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Killer Coffee #7

Holiday Roast Mortem

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Christmas is right around the corner.

Fresh off the Christmas Pawrade and Central Park tree lightening, Honey Springs is buzzing with the excitement of the season.

Roxy Bloom and Patrick Cane are hosting the ultimate Christmas Day Diner for all of their friends and family at The Bean Hive. Roxy has been so busy with her Jingle Bells Lattes and planning the party that Patrick whisks her off for a romantic dinner at the Watershed for some alone time.

Their dinner turns out to be a headache. They were seated next to Ryan and Yvonne Moore, who fought the entire time.

After dinner, Roxy and Patrick see the couple drive off the road into Lake Honey Springs, Patrick dives into the frigid lake to save the couple only to find Ryan was already dead.

After a preliminary autopsy, Ryan Moore’s death was not an accident, leaving Yvonne Moore the number one suspect.

When Yvonne asks Roxy Bloom to help her figure out who killed her husband, Roxy jumps at the chance to put her Jingle Bell Lattes and holiday planning aside to help out a friend.

One problem, Roxy starts to wonder if Yvonne is really the killer and using Roxy to get away with murder after Kirk, Roxy’s ex-husband and defending lawyer for the deceased Ryan Moore, lets her know a big secret that would change the entire investigation.

300 pages, Paperback

Published November 26, 2019

330 people are currently reading
504 people want to read

About the author

Tonya Kappes

442 books3,679 followers
Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
November 23, 2019
I have been reading A Killer Coffee Mystery Series from the start. I highly recommend reading it in order.
In this book Christmas has come to Honey Springs, Kentucky. The town is decorated and Roxy has been busy with making holiday blend coffee, making special treats and planning the Christmas Day supper. That’s right. Roxy is hosting a big Christmas supper at the Bean Hive Coffee Shop. She has been busy as a bee with little time to just enjoy her husband of one year. So Roxy and Patrick go out for dinner hoping for a nice romantic night out. Unfortunately they are seated next to a couple who are loudly arguing. Driving home, they notice they are behind the arguing couple when they witness the truck cross the line, go through the trees and into the lake! Patrick dives in to rescue the couple. Unfortunately the man is dead. The sheriff is suspicious and, when his suspicions are confirmed, the wife is the number one suspect. Did she do it?
I love the town, the people and the pets in this series. I feel at home in it. One thing I especially adore about it, is the author has woven pet adoption into the series. Each book has a little background story going about it. I love that the author cares about animals enough to keep that reminder that pets need a home. I look forward to reading about the pet up for adoption in each book. Roxy, Patrick and the supporting characters are realistically written. I feel like I know them and could just step into the Bean Hive for some coffee and gossip with them. The mystery in this book wasn’t an easy one. There are a few suspects. With people not being completely honest, finding the killer could prove fatal.
*I received an ecopy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts are my opinion of the book and series.*
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,114 reviews33 followers
November 21, 2019
In this new book of the series the Christmas is fast approaching and everyone is getting into the spirit. The town.looks amazing with all its decorations and Roxy is excited about the Christmas Day Dinner that her husband Patrick and she will be hosting. Roxy has been quite busy so a meal out with her husband is something she has been looking forward to. While enjoying their meal it continues to be interrupted by a rude couple intent on arguing all night. On their way home from the dinner they notice the rude couple in front of them and are shocked when they run off the road and into the lake. Patrick immediately jumps in to get the couple out of the water and is successful but Ryan, the man of the couple, doesn't make it. It turns out that Ryan was murdered, poisoned, and the police are looking at his wife as the killer. Yvonne is adamant that she didn't kill her husband asks Roxy for her help. Roxy agrees and starts digging into the couple's life and background. Follow along as she tries to clear her clients name and keep up with all the holiday goings on. This is a fantastic series filled with so many great characters two legged and four legged alike.

I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
1,700 reviews35 followers
November 26, 2019
A fun holiday mystery that has Roxy doubting her instincts as a lawyer.

When the local butcher drives off the road with his wife in the passenger seat into the very cold wintertime lake. Patrick and Roxy were behind them. Patrick saves the wife, but the husband doesn't make it.

It's later determined that he was poisoned, and the wife is now the #1 suspect. She asks Roxy to help her, and then suddenly confesses.

Another great story from Tonya Kappes. This series has now become my favorite as the series it tied with has ended,

Tonya uses a lot of humor, southern manners, and a bit of naughtiness to come up with some great stories that you don't want to put down.
Profile Image for Karen Stallman .
887 reviews99 followers
November 24, 2019
Holiday Roast Mortem is the 7th instalment in the A Killer Coffee Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I think this series is tied with the A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series as my favourite!

I really needed an escape this weekend as my little dog had been hurt and needless to say we were all very upset. I started reading really late in the evening and read right through till morning escaping even if for only a little while.

Christmas is right around the corner.

Fresh off the Christmas Pawrade and Central Park tree lightening, Honey Springs is buzzing with the excitement of the season.

Roxy Bloom and Patrick Cane are hosting the ultimate Christmas Day Diner for all of their friends and family at The Bean Hive. Roxy has been so busy with her Jingle Bells Lattes and planning the party that Patrick whisks her off for a romantic dinner at the Watershed for some alone time.

Their dinner turns out to be a headache. They were seated next to Ryan and Yvonne Moore, who fought the entire time.

After dinner, Roxy and Patrick see the couple drive off the road into Lake Honey Springs, Patrick dives into the frigid lake to save the couple only to find Ryan was already dead.

After a preliminary autopsy, Ryan Moore’s death was not an accident, leaving Yvonne Moore the number one suspect.

When Yvonne asks Roxy Bloom to help her figure out who killed her husband, Roxy jumps at the chance to put her Jingle Bell Lattes and holiday planning aside to help out a friend.

One problem, Roxy starts to wonder if Yvonne is really the killer and using Roxy to get away with murder after Kirk, Roxy’s ex-husband and defending lawyer for the deceased Ryan Moore, lets her know a big secret that would change the entire investigation.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted. I loved the interaction with Roxy’s aunt and her frenemy Bunny, right down to how everyone seems to be quirky in their own way making for loveable characters which are well developed. I also like the inclusion of fur-babies into the story.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.

I have only read a few books in the series even though I own them, but I did just order the first 2 in paperback as I love the series that much!

Please note you could read the book as a stand alone, but you will want to read them all.

Did I mention Tonya includes recipes in the back and I am definitely try the Burnt Sugar Cake that Jeannie Daniel submitted.

I cant wait to take another trip to Honey Springs, Kentucky, to see whats new with Roxy and her friends. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,058 reviews83 followers
November 22, 2019
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.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,336 reviews
November 26, 2019
Christmas is just around the corner and Roxy is planning a Christmas Day dinner for family and friends at the Bee Hive.
Roxy and Patrick hear a couple fighting while out for dinner and then end up witnesses to them driving into the icy cold lake. Patrick dives in to save them but can only save the wife, Yvonne.
The wife becomes the prime suspect in what is now a murder case of her husband Ryan. Is she guilty?? Well we all know that means Roxy will find a way to nose around into the murder.
Plenty of suspects, lots of twists and turns really kept me guessing until the end. Wonderful holiday read, with southern charm and humor. I loved my trip back to Honey Springs!

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,162 reviews16 followers
November 21, 2019
When the local butcher and his wife drive off the road into a very cold Kentucky lake, Patrick and Roxy witnessing the accident pull over to help. Patrick dives into the water pulling the wife out first and then heads back for the husband. The wife is okay but the husband doesn’t make it. After an autopsy, the husband’s death is ruled as a murder since poison is found in his system. The wife asks Roxy to be her attorney, so of course, Roxy gets involved in the investigation.

Another great book in the Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery Series. I love how Author Tonya Kappes writes, she has the perfect blend of mystery, humor, pets, and romance. The characters of Roxy, her husband -Patrick, and the other characters are full of southern charm and quirky personalities. The plot is well developed with several twists and turns to keep the reader engaged until the big reveal. There are also recipes included for the food cozy fans.

I received a copy of this book at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
December 10, 2019
Holiday Roast Mortem earns 5/5 Jingle Bell Blends...Engaging Entertainment!

I am always eager to read Killer Coffee Mystery books, and book eight kept me totally engaged with its southernness, which Tonya has first-hand knowledge, quirky characters, coffee and treats talk, and murder, of course...It’s a cozy! While on a well-deserved date night, Roxy and Patrick Cane witnessed a couple having a challenging evening: threats of divorce from the wife and “over my dead body” from the husband. On the way home, events escalated witnessing the couple’s truck swerve, swerve again, lose control, crash over the bank and into the lake. Patrick’s quick rescue mode sent him into the freezing lake pulling both passengers to shore. The wife is alive; the husband is not. Authorities request an autopsy witch shows poison and murder. And who’s at the top of the suspect list? The wife, of course! Roxy accepts the wife’s plea for some sleuthing and lawyerly assistance, but then trouble walks into her cafe, The Bean Hive. Her ex shows up representing the step-daughter who believes the “gold digger” wife killed her father. Bad to worse to worst! Sure, they always say the wife, but I had a couple other suspects to consider. Then some misdirection, and...WOW! Loved the end! For sure Roxy is a great amateur sleuth, but her law degree adds a great piece to the investigation...and bringing in her “low life” ex gave me more than a few cringes and thoughts of a double murder scenario. Tonya’s writing style is always entertaining with descriptive language and dialogue that provides a clear picture of setting and characters along with emotions and personality. All in all, the story, the characters, and Tonya’s southern sense makes this a big favorite! We can always count on some easy-to-follow Recipes Featured at The Bean Hive Coffee Shop: Burnt Sugar Cake “...a long-time family recipe that included a lot of sugar, flour, butter, and cream, all the things that screamed comfort in a delicious piece of cake,” Gingerbread Softies, Twinkie Cake, and Rich Potato Chowder just in time for the winter weather!

Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Profile Image for Daniele.
1,077 reviews41 followers
November 25, 2019
3.5 stars
HOLIDAY ROAST MORTEM, the seventh book in the popular Killer Coffee Mystery series, provides a good mystery to solve and is fun holiday season reading for cozy fans.

Coffee shop owner Roxy finds herself putting on her lawyer cap (she maintains her law license even though she does not practice) when a local businessman Ryan Moore is poisoned and his wife Yvonne arrested for the crime. Surely, Yvonne did not do it…right? With Christmas rapidly approaching and bad weather to boot, Roxy must solve the mystery quickly, especially after another person dies.

The Killer Coffee series is always entertaining. The installments are quick reads, but I always wish the books were longer to better flush out the story. However, in HOLIDAY ROAST MORTEM, the plot is well thought out and the pace is good. No rushed ending this time around. Yay! Other than Roxy sharing confidential client information with others (yes, I realize this propels the plot forward), everything makes sense. Since we are now well into the series, the characters feel like old friends, and time spent with them is never wasted.

I recommend HOLIDAY ROAST MORTEM to any cozy reader looking for a lighthearted Christmas themed mystery.

I received and ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
November 14, 2019
Roxy Bloom Cane finds herself pulled into a case, when Yvonne Moore asks her to be her lawyer. Yvonne is the main suspect after the death of her husband was ruled a homicide. Yvonne swears she is innocent. Then Kirk, Roxy's ex-husband, shows up representing Ryan Moore, the deceased. After Kirk shares some information, he acts like he has an open and shut case. Not if Roxy has anything to say about it!

After a bombshell is dropped by her client, Roxy decides to find out more because things aren't adding up, and her nosing around leads her to add more to the pool of suspects. Roxy just needs proof!

An upcoming Christmas dinner to prepare, Aunt Maxi and Bunny to contend with, a possible matchmaking, an unwelcome ex-husband, and a case to solve leaves no room for a dull moment. Another great read in the series to go back and visit Honey Springs again!

I received an ARC and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Profile Image for Miss W Book Reviews.
1,776 reviews153 followers
November 15, 2019
Holiday Roast Mortem is Book 7 in the Coffee Killer Series by Tonya Kappes.
This is my FAVORITE series. I was so happy to be back in Honey Springs especially at Christmastime.
This small Kentucky town has stolen my heart. I wish I could live there.

Roxy and Patrick are enjoying a nice romantic dinner at their favorite restaurant when they overhear a fight between a couple at a neighboring table. The night goes from bad to worst for that couple.

Next thing you know, Roxy is knee deep in another murder mystery and her lawyer and sleuthing skills are put to the test! This was a twisty murder mystery that was fun and I had no I idea who the killer was until the reveal at the end.

This cozy mystery is well written with cozy southern characters that exude charm.

The characters are so fun and I absolutely love the animals and people in this book.

Highly recommend!

Profile Image for Norma.
770 reviews
November 21, 2019
Although the plot was good, I found myself getting distracted and just wanted the story to be over. I like Tonya Kappes's books but this one was not a favorite. I honestly hope it was just me and I WILL be reading the next in this series.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,944 reviews30 followers
April 22, 2023
A pretty good read and Roxy didn’t irritate me as much. I did like how she handled the sleazy ex husband. Roxy is representing a wife who Patrick rescued from the lake when she and her husband drove into lake. The couple were witnessed arguing at dinner by Patrick and Roxy right before the accident. Roxy has serious doubts about her clients innocence at various points but continues to sleuth to figure out the real deal and unmask the real killer, all before the big Christmas dinner she and Patrick are planning at the beehive for family and friends.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,323 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2019
What a great Christmas mystery! I really enjoy this series. The characters are engaging and defined well through conversations and actions, and with regards to Roxy, her thoughts. The mystery is well-plotted and executed. The Bean Hive Coffee Shop sounds like the kind of place I would enjoy, especially with the seniors who work at and frequent the shop, Pepper, and the adoptable pet of the week in the shop.

The Bean Hive Coffee Shop is Roxy’s happy place; opened when she returned to her hometown after catching her ex-husband and law office partner providing a special consultation to a female client. She has since married her high school sweetheart, Patrick, who sounds like the perfect guy for her. Roxy keeps her license current, occasionally taking on work for those who request her help.

Christmas is almost here, and Roxy and Patrick have a date night at the elegant Washershed Restaurant. The couple at the next table are having a heated argument, with one of the final exclamations from the husband being “over my dead body!” Their argument continues to the parking lot, where Patrick recognizes them as Ryan Moore, who owns the butcher shop where he purchases their favorite cuts of meat, and his wife, Yvonne. The Moores are ahead of them as they head for home, and they watch the Moores’ vehicle veer across the line, then back, then down the embankment…into the lake.

Patrick dives in, gets Yvonne out of the truck and to the shore. Ryan doesn’t fare as well. When Patrick brings him to shore, the EMT’s arrive but cannot revive him. The next morning, Sheriff Spencer Shephard comes to interview Roxy again, this time about the argument they overheard the couple having. Preliminary toxicology reports showed Ryan had a lethal dose of hemlock. Shortly afterwards, Yvonne comes in to see Roxy. She has to see the sheriff for questioning, and she wants Roxy to be her attorney.

As if that doesn’t present enough challenge, Kirk, Roxy’s ex-husband arrives in town. He is representing the late Ryan and his daughter, Jo Beth, pregnant with his first grandchild. Ryan, according to what he told Yvonne before they were married. He promised that when Jo Beth has a child, she would inherit his fortune for herself and that child. Jo Beth believes her pregnancy gave Yvonne motive to kill Ryan.

Plot twists and turns reveal several possible suspects, including one with questionable business practices, and another that I was almost completely convinced of after Yvonne was booked for murder. Yvonne maintains her innocence until hearing about a piece of evidence, then confesses to the murder herself. Did she know she was caught, or was there another reason? I don’t know why, as an attorney, Roxy shares details about the murder and aspects of it and Yvonne’s life, but it does help give her reciprocal information to investigate and find the real culprit. And it surely doesn’t take away from the excitement of finding the bad guy. Small town folks really do know all the secrets!

Don’t miss this exciting, challenging Christmas mystery! I highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, coffee, dogs, Christmas, recipes from Tonya’s readers, and more coffee!

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
November 26, 2019
Holiday Roast Mortem
A Killer Coffee Mystery, Book #7
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Christmas is right around the corner.

Fresh off the Christmas Pawrade and Central Park tree lightening, Honey Springs is buzzing with the excitement of the season.

Roxy Bloom and Patrick Cane are hosting the ultimate Christmas Day Diner for all of their friends and family at The Bean Hive. Roxy has been so busy with her Jingle Bells Lattes and planning the party that Patrick whisks her off for a romantic dinner at the Watershed for some alone time.

Their dinner turns out to be a headache. They were seated next to Ryan and Yvonne Moore, who fought the entire time.

After dinner, Roxy and Patrick see the couple drive off the road into Lake Honey Springs, Patrick dives into the frigid lake to save the couple only to find Ryan was already dead.

After a preliminary autopsy, Ryan Moore’s death was not an accident, leaving Yvonne Moore the number one suspect.

When Yvonne asks Roxy Bloom to help her figure out who killed her husband, Roxy jumps at the chance to put her Jingle Bell Lattes and holiday planning aside to help out a friend.

One problem, Roxy starts to wonder if Yvonne is really the killer and using Roxy to get away with murder after Kirk, Roxy’s ex-husband and defending lawyer for the deceased Ryan Moore, lets her know a big secret that would change the entire investigation. (Goodreads)

Review:

The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. There is a lot of action going on in this book, and that is a great thing. The author is very talented in creating a believable southern setting and I can picture it so vividly in my mind.

The characters are well rounded, well developed and three dimensional. Roxy and Patrick are a great couple and I enjoyed getting to spend time with them. Aunt Maxi can be a pistol but she loves Roxy completely. Getting to spend time with Roxi and her family and friends is time well spent.

The mystery was well plotted and moved along at a steady pace. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved, which is the way I like my mysteries.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you are looking for a great holiday read that is funny and has great characters, grab a copy of this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

Profile Image for Cozy Reader Lady.
1,156 reviews121 followers
December 6, 2024
"Holiday Roast Mortem (Killer Coffee #7)" by Tonya Kappes is fairly standalone Christmas-ish themed cozy mystery. There are some mentions of Christmas related things. Also, if you haven't read all the books, it wont matter too much. What you need to know gets explained.

The mystery starts when a couple's car, Roxy and her husband saw arguing at a restaurant, slides off the road into water. Roxy's husband manages to get both the husband and wife out of the water but was too late to save the husband's life. Then things take a turn towards murder when it turns out the husband may have had something in his system to cause the accident.

Roxy's ex-husband makes a brief visit to town. He's representing the daughter and family of the victim against the man's wife. Then Roxy's ex is all of a sudden gone. I half expected him to show up at the big, basically public, Christmas dinner Roxy hosted. Pretty much every other character mentioned in the book did. I have to say that I had two suspects and the actual culprit was one of them. The other was a close contact to the culprit.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,646 reviews103 followers
December 31, 2019
An awesome Christmas read! It's so fun to spend Christmastime in Honey Springs KY even when there's a murder. Roxy got to put on her lawyer hat again when the woman who was accused of killing her husband asked her to represent her during questioning. The poisoning was by hemlock, and there were several good prospects for the killer. I thought I had it figured out but was surprised at the reveal. I liked that since it was Christmas, the showdown was pretty calm and low key.

Aunt Maxi was being her usual self throughout the book, and even though she got drunk interviewing a bartender for Roxy, the info that came from it was a good lead. The rescue pet was a cute rabbit this time that ended up being adopted and named Jingles after a cat in a children's story. The Christmas party at the end was the perfect wrap-up for the book.
Profile Image for Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review).
882 reviews
December 4, 2019
Roxy and Patrick Cane are planning a festive season to remember, what they don't plan is to see a couple at the Watershed restaurant arguing and then later plunging into a freezing lake! Patrick gets them both out but the man (Ryan Moore) is dead, the car had been erratic so the Sheriff asks to be able to do a postmortem which Yvonne Moore agrees to, the problem then is that the postmortem shows poison in Ryan's system and Yvonne is suddenly in the hot seat as first murderer.  When she asks Roxy for help Roxy agrees, but she is stunned when she firstly discovers her ex-husband is the lawyer for the deceased estranged daughter and the deceased and secondly when Yvonne suddenly says she did it!  Roxy, Patrick and Aunt Maxi need to sort this out if everyone is to have a Merry Christmas.
Profile Image for ClassicKails.
349 reviews1 follower
June 11, 2025
Oh, my goodness this was so good!

The Christmas vibes, the delicious goodies, and a coffee from the Beehive Coffeeshop. Made me want to jump right into this audiobook! I love Tonya Kappes books. Enjoying this series and her other series Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery. I am a sucker for a cozy mystery. And these are just so wonderful.

I did not expect this. Usually, I know who the killer is or have an idea. But I had no clue until the ending.

Profile Image for AmBerGUR.
397 reviews20 followers
November 1, 2023
I needed something cozy to read and this was it!
Really cozy and atmospheric. Set in at Christmas time and it was a snowstorm so it was White Christmas! I want White Christmas too but no snowstorms please
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,082 reviews135 followers
November 19, 2019
One of the things I like most about cozy mysteries is very simple. The stories make me feel warm and cozy as a I settle down to an adventure in small town America. The author is very gifted in her description of the setting in this book. I want to move there and visit every shop. You can feel the friendliness in the town and spend all day visiting with shop keepers.

I absolutely love being back with Roxy and the gang. She is one smart woman who never gives up . Her knack for finding out the truth is filled with laughter and bumps in the road. Have you ever been in a restaurant and overheard a couple fighting? It can be very uncomfortable as you try to eat your meal with hopes that the couple will leave soon. Roxy and Patrick are at the wrong place at the wrong time when they witness a verbal fight between a couple.

I like how the author sets up the scene as a murder is about to take place. I feel bad for Roxy as once again she finds herself in the middle of a police investigation. Added to her stress is her ex-husband who shows up to represent a client who happens to be on the opposite side of Roxy’s new client. Patrick sure has some will power as he contains himself seeing Roxy and ex-husband Kirk talking. I think of Kirk as a snake in the grass and I’m not changing my mind.

Secrets, twists and suspects run rampant in this holiday cozy. It takes some detective work from Roxy to sort out lies and misunderstandings. One of the highlights of the story is the ever feisty Aunt Maxi. She is such a fun character and doesn't mind telling people what she thinks. Her spats with Roxy are funny because they are both stubborn. I can't forget to mention how dreamy Patrick is. He is such a catch and takes care of Roxy with such devotion. This was a very enjoyable read and one that will keep you entertained as you join the town of Honey Springs where mystery and excitement await you.

I received a copy of this book from the author. the review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Michelle.
127 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2019
Holiday Roast Mortem has been a favorite of mine in this series. Each character grows a little bit in each book and you learn a little more behind each key player.

Roxy and Patrick are settling in quite comfortably into their marriage and with their fur-babies Sassy and Pepper. Like any marriage, they have to work at it-which is mostly because they are older (not in their early 20s) and more independent. This can cause a few hiccups, but it strengthens their bond versus hurting it.

On a night out, they are privy to an argument brewing between Ryan and Yvonne Moore, the local butcher and his wife and then later witness them going off the road and straight into the lake! Patrick and Roxy jump into action, but it is too late, Ryan has perished leaving a distressed Yvonne behind. But is she grieving over her husband, or is it an act since it seems Yvonne likes to omit things when she is asked questions? Roxy is on a mission to find out, and even takes Yvonne on as a client. Things take a twist when Yvonne confesses and Roxy's ex-husband, Kirk, just happens to be Ryan's lawyer, who claims he just had a new will drawn up. This adds, rather than removes, suspects to the list!

There is more than just coffee brewing in Honey Springs-murder, revenge, family ties and loyalties are all at stake. Can Roxy and Pepper find out what is really going on? Be sure and read it yourself and find out!

I gave this story four stars for just a few things that may not bother anyone else but myself. That being said, I still highly encourage you to read it!!!! It seems as if Kirk just kind of drops off the story, which is fine because he annoys me. But the ending seems awfully quick and anti-climatic compared to how the story is written, which is the main basis behind the four star rating.

I was given an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Marsha.
1,232 reviews31 followers
November 23, 2019
A wonderful holiday read... even if there is a murder involved. This author is great with the descriptive visualization. You'll be able to really see how beautiful the town is, especially during the holiday season. While the case seems pretty open and shut, it is anything but. Suspects start to come out of the woodwork. As this series progresses, (which each book can be read as a stand alone,) I like that Roxy's (the Protagonist) boyfriend turned husband begins to accept her meddling ways and no matter how often he pleads for her to keep her nose out of the investigation, she is set in her ways and wants to find justice. In addition to the crime she's trying to help solve, there are a couple other things that pull her attention. One of which is her elderly aunt dating. The side characters bring some humor to the books, though the characters in this series aren't as wacky or off beat as some of the other series's by the same author. This is a quick and easy read that is safe for teens and up. (There is some mention of infidelity.)

*I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,846 reviews9 followers
November 26, 2019
I always like visiting Honey Springs and its inhabitants. Roxy brings so joy to this small town.
Roxy is faced with her aunt Maxine’s shenanigans that influence her business atmosphere.


She is defending the butcher’s wife, Yvonne, against murder charges. Her ex-husband Kirk shows up to represent Jo Beth, the butcher’s daughter. Even though no murder is trivial, I found this an entertaining, witty read. Why would Yvonne confess to a murder she didn’t commit or did she? Roxy has some rocks to overturn before we get to the bottom of this mystery. There are plenty of twists throughout the story.

I also learned more about hemlock. Ms. Kappes does her due diligence in bringing us plausible story lines. Another hit in the Killer Coffee series.

I was provided an advanced reader’s copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Meryl Markowitz.
682 reviews12 followers
November 19, 2019
I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
Welcome back to Honey Springs, where the holidays are around the corner and everyone in town is excited.
Unfortunately an accident turns into a murder and it's up to to Roxy to not only represent the prime suspect, but to figure out why she's taking the blame for a crime she didn't commit.
Who is she protecting?
Why was her husband killed?
Will there be more bodies? How many?
What is Roxy's obnoxious ex doing in town?
Can everything be resolved before Christmas?
So many questions to be answered. So many twists and turns in the book, wondering who is really guilty.
These stories are always a delight to read, with wonderful supporting characters that we have grown to love throughout the series.
Tonya Kappas has another winner.
Profile Image for Marissa.
3,577 reviews47 followers
November 19, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review

Roxy and Patrick are in the middle of planning their Christmas Day menu at The Bean Hive. Patrick takes Roxy out to dinner when a couple sitting near dead proceeds to argue all through the dinner.

They then witness the couple drive into the icy lake as they headed home. Patrick dives in the lake trying to save the couple but only the wife survives. The wife appears to be guilty as she is the number one suspect.

Roxy is asks to help the wife to figure who really killed her husband. But then Roxy ex husband and victim’s lawyer shows up and divulges a secret that could change everything.

Once again is up to Roxy to figure things out during the Christmas festivities.
Profile Image for Vivian.
769 reviews13 followers
November 21, 2019
Happy to be back in Honey Springs, full of small town charm and a great cast of characters - love the coffee shop! While out at a romantic dinner, Roxy and Patrick can't help but overhear the couple nearby having a heated argument. On their way home, they come across an accident - and the arguing couple are the victims, one of whom dies. But it turns out to be no accident - but who did it? The author's mysteries are always interesting and keep me guessing - half the run of reading her books is sleuthing right along with Roxy! A very good story that I would highly recommend.

Note: I did receive an ARC of this book from the author, but my review is voluntary. This is a book that I would definitely purchase if I hadn't received a complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,530 reviews
November 19, 2019
This is a great addition to this series. You can also read this a stand alone. Roxy is on the case again. Her and Patrick see an bad accident. The next day Yvonne hires Roxy to represent her. I like how both Spencer and Patrick don't dismiss the help from Roxy anymore. Things pop up because not is all as it seems. You get a lot of Christmas cheer and talks about the beautiful decorations in this book. I would definitely warm up next to a fire and read this cozy mystery while thinking about lovely Christmas spirit and decorations.


*I received a free copy of this book via author and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
Profile Image for Monica.
1,109 reviews
November 20, 2019
Tonya Kappes takes us back to one of my favorite towns, Honey Springs, for Christmas. Roxy and Patrick share some quality time with their fur babies and family and friends. But Roxy still has time to figure out the murderer. So many suspects. Lots of twists and turns, including one that lands a truck in the frozen water. I love how everyone in the town comes to the Bean Hive to recharge and socialize. Such a perfect spot. I can almost smell the coffee and baked goods and sure makes me want to try the recipes (which I'm heading to the store today to buy some ingredients). This series just keeps getting better. Can't wait for our next trip here.
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