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Baron & Graystone #1
Caramel Macchiato Murder
A run-down, falling apart house. An estranged aunt. A murder.
Belle Baron is homeless when she learns about her inheritance. Her car is on empty. She has a few coins in the bottom, somewhere under the mats. Maybe enough for a cup of coffee.
But there’s more to her aunt’s rickety, slanting house. There’s the property and the twenty acres that comes with it. More than one person wants it. In fact, someone already killed for it. Belle doesn’t want to be next.
A handsome, stressed-out detective. An impossible murder to solve.
Lucas Graystone has enough to worry about working as a detective. And recently, his new job as a single parent. When the feisty young woman from the coffee shop practically accuses him of not only being a bad parent, but then hints his family’s realty business might be behind the recent murder…he’s just about had it. This is personal.
Caramel Macchiato Murder is the first book in a captivating cozy mystery series. If you like your murders with a small-town feel and life-long friendships, an intriguing murder, and an ending you didn’t see coming, then you’ll love Laura Pauling’s brand-new cozy mysteries. Buy Caramel Macchiato Murder to follow the clues to the gripping conclusion today.
Belle Baron is homeless when she learns about her inheritance. Her car is on empty. She has a few coins in the bottom, somewhere under the mats. Maybe enough for a cup of coffee.
But there’s more to her aunt’s rickety, slanting house. There’s the property and the twenty acres that comes with it. More than one person wants it. In fact, someone already killed for it. Belle doesn’t want to be next.
A handsome, stressed-out detective. An impossible murder to solve.
Lucas Graystone has enough to worry about working as a detective. And recently, his new job as a single parent. When the feisty young woman from the coffee shop practically accuses him of not only being a bad parent, but then hints his family’s realty business might be behind the recent murder…he’s just about had it. This is personal.
Caramel Macchiato Murder is the first book in a captivating cozy mystery series. If you like your murders with a small-town feel and life-long friendships, an intriguing murder, and an ending you didn’t see coming, then you’ll love Laura Pauling’s brand-new cozy mysteries. Buy Caramel Macchiato Murder to follow the clues to the gripping conclusion today.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2023
1302 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
About the author
Laura Pauling
49 books285 followersLaura writes about spies, murder, and mystery. She’s the author of the exciting Circle of Spies Series, the Prom Impossible Series, and the Heist time travel mystery series. She’s a former elementary teacher and currently lives in New England. After spending time reading books to her kids and loving a good plot turn, she put her fingers to the keyboard. Don’t ask her about the unfinished quilts and scrapbooks. Stories are way more exciting.
She writes to entertain and experience a great story…and to be able to work in her jammies and slippers.
The Holly Hart Cozy Mystery Series releases starting in May 2015!
She writes to entertain and experience a great story…and to be able to work in her jammies and slippers.
The Holly Hart Cozy Mystery Series releases starting in May 2015!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 20, 2023
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery by a new-to-me author. Great cover!
June 1, 2024
Cute
This was a cute cozy mystery with an engaging story but a very lousy ending. The whole who did it and why was so ridiculous. Still, it was cute. That’s the only word I have for this.
This was a cute cozy mystery with an engaging story but a very lousy ending. The whole who did it and why was so ridiculous. Still, it was cute. That’s the only word I have for this.
December 30, 2024
I really enjoyed belles story.
This is going to be a sweet, cozy mystery .
Sometimes murder happens for the wrong reasons, but you're not sure until you solve that mystery and along the way so many suspects.
This was a new author for me that I picked up off of k.U.
Just a random book for me.And I loved it.
This is going to be a sweet, cozy mystery .
Sometimes murder happens for the wrong reasons, but you're not sure until you solve that mystery and along the way so many suspects.
This was a new author for me that I picked up off of k.U.
Just a random book for me.And I loved it.
August 11, 2025
good start
A little different in a good way. Pretty easy but good read all around. Deals with grief, murder, abandonment issues and so much more in a sensitive way.
A little different in a good way. Pretty easy but good read all around. Deals with grief, murder, abandonment issues and so much more in a sensitive way.
July 8, 2024
I enjoyed getting to know Belle, Bixby, Lucas and Lexie throughout this cozy mystery.
Belle was definitely not the main character that you see the most in cozy mysteries. I loved that the author brought to life a character that you don't see often. She brought on someone that needed something the most. Someone that not everyone could always relate to but someone out on the world could relate to based on her circumstances.
I could relate to Belle because of how her brain worked. My brain also works how hers does. I felt for Belle when she felt alone after her aunt passed. She truly felt like she had no one. I was so glad when Bixby was able to step in and show her that she wasn't alone.
I loved that she called Lucas sexy when she was talking to him. I giggled after she said it to him. I couldn't help it 🤣. I loved that Belle was able to connect with Lexie on another level that only they understood each other. Lexie struggled with her parents being gone and Belle truly understood that struggle.
I'm not going to lie I definitely wasn't expecting expecting Belle to go out on her own to do detective work! She is one brave soul! She definitely took it into her own hands! Lucas has his hands full with her when I comes to a partner for sure! I'm glad that she was able to get some closure but I hope that she takes some precautions in the future to keep her more put of danger!
I can't wait to see where this storyline goes with these characters in the upcoming books!
Belle was definitely not the main character that you see the most in cozy mysteries. I loved that the author brought to life a character that you don't see often. She brought on someone that needed something the most. Someone that not everyone could always relate to but someone out on the world could relate to based on her circumstances.
I could relate to Belle because of how her brain worked. My brain also works how hers does. I felt for Belle when she felt alone after her aunt passed. She truly felt like she had no one. I was so glad when Bixby was able to step in and show her that she wasn't alone.
I loved that she called Lucas sexy when she was talking to him. I giggled after she said it to him. I couldn't help it 🤣. I loved that Belle was able to connect with Lexie on another level that only they understood each other. Lexie struggled with her parents being gone and Belle truly understood that struggle.
I'm not going to lie I definitely wasn't expecting expecting Belle to go out on her own to do detective work! She is one brave soul! She definitely took it into her own hands! Lucas has his hands full with her when I comes to a partner for sure! I'm glad that she was able to get some closure but I hope that she takes some precautions in the future to keep her more put of danger!
I can't wait to see where this storyline goes with these characters in the upcoming books!
February 1, 2025
Cute little cozy mystery.
April 7, 2023
Great start to a new series
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I really enjoyed reading the first book in this new series. Great characters. I can’t wait to get to know them better.
This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I really enjoyed reading the first book in this new series. Great characters. I can’t wait to get to know them better.
June 5, 2023
I enjoyed this book. - in spite of my hatred of the plot device of the female main character trying to solve a murder and not cooperating with law enforcement -usually an attractive male character. I am looking forward to reading the next one to see if it is as interesting.
Amazon synopsis:
A run-down, falling apart house. An estranged aunt. A murder.
Belle Baron is homeless when she learns about her inheritance. Her car is on empty. She has a few coins in the bottom, somewhere under the mats. Maybe enough for a cup of coffee.
But there’s more to her aunt’s rickety, slanting house. There’s the property and the twenty acres that come with it. More than one person wants it. In fact, someone has already killed for it. Belle doesn’t want to be next.
A handsome, stressed-out detective. An impossible murder to solve. Lucas Graystone has enough to worry about working as a detective. And recently, his new job as a single parent.
When the feisty young woman from the coffee shop practically accuses him of not only being a bad parent but then hints his family’s realty business might be behind the recent murder…he’s just about had it. This is personal.
Amazon synopsis:
A run-down, falling apart house. An estranged aunt. A murder.
Belle Baron is homeless when she learns about her inheritance. Her car is on empty. She has a few coins in the bottom, somewhere under the mats. Maybe enough for a cup of coffee.
But there’s more to her aunt’s rickety, slanting house. There’s the property and the twenty acres that come with it. More than one person wants it. In fact, someone has already killed for it. Belle doesn’t want to be next.
A handsome, stressed-out detective. An impossible murder to solve. Lucas Graystone has enough to worry about working as a detective. And recently, his new job as a single parent.
When the feisty young woman from the coffee shop practically accuses him of not only being a bad parent but then hints his family’s realty business might be behind the recent murder…he’s just about had it. This is personal.
April 16, 2025
This was not a bad book but I have read better. I am not one who usually marks down for grammatical or spelling errors. It happens all the time even from books by big publishers. And though I thought about marking this one down (there were a lot of them) I felt it would be better to just say, get a better editor. That being said, the character was not very likeable. I didn't find her annoying, I just didn't care about her which is sad since she is the main character. However, I did find the other characters appealing enough that I enjoyed the story...to a point. The ending was atrocious. Killing because she was mad that her boss would never date her? That seems a little trite and not a very good reason to commit murder. I felt like the author was trying too hard not to be cliche, that she ended up being cliche.
I gave it three stars because i really did enjoy the story. It was a cute story. Kind of rushed, could have used some expansion in some of the areas but it had pluck and I like that. Hoping the next one is better but also hoping they had a better editor.
I gave it three stars because i really did enjoy the story. It was a cute story. Kind of rushed, could have used some expansion in some of the areas but it had pluck and I like that. Hoping the next one is better but also hoping they had a better editor.
April 6, 2023
Belle Baron finally comes back to Everly after many years at the request of Aunt Eliza. Is she hoping to make peace with her estranged aunt? Sadly her aunt is murdered before that can happen. Aunt Eliza leaves Belle her house but Belle finds out that the rundown house and adjacent land are wanted by real estate agents and the owner of a large bakery to build fancy condominiums.
She sets out to find out who the murderer is but seems to be thwarted by the town detective Lucas and intrigued by his preteen daughter Lexie. Bixby, her aunt’s friend, from the coffee shop, the Beanery, tries to help her by offering her a job. Belle moves into her aunt’s house and someone throws a rock through a window with a paper attached by rubber band that says “Watch out or you’ll be next!”
To find out if Belle helps Lucas catch the murderer before he gets her, you’ll have to read this twisty book. You’ll be glad you did!
She sets out to find out who the murderer is but seems to be thwarted by the town detective Lucas and intrigued by his preteen daughter Lexie. Bixby, her aunt’s friend, from the coffee shop, the Beanery, tries to help her by offering her a job. Belle moves into her aunt’s house and someone throws a rock through a window with a paper attached by rubber band that says “Watch out or you’ll be next!”
To find out if Belle helps Lucas catch the murderer before he gets her, you’ll have to read this twisty book. You’ll be glad you did!
April 18, 2023
This was interesting the way it was written with two main characters, Belle and Lucas who definitely got chapters from their third-person viewpoint. I wasn't sure if I liked Belle that much at first from the way she didn't seem to get along with her aunt, but the way she warmed to Lucas's little girl was super sweet. She's definitely lucky to have two good friends in town and at least was able to prove she had nothing to do with her aunt's death.
The longer the book went, I was starting to get an idea of whodunit and ended up being right. That was some exciting showdown too, and I love what Belle did to slow down the perp. I felt so sorry for Belle at the point she learned the true reason her aunt was killed. I hope she does stick around and gets closer to Lucas and Lexie. She couldn't ask for more as far as housing, a job and some good, faithful friends. I'll definitely be borrowing the next book in KU!
The longer the book went, I was starting to get an idea of whodunit and ended up being right. That was some exciting showdown too, and I love what Belle did to slow down the perp. I felt so sorry for Belle at the point she learned the true reason her aunt was killed. I hope she does stick around and gets closer to Lucas and Lexie. She couldn't ask for more as far as housing, a job and some good, faithful friends. I'll definitely be borrowing the next book in KU!
August 17, 2025
I enjoyed reading about Belle, Bixby, Lucas and Lexie in this cozy mystery. Well-written with interesting characters and situations. The story deals with grief, abandonment issues, murder and the ill treatment Belle received from her aunt and uncle who she ended up having to live with. I liked how Belle and Lexie were able to relate to each other because of going through some of the same things. What was crazy was the reason the murderer killed the victim, totally uncalled for. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.
April 13, 2023
Murder is Unrequited Love
Belle Baron is homeless when she learns about her inheritance. Her car is on empty. She has a few coins in the bottom, somewhere under the mats. Maybe enough for a cup of coffee.
The culprit is a very strongly sick and love sick woman.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Belle Baron is homeless when she learns about her inheritance. Her car is on empty. She has a few coins in the bottom, somewhere under the mats. Maybe enough for a cup of coffee.
The culprit is a very strongly sick and love sick woman.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
October 16, 2024
Shall not be buying or reading any more of this series, too poorly edited (several grammar mistakes, typos) & a very trite plot.
Skimmed through the book, just to finish it. There were more inconsistencies than I could excuse, especially from an author who was a teacher. A neighbor told me there are Holly Hart books by this woman - maybe I'll attempt one of those after I recover from this tasteless, miserable macchiato.
Skimmed through the book, just to finish it. There were more inconsistencies than I could excuse, especially from an author who was a teacher. A neighbor told me there are Holly Hart books by this woman - maybe I'll attempt one of those after I recover from this tasteless, miserable macchiato.
January 26, 2025
This book had a lot of firsts for me unfortunately not good ones. I have read books where I didn't like the main character at first but they grew on me. Belle just did not grow on me. I just didn't connect with her personality. Also I am one who can generally ignore a typo or minor error but this book had so many typos and grammatical errors it was hard to ignore. I did like the storyline. I am not sure if I will read the second book or not yet.
April 17, 2025
Exciting first book in a series
I really enjoyed digging into this story. It was really relevant to my life since like Belle I had lost someone close to me recently. I liked the scenes where she grew close to the daughter of the town detective due to their similar upbringing and how Broke had to learn to open up to the new town as she investigated her aunt's murder. Definitely poignant and heartfelt.
I really enjoyed digging into this story. It was really relevant to my life since like Belle I had lost someone close to me recently. I liked the scenes where she grew close to the daughter of the town detective due to their similar upbringing and how Broke had to learn to open up to the new town as she investigated her aunt's murder. Definitely poignant and heartfelt.
August 3, 2024
This was another new cozy mystery series for me and I was not disappointed. I did feel quite bad for Belle at what happens early in the book but I did like her character. She definitely should play it a little safer! It will be interesting to see what mysteries she gets involved in as the series goes on. I play on continuing the series.
March 29, 2025
A Good Who Done It
Belle came home to visit her Aunt Eliza after being away for many years . Her aunt dropped a bombshell on Belle that forced her to step out a minute to think things over . When she got back she found her aunt dead with a pair of scissors sticking out of her chest . Why would anyone hurt Aunt Eliza and was Belle next ?
Belle came home to visit her Aunt Eliza after being away for many years . Her aunt dropped a bombshell on Belle that forced her to step out a minute to think things over . When she got back she found her aunt dead with a pair of scissors sticking out of her chest . Why would anyone hurt Aunt Eliza and was Belle next ?
April 7, 2025
This was a simple and cute read, a great break between larger epic saga tales. The plot was cute with Belle investigating the murder of her estranged aunt as she finds herself a home she didn’t expect. There were quite a few grammar issues in here, but I’m rating the story itself and not the writing. This is a quick little pick up when debating what to move onto next.
May 7, 2025
This was an easy, quick read and the main characters were likeable. But I thought it lacked depth and detail. There would be hints of back story but I think the author could have helped the reader connect with the characters better by including more details and intricacies. I feel like it could have been a lot better. I'm not sure yet if I'll read the next in the series; we'll see.
December 4, 2023
Quick read
Oh, how I wish this was a longer book. I really like the characters and their personalities. Quick read. Interested in others but if they are this short I may have to borrow from library instead of purchasing.
Oh, how I wish this was a longer book. I really like the characters and their personalities. Quick read. Interested in others but if they are this short I may have to borrow from library instead of purchasing.
February 3, 2024
I found this cozy mystery to be thoroughly engaging, with well-developed and relatable characters. Anticipation builds as I look forward to the next book in the series. The author is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers.
May 20, 2024
Very enjoyable, and quite a concept for creating a nice story out of something so relatable for many people. But I’m not going to give it away with this review. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 5, 2024
Overall, it was a cute little story. My issue was the typos and grammatical errors. It doesn't seem it was proofread very well. I'm not sure the story and characters were entertaining enough for me to want to continue with the series.
November 23, 2024
Caramel Macchiato Murder
A great aunt's stabbing death and Bella sets out to find her killer. Is it one of the local realtors who are competing to buy her aunt's home? The reader will enjoy this cozy mystery.
A great aunt's stabbing death and Bella sets out to find her killer. Is it one of the local realtors who are competing to buy her aunt's home? The reader will enjoy this cozy mystery.
March 17, 2025
It's a cute mystery with likable characters. I just wish some of the characters could have been developed a little better and the suspense of the mystery not quite so rushed at the end. That being said, it kept my interest.
July 5, 2025
Fun rer
I enjoy meeting Belle and the rest of the gang and look forward to getting to know them in the rest of the series, see what's o. The horizon for Belle will she stay or will she run!
I enjoy meeting Belle and the rest of the gang and look forward to getting to know them in the rest of the series, see what's o. The horizon for Belle will she stay or will she run!
September 16, 2025
Needs some tightening
Even if it’s a small town, there’s police procedures. I had a hard time reading what this author had her police chief doing in more than one instance. Made the story fail in so many ways.
Even if it’s a small town, there’s police procedures. I had a hard time reading what this author had her police chief doing in more than one instance. Made the story fail in so many ways.
January 6, 2026
This is a great first book in a series! The author has added a lot of twists and turns to keep you guessing who the murderer is and why they did it.
I really enjoyed the banter between the strong lead character and the detective.
I am really looking forward to reading more books by this author!
I really enjoyed the banter between the strong lead character and the detective.
I am really looking forward to reading more books by this author!
January 12, 2026
Real Estate
I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t know who did it, until the end. I love the characters and the storyline. I felt like I was in the story. The storyline was really interesting. But I was still figuring it out, and then surprise. I was surprised.
I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t know who did it, until the end. I love the characters and the storyline. I felt like I was in the story. The storyline was really interesting. But I was still figuring it out, and then surprise. I was surprised.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews