A Mythical Discovery: A Fantasy Cozy Mystery Novella

Melissa Erin Jackson

Dec 2025 · A Mythical Pet Sitting Mystery Book 1.5 · Ringtail Press

About this ebook

A Mythical Discovery is a novella that takes place between A Mythical Case of Arson and A Mythical Case of Murder in the Mythical Pet Sitting cozy mystery/fantasy series.

Don’t look a gift newt in the mouth.

Deandra has officially moved to Axia! She’s rooming with her best friend and cousin, Wendy, and has her trusty baby dragon, Havoc, by her side. She’s basking in the joy of having no schedule and no demands on her time. While taking a relaxing stroll with Havoc in Oracle Park one day, however, her peace is shattered when she overhears a violent altercation. 

Yet, when she and Havoc track down the source of the commotion, it’s not a crime in progress they stumble on, but Chester and his yappy dog, Charles Barksley, squaring off against Deandra’s nemesis: Sunshine the fire newt.

After rescuing the pair from Sunshine, Deandra is flabbergasted when, instead of being met with animosity, the newt gives Deandra a gift. The newly acquired coin is grimy, old, and possesses strange magical properties. Deandra is confounded further still when her research into the coin’s origins reveals a past not only connected to the fae realm—but to Havoc.

Ratings and reviews

A Mythical Discovery is book #1.5 in the Mythical Pet Sitting Mystery series by Melissa Erin Jackson. This is a fun, quick read. We learn more about Havoc, Deandra’s dragon who appears as a dire wolf. I really enjoyed this these mysteries and look forward to the next one. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This novella takes place after the first book, and before the second. Ties well into both. Each book is a hilarious mystery surrounding Havoc, which only Deandra sees as a dragon, everyone else sees a dire wolf pup. The books can be read on their own, but reading the series in order give a better picture of Dee's and Havoc's relationship. The main "cliffhangesr" at the end of the books are 1) will the vet and Dee finally become a couple, and 2) what antics will Dee and Havoc get up to next?

About the author

Melissa lives in Northern California with her boyfriend and way too many pets. She divides her time between operating a dog walking business and writing. She (mostly) writes paranormal mysteries. Some of them are very cute and some of them are very creepy. You can find all of her books in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. You can join her mailing list at https://melissajacksonbooks.com