About K.A. Dempsey

K.A. Dempsey is an emerging author of dark cosy crime and adventure mystery — stories where folklore, herbs and history press up against modern-day investigation. Her books all unfold in the Mandrake World. It begins here, with Kit Blackwell and Juno Reay, the investigative pair behind HOOD — the unit dedicated to historic properties and folklore crimes. Coming soon, Abbey Pickle and Jack the monk join forces with Lord and Lady Capvering to set up The Mandrake Agency.

Kay spent most of her working life in the sports industry, but her heart has always been in the past — a lifelong fascination with history and with the great houses and estates whose walls hold more secrets than anyone lets on. The spark for these stories came from her great-grandmother, known locally as a white witch, brilliant with herbs and quietly trusted for it. Her shadow falls across every apothecary shelf, suspicious tincture and well-thumbed grimoire on these pages.

Kay lives in Derbyshire and spends much of her time in Norfolk. Travelling with her along life’s road — and the A17 — are her husband Andrew and their two terriers, one of whom is the girl-shaped version of Arthur.