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A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #1
A Shot of Scandal
Small town. Big crime. And one feisty, caffeine-fueled amateur sleuth caught in the middle. It all starts here in A Shot of Scandal—the first brew in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series.
Parker Hayes—a former true-crime podcaster turned aspiring cafe owner—thought swapping the hustle of big-city life for the charm of Magnolia Grove would be a piece of cake … or at least a slice of pie. But when a high-society gala at the historic Beauregard Mansion ends with a murder and the theft of the priceless Magnolia Rose necklace, Parker’s peaceful plans quickly go up in steam.
Between renovating her new cafe and navigating small-town secrets, Parker finds herself in the middle of a mystery steeped in scandal, lies and lattes.
Can she sift through Magnolia Grove’s dirty laundry, catch a killer and still get her cafe up and running?
Pour yourself a cup of intrigue with A Shot of Scandal—where the coffee is hot, the clues are curious and the suspect list is longer than the dessert menu.
All books in the series can be read as standalones.
The Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series
A Shot of ScandalA Drizzle of DangerA Blend of BetrayalA Measure of MayhemA Sprinkle of SecretsA Hint of HomicideA Dash of DeceitA Pinch of PerilA Brew of BlundersA Roast of RevengeA Crumble of ChaosA Dusting of DoubtA Twist of TroubleA Dollop of DisasterA Whisk of WoesAlso coming to the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery
A Cup of CrimeA Steep of SuspicionA Pour of PanicA Grind of GuiltA Splash of SuspenseA Latte of LiesA Teaspoon of TerrorA Swirl of ShadowsA Mocha of Murder
Parker Hayes—a former true-crime podcaster turned aspiring cafe owner—thought swapping the hustle of big-city life for the charm of Magnolia Grove would be a piece of cake … or at least a slice of pie. But when a high-society gala at the historic Beauregard Mansion ends with a murder and the theft of the priceless Magnolia Rose necklace, Parker’s peaceful plans quickly go up in steam.
Between renovating her new cafe and navigating small-town secrets, Parker finds herself in the middle of a mystery steeped in scandal, lies and lattes.
Can she sift through Magnolia Grove’s dirty laundry, catch a killer and still get her cafe up and running?
Pour yourself a cup of intrigue with A Shot of Scandal—where the coffee is hot, the clues are curious and the suspect list is longer than the dessert menu.
All books in the series can be read as standalones.
The Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series
A Shot of ScandalA Drizzle of DangerA Blend of BetrayalA Measure of MayhemA Sprinkle of SecretsA Hint of HomicideA Dash of DeceitA Pinch of PerilA Brew of BlundersA Roast of RevengeA Crumble of ChaosA Dusting of DoubtA Twist of TroubleA Dollop of DisasterA Whisk of WoesAlso coming to the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery
A Cup of CrimeA Steep of SuspicionA Pour of PanicA Grind of GuiltA Splash of SuspenseA Latte of LiesA Teaspoon of TerrorA Swirl of ShadowsA Mocha of Murder
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2024
About the author
Simone Stier
34 books115 followersSimone Stier writes humorous cozy mysteries with coffee shops, bookshops, small towns and clever twists.
With humor, heart and plenty of small-town gossip, Simone’s books follow amateur sleuths as they uncover murder, secrets and scandal in charming Southern communities. Her Cafe Crimes series features a former true-crime podcaster turned barista and delivers binge-worthy mysteries filled with wit, charm and clever twists.
Simone lives in North Carolina with her husband and writing partner, Peter. When they aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re probably cold plunging.
For fans of Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander and Tonya Kappes.
Join the newsletter for free short story + recipes simonestier.com
With humor, heart and plenty of small-town gossip, Simone’s books follow amateur sleuths as they uncover murder, secrets and scandal in charming Southern communities. Her Cafe Crimes series features a former true-crime podcaster turned barista and delivers binge-worthy mysteries filled with wit, charm and clever twists.
Simone lives in North Carolina with her husband and writing partner, Peter. When they aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re probably cold plunging.
For fans of Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander and Tonya Kappes.
Join the newsletter for free short story + recipes simonestier.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews
October 18, 2026
“Don’t be hard on yourself. You’ve single-handedly sniffed out at least three scandals happening in Magnolia Grove. You’re not completely off base.”
“Yeah, but I’m still short a murderer.”
Set in Magnolia Grove, South Carolina: “A charming Southern town,” in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Parker Hayes is a former true-crime podcaster, and now the owner of a new café: Catch You Latte. Or… she will be, once the renovations are complete.
Ready for a change of pace—especially eager to get out of the big city. Too many people on top of one another, high crime rates, a fan-turned-stalker, and a mugging.
…I longed for a simpler life where I could brew coffee, serve yummy desserts and pastries and have light-hearted conversations with regular folks that didn’t involve, well, crime.
Clyde Honeycutt, handyman extraordinaire.
Nellie Pritchett, town clerk and unofficial Town Busybody.
Whit Hawthorne, the town historian, is quite fetching. 😉
Sheriff Amelia Sinclair is not Parker’s biggest fan.
Lila and Emmett Bennett (siblings) run the antique shop.
Dr. Rufus Delacroix, the retired archaeology professor.
The gala at the Beauregards’ estate.
Penelope Elliot’s journal, hidden in the walls….
Tate Beauregard, murdered. The priceless Magnolia Rose necklace, stolen.
Nice date night. Parker and Whit are so cute. 😊
Jackson Beauregard makes Parker an offer she can’t refuse.
Bitter family rivalry surfaces…
Really picks up the pace once Parker takes on the investigation.
Road trip to the auction; more bonding. 🙌🏻
Nice food descriptions 🥞 🥩 ☕️ 😋
Mr. Rivière, from the old journal.
The bootlegging tunnels under town.
The author does the town justice; it really does sound picture-perfect. Excellent descriptive work.
Major, Clyde’s dog, is pretty awesome. 🐶
Insurance, pawn shop… and the marinara sauce scent…
Cool solve!
Very nice (gracious) thank-you note to her readers.
Pitch perfect. Hits all the right notes. And all the coffees sound delectable.
My café was the perfect mix of past and present, with a shot of attitude.
“It’s perfect, Clyde. Absolutely perfect.”
“Yeah, but I’m still short a murderer.”
Set in Magnolia Grove, South Carolina: “A charming Southern town,” in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Parker Hayes is a former true-crime podcaster, and now the owner of a new café: Catch You Latte. Or… she will be, once the renovations are complete.
Ready for a change of pace—especially eager to get out of the big city. Too many people on top of one another, high crime rates, a fan-turned-stalker, and a mugging.
…I longed for a simpler life where I could brew coffee, serve yummy desserts and pastries and have light-hearted conversations with regular folks that didn’t involve, well, crime.
Clyde Honeycutt, handyman extraordinaire.
Nellie Pritchett, town clerk and unofficial Town Busybody.
Whit Hawthorne, the town historian, is quite fetching. 😉
Sheriff Amelia Sinclair is not Parker’s biggest fan.
Lila and Emmett Bennett (siblings) run the antique shop.
Dr. Rufus Delacroix, the retired archaeology professor.
The gala at the Beauregards’ estate.
Penelope Elliot’s journal, hidden in the walls….
Tate Beauregard, murdered. The priceless Magnolia Rose necklace, stolen.
Nice date night. Parker and Whit are so cute. 😊
Jackson Beauregard makes Parker an offer she can’t refuse.
Bitter family rivalry surfaces…
Really picks up the pace once Parker takes on the investigation.
Road trip to the auction; more bonding. 🙌🏻
Nice food descriptions 🥞 🥩 ☕️ 😋
Mr. Rivière, from the old journal.
The bootlegging tunnels under town.
The author does the town justice; it really does sound picture-perfect. Excellent descriptive work.
Major, Clyde’s dog, is pretty awesome. 🐶
Insurance, pawn shop… and the marinara sauce scent…
Cool solve!
Very nice (gracious) thank-you note to her readers.
Pitch perfect. Hits all the right notes. And all the coffees sound delectable.
My café was the perfect mix of past and present, with a shot of attitude.
“It’s perfect, Clyde. Absolutely perfect.”
December 1, 2025
First in a long series featuring Parker Hayes who has relocated to a small town hoping to slow down from her career as a podcaster and investigator to opening a gourmet cafe.
Parker is an excellent main character who soon finds herself using her skills from her previous life again. There were a number of friendly characters and an interesting mystery. All good fun and of course the pleasure of there being lots more books in the series already written and available.
Four stars
Parker is an excellent main character who soon finds herself using her skills from her previous life again. There were a number of friendly characters and an interesting mystery. All good fun and of course the pleasure of there being lots more books in the series already written and available.
Four stars
October 21, 2026
Parker leaves her career as a true-crime podcaster and moves to a small town to open a coffee and dessert cafe, called Catch You Latte. Of course a murder happens the first night she is there!
A cute little cozy mystery with likable characters and a small hint of love story on the side.
Thanks for the recommendation, Dan!
A cute little cozy mystery with likable characters and a small hint of love story on the side.
Thanks for the recommendation, Dan!
October 18, 2024
Great start to a new series! Well-written and entertaining. I recommend!
June 25, 2025
Clean cozy, set in NC during the summer. It was a nice break from 2 heavier books I'm currently reading. I will continue on with the series:)
March 25, 2025
I know this book got a lot of good reviews. But I just did not care for it. My biggest problem was the main character, Parker. She acts like the people of Magnolia Grove had no idea how to function without her. She was too much of a know it all for me. And the rest of the characters, all fell short in becoming realistic.
Won’t be reading any more of this series.
Won’t be reading any more of this series.
January 1, 2025
What a sensational cup/read! It was good to the very last drop (puns intended). Just when I thought I’d figured out this classic, Southern who-done-it I was thrown another delicately crafted curveball! Catch Ya Latte is definitely going to be sticking around in my literary future!
June 26, 2026
A Shot of Scandal served as the perfect palate cleanser for me. I wasn't ready to stray too far from my beloved thrillers, so a cozy mystery felt like the ideal middle ground.
The last few cozy mysteries I read leaned so heavily into the "cozy" aspect that the mystery itself felt like an afterthought. There was barely any sleuthing, and the solution practically landed in the protagonists' laps. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here.
Despite being a Café Crimes mystery, the café remains just a charming backdrop rather than overshadowing the actual investigation. The small-town setting is vividly brought to life, the cast of characters is well developed, and the mystery itself kept me genuinely invested. Most importantly, the sleuthing felt earned, making the resolution satisfying.
No, this isn't a clever, mind-bending mystery, but it never tries to be. If you go in expecting a light, engaging whodunit with a solid mystery at its heart, you'll have a great time.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to cozy mystery fans.
The last few cozy mysteries I read leaned so heavily into the "cozy" aspect that the mystery itself felt like an afterthought. There was barely any sleuthing, and the solution practically landed in the protagonists' laps. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here.
Despite being a Café Crimes mystery, the café remains just a charming backdrop rather than overshadowing the actual investigation. The small-town setting is vividly brought to life, the cast of characters is well developed, and the mystery itself kept me genuinely invested. Most importantly, the sleuthing felt earned, making the resolution satisfying.
No, this isn't a clever, mind-bending mystery, but it never tries to be. If you go in expecting a light, engaging whodunit with a solid mystery at its heart, you'll have a great time.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend it to cozy mystery fans.
August 31, 2025
delicious cup of mystery!
So excited to find a new cozy series. I like the combination of crime podcast meets coffee in a quaint little town. We all know by now, little towns hide big secrets! This was fun and hard to put down. Now off to find the second book in the series!
So excited to find a new cozy series. I like the combination of crime podcast meets coffee in a quaint little town. We all know by now, little towns hide big secrets! This was fun and hard to put down. Now off to find the second book in the series!
November 1, 2024
Charming!
This is a new author for me and a new series. This was a fast paced enjoyable read. The primary character has relocated to a charming small town to open a cafe focusing on gourmet coffee and pastries. She finds that the building she purchased on line is not quite as depicted and needs a ton of work and renovations.
I love her spunk and the witty dialogue is a treat. Parker soon finds herself in the middle of a mystery that is closer to home to her former occupation. The characters are finely drawn, realistic and all have the feel of a true small town with lots of real quaint southern charm. I have downloaded book 2 and look forward to many more books to come.
This is a new author for me and a new series. This was a fast paced enjoyable read. The primary character has relocated to a charming small town to open a cafe focusing on gourmet coffee and pastries. She finds that the building she purchased on line is not quite as depicted and needs a ton of work and renovations.
I love her spunk and the witty dialogue is a treat. Parker soon finds herself in the middle of a mystery that is closer to home to her former occupation. The characters are finely drawn, realistic and all have the feel of a true small town with lots of real quaint southern charm. I have downloaded book 2 and look forward to many more books to come.
January 7, 2025
I was given a review copy of this book and I enjoyed it, especially the first-person narrative and easy flow writing style.
Ex-crime podcaster and investigator decides to leave the bustle of the city and embark on a new adventure opening a specialist coffee shop in a supposedly sleepy small town. However...
The characters suited the plot, while the plot had its twists. I liked how Parker dealt with the circumstances and her no nonsense approach.
Overall, this was an well-written and engaging story.
Worth a look.
Ex-crime podcaster and investigator decides to leave the bustle of the city and embark on a new adventure opening a specialist coffee shop in a supposedly sleepy small town. However...
The characters suited the plot, while the plot had its twists. I liked how Parker dealt with the circumstances and her no nonsense approach.
Overall, this was an well-written and engaging story.
Worth a look.
October 17, 2024
Loved the vibes here! This was a super cute, easy to read small town mystery. Excited to see what happens next in Magnolia Grove
November 12, 2024
What a cozy vibe! It was definitely a quick read. I did give it 5 stars, but it’s also my first “cozy mystery” so I don’t have a lot to compare it to. But I enjoyed it!! :)
November 1, 2024
A delightful cozy
1st in there series, I’m sure to read the next. Characters are fun and it didn’t get bogged down anywhere which makes you not want to put it down. Not looking forward to the stalker but am looking forward to the little group of characters who are becoming friends.
1st in there series, I’m sure to read the next. Characters are fun and it didn’t get bogged down anywhere which makes you not want to put it down. Not looking forward to the stalker but am looking forward to the little group of characters who are becoming friends.
December 10, 2024
Solid first book, I enjoy cozies. I liked the main character and look forward to seeing what Parker, Whit and Dr Delacroix get into in future stories.
There were a few small editing errors and odd wording choices but they didn't significantly affect the story. I like that it's not overly dramatic, overly cutesie or overly effusive as some cozies can be. Just a nice pleasant read.
There were a few small editing errors and odd wording choices but they didn't significantly affect the story. I like that it's not overly dramatic, overly cutesie or overly effusive as some cozies can be. Just a nice pleasant read.
November 3, 2024
Cozy Mystery
Thanks to BookBub for recommending this cozy mystery to me. I enjoy a good cozy mystery to cleanse my book palette and this one is my favorite . A small southern town is thrown into gossip and wary of the citizens when a prominent member is killed. The towns newest member, who was a crime podcaster, leads the investigation to find the killer.
Thanks to BookBub for recommending this cozy mystery to me. I enjoy a good cozy mystery to cleanse my book palette and this one is my favorite . A small southern town is thrown into gossip and wary of the citizens when a prominent member is killed. The towns newest member, who was a crime podcaster, leads the investigation to find the killer.
October 11, 2024
Cozy Crime
Love this little slice of Spicy Southern Suspense! Parker Hayes is on the job and keeps us guessing as she sashays through Magnolia Grove! I enjoyed every minute.
Love this little slice of Spicy Southern Suspense! Parker Hayes is on the job and keeps us guessing as she sashays through Magnolia Grove! I enjoyed every minute.
April 14, 2025
Super quick read small town cozy mystery with fun characters. I’d say 3.5 stars - enough to make me read the next in the series.
July 24, 2025
Loved it!!
June 15, 2026
A Shot of Scandal van Simone Stier is een cozy mystery waarin een amateur-speurneus verstrikt raakt in een nieuw mysterie vol verdachte gebeurtenissen, geheimen, en uiteraard een moord om op te lossen.
Het begin van dit boek, pff... Ik vond het maar moeilijk om er doorheen te komen. Hoewel de gebeurtenissen elkaar in hoog tempo opvolgen, voelde het verhaal soms wat oppervlakkig. En bovenal: ongeloofwaardig. Vooral het gemak waarmee de hoofdpersoon toegang krijgt tot politierapporten riep bij mij de nodige vraagtekens op.
Toch wist het boek me uiteindelijk te verrassen. De ontknoping zag ik niet aankomen, de spanning nam richting het einde duidelijk toe en ik sloeg het boek met een positief gevoel (en trek in een goede kop koffie) dicht!
Absoluut een vermakelijk tussendoortje ☕ Sterker nog: ik vind het leuk genoeg om de serie verder te lezen.
...En toen ontdekte ik dat die serie uit negentien boeken bestaat. Negentien! Dat zijn heel wat koppen koffie en mysteries om op te lossen 😅☕🔎
Het begin van dit boek, pff... Ik vond het maar moeilijk om er doorheen te komen. Hoewel de gebeurtenissen elkaar in hoog tempo opvolgen, voelde het verhaal soms wat oppervlakkig. En bovenal: ongeloofwaardig. Vooral het gemak waarmee de hoofdpersoon toegang krijgt tot politierapporten riep bij mij de nodige vraagtekens op.
Toch wist het boek me uiteindelijk te verrassen. De ontknoping zag ik niet aankomen, de spanning nam richting het einde duidelijk toe en ik sloeg het boek met een positief gevoel (en trek in een goede kop koffie) dicht!
Absoluut een vermakelijk tussendoortje ☕ Sterker nog: ik vind het leuk genoeg om de serie verder te lezen.
...En toen ontdekte ik dat die serie uit negentien boeken bestaat. Negentien! Dat zijn heel wat koppen koffie en mysteries om op te lossen 😅☕🔎
October 2, 2025
A definite hit
Parker is a,smart likable character who is determined to change her life. Moving to a small town she hoped for a slower pace with no to little crime. When a respectable member of the town turns up dead she is forced to find the answers and justice.
Parker is a,smart likable character who is determined to change her life. Moving to a small town she hoped for a slower pace with no to little crime. When a respectable member of the town turns up dead she is forced to find the answers and justice.
October 6, 2026
I was excited to try this series because it has such good reviews but it wasn't for me. The writing was sophomoric and didn't flow well, the people were caricatures and not believable, and the story itself didn't grab my interest.
January 6, 2025
A Shot of Scandal follows Parker Hayes on her journey to build a new life vastly different from her previous one. She is excited to start a new life in small town North Carolina plenty of miles away from the big city. Small town life with her own coffee shop is what she hopes to find, far from her life in the big city as a famous crime podcaster. But her new town is far from sleepy and when Parker finds herself at the scene of a murder along with almost everyone else in town, she discovers that leaving crime chasing isn't as easy as she thought. A prominent family member of the victim hires her to solve his brother's murder. Parker must navigate a new town and learn who to trust while also trying to open a new business and put down roots in her new home.
For those who enjoy a bit of mystery without graphic violence or gore, this book is just right! The characters are well written each with their own quirks. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and wanted to continually know more. This book's small town vibes and quirky characters give you the warmth of Gilmore Girls (southern version) while you chase down a murderer. I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans and plan to continue reading more from Simone Stier!
For those who enjoy a bit of mystery without graphic violence or gore, this book is just right! The characters are well written each with their own quirks. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged and wanted to continually know more. This book's small town vibes and quirky characters give you the warmth of Gilmore Girls (southern version) while you chase down a murderer. I highly recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans and plan to continue reading more from Simone Stier!
October 4, 2025
‘A Shot of Scandal’ is an excellent cozy mystery that takes place in the small town of Magnolia Grove, where everyone knows everyone and the secrets run deep. The characters were fun and intriguing, and the plot was perfect. Who doesn’t love a retired murder-mystery podcaster (also a PI who let her license expire), who just wants a new start and decides to open a quaint coffee and pastry shop in a small town, right away getting dragged into a whodunnit murder mystery? One of my favourite parts was how Parker, the main character, reviews her findings with a dog. Such a fun read, and I highly recommend it for your next cozy mystery.
January 8, 2025
I am so weary of reading books where the cops let private citizens look at reports and other evidence. It doesn't happen in real life and it annoys me to the point I will no longer read this series.
This could have been good, should have been good but it was just not. Ugh
This could have been good, should have been good but it was just not. Ugh
October 22, 2024
great new series
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great and the plot kept my attention. I look forward to the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were great and the plot kept my attention. I look forward to the next one.
May 27, 2025
3.5 stars.
December 29, 2025
Did I read this book in one sitting? Yes, yes I did. Gotta love a cozy, low stakes mystery!
September 5, 2026
Cute, cozy, fast little enjoyable read!
October 8, 2025
Pretty good for a random find when I was looking for a book with autumn leaves on the cover. A quick, easy read, with a core group of entertaining characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 144 reviews