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A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #2
A Drizzle of Danger
Murder is brewing in Magnolia Grove …
All Parker Hayes wanted was a fresh start, serving up frothy lattes and decadent desserts at her charming new cafe, Catch You Latte. But just as she’s perfecting her caramel drizzle, her grand opening takes a bitter turn when a face from her past turns up dead … right behind the cafe.
Suddenly, Parker’s at the center of town gossip—and the prime suspect. Dodging murder accusations was definitely not part of her business plan. Then an ominous text turns everything upside down, and the clues start pointing to one of Magnolia Grove’s most upstanding citizens.
With a sheriff out to get her, colorful locals keeping her on her toes and clues that lead everywhere but make no sense, Parker will need more than a strong cup of coffee to clear her name. Can she solve the case before this drizzle of danger spoils her shot at a fresh start?
A Drizzle of Danger is the perfect cozy mystery, filled with small-town charm, quirky characters and twists that will keep you guessing. Grab a mug and join Parker on her journey—it’s a recipe for fun, intrigue and the coziest of crimes.Explore the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series!
The
A Shot of ScandalA Drizzle of DangerA Blend of BetrayalA Measure of MayhemA Sprinkle of SecretsA Hint of HomicideA Dash of DeceitA Pinch of Peril
… and more to come!
All Parker Hayes wanted was a fresh start, serving up frothy lattes and decadent desserts at her charming new cafe, Catch You Latte. But just as she’s perfecting her caramel drizzle, her grand opening takes a bitter turn when a face from her past turns up dead … right behind the cafe.
Suddenly, Parker’s at the center of town gossip—and the prime suspect. Dodging murder accusations was definitely not part of her business plan. Then an ominous text turns everything upside down, and the clues start pointing to one of Magnolia Grove’s most upstanding citizens.
With a sheriff out to get her, colorful locals keeping her on her toes and clues that lead everywhere but make no sense, Parker will need more than a strong cup of coffee to clear her name. Can she solve the case before this drizzle of danger spoils her shot at a fresh start?
A Drizzle of Danger is the perfect cozy mystery, filled with small-town charm, quirky characters and twists that will keep you guessing. Grab a mug and join Parker on her journey—it’s a recipe for fun, intrigue and the coziest of crimes.Explore the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series!
The
A Shot of ScandalA Drizzle of DangerA Blend of BetrayalA Measure of MayhemA Sprinkle of SecretsA Hint of HomicideA Dash of DeceitA Pinch of Peril
… and more to come!
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2024
About the author
Simone Stier
33 books112 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 28, 2026
The second book in this series about Parker Hayes who wants to leave behind her job as a true-crime podcaster and start a new career as the owner of a cafe, Catch You latte. However when someone from her past appears on the scene her whole new life seems to be in jeopardy.
It seems Parker is going to have to accept her role as a crime fighting barista since there are twenty books in this series. I am looking forward to reading them all.
A good story, interesting characters and a twisty plot make this well worth reading. Four stars.
It seems Parker is going to have to accept her role as a crime fighting barista since there are twenty books in this series. I am looking forward to reading them all.
A good story, interesting characters and a twisty plot make this well worth reading. Four stars.
November 15, 2024
Cute cozy mystery! I really enjoyed it! Well written.
November 2, 2025
The town of Magnolia Grove is quickly growing on me! I can't wait to see what Parker and friends get up to in the next mystery. This one laid a great deal of groundwork for some exciting subplots and mysteries in the future.
April 15, 2025
The second in the series was just as good as the first - so bumping up a star because it held its own. Still enjoying the characters and still enjoying the mysteries.
November 9, 2024
The second in the Cafe Crimes mystery series is an absolute hit! Parker Hayes is excited that her coffee house Catch You Latte is finally open. But her opening day is spoiled with a face from the past determined to drag her back into her podcasting days. When he turns up dead in the alley behind her coffee shop, Parker knows it’s up to her to clear her name before both her new life her new business are ruined!
I love this series- the characters are so authentic and fun to read along with. It’s definitely a cozy where you can get right into it and the pages just fly. I love visiting Magnolia Grove and can’t wait to read the third in the series. Definitely pick this up if you love cozies that are lighthearted and funny- Parker reminds me of Nancy Drew. She is easy to love, always has fun friends surrounding her and always solves the mystery just in time!
I love this series- the characters are so authentic and fun to read along with. It’s definitely a cozy where you can get right into it and the pages just fly. I love visiting Magnolia Grove and can’t wait to read the third in the series. Definitely pick this up if you love cozies that are lighthearted and funny- Parker reminds me of Nancy Drew. She is easy to love, always has fun friends surrounding her and always solves the mystery just in time!
June 7, 2025
Great characters, fun mystery, coffee.
I really like the detail that she puts into describing the characters or the scene. I can almost imagine the story in my head like I'm watching it on TV. Write down to the Southern Accents of a couple of the characters. I am definitely buying the next book and continuing reading this series. I love that it's a clean story. I love the mystery I love the quirky characters and I love the coffee shop.
I really like the detail that she puts into describing the characters or the scene. I can almost imagine the story in my head like I'm watching it on TV. Write down to the Southern Accents of a couple of the characters. I am definitely buying the next book and continuing reading this series. I love that it's a clean story. I love the mystery I love the quirky characters and I love the coffee shop.
November 10, 2024
Parker packs a punch
Magnolia Grove’s crimefighting barista, Parker Hayes, solves two mysterious murders with a team of hipster sleuths and a smoldering southern gentleman. A fun ride all the way through. Thanks for a little escapist mystery!
Magnolia Grove’s crimefighting barista, Parker Hayes, solves two mysterious murders with a team of hipster sleuths and a smoldering southern gentleman. A fun ride all the way through. Thanks for a little escapist mystery!
March 24, 2025
This was a very entertaining book. Love the small town and the many characters living there. Can’t wait to read the next one!
Amazon synopsis:
All Parker Hayes wanted was a fresh start, serving up frothy lattes and decadent desserts at her charming new cafe, Catch You Latte. But just as she’s perfecting her caramel drizzle, her grand opening takes a bitter turn when a face from her past turns up dead … right behind the cafe.
Suddenly, Parker’s at the center of town gossip—and the prime suspect. Dodging murder accusations was definitely not part of her business plan. Then an ominous text turns everything upside down, and the clues start pointing to one of Magnolia Grove’s most upstanding citizens.
With a sheriff out to get her, colorful locals keeping her on her toes and clues that lead everywhere but make no sense, Parker will need more than a strong cup of coffee to clear her name. Can she solve the case before this drizzle of danger spoils her shot at a fresh start?
Amazon synopsis:
All Parker Hayes wanted was a fresh start, serving up frothy lattes and decadent desserts at her charming new cafe, Catch You Latte. But just as she’s perfecting her caramel drizzle, her grand opening takes a bitter turn when a face from her past turns up dead … right behind the cafe.
Suddenly, Parker’s at the center of town gossip—and the prime suspect. Dodging murder accusations was definitely not part of her business plan. Then an ominous text turns everything upside down, and the clues start pointing to one of Magnolia Grove’s most upstanding citizens.
With a sheriff out to get her, colorful locals keeping her on her toes and clues that lead everywhere but make no sense, Parker will need more than a strong cup of coffee to clear her name. Can she solve the case before this drizzle of danger spoils her shot at a fresh start?
January 26, 2026
If you’re in the mood for a book that mixes mystery with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of Southern charm, then Simone Stier’s A Drizzle of Danger should be at the top of your reading list! As the second book in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series, this novel whisks you away to the picturesque town of Magnolia Grove, with protagonist Parker Hayes, a former true-crime podcaster who has traded her high-stress past for a fresh start as the café owner of Catch You Latte. In this installment, Parker finds more than she bargained for, and her grand opening plans are hit with an unexpected “drizzle of danger.”
Imagine planning the grand opening of your café only to have it overshadowed by a murder! That’s exactly what happens to Parker when a former rival from her true-crime podcasting days turns up dead. The plot thickens as Parker becomes the prime suspect, thanks to their history and the unfortunate location of the body. In a town where gossip spreads faster than a Southern drawl, Parker must navigate her way through local intrigue to clear her name.
Magnolia Grove, the location of this intriguing series, is a character in itself. With its charming hospitality and quirky locals, the town adds layers of warmth and humor to the story. Simone Stier expertly created a sense of place with vivid details that transported me right into the cozy town, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the chatter of curious townspeople.
The character dynamics are a highlight, especially the “oil and water” relationship between Parker and the local sheriff. This grumpy versus sunshine law enforcement trope adds a layer of frenemy tension that intensifies the investigation. The colorful locals and Parker’s friends, who also act as her café staff, serve as Parker’s quirky sidekicks, each adding their unique flair to the unfolding drama. Secondary characters fit seamlessly together and are well-developed and well-crafted, making them a favorite as much as the main characters (almost).
Simone Stier masterfully weaved a well-developed storyline filled with plot twists, red herrings, and a satisfying resolution in this fast-paced cozy mystery. This author masterfully crafted a tale where even the most seemingly innocent characters harbor hidden agendas, making every interaction a potential clue or red herring. The clever use of misdirection ensured that each twist and turn was both surprising and satisfying, leaving me guessing until the very end.
Overall, “A Drizzle of Danger” is a delightful brew of cozy mystery elements and culinary charm, all served up in a small-town setting overflowing with secrets and scandals. If you’re in the mood for a book that combines a latte mystery, a shot of humor, and a splash of romance, this is your cup of joe! Prepare for an adventure that’s as rich and layered as Parker Hayes’s signature caramel drizzle.
Imagine planning the grand opening of your café only to have it overshadowed by a murder! That’s exactly what happens to Parker when a former rival from her true-crime podcasting days turns up dead. The plot thickens as Parker becomes the prime suspect, thanks to their history and the unfortunate location of the body. In a town where gossip spreads faster than a Southern drawl, Parker must navigate her way through local intrigue to clear her name.
Magnolia Grove, the location of this intriguing series, is a character in itself. With its charming hospitality and quirky locals, the town adds layers of warmth and humor to the story. Simone Stier expertly created a sense of place with vivid details that transported me right into the cozy town, amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the chatter of curious townspeople.
The character dynamics are a highlight, especially the “oil and water” relationship between Parker and the local sheriff. This grumpy versus sunshine law enforcement trope adds a layer of frenemy tension that intensifies the investigation. The colorful locals and Parker’s friends, who also act as her café staff, serve as Parker’s quirky sidekicks, each adding their unique flair to the unfolding drama. Secondary characters fit seamlessly together and are well-developed and well-crafted, making them a favorite as much as the main characters (almost).
Simone Stier masterfully weaved a well-developed storyline filled with plot twists, red herrings, and a satisfying resolution in this fast-paced cozy mystery. This author masterfully crafted a tale where even the most seemingly innocent characters harbor hidden agendas, making every interaction a potential clue or red herring. The clever use of misdirection ensured that each twist and turn was both surprising and satisfying, leaving me guessing until the very end.
Overall, “A Drizzle of Danger” is a delightful brew of cozy mystery elements and culinary charm, all served up in a small-town setting overflowing with secrets and scandals. If you’re in the mood for a book that combines a latte mystery, a shot of humor, and a splash of romance, this is your cup of joe! Prepare for an adventure that’s as rich and layered as Parker Hayes’s signature caramel drizzle.
January 20, 2026
Entertaining and engaging
Parker has opened Catch a Latte Cafe officially in her new community of Magnolia Grove and it’s going wonderfully until an old acquaintance is murdered behind her shop. Screeeeeeeching halt to her new biz since she becomes the primary suspect. Oops.
The plot is entertaining and engaging , which sounds oddin a cozy cafe crimes mystery but it is! And fiendishly clever as well, since Parker has her almost beau Whit as an assist sleuth support, a sort of Watson to her as Sherlock, her dear friend/current landlord and cafe renovator Clyde and adorable doggie sidekickMajor, charming Maggie at the clothing boutique and dozens of other eccentric locals that create the thriving community of Magnolia Grove and bring it to life.
As the novel progresses and the action moves quickly, the villain is unmasked by Parker with the assistance of the victims fans acting as a team which is quite unique and they as a group with the community all pitch in, helping Parker piece together those final clues and the villain is truly a complete surprise and an absolutely worthwhile read
Parker has opened Catch a Latte Cafe officially in her new community of Magnolia Grove and it’s going wonderfully until an old acquaintance is murdered behind her shop. Screeeeeeeching halt to her new biz since she becomes the primary suspect. Oops.
The plot is entertaining and engaging , which sounds oddin a cozy cafe crimes mystery but it is! And fiendishly clever as well, since Parker has her almost beau Whit as an assist sleuth support, a sort of Watson to her as Sherlock, her dear friend/current landlord and cafe renovator Clyde and adorable doggie sidekickMajor, charming Maggie at the clothing boutique and dozens of other eccentric locals that create the thriving community of Magnolia Grove and bring it to life.
As the novel progresses and the action moves quickly, the villain is unmasked by Parker with the assistance of the victims fans acting as a team which is quite unique and they as a group with the community all pitch in, helping Parker piece together those final clues and the villain is truly a complete surprise and an absolutely worthwhile read
June 19, 2026
A Drizzle of Danger van Simone Stier brengt ons opnieuw naar het gezellige Catch you latte, waar een nieuw mysterie om op te lossen zich aandient en de vertrouwde personages verder groeien.
Ik vond dit deel sterker dan het eerste... Wat fijn is, want ik hou van sterke koffie! Het verhaal voelde natuurlijker aan en ik kon me makkelijker laten meeslepen door het mysterie. De gebeurtenissen zijn nog steeds af en toe wat vergezocht, maar deze keer had ik daar veel minder moeite mee.
Daarnaast was het heerlijk om de personages weer terug te zien, en vooral de ontwikkeling tussen Parker en Whit bleef me... vermaken? Ergeren? Wat een ongelooflijke slow burn is dat 😅
Zoek je een murder mystery die aanvoelt als een warme caramel latte op een regenachtige dag? Dan zit je met dit boek helemaal goed. ☕🔎📚
Ik vond dit deel sterker dan het eerste... Wat fijn is, want ik hou van sterke koffie! Het verhaal voelde natuurlijker aan en ik kon me makkelijker laten meeslepen door het mysterie. De gebeurtenissen zijn nog steeds af en toe wat vergezocht, maar deze keer had ik daar veel minder moeite mee.
Daarnaast was het heerlijk om de personages weer terug te zien, en vooral de ontwikkeling tussen Parker en Whit bleef me... vermaken? Ergeren? Wat een ongelooflijke slow burn is dat 😅
Zoek je een murder mystery die aanvoelt als een warme caramel latte op een regenachtige dag? Dan zit je met dit boek helemaal goed. ☕🔎📚
September 5, 2026
Ein gelungener zweiter Fall mit Wohlfühlfaktor
In „Leiche Macchiato“ von Simone Stier geht die Geschichte um die Café-Besitzerin und ehemalige True-Crime-Podcasterin Parker weiter. Auch in ihrem zweiten Fall wird es wieder spannend und Parker gerät mitten in neue Ereignisse und Ermittlungen.
Mir hat die Fortsetzung sehr gut gefallen. Die sympathischen Charaktere machen die Geschichte wieder besonders angenehm und auch der Schreibstil ist flüssig und leicht zu lesen. Insgesamt hat das Buch für mich genau die richtige Mischung aus Spannung und gemütlicher Atmosphäre.
Fazit: Eine gelungene Fortsetzung mit sympathischen Charakteren und einem angenehmen Schreibstil – perfekt für einen entspannten Krimi-Nachmittag.
In „Leiche Macchiato“ von Simone Stier geht die Geschichte um die Café-Besitzerin und ehemalige True-Crime-Podcasterin Parker weiter. Auch in ihrem zweiten Fall wird es wieder spannend und Parker gerät mitten in neue Ereignisse und Ermittlungen.
Mir hat die Fortsetzung sehr gut gefallen. Die sympathischen Charaktere machen die Geschichte wieder besonders angenehm und auch der Schreibstil ist flüssig und leicht zu lesen. Insgesamt hat das Buch für mich genau die richtige Mischung aus Spannung und gemütlicher Atmosphäre.
Fazit: Eine gelungene Fortsetzung mit sympathischen Charakteren und einem angenehmen Schreibstil – perfekt für einen entspannten Krimi-Nachmittag.
November 9, 2025
A Drizzle of Danger Review
I believe A Drizzle of Danger was the best book in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series. I love the characters, the stories and the food sounds so delicious it makes me wish I was there. I figured it Wade Tucker for Dylans murder but I wasn't sure about Wade's killer until Thatcher got in his mom's care and mentioned the muffler then I immediately knew it had to be Susan. Simone, thank you for the great cozy Mystery. I am looking forward to the next story.
I believe A Drizzle of Danger was the best book in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series. I love the characters, the stories and the food sounds so delicious it makes me wish I was there. I figured it Wade Tucker for Dylans murder but I wasn't sure about Wade's killer until Thatcher got in his mom's care and mentioned the muffler then I immediately knew it had to be Susan. Simone, thank you for the great cozy Mystery. I am looking forward to the next story.
January 3, 2025
Another Chapter Drizzled with Intrigue!
Simone Stier has done it again!! The 2nd installment in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series was even more of a page turner than the first one. Steeped with rich characters, drizzled with dark town secrets and just phenomenal writing on the authors part!
Simone Stier has done it again!! The 2nd installment in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series was even more of a page turner than the first one. Steeped with rich characters, drizzled with dark town secrets and just phenomenal writing on the authors part!
February 8, 2025
I liked it
Quirky is the adjective I would use for this series. Lots of bad jokes and similes spoken in good fun. The plot for this story is easily followed. The premise is finding out who killed the ex-rival podcaster and why. The answers eventually found were both sad and the events unnecessary. I still recommend this book and the series.
Quirky is the adjective I would use for this series. Lots of bad jokes and similes spoken in good fun. The plot for this story is easily followed. The premise is finding out who killed the ex-rival podcaster and why. The answers eventually found were both sad and the events unnecessary. I still recommend this book and the series.
March 18, 2025
I love Simone stiers writing and knack for similes and small town vibes. There’s such a difference between thriller and cozy mystery and SS really nails that with each book of the series so far. Keeps me looking forward to the next! I intersperse those with other novels as they are always a win for me and keep me guessing. Although I did better this one than the first!
January 22, 2026
This is the second book in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series. Revisiting this small town of Magnolia Grove was amazing. Reconnecting with Parker, Major her dog and the other characters was fantastic. Parker’s cafe is finally open. At the grand opening a person from her past shows up. The twist and turns keeps you turning the page. Definitely recommend this book.
April 8, 2026
With her new cafe, Catch you Latte, now open, Parker just wants a fresh start and new quiet life. This is not to be. A face from Parker's past suddenly shows up dead behind her cafe. With the sheriff breathing down her throat and Parker desperately trying to perfect her coffee recipes, everything takes a turn with one post. Will Parker clear her name or will her fresh start be in jail?
May 21, 2026
Parker Hayes is busy at work in her new cafe, Catch You Latte. A former collegue of hers shows up in town, trying to get her to join him in investigating an old scandel. She declines since she is concentrating on her new business. When he is found dead behind her cafe, she ends up being pulled into the investigation if for no other reason then to prove she had nothing to do with the murder.
June 30, 2026
I really enjoyed the first one, so picking up book two! This one was a bit more suspenseful than my regular cozy mysteries, as it centred around a podcaster that was poisoned and beaten. In the act of finding the killer, it felt very suspenseful and had me on the edge of my seat.
This is a fun series and I will definitely be back for book three.
This is a fun series and I will definitely be back for book three.
December 23, 2024
A drizzle of danger
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. Each one has been engaging with plenty of mystery, small town, gossip, and friends. The book makes you laugh at times and sometimes feel sad. I am looking forward to read the next book in the series.
This is the second book I’ve read by this author. Each one has been engaging with plenty of mystery, small town, gossip, and friends. The book makes you laugh at times and sometimes feel sad. I am looking forward to read the next book in the series.
January 11, 2025
Exciting
This high quality cozy mystery is told with fresh storytelling and interesting characters, different than the same old same old starting over and opening a business. Very enjoyable.
This high quality cozy mystery is told with fresh storytelling and interesting characters, different than the same old same old starting over and opening a business. Very enjoyable.
July 31, 2025
wow fantastic cozy read
Wow, another fantastic cozy mystery. So enjoyed the characters and of course the story plot kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. Definitely highly recommend it to all mystery lovers and family and friends.
Wow, another fantastic cozy mystery. So enjoyed the characters and of course the story plot kept me hooked from the beginning to the end. Definitely highly recommend it to all mystery lovers and family and friends.
December 9, 2024
Another quick read, another cozy mystery! Love the small town feel, with the mentions of fall colors and the smells of coffee and baked goods!! ☕️🥧🍪
December 11, 2024
Excellent follow up book
Interesting plot, fun characters, and great puns. I love wordplay! Great mystery and just a hint of romantic interest. Worth the read
Interesting plot, fun characters, and great puns. I love wordplay! Great mystery and just a hint of romantic interest. Worth the read
December 26, 2024
Enjoyable read.
February 7, 2025
A Drizzle of Danger
First time reading book by author. I wasn't disappointed it was cute, clean book. The plot could've been a little more substance.
First time reading book by author. I wasn't disappointed it was cute, clean book. The plot could've been a little more substance.
March 19, 2025
Unputdownable
I just finished book 2 in this series. I like the way Simone Stief pulls you in and keeps you hooked and sorry to reach the end.
I just finished book 2 in this series. I like the way Simone Stief pulls you in and keeps you hooked and sorry to reach the end.
August 12, 2025
Enjoyable. the storyline moved along without getting boring.
August 22, 2025
cozy Mystery
Another great mystery by Simone. Parker can’t escape her past life in the new town. She is trying to defend it this time. I enjoyed this cozy mystery
Another great mystery by Simone. Parker can’t escape her past life in the new town. She is trying to defend it this time. I enjoyed this cozy mystery
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews