Mocha and Murder: A Killer Coffee Mystery

Salutations!  I wanted to remind those of you that enjoy cozy mysteries, that Leave It To Cleaver by Victoria Hamilton will be released on June 23.  It is the sixth book in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series.   If you prefer dystopian type novels, Light of Dawn by Vannetta Chapman is the third book in The Remnant series.  Amazon has released the paperback version early (so you can get it now) and the ebook will be available on June 27.

Mocha and Murder by Tonya Kappes is the second book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  Roxanne “Roxy” Bloom owns The Bee Hive coffeehouse in Honey Springs, Kentucky.  Roxy needs to pick up apples from Fred Hill of Hill’s Orchards at the Farmer’s Market.  Patrick Cane, Roxy’s fiancé goes with her so they can enjoy some time together.  When they arrive, Roxy witnesses a disagreement between Fred and Louise Carlton of the Pet Palace, the shelter for homeless pets.  Fred tells Louise to stay off his property.  The next day Roxy heads to Hill’s Orchards to pay Fred for the apples.  She finds Louise in the apple orchard standing over Fred’s still body with a knife dripping blood in her hand.  Roxy quickly calls Sheriff Spencer Shepard.  Roxy discovers that Fred and Louise were fighting over chicken eggs.  Fred had adopted Bertie, an Ayam Cemani chicken, from the Pet Palace and he wanted the eggs the bird had laid prior to the adoption (they are rare).  Roxy knows Louise would not harm anyone and agrees to be her lawyer.  Roxy needs to discover who else had a beef with Fred even if it means ruffling a few feathers (I couldn’t resist).  One thing Roxy did not count on was the sudden arrival of her mother, Penny.  Why has she suddenly come to Honey Springs? 

Mocha and Murder is a light cozy mystery novel.  It is nicely written and has a good pace.  While Mocha and Murder is the second book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone.  The author provides the particulars on what occurred in Scene of the Grind and background specifics on Roxy.  Mocha and Murder contains entertaining characters that live in a small Southern town.  I like that there is the Pet Palace that rescues pets of all types and the owner, Louise along with Roxy work to place them in good, stable homes.  It is a shame there are not facilities like the Pet Palace across the United States.  I give Mocha and Murder 4 out of 5 stars.  I thought it was amusing that the victim was killed over a chicken (a unique chicken—all black including its internal organs). The whodunit can be solved long before the reveal (if you pay very close attention).  I think, though, that many readers will be surprised by the killer’s identity.  Mocha and Murder contains romance (of course) with the relationship of Patrick and Roxy (they are now engaged).  I was glad that they are not going to rush into marriage and spend time getting reacquainted.  I appreciated finding out more about Roxy’s mother and their relationship (what caused their estrangement).  Aunt Maxi and Penny provided some comedic relief with their antics.  Mocha and Murder is a charming story that will appeal to many readers.  

Thank you for visiting today.  I am currently reading If the Haunting Fits, Wear It by Rose Pressey.  I will return tomorrow with another book evaluation.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader