Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes

 Spoonful of Murder

Book Summary

Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the coffee and gossip are HOT!

Sure, Honey Springs, Kentucky is a destination for summer time visitors but our annual Christmas Festival, which includes a PAW-rade (mmhmmm for furry friends) is giving the summer tourist season a run for its money quickly becoming a tourist favorite!

Aunt Maxi is hosting a progressive supper for the community to raise funds for Pet Palace, our local SPCA. You'd think it would be GREAT for the tourists and it is but when Aunt Maxi literally has a hissy fit with a tail on it after she finds out Loretta Bebe's involvement...things turn south.

A dead body appears during the appetizers, Aunt Maxi and Loretta are suspects, and it's all she wrote from there.

Lordy bee...let's hope this things wrapped up in a nice little package with a bow on top so Santa doesn't have to make a stop at the local jail!

My Thoughts

Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes is the 10^th A Killer Coffee Mystery.  Roxy is looking forward to the holidays in Honey Springs, Kentucky.  Aunt Maxi has organized a progressive dinner with the proceeds benefiting the Pet Palace, their local SPCA.  At the Bean Hive, Roxy will be providing coffee and dessert.  The day of the progressive dinner, the woman providing the appetizers has to bow out after breaking her ankle.  Loretta is quick to step in, but her food is the last thing Aunt Maxi wants served.   Aunt Maxi comes up with a plan to save the day.  Before the guests can move on to the main course, a body is found on the beach.  Loretta and Aunt Maxi are at te top of the suspect list.  The pair declare a truce until the case is solved.  They are relying on Roxy to sift through the clues and produce the killer.  Can Roxy serve up the guilty party before her Christmas dinner?  

Spoonful of Murder can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  Everything you need to know is included.  Christmas is quickly approaching which means plenty of activities in Honey Springs.  Aunt Maxi dreamed up the progressive dinner which has Roxy providing coffee and dessert.  Roxy is looking forward to the Paw Parade and the other fun activities.  She is also hosting dinner at the Bean Hive for family, friends and anyone who wishes to attend.  Spoonful of Murder is an amusing cozy mystery with Aunt Maxi and Loretta up to their old tricks.  Loretta wants to provide the appetizer for the progressive dinner which has Aunt Maxi (and many others) in an uproar.  There is no one that wishes to eat Loretta’s cheese balls.  I like the characters in this series.  They are relatable and realistic.  Honey Springs is a typical small Southern town where gossip spreads faster than butter on hot pancakes.  I noticed a continuity issue or two in the book which I hope will get corrected.  The mystery was uncomplicated.  There was a lack of suspects which made it a cinch to identify the wrongdoer.  There are good clues in the story and Roxy is good at obtaining information.  The puppy up for adoption at the Bean Hive stole the show.  He is a cutie pie.  I wanted to bring him home.  There is a special surprise at the end that will delight fans.  Spoonful of Murder is a lighthearted tale with a precious puppy, delectable coffee, cheese ball bedlam, a merry mystery, a crafty killer, a resolute Roxy, and a cheery Christmas.  

Spoonful of Murder publishes December 23 and it is available for pre-order from Amazon*.  You find the other nine books in A Killer Coffee Mystery series here. The next novel in A Killer Coffee Mysteries is Barista Bump Off which releases February 24, 2022.  You can find  Tonya Kappes' other novels here.   Thank you for visiting today.  I will return tomorrow with Christmas Card Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart.   I hope that you have a merry weekend.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frothy Foul Play by Tonya Kappes

 

Book Summary

Frothy Foul Play by Tonya Kappes has the town of Honey Springs buzzing about the opening of Crissy Lane’s Bee Happy Resort with its holistic health spa.  Roxy Bloom is curious as to the identity of Crissy’s investor, but Crissy is keeping the person’s identity under wraps.  She has made Roxy promise to attend the grand opening, but Roxy has a staffing problem.  Loretta Bebe happens to have a solution with her granddaughter, Birdie.  Roxy might have her hands full with Birdie whose behavioral problems are the reasons she is in Honey Springs.  Tom Foster is a reporter with Healthy Women’s Magazine who plans to do a feature on Crissy’s new spa.  After Tom has an encounter with Birdie, Roxy learns that the reporter is known for his caustic reviews that have caused enterprises to go out of business.  At the grand opening, Roxy is looking out of the window of a guest room when she observes someone killing Tom Foster.  Unfortunately, Roxy’s new employee becomes the prime suspect and Loretta insists on Roxy using her skills to prove Birdie’s innocence.  Can Roxy clear Birdie’s name or will Loretta’s granddaughter become one caged bird?

My Thoughts

Frothy Foul Play by Tonya Kappes is the 9^th novel in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Everything a reader needs to know is included.  Roxy Bloom owns the Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky where she roasts her own beans for unique blends of coffee for her customers plus bakes up sweet treats.  She is happily married to Patrick Cane and they have two fur babies at home.  I always enjoy diving into one of Tonya Kappes’ lighthearted tales.  I like the author’s conversational writing style which makes the story a joy to read.  This humorous tale moved along at a quick pace which had me finishing it in a couple of hours.  The series has a cast of developed, quirky characters that includes Maxi Bloom, Loretta Bebe, and Bunny.  The author’s word imagery brought the town to life for me.  The interactions between Roxy and Birdie are great.  I like Birdie who is a great addition to the series.   The mystery surrounding the death of Tom Foster had several good suspects.  Anyone of them could have done the deed.  There are clues to help the reader solve the crime if you are paying close attention.  There is a secondary mystery that is driving Roxy crazy.  She wants to know the identity of Crissy’s investor.  The person is quite a shocker.  Pepper and Sassy are so cute, and I love reading about their antics.  There is an adorable black kitten up for adoption who needs a forever home and a name.  The humor scattered throughout the story keeps it fun and lighthearted.  I enjoyed visiting Honey Springs, Kentucky and I look forward to catching up the Bean Hive family again soon.   Frothy Foul Play is a lively cozy mystery with a cute kitten, a departed reporter, killer coffee, a covert backer, a new employee, and a bevy of baked goods.

Frothy Foul Play is available from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other novels here.  Tonya Kappes has Paddlers, Promises, and Poison publishing on March 25.  It is the 16th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour tomorrow for A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing. It is the debut of A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series.  I hope you will join me and that you have a peaceful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes

Welcome!  Today is National Sticky Bun Day.  On this day in history. . .in 1878, the world's first telephone directory was issued in New Haven, Connecticut.  It comprised a single piece of cardboard with fifty subscribers listed.  Those of you who watch Outlander will enjoy this tidbit.  In 1746 the British forces surrender Inverness Castle to Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobite forces.  In 1925, the first issue of  "New Yorker" magazine was published.  Alka Seltzer was introduced in 1931.  Now you have some new facts to share around the dinner table tonight!  I have a book pun for your today (you will either laugh or grown).  Have you read the best seller about teleportation?  It is bound to get you somewhere! 

Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes takes us back to Honey Springs, Kentucky where Roxy Bloom owns The Bean Hive.  It is time for the winter production of the Honey Springs Theater Company and Loretta Bebe is producing a romantic comedy.  Loretta has promised Maxine Bloom that she will play the lead.  But then Loretta calls in a favor and soon the romance is a mystery.  Alan Bogart, a New York theater director, is directing the play and Gretchen Cannon, an aging Broadway actress, will play the lead which has Maxi’s nose out of joint.  Mark Redding, a New York Times theater critic, arrives in town and chaos ensues.  Alan, Gretchen and Mark have history and the theater folks want Mark tossed out of town.   Roxy is delivering early morning coffee and pastries to Gretchen’s dressing room at the theater when she hears a ruckus on the stage.   She is standing on the stage with Maxi and Alan when she hears a noise.  Roxy looks up and then quickly pushes Maxi out of the way.  Alan, though, is not as fortunate.  She quickly calls Sheriff Spencer Shepard because Alan is DOA.  When Loretta ends up a primary suspect, Roxy sets out to unmask the killer.  

Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes is the 8^th A Killer Coffee Mystery.  It can be read on its own for those who are new to this series.  Roxy Bloom owns The Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky where she roasts her own beans for unique blends of coffee for her customers.  She would love to expand her business to have a bigger roaster, but, at this time, there is no extra space available on the boardwalk.  It is time for the local theater company to put on their winter production.  Loretta Bebe is in charge of the production and she is known for collecting favors.  Loretta has called in a favor from a theater actress, Gretchen Cannon who will be playing the lead.  This causes an upset because Loretta had already promised Maxine Bloom the lead role.  Gretchen called in a favor of her own and has brought in director, Alan Bogart.  Alan has ideas of his own which causes disorder and upset egos.  Alan soon finds himself dead and Loretta is a suspect.  Roxy knows that Loretta would not harm anyone and sets out to prove it.  Dead to the Last Drop is a light and humorous cozy mystery set in the charming town of Honey Springs.  The word imagery allows us to imagine Honey Springs blanketed in snow.  I could imagine the cold temperatures, the icy roads and roaring fires.  The mystery had a couple of intriguing components.  I liked the unique way the crime was committed.  There are several suspects for Roxy to question and clues for readers to discover.  As if Roxy does not have enough on her plate, she has a new feline at The Bean Hive looking for a home.  The sweet girl needs a name and a good home.  Then Roxy finds out that Emily, the local bakery owner, is selling her shop and relocating.  Roxy needs to organize a goodbye party (while solving a murder, of course).  Then Emily has a suggestion that delights Roxy.  It will take a little finagling though.  There are recipes at the end for the items Roxy served at The Bean Hive in Dead to the Last Drop.  Dead to the Last Drop has theatrical theater folks, roasting room quandary, an annoying actress, a mocha colored moggy, a disputable director and an annoyed aunt.

Dead to the Last Drop is out today and available from Amazon*.  It is on Kindle Unlimited if you are a member (if not, check out the 30 day free trial). You can find the other novels in A Killer Coffee Mystery series here.  Tonya Kappes' next release is Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal.  It is the tenth A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  Thank you for joining me today.  I hope you have jolly day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

Holiday Roast Mortem by Tonya Kappes

Welcome!  Tonya Kappes has written more than fifty southern cozy mysteries.  Her stories are charged with southern charm, emotion, humor and flawed characters.  Tonya's books have garnered reader praise and glowing critical review.  Tonya Kappes lives with her husband in northern Kentucky where she now writes full time since her four sons have flown the coop.  Join the Tonya Kappes Cozy Krew Online Group on Facebook where she holds contests and shares updates about new releases.  There is also the Tonya Kappes Books page on Facebook.  You can find out more about the author, her books and sign up for her newsletter by visiting her website.

Holiday Roast Mortem by Tonya Kappes returns us to Honey Springs where Christmas is rapidly approaching.  Roxy Bloom Cane and her husband, Patrick will be hosting dinner for their family and friends at The Bean Hive on Christmas Day.  Roxy is busy with the preparations along with handling the influx of tourists who stop by for coffee and pastries.  Patrick and Roxy have had little time together lately, so they have a date night at the Watershed.  Unfortunately, Ryan and Yvonne Moore are seated nearby, and they bicker loudly throughout the meal.  On the way home, they see Ryan’s car go off the road and into Lake Honey Springs.  Patrick dives into the frigid waters and pulls out the couple.  Yvonne survives, but Ryan does not make it.  Sheriff Spencer Shepard drops by the next morning to inform Roxy that Ryan’s death was not accidental.  Yvonne is the primary suspect and she hires Roxy to defend her.  Then Roxy learns that her ex-husband, Kirk represents Ryan’s estate and is pushing for Yvonne’s arrest.  Roxy leaves the coffee shop in the hands of her employee, Bunny while she begins asking questions around town.  She soon begins to wonder if Yvonne is as innocent as she claims.  Can Roxy wrap up the case in time for her Christmas Day celebration?

Holiday Roast Mortem by Tonya Kappes is the seventh A Killer Coffee Mystery.  Each book can be read on its own, but why would you not want to read each book in this entertaining series.  Holiday Roast Mortem is a fun holiday cozy mystery where Roxy gets an opportunity to dust off her lawyer skills.  When Yvonne Moore is suspected of killing her husband, Ryan, she requests that Roxy represent her. Yvonne was seen arguing with her husband the previous night by Roxy, Patrick and a restaurant full of diners.  There are also rumors swirling around town that Ryan was having an affair.  Roxy believes Yvonne is innocent until a shock has her doubting her instincts.  Holiday Roast Mortem has Tonya Kappes’ trademark writing style which is engaging and easy to read.  It is like talking with an old friend when I read one of this authors books.  I quickly became engrossed in the story and the pages flew by as I tried to figure out who killed Ryan Moore.  There is plenty of holiday happenings with the town decked out its finest decorations for tourists plus Roxy and Patrick are decorating their tree.  Roxy has planned an elaborate feast for her friends and family for Christmas Day which is being held at The Bean Hive.  There might be one less guest after Aunt Maxi tries to steal Bunny’s beau.  The mystery was interesting.  I liked the method of murder which suited the season.  There are several viable suspects and good clues to help readers solve this whodunit.  There is an adorable bunny who needs a home and Roxy believes the local bookstore would be the perfect place for it to reside.  She just needs to convince the store’s owner.  Holiday Roast Mortem is a happy holiday cozy mystery with choice coffee, a beautiful bunny, tasty treats, a conniving killer, dating disharmony, and tree trimming.  

Holiday Roast Mortem is available on Amazon* (Amazon UK).  You can find a complete list of the books in A Killer Coffee Mystery series here.  They are all available on Kindle Unlimited.  Thank you for visiting today.  I hope you and your family have a very Happy Thanksgiving (for those of you in the United States).  I will return on Friday with my review of The Ghost of Christmas Past by Angie Fox.  Take care, safe driving and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Killer Latte by Tonya Kappes

Happy Book Release Day!  Three new cozy mysteries that were released today are The Body in the Wetlands by Judi Lynn, A Killer Latte by Tonya Kappes, and Sifting through Clues by Daryl Wood Gerber. 

A Killer Latte by Tonya Kappes takes readers back to Honey Springs, Kentucky.  Roxy Bloom owns the Bean Hive and has been supplying the film crew with coffee and sweet treats.  Today they are wrapping up three weeks of filming a Sicholas Narks romance novel.  Daisy Lemon, the actress playing the lead, sneaks into the Bean Hive while the others are attending a meeting, the get a Star Studded Latte.  As Daisy walks towards the lake, Roxy steps outside to snap a pic of the actress drinking the coffee confection for social media.  Instead, Roxy witnesses Daisy being kidnapped.  The news quickly spreads via social media and Roxy’s latte is renamed Kidnap Latte which is affecting her business.  Then Roxy is roped into representing Loretta Bebe, owner of Diamonds, whose expensive jewelry disappeared with the actress as well as Stephen Lemon, Daisy’s husband, who is a suspect.  Roxy sorts through numerous photos taken by Aunt Maxi for Sticky Situations, the town’s newspaper, looking for suspects and sits in on Sheriff Spencer Shepard’s questioning of the film’s employees.  This case needs to be wrapped up quickly before Honey Springs become known for its crime and the tourists depart.

 

A Killer Latte is another engaging installment in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  If you have not read any of the other five books in this entertaining cozy mystery series, you will not be lost.  Everything a reader needs to know if included (but I recommend reading the whole series).  Honey Springs is a quaint Southern town with friendly characters, charming shops, and a gorgeous lake.  Roxy Bloom, owner of the Bean Hive, has been busy supplying coffee and treats to the film crew plus the Cocoon Hotel and keeping the coffee shop in stock.  Her husband, Patrick, is pushing for them to make a decision regarding the home he purchased from Aunt Maxi.  Roxy does not want to live in the beautiful home, but she does not want to sell it either (quite a conundrum).  The film crew has been staying at Camey Montgomery’s Cocoon Hotel, and she is distressed that all the phone books in the hotel have gone missing.  She wants Spencer Shepard, the sheriff, to find the culprit.  Unfortunately for Camey, Spencer finds himself busy looking for Daisy Lemon’s kidnapper who wants a $400,000 ransom.  Loretta (pronounced Law-retta) is in an uproar because Daisy was wearing $7 million dollars in jewels when she was taken, and Loretta was not aware that she needed to get the production company to sign an agreement (oh no).  Roxy is soon up to her nose in another investigation which has Patrick upset (poor Roxy).  I like Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style which makes for an easy to read story that draws the reader right in.  The story has a good flow and upbeat pacing.  The mystery is multifaceted which I just loved.  Just when you think you have it figured out, a twist is thrown your way.  There are plenty of curveballs in this whodunit.  Readers will find themselves laughing often at some of the characters antics (like Aunt Maxi).  There are some adorable pets in A Killer Latte including a cat that needs a forever home.  There are recipes at the end of the book for Star-Studded Latte, Easy Peasy Lemon Cookies, Blueberry Crumb Cake and Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches.  A Killer Latte has scrumptious food, good friends, a picturesque Southern town, mouthwatering coffee, a puzzling mystery, quirky characters and adorable fur babies. 

A Killer Latte is available on Amazon (and on Kindle Unlimited).  You can find a complete list of the books in A Killer Coffee Mystery series here on Amazon.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review.  I am showcasing Dragons of  Bourbon Street by Deanna Chase tomorrow.  It is ninth book in A Jade Calhoun series.  I hope you have a pleasant day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

A Charming Blend by Tonya Kappes

Happy March 1.  February blew by so quickly.  Cookin' the Books by Amy Patricia Meade is out today.  It is the first book in A Tish Tarragon Mystery series.  Almost Home by Valerie Fraser Luesse releases on March 5 with Courting Mr. Emerson by Melody Carlson.  Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang publishes on March 13.  It is the first A Castle Bookshop Mystery series.

A Charming Blend by Tonya Kappes takes us on a magical journey to Whispering Falls, Kentucky.  Roxy Bloom and Patrick Cane received a gift card for Full Moon Treesort which they feel will be the perfect place for their honeymoon.  They will be in town to witness the Christmas tree lighting ceremony.  June Heal, owner of A Charming Cure, learns from The Whispering Falls Newspaper that Roxy has an inquisitive nature, and they need to keep an eye on her while in town.  June wants to keep Roxy focused on Patrick while she is in town and not on the peculiarities of Whispering Falls.  When Roxy comes into A Charming Cure, June whips her up a special potion.  Roxy Mr. Prince Charming is kept busy tailing Roxy, but he cannot prevent her from tripping over a dead man in Santa’s sleigh.  June’s special abilities are put to test in attempting to keep Roxy away from the murder investigation.  Roxy, though, is one determined and curious woman especially when she observes some oddities.  Will Whispering Falls survive Roxy’s visit?

 

A Charming Blend is a crossover novella featuring June Heal from A Magical Cures Mystery series and Roxy Bloom from A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  Fans of both series will enjoy this spirited story.  Tonya Kappes has an engaging writing style.  I am immediately drawn into the story and do not want leave until I finished the very last word.  A Charming Blend is a whimsical and humorous cozy mystery.  It has a quick pace and can easily be read in one sitting.  Roxy and June coming together was highly entertaining.  I fond myself laughing frequently while reading A Charming Blend.  The mystery is light but that is natural considering the book length.  Mr. Prince Charming is a clever feline and his final scene will have you giggling.  Admirers of Tonya Kappes’ two series will be enchanted with A Charming Blend.

A Charming Blend is available through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited.  I appreciate you visiting today.  Tomorrow I will share my thoughts on Chocolate Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke.  It is the twenty-fourth A Hannah Swensen Mystery.  The ending will have your mouth dropping in surprise.  I am off to the grocery store to stock on my what my fur babies deem are necessities (treats, bones).  I hope you have a bewitching day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Cold Blooded Brew: A Killer Coffee Mystery

Welcome!  Shipyard Girls in Love by Nancy Revell will be available on March 22.  It is the third novel in The Shipyard Girls Series.  I cannot wait to read the latest installment in this historical series.

Cold Blooded Brew by Tonya Kappes is the fourth A Killer Coffee Mystery.  Roxanne “Roxy” Bloom owns the Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky.  Pam Horton is getting married to Truman Phillips and she is feeling overwhelmed courtesy of her best friend, Hillary Canter.  Hillary is bamboozling Pam into making changes to the wedding which is causing more work for event coordinator, Babette Cliff.  Pam, after a pep talk from Roxy, stands up to Hillary which causes her to lash out.  The next morning, Roxy arrives at work and finds a female in a white coat seated in front of the Bean Hive.  Roxy quickly discovers the woman is dead and not who she thought.  Sheriff Spencer Shepard is on the case, but the victim antagonized numerous people which leaves a plethora of suspects.  When Babette ends up at the top of the suspect list, she enlists Roxy’s help in clearing her name.  With the Bean Hive the central hub for gossip, you never know what key piece of information Roxy will overhear.   Can Roxy ferret out the killer?  Come back to Honey Springs for a cup of coffee, a delectable treat, gossip and a murder investigation in Cold Blooded Brew.

Cold Blooded Brew is best read after enjoying the other three novels in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  Tonya Kappes has a conversational writing style that draws the reader into the story.  Cold Blooded Brew has a steady pace and light Southern humor.  Honey Springs is a charming small Southern town with quirky characters who love to gossip.  There are actually two mysteries (subplot regarding mortgage loan company) in Cold Blooded Brew.  I like how the author tied them together.  There are plenty of suspects and good clues to aid readers in solving the case.  All the storylines are wrapped up in the end with a lovely feel-good ending.  Cold Blooded Brew is a light-hearted cozy mystery that will entertain readers with its multi-faceted mystery, romance and humor. Cold Blooded Brew is available on Kindle Unlimited.  The other books in A Killer Coffee Mystery series are Scene of the Grind, Mocha and Murder, and Freshly Ground Murder.

Thank you for taking time out today to visit.  I will return on Monday with my review of Six Feet Under by Tonya Kappes which will be published on March 13.  May you have a very special Sunday.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

 

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

Scene of the Grind: A Killer Coffee Mystery

It's Friday!  Leave It To Cleaver by Victoria Hamilton will be released on June 23.  It is the sixth book in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series.  I just love the descriptions of the vintage kitchen items in the books (I grew up with many of the items described). The books in the series are A Deadly Grind, Bowled Over, Freezer I'll Shoot, No Mallets Intended, and White Colander Crime.  If you have no read any of the books in A Vintage Kitchen Mystery series, you are missing out.

Scene of the Grind by Tonya Kappes is the first book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  Roxanne “Roxy” Bloom has recently moved to Honey Springs, Kentucky after her divorce.  Roxy has decided to pursue her passion and open The Bean Hive (a coffeehouse) on the newly renovated boardwalk.  The opening of the shops on the boardwalk coincides with the annual Honey Festival.  Roxy can thank Aunt Maxi for making this happen.  She has many fond summer memories of spending time with her aunt and uncle (before he passed away) and enjoyable hours at Crooked Cat Bookstore.  Alexis Roarke owns the bookstore, but is unhappy with Aunt Maxi who is raising the rent on the building.  Early one morning, Roxy decides to take coffee and a treat over to Alexis (cute scary music).  The door to the shop is unlocked, the lights are on, and the banned book section is in a disarray.  Roxy’s dog, Pepper goes through a private door, and Roxy follows to find Alexis dead on the floor.  Someone murdered Alexis and Aunt Maxi is at the top of the police’s suspect list (there was also a very public argument).  Roxy sets out to prove her aunt’s innocence and find Alexis’ killer.  Alexis’ contentious daughter, Leslie does not help matters by causing public scenes and insisting that Aunt Maxi be arrested.  Roxy has assistance in her quest from Patrick Cane.  Patrick and Roxy dated in high school until a misunderstanding separated them.  This is a second chance for their relationship if Roxy is willing to grab it.  But first she has to get Alexis’ murderer behind bars!

Scene of the Grind is a light cozy mystery.  It is nicely written and easy to read.  Scene of the Grind is just the right length for the storyline.  Thanks to Tonya Kappes descriptive writing, I could visualize the town and the boardwalk with all its new shops in my head.  In this first book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series, we are provided the background details on Roxy and what ruined her relationship with Patrick.  As the series progresses, I am sure the characters will flesh out more.  We are introduced to quite a few characters and businesses in the beginning (which is confusing), but it then levels out as the book progresses (thank heavens).  I give Scene of the Grind 3.5 out of 5 stars.  The mystery was not at the forefront of this book.  It kept getting eclipsed by Roxy’s attraction to Patrick and her flirting with Spencer Shepard (in charge of the murder investigation).  I hope in the next novel that the mystery will be more complex (i.e.—hard to solve) and prevalent.  I wanted more sleuthing and less drooling over Patrick.  I appreciated the cute animals in the story.  Animals always enhance a story.  The ending was sweet and romantic.  Mocha and Murder is the second book in this series and will be published on June 16 (today)!

I hope you have a fun Friday!  I will be reviewing The Marsh King's Daughter by Karen Dionne next time.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader