I used to think running this old antique shop with my grandfather would mean polishing pyramid paperweights, selling the occasional dusty papyrus scroll, and maybe—maybe—dealing with a customer who wanted to haggle over the price of a reproduction scarab.
Then again, I also thought cursed artifacts were just folklore, murders only happened on the evening news, and cats communicated strictly in yowls and meows.
Let’s just say life in Citrus Grove has a way of rewriting the rules.
Most mornings at Cuthbert Exotic Antiques start with a cup of tea, a suspiciously intelligent comment from my feline sidekick, Aneksi, and a list of things that look simple—until they’re not.
My grandfather, Stirling, is our fearless leader—if you count someone who disables the security system to tinker in our secret vault as “fearless.” He’s been cataloging strange symbols in an old journal linked to his own grandfather. What started as curiosity quickly spiraled into decoding cryptic symbols, dodging suspicious visitors, and, unfortunately, discovering a body floating in the park fountain.
The victim’s name was Jillian Beechling, and I recognized her the moment Officer Meadows shared the news. She’d been in our shop the day before asking questions about Stirling’s cousin and current houseguest, Phineas, a slippery academic with a talent for vanishing when things get messy.
When I’m not dodging questions from Detective Nick Devon (who I might be falling for—emphasis on might, in case he’s reading this), I’m retracing the victim’s last steps—an awkward visit to the local tearoom, a suspiciously tidy guest cottage, and a stop at the local beauty salon that set off every alarm bell in my head. Thank goodness for chili-cheese fries at Malone’s Diner—my favorite hangout—and the nosy locals with a weakness for gossip.
Between clue-hunting, decoding that ancient journal, and reassuring Aneksi that her powers are not fading, I still somehow find time to stress over homework for my advertising class. The irony? The one thing I can’t seem to sell is myself.
Evenings are when it all converges—when Stirling is deep in research, Aneksi is curled up on her favorite pillow like a sleepy sphinx, and I’m trying to remember if I told Nick about the latest clue I’d uncovered. (Spoiler: I probably didn’t.)
People think living in historic Citrus Grove and working in an antique shop is charming. And it is, if your definition of charming includes break-ins, kidnappings, murder, and your boyfriend being caught between protecting you and following law enforcement protocol.
But despite the danger, the mystery, and the utterly bonkers week I just survived, I wouldn’t trade this life for anything. Because there’s magic in it—the real kind. It’s in every cursed trinket, every unexpected clue, and especially in all the wonderful friends I’ve made here in Citrus Grove.
If I’ve learned one thing since making this my home, it’s never ever to underestimate a cat or a Cuthbert.
Whiskers and Ciphers – A Purr-fect Relic Cozy Mystery, Book 6
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: September 2025
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link
A corpse in the town’s fountain spells trouble for Rebecca Cuthbert, who, along with her talking cat, Aneksi, must uncover the killer and dangerous truths behind the cursed artifacts plaguing Citrus Grove.
The normally quiet community is buzzing with excitement as the local university prepares to host an academic conference on Egyptian antiquities that’s attracting scholars, collectors—and a few hidden agendas. Did a newcomer carry out this crime, or is the culprit closer to home?
With Detective Nick Devon at her side and her knack for connecting the dots, Rebecca finds herself once again in the thick of the investigation. With help from her resourceful grandfather and her clever feline friend, she is determined to unlock the secrets of a mysterious antique journal. But each new clue reveals a longer list of suspects, deeper suspicions, old enemies, and more threats.
Solving this puzzle may come at a deadly cost. Can she crack the case before the murderer strikes again?
Meet the author
DeAnna Drake is the author of witty and whimsical cozy mysteries filled with magical mayhem, clever talking cats, and strong-willed sleuths. Her books—known for their twisty plots, heartwarming friendships, and just a touch of the paranormal—are perfect for readers who love offbeat characters, small-town charm, and a dash of danger. When she’s not writing, DeAnna can usually be found sipping tea, browsing vintage shops, or plotting her next mystery at home in Southern California, where she lives with her two favorite humans and one ridiculously pampered border collie. Learn more at www.DeAnnaDrake.com.