A Measure of Mayhem: A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Book 4

A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #4

by Simone Stier

A Measure of Mayhem is the fourth book in the Cafe Crimes series—a clean culinary cozy mystery featuring amateur sleuth and former true-crime podcaster Parker Hayes in the charming small town of Magnolia Grove.

Winter in Magnolia Grove means snowy streets, local cheer and … a feud so frosty it could rival the weather. When a Polar Plunge at the annual Frost Fest ends in murder, suspicion falls on the ambitious (and some might say, cutthroat) owner of Feta & Friends.

Parker Hayes, part-time sleuth and full-time coffee fanatic, isn’t convinced the case is as simple as it looks. Armed with a double shot of determination and her signature wit, Parker begins to uncover a tangled web of grudges, shady property deals and small-town secrets—all brewing just beneath the surface.

Can Parker and her friends, along with her adorable dog, Major, untangle the truth, catch a killer and still manage serving Minted Mayhem Lattes at Catch You Latte? Or will her sleuthing land her on thin ice with a cold-hearted criminal?

A Measure of Mayhem is the fourth book in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series—a delightful blend of mystery, mayhem and murder—perfect for fans of small-town secrets, amateur sleuths and steaming cups of coffee.

THE CAFE CRIMES SERIES
Start your journey in Magnolia Grove with A Shot of Scandal (Book 1), then continue the adventure with A Drizzle of Danger (Book 2) and A Blend of Betrayal (Book 3). This is an ongoing mystery series, with new adventures in Magnolia Grove released regularly—so be sure to visit the Cafe Crimes Series Page for the latest updates!

All books in the series can be read as standalones.

Perfect for fans Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander, and Laura Childs.

Featuring favorite Small-town Southern charmAmateur sleuth (Former true-crime podcaster)Culinary cozy (Coffee shop setting)Clean & wholesome mystery (No gore/profanity)Quirky animal sidekickLove the small-town charm of Magnolia Grove? Head to the coast for more mystery in Simone Stier’s Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries, starting with Stacked in Suspicion.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2024

About the author

Simone Stier writes cafe and bookstore cozy mysteries—clean whodunits blending Southern charm with small-town cafe chaos. Like Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mysteries, Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mysteries, and Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mysteries.

Blending humor, heart, and small-town gossip, Simone's amateur sleuths always find murder amid the lattes. From podcast host turned barista (A Shot of Scandal) to unraveling small-town scandals, her Cafe Crimes series delivers binge-worthy reads with zero gore, maximum charm.

When not plotting mysteries, Simone explores North Carolina coffee shops with her husband and writing partner, Peter.

🔗 Discover Cafe Crimes on Amazon
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🌐 simonestier.com

Reviews

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Great characters, and sweet pet companion.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters are starting to feel like old friends. The mysteries are short and sweet—which is a nice palate cleanser.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker runs her Catch you Latte with aplomb and style in new hometown Magnolia Grove, with her talented baking chef assistant in the making Hazel. They set up their portable stand for the Polar Plunge event, where mayhem ensues and the body of beloved resident George is discovered, murdered by gunshot.

Parker, who is a coffee shop owner and also known as former crime podcaster and amateur crime sleuth, is asked to secretly assist the local police with the murder case clues. Whit, Parker’s boyfriend, local historian and assistant sleuth, capably helps out, as well as Hazel and the local crime podcaster team and the helpful Magnolia Grove community who stand behind Parker to assist in finding George’s killer, and when the villain is revealed, it is a stunner!

Well written, fast paced action, with a brilliant, thoughtful heroine and lovable characters, this series is a keeper for sure and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading this series one right after the next. The characters are delightful and the mysteries are very good. This is a new author for me and I will look at her other books when I finish



Amazon synopsis:
this Winter in Magnolia Grove means snowy streets, local cheer and … a feud so frosty it could rival the weather. When a Polar Plunge at the annual Frost Fest ends in murder, suspicion falls on the ambitious (and some might say, cutthroat) owner of Feta & Friends.

Parker Hayes, part-time sleuth and full-time coffee fanatic, isn’t convinced the case is as simple as it looks. Armed with a double shot of determination and her signature wit, Parker begins to uncover a tangled web of grudges, shady property deals and small-town secrets—all brewing just beneath the surface

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like all of the secondary characters much more than the main character. I missed her parents. She's still too aggressive in her interrogations of the people she suspects, and she still spends too much time investigating crimes while leaving her cafe in the hands of her messy employee. At least this time she tried to keep law enforcement informed about what she uncovers, so that's progress. I'm still not ready to upgrade to 4 stars, but I plan to continue the series.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story #4 is a hit!

Once again the wonderful aroma of coffee had lured me into another artfully crafted adventure. This series is fabulous, having all the correct ingredients; strong intelligent MC and a delightful cast of locals. The story and characters are finessed, and sent on twisty fast passed ride. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Karol L. Hosking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smooth blend of prose, people and personality

Just finished the first four books...I like wait to post a review until I have a sense of what I like and appreciate.
These stories check off all the boxes. The writing style flows, the humor works....spontaneous chuckles with an occasional full burst of laughter. It is relaxing and takes my mind to a different place. KLH

[Cheryl Bourdet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximum mayhem

Another volume of mystery and mayhem with a large seasoning of fun. Loved the intricate twists of the story and especially the frigid contest! Looking forward to book 5!!

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cafe Owner Solves Murder

I love this series! The Dad jokes and the wonderful characters are fun to read about. I also love Major and hid antics. This series will.keep me company all through this winter.

[Amy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I absolutely adore the characters in this story. This series is like returning home! Sweet, heartwarming, and cozy to the max. The mystery really surprised me in this one - I didn't see it coming.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

I love ❤️ these mysteries so much!❤️ I can’t wait to read the next one ☝️ thank you 🙏🙏much .

[NAOMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

This series are amazing and I can't stop myself for reading it, and the thing is that the plot twist is amazing too

[Donna L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful!

Charming storyline with interesting characters, witty dialogue, and the best cozy feel! Clean and well-written. I’ll be working my way through each story to the end!

[Nancy O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is full of great characters. I am enjoying getting to know each one. I like this series. I read one and want to pick up the next.