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Orchard Hollow #2
Cafe au Slay
Life after the big four-oh isn’t so bad. Piper Addison, resident witch and coffee shop owner, finally found her groove. Business is flourishing, her ghost familiar is miraculously supportive, and she might even have a date for the weekend. There’s only one small catch… A dead body puts Piper in an impossible situation. Orchard Hollow’s biggest secret is about to be revealed, and Piper might be the only one who can save the town’s paranormal residents. If only she can get a handle on her strange magic. If that wasn’t enough, the town sheriff trusts Piper to solve the case. Can she help catch the killer before the whole world finds out about magic? Cafe au Slay is a paranormal cozy mystery, complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations.
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2023
118 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 27, 2023
If you look past the name of the book, this book is absolutely amazing. The only reason I mention this is because the name would make me want to not pick up the book. However, you totally should! I adore the Orchard Hollow series so much! It was another hilarious and cozy book. And I'm so excited there was another Harry Houdini POV lmao.
I felt like it was a little all over the place though. Piper had SO many theories, I kind of wanted it to just get to the point. But because it's so cozy and lovely to read, I didn't mind it too much.
I felt like it was a little all over the place though. Piper had SO many theories, I kind of wanted it to just get to the point. But because it's so cozy and lovely to read, I didn't mind it too much.
April 19, 2025
Murder, Intrigue, and a Raccoon
Like the first book in this series, the raccoon—Harry Houdini— plays a part in this book, I’m just not sure what part besides a nasty wild animal running rampant in a cafe and in the main character’s home. Plus, his point of view shows up in chapters of his own. Very strange.
In this book, Piper is looking into the death of an assistant to an author who writes books exposing paranormals. The local sheriff asks Piper for her help in checking out local witches and others in town who may have done the deed. When one of their own also shows up dead, things get really intense. If not for Piper’s vampire friend, Joe, she would have been in real trouble.
Like the first book in the series, this one’s not bad, but is in definite need of a better line editor. There are multiple issues that took me out of the story. Probably not a problem for a casual reader, but definitely one for me. Between editorial issues and a squicky raccoon in a cafe, this one just didn’t work well for me. It’s not a bad story, just needs some work.
Like the first book in this series, the raccoon—Harry Houdini— plays a part in this book, I’m just not sure what part besides a nasty wild animal running rampant in a cafe and in the main character’s home. Plus, his point of view shows up in chapters of his own. Very strange.
In this book, Piper is looking into the death of an assistant to an author who writes books exposing paranormals. The local sheriff asks Piper for her help in checking out local witches and others in town who may have done the deed. When one of their own also shows up dead, things get really intense. If not for Piper’s vampire friend, Joe, she would have been in real trouble.
Like the first book in the series, this one’s not bad, but is in definite need of a better line editor. There are multiple issues that took me out of the story. Probably not a problem for a casual reader, but definitely one for me. Between editorial issues and a squicky raccoon in a cafe, this one just didn’t work well for me. It’s not a bad story, just needs some work.
May 11, 2023
I loved every moment of reading this book.
Although I didn't read the first book in the series, I had no problem following the plot.
Piper Addison, a witch who needs to learn to control her magic, owns a coffee shop called Bean Me Up and has settled well in Orchard Hollow until the death of Zeta Huxley.
Who killed Zeta Huxley and can the town's secret be kept or exposed? Will Piper and her ghost-familiar? Can Stella help the sheriff find the murderer, deal with Harry the rambunctious raccoon, and keep the town's secret from outsiders? With lots of twists and turns, we are taken on a roller coaster to the surprise ending. I really like Piper and her crew, and I can't wait to see what she will get into next! With some laughs and sleuthing, this is a page-turning read from beginning to end.
Although I didn't read the first book in the series, I had no problem following the plot.
Piper Addison, a witch who needs to learn to control her magic, owns a coffee shop called Bean Me Up and has settled well in Orchard Hollow until the death of Zeta Huxley.
Who killed Zeta Huxley and can the town's secret be kept or exposed? Will Piper and her ghost-familiar? Can Stella help the sheriff find the murderer, deal with Harry the rambunctious raccoon, and keep the town's secret from outsiders? With lots of twists and turns, we are taken on a roller coaster to the surprise ending. I really like Piper and her crew, and I can't wait to see what she will get into next! With some laughs and sleuthing, this is a page-turning read from beginning to end.
May 8, 2023
Piper Addison feels like she is finally getting her life together. Her coffee shop, Bean Me Up, is booming, her ghost familiar is being supportive for a change, some of the witches in the local coven are talking to her again, and the hot vampire that she may have a crush on? Well, let's not go there. She is nearing 40 and has gone from feeling like a total failure to only a partial failure. She still has no magic. Not magic she can control anyway. Houdini the raccoon continues to break into her cafe and help himself to all the cakes, biscuits and sweets he can get his grubby little hands on. Oh, and her new shop assistant, Rory, spills more coffee than she serves. But things are starting to look up, regardless. The murders have been solved, the Sherrif is off her case, and they have come to an uneasy truce, and all is well in Orchard Hollow again.
Then a group of people walk into the cafe and everything starts spiralling out of control fast. Rory can’t contain her excitement when she sees the newcomers, a world-famous paranormal hunter Archer Lee, and his team. He is here to explore the town and expose a hidden secret in Orchard Hollow. Everyone knows there are many secrets in this town that need to remain hidden. The truth about the paranormals in the town has to remain hidden. So when one of Lee’s production team drops dead in Piper’s cafe from an apparently poisoned coffee, things don’t look good. This is followed by another murder, this time of a witch. The Sherrif comes knocking on Piper's door again and makes her an offer which she can not refuse. Literally. Reluctantly, Piper takes on the case and hopes she can get to the bottom of it before more people die. Particularly not in her cafe.
This is book two in the Orchard Hollow series, and it was just as fun and entertaining as the first, perhaps even more so. The addition of some new characters really upped the story. We got more of Piper's ghost familiar sass, and a hint at more of her story being unveiled. Piper is making some steps towards discovery as to where her magic went, and how she can get it back. The story is full of coffee puns, and humour. The embarrassing encounters with the hunky vampire bring us all back to those moments with a crush where you wish the ground would open up and swallow you. Murder, mystery and magic are an intoxicating combination in this book, as heady as fresh ground coffee beans. I devoured this book in one sitting, and love that the door was left wide open for a third, which can’t come soon enough!
*I received an advance review copy for free via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Then a group of people walk into the cafe and everything starts spiralling out of control fast. Rory can’t contain her excitement when she sees the newcomers, a world-famous paranormal hunter Archer Lee, and his team. He is here to explore the town and expose a hidden secret in Orchard Hollow. Everyone knows there are many secrets in this town that need to remain hidden. The truth about the paranormals in the town has to remain hidden. So when one of Lee’s production team drops dead in Piper’s cafe from an apparently poisoned coffee, things don’t look good. This is followed by another murder, this time of a witch. The Sherrif comes knocking on Piper's door again and makes her an offer which she can not refuse. Literally. Reluctantly, Piper takes on the case and hopes she can get to the bottom of it before more people die. Particularly not in her cafe.
This is book two in the Orchard Hollow series, and it was just as fun and entertaining as the first, perhaps even more so. The addition of some new characters really upped the story. We got more of Piper's ghost familiar sass, and a hint at more of her story being unveiled. Piper is making some steps towards discovery as to where her magic went, and how she can get it back. The story is full of coffee puns, and humour. The embarrassing encounters with the hunky vampire bring us all back to those moments with a crush where you wish the ground would open up and swallow you. Murder, mystery and magic are an intoxicating combination in this book, as heady as fresh ground coffee beans. I devoured this book in one sitting, and love that the door was left wide open for a third, which can’t come soon enough!
*I received an advance review copy for free via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2023
Cafe au Slay by A.N. Sage has Piper in the middle of another investigation, this time by the sheriff himself.
Are the paranormal residents of Orchard Hollow at risk of getting exposed?
Piper Addison's life after solving her first case has been good for her. She has a part-time employee, has been learning to control her new magic, and is getting back to talking to the new vampire bookstore owner. Now if only the dead body that just dropped in her cafe wasn't the assistant of an author whose whole career was about outsing paranormals. Too bad, as that is precisely what happened. The sheriff is now asking Piper to help solve the case through the paranormal angle.
Piper is actually improving since the first book, and I'm quite proud of this improvement in her character. She just needs to feel confident in herself again. I'm sure that will come from researching further into her parentage. Piper is becoming a character that I like returning to and learning from her point of view.
The Mystery
Sheriff Romero is calling up on Piper for help as he told her he would at the end of the first book. I quite like these two unlikely characters interacting with each other. The reason is that it's quite comical, and I enjoy reading how discomforted he is around paranormals. Especially so far around Piper, but sadly she has to deal with him and his calls if she wants to help with investigating. I am quite proud of myself. I figured out the killer but not the motive; I was completely wrong. Oh well, you win some, and you lose some while trying to solve all the clues that an author gives you.
Five Stars
I am giving Cafe au Slay by A.N. Sage five stars and recommending it to all the cozy culinary paranormal mystery readers out there. I am enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book. Ms. Sage has me hooked, or spellbound, with the town she created here and how she did her worldbuilding. I have to say that I am invested in learning more about Piper and her ghost familiar, Stella.
Don't forget to try the Oat Matcha Latte recipe at the back of the book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Cafe au Slay by A.N. Sage.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Are the paranormal residents of Orchard Hollow at risk of getting exposed?
Piper Addison's life after solving her first case has been good for her. She has a part-time employee, has been learning to control her new magic, and is getting back to talking to the new vampire bookstore owner. Now if only the dead body that just dropped in her cafe wasn't the assistant of an author whose whole career was about outsing paranormals. Too bad, as that is precisely what happened. The sheriff is now asking Piper to help solve the case through the paranormal angle.
Piper is actually improving since the first book, and I'm quite proud of this improvement in her character. She just needs to feel confident in herself again. I'm sure that will come from researching further into her parentage. Piper is becoming a character that I like returning to and learning from her point of view.
The Mystery
Sheriff Romero is calling up on Piper for help as he told her he would at the end of the first book. I quite like these two unlikely characters interacting with each other. The reason is that it's quite comical, and I enjoy reading how discomforted he is around paranormals. Especially so far around Piper, but sadly she has to deal with him and his calls if she wants to help with investigating. I am quite proud of myself. I figured out the killer but not the motive; I was completely wrong. Oh well, you win some, and you lose some while trying to solve all the clues that an author gives you.
Five Stars
I am giving Cafe au Slay by A.N. Sage five stars and recommending it to all the cozy culinary paranormal mystery readers out there. I am enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book. Ms. Sage has me hooked, or spellbound, with the town she created here and how she did her worldbuilding. I have to say that I am invested in learning more about Piper and her ghost familiar, Stella.
Don't forget to try the Oat Matcha Latte recipe at the back of the book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Cafe au Slay by A.N. Sage.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
April 26, 2023
Who Killed Zeta Huxley ?? . . .
Piper Addison is a witch who owns a café in Orchard Hollow and is feeling like things are finally working out with her business doing well. She is still trying to figure out her unusual magic of summoning electricity, which is not actually witch magic. And her teen helper Rory has spilled more coffee than she ever delivered to a customer. She was a walking disaster! Then Sheriff Romero came through the door of her café. But this time, he was getting coffee for the team. So she had Rory wait on him and she ran to the back room to get out of his way. While fending off Harry the raccoon’s attempt to steal cookies from the back room, she isn’t ready to see the chaos in her café when she walks up front again. It’s like an explosion of coffee all over the place. Dirty dishes covered the tables. Her teen helper Rory looked confused and covered in coffee. And vampire Joe Brooks was likewise covered, his suit ruined, and Rory frantically running a filthy rag over him to dry him off (to no avail). So she sent Rory to the back room to get the mop instead. Joe had a book to give Piper but she wasn’t sure why, except that he thought it might help.
Three strangers walked in and Rory went crazy with excitement. They were a famous paranormal investigator/author’s team. Was Archer Lee coming here? How can they hide the magic in the town if someone like this comes in to point it out? In fact, Archer intends to use social media to spread the word about the paranormal activity here!
Then the dead body of Zeta Huxley intrudes into her day as the sheriff arrives asking who had access to her coffee! She would answer his questions and then back off. She refused to get wrapped up in another murder investigation! But she did recall Zeta and Vivien arguing over a social media post and Archer breaking it up. Then everyone got busy with their jobs for the filming. And once again, he would be closing the café and keeping it that way until his investigation is over. So she decided to give him every single detail she had gathered so far, for her own safety and so that she could more quickly re-open her café. Unfortunately, he was quite comfortable conducting all the interviews with people right there in her café and enjoying the coffee. She was already exhausted! By the time she got home, her ghostly crabby familiar, Stella Rutherford, threw a moldy dinner roll at her for being late. The question now is, can Sheriff Romero find the murderer? Or will he soften up and allow Piper to help out so they can try to keep secret the paranormal nature of the town?
Piper Addison is a witch who owns a café in Orchard Hollow and is feeling like things are finally working out with her business doing well. She is still trying to figure out her unusual magic of summoning electricity, which is not actually witch magic. And her teen helper Rory has spilled more coffee than she ever delivered to a customer. She was a walking disaster! Then Sheriff Romero came through the door of her café. But this time, he was getting coffee for the team. So she had Rory wait on him and she ran to the back room to get out of his way. While fending off Harry the raccoon’s attempt to steal cookies from the back room, she isn’t ready to see the chaos in her café when she walks up front again. It’s like an explosion of coffee all over the place. Dirty dishes covered the tables. Her teen helper Rory looked confused and covered in coffee. And vampire Joe Brooks was likewise covered, his suit ruined, and Rory frantically running a filthy rag over him to dry him off (to no avail). So she sent Rory to the back room to get the mop instead. Joe had a book to give Piper but she wasn’t sure why, except that he thought it might help.
Three strangers walked in and Rory went crazy with excitement. They were a famous paranormal investigator/author’s team. Was Archer Lee coming here? How can they hide the magic in the town if someone like this comes in to point it out? In fact, Archer intends to use social media to spread the word about the paranormal activity here!
Then the dead body of Zeta Huxley intrudes into her day as the sheriff arrives asking who had access to her coffee! She would answer his questions and then back off. She refused to get wrapped up in another murder investigation! But she did recall Zeta and Vivien arguing over a social media post and Archer breaking it up. Then everyone got busy with their jobs for the filming. And once again, he would be closing the café and keeping it that way until his investigation is over. So she decided to give him every single detail she had gathered so far, for her own safety and so that she could more quickly re-open her café. Unfortunately, he was quite comfortable conducting all the interviews with people right there in her café and enjoying the coffee. She was already exhausted! By the time she got home, her ghostly crabby familiar, Stella Rutherford, threw a moldy dinner roll at her for being late. The question now is, can Sheriff Romero find the murderer? Or will he soften up and allow Piper to help out so they can try to keep secret the paranormal nature of the town?
May 17, 2023
Things are going well for Piper (except for her bumbling teenage helper) until a paranormal investigator comes to town, with definite plans to expose paranormal activity in Orchard Hollow. When the financial adviser drops dead in the cafe, and the place is closed until further notice, Piper and her familiar (ghost) Stella start working on answers. (I am enjoying Stella more in this book than the first somehow.) A good story with unusual characters (a raccoon, for instance) which will keep you entertained, and a promise of more to be revealed in the next book. I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
May 11, 2023
A laugh-out-loud, cozy, paranormal mystery!
Although this is Book #2, I don't feel like I missed information from Book #1 A Grave Roast. I was hooked from the beginning! Having had a raccoon of my own, Harry Houdini was hilarious!
Piper is an older witch with uncontrollable magic. With a death in her coffee shop, Piper is thrown into solving the mystery. Witches, vampires, a ghost, and a troublesome raccoon will have you laughing-out-loud.
(I received the eARC for free. This is my honest review.)
Although this is Book #2, I don't feel like I missed information from Book #1 A Grave Roast. I was hooked from the beginning! Having had a raccoon of my own, Harry Houdini was hilarious!
Piper is an older witch with uncontrollable magic. With a death in her coffee shop, Piper is thrown into solving the mystery. Witches, vampires, a ghost, and a troublesome raccoon will have you laughing-out-loud.
(I received the eARC for free. This is my honest review.)
May 18, 2023
Soooo you don’t have to read book one to understand what’s going on, but I’m glad that I did. I received the second book in this series as an arc. And the cover sold me, again. So this would definitely be a cover buy for me and as well based off the synopsis. Book two continues on with the murder, the mystery and magic. Interesting to see where book 3 takes us, and I can not WAIT to find out more about Stella!
*I received an advance reader copy for free via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
*I received an advance reader copy for free via Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2024
Piper is once again helping to solve a murder when Zete dies in her cafe during the filming of a paranormal show. Archer and his crew are in town to film a documentary that exposes the existence of the paranormal. Zete was his research assistant. Sheriff Romero believes it's a paranormal trying to stop the reveal and he pulls Piper in to help in the investigation. Will the help of her familiar ghost, Stella and her vampire friend, Joe, Piper investigates in hopes to get the case closed and her cafe open again.
April 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this mystery & though it was humorous and fictional, it was a real mystery! I enjoyed the way the clues were revealed and all the relationships between all the characters who were like real-life people. Though the mystery was dark, the story was approached in a light-hearted funny way. This was very well-written & well-edited and for any mystery lovers, a great read!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 30, 2023
CAFE AU SLAY by A. N. Sage
The Second Orchard Hollow Mystery
When famed paranormal investigator Archer Lee comes to Orchard Hollow Piper Addison knows that nothing good will come of it. After all, the paranormals who inhabit the town enjoy a quiet life, not broadcasting who they really are. They have no desire to be exposed, let alone hunted. Even so, she agrees to let the pompous man film in her café, Bean Me Up. A decision she regrets when his assistant drops dead, poisoned, and murder finds itself at her door once more. Piper will need copious amounts of coffee and a little bit of magic if she’s going to deal with her recalcitrant teenaged employee, rambunctious raccoon, and snarky ghost of a familiar, let alone uncover a killer.
Friendship and self discovery are at the core of CAFE AU SLAY. I appreciate how Piper is coming into her own in the second Orchard Hollow Mystery. Yes, she still has issues, but she's developing better relationships. While she has a lot to sort out with Joe, she may be gaining a friend, who is also a witch. Her relationships with Stella and Harry are becoming more meaningful and she's even started a positive working relationship with Sheriff Romero. What's even more exciting is that she's starting to get a clue on what's behind her wonky powers and discovering who she really is. I enjoyed realizing clues from the first book that intimated these things!
The mystery was ingenious, with red herrings, intertwining motives, and lots of plausibility muddying the waters. Surprises, lots of humor, and heartfelt moments kept me captivated. Unfortunately, there were some glaring grammatical errors that truly threw me out of the story. I also want more than one chapter a book told from Harry's point of view!
Unique characters make CAFE AU SLAY a funny and inventive paranormal mystery.
The Second Orchard Hollow Mystery
When famed paranormal investigator Archer Lee comes to Orchard Hollow Piper Addison knows that nothing good will come of it. After all, the paranormals who inhabit the town enjoy a quiet life, not broadcasting who they really are. They have no desire to be exposed, let alone hunted. Even so, she agrees to let the pompous man film in her café, Bean Me Up. A decision she regrets when his assistant drops dead, poisoned, and murder finds itself at her door once more. Piper will need copious amounts of coffee and a little bit of magic if she’s going to deal with her recalcitrant teenaged employee, rambunctious raccoon, and snarky ghost of a familiar, let alone uncover a killer.
Friendship and self discovery are at the core of CAFE AU SLAY. I appreciate how Piper is coming into her own in the second Orchard Hollow Mystery. Yes, she still has issues, but she's developing better relationships. While she has a lot to sort out with Joe, she may be gaining a friend, who is also a witch. Her relationships with Stella and Harry are becoming more meaningful and she's even started a positive working relationship with Sheriff Romero. What's even more exciting is that she's starting to get a clue on what's behind her wonky powers and discovering who she really is. I enjoyed realizing clues from the first book that intimated these things!
The mystery was ingenious, with red herrings, intertwining motives, and lots of plausibility muddying the waters. Surprises, lots of humor, and heartfelt moments kept me captivated. Unfortunately, there were some glaring grammatical errors that truly threw me out of the story. I also want more than one chapter a book told from Harry's point of view!
Unique characters make CAFE AU SLAY a funny and inventive paranormal mystery.
May 7, 2023
A paranormal cozy featuring a likable witch who isn’t a normal witch; she’s an outsider, has a ghost for a familiar, an always hungry raccoon hanging around and a vampire ‘boyfriend’.
Piper Addison keeps my interest even while she makes poor choices, rushes headlong into danger and needs serious help with selecting the correct words in her dialog. Her next adventure will be on my to be read list. Thanks BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.
Piper Addison keeps my interest even while she makes poor choices, rushes headlong into danger and needs serious help with selecting the correct words in her dialog. Her next adventure will be on my to be read list. Thanks BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.
November 4, 2023
So many suspects
An author plans to expose the paranormals in town when his assistant is killed and another staff member is fingered for the deed. But then there is another death. What is the motive? And then there is a ghost familiar and a trouble prone and wily raccoon. What a strange town.
An author plans to expose the paranormals in town when his assistant is killed and another staff member is fingered for the deed. But then there is another death. What is the motive? And then there is a ghost familiar and a trouble prone and wily raccoon. What a strange town.
January 16, 2024
What Is She?
She can zippedy zap. She can see ghosts...well one at least. She can solve crimes with the dubious help of her eclectic group of paranormal friends. Why doesn't she know what her magical abilities, if she had any, could be? Loving this series! Check it out and enjoy!
She can zippedy zap. She can see ghosts...well one at least. She can solve crimes with the dubious help of her eclectic group of paranormal friends. Why doesn't she know what her magical abilities, if she had any, could be? Loving this series! Check it out and enjoy!
June 5, 2024
Orchard Hollow
I loved this story. You have a racoon, witch and a warlock all working for the good.
The racoon, Harry, brings some funny. The witch with powers that sometimes don't work.
The warlock finding love with the witch.
Both solving a mystery of some killings.
You can't go wrong reading this fabulous book
I loved this story. You have a racoon, witch and a warlock all working for the good.
The racoon, Harry, brings some funny. The witch with powers that sometimes don't work.
The warlock finding love with the witch.
Both solving a mystery of some killings.
You can't go wrong reading this fabulous book
Read
April 30, 2023I laughed so hard with this book. I want a Harry Houdini! This was so good! I hope there is going to be more to this series. The characters are so fun and interesting. I love the direction it took. And I need more Harry! Lol
May 12, 2023
With a ghost and hiding paranormals and a murder mystery thrown in for good measure this is a solid 3.8. Nothing to be taken too seriously but good for some laughs and a nice easy read. This one is a good one for the beach or curled up in your favorite chair with a beverage. I received this Arc from book sirens and am happy to leave this review.
October 30, 2023
A good read.
I really enjoyed this second book in the Orchard Hollow series. The pace flows smoothly and I am becoming quite attached to the cast of characters. I am looking forward to the next book.
I really enjoyed this second book in the Orchard Hollow series. The pace flows smoothly and I am becoming quite attached to the cast of characters. I am looking forward to the next book.
January 9, 2024
Author improving with excellent who done it!
Characters get more real with each book. The rough edges take on a more human quality! Plot is outstanding. Can not wait for next novel. It will be great!!!
Characters get more real with each book. The rough edges take on a more human quality! Plot is outstanding. Can not wait for next novel. It will be great!!!
January 28, 2025
What a cozy mystery! I picked this up for free on a stuff your Kindle day - and now I can't wait to purchase the others in the series.
Fun read, easy to get into, with fun paranormal elements and a raccoon!
Fun read, easy to get into, with fun paranormal elements and a raccoon!
April 28, 2023
All opinions are my own. Thank you to A.N. Sage for this Advanced Reader Copy.
I'm not quite decided if my rating is 4.75 or 5 stars but I'm going with 5 right now.
I'm obsessed with this series so far!
A.N Sage has a way of writing mystery books that keep you at the edge of your seat. I was compelled to read this book in one sitting and it was an enjoyable few hours.
Plot:
We follow Piper, Joe and Stella as they try solve yet another murder in town. I personally am obsessed with the way the mystery around the killer plays out. I'm guessing with Piper along the way and basically guessing correctly just before she figures it out.
But also the sub plots, how is Harry Houdini significant to the story, whats going on with Pipers family and powers, what happened to Stella? Its all slowly played out and I love it!
World building:
Sage has a great way of describing the world in a way where its showed, not just told. Simply great!
Characters:
Omg the characters are diverse is personality, species, and none of them feel flat or 2D at all. The romance is veeeery slow burn and I love it.
Also obsessed with Harry 😍😍
Flow/pacing:
The book feels face-paced in the aspect of plot points. But it takes the majority or the book for the main mystery to get wrapped up. And slow-paced for the subplots to last multiple books and I love it. It meshes so well.
Overall enjoyment:
10/10. Just obsessed. I have so many questions. Not enough answers. No cliff hanger but id give my left arm for the next book already.
Can't wait!!
I'm not quite decided if my rating is 4.75 or 5 stars but I'm going with 5 right now.
I'm obsessed with this series so far!
A.N Sage has a way of writing mystery books that keep you at the edge of your seat. I was compelled to read this book in one sitting and it was an enjoyable few hours.
Plot:
We follow Piper, Joe and Stella as they try solve yet another murder in town. I personally am obsessed with the way the mystery around the killer plays out. I'm guessing with Piper along the way and basically guessing correctly just before she figures it out.
But also the sub plots, how is Harry Houdini significant to the story, whats going on with Pipers family and powers, what happened to Stella? Its all slowly played out and I love it!
World building:
Sage has a great way of describing the world in a way where its showed, not just told. Simply great!
Characters:
Omg the characters are diverse is personality, species, and none of them feel flat or 2D at all. The romance is veeeery slow burn and I love it.
Also obsessed with Harry 😍😍
Flow/pacing:
The book feels face-paced in the aspect of plot points. But it takes the majority or the book for the main mystery to get wrapped up. And slow-paced for the subplots to last multiple books and I love it. It meshes so well.
Overall enjoyment:
10/10. Just obsessed. I have so many questions. Not enough answers. No cliff hanger but id give my left arm for the next book already.
Can't wait!!
May 6, 2023
I received an Advanced Reader copy from Book Sirens for my honest review. This is book two of two in the Orchard Hollow series. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was another book written since the ending had loose ends to tie up. Paranormal, witches, warlocks, vampires, and covens fill the town with magic. I felt the beginning was a bit slow. There are references to characters in book one, which would be confusing if you hadn’t read book one. I had read book one and I hope there is a book three. Piper, Joe, Harry Houdini (the raccoon) and Stella (Piper’s familiar) work to solve the murders along with Sheriff Romero. Archer Lee writes about paranormal activities. His arrival sets off a series of incidents. I gave the book 4 stars since it felt like it rambled a bit. I would definitely read more books by A. N. Sage.
November 16, 2023
Addictive
These books are addictive you want.to watch the characters grow. They are funny and everyone can relate to the main characters. It us well developed.
These books are addictive you want.to watch the characters grow. They are funny and everyone can relate to the main characters. It us well developed.
January 27, 2024
Book 2
I enjoyed the development between everyone. I like Piper and how the story is developing. I'm super curious about book 3 & learning about Stella. She is hilarious.
I enjoyed the development between everyone. I like Piper and how the story is developing. I'm super curious about book 3 & learning about Stella. She is hilarious.
March 2, 2024
Loving the series!
I am really liking this cute and cozy series. Piper is funny and Stella is a good ghostly sidekick. Can’t wait to read more of this series!
I am really liking this cute and cozy series. Piper is funny and Stella is a good ghostly sidekick. Can’t wait to read more of this series!
October 11, 2024
Interesting and entertaining
September 8, 2025
Such a fantastic book A.N Sage sure has a way to make her books fun and interesting, I love this one. Great read, full of suspense and just fun in every chapter. Enjoyed it thoroughly.
C.K SMITH
C.K SMITH
April 24, 2023
Cafe Au Slay is the second book in the Orchard Hollow series by A N Sage. I had enjoyed reading the first book " A Grave Roast " as well. This is a brilliant Paranormal cozy mystery and what fascinates me the most is the unique concept of having a ghost for familiar. This book is a complete entertainer with humor, suspense, thrill, and unexpected twists and turns.
Piper Addison is the proud owner of the Cafe " Bean Me Up" in the town of Orchard Hollow where paranormals lead a secret life, hidden from the prying eyes of non magical people. The first scene is rather funny, as Piper's new assistant, Rory, is rather clumsy as a barista after she spills coffee. It's then that the famous author, Archer Lee and his team arrives at Piper's Cafe. Archer Lee is planning to expose the existence of the paranormal world. When Rory tells Piper about him, she's quite worried.
There's a twist in the tale when Zeta Huxley, Archer's research assistant, dies at Piper's Cafe. The Sheriff seeks Piper's help to investigate as he feels that a paranormal must have silenced her forever to prevent her from exposing them. Piper gets straight into the business and follows leads and clues. Unfortunately, there's another murder. Can Piper stop the killer in time and prevent another murder? Meanwhile, there's another mystery concerned with Piper's life. What's it all about?
Joe, the Vampire, proves to be a highly reliable sidekick. I would love to see romance budding between a vampire and a witch. What about you? Just when you thought that Piper,finally, nailed the culprit, you have a great surprise. To find out what happens to Piper, do grab this book that will be available on Amazon on April 24, 2023.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Piper Addison is the proud owner of the Cafe " Bean Me Up" in the town of Orchard Hollow where paranormals lead a secret life, hidden from the prying eyes of non magical people. The first scene is rather funny, as Piper's new assistant, Rory, is rather clumsy as a barista after she spills coffee. It's then that the famous author, Archer Lee and his team arrives at Piper's Cafe. Archer Lee is planning to expose the existence of the paranormal world. When Rory tells Piper about him, she's quite worried.
There's a twist in the tale when Zeta Huxley, Archer's research assistant, dies at Piper's Cafe. The Sheriff seeks Piper's help to investigate as he feels that a paranormal must have silenced her forever to prevent her from exposing them. Piper gets straight into the business and follows leads and clues. Unfortunately, there's another murder. Can Piper stop the killer in time and prevent another murder? Meanwhile, there's another mystery concerned with Piper's life. What's it all about?
Joe, the Vampire, proves to be a highly reliable sidekick. I would love to see romance budding between a vampire and a witch. What about you? Just when you thought that Piper,finally, nailed the culprit, you have a great surprise. To find out what happens to Piper, do grab this book that will be available on Amazon on April 24, 2023.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 3, 2024
Great story
I loved this story as much if not more then the first one. I can't wait to see what comes next.
I loved this story as much if not more then the first one. I can't wait to see what comes next.
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