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Killer Coffee #6

A Killer Latte

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

Light, camera, lattes!

A film production crew is wrapping up a major movie filming in Honey Springs, Kentucky.
Everyone is excited. The production crew has brought the bright lights to the tourist town and The Bean Hive has been supplying the production crew with unlimited treats and coffee.

When film actress Daisy Lemon comes in for a taste of the Star Studded Latte being served at the Bean Hive, Roxy Bloom is excited to serve her one. It would be good for promotion for Roxy to get a photo of the famous actress drinking her creation, only Roxy is witness to Daisy's kidnapping.

The Star Studded Latte is now know as the Kidnap Latte, bringing national attention to the Bean Hive, attention that's not necessarily welcome.

With production on hold and Stephen Lemon, Daisy's husband, as the number one suspect, Roxy puts back on her law hat to help Stephen not only clear his name, but find Daisy before Honey Springs is no longer known for the cute, southern, lake tourist town due to the sudden spotlight on the cozy town.

Audiobook

First published April 23, 2019

403 people are currently reading
584 people want to read

About the author

Tonya Kappes

437 books3,671 followers
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,

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5 stars
738 (54%)
4 stars
413 (30%)
3 stars
177 (13%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Robbins.
2,598 reviews50 followers
April 24, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Another fantastic cozy mystery from Kappes!! A trip to the Bean Hive in Honey Springs is always an adventure with this not being an exception. We are at the wrap up of the filming of a movie in town with the star making a special trip to get one of the Star-Studded lattes created just for the occasion. Just after leaving she gets kidnapped which leads to one interesting story as the latte is now the Kidnap latte and more making it necessary to investigate to save the business (though apparently even bad publicity can bring in customers as we get to see). Just when you think it is all wrapped up we get some more leading to the heart warming conclusion. Perfect for cozy fans especially if you happen to love some great coffee. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Profile Image for AmBerGUR.
397 reviews20 followers
September 22, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. It’s gotten better and better the more I got into it.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,459 reviews1 follower
April 20, 2019
A Killer Latte by Tonya Kappes is another first rate cozy mystery in Ms. Kappes' Killer Coffee series.

I loved being back in Honey Springs, Kentucky with Roxy, Aunt Maxie, Patrick and the rest of the quirky residents of this small town. As always Ms. Kappes has written a cleverly woven plot with several suspects, red herrings and plenty of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages. I was totally surprised at the reveal. This is an excellent example of a clean and cozy mystery with a small town that makes me right at home.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Karen Stallman .
882 reviews98 followers
April 19, 2019
I had a really stressful day and didn't sleep well so when I woke up Thursday morning I said okay let's escape for awhile. Little did I know I would get so wrapped up in Honey Springs, Kentucky and the Bean Hive Coffee House that 4 hours had gone by like that. I no love ne'er felt stressed just happy.

Lights, Cameras, Lattes!

A film production crew is wrapping up a major movie filming in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Everyone is excited. The production crew has brought the bright lights to the tourist town and The Bean Hive has been supplying the production crew with unlimited treats and coffee.

When film actress Daisy Lemon comes in for a taste of the Star Studded Latte being served at the Bean Hive, Roxy Bloom is excited to serve her one. It would be good for promotion for Roxy to get a photo of the famous actress drinking her creation, only Roxy is witness to Daisy's kidnapping.

The Star Studded Latte is now know as the Kidnap Latte, bringing national attention to the Bean Hive, attention that's not necessarily welcome.

With production on hold and Stephen Lemon, Daisy's husband, as the number one suspect, Roxy puts back on her law hat to help Stephen not only clear his name, but find Daisy before Honey Springs is no longer known for the cute, southern, lake tourist town due to the sudden spotlight on the cozy town.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the quirky, loveable characters which are well developed. I also like the inclusion of furbabies into the story.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.

I haven't read the first few books even though I own them, but only read the crossover book and can say this could be read as a stand alone.

Did I mention Tonya includes recipes in the back and I am definitely try the Blueberry Crumb cake for Easter.

I cant wait to take another trip to Honey Springs, Kentucky, to see whats new with Roxy and her friends. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,600 reviews14 followers
May 19, 2019
A light, entertaining cozy with characters you’ll really like and root for. The mystery is a good one with conniving suspects! I love the pet characters, especially the schnauzer and poodle. I highly recommend this cozy.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,636 reviews103 followers
June 23, 2019
Honey Springs had stars in their eyes with the movie that was being filmed there and just wrapping up. When someone made off with the leading lady, Roxy knew there was another mystery she'd need to solve, much to Spencer's both dismay and relief. On one hand, he didn't want her interfering with police business (and he said Patrick would kill him if anything happened to her) but on the other hand, he realized that Roxy was very good at getting people to talk to her. After the abduction turned into a murder case and Aunt Maxi was even involved, Roxy was even more determined to get this thing solved and send the production crew on their merry way.

I loved this mystery! It turned out to be a little different spin on the usual formula but it was awesome! Everything was nicely wrapped up with the case and the newest guest in the coffee house, Callie, a sweet tabby, got her furever home. I'm always anxious for the next book this sweet series!
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
April 23, 2019
A Killer Latte
Killer Coffee, Book # 6
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

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

Light, camera, lattes!

A film production crew is wrapping up a major movie filming in Honey Springs, Kentucky.
Everyone is excited. The production crew has brought the bright lights to the tourist town and The Bean Hive has been supplying the production crew with unlimited treats and coffee.

When film actress Daisy Lemon comes in for a taste of the Star Studded Latte being served at the Bean Hive, Roxy Bloom is excited to serve her one. It would be good for promotion for Roxy to get a photo of the famous actress drinking her creation, only Roxy is witness to Daisy's kidnapping.

The Star Studded Latte is now know as the Kidnap Latte, bringing national attention to the Bean Hive, attention that's not necessarily welcome.

With production on hold and Stephen Lemon, Daisy's husband, as the number one suspect, Roxy puts back on her law hat to help Stephen not only clear his name, but find Daisy before Honey Springs is no longer known for the cute, southern, lake tourist town due to the sudden spotlight on the cozy town. (Goodreads)
Review:

Any time I get to spend time with Roxy, Aunt Maxi, Patrick and all of Roxy’s other friends is time well spent. I love the relationships between all of them, you can tell how much they care about each other. The bickering and banter between them makes me laugh.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and always creates settings that I want to visit. The southern charm and traditions always shine through. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read.

The mystery was well plotted and carried well throughout the book. It was well paced and not easily solved. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and a few red herrings thrown in just for fun!

I would recommend this book (and series) to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you enjoy southern charm and lots of laughs, this book is for you.

I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and and I have given this honest review.


Profile Image for Daniele.
1,076 reviews41 followers
April 23, 2019
3.5 stars
Honey Springs, Kentucky, is all abuzz with a movie crew in town wrapping up filming. Before the star, Daisy Lemon, packs up to leave, she splurges on The Bean Hive Coffee Shop owner Roxy’s movie themed specialty coffee and a snack. Roxy is shocked when Daisy is kidnapped as she leaves the shop and feels obligated to help locate her. Roxy finds herself putting on her lawyer persona to assist Daisy’s husband Steven, but when things take a dangerous turn, she does not know who to believe.

I enjoy the Killer Coffee Mysteries, and A KILLER LATTE is a nice addition to the series. It is a quick read that can be read as a standalone, but I think the most enjoyment comes from reading from the beginning of the series. Roxy is a smart, interesting amateur sleuth, and the supporting quirky characters are, at times, laugh-out-loud funny. I particularly enjoy that pets play such a prominent role in the books. The mystery in A KILLER LATTE is complex enough to keep me guessing; I did not figure out whodunit, which is usual for me. My only quibble is that it felt like the story moved along at a steady pace only to be rushed at the end.

A KILLER LATTE a clean, light cozy read sure to please Kappes’ loyal readers and fans of the cozy genre.

I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Profile Image for Wulfwyn .
1,172 reviews108 followers
November 18, 2019
I love Tonya Kappes books. I have read many and haven’t been disappointed yet. A Killer Latte is a part of her A Killer Coffee Mystery Series. Each book in this series has its own mystery that wraps up. This series, though, has a secondary relationship storyline that is ongoing. Because of this, I would recommend reading it in order.
I enjoyed this story very much. In fact, it is my current favorite book of this series. I am in awe of how the author is able to come up with fresh plots. She has many books out there. Yet each one is fresh. In this one a movie is being made in Honey Springs. That brings a special chaos to the charming small town. The mystery was twisty and just when you think you have it...things change. That’s all I’m saying on that. Anything more and there would be no need for you to read the book.
All of our favorite characters are back and a pet finds a furever home. I stayed up reading into the early morning hours.
I received an electronic arc of this book. I chose to read and review it because I love finding and talking about entertaining books. My recommendation is to read this book. If you haven’t read any of the others in the series, check for them where you buy books, (the author has frequent sales), or request them from your library, (don’t forget Overdrive).
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
April 26, 2024
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I liked the characters. I was surprised by who did it and why. The nice added touch was the extra with Daisy. I never saw that coming.
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,107 reviews33 followers
April 27, 2019
In this next book of the series Hollywood has come to town. They are at the end of their filming and are thanking the town for all their help when the movies star, Daisy, is kidnapped. No one recognizes the truck that she was abducted in which makes figuring out who the kidnapper is that much harder. When a ransom text is sent to the stars husband for a very low amount it doesn't quite make sense especially when she was wearing millions of dollars worth of jewelry. Why didn't the kidnapper just snatch that? Roxy witnessed the deed and her shop is now experiencing and influx of costumers wanting to try the latte that Daisy was drinking when she was taken. Roxy hates the bad light that seems to have befallen her drink and hopes to figure out who took the young woman. Meanwhile the local B&B owner is upset over a bunch of stolen telephone books. Who uses a telephone book anymore? Isn't a kidnapping more important than some lost books anyway? Follow along as Roxy starts putting the pieces together and comes up with the answers on her own. I bet you'll be as shocked as I was in the end. This was such a fun read with a cast of lovely characters that will have you wanting to take a trip to the south.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,334 reviews
April 17, 2019
A movie has just wrapped up in the small town of Honey Springs, Kentucky and there is excitement in the air. The star Daisy Lemon gets kidnapped after walking out of the Bean Hive with her latte.
Kidnapping, stolen phone books, what else is going to happen? Plenty of twists in this story that will keep you turning pages and guessing till the end.
I love the characters in this series by Tonya Kappes.
Check out the recipes at the end of the story.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Cheryl A..
305 reviews31 followers
April 16, 2019
Another amazing cozy mystery from Tonya Kappes! Always love the fascinating characters and the entertaining interactions between them. Also, enjoy the sideline relationship between several reoccurring characters and how they are growing closer with each book in this series showing true community compassion.
210 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2019
I recommend you go to your favorite reading spot and get really comfy before opening this book, because you are not going to want to put it down until you finish. Hollywood has come to Honey Springs and as the movie wraps there is a kidnapping. Killer Latte is full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,053 reviews83 followers
April 18, 2019
A Killer Latte by Tonya Kappes takes readers back to Honey Springs, Kentucky. Roxy Bloom owns the Bean Hive and has been supplying the film crew with coffee and sweet treats. Today they are wrapping up three weeks of filming a Sicholas Narks romance novel. Daisy Lemon, the actress playing the lead, sneaks into the Bean Hive while the others are attending a meeting, the get a Star Studded Latte. As Daisy walks towards the lake, Roxy steps outside to snap a pic of the actress drinking the coffee confection for social media. Instead, Roxy witnesses Daisy being kidnapped. The news quickly spreads via social media and Roxy’s latte is renamed Kidnap Latte which is affecting her business. Then Roxy is roped into representing Loretta Bebe, owner of Diamonds, whose expensive jewelry disappeared with the actress as well as Stephen Lemon, Daisy’s husband, who is a suspect. Roxy sorts through numerous photos taken by Aunt Maxi for Sticky Situations, the town’s newspaper, looking for suspects and sits in on Sheriff Spencer Shepard’s questioning of the film’s employees. This case needs to be wrapped up quickly before Honey Springs become known for its crime and the tourists depart.

A Killer Latte is another engaging installment in A Killer Coffee Mystery series. If you have not read any of the other five books in this entertaining cozy mystery series, you will not be lost. Everything a reader needs to know if included (but I recommend reading the whole series). Honey Springs is a quaint Southern town with friendly characters, charming shops, and a gorgeous lake. Roxy Bloom, owner of the Bean Hive, has been busy supplying coffee and treats to the film crew plus the Cocoon Hotel and keeping the coffee shop in stock. Her husband, Patrick, is pushing for them to make a decision regarding the home he purchased from Aunt Maxi. Roxy does not want to live in the beautiful home, but she does not want to sell it either (quite a conundrum). The film crew has been staying at Camey Montgomery’s Cocoon Hotel, and she is distressed that all the phone books in the hotel have gone missing. She wants Spencer Shepard, the sheriff, to find the culprit. Unfortunately for Camey, Spencer finds himself busy looking for Daisy Lemon’s kidnapper who wants a $400,000 ransom. Loretta (pronounced Law-retta) is in an uproar because Daisy was wearing $7 million dollars in jewels when she was taken, and Loretta was not aware that she needed to get the production company to sign an agreement (oh no). Roxy is soon up to her nose in another investigation which has Patrick upset (poor Roxy). I like Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style which makes for an easy to read story that draws the reader right in. The story has a good flow and upbeat pacing. The mystery is multifaceted which I just loved. Just when you think you have it figured out, a twist is thrown your way. There are plenty of curveballs in this whodunit. Readers will find themselves laughing often at some of the characters antics (like Aunt Maxi). There are some adorable pets in A Killer Latte including a cat that needs a forever home. There are recipes at the end of the book for Star-Studded Latte, Easy Peasy Lemon Cookies, Blueberry Crumb Cake and Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches. A Killer Latte has scrumptious food, good friends, a picturesque Southern town, mouthwatering coffee, a puzzling mystery, quirky characters and adorable fur babies.
Profile Image for Babs.
Author 15 books188 followers
April 17, 2019
It’s been a few months since Roxy and Patrick’s wedding. INnHoney Springs a movie has been filed and who witnesses the kidnapping of the star? You got it Roxy! People are already calling her place “Kidnap Latte”.

Loved the story with all the twits and turns you won’t be able to guess until the end who did what.

The characters from past books come into play but each book can be read as a standalone.
370 reviews19 followers
March 25, 2020
Pick up this book and return to Honey Springs, Kentucky in this sixth story of Tonya Kappes Killer Coffee Mystery Series. This time Roxy Bloom and her friends have been caught up in the excitement of a movie being filmed in town. Roxy’s coffeehouse, the Bean Hive, has been providing sweets and coffee to the crew and has been asked to serve refreshments at the wrap party.

Popular actress Daisy Lemon, star of the film, stops in to ask Roxy for a latte and a quiche before the party. She is kidnapped shortly after leaving the shop. Tension quickly builds as Spencer, the town sheriff, begins to question people in hopes of getting clues as to who took her.

Ms. Kappes does an excellent job of leading the reader down various paths that might lead to the kidnapper. All seem very plausible until something new comes to light and lets us know that road leads to a dead end. About the time you think you are sure you’ve figured it out, the plot makes a sudden twist and takes you (at least it did me) to a surprise ending.

The author once again draws us into her familiar southern setting and finds a way to keep us guessing. I love her very realistic characters and after having read several books in this series feel like a visit to Honey Springs is like going home and spending time with old friends. I think that A Killer Latte is my favorite in the Killer Coffee series so far. Each story can be read as a standalone, but I think they are even better once you get to “know” the residents of Honey Springs.

Don’t forget to check out the recipes at the end. This reader found the Lemon Cookies and Blueberry Crumb Cake recipes made my mouth water just looking at them.
Profile Image for Hilary (A Wytch's Book Review).
882 reviews
October 22, 2019
Roxy Bloom Cane wants to get the Bean Hive and Honey Springs on the tourist map, she doesn't expect kidnap and murder to be the reason it happens!

A film crew has been stationed in Honey Springs and various businesses have been helping out, the local hotel has been putting the crew and cast up, the Bean Hive has been providing refreshments (including the specially created Star Studded Latte), Crissy from the Honey Comb beauty salon has been doing hair and make up  and Loretta's jewelry store has been providing some genuine and expensive props! Now the last day is here and the wrap party will be happening later that night, Daisy Lemon (the star) has come into The Bean Hive to have one of the lattes (she has avoided them until now to make sure she fit all the costumes etc!) but as Daisy leaves Roxy sees her be grabbed and bundled into a pickup truck with the latte splattered over the road.  Now the wrap party has been cancelled to make way for a police investigation and as if that isn't bad enough The Bean Hive is suddenly all over social media with the hashtag Kidnap Latte!

Roxy has to put her latte making skills to one side again and clothe herself in her lawyers persona to try and make sense of what is going on and to keep The Bean Hive and Honey Springs from plummeting like the latte from Daisy Lemon's hand.
2,130 reviews46 followers
April 23, 2019
Roxy Bloom is happy that a Hollywood movie is being filmed in her town of Honey Springs. It will help bring in tourists. On the last day of filming Actress Daisy Lemon comes by to try one of Roxy's special lattes. As the actress leaves to enjoy her treat, she's kidnapped. Can they save Daisy? Roxy begins her own investigation. After all her coffeehouse is trending on social media with talk of her kidnap/killer latte. I like Roxy. She has spunk and sass. She has found her perfect niche I life. She loves her small town. It's filled with family and friends. Patrick Cane, Roxy's husband, is such a sweet and caring man. I loved how he did special things to make her happy. Their fur babies add love and warmth. This southern style cozy mystery is a special treat. The story has unexpected twists that wouldn't let me stop reading. Aunt Maxi manages to keep things interesting. The action is nonstop. Tonya Kappes doesn't disappoint. Her characters are easy to care about. The dialogue is sharp and the setting is a place I would like to live. I'm looking forward to coming back soon.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,103 reviews
April 22, 2019
A killer Latte brings readers of Tonya Kappes Killer Coffee Mystery Series back to the quaint southern town of Honey Springs and the adorable Bean Hive coffee shop. Catching up with the quirky characters of the town is always refreshing; I’d love to visit a town like Honey Springs and/or have a Bean Hive nearby 😊
As a movie being filmed in town wraps up, Daisy Lemon, the star is kidnapped and her director/husband is devastated! But, not all is as it appears and the story unfolds with twists and turns and a few surprises before it wraps up (pun intended).
I loved visiting Honey Springs again, even if it was only for an evening 😊
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.
Profile Image for Sandy Bartles.
1,395 reviews37 followers
April 15, 2019
It has now been several months since Patrick and Roxy’s wedding and a movie has just been filmed in Honey Springs. Everyone is shocked when Roxy witnesses the star’s kidnapping. I enjoyed watching all of this play out and was totally surprised at all the directions Tonya Kappes led us in. Every time I thought I had something figured out, something else would pop up to lead me in a different direction. Kudos to the author!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,915 reviews14 followers
April 23, 2019
As always this is another wonderful cozy mystery by Tonya Kappes. I love the characters in this town. I am not a coffee or tea drinker but I would love to go to this coffee house to just get all the gossip in the town and to see what animal will be there that day. I loved the mystery and how it is solved. Looking forward to more . I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
April 21, 2023
Oh my goodness Roxy irritated me at the end!! Seriously I u detest and being an animal lover, however putting everyone at risk for the cat in the middle of a takedown was dumb. Her attitude towards Patrick regarding the house was also obnoxious -the fact that she didn’t even want to talk to him about it was just juvenile. Overall, the mystery was good and the killer/solution at the end was a surprise and heart wrenching.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,383 reviews31 followers
April 22, 2019
A new latte named after the actress who is filming in Honey Springs, missing phone books and a kidnapping. Roxy has her hands full with extra customers, her new husband and now a kidnapping. This one has many twists and will keep you guessing. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Leah.
1,976 reviews
January 22, 2024
Spring

This story has a movie crew, a statue/bust, a kidnapping, murder, theft, and a decision about a house. I didn't like what happened with the house. I thought they should have done something different. The mystery was interesting. I didn't think it would end the way it did. I wanted more done with the statue. That should have been a bigger part of the story.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,496 reviews25 followers
April 18, 2019
Glad to be back in Honey Springs with Roxi and the gang. A film crew is shooting a movie in Honey Springs and Roxi is doing the catering for them. When the star, Daisy, is kidnapped in front of Roxi, she does what she can to have her returned. But, things aren't always what they seem. There are a couple of twists to the plot.
Profile Image for Sheila Burke.
1,250 reviews3 followers
February 22, 2024
Another enjoyable cozy mystery by Tonya Kappes. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this series. Very well worth the time to read.
959 reviews
January 16, 2023
A movie is being filmed in Roxy’s town. Roxy is supplying coffee and treats for the production crew. The star – Daisy Lemon – has everyone star struck. Daisy has a secret that may help find the one person that wasn’t star struck. Roxy wears a lot of hats in this story – barista, shop owner, lawyer and detective. This was quite a ride!
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
May 12, 2019
“A Killer Latte” earns 5/5 Kidnap Lattes…Clever and Totally Fun!

This is one of my favorite Tonya Kappes series…small town quirks, coffee talk, and murder! What's not to like?! In the sixth book of Kappes’ Killer Coffee Mystery series Roxy Bloom’s coffeehouse, The Bean Hive, is all a “buzz” about a film crew invading Honey Springs, Kentucky, and spotlighting their little resort community. But, as Tonya Kappes does so well, mayhem pops in for a coffee break! At the “wrap,” the lead actress comes in to try the newest specialty drink created for the occasion, the Star Studded Latte, but instead of being a business coup, The Bean Hive becomes a crime scene. The actress is kidnapped, her husband and film director is a serious “person of interest,” and the image of Honey Springs is in jeopardy.

Wow! With a delightful splash of “Southerness,” of which Tonya has first hand knowledge, I was totally engaged in the investigation, informal queries, perilous predicaments, and final solution in this clever, twists and turns. I always enjoy the first-person narrative putting me in the middle with Roxy’s “I” perspective sharing her inner thoughts, concerns, and fears. But, the best part of this series, something I appreciate in other Kappes series, is the plethora of quirky, realistic, and enjoyable characters residing in her Kentucky towns. Some to love, some that just makes me groan. I do love Roxy; she is a favorite heroine with a calm demeanor, intelligent sense, and protective of her family and friends no matter how often they make her “groan.” However her Aunt Maxi, who has her fingers on the pulse of the town’s gossip, is my absolute favorite with a boa around her neck, snoopy manner, and “don't mess with me” attitude. Roxy, of course, also deals with her mother’s antics, local personality conflicts, and her “still going strong” relationship with Patrick. All in all, the story, the characters, and Tonya’s southern sense makes this a big favorite!

Newbies can start here. There are enough references to backstory and character connections to keep a newbie in the loop, but Roxy’s journey from the beginning to now is very entertaining and shouldn't be missed. Tonya is also great at providing readers a little something…Recipes from The Bean Hive: Star Studded Latte (not coffee…chai-flavored tea with caramel flavoring), Easy Peasy Lemon Cookies, Blueberry Crumb Cake, and Kentucky Benedictine Tea Sandwiches.

"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
Profile Image for Joanne.
189 reviews7 followers
April 25, 2019
A Killer Latte: A Cozy Mystery is the 6th book in Tonya Kappes’ Killer Coffee series. The small town of Honey Springs, Kentucky is one of my favorite vicarious vacation spots. I feel right at home during visits Roxy, Aunt Maxi, Patrick and their other friends is time well spent. The characters are well developed and exude Southern charm complete with the classic family love, bickering and lots of humor. The plot is tightly woven with numerous twists and turns without losing sight of the main mystery. Visualize the amount of chaos when a movie is filmed in a small town. Daisy Lemon, the star of the movie is kidnapped as she leaves the Bean Hive with her latte. In addition to the kidnapping, stolen hotel phone books, $7 million dollars in jewels are missing and a $400,000 ransom is demanded. What more could happen? You will need to read this engaging cozy mystery to learn the answer to that question. Recipes are included. The Blueberry Crumb Cake is very tasty. This book can be read as a stand-alone story, but I would recommend reading the series starting with the first book and Ms. Kappes has maintained an additional thread which connects each book of this series. This is one of my favorite series penned by Ms. Kappes. I would recommend this book (and series) to readers who enjoy a well written cozy mystery filled with humor and quirky characters that will have you laughing out loud.
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