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Honeysuckle Bend #1
Books, Bubble Tea and Bodies
Running a cozy book café can be murder … especially when the past just won’t stay buried.
Callie loves a timeless classic. She thought running a shop in her charming southern town meant quiet days, good tea, and lots of spare time to read. But when a strange journal turns up in a donation box, it leads her straight to the town’s oldest Creole manor—and to the body of a very prominent friend.
But the ladies in the dead woman’s bridge club are tight lipped and snooty, the town planner is acting shady, and the bad boy carpenter who worked for the late Alma Jessup has been spreading rumors. Everybody seems to have something to hide. And the more Callie starts poking around, the less sleepy her little hamlet becomes.
As Callie, Josh and Maya get tangled up with the quirky townsfolk, the clock begins ticking. More bodies. More books. And of course, more bubble tea. Will the trio be able to get to the bottom of things before time runs out?
And just how many secrets can one old mansion hold?
Find out in this tight cozy full of southern charm, lovable characters, and a mystery that will have you guessing until the very last moments. Fans of Ellie Alexander, Tonya Kappes, and Katie Gayle say they “can’t put this book down!”
Callie loves a timeless classic. She thought running a shop in her charming southern town meant quiet days, good tea, and lots of spare time to read. But when a strange journal turns up in a donation box, it leads her straight to the town’s oldest Creole manor—and to the body of a very prominent friend.
But the ladies in the dead woman’s bridge club are tight lipped and snooty, the town planner is acting shady, and the bad boy carpenter who worked for the late Alma Jessup has been spreading rumors. Everybody seems to have something to hide. And the more Callie starts poking around, the less sleepy her little hamlet becomes.
As Callie, Josh and Maya get tangled up with the quirky townsfolk, the clock begins ticking. More bodies. More books. And of course, more bubble tea. Will the trio be able to get to the bottom of things before time runs out?
And just how many secrets can one old mansion hold?
Find out in this tight cozy full of southern charm, lovable characters, and a mystery that will have you guessing until the very last moments. Fans of Ellie Alexander, Tonya Kappes, and Katie Gayle say they “can’t put this book down!”
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
677 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 30, 2025
3⭐️
If this wasn't the perfect small-town, cozy mystery, I don't know what is! This was quick and fun and a perfect palette cleanser.
I don't have a whole lot to say on this since it was so short and simple, but the story and characters were fun to read about. The characters had zero depth to them and their personalities weren't really a stand-out, but I think the main plot of this is really what's interesting.
This was a short journey of a classic "who-dun-it" mixed with the cozy fall vibes of a bubble tee store. We are immediately thrown into the murder mystery of a beloved woman in Honeysuckle Bend and our 3 MC's do their own sleuthing to find out the real cause of her death. This book wasn't heavy or shocking in any way, but it was fun for what it was.
Overall, this book is perfect if you're looking for a mystery that's not very serious and has the cozy vibes you're looking for. The townspeople are interesting and there's some history and depth to the plot itself. If you're going to read this, just don't expect a lot. It's entertaining and fast but doesn't have a whole lot of substance.
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𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 🌻🍂
I randomly came across this book on Pinterest and now I can't seem to stop thinking about it (plus I'm trying to fill out my fall reading bingo card) and this sounds like the perfect cozy mystery? We'll see if it holds up 👀💛
If this wasn't the perfect small-town, cozy mystery, I don't know what is! This was quick and fun and a perfect palette cleanser.
I don't have a whole lot to say on this since it was so short and simple, but the story and characters were fun to read about. The characters had zero depth to them and their personalities weren't really a stand-out, but I think the main plot of this is really what's interesting.
This was a short journey of a classic "who-dun-it" mixed with the cozy fall vibes of a bubble tee store. We are immediately thrown into the murder mystery of a beloved woman in Honeysuckle Bend and our 3 MC's do their own sleuthing to find out the real cause of her death. This book wasn't heavy or shocking in any way, but it was fun for what it was.
Overall, this book is perfect if you're looking for a mystery that's not very serious and has the cozy vibes you're looking for. The townspeople are interesting and there's some history and depth to the plot itself. If you're going to read this, just don't expect a lot. It's entertaining and fast but doesn't have a whole lot of substance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
𝓟𝓻𝓮-𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭: 🌻🍂
I randomly came across this book on Pinterest and now I can't seem to stop thinking about it (plus I'm trying to fill out my fall reading bingo card) and this sounds like the perfect cozy mystery? We'll see if it holds up 👀💛
March 31, 2025
Excellent cozy mystery by a new-to-me author. Great plot! Interesting characters, and the way the author leads readers all over the place to figure out whodunnit! I’m looking forward to the next story!
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March 14, 2025This was my first foray into the world of cozy mysteries, and I’ve quickly gleaned what the genre is about: a gentle sleuthing whodunnit with a clear mystery and tidy resolution, no reliance on shock value, and no unnecessary twists that leave readers unable to solve the mystery themselves. What sets this particular book apart from others is its delightful nod to southern gothic elements: the atmosphere lightly tinged with secrets from the past, the stifling humid air and personal interactions, and the struggle of living in the present when it may be at odds with reverence for history. While other novels push these elements into existential crisis territory, this cozy story lovingly incorporates them as subtler characters, though still intrinsic to the town. But small town secrets are never truly secret, and this book is a tale of how the past can stay hidden—or come to light.
December 29, 2025
"Books, Bubble Te and Bodies:An Utterly Addictive Cozy Mystery (Honeysuckle Bend Cozy Mystery Series Book 1)" by Lisa Pevey is more cozy than I expected considering the cover is similar to a popular romance novel series I keep seeing pop up. This is full cozy mystery and I'm glad I gave it a chance. To be fair, until that romance series came out I would say this cover style is very cozy mystery.
The story has Callie running a cafe and bookstore in her small Louisiana hometown. Her best friend, a woman that is great with machines, seems to work there from time to time as well. Her bestie brings bubble tea to her shop and kicks off a tend. Then there's Callie's love interest into helping occasionally. It's a very casual, mutual understanding type romance situation.
Callie stocks her shelves with used books donated by locals. One donation box had a leather journal that must have been mistakenly got added. Callie and her bestie figure out who it belongs but it leads Callie to finding that person having died. Possibly from a construction accident.
Callie doesn't think an accident makes sense. She and her friends investigate. I really liked how her best friend is a well skilled woman. She seems to have a very broad knowledge of skills. Especially machines and engineering.
I had two suspects in mind. In a way I was right about both. However, the final reveal was a bit of a twist. I think I will keep reading this series.
The story has Callie running a cafe and bookstore in her small Louisiana hometown. Her best friend, a woman that is great with machines, seems to work there from time to time as well. Her bestie brings bubble tea to her shop and kicks off a tend. Then there's Callie's love interest into helping occasionally. It's a very casual, mutual understanding type romance situation.
Callie stocks her shelves with used books donated by locals. One donation box had a leather journal that must have been mistakenly got added. Callie and her bestie figure out who it belongs but it leads Callie to finding that person having died. Possibly from a construction accident.
Callie doesn't think an accident makes sense. She and her friends investigate. I really liked how her best friend is a well skilled woman. She seems to have a very broad knowledge of skills. Especially machines and engineering.
I had two suspects in mind. In a way I was right about both. However, the final reveal was a bit of a twist. I think I will keep reading this series.
January 14, 2026
This book was okay. I finished it and it had some aspects I enjoyed but it probably isn't a series I'll continue with.
I like books set in the South as I'm a bit of a "Southern-phile" I love the culture, the manners, and the charm of Southerners so books set in the South are likely to get me to give them a try. There was some of that here, which I did enjoy.
I never really connected with Callie. I found her a bit overbearing and pushy, which doesn't really jive with what I know of Southerners. They can make literally anything sound polite and charming and Callie just didn't have that talent here so that was a disappointment.
The mystery was well constructed and kind of clever, but I found the way the resolution played out at the end a bit convoluted and overly complicated.
As I said, overall this book was fine but it wasn't the best of the cozies I've read.
I like books set in the South as I'm a bit of a "Southern-phile" I love the culture, the manners, and the charm of Southerners so books set in the South are likely to get me to give them a try. There was some of that here, which I did enjoy.
I never really connected with Callie. I found her a bit overbearing and pushy, which doesn't really jive with what I know of Southerners. They can make literally anything sound polite and charming and Callie just didn't have that talent here so that was a disappointment.
The mystery was well constructed and kind of clever, but I found the way the resolution played out at the end a bit convoluted and overly complicated.
As I said, overall this book was fine but it wasn't the best of the cozies I've read.
October 21, 2025
Cute, Cuddly and Cozy.
What a lovely start to a series. I enjoyed all the characters in this southern yarn. Reminds me very much of my own humble community. The story is clean but in no way lacking. It had everything I wanted in a cozy mystery. Would absolutely recommend. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for Callie, Maya and Josh. Even for Miss Evelyn.
What a lovely start to a series. I enjoyed all the characters in this southern yarn. Reminds me very much of my own humble community. The story is clean but in no way lacking. It had everything I wanted in a cozy mystery. Would absolutely recommend. Looking forward to seeing what’s next for Callie, Maya and Josh. Even for Miss Evelyn.
August 14, 2025
an easy and light read because one doesn't get too invested in the characters. the build up is good and engaging. it's just a book you can enjoy as you go. a cozy read!
February 28, 2026
Good book!!!!
It's a good start for this new series!!
Callie and Maya have opened a cafe for tea and books. The cafe is having a rough start but they have confidence it will catch on until Maya starts Bubble Tea. It takes the right people to try it and spread the word. It just so happens to be Victor the town planner and a construction company owner. He has bid plans to renew the old historical buildings and modernize them, to take away the charm of the town.
There are some of the people who don't want it, but he has convinced the town council to start the renewal, at the old train station is the starting point.
Victor keeps after Callie about redoing the front of her cafe and she keeps saying NO!!
She gets a book delivery from her friend Alma and she finds a diary in the bottom.
When she goes to Alma's new house to give back the diary she finds the house in a bad repair state and Alma lying at the bottom of her stairs. What happened????
And this is where alot of strange things start to happen and where Callie, Maya and Josh have to investigate, cause the police department is not good at all.
Now you have to find out the detailsllll
It's a good start for this new series!!
Callie and Maya have opened a cafe for tea and books. The cafe is having a rough start but they have confidence it will catch on until Maya starts Bubble Tea. It takes the right people to try it and spread the word. It just so happens to be Victor the town planner and a construction company owner. He has bid plans to renew the old historical buildings and modernize them, to take away the charm of the town.
There are some of the people who don't want it, but he has convinced the town council to start the renewal, at the old train station is the starting point.
Victor keeps after Callie about redoing the front of her cafe and she keeps saying NO!!
She gets a book delivery from her friend Alma and she finds a diary in the bottom.
When she goes to Alma's new house to give back the diary she finds the house in a bad repair state and Alma lying at the bottom of her stairs. What happened????
And this is where alot of strange things start to happen and where Callie, Maya and Josh have to investigate, cause the police department is not good at all.
Now you have to find out the detailsllll
March 24, 2026
I was instantly intrigued by the title and cover of BOOKS, BUBBLE TEA AND BODIES by Lisa Pevey. My curiosity was really piqued when a mysterious box of paperbacks turned up in Callie's coffee shop - followed by the discovery of an unusual journal. These puzzling clues quickly spiral into something far more troubling - the dead body of Callie's well-known friend.
As Callie teams up with her pals Maya and Josh to uncover the truth, the trio finds themselves tangled in long-buried secrets hidden beneath the charm of their quaint little town.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery as much as I enjoy a good bubble tea, especially the dynamic among these three friends is especially delightful - they are clever, supportive and fun as they piece everything together! This book is a perfect pick for cozy mystery lovers!
As Callie teams up with her pals Maya and Josh to uncover the truth, the trio finds themselves tangled in long-buried secrets hidden beneath the charm of their quaint little town.
I enjoyed this cozy mystery as much as I enjoy a good bubble tea, especially the dynamic among these three friends is especially delightful - they are clever, supportive and fun as they piece everything together! This book is a perfect pick for cozy mystery lovers!
February 25, 2026
I not only enjoyed Books, Bubble Tea and Bodies, but I also learned what bubble tea is. It's a tea-based drink most often containing chewy tapioca balls, milk, and flavoring. It was actually invented in Taiwan in the 1980s. In this book, it is a new drink at Prose and Pours Cafe in Honeysuckle Bend. When Callie St. Augustine discovers a personal looking notebook in a box of donated books in front of the cafe, she is determined to discover what the contents mean. That leads her to the dead body of Alma Jessup. Callie doesn't think her death was an accident. Her friends Maya LaRue and Josh become her partners in crime as they follow clues to solve the mystery. This book has likable characters and a likable rescue dog-Smokie. I look forward to future books in the series.
August 23, 2025
BOOKS, BUBBLE TEA, and BODIES
LISA PEVEY
Review by Author Roy Murry
Yes, this is a cozy mystery, a long one. This story is about three friends: Callie, Maya, and Josh. The murder is accidental to the reader.
An elderly friend of Callie dies. The police call it accidental, and while Callie is snooping around, another accident is fatal.
Callies is on the right track, and she pulls her friends along for the investigative ride. Between episodes, they drink bubble tea while feeding Smokie, the dog, treats.
The characters are cute, the story is plausible, but there is too much fluff - description of events. Take it out, and you have a great cozy mystery.
LISA PEVEY
Review by Author Roy Murry
Yes, this is a cozy mystery, a long one. This story is about three friends: Callie, Maya, and Josh. The murder is accidental to the reader.
An elderly friend of Callie dies. The police call it accidental, and while Callie is snooping around, another accident is fatal.
Callies is on the right track, and she pulls her friends along for the investigative ride. Between episodes, they drink bubble tea while feeding Smokie, the dog, treats.
The characters are cute, the story is plausible, but there is too much fluff - description of events. Take it out, and you have a great cozy mystery.
October 10, 2025
Well crafted mystery, that kept me guessing till the end.
Lisa has crafted a wonderful mystery. I really enjoyed the characters as well. Especially, Callie, Maya, and Josh. They make a wonderful group of friends, who definitely have each other's backs. The historical aspect of the story is engaging and well thought out. There is a great deal of action and intrigue. Her description of Myrtlebough is inviting and makes me wish I could vacation there, soaking in the history while I drink a bubble tea. Looking forward to reading more about this sleepy little town and all of its charming characters.
Lisa has crafted a wonderful mystery. I really enjoyed the characters as well. Especially, Callie, Maya, and Josh. They make a wonderful group of friends, who definitely have each other's backs. The historical aspect of the story is engaging and well thought out. There is a great deal of action and intrigue. Her description of Myrtlebough is inviting and makes me wish I could vacation there, soaking in the history while I drink a bubble tea. Looking forward to reading more about this sleepy little town and all of its charming characters.
October 13, 2025
A delightful cozy mystery with bookstore owner friends, Callie & Maya. They love their little Southern town and all the historic homes that exist there. A dear friend of Callie, Alma, has been lovingly restoring the oldest home in the town, Myrtlebough, when she is discovered deceased in her house by Callie. Callie just can't believe that the death was an accident and begins digging into the death with her friend Maya and, maybe future boyfriend, Josh. The story unfolds in a perfectly paced tale. I definitely recommend.
March 19, 2025
This story will sneak up on you and touch your heart before you realize it. The characters are vivid, relatable, and with small town humility, at least the ones who count are. The plot is a bit wandering, but in this case the end did justify the means. The premise is finding out what really happened to the good older friend of the main character, because things did not feel right to her. I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2025
Really cool read!
Lots of historical home lore. The historical architecture llirexmade this a fun and different read I must say. Especially when tossed in with the moderness of things in today's world like boba tea. Lol something I enjoy very much myself. Loved the add in of the dog's story as well. Good all around read for my first from this author.
Lots of historical home lore. The historical architecture llirexmade this a fun and different read I must say. Especially when tossed in with the moderness of things in today's world like boba tea. Lol something I enjoy very much myself. Loved the add in of the dog's story as well. Good all around read for my first from this author.
November 14, 2025
Great little cozy mystery! Wonderful writer; although a little too descriptive at times. 4-5 sentences of description to every one sentence of action. Quirky fun characters and a beautiful small town setting. I might have to try reading the next book in this series because I don’t think I’m done learning about Myrtleborough in “Honeysuckle.” If that doesn’t give you “cozy vibes….”🥰….
January 19, 2026
This was such a comfort read for me! I loved our 3 main characters and their passion for supporting one another and fighting for the truth. And we can't forget about Smokie! I'm excited to pick up the rest of the series.
Mystery-wise, I was able to piece things together, but still thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling and pacing. and characters throughout.
Mystery-wise, I was able to piece things together, but still thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling and pacing. and characters throughout.
February 7, 2026
Good book with an intriguing mystery and great characters. Looking forward to the next one.
Amazon synopsis:
Callie loves a timeless classic. She thought running a shop in her charming southern town meant quiet days, good tea, and lots of spare time to read. But when a strange journal turns up in a donation box, it leads her straight to the town’s oldest Creole manor—and to the body of a very prominent friend.
But the ladies in the dead woman’s bridge club are tight-lipped and snooty, the town planner is acting shady, and the bad boy carpenter who worked for the late Alma Jessup has been spreading rumors. Everybody seems to have something to hide. And the more Callie starts poking around, the less sleepy her little hamlet becomes.
As Callie, Josh and Maya get tangled up with the quirky townsfolk, the clock begins ticking. More bodies. More books. And of course, more bubble tea. Will the trio be able to get to the bottom of things before time runs out?
And just how many secrets can one old mansion hold?
Amazon synopsis:
Callie loves a timeless classic. She thought running a shop in her charming southern town meant quiet days, good tea, and lots of spare time to read. But when a strange journal turns up in a donation box, it leads her straight to the town’s oldest Creole manor—and to the body of a very prominent friend.
But the ladies in the dead woman’s bridge club are tight-lipped and snooty, the town planner is acting shady, and the bad boy carpenter who worked for the late Alma Jessup has been spreading rumors. Everybody seems to have something to hide. And the more Callie starts poking around, the less sleepy her little hamlet becomes.
As Callie, Josh and Maya get tangled up with the quirky townsfolk, the clock begins ticking. More bodies. More books. And of course, more bubble tea. Will the trio be able to get to the bottom of things before time runs out?
And just how many secrets can one old mansion hold?
March 19, 2026
A down South mystery set in the small town of Honeysuckle Bend. The mystery of who would have made an old lady meet with an accident in her own home. Callie St Augustine decides to investigate what happened to her friend. There is fraud, there are secrets between a group of ladies that play bridge together. With the help of her friends she discovers who the murderer is.
March 18, 2025
Oh my! This was so lovely. It is the first Cozy Mystery book I’ve ever read so I wasn’t sure what to expect but it turned out so good. The plot flows beautifully and it is well crafted. I am definitely looking forward to read more about Callie and Smokie 🥰
March 18, 2025
I loved this!! I loved the characters, the house, the town, the PLOT TWISTS! Some of it was predicable but so satisfying but there were definitely things that completely caught me off guard! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
April 10, 2025
I really enjoyed this cosy mystery. it's not my usual genre, however I found myself caught up in the search for answers. The characters became very real to me and I await future books in this series. Meanwhile I have downloaded the first of her letter series.
April 25, 2025
Lots of twists and turns!
Maya and Callie team up. What a fun read. It kept me guessing on whodunit the entire time. You think you've got it figured out and what's going to happen and then it twists.
Maya and Callie team up. What a fun read. It kept me guessing on whodunit the entire time. You think you've got it figured out and what's going to happen and then it twists.
June 26, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book.
The characters are believable and on a mission in their own right. The 3 main characters make a formidable team. Each of the characters are on a mission involving 2 deaths by murder.
The characters are believable and on a mission in their own right. The 3 main characters make a formidable team. Each of the characters are on a mission involving 2 deaths by murder.
September 11, 2025
Sweet but so very unrealistic.
It was a cute story. Way to unrealistic for me, as no way the MC could do it all without any conflicts with police, but if you can look past that, the story was quaint and mostly enjoyable.
It was a cute story. Way to unrealistic for me, as no way the MC could do it all without any conflicts with police, but if you can look past that, the story was quaint and mostly enjoyable.
October 12, 2025
I liked it
An interesting, often warren hole effect of cozy writing style, that came together very well at the ending.
Small town characters from top of the implied society to the bottom made it interesting.
An interesting, often warren hole effect of cozy writing style, that came together very well at the ending.
Small town characters from top of the implied society to the bottom made it interesting.
November 5, 2025
This was a fun book...bubble tea had me laughing but it did sound good. Love the characters and one character turned out to be sweet after being a snob at the start of this mystery. Warm and fuzzy would describe this book.
November 28, 2025
The book was pretty interesting. I liked the mystery involved because you never really knew who was doing the murders involved, this is what made it interesting!
Ps. I am taking so long reading because we are in the process of looking for a new house to buy and getting this one ready to sell!
Ps. I am taking so long reading because we are in the process of looking for a new house to buy and getting this one ready to sell!
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January 11, 2026Loved it
I thought the main characters Callie, Maya and Josh were someone you would like to hang out with because I love old homes and history. I know progress can be good but like the song says, it took it's toll. I look forward to reading this series for a long time.
I thought the main characters Callie, Maya and Josh were someone you would like to hang out with because I love old homes and history. I know progress can be good but like the song says, it took it's toll. I look forward to reading this series for a long time.
March 21, 2025
Fun, easy cosy mystery. Perfect for a beach read actually!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews