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Beneath every forest floor lies a vast mycelial network — an ancient internet of fungi and roots that sustains life through generosity, balance, and connection. Blending forest ecology, neuroscience, and anthropology, Wired Roots shows how nature’s hidden systems can guide us to rewire our own lives, escape digital burnout, and thrive in a connected world worth belonging to. “Mycelium is the forest’s fiber optic cable — except it carries food, healing, and warnings, not outrage.” Coming to a bookseller near you (2026).

Deanna Duke's cozy mystery book, Murder in Runje Park (working title), is the first in the Rusty Quail Bakery Cozy Mystery series. Set in the quirky, historic town of Roslyn, Washington, it blends culinary intrigue and small-town secrets with the wry wit of The Thursday Murder Club and the warmth of The Secret, Book & Scone Society. Deanna is currently looking for representation for Book 1 and is actively drafting up the next book in the series. More information on the book and its publication to come!

Yes! Murder in Runje Park is just the first slice of the torte. I'm currently outlining the next book in the Rusty Quail Cozy Mystery series, where you'll see more of Cassie, Chief Zach, Dingus Khan (of course), and the ever-quirky Roslyn community. Expect new suspects, old secrets, and plenty of pastries. My goal is to release three to four books each year, so if you enjoyed your time in Roslyn, rest assured—there’s more mystery (and baked goods) on the way. Want to be the first to know when the next one drops? Sign up for my newsletter for sneak peeks, recipe tie-ins, and the occasional local event information (form is at the bottom of the page). I'm shooting for a newsletter a month.

Yes—and no. Murder in Runje Park is based in Roslyn, Washington, a historic coal-mining town nestled in the Central Cascades. It’s got the charm, character, and drama of a western small town — with a few fictional twists added for intrigue (and plausible deniability). Locals may recognize some familiar spots — the Rusty Quail bakery is loosely based on a real business… but unless you’ve eaten one of my Cheddar Jalapeño loaves, that's about the closest you'll get. All characters are fictionalized — any resemblance to real (or not living) persons is purely coincidental and completely unintentional. Although, I must admit, each book just might contain an Easter egg of a real person making a quick cameo.

You can start with any book in the Rusty Quail Cozy Mystery series — but I recommend reading them in order if you enjoy: Watching characters evolve Picking up on long-simmering town secrets Spotting the occasional wink or nod to earlier mysteries Each book features a standalone whodunit, but Cassie’s personal journey — and her relationships with Chief Zach, Annie, and others — will deepen as the series unfolds.

Yes! What’s a cozy mystery without something warm in the oven? Each book in the Rusty Quail Cozy Mystery series includes a few recipes inspired by Cassie’s creations — whether it’s a Pumpkin Basque Cheesecake with Apple Brandy Whipped Cream or Annie’s infamous Spinach Ricotta Croissants. I also share seasonal recipes, baking tips, and reader‑exclusive extras through my newsletter, so if you’re the kind of reader who likes to solve murders and get flour on your apron, you’re in the right place. Sign up and bring your mixing bowl.

Thanks for asking! This was a labor of love. You can read it over on Deanna's old blog, The Crunchy Chicken: https://www.thecrunchychicken.com/p/letting-wolves-howl.html In the summer of 2011, Deanna pitched a book to her publisher regarding the delisting of wolves from the Endangered Species list in the spring of that year. She wanted to examine the issue from both sides of the coin - from an environmental standpoint as well as from the viewpoint of hunters/ranchers and others impacted by the growing population of wolves in several states in the U.S., covering the history and ecological aspects of wolf populations. Because of her schedule she decided not to write this book, but wanted to share with you a little of what she researched. One of the more interesting stories Deanna ran across involved the poaching of wolves in Washington state in 2008. The article linked above is based on news articles, information from Conservation NW as well as the actual reports from WDFW agents. Since their delisting, more than 500 wolves have been killed by hunters and trappers in Idaho and Montana alone.

Unfortunately, life intervened and the book and project was put on the back burner. When Deanna was ready to pick it back up again in 2019, revisiting it as Little House in the Mountains: Pioneer Living in the 21st Century, the book contract had run dry and her publisher wasn't ready to pick it back up again.

At the time of this writing, The Crunchy Chicken has had well over 5,676,592 page views. Since the metrics on this blog site hasn't been consistent over the years, it's estimated at being over 7 million. But who's counting 😏

You can view the pilot episode on Vimeo, linked from Deanna's old blog at: https://www.thecrunchychicken.com/p/mission-sustainable-pilot-episode.html One of the many projects Deanna worked on was the environmental makeover reality show, Mission: Sustainable. In 2009/2010, the pilot episode was filmed where Deanna was one of the cast members as well as the show's Personal Care Consultant. Unfortunately, the show wasn't picked up due to a variety of reasons, but it was a great experience of having the opportunity to work with a lot of very talented people.