Peppermint Mocha Murder

Baron & Graystone #5

by Laura Pauling

No holly jolly Christmas to be found when there’s a murder brewing.

Bartholomew Bliss parades into Belle's cozy coffee shop, a candy cane in a red pin-striped suit. His enthusiasm bubbles over for the new peppermint mocha coffee. He’s behind the offer Belle receives to serve this delicious holiday brew to a local business and the hundreds of employees.

Except everything goes wrong.

Decorations fall apart, coffee cups leak, and fierce competition leaves Belle struggling for business. Then, in the midst of the holiday chaos, Belle stumbles upon a lifeless body, a cord of blinking Christmas the possible weapon.

Is Bartholomew Bliss the heartless murderer or just an innocent bystander? As Belle discreetly investigates, she delves into the lives of the employees, the girlfriend, and even a relentless stalker who leaves creepy presents. Motives abound, alibis crumble, and Bliss himself turns out to be a man with layers as intricate as a snowflake, rarely revealing the whole truth.

Yes, Belle and Lucas want to wrap up this murder with a big red bow and see the killer in prison. But there’s an even bigger mystery looming.

Will they spend Christmas together or apart?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2023

About the author

Laura 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!

Reviews

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so sorry for poor little Lexie who was really missing her mom since it was Christmastime, but Belle had some great advice for both her and her dad. Belle’s like a people whisperer and usually has some good ideas. Now if she could just convince that nasty bakery guy to leave her shop alone, lol, she’d really be a people whisperer.

Despite a very unfriendly detective on the murder case at the candy factory, Belle managed to figure things out again and planned for a super nice Christmas with new traditions enjoyed by all.

[Ileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Belle Baron solves a complicated murder at Christmas time that takes place when she’s serving her peppermint mocha flavored coffee that Bixby perfected at the Beanery in the lobby of Best Candy. The intended victim is party planner Bartholomew Bliss but the actual victim is his assistant Todd Green. They were both dressed alike as candy canes and Belle was with Bliss when he discovered the body.

The murder is not in Lucas Graystone’s jurisdiction and Detective Bragg considers Belle a suspect she has no choice but to try to prove her innocence.

Meanwhile it’s Christmas time and Lexi is feeling especially sad because she’s missing her parents and Lucas doesn’t know how to help her.

And Belle is sad about having to spend Christmas alone.

Read this interesting mystery to find out who killed Green and how Lucas helps Lexi feel better and whether Belle spends Christmas with people who care about her. It’s a wonderful holiday story!

[Robin Greeley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book, full of twists and turns!

Lucas and Belle work together to solve a murder at the Best candy company as Christmas approaches! Lexie is very sad about missing her parents at Christmas time and visits with her grandparents, giving her guardian Lucas some space. Belle enjoys getting involved in the Christmas festivities in her new hometown, especially when Lexie and Lucas show up at her house to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with her! Several new characters are featured in this latest story!

[Kip Kinsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful new friends

I stumbled across this series and I am so glad I did. There is a mystery in every book that I try to solve myself before the group does. I have fun going through the story watching the individuals grow, especially Belle with all she’s been through. I admire her strength and outlook and the way she makes herself take chances. All of the friends become more real to me through each book and I can’t wait to keep finding out more. Maybe I’ll even get to where I can solve the mystery before Belle, Lucas and my new friends do.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is Bartholomew Bliss the heartless murderer or just an innocent bystander? As Belle discreetly investigates, she delves into the lives of the employees, the girlfriend, and even a relentless stalker who leaves creepy presents. Motives abound, alibise crumble, and Bliss himself turns out to be a man with layers as intricate as a snowflake, rarely revealing the whole truth.
I borrowed this book from KindleUnlimted. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.

[Michele Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

Don't know if its just that the book is about coffee, but I loved it. I truly enjoy this author's voice and her characters. They are amusing and very much like people I want to get to know.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

I really enjoyed this holiday themed cozy mystery. It has everything I’m looking for in this genre. Great characters & setting and a story that flows well.

[Lizabeth Tarr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love this series how the friends work together and help each other, not only I solving mysteries, but with life issues, as well.

[Angie Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Fun and light read!!

[Kristin H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 6/40
It was way better than the pumpkin spice murder one I read by the same author! Fun short little read!