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Hill Country Mysteries #1
A Fresh Brew
COFFEE FUELED COZY MYSTERY, BREWED BY A SNARKY CAT-DRAGON!
Hailey Morton’s aunt has just died, leaving her the sole owner of Aconite Cafe, and a new cat owner.
One problem though. Azure is actually a cat-dragon.
If discovering dragons were real wasn’t enough, Azure is convinced Hailey’s aunt was actually murdered.
The town’s sheriff and his deputy are oblivious. Which means it falls to her to solve the mystery.
All while running the cafe.
Will Hailey bring her aunt’s murderer to justice?
Can she learn to run Aconite Cafe?
Does she have what it takes to be a Dragon Protector?
A Fresh Brew is the first book in the Hill Country Mysteries series set in the heart of Texas. Each book is a clean, full-length, snarky, cozy mystery, that doesn't always involve a death.
Hailey Morton’s aunt has just died, leaving her the sole owner of Aconite Cafe, and a new cat owner.
One problem though. Azure is actually a cat-dragon.
If discovering dragons were real wasn’t enough, Azure is convinced Hailey’s aunt was actually murdered.
The town’s sheriff and his deputy are oblivious. Which means it falls to her to solve the mystery.
All while running the cafe.
Will Hailey bring her aunt’s murderer to justice?
Can she learn to run Aconite Cafe?
Does she have what it takes to be a Dragon Protector?
A Fresh Brew is the first book in the Hill Country Mysteries series set in the heart of Texas. Each book is a clean, full-length, snarky, cozy mystery, that doesn't always involve a death.
Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2021
372 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Verena DeLuca
43 books957 followersVerena DeLuca is a pen name for the life partner duo Sabetha Danes & NAK Baldron. When we’re not homeschooling our artistic daughter, we spend our afternoons arguing the finer details of books. Failing that, we can be found walking the many nature trails around our home.
Marble Falls is an actual tourist destination an hour west of Austin, Texas, that we’re proud to call home. While Aconite Cafe isn’t an actual coffee shop, it is the name of our publishing company. We love coffee nearly as much as Hailey, though we’ve been known to break the cardinal rule and drink tea.
Azure is based on our cat James, who’s just as snarky.
Marble Falls is an actual tourist destination an hour west of Austin, Texas, that we’re proud to call home. While Aconite Cafe isn’t an actual coffee shop, it is the name of our publishing company. We love coffee nearly as much as Hailey, though we’ve been known to break the cardinal rule and drink tea.
Azure is based on our cat James, who’s just as snarky.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 18, 2021
Hailey had inherited the coffee shop when her great aunt Tina passed away. The police had deemed it an accident, but Azzure, had a different idea. He convinced Hailey to investigate the Murder. Hailey had some mishaps during the investigation. Azzure and Hailey’s relationship was funny to watch it unfold. This is one of the best books I have read in a while. The characters were believable and charming.
August 20, 2021
2.5 stars bumped up to three.
This was a selection by my cozy book club. I enjoyed it, the story moved along and it was a quick read. I liked Hailey and Azure and I think their relationship and personalities will develop as the series continues. Right now they mostly have clipped conversation, little depth.
There were a several things that kept me from giving it three stars; the first was the use of the word tea as a curse word. It was unique initially for someone who hates tea to use it that way but whoa, Hailey used it a lot and for me it became tiresome.
She also referred to tea as coming from a dying plant. Where did she get that idea from? Then sending an innocent customer who asked for directions to the tea shop in the completely wrong direction was just mean. Some adult behavior needed to happen there.
Also I thought a little more description would have helped add more depth to the story which was mostly conversation.
The story was enjoyable though and kept me interested. I want to know more about life with a dragon and all that they do.
This was a selection by my cozy book club. I enjoyed it, the story moved along and it was a quick read. I liked Hailey and Azure and I think their relationship and personalities will develop as the series continues. Right now they mostly have clipped conversation, little depth.
There were a several things that kept me from giving it three stars; the first was the use of the word tea as a curse word. It was unique initially for someone who hates tea to use it that way but whoa, Hailey used it a lot and for me it became tiresome.
She also referred to tea as coming from a dying plant. Where did she get that idea from? Then sending an innocent customer who asked for directions to the tea shop in the completely wrong direction was just mean. Some adult behavior needed to happen there.
Also I thought a little more description would have helped add more depth to the story which was mostly conversation.
The story was enjoyable though and kept me interested. I want to know more about life with a dragon and all that they do.
September 21, 2020
Well written fresh concept
We first meet Hailey at her Great Aunt Tona's funeral. Or as Hailey thought of her, her chosen mother (not having been close to her own parents since high school it had been Tona who had seen Hailey through college, supporting her where her scholarships didn't, and it was with Tona Hailey came back to Marble Falls and Aconite Cafe where you can buy the best cup of coffee you'll ever taste (just don't ask for tea, it's literally a bad word inn the Aconite!)
After the funeral Hailey discovers there was a lot more to her Aunt than small town cafe owner! I'm not spilling it for you but a the blurb and title indicates it involves dragons!.
With a flee in her ear (or dragon) she must discover who murdered her Aunt even if the local police force don't even suspect foul play in the first place.
This is a good interesting read, it's not without it's flaws, Hailey's acceptance and lack of questions of her new really being probably my main issue that and the liberal use of tea as a cuss word a couple of times would have been fine and conveyed the point but it became over kill.
It's not a heavy plot and it's a very easy read probably even younger readers will enjoy.
However as i said it's an interesting concept and I will read more books in the series.
We first meet Hailey at her Great Aunt Tona's funeral. Or as Hailey thought of her, her chosen mother (not having been close to her own parents since high school it had been Tona who had seen Hailey through college, supporting her where her scholarships didn't, and it was with Tona Hailey came back to Marble Falls and Aconite Cafe where you can buy the best cup of coffee you'll ever taste (just don't ask for tea, it's literally a bad word inn the Aconite!)
After the funeral Hailey discovers there was a lot more to her Aunt than small town cafe owner! I'm not spilling it for you but a the blurb and title indicates it involves dragons!.
With a flee in her ear (or dragon) she must discover who murdered her Aunt even if the local police force don't even suspect foul play in the first place.
This is a good interesting read, it's not without it's flaws, Hailey's acceptance and lack of questions of her new really being probably my main issue that and the liberal use of tea as a cuss word a couple of times would have been fine and conveyed the point but it became over kill.
It's not a heavy plot and it's a very easy read probably even younger readers will enjoy.
However as i said it's an interesting concept and I will read more books in the series.
November 13, 2020
Smells like java!
This story talks about coffee, the love of coffee, the life of a coffee shop until you can smell it! I wasn’t sure about how the dragon tied into it all until the plot progressed, but all weave together well.
Having lost a mother, this brought fresh feelings back as the main characters are dealing with fresh loss. The topic is dealt with well without digging so deeply that someone without that loss isn’t mired down.
Definitely a recommended read!
This story talks about coffee, the love of coffee, the life of a coffee shop until you can smell it! I wasn’t sure about how the dragon tied into it all until the plot progressed, but all weave together well.
Having lost a mother, this brought fresh feelings back as the main characters are dealing with fresh loss. The topic is dealt with well without digging so deeply that someone without that loss isn’t mired down.
Definitely a recommended read!
February 16, 2024
Cute story
This was a fast and easy to read story. A cat who is a dragon, murder, and a coffee shop are the few things that made this story amusing.
This was a fast and easy to read story. A cat who is a dragon, murder, and a coffee shop are the few things that made this story amusing.
July 13, 2020
I was fortunate to win a copy of this book this weekend from a Facebook Author Event. It’s premise of a cat who is really a dragon who communicates telepathically with humans intrigued me. I started reading it now long after I downloaded it. Hailey Morton has been left the coffee house where she has been working with her great-aunt Tona after she died. Azure, Aunt Tina’s cat, who is really a disguised dragon, informs her that her aunt has been murdered, and it’s up to her to find the killer as the police ruled the death an accident. Azure is also active in the investigation. After investigating several suspects, a piece of evidence in an unlikely place leads Hailey to the less obvious killer.
I really enjoyed learning more about the Dragon Tribe including the other dragons and their human protectors. I’m sure they will play a bigger role in the stories to come. In this story only one other dragon and his human play a major role.
This is a small town with colorful characters and a long standing feud between Hailey and her Aunt and the owners of the Tea Shop. I look forward to seeing how relationships develop.
I really enjoyed learning more about the Dragon Tribe including the other dragons and their human protectors. I’m sure they will play a bigger role in the stories to come. In this story only one other dragon and his human play a major role.
This is a small town with colorful characters and a long standing feud between Hailey and her Aunt and the owners of the Tea Shop. I look forward to seeing how relationships develop.
June 2, 2020
Hailey inherits a coffee shop when her Aunt Tona passes away. She also inherits her cat Azure who we find out is really a dr__on. I want to tell you about it but I don't want to give the surprise away. So this is a bit of a snarky (in a hilarious way) book. It has mystery, suspense and a bit of romance and all rolled up makes an entertaining read. I recommend this book. I was given a copy of this book at my request and this is my honest review.
June 2, 2020
An adorable and amusing beginning to a series. Great characters who I feel like I know already. I love Azure and his sass! I can usually figure out the "whodunit" before it's revealed, but this time I had a little trouble and that was great. I love being surprised. Can't wait to read the next book!
May 31, 2020
Looking for a light-hearted, challenging cozy mystery? Look no further - A Fresh Brew: A Dragon Cozy Mystery (Hill Country Mysteries, #1) by Verena DeLuca is the book for you! I had my suspicions about whom the guilty party might be but DeLuca kept her criminal mind under wraps until the last few pages. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Highly recommend.
June 4, 2020
I love Azure. He is a refreshing type of character that is going to keep his girl on her toes.
I also liked the story. I look forward to getting to know the tube, and to future books. If they are as easy to read as this one (one sitting), this author has a great series emanating from her pen.
I did receive an ARC.
I also liked the story. I look forward to getting to know the tube, and to future books. If they are as easy to read as this one (one sitting), this author has a great series emanating from her pen.
I did receive an ARC.
August 12, 2021
In A Fresh Brew, Hailey inherits Anconite Cafe from her Aunt Tona...and also a bond with a snarky cat-dragon! This paranormal cozy is a fun start to a series. It was a quick read and seemed light on background details regarding the cat-dragon, bonding, and the magical elements. There was also less mystery/sleuthing than in typical cozies. However, I still really enjoyed the story, the sass, and the characters. I give this one 3.5 stars - rounding up to a 4 for Goodreads. I will be continuing the series since I can't wait to find out more about the magical elements - I'm hoping there will be more development in the next book as well as a fun mystery!
I borrowed this book on Kindle Unlimited to read for paracozy book club. I'm sharing my honest review and rating.
I borrowed this book on Kindle Unlimited to read for paracozy book club. I'm sharing my honest review and rating.
September 26, 2022
I couldn’t put this down. A great start to what I expect to be a fun series. We meet Hailey a mid 30s woman who just lost her Aunt Tona. She inherited all of her aunts assets from her coffee shop in a little town in Texas as well as a snarky sassy cat, or so she thought.
A fast paced, fun and exciting cozy mystery that ended all to quickly for me that I moved to the next in the series right away.
A fast paced, fun and exciting cozy mystery that ended all to quickly for me that I moved to the next in the series right away.
January 27, 2021
This is not the usual theme of cozy I read. However I will definitely be following this series. Likeable characters i want to get to know. A cat who transforms into a dragon or bat and can communicate with his human protector Snarky dialogue between the two tops it off
June 25, 2020
A Fresh Brew is a clean cozy mystery. Since coffee is what's on the menu, tea is the chosen swear word. It's kind of cute! The mystery moves slowly, though. Was Aunt Tona’s death really an accident? Hailey inherits the coffee shop along with the apartment and Tona’s cat. Azure is his name and he’s actually a magical creature in disguise!
This is a dialogue driven story with lots of snark, but I didn't think it was all that witty. The conversations that I enjoyed were between Hailey and the officer that she nicknamed Mr. Bear. I also liked the friendship between Hailey and Aubrey. I was happy when Hailey stood up for herself and took authority, but I thought she was mean towards a certain person at the grocery store. That didn't endear her to me. Another important character is Azure who acts more like a bossy cat! Will the two of them finally get along and work together to solve the mystery?
This is a dialogue driven story with lots of snark, but I didn't think it was all that witty. The conversations that I enjoyed were between Hailey and the officer that she nicknamed Mr. Bear. I also liked the friendship between Hailey and Aubrey. I was happy when Hailey stood up for herself and took authority, but I thought she was mean towards a certain person at the grocery store. That didn't endear her to me. Another important character is Azure who acts more like a bossy cat! Will the two of them finally get along and work together to solve the mystery?
July 15, 2020
A Fresh Brew is a snarkfest that will have you laughing out loud and flipping pages. Our heroine is just a bit overwhelmed with her new responsibilities. We get to go along for the ride as she figures them out along with discovering who killed her beloved aunt Tona. Hailey has a whole slew of supporting characters to help her. I got a kick out of this story and will be checking out future adventures with Hailey and the gang.
June 22, 2020
Ok, boomer
The author thinks that disparaging comments regarding tea, of all things, is the nexus of hilarity. The author quite literally cannot write two consecutive paragraphs without mentioning tea as a pejorative. I am a coffee connoisseur and worked as a barista, but the idea that an adult woman in her 30’s is having screaming apoplectic fits over tea is just so Karen. Honestly, reading about how the protagonist cannot do or think or feel anything other than what “Aunt Tona” approved was achingly dull. If this is truly the best the author has to offer, move along and read something else.
The author thinks that disparaging comments regarding tea, of all things, is the nexus of hilarity. The author quite literally cannot write two consecutive paragraphs without mentioning tea as a pejorative. I am a coffee connoisseur and worked as a barista, but the idea that an adult woman in her 30’s is having screaming apoplectic fits over tea is just so Karen. Honestly, reading about how the protagonist cannot do or think or feel anything other than what “Aunt Tona” approved was achingly dull. If this is truly the best the author has to offer, move along and read something else.
July 19, 2020
A well written cozy mystery
Honestly I'd say this has a Veronica Mars feel to it, but of course with a touch of magic. I'm looking forward to more adventures of Hailey and the Aconite Cafe.
Honestly I'd say this has a Veronica Mars feel to it, but of course with a touch of magic. I'm looking forward to more adventures of Hailey and the Aconite Cafe.
June 11, 2020
I think I have fallen for these cozy mysteries. They are easy to read and your able to finish them in 4 to 5 hours. This series has great writing. The story flows and is supported with well described characters. Best of all it has dragons. Not your usual dragons but dragons all the same. Never seen any like these. Great Reading Everyone!
August 19, 2020
Excellent Read!
This cozy mystery was easy to get lost in. I loved the characters and the dragons. I also loved the coffee theme of this novel. That's what originally drew me in to picking this book, since I'm a coffee addict myself. This story had sad and fun moments mixed in. I had a hard time finding something I didn't like which is why I give it 5-Stars! Excellent read!
This cozy mystery was easy to get lost in. I loved the characters and the dragons. I also loved the coffee theme of this novel. That's what originally drew me in to picking this book, since I'm a coffee addict myself. This story had sad and fun moments mixed in. I had a hard time finding something I didn't like which is why I give it 5-Stars! Excellent read!
August 21, 2020
Fun Story
Took me a few chapters to get into the story. And I am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoy the banner between the Hailey and Azura.
Took me a few chapters to get into the story. And I am glad I did. I thoroughly enjoy the banner between the Hailey and Azura.
June 10, 2020
Cat or Dragon
This was page turning book that was lots of fun. I loved Azure and the help he gives to Hailey in his own peculiar way. It was hard for Hailey to believe that her aunt had been murdered but she was determined to figure out what happened. I am really looking forward to reading the next book.
This was page turning book that was lots of fun. I loved Azure and the help he gives to Hailey in his own peculiar way. It was hard for Hailey to believe that her aunt had been murdered but she was determined to figure out what happened. I am really looking forward to reading the next book.
June 10, 2020
After the unfortunate death of her aunt, Hailey inherits her aunt's cafe and her aunt's cat, err dragon. What a fun read! Not your usual cozy. Received an ARC from the author. My review is freely and honestly given
June 11, 2020
Fresh & Funky
***I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
***I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.***
June 23, 2020
Dragon caffeine delight
Absolutely delightful characters and storylines that draw one in and kept pages being flipped. As charming as Azure was, I was intrigued by Barry "Bear" and hope to see that flirtation progress. Seriously, loved the first two books in the series and can't wait to read the rest. Here's hoping there are many more to come.
Absolutely delightful characters and storylines that draw one in and kept pages being flipped. As charming as Azure was, I was intrigued by Barry "Bear" and hope to see that flirtation progress. Seriously, loved the first two books in the series and can't wait to read the rest. Here's hoping there are many more to come.
August 3, 2020
Enjoyed
This was the first book of yours and I enjoyed the characters and the story line and I am really looking forward to your next book.
This was the first book of yours and I enjoyed the characters and the story line and I am really looking forward to your next book.
April 20, 2021
Fresh brew
This was a cute little story.i liked the banter between the characters. Great story line and it flowed very nicely
This was a cute little story.i liked the banter between the characters. Great story line and it flowed very nicely
August 18, 2020
First dragon cozy, I've ever read. Very entertaining.
June 26, 2022
With the recent death of her aunt.
Hailey Morton is the sole recipient of her coffee shop and cat.
Hailey quickly discovers that there's more to the cat than she thinks.
It's not just a cat. It's a cat that talks (telepathically), and the cat form
is just a glamour for its real appearance.
Not only can the cat talk, but it wants justice for her aunt's murder.
It would appear that her aunt's death was not the accident it appeared to be.
Pro's:
This is the first story I've read from this author.
there are developed characters, a solid plotline and some humor.
Con's:
While the story was enjoyable, the two best longtime friends tend to act more
like teenagers themselves than women in their late 20's to early thirties at times.
This was an enjoyable story and I'll definitely read at least one more to see what happens next.
Hailey Morton is the sole recipient of her coffee shop and cat.
Hailey quickly discovers that there's more to the cat than she thinks.
It's not just a cat. It's a cat that talks (telepathically), and the cat form
is just a glamour for its real appearance.
Not only can the cat talk, but it wants justice for her aunt's murder.
It would appear that her aunt's death was not the accident it appeared to be.
Pro's:
This is the first story I've read from this author.
there are developed characters, a solid plotline and some humor.
Con's:
While the story was enjoyable, the two best longtime friends tend to act more
like teenagers themselves than women in their late 20's to early thirties at times.
This was an enjoyable story and I'll definitely read at least one more to see what happens next.
June 4, 2020
When Hailey's aunt , Tona, dies unexpectedly, she leaves behind much more than the bustling Aconite Cafe, a healthy bank account, and her cat, Azure. Hailey believes that Tona's death is not an unfortunate accident, but murder, and small-town gossip and rivalries yield not one suspect but three. Luckily, Azure provides more than furry, purring companionship: once Hailey recovers from the shock of the cat's true nature and very direct method of communication, the pair set out to prove themselves quite capable of solving this mystery. A fun read, full of snark and surprises, A Fresh Brew is a delightful series debut built around a very original premise.
June 9, 2020
Interesting will read more of this series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews