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Bookstore Cafe Mystery #13
Death by Caramel Macchiato
When Pine Hills, Ohio hosts an inter-town murder mystery game, bookstore-café owner and sometimes-sleuth Krissy Hancock assumes it’ll all be in good fun, but that’s before the competition claims its first real-life victim. . . The unique weekend-long event—a combination of a live-action role playing game and a theatrical production—draws competitors from all the neighboring towns, including Pine Hills’ own Krissy and Rita. Although the actors, clues, and performances are spread across the community, somehow Krissy’s team lands at the one location with an actual body. . . Police immediately call-off the competition while they conduct a real murder investigation, but soon it’s clear some folks are playing by their own set of rules. So it’s up to Krissy and her pals to shuffle through the suspects and draw out the real killer before another player takes their final turn.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 26, 2024
39 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 29, 2024
~Murder-mystery, Small-town, Secrets, and more!~
Death by Caramel Macchiato by Alex Erickson follows Krissy Hancock, owner of the Pine Hills local bookstore/cafe shop, who has a habit of finding and solving murders. When a weekend-long murder mystery competition happens, no one expects an actual murder to take place. With actors and clues spread all across town for the different teams to find and solve, Krissy stumbles upon a real dead body. The competition is immediately called off, and a real investigation begins. As much as the police and everyone around Krissy asks her to leave it to the police, she can't help but try to lure out the killer herself. Will Krissy be able to figure out who the killer is and what happened? And does it have anything to do with the completion?
4| This book was a lovely and cozy murder mystery. I enjoyed the pacing of this book and how nothing felt like it was being dragged on. It was fast but didn't feel rushed. While this is the first book I've read in the series, the descriptions and explanations throughout the book allowed me to understand the context and backstory of certain situations and characters, which was great. I loved hearing Krissy's internal monologue and how she worked things out in her mind. It helped me better understand her character and why she made certain choices. There was a good balance between her day-to-day life and the investigation, that I was able to understand the town and who she is at the same time. I enjoyed her many friendships throughout the book; it got across the small-town vibe well of her knowing almost everyone. I loved getting to see Pine Hills and its quirks. The concept of this book was unlike anything I had read before. The competition allowed me to get to know the characters before the murder happened, which I enjoyed.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was how the more modern references like Netflix didn't take me out of the story. I always struggle with and dislike this about most books, but it was well done here and added to the story instead of taking away from it. My one issue with this book is how many characters there were. It felt like many names at once and confused me about who was who. Between the actors, Krissy's friends and family, and the locals, it was just a lot of information to remember. I could figure out who was who, but it initially felt overwhelming and made me want to put the book down. I wish the characters were introduced gradually instead of all at once so I had time to process everything. The murder mystery aspect of this book was great; it had me guessing who it was til the end. I loved the grand reveal of who the killer is and how Krissy was able to work it out in her mind. The ending was nice and wrapped everything up perfectly.
Overall, this book was a great cozy read. It was fast-paced enough that I didn't lose interest but slow enough that I didn't feel rushed. Krissy's character is relatable, and the writing allowed me to grasp who she is as a person. This book honestly had great balance with great characters. I am excited to see what's next for Krissy and Pine Hills!
Expected publication is November 26, 2024
*I received this book through Kensington Publishing via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
Death by Caramel Macchiato by Alex Erickson follows Krissy Hancock, owner of the Pine Hills local bookstore/cafe shop, who has a habit of finding and solving murders. When a weekend-long murder mystery competition happens, no one expects an actual murder to take place. With actors and clues spread all across town for the different teams to find and solve, Krissy stumbles upon a real dead body. The competition is immediately called off, and a real investigation begins. As much as the police and everyone around Krissy asks her to leave it to the police, she can't help but try to lure out the killer herself. Will Krissy be able to figure out who the killer is and what happened? And does it have anything to do with the completion?
4| This book was a lovely and cozy murder mystery. I enjoyed the pacing of this book and how nothing felt like it was being dragged on. It was fast but didn't feel rushed. While this is the first book I've read in the series, the descriptions and explanations throughout the book allowed me to understand the context and backstory of certain situations and characters, which was great. I loved hearing Krissy's internal monologue and how she worked things out in her mind. It helped me better understand her character and why she made certain choices. There was a good balance between her day-to-day life and the investigation, that I was able to understand the town and who she is at the same time. I enjoyed her many friendships throughout the book; it got across the small-town vibe well of her knowing almost everyone. I loved getting to see Pine Hills and its quirks. The concept of this book was unlike anything I had read before. The competition allowed me to get to know the characters before the murder happened, which I enjoyed.
One thing I enjoyed about this book was how the more modern references like Netflix didn't take me out of the story. I always struggle with and dislike this about most books, but it was well done here and added to the story instead of taking away from it. My one issue with this book is how many characters there were. It felt like many names at once and confused me about who was who. Between the actors, Krissy's friends and family, and the locals, it was just a lot of information to remember. I could figure out who was who, but it initially felt overwhelming and made me want to put the book down. I wish the characters were introduced gradually instead of all at once so I had time to process everything. The murder mystery aspect of this book was great; it had me guessing who it was til the end. I loved the grand reveal of who the killer is and how Krissy was able to work it out in her mind. The ending was nice and wrapped everything up perfectly.
Overall, this book was a great cozy read. It was fast-paced enough that I didn't lose interest but slow enough that I didn't feel rushed. Krissy's character is relatable, and the writing allowed me to grasp who she is as a person. This book honestly had great balance with great characters. I am excited to see what's next for Krissy and Pine Hills!
Expected publication is November 26, 2024
*I received this book through Kensington Publishing via NetGalley as an eARC reader. This will not in any way affect my thoughts or opinions on the book*
January 26, 2025
Great little mystery. Liked it pretty well. I really liked that there was a cat involved in the story :) No language really and no bad content.
January 9, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I always love slipping back into Krissy Hancock’s world and seeing the familiar faces at Death By Coffee. There are quite a few books in the series now, so many that Krissy has earned the name “murder lady” for her ability to solve crimes before the police. In fact, they happen so often I think they need to hire another detective or two!
The only way you can get around so many murders in such a short amount of time is to add some outsiders and their drama. It means that some of the former players only get bit roles, and it was especially sad that Misfit didn’t feature much this time around.
The actual murder mystery was solid, although I was more interested to see how the murder game would have played out by the end. I wonder how many more books this series will have and how they can all tie in. I’d definitely like to see Paul and Krissy develop a more solid relationship for example. This was a fun addition to an already solid series. Five stars.
I always love slipping back into Krissy Hancock’s world and seeing the familiar faces at Death By Coffee. There are quite a few books in the series now, so many that Krissy has earned the name “murder lady” for her ability to solve crimes before the police. In fact, they happen so often I think they need to hire another detective or two!
The only way you can get around so many murders in such a short amount of time is to add some outsiders and their drama. It means that some of the former players only get bit roles, and it was especially sad that Misfit didn’t feature much this time around.
The actual murder mystery was solid, although I was more interested to see how the murder game would have played out by the end. I wonder how many more books this series will have and how they can all tie in. I’d definitely like to see Paul and Krissy develop a more solid relationship for example. This was a fun addition to an already solid series. Five stars.
August 10, 2024
#DeathbyCaramelMacchiato #NetGalley is a fast paced story that really grabbed my attention.
Krissy is participating in a live role playing game, which also includes a theatrical production that includes some interesting people.
Krissy can't wait to see if she can solve the puzzle before the other teams do, especially the one that includes the local police.
It isn't until they stumble upon a dead body does the game turn real, and Krissy and pal Rita race against the clock in order to bring this mystery to an end.
I enjoyed the story, definitely a favorite in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Krissy is participating in a live role playing game, which also includes a theatrical production that includes some interesting people.
Krissy can't wait to see if she can solve the puzzle before the other teams do, especially the one that includes the local police.
It isn't until they stumble upon a dead body does the game turn real, and Krissy and pal Rita race against the clock in order to bring this mystery to an end.
I enjoyed the story, definitely a favorite in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
October 31, 2024
Krissy Hancock, owner of the Death by Coffee bookstore and cafe, has a busy few days ahead which she's quite looking forward to. Pine Hills is about to hold its first murder mystery weekend where teams interact with role players in various locations and watch a theatrical production while hoping to be the first ones back to base. With the groups desperate to get a head start not everyone plays fair but the last thing Krissy expects to find is an actual dead body.
With the police cancelling the event and no one trusting anyone else, Krissy and her friends Rita and Wendy know they have to begin their own investigation. With the competition organiser desperate to save face and Krissy’s nemesis detective sharing very little information can they find the killer before they cause even more danger and destruction?
Book thirteen in this fun series takes most of the action out into the community and was a good read which I enjoyed very much. The new characters in this story were well formed with some more likeable than others and meant that once again I have enjoyed my regular visit to Pine Hills.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is always an entertaining series and is recommended. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0.
With the police cancelling the event and no one trusting anyone else, Krissy and her friends Rita and Wendy know they have to begin their own investigation. With the competition organiser desperate to save face and Krissy’s nemesis detective sharing very little information can they find the killer before they cause even more danger and destruction?
Book thirteen in this fun series takes most of the action out into the community and was a good read which I enjoyed very much. The new characters in this story were well formed with some more likeable than others and meant that once again I have enjoyed my regular visit to Pine Hills.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is always an entertaining series and is recommended. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0.
December 5, 2024
If there is anything I love than a cozy mystery, it's a cozy mystery that takes place at a MURDER MYSTERY PARTY! Yes! A double, complicated, intertwined mystery?! What is a clue and what is just a red-herring left over from the planned event? Who knows?! I loved how Krissy pieced this one together with help from her friends and other people in the town (all while trying to avoid the wrath of the police detective). There are interesting characters, though I think some of them didn't stand out as much as I wish they had. I was shocked by the ending!
Note: I would definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning (womp womp I did not) because I think you'll get a better feel for the town, the recurring characters and their relationships. It took a bit to get a real feel for Krissy in this book just because it's later in the series.
Thanks to the publishers for a free copy; my review and my thoughts are my own.
Note: I would definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning (womp womp I did not) because I think you'll get a better feel for the town, the recurring characters and their relationships. It took a bit to get a real feel for Krissy in this book just because it's later in the series.
Thanks to the publishers for a free copy; my review and my thoughts are my own.
May 11, 2025
I enjoyed the story. this is the first one I have read in this series.
November 26, 2024
"Death By Caramel Macchiato (A Bookstore Cafe #13) by Alex Erickson has Krissy and some of the gang, plus others, chasing clues around town to figure out a pretend murder. That is, until they find an actual murder. I was a little confused as to if the pretend sleuthing was being filmed or just for fun/prizes. The guy running it was acting like it was some sort of reality tv show but there wasn't really mention of it being that way otherwise.
The mystery part came down to who was left alone at the time the murder happened. Everyone was either with someone or traveling between groups with too short a time frame to have enough time to commit the crime. I didn't really suspect the actual culprit until just before the reveal. So, it at least got me there.
The mystery part came down to who was left alone at the time the murder happened. Everyone was either with someone or traveling between groups with too short a time frame to have enough time to commit the crime. I didn't really suspect the actual culprit until just before the reveal. So, it at least got me there.
February 7, 2025
netgalley
Easy read but I wasn't invested too much in the characters.
Easy read but I wasn't invested too much in the characters.
February 1, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Welcome back to Pine Hills for a special theater event! The aspects of this mystery and series that I especially enjoy include the Ohio setting, the popular coffee shop with an upstairs bookstore and cats. Misfit, an adorable orange tabby, belongs to Krissy, our favorite Pine Hills sleuth. Trouble, a black and white tuxedo, belongs to Vicki and Mason, Krissy’s co-owners for Death by Coffee. Coffee, cats, and books are mainstays of this reader’s life. One day, I must try Krissy’s favorite coffee!
A theater group from a neighboring town has begun a unique, week-long event in Pine Hills that Oliver, the director, strongly believes will be the production the year. It was intended to be a combination role-playing murder mystery and theatrical production taking players all around Pine Hill, both to find clues and follow where they lead. The “investigators” include residents of three different towns. Three teams, including one with Krissy and Rita, are from Pine Hills. Another team is from nearby Cherry Valley, and two others from Levington, as is Oliver. Oliver has two young assistants, Lydia and Richie.
The event begins at a quaint B&B in Pine Hills. Oliver’s original intent was to use actors from Pine Hills but replaced them with actors from his town, Levington. That, in itself has bred many emotions of local actors as well as a certain arrogance from the Levington folks.
Krissy, her friend Rita, and acquaintance, Wendy, makes up their team. They will work together to find, decipher, and follow up clues. The opening act is simple narration, with an actor acting dead with various items around him. They examine the scene closely and will hopefully acquire clues that provide direction of where they will go next to examine to find more clues and directions. Some of the clues or leads are actors set up throughout Pine Hills. The event proceeds, potentially for several days, until the right killer is turned in and verified.
When the teams followed clues to Death by Coffee, Krissy saw one of Oliver’s assistants slip a note on blue paper to Scott, part of an out-of-town team. Krissy assumed it was a clue. Krissy soon found the note and led her team to the location on the note. Wendy, part of Rita and Krissy’s team, found Scott dead when they went inside. Krissy could smell his caramel macchiato from her shop, scalding hot per his request. It had been thrown all over him.
Their cell phones didn’t work there. While deciding who would drive to a cell zone to call the police, Detective John and his team members arrived. For several years, she has helped his office solve several murders. He is determined it won’t happen again. Krissy and Detective John Buchanan have been each other’s nemesis for as long as she has helped the police.
The police have shut down the event while they investigate. Krissy talked with many of the actors, role players, and others associated with the event, and learned more than she wanted to know about Scott – that he was not well liked for many reasons – and about Oliver, and the troubles he caused their local theater community.
We meet many more characters than usual in this cozy. As a result, we learn only the very basics about each person. I do like Krissy, despite her somewhat wild imagination. I was happy to see her exercise friend, Cassie, again, and her next-door neighbor Caitlyn. I’m not sure why it seemed more noticeable in this episode, but there was less depth of interactions between Krissy and her friends. Perhaps it was because many of the characters were from out of town. I was surprised to see Krissy’s ex, Robert, and his association with the B&B, and happy they could carry on a conversation without animosity.
The production itself sounded interesting once I understood how it worked, and thought it would be fun to participate in it. The number of people who may have had grudges against Scott grew. Nobody really knew why Scott’s teammates left him behind at a stop, continuing with their investigation without him. He also had to find a ride to where the little blue clue told him. How Krissy figured out, then revealed, the bad guy/ gal was quite a surprise – I think, even to her! The motive was sad. I’m a little unsettled with the mystery overall, as several scenes, including the big reveal, were a bit confusing to me. All of the loose ends were tied up. I do recommend this cozy mystery and others in the series! I have enjoyed much of this series, so perhaps I had an off day when reading this one.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Welcome back to Pine Hills for a special theater event! The aspects of this mystery and series that I especially enjoy include the Ohio setting, the popular coffee shop with an upstairs bookstore and cats. Misfit, an adorable orange tabby, belongs to Krissy, our favorite Pine Hills sleuth. Trouble, a black and white tuxedo, belongs to Vicki and Mason, Krissy’s co-owners for Death by Coffee. Coffee, cats, and books are mainstays of this reader’s life. One day, I must try Krissy’s favorite coffee!
A theater group from a neighboring town has begun a unique, week-long event in Pine Hills that Oliver, the director, strongly believes will be the production the year. It was intended to be a combination role-playing murder mystery and theatrical production taking players all around Pine Hill, both to find clues and follow where they lead. The “investigators” include residents of three different towns. Three teams, including one with Krissy and Rita, are from Pine Hills. Another team is from nearby Cherry Valley, and two others from Levington, as is Oliver. Oliver has two young assistants, Lydia and Richie.
The event begins at a quaint B&B in Pine Hills. Oliver’s original intent was to use actors from Pine Hills but replaced them with actors from his town, Levington. That, in itself has bred many emotions of local actors as well as a certain arrogance from the Levington folks.
Krissy, her friend Rita, and acquaintance, Wendy, makes up their team. They will work together to find, decipher, and follow up clues. The opening act is simple narration, with an actor acting dead with various items around him. They examine the scene closely and will hopefully acquire clues that provide direction of where they will go next to examine to find more clues and directions. Some of the clues or leads are actors set up throughout Pine Hills. The event proceeds, potentially for several days, until the right killer is turned in and verified.
When the teams followed clues to Death by Coffee, Krissy saw one of Oliver’s assistants slip a note on blue paper to Scott, part of an out-of-town team. Krissy assumed it was a clue. Krissy soon found the note and led her team to the location on the note. Wendy, part of Rita and Krissy’s team, found Scott dead when they went inside. Krissy could smell his caramel macchiato from her shop, scalding hot per his request. It had been thrown all over him.
Their cell phones didn’t work there. While deciding who would drive to a cell zone to call the police, Detective John and his team members arrived. For several years, she has helped his office solve several murders. He is determined it won’t happen again. Krissy and Detective John Buchanan have been each other’s nemesis for as long as she has helped the police.
The police have shut down the event while they investigate. Krissy talked with many of the actors, role players, and others associated with the event, and learned more than she wanted to know about Scott – that he was not well liked for many reasons – and about Oliver, and the troubles he caused their local theater community.
We meet many more characters than usual in this cozy. As a result, we learn only the very basics about each person. I do like Krissy, despite her somewhat wild imagination. I was happy to see her exercise friend, Cassie, again, and her next-door neighbor Caitlyn. I’m not sure why it seemed more noticeable in this episode, but there was less depth of interactions between Krissy and her friends. Perhaps it was because many of the characters were from out of town. I was surprised to see Krissy’s ex, Robert, and his association with the B&B, and happy they could carry on a conversation without animosity.
The production itself sounded interesting once I understood how it worked, and thought it would be fun to participate in it. The number of people who may have had grudges against Scott grew. Nobody really knew why Scott’s teammates left him behind at a stop, continuing with their investigation without him. He also had to find a ride to where the little blue clue told him. How Krissy figured out, then revealed, the bad guy/ gal was quite a surprise – I think, even to her! The motive was sad. I’m a little unsettled with the mystery overall, as several scenes, including the big reveal, were a bit confusing to me. All of the loose ends were tied up. I do recommend this cozy mystery and others in the series! I have enjoyed much of this series, so perhaps I had an off day when reading this one.
November 20, 2024
Yet another great book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson. This story brings us back to Pine Hills for an interactive mystery production put on by a rather annoying director from a neighboring city. Oliver Quick thinks this production will be the greatest thing to ever happen to Pine Hills and is determined that all those participating in teams of three will find the murder nearly impossible to solve as they race across town gathering clues. Krissy Hancock, local coffeeshop owner and real-life murder mystery sleuth is on one such team and ends up finding more than clues to lead to the staged murder ... she and her team find an actual murder victim. She, of course, decides that she needs to do all that she can to help find the killer before they strike again, even as the lead detective and her police officer boyfriend try to dissuade her from "helping". There are more suspects than you could cast in a full theater production and it isn't easy to weed out whodunit, but, as always, Krissy manages to get to the truth. This was a really well written book with a good storyline, great characters, and some great red herrings to keep you guessing until the end. A definite must read for cozy mystery fans.
January 19, 2025
Alex Erickson continues to bring fun and entertaining stories with the 13th story in the bookstore Café mystery series, Death by Caramel Macchiato.
Krissy and crew are all set for a fun weekend long murder mystery competition. With live action role-playing spread all across town. It’s the makings of a very fun and interactive event. That is until Krissy’s team actually stumbles upon a dead body. The competition is immediately called off and the local authorities very much encourage Krissy to let them handle the situation, we all know she just can’t help herself.
I have not read every book in the series, but I do enjoy coming back to visit our friend known as the murder lady. Krissy is one smart cookie and has a tendency to figure things out a bit quicker than what the authorities do. Death by Caramel Macchiato is a solid murder mystery and has me interested to see how everything played out. I will say the characters keep you very much entertained and there’s a reason the series has gone on as long as it has.
Krissy and crew are all set for a fun weekend long murder mystery competition. With live action role-playing spread all across town. It’s the makings of a very fun and interactive event. That is until Krissy’s team actually stumbles upon a dead body. The competition is immediately called off and the local authorities very much encourage Krissy to let them handle the situation, we all know she just can’t help herself.
I have not read every book in the series, but I do enjoy coming back to visit our friend known as the murder lady. Krissy is one smart cookie and has a tendency to figure things out a bit quicker than what the authorities do. Death by Caramel Macchiato is a solid murder mystery and has me interested to see how everything played out. I will say the characters keep you very much entertained and there’s a reason the series has gone on as long as it has.
September 12, 2025
When Pine Hills, Ohio hosts an intertown murder mystery game, bookstore café owner Krissy Hancock assumes it’ll all be in good fun, that's until Krissy winds up at the one location where there is a real dead body. Police immediately stop the competition while they conduct a real murder investigation. Can Krissy shuffle through the suspects and draw out the real killer before another player takes their final turn.
This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery surrounding a murder mystery theater game. I love escape rooms and would enjoy something like this, but without a real murder. Krissy is a great amateur sleuth who uses her observational powers and intelligence to solve a mystery faster than the police can, which definitely annoys them. The plot was confounding, and I couldn't figure out who done it until the big reveal in the end. The romantic subplot made this story even more enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery surrounding a murder mystery theater game. I love escape rooms and would enjoy something like this, but without a real murder. Krissy is a great amateur sleuth who uses her observational powers and intelligence to solve a mystery faster than the police can, which definitely annoys them. The plot was confounding, and I couldn't figure out who done it until the big reveal in the end. The romantic subplot made this story even more enjoyable. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
November 21, 2024
Death by Caramel Macchiato is book 13 in the Bookstore Café series by Alex Erickson. This is my first book in the series so I can say it’s easily read as a standalone, but be warned, you may want to go back and read the previous 12 books.
Pine Hills is involved in hosting a big murder mystery event, with many of the townsfolk participating in the event. Krissy Hancock has teamed up with two of her friends to try to solve the mystery. Unfortunately. The day the event begins, Krissy and her friends find the body of one of their fellow competitors, putting an early end to the event.
Death by Caramel Macchiato was an engaging mystery, with lots of suspects due to the presence of many people involved in the mystery competition, many of whom had a history with the victim.
With many secrets to be revealed, Krissy and the local police had their work cut out for them, but Krissy, with a reputation for solving murders, was up to the task, and soon the town of Pine Hills was back to normal.
I would recommend Death by Caramel Macchiato to anyone looking for a light cozy mystery with a small town setting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Pine Hills is involved in hosting a big murder mystery event, with many of the townsfolk participating in the event. Krissy Hancock has teamed up with two of her friends to try to solve the mystery. Unfortunately. The day the event begins, Krissy and her friends find the body of one of their fellow competitors, putting an early end to the event.
Death by Caramel Macchiato was an engaging mystery, with lots of suspects due to the presence of many people involved in the mystery competition, many of whom had a history with the victim.
With many secrets to be revealed, Krissy and the local police had their work cut out for them, but Krissy, with a reputation for solving murders, was up to the task, and soon the town of Pine Hills was back to normal.
I would recommend Death by Caramel Macchiato to anyone looking for a light cozy mystery with a small town setting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2025
A fun, cozy mystery set in Pine Hills, Ohio! A theater troupe is in town to perform a "movie-quality thrill ride" like none other according to the director, Oliver Quick. Several teams have been created to "solve" the murder as they follow clues through the town. Each team is made up of three people: a book club, Pine Hills police officers, some "real actors" from a neighboring town, and other assorted people.
The characters are likeable and diverse. The initial setting in at a B & B named Ted & Bettfast after the owners, Ted and Betty. There are twists and turns, backstabbing, dead ends, and a few red herrings the main character Krissy must face as she "tries not to investigate and show up the local police department again". She is the owner of a local book store/coffee shop "Death by Coffee" and is likened to Jessica Fletcher of Murder She Wrote by a fellow contestant.
A great stand-alone read!
The characters are likeable and diverse. The initial setting in at a B & B named Ted & Bettfast after the owners, Ted and Betty. There are twists and turns, backstabbing, dead ends, and a few red herrings the main character Krissy must face as she "tries not to investigate and show up the local police department again". She is the owner of a local book store/coffee shop "Death by Coffee" and is likened to Jessica Fletcher of Murder She Wrote by a fellow contestant.
A great stand-alone read!
November 15, 2024
This is book Thirteen in this charming cozy series. Krissy and friends are back with a fun murder mystery game weekend planned for the town. When a real murder occurs Krissy has put on her investigation hat much to the chagrin of her detective boyfriend. As she delves into the victim and finds substantial clues she soon finds secrets abound among red herrings. The sleuth is well crafted, the characters all add depth to the series and the protagnist is savvy and smart. A most enjoyable addtion to this fun series.
This is a engaging next in series with great supporting characters and a fun sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. I always enjoy returning to this series and look forward to the next in series.. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own
This is a engaging next in series with great supporting characters and a fun sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. I always enjoy returning to this series and look forward to the next in series.. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own
September 19, 2025
Murder Mystery Game reveals a murder
Death by Caramel Macchiato is the 13th book in Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Cafe Mystery series and it is a good addition to the series. Krissy Hancock and her friend Vicky own Death by Coffee, a bookstore & cafe. There is a Murder Mystery game happening in town where teams of 3 have to visit local places and find clues. Krissy finds a note that leads to a dead body. It is one of the other players who wasn’t very popular. There are a lot of new characters due to the mystery game and they all are suspects which is a lot to keep track of. The cozy mystery kept me guessing and it was enjoyable. #DeathByCaramelMacchiato #ABookstoreCafeMystery #KensingtonCozies
Death by Caramel Macchiato is the 13th book in Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Cafe Mystery series and it is a good addition to the series. Krissy Hancock and her friend Vicky own Death by Coffee, a bookstore & cafe. There is a Murder Mystery game happening in town where teams of 3 have to visit local places and find clues. Krissy finds a note that leads to a dead body. It is one of the other players who wasn’t very popular. There are a lot of new characters due to the mystery game and they all are suspects which is a lot to keep track of. The cozy mystery kept me guessing and it was enjoyable. #DeathByCaramelMacchiato #ABookstoreCafeMystery #KensingtonCozies
September 24, 2024
Sometimes-sleuth Krissy Hancock is the bookstore/café owner in Pine Hills, Ohio. She, her boyfriend Officer Paul Dalton, nearly all of her friends and fellow community players are involved in an inter-town murder mystery game/theatrical production/RPG. There are the expected temper tantrums and rivalries, but things go alright until one contentious player is found dead and the investigation gets real. Lots of suspects and red herrings completed by a couple of amazing plot twists.
I requested and received a temporary ebook from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you. Avail Nov 26,2024
#DeathbyCaramelMacchiato #Kensington #NetGalley #BookstoreCafeMysteriesBk13
I requested and received a temporary ebook from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you. Avail Nov 26,2024
#DeathbyCaramelMacchiato #Kensington #NetGalley #BookstoreCafeMysteriesBk13
November 26, 2024
Death by Caramel Macchiato is book #13 in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
I can’t believe this is book #13. Krissy is taking part in a live-action role playing game and a theatrical production event. Of course, Krissy and her team find a real body which ends the competition. So Krissy and friends switch gears to solve the real murder. Will they find the murderer before the police? I enjoyed this book. It was great seeing Krissy and friends again and following along as they investigated.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I can’t believe this is book #13. Krissy is taking part in a live-action role playing game and a theatrical production event. Of course, Krissy and her team find a real body which ends the competition. So Krissy and friends switch gears to solve the real murder. Will they find the murderer before the police? I enjoyed this book. It was great seeing Krissy and friends again and following along as they investigated.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 29, 2024
This is book 13 in this series but the first I’ve read. It caught my eye because my favorite coffee is in the title. I had no trouble following the story so it does well as a standalone.
I really liked the characters in this story. Krissy leads a busy life between her coffee shop, friends, her cat and her boyfriend, Paul. As with most cozy mystery MC’s, she’s a bit stubborn when it comes to solving a murder. They keep getting told no but don’t stop. And in this book, we had 2 mysteries, one fake and one real.
I’m looking forward to going back and reading some of the earlier books in this series.
I received this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really liked the characters in this story. Krissy leads a busy life between her coffee shop, friends, her cat and her boyfriend, Paul. As with most cozy mystery MC’s, she’s a bit stubborn when it comes to solving a murder. They keep getting told no but don’t stop. And in this book, we had 2 mysteries, one fake and one real.
I’m looking forward to going back and reading some of the earlier books in this series.
I received this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 11, 2024
I enjoy this one so much!
Krissy owns a cafe’/bookstore in Pine Hills, Ohio. She is also a part-time crime solver. Much to the dismay of her cop boyfriend.
When she and Rita team up on an exclusive murder mystery weekend, the drama begins.
Oh what despicable characters show up! And then a body. A real dead body.
As the police close down the show, the director is furious, the other actors are acting fishy and everyone is looking like a killer.
The characters really make this series.
NetGalley/ Kensington November 26, 2024
Krissy owns a cafe’/bookstore in Pine Hills, Ohio. She is also a part-time crime solver. Much to the dismay of her cop boyfriend.
When she and Rita team up on an exclusive murder mystery weekend, the drama begins.
Oh what despicable characters show up! And then a body. A real dead body.
As the police close down the show, the director is furious, the other actors are acting fishy and everyone is looking like a killer.
The characters really make this series.
NetGalley/ Kensington November 26, 2024
November 14, 2024
Geez. The murder mystery game wasn't meant to be played for real but that's what's happened. This latest in the long running series sees Krissy and her friends Rita and Wendy working to find the villain who not only disrupted the Pine Hills game but also killed someone (no spoilers) who was not (in the tradition of all good cozies) liked. It helps I think to have read at least a few of the earlier books as this will help the reader keep all the characters straight. That said, it's a lively one with some good red herrings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun cozy read.
November 28, 2024
When Pine Hills hosts a murder mystery week event Krissy joins along with the other attendees to try and solve the murder. But when a real murder takes place, Krissy finds herself trying to solve this murder too. Well, she be able to figure out whodunit, or will this be the last drop for her?
Book number 13 in this series provide another great mystery. Just like with my coffee, I can never get enough in this series. As soon as I finish one book, I’m ready for the next. And just like coffee, the series never disappoints.
Book number 13 in this series provide another great mystery. Just like with my coffee, I can never get enough in this series. As soon as I finish one book, I’m ready for the next. And just like coffee, the series never disappoints.
March 6, 2025
A murder mystery role playing game, a bookstore cafe mystery, what more can a cozy lover want? When Krissy and her team ends up at a location that is not a part of the game but yields a dead body nevertheless, she finds herself trying to help the cops including her boyfriend Paul in a real murder investigation.
Although this is a series, this is the first book of Erickson's Bookstore Cafe series I picked up and just like a good caramel macchiato, I am now hooked. Looking forward to getting my hands on his other books in this series.
Although this is a series, this is the first book of Erickson's Bookstore Cafe series I picked up and just like a good caramel macchiato, I am now hooked. Looking forward to getting my hands on his other books in this series.
January 23, 2026
Death By Caramel Macchiato was my first cozy mystery! I really enjoyed reading it and flew through it. While it was suspenseful, it was never spooky which is definitely where it gets the name “cozy mystery”.
This specific book was good and had a satisfying conclusion. I loved one of the underlying messages, “friends are important.” This comment was made multiple times and just such a great thing to weave in.
This specific book was good and had a satisfying conclusion. I loved one of the underlying messages, “friends are important.” This comment was made multiple times and just such a great thing to weave in.
September 8, 2024
Kristy is participating in a murder mystery weekend where each team needs to solve the clues given to uncover the murderer. When a member of another team is murdered, Kristy is determined to discover who among the players had reason to kill the man.
Enjoyable read.
#DeathbyCaramelMacchiato #Kensington #NetGalley
Enjoyable read.
#DeathbyCaramelMacchiato #Kensington #NetGalley
October 7, 2024
Surpise! It's Christmas and Dad along with his girlfriend arrive for the holidays. Lena is back but hurting, Vicki and Mason are away visiting relatives with her in-laws and of course there's a murder mystery; threats come to her friend Jules as well as those she barely knows but she manages to save the day with Dad at her side (as Santa) and nearly gets arrested by Buchanan!
November 22, 2024
Krissy finds herself part of a murder mystery weekend, which goes well, until she discovers a real dead body. He was part of the group but wasn't well liked among the mystery solvers. Krissy can't help but get involved in trying to figure out this mystery. Well written and plotted, these characters are always a joy to visit and the cat antics provide comic relief!
March 3, 2025
I’ve read all of the Bookstore Cafe mystery series prior to number 13. I’ve really enjoyed all of them but unfortunately, I really can’t even get into # 13. It’s like a different author wrote it. I’m about 2/3 through and just don’t get this whole plot. Not sure I’ll finish. I’m so disappointed.
March 27, 2025
This is quick and fun read in the cozy mystery genre.
I am not impressed with the heroine, Krissy as she is constantly jumping into the middle of the investigation even if she is is in danger. Questioning possible murder suspects is stupid and I prefer the cozy mysteries when the characters are more cautious!
Fun read , but not my favorite in this category.
I am not impressed with the heroine, Krissy as she is constantly jumping into the middle of the investigation even if she is is in danger. Questioning possible murder suspects is stupid and I prefer the cozy mysteries when the characters are more cautious!
Fun read , but not my favorite in this category.
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