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Killer Coffee #4

Cold Blooded Brew

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Charming. Southern. Mysteries.

Welcome to Honey Springs where the gossip is as hot as the coffee served at The Bean Hive Coffee Shop!

Meet Roxanne Bloom, ex-lawyer and who likes to be called Roxy by her close friends. She's the owner and operator of The Bean Hive coffee shop in Honey Springs. Kentucky.

But when a dead body is dumped on her doorstep like a sack of coffee beans, the cozy coffee shop becomes an all-out crime scene and everyone in the small town is hankering for some good gossip.

Sheriff Spencer warns her to be careful because everyone is a suspect. Roxy's snooping lawyer skills are on alert and she can't help but brew up a few clues to help find the cold blooded killer.

Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2023

500 people are currently reading
739 people want to read

About the author

Tonya Kappes

435 books3,669 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

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
Profile Image for Duffy Brown.
Author 13 books729 followers
March 19, 2018
Funny, fast-paced and a great mystery. Thanks, Tonya, for a great read.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,161 reviews15 followers
November 27, 2023
Roxy Bloom is in a great mood after finally getting to sleep in her own house after months of waiting for the repairs to be made after a fire. She and her dog Pepper arrive at the Bean Hive Coffee Shop to prepare the food and coffee for the day when they find a dead body sitting in one of her cafe chairs outside her shop. Sheriff Spencer instructs Roxy to leave the investigation to him and the deputies but after one of the suspects asks Roxy to be her lawyer Roxy plows full steam ahead into the investigation.

This book is my favorite in the series so far. The mystery was great as there were a couple of mysteries needing to be solved in this book. The twists and turns of the plot kept me on my toes guessing who was involved and why. I really loved how Roxy is now truly part of Honey Springs. I enjoyed seeing Roxy and Patrick have their little arguments in this book, not that I don't want them together but this makes them more realistic. I also enjoyed seeing how Roxy and her mother have repaired their relationship and want to help one another when the other is having problems. Overall I really love how the characters are evolving and becoming more complex and realistic. And being an animal lover; I love how Roxy always sponsors a rescue animal in her shop to help with pet adoptions.

I listened to the audiobook too. The narrator is a wonderful voice for Roxy and the rest of our friends of Honey Springs. This was such an enjoyment to listen to.

This is the 4th book in the series but can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. I recommend this book to all mystery lovers, especially cozy lovers. I was provided with an ARC of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for AmBerGUR.
397 reviews20 followers
August 30, 2023
3.5 stars. I didn’t guess the killer this time! 😬
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
February 17, 2018
Cold Blooded Brew
Killer Coffee, Book #4
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars


Synopsis:

Charming. Southern. Mysteries.

Welcome to Honey Springs where the gossip is as hot as the coffee served at The Bean Hive Coffee Shop!

Meet Roxanne Bloom, ex-lawyer and who likes to be called Roxy by her close friends. She's the owner and operator of The Bean Hive coffee shop in Honey Springs. Kentucky.

But when a dead body is dumped on her doorstep like a sack of coffee beans, the cozy coffee shop becomes an all-out crime scene and everyone in the small town is hankering for some good gossip.

Sheriff Spencer warns her to be careful because everyone is a suspect. Roxy's snooping lawyer skills are on alert and she can't help but brew up a few clues to help find the cold blooded killer. (Goodreads)


Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Roxy is a hard worker and smart. Although she does not go looking for dead bodies and murders to investigate, she is not afraid to do whatever it takes to find out who the murderer is if it keeps her friends safe and prevents them from being accused of murder. Her and Patrick, her fiance, are great together and I enjoyed spending more time with them. The secondary characters add a lot to the story, and of course, the animals in the book added to my reading enjoyment.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book, I felt like I was right there, visiting Honey Springs , Kentucky. I felt like I was visiting the shops and the Bean Hive Coffee Shop. She is also very talented in developing the settings in her books and there was everything I would expect from a small town: small town gossip, neighbors helping others, and neighbors getting into others business.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was carried on well throughout the book and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. It was not an easy mystery to solve.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next on when it is released.
Profile Image for Taryn.
1,107 reviews33 followers
October 29, 2020
In this next book of the series we find Roxy looking forward to the future. Honey Springs feels like home, she is engaged to a wonderful guy, and her business is doing well. What else could a girl ask for? While heading into work one morning Roxy comes across the body of Hillary Canter, a local sitting at one of her outside tables. All Roxy can think is here we go again and why does this keep happening to me? The dead woman has been seen in arguments with several people over the past few days so the list of suspects is long. Who could of killed her and why? Was it her best friend Pam who is getting married in a few weeks and was tired of her messing with her wedding plans? Could it have been a spat she had over a coat at a local boutique? Was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Roxy can't just sit by and do nothing while there is a murderer out there, especially because it happened in front of her business. Follow along as she sifts through all the gossip flying around town and looks for a killer in a way that only she can. This is such a great read filled with a plethora of fun characters. The setting is homey and pulls you right into the story and will have you feeling like you are right there. I can't wait to see what happens to Roxy next.



I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,627 reviews102 followers
August 9, 2018
I had nearly forgotten about this book! I was reading the third book and wishing for another when this one popped up on my Kindle to download. ::smacks face with palm:: Of course there was another one, so I got buried in this book for awhile and absolutely loved it! What a treat to stay in Honey Springs two books in a row! Now I really do have to wait for the fifth book, which is coming soon, I think.

There was a big wedding being planned, but to Patrick's dismay it wasn't his and Roxy's, not yet anyway. A local girl named Pam was being practically forced out of her own wedding by her so-called bestie who took over planning the whole thing, very elaborately too, saying she would pay for it. This girl rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in town because she was downright nasty and snarky. It was no surprise to me when she ended up dead, and I didn't guess the killer this time either!

It was awesome how Roxy had put on her lawyer hat this time and did some of her questioning in that capacity. Usually Spencer comes to her, grudgingly, for help, but he always starts out all "no investigating." He does realize that people naturally talk to Roxy and feel at ease with her.

The side mystery was regarding a bank mortgage company that Roxy's mom as a realtor was having some clients who had issues with it--somehow their payments weren't being made or second mortgages hadn't even been posted. Poor Emily's bakery loan had been called and she was going to have to close. Maxi had now become the gossip reporter, but she saw herself as much more and took it on herself to get to the bottom of that. As it turned out, the murder was somewhat related to the bank issues.

Roxy's showdown with the killer was pretty amazing, Roxy rocks lol. The killer was hauled off to jail, the bank issues and those offenders were also arrested and monies were returned where they needed to be, meaning Emily got a happy ending as well. With all this happiness going on, Patrick asked for a wedding date and Roxy agreed to fall. I hope she stays with it this time since the cabin remodel is all done.

I would be missing talking about one of my favorite characters if I didn't mention how much I love that sweet little Schnauzer, Pepper, that Roxy has. I can just picture him dancing on his back legs when she talks to him, what a sweet baby! The new characters Walker and Amelia were in this for a little bit. I'm hoping Babette makes a return sometime, she seems like a nice person who truly regrets what she did as a teenager. Bring on book 5! :)
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,050 reviews83 followers
March 10, 2018
Cold Blooded Brew by Tonya Kappes is the fourth A Killer Coffee Mystery. Roxanne “Roxy” Bloom owns the Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Pam Horton is getting married to Truman Phillips and she is feeling overwhelmed courtesy of her best friend, Hillary Canter. Hillary is bamboozling Pam into making changes to the wedding which is causing more work for event coordinator, Babette Cliff. Pam, after a pep talk from Roxy, stands up to Hillary which causes her to lash out. The next morning, Roxy arrives at work and finds a female in a white coat seated in front of the Bean Hive. Roxy quickly discovers the woman is dead and not who she thought. Sheriff Spencer Shepard is on the case, but the victim antagonized numerous people which leaves a plethora of suspects. When Babette ends up at the top of the suspect list, she enlists Roxy’s help in clearing her name. With the Bean Hive the central hub for gossip, you never know what key piece of information Roxy will overhear. Can Roxy ferret out the killer? Come back to Honey Springs for a cup of coffee, a delectable treat, gossip and a murder investigation in Cold Blooded Brew.

Cold Blooded Brew is best read after enjoying the other three novels in A Killer Coffee Mystery series. Tonya Kappes has a conversational writing style that draws the reader into the story. Cold Blooded Brew has a steady pace and light Southern humor. Honey Springs is a charming small Southern town with quirky characters who love to gossip. There are actually two mysteries (subplot regarding mortgage loan company) in Cold Blooded Brew. I like how the author tied them together. There are plenty of suspects and good clues to aid readers in solving the case. All the storylines are wrapped up in the end with a lovely feel-good ending. Cold Blooded Brew is a light-hearted cozy mystery that will entertain readers with its multi-faceted mystery, romance and humor.
595 reviews15 followers
April 20, 2018
I enjoyed this fourth book to the series. When Roxy finds a body in front of The Bean Hive she is pulled into a search for the killer which is no easy task when instead of a bridezilla this is a maid of honor beast, who irritated so many people that there is no lack of possible suspects who would want to see her gone. The mystery was excellent and took you right along with Roxy as to who did it. Although this is the fourth in the series, I don't think that you will have a problem reading it as a stand alone. I will definitely continue on with this series.
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.

Book four in the Killer Coffee series that I swear is just getting even better as it continues. This time Roxy is gearing up to help with a big wedding that is supposed to be happening in town. It was going smoothly until the maid-of-honor goes nuts trying to take over making it more her day then the brides. the two of them get into a huge public fight right in the middle of the coffee shop with the crazy one storming out. That would have been the end of it but Roxy finds her dead body outside the shop really early the next morning. One of the main suspects asks her to act as their lawyer so she starts looking into things. She is becoming quite good a bribing people with her goodies to get answers and this point which makes the story even more fun. I enjoy the evolving relationship with the Sheriff is showed some good character growth. Overall this is a well written cozy mystery novels that is just full of life and personality. I highly recommend the whole series to fans of the genre. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,456 reviews1 follower
March 11, 2018
Cold Blooded Brew by Tonya Kappes is a first rate cozy mystery that will keep you turning the pages. I always look forward to my visits to Honey Springs because Ms. Kappes' books bring the feeling of small town life into vivid detail.

Ms. Kappes' writing style is so descriptive that I felt like I was actually visiting Honey Springs while reading the book. Roxy is such a well-developed character now that I feel connected to her each time I read one of the books in this series. I really like her and admire her determination to help her friends and family. The Bean Hive is going great, she's moved back into her cabin and her relationship with Patrick is romantic and makes her happy. Then on her way into work one morning she finds another dead body. Poor Roxy; but what's a former lawyer supposed to do? Read the book to find out. There's more going on than murder as the plot speeds along with plenty of suspects, twists and more than one motive.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
1 review
January 11, 2021
Good Stories But Needs Attention To Details

The Killer Coffee Mystery Series Books are well thought out stories and fun to read. However, I gave this book 3 stars because of the lack of attention to detail and consistency in the books. Characters and descriptions of places change from book to book. Also names have been mixed up. For example, Walker, who was introduced in book 3, had custody of his granddaughter. In book 4, she suddenly became his daughter. The gas had to be turned off on the fireplace in the coffee shop in book 4, but it had been a wood burning fireplace in previous books. Jean Hill was referred to as Louise Hill a couple times in book 4. These inconsistencies, along with the number of typos in the kindle books, are just distracting. I think Tonya Kappes is a talented writer, but needs a lot more attention to detail.
Profile Image for Virginia Winfield.
2,910 reviews15 followers
March 17, 2018
This was wonderful. I love cozy mysteries and this was very cozy. I love the ones with food and the small town setting. It is always amazing how so many bad things can happen in one small town. I love Roxy and her pet Pepper. I am not a coffee drinker but I do like coffee houses. They are great places to hear gossip and meet people. Love how weddings can bring out the worst in people. 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 Miki.
1,025 reviews41 followers
March 15, 2018
This was first published on my blog " Lecture toute une Aventure"


This series keeps getting better -even if it means Honey Spring has a high level of murders- really this may be my favourite so far.

The investigation isn't simple and we really solve it like a puzzle with bit of info found here and there but really several twist make this one a page turner as you aren't sure of the motive or culprit until the very end. I love the setting a lot with everyone knowing each other in that little city and still so many secret and gossip.

Roxy is a great character, she really thinks of other and i love how she tries to help everyone while making her dream a reality...her romance is also really moving i loved to see it progress.

Now one part i can't resist are the one about the pet: Roxy relationship with her dog of course but also all the other she helps get adoptee and i love seeing them find the right owner.

This story is so captivating that i fear making too many spoiler so i will stop here and only tell you that you must read this one and if you can read the series in order it's even better!!!
Profile Image for Janet.
3,326 reviews24 followers
March 16, 2018
Love Roxy Bloom and The Bean Hive Coffee Shop! This is the fourth book in the series. I haven't read the others but I was able to jump right in. I'm a coffee lover so this mystery suited me perfectly. I would love to go to Honey Springs. This has charming characters, and a mystery with plenty of twists to keep you on your toes. Roxy is a great amateur sleuth. Y'all are going to love her and this wonderful Southern town.
430 reviews8 followers
February 26, 2018
I just love this series so much. I love Kappes descriptive writing style and she makes the town of Honey Springs come to life. This is a definite page turner. It has lots of suspects and lots of twists and turns. I liked the fact that at least this time the sheriff asked for Roxy for help this time instead of making her butt out. Loved it and look forward to each new book in this series.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,332 reviews
February 21, 2018
This is the 4th book in this wonderful series. I love the town of Honey Springs and felt as if I was home for a visit. Wedding Bells are ringing in the small town of Honey Springs, until the maid of honor is found dead. The Bean Hive Coffeehouse is a great place to hear gossip, and it just so happens to be run by Roxy. That is what Roxy is hoping for as once again she sticks her nose into the investigation.
Plenty of suspects, twists and turns as pages are turned to keep me guessing as I had to sort the clues.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
2,130 reviews46 followers
March 14, 2018
I always enjoy my time in Lake Honey Springs where I can hang out at the Bean Hive Coffeehouse. I know that this is where all the action is. Roxy Bloom has a talent for finding trouble. Now she's discovered another murder victim. Hillary Canter's body is found outside her coffee shop. Who killed Hillary? The woman had a talent for making enemies. Apparently one of them had enough and carried out the deed. Roxy is an intelligent woman who won't stop until she finds the truth. She's found contentment and purpose here in Honey Springs. Her romance with Patrick is so sweet. These two are perfect for each other. I love seeing their love grow. This mystery is a wild ride filled with plenty of suspects. The plot is well written and suspenseful. I love the small town setting. The people who live here are interesting and just a touch quirky. Cold Blooded Brew kept me reading. I needed to know who the killer was and why it was done. Tonya Kappes is a talented author. I enjoy her writing style.
Profile Image for Micky Cox.
2,316 reviews37 followers
March 11, 2018
Roxy and her sidekicks are back in action in Honey Springs! A magnificent wedding is being planned, but will murder derail the I Do's? Once again Roxy finds herself in the mix of things by being the local coffeehouse owner and uniquely placed to hear all the gossip. Besides a murder, something fishy is going on with the local bank after a mortgage company they work with starts calling lots of loans due and putting homeowners and business owners out on the streets. Can Roxy investigate all the shady activities, run a coffeehouse and try to keep her love life on track at the same time or will it all blow up in her face! A very interesting layered plot to keep you intrigued coupled with fantastic character development makes for a very fun read. I'm looking forward to seeing what antics the crew get up to in the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Amanda Wilcox.
176 reviews3 followers
April 11, 2018
I truly love this series but was a little disappointed in this book. The story line was great and the characters are growing but slower than I'd like to see. The mystery was fabulous and I was thrown off my guesses a couple of times. I love Roxy's heart for her friends and community. It also seems like she's not spending much time at the shop at all these days but sleuthing instead. Maybe her lawyering will take over in the future because her heart isn't in The Bean Hive much in this book. Don't get me wrong though, I'll definitely be following this series through to the end. Tonya's got me hooked.
Profile Image for Jessica Wilhoite.
407 reviews17 followers
March 13, 2018
I am so excited to write a review for this book, I love, love, love this series. I was super excited when I saw a wedding was going to take place, but sadly it was not about Roxy and Patrick's wedding (maybe in book 5). I was so stumped trying to figure this mystery out and there was no shortage of suspects, but the reveal was shocking to me! I also love how Roxy and her mom are getting along so well and that Aunt Maxi has a job as a reporter :) This book is a cozy mystery at its finest!
Profile Image for Jo Fisher.
12 reviews2 followers
April 7, 2018
Love this series! If you haven't checked out The Killer Coffee series and you love cozies I highly recommend you check it out. Get to knoe Roxy and the gang.
Profile Image for Monica.
1,530 reviews
March 12, 2018
This was a fun quick read. I have not read any of the other books in this series and you don't need to. I did enjoy this Cozy mystery. It was a quick easy read. If you are looking for a book that takes you away from the world for a little while this is a good one to read. I really want to read the next book.



*Thank you Tonya for allowing me to read this for my honest opinion*
Profile Image for E.
1,875 reviews
February 17, 2018
Roxanne "Roxy" Bloom is the owner of The Bean Hive coffee shop in Honey Springs, Kentucky. When she discovers a dead body outside of her cozy coffee shop, everyone in the small town is gossiping about who they think committed the crime. Sheriff Spencer wants her to keep an ear out for any gossip that might help solve the case, but he also warns her to be careful because everyone is a suspect. As Roxy begins to investigate she realizes that this may be about more than just the murder. Take a trip to Honey Springs and see what Roxy uncovers. This is the 4th book in the Killer Coffee Mystery Series and each book is awesome!
934 reviews
January 5, 2023
A local wedding with a beautiful bride and a horrible maid of honor. Pam is getting married in Honey Springs and it should be the happiest time for her but her maid of honor Hillary is a mean and bossy bully. Pam finally stands up to her in Roxy’s coffee shop – after Hillary dissed it. The more we learn about Hillary the more we learn about how many people she has been mean to which makes it difficult to pin down a suspect when she is found murdered! Roxy is on it – getting folks to trust her with her treats and coffee!
857 reviews12 followers
March 11, 2018
Cold Blooded Brew is the fourth book in the Killer Coffee Mystery Series and is a definite must read. Set in the fictional town of Lake Honey Springs in Kentucky, Roxanne Bloom, aka Roxy, is the owner of the Bean Hive Coffeehouse. When Roxy finds a dead body sitting in a chair in front of her coffeehouse her past career as a lawyer kicks in as she tries to unravel the mystery. With an ever changing cast of suspects this book will have you turning the pages. The book is written is such a way that you can close your eyes and envision the setting, the shops and the boardwalk. It's one of my favorite series written by Tonya Kappes and one I know you will enjoy!
Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
2,978 reviews88 followers
March 12, 2018
Loved it! An intriguing and delightful southern cozy mystery. Adorable dog(s) and interesting friends and relatives. Good thing she has competent help at the coffee shop as she is busy solving the latest murder.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
682 reviews4 followers
Read
March 10, 2018
As always a throughly enjoyable read . I love how Ms. Kappes always incorporates pet adoption into her story . The pets are as much a part of the story as the main characters.
Profile Image for Krystal Smith.
129 reviews1 follower
March 4, 2018
Cold Blooded Brew is the 4th book in the Killer Coffee Mystery series. This series is still as fresh as the first sip of your morning coffee. The owner of The Bean Hive Coffeehouse, Roxy Bloom, is a strong well written main character. Roxy is someone I would want to be friends with and I think that's the reason I enjoy this series so much. Another reason to enjoy this book is that it is full of southern charm and who wouldn't enjoy that! Be ready to merge yourself into the wonderful world of Honey Springs, go grab yourself a delicious cup of coffee and maybe a pastry or two and jump in. You won't be disappointed!
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