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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.