
Join The Cozy Coven on Substack
Welcome to Cozy but Cursed, my Substack where the tea is hot, the mysteries are cold, and the ghosts are... mostly friendly.If you love paranormal cozy mysteries with a gothic twist, you'll feel right at home. I share:🔮 Behind-the-scenes worldbuilding from The Enigma Society Mysteries
📖 Exclusive stories & sneak peeks into my books
💀 Cozy gothic recommendations (books, art, games & more)
🔍 A community of fellow mystery lovers who enjoy a touch of magicCome for the haunted mansions, stay for the found family, quirky supernatural hijinks, and just the right amount of eerie charm.
5 Suspiciously Specific Clues About Me
The Familiar Situation: My Chow Chow, Brutus, is less of a pet and more of a delightfully stubborn (possibly enchanted) editor who communicates entirely through dramatic sighs and suspicious side-eye whenever I stray from the plot.Irish Atmosphere Appreciation: Living in Ireland has given me a healthy respect for mischievous folklore, misty mornings that hide secrets, and the absolute certainty that at least one noise the house makes isn't just 'settling'.Alchemical Writing Fuel: My best writing happens during thunderstorms, fueled by strong tea and suspiciously dark chocolate – yum!Domestic Bliss vs. Eldergloom Mayhem: When I'm not plotting murder in Eldergloom, you'll likely find me attempting domestic bliss: baking something possibly questionable (my sourdough starter has opinions), debating mystery tropes with my husband over tea, or trying to convince Brutus that a cozy night in doesn't actually require him hogging the entire sofa.Vintage Heart, Restless Imagination: My birth certificate might suggest 'vintage,' but my imagination refuses to retire quietly, preferring weekends filled with board game battles, creative schemes, or getting lost in worlds where magic is decidedly real (unlike doing taxes).

✨ Almost There! Check Your Inbox to Confirm... ✨
So glad you decided to step inside… You're just one magical step away from officially joining the cozy coven!Before the spectral deliveries can begin, you need to confirm your email address.➡️ Please check your email inbox NOW for a confirmation message from me (Daisy Graves).
Click the confirmation link inside that email. Doing so proves you're a real person (not a mischievous poltergeist!) and unlocks your reward:You'll be instantly subscribed to my monthly newsletter!
You'll gain access to your promised FREE short story, "Claws, Collars, and Curses"!
🔮 Your Monthly Missive from the Cozy Coven Awaits!
I’m Daisy Graves, and once you're confirmed, you can expect monthly emails packed with paranormal cozy mysteries, charm, curses, and just enough murder to keep things interesting. Think small-town secrets, supernatural shenanigans, and maybe a familiar with an attitude problem.But first things first: Go find that confirmation email and click the link! Your familiar surprise awaits on the other side.See you in the coven (officially) very soon!~ Daisy 🕯️💀

Hello, I'm Daisy Graves... and I Write for the Women Who've Had Enough.
Enough of being quiet. Enough of being dismissed. Enough of pretending they don’t quite see the magic shimmering in the everyday mess.If you're a midlife misfit, a late bloomer with a rebellious streak, or a cozy goth who believes "happily ever after" could use a few more ghosts, you're in the right place. My paranormal cozy mysteries are crafted for those who crave a second chance that looks less like a spa day and more like inheriting a haunted manor with a murder to solve and a past that won’t stay buried.Imagine the Golden Girls uncorking a bottle of wine with the witches from Practical Magic, while Twin Peaks flickers on the TV and Wednesday Addams offers her delightfully deadpan commentary from the corner. That’s the vibe.My stories are set in eerie small towns where supernatural secrets are as common as garden gnomes (though decidedly more troublesome). They blend dark humor, strange magic, and twisty whodunits, all centered around characters who might be a little bruised by life but are still burning bright with an unextinguished spark. I write for the women who’ve tucked away dreams, navigated losses, and still dare to reinvent themselves, perhaps with a talking cat as their confidant.
Why Paranormal Cozies? Because Sometimes...
...it takes a haunted manor and a keenly observant familiar to help you make sense of grief and find your footing....a touch of magic feels more grounding and real than most well-meaning advice....starting over is a whole lot easier when there’s a body in the garden, and you’re far too busy unmasking a killer to second-guess your own extraordinary journey.I write these stories because, honestly, I needed them. And I have a feeling I’m not the only one.
Welcome to My Enchanted Coast: Where Secrets (and Spirits) Linger
Some towns have secrets. Mine have ley lines, cursed heirlooms, tea that might just bite back, and the occasional, inconveniently placed portal—all alongside nosy neighbors, lingering ghostly exes, and familiars who definitely have opinions (and are probably judging your life choices).Along the Enchanted Coast, nothing stays buried for long, be it a forgotten treasure or a decades-old grudge.Each of my series invites you into a different uniquely magical town, but they all share the same heart:Twisty whodunits with a supernatural flair.
Quirky found families (because the best families are the ones you choose, even if one’s a vampire).
Sassy familiars with oversized personalities.
Relatable women stepping into their power and embracing their wonderful weird.
And mysteries that aren’t just about solving murders—they’re about solving yourself, one magical mishap at a time.
A Little About the Ghoul Behind the Keyboard
I conjure these tales from my own haunted hideaway in Ireland, shared with a patient husband and a Chow Chow who is, without a doubt, keeper of many ancient secrets (and possibly the TV remote). I firmly believe in the restorative powers of dark chocolate, tea strong enough to wake the dead, and stories that feel like a warm, comforting hug… albeit one wrapped in a swirl of fog and ever-so-slightly cursed.If you’ve ever looked at your life and thought, "It's time to burn it all down and start over somewhere wonderfully weird," then pull up a chair, pour yourself a cuppa (watch out if it steams green), and make yourself at home. You'll fit right in here.See? Brutus has been expecting you. He says to tell you the kettle's on (and to ask if you're any good at deciphering ancient, possibly cursed, maps).

Contact
Got a mystery to solve or just want to say hello? 🖤✨Whether you have questions, bookish musings, or need advice on dealing with a particularly mischievous familiar (looking at you, Shadow🐈), I’d love to hear from you! Just fill out the form below, and I’ll get back to you—no séance required.Alternatively - email [email protected]Stay cozy, stay cursed, and drop me a message anytime!— Daisy
Thank you
✨Dear Kindred Spirit,You’ve done it—you’ve stepped into a world of mystery, magic, and the occasional misbehaving feline (Shadow says hello, by the way). 🐈Thank you for your email! Whether you arrived by broomstick, haunted carriage, or sheer curiosity, I’m delighted to have you here. Expect cozy-yet-eerie tales, behind-the-scenes bookish mischief, and a little something delightfully unexpected lurking in your inbox. Think of it as a secret society, but with more tea and significantly fewer ominous Latin chants. (Unless you’re into that. No judgment.) ☕📜💀Stay cozy, stay cursed, and beware of talking cats.🖤 Daisy GravesP.S. If you ever want to chat about books, mysteries, or which cursed objects make the best home decor, just hit reply—I read every message!
🐾 Start Your Collection: The Familiar Files 🗝️
They see what others miss. They know what others fear. And sometimes... they steal your snacks.Meet the familiars of the Enchanted Coast—magical companions with sharp claws, sharper wit, and secrets of their own. The Familiar Files are beautifully illustrated, digital collectible cards that celebrate these uncanny creatures you've glimpsed in Claws, Collars & Curses and other stories.Each file comes with a QR code that unlocks an exclusive short story (2–3k words) offering a peek into their strange little lives—whether it’s solving magical mishaps, starting inter-familiar feuds, or haunting the hedgerows.Collect them. Share them. Befriend them (if they let you).
Your collection starts with the Manor's master of side-eye, Tiberius himself (File 01). Get acquainted with his demanding standards now—you’ll see his full guardianship in action in Grave Beginnings. Want his file ASAP? Keep a close watch on my Substack for special free file drops and early access secrets. And always keep your eyes peeled for other hidden files tucked away in my books and posts!
Tiberius Familiar File 01
The Case of the Olfactory Offense
Right. The Key is secure. The wards are stable (mostly). The sunbeam, while disappointingly autumnal, provides adequate warmth for strategic napping. I am meticulously groomed, my fur radiating the quiet dignity befitting the Guardian of Gloomwood Manor. For the first time in what feels like an age (though technically only forty-eight hours, the indignity stretched time considerably), a semblance of order has returned. I allow myself a brief moment of purring satisfaction, a low rumble against the aged mahogany of the library table I currently occupy. Absolute perfection.Or it would be, if not for that.My purr stutters to a halt. My nose twitches involuntarily. There it is again. An… aroma. No, aroma is too generous. It’s an effluvium. A miasma. An olfactory offense of the highest order, currently infiltrating my perfectly curated atmosphere.It’s not magical, I ascertain that immediately. No tang of ozone, no cloying sweetness of poorly cast illusion, no acrid bite of hostile intent. This is something distressingly… mundane. And yet, utterly pervasive. It hints at… synthetic fruit? Chemical flowers? The ghost of a tragically misguided air freshener? It’s aggressively cheerful in a way that sets my teeth on edge.My tail gives a single, sharp thump against the polished wood. This cannot stand. Such assaults on the senses are precisely the sort of creeping chaos I am duty-bound to eradicate. First misplaced Keys, now this nasal nuisance. Is there no end to the entropy?With a sigh that carries the weight of centuries tolerating incompetence, I hop down from the table, landing silently on the rug. The investigation commences.Nose low to the ground, I begin a systematic sweep of the library. Dust, old paper, the faint, comforting scent of Archimedes… nothing unusual here. The offending smell seems weaker near the floor, suggesting an airborne assault. Typical. Ground-level threats are so much easier to manage.I move into the main hall. The grandfather clock ticks with infuriating solemnity, utterly oblivious to the aromatic crime being committed. Portraits of dour Carfaxes stare down, their painted expressions suggesting they, too, might disapprove, were they capable of olfactory perception. The scent here is stronger, swirling in the faint drafts that perpetually haunt Gloomwood’s corridors.Could it be Mrs. Ash? She sometimes experiments with new cleaning concoctions, often with regrettable results. I recall a particularly harrowing week involving something that smelled suspiciously of boiled cabbage and regret. I pad towards the kitchen wing, ears slightly flattened.The kitchen is immaculate, as always. Gleaming copper pots hang in orderly rows. Surfaces shine. But the smell… yes, it’s definitely stronger here. My gaze sweeps the room. No obvious source. No discarded cleaning bottles. No suspicious spills.Then I hear it. A muffled sound from the pantry. A rustling, followed by a distinct crunch.Intruder? Unlikely. The wards would alert me. Unless… could it be Duke? That oafish Chow Chow belonging to Detective Donovan? He possesses an uncanny ability to bypass basic security measures, usually through sheer, blundering luck rather than skill. And his culinary standards are… questionable. Did Donovan leave him here unattended again? The nerve.I approach the pantry door, a low growl vibrating in my chest. Pushing it open with my head, I peer into the cool dimness.And there, amidst sacks of flour and jars of preserves, sits Mrs. Ash. Not Duke, thankfully. She’s perched on a small wooden stool, holding a small, brightly coloured bag, and munching on… something.Crunch.The air here is thick with the offending odour. It’s emanating directly from the bag in her hands. She looks up, startled, crumbs clinging to the front of her apron."Oh! Guardian, you gave me a fright," she says, lowering the bag slightly. "Didn't hear you come in."My eyes narrow, focusing on the garish packaging. Pictures of cartoon fruit dance across its surface. The label proclaims, in offensively cheerful letters: "Fruity Puffs! The Zesty Snack Sensation!"Fruity Puffs.The source of this sensory violation is… artificially fruit-flavoured corn snacks.I stare at her. Then at the bag. Then back at her. The sheer, unadulterated banality of it is staggering. I braved potential spectral incursions, navigated dusty corridors, mentally prepared for canine confrontation, all for… Fruity Puffs."Just having a little treat," Mrs. Ash explains, seemingly oblivious to my internal crisis. "Found them at the market. Thought I'd try something different. Bit strong, aren't they?" She pops another one into her mouth. Crunch.Strong? It’s an olfactory declaration of war! It’s the scent of cheap perfume crossed with a chemical spill in a candy factory!I want to hiss. I want to deliver a scathing lecture on the importance of maintaining atmospheric integrity. I want to knock the offending bag from her grasp and bat it under the heaviest sack of potatoes until its synthetic stench is muffled forever.Instead, I execute a maneuver perfected over centuries: the Look of Utter Disdain. I let my gaze linger on the Fruity Puffs, then slowly sweep it up to meet Mrs. Ash's eyes, infusing it with all the disappointment and weary judgment a Guardian of my stature can muster. I allow a single, deliberate blink.Mrs. Ash falters mid-chew. "Oh. Right. Suppose they are a bit… much." She hastily closes the bag, the crinkling plastic loud in the sudden silence. "Probably best saved for… well, not for inside the Manor, perhaps."Precisely. I turn, tail held high, and stalk out of the pantry without a backward glance. The lingering scent follows me for a few paces before dissipating, leaving only the familiar, dignified air of Gloomwood.Honestly. Fruity Puffs. The challenges never cease. First Keys, then floorboards, now breakfast cereal masquerading as a snack food. It’s a wonder this place hasn't collapsed into utter chaos already. It just goes to show, a Guardian's work is never done, especially when surrounded by beings with such questionable taste. Time for that nap. And perhaps a strongly worded mental memo to Mrs. Ash about appropriate pantry snacks.
The Eldergloom Mystyeries
She bought a manor for a new beginning, not a murder investigation... or a magical destiny.After a draining divorce and career burnout left her feeling invisible, Lenora Blackwell craved a fresh start. Gloomwood Manor, a crumbling gothic estate in eerie Eldergloom, promised a quiet B&B project and a life finally on her own terms. But before the first renovation nail is hammered, her slimy real estate agent is found dead in her garden—and Lenora is the prime suspect.Trapped by a strange magical binding and haunted by inconveniently reawakening psychic senses, Lenora must navigate a town brimming with secrets, a judgmental cat who might be an ancient guardian, and a handsome, skeptical detective watching her every move. To clear her name and reclaim her future, Lenora must not only solve a murder but also decide if she's ready to embrace the unexpected magic offering her the purpose and belonging she's been desperately seeking.Perfect for readers who know it's never too late for a second act—especially one with a side of magic, found family, and a truly killer cup of tea.