Cappuccino Criminal

Killer Coffee #12

by Tonya Kappes

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the gossip is as hot as the coffee!

In the quaint town of Honey Springs, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop is the heart and soul of the community, and its vivacious owner, Roxy Bloom, is always ready to serve up a steaming cup of java with a side of gossip. But when a brewing storm of real estate treachery ends with the cold-blooded murder of a local agent, Roxy finds herself in the thick of a frothy whodunit that's anything but decaffeinated.

The victim, a hotshot real estate agent, had been spearheading a massive development project that went sour after an intrepid environmentalist unearthed a reason for the town to put the kibosh on the plan. Now, with the town's picturesque charm drawing tourists in droves, Roxy must grind through a list of suspects as long as a coffee bean's journey from farm to cup.

From double-shot deceptions to espresso intrigues, Roxy's quest to unmask the Cappuccino Criminal will plunge her deep into the dark heart of Honey Springs' seedy underbelly. As she sifts through a muddy mixture of secrets, lies, and steamed milk, Roxy will have to rely on her wit, intuition, and the help of her loyal friends to solve the mystery before it boils over and scalds them all.

In this steamy, cozy mystery with a frothy blend of suspense and humor, the stakes have never been higher—or the coffee stronger. It's time for Roxy Bloom to pull the perfect shot and catch the Cappuccino Criminal before their next bitter brew leaves someone else in the grinder. So, curl up with a cup of your favorite beverage, and join Roxy in this un-put-downable tale of murder, mystery, and macchiatos.

Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery is a series about small town gossip, family, friends, and putting differences aside when troubles brews.
Do you love to read about family and friendships?
Do you enjoy holidays, festivals, and celebrations?
What about when life isn't always rosy?
This series has all of that and more along with twisty turn mysteries that will have you rooting for the entire town of Honey Springs.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Cozy, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 25, 2023

About the author

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

Pinterest
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,

Reviews

[Tonya Kappes]

Love these reviews!! Thank you!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite all-time cozy mystery series. I love the characters and the mini-schnauzer, Pepper. Great mystery! I highly recommend.

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun one with lots of twists and red herrings, the final reveal was 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

When there is a problem with the county club project, Roxy is once again pulled into a murder investigation. The real estate agent who was brokering the deal is found murdered. Is the murder an investigator or the environmentalist?

I love Roxy and the Bean Hive. I love that each book the Bean Hive features a new fur baby that is up for adoption. This is a positive way to support and in courage pet adoptions. All the characters are likable, realistic, and interesting. The mystery is full of twists to keep you guessing. I’m was surprised by who the murderer was.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cappuccino Criminal Earns 5/5 Roasted Beans … Clever & Engaging Gem!

Roxy loves living in Honey Springs, so it’s reasonable that others want the opportunity to live, work, and vacation here. Blackburn Associates sees the opportunity, and they are having an area, just outside town, assessed as a possible location for a new country club, and local real estate agent Leander Taylor is handling the deal. Danielle Quillen, an environmentalist, has discovered an issue that could be a deal breaker. Her recommendation to rethink the property is not appreciated by Taylor who punctuates his objections with a public scene in the middle of Roxy’s busy morning coffee rush. So, with a multi-million dollar project on the line, who’s the prime suspect when Leander’s body is found? The developer, investors, an environmentalist, competing real estate agents, or someone hoping to cash in on the project? Roxy has her work cut out for her.

Tonya Kappes twelfth book in her Killer Coffee Mystery series is an exciting read with developers, environmentalists, and community members all suspects in a murder. The one responsible for the now defunct project is the real estate guy, so he’s a perfect patsy, the perfect murder victim. Roxy’s years as an attorney gives her a unique skill set, in the interrogation room, her informal investigation, and method of compiling clues are realistically managed; I greatly appreciate that. She has a “quid pro quo” collaboration with the sheriff, which is a element I enjoy. In her snooping, she uncovers a few more people effected by the abandoning of the development project which seemed to come down to money, dreams destroyed, and even reputations on the line, all challenging my arm-chair detective, something I appreciate. Add coffee drinking, friends gathering, perusing the shops, and a bit of personal jeopardy, the final arrest punctuated a fun read!

Tonya always adds a favorite extra: a couple of easy-to-follow Recipes from The Bean Hive. Enjoy Maple Bacon Coffee (Wow, bacon and coffee … a morning delight!), Hot Honey Almond Milk Flat White, and Appalachian Summer Bread (Infused with honeysuckle. In the story more details are included.).

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[AmBerGUR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahh this one is really good. By far my favorite of this series.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roxy loves to gossip and the Coffee Shop is the best place to do it. She soon finds herself using those gossip skills to try to solve the murder of a real estate agent. No one is fan of his latest project and he soon finds himself dead. Roxy has to sort through the clues to see who had a motive to kill him as it turns out he had more than one bad deal going on.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always a Tonya’s stories are filled with humour, wonderful characters and a mystery to solve. I love visiting Honey Springs and the Bee Hive and this time we have a puppy named Jesse from the Pet Palace to love on.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I did figure it out before the reveal but that didn’t stop me from going along for the ride.

The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down thus I finished it in a few hours. Please note you could read as a stand alone, but you will want to read them all in order.

I cant wait to take another trip to Honey Springs, Kentucky, to see what Roxy and her friends get up to in Macchiato Murder which releases September 28th, 2023.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The citizens of Honey Springs are excited about a new country club development that will bring in tourism and jobs. The excitement is short-lived when the mayor calls for an emergency meeting following the environmental scientist's recent discovery of a spring, which throws a monkey wrench into the plans.

The halt of the development has caused a lot of ire with the amount of money standing to be lost.

When Roxy sets out early in the morning for the Bean Hive, her attention is drawn to the red-and-blue flashing lights, where she meets Sheriff Spencer, who informs her that a body was found. Roxy recognizes the deceased as being the local realtor. Spencer asks for Roxy's help.

Bunny & Aunt Maxi start ticking off a list of suspect names while Roxy writes them down on the whiteboard. Roxy knows just who to start questioning first.

It was great to come across another series being mentioned, and it has sparked my curiosity about the potential for Roxy to make an appearance and what that might involve.

I received an advanced reader copy and voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Lori Leaf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series premise: Roxy runs a coffee shop in Honey Springs, Kentucky that’s the center piece of town & the place to go for gossip.

In short: A large development project is halted when a spring is found on the property. Shortly later the realtor is found murdered.

What I liked:
☕️The murder plot. With an unlikeable character it made for so many suspects from investors to developers and more.
☕️The setting. Honey Springs & the Bean Hive coffee shop feel like my hometown.
☕️Roxy & her sleuthing. I like that she works with the Sheriff but that she investigates everything herself first. Her experience as a lawyer shines through.
☕️Coffee! From the shop to roasting beans to speciality coffee drinks.
☕️The featured pet up for adoption 💜🐾

Final thoughts: This was an entertaining read! I liked following along through the investigation and all the different red herrings. The motive for the murder totally caught me off guard. The characters are great and I love the hinted potential for a spin off. I love this series and the descriptive writing!

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Roxy finds out that someone in town has been murdered. She of course decides to help solve it. The problem is the victim wasn't the most well liked citizen due to his dealings. However, Roxy solves it and all is well for now.

[Spencer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Changes are coming to honey springs - more tourism onthe horizon? They sold aunt Maxie’s house but I like how the author made it to where it was honored by still being a focal point without being torn down.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous book from Tonya Kappes. Roxy is so relatable and the story moves along well. The pet adoption piece of this series makes it extra special.

[Sheila Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable cozy mystery by Tonya Kappes. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. Very well worth the time to read.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually read this one in one sitting. Once I started reading it I couldn’t put it down. There was lots of action with a number of red herrings. The mystery was well developed. I was quite surprised at the big reveal.

I enjoy the characters, especially the more outrageous ones!

I was fortunate to receive an advance copy.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Cappuccino Criminals" by Tonya Kappes is book 12 in her "Killer Coffee Mystery" series. There is a lot going on in Honey Springs, and Roxy is doing her thing of trying to find out what is going on. I enjoy Roxy's character and how she is so pleasant with everyone she comes across. This book was a great addition to the series and keeps you wanting more. I also enjoy the recipes at the end of the book and sometimes find myself making them.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cappuccino Criminal is another exciting installment in Kappes' Killer Coffee cozy mystery series. The town of Honey Springs is excited about the new opening of a country club. This Country Club means more people coming to Honey Springs, more money for the economy, and new opportunities for all. When the deal goes south, the realtor who brokered the deal is found dead. Roxy wants to find out who the killer is to make sure that Honey Springs remains a safe place for all.

Kappes delivers an entertaining read that proved hard to put down. I like how this book opened up some previous wounds for Roxy from her past that she really needed to deal with so that she could move on. I also loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back in action as well because I think they add to the story. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader's attention. Overall Cappuccino Criminal proved to be a great read that I would definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Roxy's next adventure.

Received a copy of Cappuccino Criminal from the author.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great mystery! I was so happy to be back in Honey Springs, Kentucky with Roxy, her family, and friends! Come on in, visit her shop, the Bean Hive, “where the gossip is just as hot as the coffee”! She makes the coffee in her roastery to ensure fresh, top-quality blends with the most amazing aroma. For the folks in this little town, there’s nothing like getting together with friends or neighbors and fresh coffee and pastries for a good old gab session.

I really like Roxy, a delightful young woman who is a loving, encouraging, positive person. She takes joy in her husband, family, dogs, friends, and community. Even as she struggles with events in this mystery, she fully appreciates the sunrises, sunsets, scents of the season, and songs of the birds. She is also a clever attorney who keeps her license active now only to help her friends.

A major land development is slated for Honey Springs that will add jobs, high-end housing, a golf course and country club, and many, many tourists. The developer is Caspian Blackwood; he is the owner of Blackwood Associates. Danielle is an environmentalist who conducted many tests to determine the effect the construction and operation of the project will have on the ecosystem, especially the wetlands. Blackwood has several local, huge-dollar investors for this project.

Danielle’s discovery on the property resulted in an emergency town council meeting. She researched a well-hidden natural spring that fed the pure, clean water of Lake Honey Springs. Before the meeting, Leandar, the realtor and investor, came into the Bean Hive to rant at Danielle. He knew something about her past that he was holding over her head that he would reveal if she exposed the truth about the spring that he had kept secret. He knew if anyone found out, he would lose a hefty commission and the money he invested.

At the meeting, Danielle recommended against building the project for the good of the town and lake, and the town council voted down the project. Early the next morning, someone found Leandar dead on the property where the project was to be built. It wasn’t an accident; he had been murdered.

Sheriff Spencer Shepherd asked Roxy to keep her ears and eyes open since she hears so much at the Bean Hive. Roxy has also helped solve several murders since moving there. Bunny, her daytime server, and Loretta, a regular customer, are eager to assist, and what they don’t know, her Aunt Maxi probably does. This case is quite a challenge and tempers flare up, especially among those who lost life savings in the project. Her ex-husband, who moved there and invested in various projects, hinted that Patrick, her husband, had a few secrets about the project, but it sounds more like he is hiding something that made him the possible whodunit. There is no shortage of suspects!

There are many surprises, including the hometown of one of Roxy’s new friends. Whodunit kept me on my toes – or was it the thought of her coffee creations? This is one of the rare times I figured out whodunit in one of this author’s mysteries, but I was way off base about the motive. The end was completely satisfying. I highly recommend this, and the series, to those who enjoy well-written Southern cozy mysteries, COFFEE and coffee recipes, and where teens and seniors alike are active and appreciated.

From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cappuccino Criminal
A Killer Coffee Mystery, Book #12
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

In the quaint town of Honey Springs, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop is the heart and soul of the community, and its vivacious owner, Roxy Bloom, is always ready to serve up a steaming cup of java with a side of gossip. But when a brewing storm of real estate treachery ends with the cold-blooded murder of a local agent, Roxy finds herself in the thick of a frothy whodunit that's anything but decaffeinated.

The victim, a hotshot real estate agent, had been spearheading a massive development project that went sour after an intrepid environmentalist unearthed a reason for the town to put the kibosh on the plan. Now, with the town's picturesque charm drawing tourists in droves, Roxy must grind through a list of suspects as long as a coffee bean's journey from farm to cup.

From double-shot deceptions to espresso intrigues, Roxy's quest to unmask the Cappuccino Criminal will plunge her deep into the dark heart of Honey Springs' seedy underbelly. As she sifts through a muddy mixture of secrets, lies, and steamed milk, Roxy will have to rely on her wit, intuition, and the help of her loyal friends to solve the mystery before it boils over and scalds them all.

In this steamy, cozy mystery with a frothy blend of suspense and humor, the stakes have never been higher—or the coffee stronger. It's time for Roxy Bloom to pull the perfect shot and catch the Cappuccino Criminal before their next bitter brew leaves someone else in the grinder. So, curl up with a cup of your favorite beverage, and join Roxy in this un-put-downable tale of murder, mystery, and macchiatos.

Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery is a series about small town gossip, family, friends, and putting differences aside when troubles brews.
Do you love to read about family and friendships?
Do you enjoy holidays, festivals, and celebrations?
What about when life isn't always rosy?
This series has all of that and more along with twisty turn mysteries that will have you rooting for the entire town of Honey Springs. (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Whenever you read a book by the author you know that you are in for a real treat. This time Roxy and her friends will have to figure out who killed a real estate agent and why. But this will not be an easy task.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was surprised when the killer was revealed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. See if you can help Roxy find the killer and solve the mystery.

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honey Springs, KY is a lovely small town and it's very popular with tourists. When Winter arrives the economy takes a hit with the tourist money. Anything that will grow the economic base is a good thing and the residents are looking forward to a new development which will do just that. Big bucks are on the line to get things moving for a golf course and housing development. The whole town is on board. When a high end spa was built in town it was very good for business. The golf course plans would, they hope, do the same.
Roxy is loving her life as owner of the Bean Hive Coffee Shop, roasting and grinding her own beans to create delightful blends for all to enjoy. (Count me in, please) She left the practice of law and an ex husband and now, remarried, is home with family and friends. Her husband has a stake in the project, too, as he is bidding on some of the construction contract. Turns out her ex does, too. He, his new wife and child live in town. How cozy is that. After witnessing a confrontation in the Bean Hive between a local realtor and the woman doing an environmental study for the developers Roxy comes across a crime scene on her early morning bike ride to open the coffee shop. The dead body of Leander, last seen by Roxy in her shop, has been murdered. Roxy has a talent for finding clues and killers. After all The Bean Hive is gossip central and Roxy is very observant. Let the sleuthing begin. It turns out that the locals have a lot of not so nice secrets they want to keep hidden but which one turned to murder to protect it?
As with any book in any series written by Tonya Kappes, this one is a great reading escape. Full of recurring characters I would love to sit and visit with in the Bean Hive not mention the yummy food and the rescue of the moment - dog or cat - that Roxy helps get adopted. It's all here so come on by with your beverage of choice and settle down to catch up on the local gossip and watch Roxy catch another killer.
My thanks to Tonya Kappes for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The picturesque town of Honey Springs is alight with excitement over the proposal of a new real estate development that would bring many jobs to the residents and increase tourism to the town. In Roxy Bloom's Bean Hive Coffee Shop the business is always buzzing. It may be due to the sugar high from the delectable pastries or the caffeine high from the specialty coffees, but I think everyone enjoys the food, coffee and fellowship with other diners. It is the best place to catch up on the local gossip. On the morning first described in chapter one, the gossip is flaming after a heated argument between a local real estate agent and an out of town environmentalist. By the next morning one will be dead. Never fear Roxy can whip up a mocha and investigate a murder, and she will definitely investigate. She is not your average amateur sleuth in that she was an attorney before she opened the Bean Hive. She knows a little more than your average amateur sleuth.

The characters are likeable, relatable and southern with a lot of heart and personality. The beautiful town in Kentucky sounds like a wonderful place to visit. Tonya Kappes always pulls me into her stories with her unique writing style. She comes up with the most unique business names in her books such as the Honey Comb Salon and Buzz-In-And-Out Diner. The pattern here is that bees and honey are big business in Honey Springs, Kentucky. I love how everything just ties neatly together.

I would crown Tonya Kappes as the southern cozy mystery queen if there was such an award. Her southern roots shine through in her writing with her sass, which this southern girl appreciates. This mystery is fresh, clean and fun to read, as are all of these mysteries. Keep wearing that crown Tonya Kappes.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am back in Holy Springs, Kentucky with my dear friend Roxy. Visiting her at her adorable coffee shop is the highlight of my day. Oh did I mention that the author has given me the feeling that I am actually part of the story? Well let’s see what happens as there seems to be a little disturbance in the coffee shop. Someone is not happy about some land development and threats are made. Roxy is not happy with this happening in her coffee shop and asks one of them to leave the shop.

I loved how much research went into this book with details of land development and what steps need to be made in order to build. There sure is a lot of talk about the new project and it seems that not everyone is happy with change. I know I don’t do well with change either. The town is divided on the plans but all that comes to a screeching halt when a murder takes place. Roxy is now in investigation mode as a prominent fixture in the community has been killed. There are many suspects and I was so sure this time I would figure out who the guilty person is. I loved the twists in the story and how the author gives clever clues that sometimes made me think I had solved the case.

Get ready for a story that will keep you guessing and some oh my scenes as suspect after suspect start to get Roxy’s attention. Roxy does get herself into to a jam when she starts to question people who could be dangerous. I like how she loves her town and wants to make sure that it stays safe as she continues to solve the crime. In this case I was shocked at the outcome and would never have guessed what happened. Once again the author delivers a great story that kept me glued to the book and reminded me that small towns are a great place to find a sense of community as people look out for each other.

I received a digital copy of the book from the author. The review is my own opinion.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Roxy, her charming husband Patrick, Pepper the Schnauzer and Sassy the poodle - what a fun family! Throw in hilariously eccentric over the top Aunt Maxi, and Roxy’s mom who moved back to town, Bunny (Roxy’s main coffee shop support and senior age gal pal) and the rest of the various town characters, this series has deliciousness galore to balance out some of the eccentric characters (Bib and his gal Leslie come to mind) and of course Loretta with her bigger than life faux Cherokee persona. Even Spencer the local sheriff, often exasperated with Roxy and her shenanigans, is a friend.

In book 12, a major golf luxe resort style development is in process but is suddenly catapulted into a tailspin and into a dead stop - when the hired environmentalist sides against it, due to the finding of a natural spring and the need to protect it.

Many locals have thrown big money and life savings into it so the forced ending of the project creates monumental screaming hissy fits of rage as well as facing extreme loss…potentially losing their homes and taking bankruptcy. (And to those genteel southerners who have lived there for generations, nothing could be more devastating).

Roxy leaves the emergency town meeting deeply concerned about the consequences of this shutdown and the next morning, the realtor who sold the original property to the investment group is found murdered, setting off a chain of events with Roxy, as usual, smack in the middle of them.

As with most of T Kappes cozy mystery novels and series, Cappuccino Criminal is laced with oodles of charm. The characters are truly warm and wonderful (and as a Kentucky gal, I feel like I am in my hometown when I read about honey Springs, though it is much prettier), the series thoroughly enjoyable and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun new installment in the Killer Coffee Mystery series. Roxy Bloom was a divorced lawyer who needed a change of scenery and returned to the small lakeside town of Honey Springs. She spent some summers there with her Aunt Maxi and Patrick, a local who was her first crush. Aunt Maxi helped Roxy open a coffee shop that is thriving, she loves living in the town, and married Patrick. Life is perfect. Except she keeps stumbling into mysteries.

A land developer is submitting plans to establish a country club in Honey Springs and has hired Danielle, an environmentalist, to report on the impact of building in the area. During an emergency town meeting, Danielle reports that a spring has been found on the land, which could affect the club's location. Realtors, investors, and the developer are not happy with this news, and tempers begin to flare.

Early the next morning as Roxy is riding her bike to the coffee shop, she sees the red and blue flashing lights of the sheriff and knows something happened. This time the sheriff asks her to keep her ears open and listen as her customers exchange gossip over cups of coffee. The list of suspects changes often and includes her ex-husband, his new wife, town residents, and visitors. How will she untangle this web?

The author does a fantastic job of keeping things fresh. This time, Roxy did not find the body, the sheriff asked her to provide information, and the perpetrator and reason for the crime were a complete surprise. It looks like Honey Spring is expanding and bringing some new characters to town! I received an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winning Whodunit from a really great author who can constantly keep you engaged with a great story line and characters! We're back in Holly Springs, a small town that attracts tourists. But change is on the way when a developer and investors buy a tract of land for a massive development, headed by a local real estate agent Leander. There are those townspeople that are happy with the town's progress and those that are happy with the quaint small town atmosphere. Roxy is the owner of Bee Hive Coffee Shop, a hot spot in town where gossip thrives. She also keeps her attorney's license up to date in case her friends need her. When an environmentalist Danielle finds a clean spring leading to the lake under the development the town holds an emergency meeting and calls a halt to the project. The next thing we find is that Leander is murdered and Sheriff Spencer Shepherd asks Roxy, who has helped him with previous cases to keep her eyes and ears open for gossip that might help with the case. Well, just listening is not Roxy's thing, nor is it her crew's thing, Bunny, her employee, Loretta a regular customer and her Aunt Maxi. And so with so many possible suspects, Roxy and crew begin their investigation. Will they be successful or will they end up with a problem themselves? I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 12th installment of the series revolving around Honey Springs, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop, and Roxy Bloom. In this story, a country club is going to be developed in the town and there are mixed emotions about the issue.

A real estate agent, Leander, is pushing the development and the developer has hired someone to do an environmental study (Danielle). When she discovered a reason the project shouldn’t be developed on the proposed land, this news was met with an uproar. People have invested in the project and will lose their money if it doesn’t go through. When Leander is discovered murdered, there are plenty of suspects that range from investors to the environmentalist and the developer of the project.

I felt some of the suspects and potential motives were a reach, however, it didn’t affect the story all that much. I am behind in reading this series and wondered if Patrick and Roxy were divorced because he is definitely MIA in this story. I was also puzzled when Roxy wanted to sell Patrick’s house to Blackwood given her misgivings of him. Despite this, I enjoyed the story and the characters that reside in the town. The killer was a total surprise! Didn’t see that coming at all. I am looking forward to many more books in this series and catching up with the previous books.

[Kia Evans Glover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honey Springs, KY, welcome to the Bean Hive, where the coffee is always great but the gossip is sizzling and to die fore. Roxy loves the small town she came back too when she used to visit as a teen. She had many memories of her time with Auntie Max during the summer and her first love Patrick Cane.

She is a lawyer by trade, but she step away after a bitter divorce from her now ex-husband. She decided to move to Honey Springs until could get herself together. She never thought in a million year that she would find herself married to the love of her life, adopting a pup named Pepper and running her own coffee shop.

But in the course of all this murder seems to find it’s way to Honey Springs and Roxy being who she is can’t ignore what’s happening in her community. The latest in Country Club Project gone wrong. A local realtor Leandar making bad deals and making threats.

He Leandar has cost investors a lot of money, but was it enough to have him murdered or did some secrets come out of the lake? Now Roxy is asked to part with the home she loved since childhood. Will she walk away after hall her emotions have been through

Stop past the Bean Hive and get the lastest blends of coffee and gossip.

I’m a volunteer advance book reader this is my personal opinion. But yet another great series by Tonya Kappas!!

Kia G

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has got to be one of my absolute favorite series. I was so excited when this book was announced and couldn't wait to read it and reunite with Roxy and the gang in Honey Springs. There are never any spoilers in my reviews nor do I reword the blurb; so here is what you need to know: Great mystery packed with snarkiness, humor, characters you love to love and love to hate, and laugh-out-loud moments that will keep you turning the pages because you just don't want to stop. Just the right amount of suspense and twists and turns will scratch the itch and keep the attention of every cozy mystery lover out there. You'll be suspecting EVERYONE at every turn of the page, with a surprise and fabulous ending. Also (more to love)...animals, recipes, and just that hometown charm we've come to expect from all of Tonya Kappes' books. I loved it and I'm sure you will too.
One last thing, you don't have to read these in order, so no worries if this is your first visit to Honey Springs You'll be reeled in and hooked to read all the others! This book and series have my heartiest recommendation.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes has done it again! This is a great story with colorful characters and a puzzling murder mystery.


Amazon synopsis:
In the quaint town of Honey Springs, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop is the heart and soul of the community, and its vivacious owner, Roxy Bloom, is always ready to serve up a steaming cup of java with a side of gossip. But when a brewing storm of real estate treachery ends with the cold-blooded murder of a local agent, Roxy finds herself in the thick of a frothy whodunit that's anything but decaffeinated.

The victim, a hotshot real estate agent, had been spearheading a massive development project that went sour after an intrepid environmentalist unearthed a reason for the town to put the kibosh on the plan. Now, with the town's picturesque charm drawing tourists in droves, Roxy must grind through a list of suspects as long as a coffee bean's journey from farm to cup.

From double-shot deceptions to espresso intrigues, Roxy's quest to unmask the Cappuccino Criminal will plunge her deep into the dark heart of Honey Springs' seedy underbelly. As she sifts through a muddy mixture of secrets, lies, and steamed milk, Roxy will have to rely on her wit, intuition, and the help of her loyal friends to solve the mystery before it boils over and scalds them all.