A Blend of Betrayal

A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #3

by Simone Stier

Betrayal is steeping in Magnolia Grove …

Parker Hayes is busy serving up steaming lattes and warm smiles at her cozy cafe, Catch You Latte, when Magnolia Grove’s annual tree-lighting ceremony takes a shocking turn. A prominent town figure is found dead clutching a cup of Parker’s signature blend, throwing the community into turmoil.

Determined to clear her friend Maggie's name, Parker once again takes on the role of amateur sleuth. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets, scandals, and surprising betrayals hidden beneath Magnolia Grove’s quaint charm.

Can Parker crack the case before the killer strikes again? With the help of her quick-witted sidekick Whit and a lovable group of friends, she must outsmart the culprit and bring peace back to her small town.

A Blend of Betrayal is a delightful cozy mystery filled with twists, turns and a touch of romance. Grab your favorite brew and settle in for a thrilling whodunit that will keep you guessing to the last page!

All books in the series can be read as standalones.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 25, 2024

About the author

Simone 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.

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Reviews

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Cafe Crimes mystery series! This time around Parker is reluctantly pulled into solving the unexpected death of Magnolia Grove’s mayor who collapses at the annual tree lighting festival. With her parents in town, tons of Christmas cookies to bake for her patrons and a Yuletide Jubilee to plan, she has no time for murder and no plans to help out this time. But an unexpected plea from the Sheriff gets her wrapped up in another head scratcher as she has to take a look at some of her beloved friends and neighbors who all have motives for the crime. Will she solve the murder in time to save the Jubilee or will it kill the holiday spirit? Read it to find out!

[Jackie Stayton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another powerful brew steeped in great writing!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually had an idea who the killer was this time around but it was still fun getting there. This certainly isn't my favorite cozy mystery series but it's still enjoyable.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a holiday mystery that goes down smoother than a peppermint mocha, Simone Stier’s A Blend of Betrayal is exactly the brew you need. As the third installment in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mysteries series, this author returns us to the picturesque town of Magnolia Grove just amateur sleuth and cafe owner Parker Hayes is busy managing her cafe, Catch You Latte, with the festive atmosphere of the annual tree-lighting ceremony underway. The holiday anticipation is shattered when a local prominent figure is discovered dead. Because the victim was found holding one of Parker’s own signature coffee blends, the stakes become personal, forcing Parker to trade her barista apron for her investigative hat to clear her friend Maggie’s name. Parker is in a race against a four-day countdown to the Yuletide Jubilee, desperate to solve the mystery while her own parents scout the town for a potential move. But will this brewing mystery cause their plans to lose steam?

Parker continues to be a standout protagonist, balancing the meticulous, analytical edge of her true-crime roots with a genuine, grounded warmth that makes her feel like a real friend. Her chemistry with her sidekick, Whit Hawthorne, is better than ever; he acts as the rational "cream and sugar" to her high-energy "espresso," providing the logical anchor she needs when the investigation gets heated. The supporting cast shines too, from the baking-pro-but-disorganized Hazel to the fascinating new addition of Penny, a retired forensic handwriting expert whose intelligence adds a sophisticated layer to the sleuthing. With a quick-paced plot, a gallery of suspicious locals, and a sub-plot involving Parker’s worried parents that adds real emotional stakes, this story kept me guessing until the final drop. It’s a satisfying, unpredictable holiday treat that left me eager to grab the next cup in the series, A Measure of Mayhem.

The only complaint I have is that I wish this story came with a recipe for the Christmas blend coffee. Simone Stier’s description of this blend is truly mouthwatering - a magical concoction of chocolatey medium roast and bold Sumatran with hints of nutmeg, vanilla, and almond - is so vividly written, I could practically smell the steam rising from the page! Go read the book and see for yourself.
As rich and satisfying as your favorite holiday blend, A Blend of Betrayal by Simone Stier is a sip-worthy delight!

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Parker's obsession with solving crimes is too over the top. Solving the crime is more important to her than her coffee shop, more important that her budding romance, even more important than her relationship with her parents. Readers follow cozies not just for the mystery but also for the characters. The main character really needs to be likable and relatable. Parker is neither. She's is too heavy handed when questioning people. She steals evidence. She puts her "investigation" before her personal happiness. She's been waiting for the guy to kiss her, yet when the time comes, she diverts his attention back to her suspects. She wants her parents to move to town, but is too distracted by the case to show interest in the house they are thinking of buying. She doesn't share what she learns with local law enforcement. If the two of them could brainstorm, the crimes might get solved faster. But no, Parker wants to prove she's better at solving murders than the people who are paid to solve them. I just plain do not like her!

I don't understand her obsession with crime. I want to see more of her friends and family and less of her dogged pursuit of the perpetrator. I like all the other characters. I love her parents, even her dad's silly puns. I love the dog. I want to like Parker, but she's too intense to the point of being rude to everybody she suspects, and she suspects everybody. Maybe if the author could explain why she is this way it might help. Maybe she needs to see somebody about her obsession with crime. Maybe I need to figure out why I want to keep reading the series even though Parker's behavior drives me up the wall. I guess it's because despite the main character, I enjoy the other characters, the setting, and the fact that the author is a very good writer. And there's always the dog!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book. The characters are interesting and the mystery was well done. I’m on to reading the next book in this series.

Amazon synopsis:
Parker Hayes is busy serving up steaming lattes and warm smiles at her cozy cafe, Catch You Latte, when Magnolia Grove’s annual tree-lighting ceremony takes a shocking turn. A prominent town figure is found dead clutching a cup of Parker’s signature blend, throwing the community into turmoil.

Determined to clear her friend Maggie's name, Parker once again takes on the role of amateur sleuth. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a tangled web of secrets, scandals, and surprising betrayals hidden beneath Magnolia Grove’s quaint charm.

[Jeff Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply delicious

I’m always up for a cup of hot coffee and a tasty treat of mystery! Parker just can’t seem to stay out of trouble…and I’m right behind her, hungrily reading each tantalizing word as I race to the “who done it” part. Love the characters…and the evolving and intertwining relationships! Add cutest pup ever…Major to the plot and before you know it….I’m looking for the next book in our series!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the annual tree lighting in Magnolia Grove. Parker is serving up smiles and cocoa. When a prominent town figure turns up dead with a cup of her brew in hand, Parker puts on her sleuthing hat once again to clear both her and her friend. As small towns often have, Magnolia Grove's secrets and scandals once again play a role. Will Parker be able to scour out the killer before the last Merry Christmas?

[Larry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series of a fun set of cozy mysteries. I have enjoyed the main characters thoroughly, as well as the quirky supporting characters. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the philandering mayor and why. The answers weren't easily found, and as usual, I had no idea who the killer was. I definitely recommend this book.

[Amy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first Christmas read of the season! I greatly enjoy this series as a whole, and the holiday cheer in this book is wonderful. I was able to solve the mystery, but had a fantastic time spending time with the characters (especially her Dad, who I personally found hilarious) and this cozy town. I'm eager to see where Parker goes next.

[Pamela Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

A blend of betrayal

Once again, this was a great cozy mystery. It had plenty of characters and intrigue. I love all the people in the book and the mysteries. I’m waiting for the next one in the series.

[Robert Ericksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this captivating Cozy Mysyery

This book was very enjoyable. It was not super way to follow with all the twist and turns. The story certainly held my interest. I look forward to the reading the next book in this series.
Robert Ericksen

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Blend of Betrayal Review

I am loving these Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Books. A Blend of Betrayal was so good. I never figured out who the murderer was till right before she announced it at her cafe. Great job of story telling Simone. Can't wait to read your next book!

[Amber Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect palate cleanser after reading a super traumatic book. Simone Stier has created a perfect blend of sweet and quirky characters that are cozy and fun! I love this whole series so much! On to book 4!

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining cozy mystery!

[Angeleena Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic!

Another hit out of the park! I love the way Simone Stier keeps me engaged and on the edge of my seat! I am so happy I found this series!

[Vickie Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

a light and enjoyable read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this light and entertaining book! Just right after a harried day of decision making. A relaxing read before bed!

[NAOMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este libro tiene tantas cosas buenas cuando empiezas a darte cuenta de lo bueno que es no puedes parar! Buen libro y la serie está buenísima

[rosetta reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and easy read

Rated pg. Mystery, small town, coffee and even a dog. Easy to read, Great characters. I'm on to the next book.

[Jan Nissen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good with a cup of coffee

Fast read. Characters continue to develop and the plot, while easy to follow, is both light and twisty. Bring me another cup!

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just a fun, holiday read.

I love this series. It's cute, easy, but still tosses a surprise in there for me. Always a great time when I find that!

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series. Revisiting Magnolia Grove with Parker Hayes, Whit, Hazel, Clyde and Major the dog was like visiting old friends. The annual tree lighting ends with the mayor being found dead. Maggie, Parker’s friend, is the prime suspect. Once again Parker is pulled into trying to figure out the truth. Follow the twist and turns along with Parker while she tries to solve the murder. Highly recommended this series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vibes of Gilmore Girls in this one. Characters named Lorelei and Miss Patty and a klutzy baking genius in the kitchen.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining read 4 starts...remember it is a cozy mystery. Don't expect a masterpiece.