Knight Brew

Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #9

by Heather Day Gilbert

Book Nine in the RWA Daphne Award-winning series!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

The Barks & Beans booth at the Renaissance Faire is hopping, since Macy managed to talk her muscled redhead brother into donning a kilt for the occasion. Even better, Macy's boyfriend Titan has come for a visit, so she can't wait to peruse the shops and watch the shows with him.

But when a well-rehearsed joust takes a fatal turn, Macy becomes a key witness. Can she believe her eyes, or did someone cloak their ruthless intent with smoke and mirrors? A late night stakeout seems the only way to determine what really happened...but someone scarier than the plague doctor is lying in wait for Macy, and this time, the damsel might not find a way out of her distress.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Christian Fiction, Contemporary

153 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2024

About the author

Heather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.

Reviews

[Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The latest installment of the author's Barks and Beans Cafe' mystery series has much the same quality and characteristics of its predecessors; the series is very consistent in those respects. This one is set against the backdrop of a Renaissance Faire at Lewisburg's fairgrounds (which the immediately preceding book mentions will take place "next weekend," so not much time has elapsed between the two). Series protagonist Macy and her brother have set up a stand selling their cafe's characteristic coffee, lattes, sandwiches and pastries; and fairgoers are hoping for a medieval-themed good time. But readers familiar with Lewisburg's astronomical murder rate (only in the series, though, not in real life! :-) ) won't be terribly surprised to find that the Grim Reaper is about to make an unannounced visit. That will put Macy into her characteristic snooping mode, motivated by more than her usual ill-advised nosiness (though that's a factor too); a Barks and Beans employee is on the police detective's suspect list.

Like all of the series novels, this one is consciously "cozy," tailored to appeal particularly to fans of that specific strand of the mystery genre. It's also the work of an evangelical author, with Christian main characters and no objectional language, grisly violence or sexual content; while there's no stress on the character's spiritual lives or religious beliefs, the series is definitely Christian-friendly. It boasts a well-constructed, plausible mystery (I suspected the culprit from early on, but wasn't absolutely sure until the big reveal), red herrings, concealed identity, good use of small-town atmosphere and, for series fans, catch-up time with old friends, both two-legged and four-legged. (As I've noted in earlier reviews, this is a series that should be read in order, so this isn't the optimum place to start it.) We'll also have a significant development in Macy's private life, but no spoilers here! My wife Barb and I read this together, as we have all of the officially-numbered earlier installments; she was thoroughly pleased with it (by her own statement, she'd give it five stars, but I think that's on Amazon's scale), and I'm sure the rest of the fans will be as well.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story! One of my favorite series! The characters are awesome! Great Dane pet!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

The Barks & Beans Cafe is taking its delicious coffee drinks on the road to a booth at a Renaissance Faire. The pooches are not tagging along but Macy has flyers to promote the shelter and the dogs that visit the cafe. Macy has even talked her hunky brother into wearing traditional Scottish garb and her boyfriend Titan arrives in costume too. She will be wearing a Viking dress.

One of the biggest events at the faire are the jousting matches. But one goes terribly awry when one of the knights doesn't survive. Macy saw it with her own eyes but she can't explain it. When she learns the cause of death, she tries to remember everything she saw at the arena. Did she see the murderer? Titan and Bo don't want her involved in another investigation but what trouble could she get into doing a teensy weensy late-night stakeout?

____

I have to say I love these characters. Siblings Bo and Macy Hatfield and their significant others Summer Adkins and Titan McCoy are such good genuine people. Their relationships are blooming at a natural pace. Their pets are absolutely adorable - Macy’s Great Dane, Coal, who she dressed up as a dragon for his visit to the fair,  Bo’s kitty, Stormy, and Vera’s dog Waffles. Vera lives next door to Macy and the cafe and she has her fingers on the pulse of the community and sits on her porch to keep an eye on everyone too.  I always open a book in this series with a smile because it truly is like catching up with old friends.

Now the murder at the Ren Faire was a complex one with several suspects including someone who works at The Barks & Beans Cafe. The victim was a dastardly individual. Macy knows her talents, people open up to her better than they do to police but she has to be careful not to push too hard. With the end of the faire near Macy took a very frightening risk and I truly was at the edge of my seat trying to see where the author was going in that scene but she's a pro, the moments didn't last too long and she kept the drama in the cozy realm.

A subplot had Macy nervous about meeting Titan's family, especially his Granny McCoy. The introduction happened in the final chapter and all I can say is I can't wait for Book 10.

Huzzah! Heather Day Gilbert has served up another stellar cozy mystery in Knight Brew. It is another Perfect Escape!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The annual Renaissance Faire is on, and Macy Hatfield and her brother, Bo, are onsite in full costume, running a booth for the Barks & Beans Café. She’s a Viking, and he’s a kilt-wearing Scot.

The fairground hosts knights, fairies, and all kinds of mediaeval characters. Macy’s looking forward to taking in the attractions with her boyfriend, Titan—until they witness a fatal jousting match.

The dead “knight” had more enemies than friends, which will make it hard to find his killer. While the protective men in her life want to keep Macy from investigating, she can’t help trying to find a few clues for the police. After all, she’s a friendly person and people talk to her. What could possibly go wrong?

At the same time, she’s dealing with unexpected conflict among the café staff—and the possibility that one of them may be accused of the murder.

There’s at least one point in this story that could be terrifying. For Macy it is, but I appreciate how the author maintains the lighter tone readers expect from the series. It happens, it’s over fast, and I didn’t have to worry about it affecting my sleep later.

The Barks & Beans mystery series wins on a number of levels: engaging characters with developing relationships, small-town coffee shop, non-graphic crimes, and plenty of dogs. My favourite supporting role character is definitely Coal.

Knight Brew is book 9 in the series. You could start here and not feel lost, but you may prefer to start at the beginning (No Filter) and read all the way through.

Award-winning author Heather Day Gilbert writes clean cozy mysteries, romantic and psychological suspense, and Viking historicals. For more about the author, visit heatherdaygilbert.com. Signing up for her newsletter will get you a free Barks and Beans ebook, House Blend.

[Book provided by the publisher with no obligation to write a review. My opinions are my own.]

[Loretta TheMoodyRedhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved this entire series and I’ve loved getting to know Macy, her brother Bo, her huge baby Coal, her boyfriend Titan, her future sister-in-law Summer, her baristas and friends Kylie, Milo, and Jimmy… I also can’t forget Charity her baker, her new employee August, Vera her friend and next door neighbor, etc. What a joy this journey has been!

This one took place at Renaissance Faire which is always a fun time. I used to go to them when I was a teenager I loved the jousting! So neat!

Alas, it’s time to say so long to them all for now, because this is the last book until Book 10 “Double Shot” is released.

Read this series! It’s terrific!

Note by the author Heather Day Gilbert: “This series is based in the real town of Lewisburg, West Virginia, which has been voted ‘Coolest Small Town in America’ by Budget Travel. Heather and her husband regularly visit the quaint town to do on-the-spot research for the Barks & Beans Cafe series.”

Isn’t that so awesome?! This is a real life town! Reminds me of Mayberry and how cool is that thought?!

My next choice of read is Book 15 of 18 by Kathi Daley in her Cottage on Gooseberry Bay series: “'Til Death.”

See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses!
~ themoodyredhead ✨♥️✨

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It was another great addition to one of my favorite cozy mystery series. 

I loved that this book mostly took place at a Renaissance fair. It's such a cool setting! I also really enjoyed the costumes, especially Coal’s! 

The mystery was a good one. It definitely kept me guessing. Was it a jousting accident gone wrong, or something more sinister? The victim was not well liked at all, so the likelihood of foul play was high. The suspect list was a long one too. I had my suspicions but ended up being surprised by the reveal. 

If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, you’ll love this series! I can’t wait for the next one!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I could ever want! From heart-pounding drama and irresistible romance to edge-of-your-seat danger and gripping mystery, it delivers it all. One scene even gave me chills! And of course, there are dogs—a little less than in previous books. Titan is with us for the entire story, adding an extra layer of swoon-worthy moments between Macy and him. The connection between Macy and Titan truly shines here, making this book an unforgettable read. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Barks & Beans book! I thought this was the series finale, but it sounds like there's at least one more book to come (a mixed blessing, because I was expecting certain recurring plot points to be resolved here that weren't--but yay, more is on its way!). The ren-faire setting was a lot of fun, and I was kept guessing to the end.

[Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the Renaissance Fair setting and definitely loved seeing more of Titan! I absolutely love all of the characters in this series and am always looking forward to what they are getting into! Macy and Titan are so great together! I absolutely loved the ending of this one!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

[Allyson Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read, and this cozy mystery had it all—a Renaissance Faire with knights and joustings, a murder to solve, twists and turns, a secret society, and more. I enjoyed Coal's costume for the Renaissance Faire and how Titan allows Macy to do her own thing but has her back and knows when to step in and intervene. The ending was amazing.

[Pamela K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Write the next one already!

Heather Day Gilbert gives us another intriguing setting for a relatively cozy little mystery. As new characters joust and posture, however, some people aren't shining knights...and others are. Gilbert's fans will be eager for the next installment.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 star read for Heather Gilbert! All the twist and turns kept me guessing up till the very end. The renaissance festival with the dressing up like knights, maidens, and the jousting pulled me in to the captivating plot. You add all the food and Barks and Beans yummy coffee and I wasn’t putting this book down until the last page. Cole and his cute dragon costume made me laugh. With a murder to solve and a romance with the hunky Titan this quickly became my favorite book in the series. I loved the heart-pounding thrill of danger and scary maze Macy found herself in, not to mention the stockades. Throw in some quirky characters and you have a story with so much entertainment and fun. I loved everything about this story and found myself sad it had to end!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll learn something new for sure

I had no knowledge of faires which are more common down South. I hope there's another Barks & Beans Cafe book in the wind.

[Ellen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting installment in the Barks and Beans collection, this story takes place in a Renaissance Faire setting which adds to the whimsy and excitement of the story. As usual, Gilbert keeps us guessing until the end regarding who actually "done it!"

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn’t Coal just too adorable in his dragon costume on this book cover? Maybe it’s the start of a joke, like a Viking lady, a knight and a dragon dog walk up to the coffee booth, lol. Coal was a good boy and Macy didn’t make him tolerate the costume too long. Who’s the best boy, Coal? When one of the jousting contestants was killed and not due to being run through, Macy was worried her new employee was gonna go down for the murder if she didn’t do some sleuthing.

As always, her sleuthing got some people upset and she had a pretty scary experience while at the Ren Faire after hours. But she had her answer and reinforcements arrived, one that she was over the moon to see and of course her brother too. There was a sorta little side mystery that was solved and as always, that elusive Anne Louise was still out there someplace. The book’s ending was super sweet and I can’t wait to read the next!

[Nana Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!!

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mysteries are THE best! Once again, Macy is drawn into a twisty mystery - this time during the local Renaissance Faire. When a jousting tournament turns deadly, she finds herself wondering just who wanted the sleezy cassanova dead. Her newest employee, August, comes under suspicion but things just aren't adding up. As she continues to dig for answers, she suddenly finds herself in the murderer's crosshairs. Grab this latest installment for a great summer read!

Personally, I hope this series never ends! 🐶☕

[Elizabeth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barks and Beans Cafe employees were poised to enjoy their booth at the local Renaissance Faire when tragedy struck. What was supposed to be a jousting exhibition turned fatal for one of the riders; a man whose reputation was already in shatters was carried off on a stretcher from something other than the thrust of a spear. As is turned out, "He didn't die of an overdose. His tox screen showed he was poisoned."

Cafe co-owner Macy Hatfield's vibrant curiosity demanded that she think back over everyone and everything that she had seen that day . . . . and there were plenty to choose from. A great big distraction was her boyfriend, Titan McCoy, who was in town visiting Macy and her brother Bo . . . . however, Titan was the best kind of diversion, especially dressed up as an heroic knight. As it turned out, Macy gets caught trying to play heroine and ends up breathing a sigh of relief when her knight in shining armor comes to the rescue.

Another great story where it seems that just about everyone has a reason to kill. . . . . and Macy has more than enough reasons to make a life changing decision..

[Lady Galaxy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ren-fair setting was fun. The mystery was interesting, but there were too many beans and not enough barks. Why were the few dogs that were mentioned named after TV series characters from a decade or two ago? I mean, I loved both series, but they make his book seem out dated even though it was just released. And I hate it that we now have two engagements and two weddings to struggle through. I hate it when long running series marry the main characters off. It always changes the dynamic of the series, and rarely for the better.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one. Loved the setting of the medieval faire. Great plot - I had no idea who the killer was until the very end.

Titan, Macy's boyfriend was in the whole book, which was a cool change...he is a great character. And I totally loved the ending. I was afraid the opposite was going to happen :)

I probably said it before, but I don't like dogs or coffee, but I love this series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to this series. I often don't do well finishing series that I start, for some reason I just lose interest. I've never lost interest in this one and am excited to see the next book come out. This is an easy read with romance and suspense throughout. Who's the bad guy? I didn't know until near the end when that person was unmasked! The characters stay true to who they are in this story as they have throughout, and the dogs we love to meet again and again are there too. I wasn't so sure this was a renaissance faire as it was a history faire. I didn't see all the ladies in their heavy gowns and frou-frou hairdos. I didn't meet a king and queen who were supposed to be over the whole event - but it was still a blast!

This is a clean read.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

A murder mystery, a fair in the town, a secret society, and Macy and Titan's romance evolves. Each book builds on the characters and I look forward to the next one.

[Rebecca (booksandbreggs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and read them as they come out. The love triangle was a bit over-the-top, but the ending was so sweet. 3.5/5 rounded up.

[Donna M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

It is nice to get to know the characters better. More intrigue to come! Appreciate the Godly portions. Great series. Can’t wait for the next book

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read.

This set of books are so well written I am sad to be at the last in the series. It feels like I was in the cafe petting dogs but ick I only do teas.