) release of CRIME AND CAT-ASROPHES! To answer your question, I’ve always been fascinated by history, particularly the myths and mysteries surrounding ancient artifacts. Objects have stories, and I love the idea that what might seem like an ordinary artifact could hold extraordinary secrets. That’s why I chose to focus on cursed artifacts in my Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series.

Cozy mysteries thrive on small-town charm and intriguing puzzles, and what better way to add a touch of magic and danger than through relics with hidden powers? The idea that an antique shop could be the gateway to long-lost secrets and supernatural mischief was simply too tempting to resist.


Kathy: Rebecca is the Cuthbert Exotic Antiques manager. Do you have a fascination for antiques, cursed or not?

DD: Absolutely! I’ve always been drawn to antiques—not just for their beauty, but for the stories they carry. Every piece has a past, and I love imagining the hands that have held them, the homes they’ve lived in, and the secrets they might keep. Cursed or not, antiques have a way of sparking curiosity.

While I’ve yet to come across a cursed artifact (thankfully!), some objects just seem to feel different, don’t they? That sense of mystery fuels my writing, blending cozy charm with a little supernatural mischief. So, yes, I have a deep fascination with antiques—whether they’re simply old or hiding a secret of their own!


Kathy: I love cats, and currently share my home with five of them at the moment. What makes cats the purr-fect, er perfect, addition to mysteries? Is Aneksi based on any real cats you know?

DD: There’s something inherently mysterious about cats. They move silently, observe everything, and seem to know things before anyone else does, which makes them the ideal companions for a good mystery.

In my Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series, Aneksi isn’t just a cat—she’s an active participant in the murder investigations, using her supernatural abilities to protect and aid Rebecca. She’s based on a gray tabby who lived with my family while I was growing up. Snickerfritz didn’t have Aneksi’s special abilities, but she left a lasting and loving impression on me. 

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

DD: My love for cozy mysteries grew out of my early obsession with Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys mysteries, not to mention Scooby-Doo cartoons, and later shows like Warehouse 13 and The Librarians. There was something magical about those stories—how ordinary people (or, in Scooby’s case, a talking Great Dane) could use their wits, curiosity, and a little teamwork to solve mysteries that baffled everyone else.

I loved the sense of adventure, the clever clues, and the way the mysteries always felt like puzzles just waiting to be solved. But more than that, I was drawn to the feeling those stories gave me—the mix of suspense, humor, and the thrill of catching the bad guy. They weren’t about gritty crime or hardened detectives; they were about smart, determined sleuths who trusted their instincts and never gave up and the friends and allies who helped them along the way.

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

DD: Cozy mystery is all I’m writing at the moment, but I have published books in other genres. As DeAnna Cameron, I wrote historical novels set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, as well as a series of contemporary romances. As D.D. Croix, I wrote a young-adult historical fantasy series set in Queen Victoria’s court with a secret rooted in Celtic lore. I’ve enjoyed writing every book I’ve published, but the cozy mystery genre allows me to combine all the elements I love. Now I can’t imagine writing anything else!
 

Kathy: Tell us about your series. 

DD: The Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series follows antique shop manager Rebecca Cuthbert and her mischievous, talking cat, Aneksi, as they unravel murders tied to cursed artifacts in the charming town of Citrus Grove. With a blend of small-town intrigue, supernatural twists, and feline wit, each mystery leads Rebecca deeper into the secrets of both the relics she uncovers and her own mysterious past.

Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

DD: Without a doubt, my favorite character in the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series is Aneksi. She’s not just a talking cat—she’s a fiercely loyal and delightfully mischievous force of nature. She brings humor, a bit of sass, and just the right amount of mystery to every scene she’s in, and let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want a talking feline sidekick of their own?

What I love most about Aneksi is that she’s more than just Rebecca’s companion; she’s a mystery in her own right. Her past is filled with secrets, and her knowledge of the cursed artifacts is only a hint of the amazing things she’s seen in her lifetime. Plus, her ability to transform into a tiger and use hypnosis definitely come in handy when they’re chasing the bad guys!


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

DD: My biggest inspiration for the Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery series is Elizabeth Peters’ Amelia Peabody series and my desire to bring that kind of plucky, intelligent heroine into a modern setting.

I’ve always adored Amelia Peabody—her sharp wit, fearless attitude, and ability to march straight into danger with a parasol in one hand and her own fierce determination in the other. She’s a woman who refuses to be underestimated, who thrives on uncovering mysteries, and who balances intellect with an undeniable sense of adventure. That kind of heroine has always resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to bring that same spirit into my own stories—but with a contemporary twist.

Rebecca Cuthbert may not be excavating tombs in Egypt, but like Amelia, she’s curious, sharp, and never willing to back down from a puzzle—especially when it involves cursed artifacts. She navigates the small-town charm (and chaos) of Citrus Grove much like Amelia handled her archaeological digs: with a mix of keen observation, stubbornness, and a touch of humor.


Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

DD: The answer is the same with this book as it was for my very first book and every book in between. I publish my work because it’s a story I want to read—a story that blends all the things I love: mystery, history, humor, and heartfelt relationships—and I believe there must be others who are looking for the same things.

At its heart, every book I write is a story I’m telling myself, one that I haven’t found anywhere else and which I desperately want to read. I love cozies, but I wanted one tied to ancient mysteries, with an enigmatic talking cat and a heroine who isn’t a damsel in distress. So, I wrote it. Once the story was on the page, I thought, if I want to read this, maybe others would enjoy reading it too.

That’s why I publish. Not for trends or expectations, but because I believe there are readers out there who, like me, want a cozy mystery with a little extra adventure, as well as a few surprises.


Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

DD: Only 4? That’s a challenge. I would invite Elizabeth Peters, Edgar Allan Poe, Agatha Christie, and Arthur Conan Doyle. Elizabeth Peters because she’s my biggest inspiration. Her Amelia Peabody series showed me how mystery, history, and humor could blend seamlessly, and I’d love to hear her thoughts on crafting strong heroines and weaving archaeology into storytelling. Edgar Allan Poe, the master of the macabre, because his eerie, atmospheric tales helped shape the mystery and horror genres. I’d want to ask him about his inspirations for THE MURDERS IN THE RUE MORGUE—often considered the first detective story—and hear his take on blending the supernatural with suspense. Agatha Christie, the queen of crime, because no one structured a mystery quite like her. I’d love to listen to her talk about red herrings, plotting twists, and how she kept readers guessing time and time again. Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, because his influence on the detective genre is undeniable. I’d ask him how he developed Holmes’ brilliant deductive reasoning and whether he ever imagined his character would become the most famous detective of all time.


Kathy: What are you currently reading?

DD: I’m rereading AT BERTRAM'S HOTEL by Agatha Christie. It’s always been one of my favorites, and it’s been so much fun reading it again after so many years.

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

DD: I love making crafts and jewelry, though I haven’t had as much time for it lately. I used to sell wire-wrapped and beaded jewelry on Etsy and at local craft fairs, but these days, writing has pretty much taken over my life (not that I’m complaining!). Every now and then, I’ll put together charm bookmarks or other little trinkets inspired by my books and offer them in giveaways for my newsletter subscribers—because who doesn’t love a little bookish treasure?

I’m also a big fan of cooking, especially when it ties into my stories. I love trying my hand at the dishes and treats featured in my books, and if a recipe turns out well, I share it with readers. If it flops? Well, let’s just say I keep at it until it’s something worth sharing.


Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

DD: Tea! At any given time, I have at least 20 varieties, and I love discovering new blends—just like Rebecca’s grandfather in my Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery books. Besides tea, I also keep a steady stock of popcorn, carrot sticks, and apple slices for snacking while I’m at the keyboard.


Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

DD: I’m so glad you asked! After CRIME AND CAT-ASROPHES publishes tomorrow (Feb. 12), there will also be at least two more books in the series published later this year.
 

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

DD: What I enjoy most about being an author is being able to tell the stories I want to read. Writing allows me to create worlds I want to immerse myself in, where antiques hold secrets, small towns are filled with quirky characters, and solving a murder might just require a little supernatural intervention.

I also love the puzzle of crafting a good mystery—layering in clues, misdirects, and surprises that (hopefully) keep readers guessing. There’s something incredibly satisfying about weaving all the pieces together so that by the end, everything clicks into place.

But the absolute best part? Connecting with readers who love these kinds of stories as much as I do. There’s nothing better than hearing from someone who’s fallen in love with Rebecca, Aneksi, and the mysteries of Citrus Grove. Knowing that my books can bring people joy, escapism, and maybe even a few gasps of surprise—that’s what makes this journey so rewarding!

Don’t forget to enter my BIG FEBRUARY GIVEAWAY, featuring series-inspired treats and goodies to bring your reading experience to life. Enter here: https://DeAnnaDrake.com/giveaway.

AND DON’T MISS THIS: You can start the series for free!

The first book in the Purr-fect Relic series—PAWS, CLAWS, AND CURSES—is free Feb. 10-14, and the rest of the series is discounted, too! Click or copy/paste the link: https://www.amazon.com/Claws-Curses-Purr-fect-Relic-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D2M32C3G

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 Crime and Cat-astrophes (A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery) by DeAnna Drake

About Crime and Cat-astrophes

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

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.

About DeAnna Drake

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.

Author Links: 

Website https://DeAnnaDrake.com 

 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/deannadrakeauthor/  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DeAnnaDrakeWrites  

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/42478126.DeAnna_Drake  

BookBub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/deanna-drake  

Purchase Link - Amazon  

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