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Hijinks and Homicide: A Coffee Shop Cozy Mystery
Welcome to The Blue Spruce Coffee Shop Where the Java is Hot and the Murder is Cold BloodedLooking for a cozy spot to enjoy a hot cup of java and a thrilling mystery? Look no further than The Blue Spruce Coffee Shop. Recently reopened by the dynamic grandmother/granddaughter duo of Carla and Charlie Purcell, their coffee shop is the perfect place to relax and indulge in a delicious treat.But be warned, there's more brewing at The Blue Spruce than just expertly crafted coffee. When a local quilter is murdered in her own home, Carla and Charlie, along with retired detective Saylor Reeves, must untangle a web of suspects and motives to solve the crime. With so many potential perpetrators, things are sure to get heated at The Blue Spruce. And if that wasn't enough, rumors of ghost lights in the woods have the whole community on edge. Come join Carla, Charlie, and Saylor as they navigate the twists and turns of this murder case, all while enjoying the best coffee in town.
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
123 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 14, 2021
99 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Constance Barker
462 books204 followersConstance Barker lives in the Midwest with her husband and two Akitas where she can look out from her screened porch onto a wooded area brimming with activity. Since she was a young girl she read mysteries, often given to her by her grandmother. She loved figuring out who the culprit was and sometimes she was right and other times startled at who the author picked as the assailant. Now she enjoys writing mysteries herself. When she isn't writing stories, she can be found in her favorite vacation spot, Las Vegas or shopping for bargains.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 15, 2021
Who Killed Gretchen Mills ? . . .
Having successfully handled their first murder case, Carla and Charlie Purcell were definitely ready to relax and take care of business at the coffee shop. However, that was not to be since another dead body was found. Gretchen Mills had been poisoned through tree nuts that caused an allergic reaction. She had eaten part of a muffin which caused her bronchial muscles to spasm and she suffocated to death. Cause of death was acute anaphylaxis.
The murdered woman had upset many people, so Carla, Charlie, and retired homicide detective Saylor Reeves had a large number of suspects to question. The people are also uneasy about ghost lights in the woods and their fear might prompt them to try to check it out themselves and cause more trouble than they will solve. Can Carla, Charlie, and Saylor solve the murder? Will they try to find out what is causing those odd ghost lights? Grab your copy and see what they discover.
Having successfully handled their first murder case, Carla and Charlie Purcell were definitely ready to relax and take care of business at the coffee shop. However, that was not to be since another dead body was found. Gretchen Mills had been poisoned through tree nuts that caused an allergic reaction. She had eaten part of a muffin which caused her bronchial muscles to spasm and she suffocated to death. Cause of death was acute anaphylaxis.
The murdered woman had upset many people, so Carla, Charlie, and retired homicide detective Saylor Reeves had a large number of suspects to question. The people are also uneasy about ghost lights in the woods and their fear might prompt them to try to check it out themselves and cause more trouble than they will solve. Can Carla, Charlie, and Saylor solve the murder? Will they try to find out what is causing those odd ghost lights? Grab your copy and see what they discover.
February 2, 2022
Another fun adventure with Charlie, Grandma Carla and all their retiree friends. This time, Carla's bestie, Cleo was the main suspect, so everyone was scrambling to find their friend innocent. I think poor Grandma Carla might've momentarily thought about whether her friend really did it, but she came to her senses and figured someone was just doing a really bang-up frame job on Cleo.
I thought it was cute that Charlie was letting herself get a little closer to Simon, the cute vet for the town. The side story about so-called ghost lights was getting more interesting as more of the locals started wondering what was going on.
It wasn't hard to guess the killer, but it was fun to watch the person get caught. The showdown was exciting, then all could breathe a sigh of relief as the perp got hauled away. The very end was so sweet in light of how Carla had been pretty darn jealous for most of the book. But I think she and Saylor seem to be on their way to a nice relationship now, maybe what both of them wanted all along. Meanwhile, how about that Charlie? Will she get the nerve up to start dating Simon? I'll be borrowing the next book on KU soon!
I thought it was cute that Charlie was letting herself get a little closer to Simon, the cute vet for the town. The side story about so-called ghost lights was getting more interesting as more of the locals started wondering what was going on.
It wasn't hard to guess the killer, but it was fun to watch the person get caught. The showdown was exciting, then all could breathe a sigh of relief as the perp got hauled away. The very end was so sweet in light of how Carla had been pretty darn jealous for most of the book. But I think she and Saylor seem to be on their way to a nice relationship now, maybe what both of them wanted all along. Meanwhile, how about that Charlie? Will she get the nerve up to start dating Simon? I'll be borrowing the next book on KU soon!
April 3, 2022
I read this and the first one in the series in one day. Loved them! Great characters. good mystery and funny situtsions.
amazon synopsis:
Fresh off their first murder case, grandmother/granddaughter sleuthing team Carla and Charlie Purcell couldn’t feel more ready to resume running Myrtle Lake’s best (and only) coffee shop.
But before they finish baking the first batch of bagels, another corpse comes calling.
This time, a local quilter with a booming online business kicks off in her home over morning tea and it’s clear she’s been poisoned. Or more specifically, stuffed full of tree nuts to which she was intensely allergic.
Turns out the victim had outraged fellow villagers by stealing entrepreneurial ideas, accusing people of petty theft, and ditching family responsibilities. The Purcell women and their guide, retired homicide detective Saylor Reeves, gather so many murderous suspects they can’t keep them straight.
But why does their prime suspect seem so unlikely? All of the investigators’ instincts scream they’re getting it wrong but they can't figure it out.
amazon synopsis:
Fresh off their first murder case, grandmother/granddaughter sleuthing team Carla and Charlie Purcell couldn’t feel more ready to resume running Myrtle Lake’s best (and only) coffee shop.
But before they finish baking the first batch of bagels, another corpse comes calling.
This time, a local quilter with a booming online business kicks off in her home over morning tea and it’s clear she’s been poisoned. Or more specifically, stuffed full of tree nuts to which she was intensely allergic.
Turns out the victim had outraged fellow villagers by stealing entrepreneurial ideas, accusing people of petty theft, and ditching family responsibilities. The Purcell women and their guide, retired homicide detective Saylor Reeves, gather so many murderous suspects they can’t keep them straight.
But why does their prime suspect seem so unlikely? All of the investigators’ instincts scream they’re getting it wrong but they can't figure it out.
December 28, 2021
Murder and mayhem keep things interesting for our elderly crew. Just the sort of thing to get the blood pumping (that and a good dose of caffeine).
This is book two of the series, but each book is written as a standalone, so feel free to start anywhere.
This is a cozy mystery set in a retirement village and there are no witches involved here. The story is well written and easy to read with a fun cast of characters as they are very eclectic and provide plenty of humor. Our characters may be a bit more mature than most, but with age comes wisdom and a healthy dose of stubbornness that can come in handy. This mystery has the usual twists and turns and definitely keeps the reader engaged. Overall, a great continuation series and I look forward to visiting again soon.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book two of the series, but each book is written as a standalone, so feel free to start anywhere.
This is a cozy mystery set in a retirement village and there are no witches involved here. The story is well written and easy to read with a fun cast of characters as they are very eclectic and provide plenty of humor. Our characters may be a bit more mature than most, but with age comes wisdom and a healthy dose of stubbornness that can come in handy. This mystery has the usual twists and turns and definitely keeps the reader engaged. Overall, a great continuation series and I look forward to visiting again soon.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
December 16, 2021
An enjoyable cozy mystery read the keeps you turning the pages while you try to figure out who did it. The characters interact and work well together as they try to solve the mystery of which suspect killed the quilter. The story is entertaining with suspense, mystery and twists and turns and a bit of humor added in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 20, 2021
Charlie, Carla and Saylor are out to find the killer of yet another resident of Myrtle Lake Retirement Village. Plus, there is the mysterious "Ghost Lights' that have the residents up in arms. Sheriff Bree Becker maybe tough, but she has some learning to do on detective work. But right now, the murder of Gretchen Mills is front and center. The game will find out they too can learn a few things along the way. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
January 14, 2025
Myrtle Lake Cozy Mystery Series: book 2
A fast paced story, placed in a senior citizen community and their local coffee shop. A variety of quirky characters, with colorful language and personalities. There is more than one mystery to solve and more than enough suspects to consider pinning a murder on...but, which one really did it? Not everything gets all wrapped up with a bow at the end... Continue on with book 3 to learn more!
A fast paced story, placed in a senior citizen community and their local coffee shop. A variety of quirky characters, with colorful language and personalities. There is more than one mystery to solve and more than enough suspects to consider pinning a murder on...but, which one really did it? Not everything gets all wrapped up with a bow at the end... Continue on with book 3 to learn more!
December 16, 2021
This is a great read, I really enjoyed it! There’s a mystery to solve with many suspects, and Charlie and Carla are on the case! The writing is very well done, all the pieces woven together like a tapestry. I love all the characters! I’m dying to know what the ghost lights are! This is a fun series, and I can’t wait for the next book!
December 19, 2021
Another great book by Barker! I'm liking this series — anything by Barker really. Always well-written, well-paced, likeable and complex characters, plus a great mystery. Every time I think it can’t get better, Barker proves us wrong. Can’t wait for the next book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 14, 2021
Helluva mystery! There were so many different parts to it and they didn’t seem to fit together. I did enjoy reading it immensely. I am very curious about the ghost lights. I have some suspicions so I will have to see if they are right. This is a fun series!
December 20, 2021
Charlie & Her Grandma get involved in another murder to solve. This the 2nd book in the series and I loved both of them. This author writes some awesome books. This series is no exception. 5 Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2022
Fun and Fast
What a fun read! And the clues get thrown at you very quickly, so be ready.
Gramma Carla is the coolest grandmother around. Charlie is very lucky.
But who names a dog Kurt? Ridiculous!
What a fun read! And the clues get thrown at you very quickly, so be ready.
Gramma Carla is the coolest grandmother around. Charlie is very lucky.
But who names a dog Kurt? Ridiculous!
December 28, 2021
Excellent read
Excellent story. Enjoyed The Who done to no end. The humor is there and the romances is beginning to come into focus. Loved the story.
Excellent story. Enjoyed The Who done to no end. The humor is there and the romances is beginning to come into focus. Loved the story.
January 13, 2022
Who killed Gretchen Mills and why??? Charlie, Cleo, and Saylor are on it though!!! I enjoyed the story -even though there are still lights - and recommend the book.
January 23, 2022
Great book
This is really 2nd book 8n the Myrtle Lake series by Constance Barker. I love all of the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
This is really 2nd book 8n the Myrtle Lake series by Constance Barker. I love all of the characters. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 9, 2025
Good short story but don't like the virtual voice.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews