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Bakeshop Mystery #21
Laying Down the Latte
Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, OR!
Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm.
They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.
The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.
Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm.
They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.
The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 26, 2025
196 people are currently reading
716 people want to read
About the author
Ellie Alexander
85 books3,055 followersEllie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexande...
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/elliealexan...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 8, 2025
Having previous good experiences with several of Ellie Alexander's books, I was happy to grab another. She writes adorable cozy mysteries and I enjoy them.
Description:
Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm.
They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.
The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.
My Thoughts:
I found the description misleading saying that employee was found not - it wasn't exactly an employee though. So this story took place almost entirely in Costa Rica with Jules and her husband planning to relax and enjoy the tasing and their student, Any the barista learning everything he can about coffee production. With the murder things turn to investigating to find out who the perpetrator was and also to try to save the coffee farm from corporate takeover. This was a complex investigation for a cozy mystery; however, it was interesting and I feel like I learned some things about coffee while reading. I think mystery lovers will enjoy this one.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm.
They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.
The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.
My Thoughts:
I found the description misleading saying that employee was found not - it wasn't exactly an employee though. So this story took place almost entirely in Costa Rica with Jules and her husband planning to relax and enjoy the tasing and their student, Any the barista learning everything he can about coffee production. With the murder things turn to investigating to find out who the perpetrator was and also to try to save the coffee farm from corporate takeover. This was a complex investigation for a cozy mystery; however, it was interesting and I feel like I learned some things about coffee while reading. I think mystery lovers will enjoy this one.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
June 2, 2025
Jules and Carlos take Torte’s coffee aficionado Andy to Costa Rica where their old friend Valentina has a coffee farm. An unexpected death mars the visit because the circumstances are suspicious—one of the farm owners wanted to sell out to a corporation for a large sum of money. Since Andy was recording so much of the visit on his phone, could his life be in danger? Recipes are included! Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the ARC.
August 14, 2025
Another great addition to the Bakeshop Mystery series. Jules and her husband, Carlos as well as Andy, an employee head to Costa Rica. I enjoyed the setting and the coffee details. The book was interesting and entertaining. Also, I didn’t guess who the murder was. Looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommend anything by Ellie Alexander.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
November 18, 2025
The book was pretty good. I do happen to like the books better when the story takes place in Ashland, Oregon (the main characters' home town). Jules, Carlos and Andy go to Costa Rica in this one. The feel of the story just isn't the same when they're not at home. The mystery was ok. A lot of the people were new characters because they're in a new place. I really liked how the story was centered around coffee (one of my favorite things). The next Bakeshop Mystery book comes out next year. Looking forward to keeping up with the series! Happy reading! 😍☕️
August 30, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Torte’s star barista, Andy, is heading off on an adventure with his boss, Jules Capshaw, and her husband, Carlos, to visit their friend Valentina at her coffee farm in Costa Rica. The plan is for a very immersive experience and a tasting tour because they have big plans for expansion when they return to Ashland. Jules was hoping for a tropical vacation full of inspiration and relaxation. But the holiday away takes a deadly turn when one of Valentina’s top employees is tragically killed. Was it an accident? Or was it murder? Soon things get up close and personal, giving Jules no choice but to get involved, but she has to remember it’s no longer just her life that could be in jeopardy.
Ms. Alexander takes both her readers and her characters on an extraordinary adventure to Costa Rica, with its coffee culture and passion for high-quality brews. From the open-air markets and local cafés to the pros and cons of running a coffee farm and the pressure exerted by huge companies wanting to take over farms that have been in family ownership for generations. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the homes, the fields, and the production areas, high in the mountains where the best beans are grown. The farm, Finca las Nubes, translates to The Cloud Farm, and the virtual visit was a wonderful experience.
It was great to see Jules and Carlos in a different setting. Just because they were away from home didn’t mean they stayed out of the kitchen. Baking helps Jules center herself and think things through. Carlos is always ready to show love through his cooking, and both made themselves right at home in Valentina’s kitchen. Andy’s joy in all he took in was palpable. Andy tried his best to document every moment. They did keep in touch with the people in Ashland, but Torte was running like a well-oiled machine.
A murder in a foreign land surrounded Jules with people she didn’t know, so it was hard to know who to trust. She made the best of every situation to ask questions and understand every person’s position on the farm and beyond. Environmental issues facing coffee farms were woven into the tapestry of Finca las Nubes, and it gave Jules a different focus. Ms. Alexander plotted this story with precision, which introduced each person/suspect while dropping clues to move the mystery along at a perfect pace. I enjoyed and could feel Lance’s anguish at not being able to sleuth alongside Jules, but she and Carlos were rock stars.
Laying Down the Latte is another marvelous addition to this long-running series. It’s always entertaining when our favorite characters travel to interesting locales without their normal co-horts to help them solve the mysteries. I am excited for fall in Ashland. The Whisking Hour is set to be released on February 24, 2026. Who knows what Jules and her friends and family will get into next? Will it be a Perfect Crime?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Torte’s star barista, Andy, is heading off on an adventure with his boss, Jules Capshaw, and her husband, Carlos, to visit their friend Valentina at her coffee farm in Costa Rica. The plan is for a very immersive experience and a tasting tour because they have big plans for expansion when they return to Ashland. Jules was hoping for a tropical vacation full of inspiration and relaxation. But the holiday away takes a deadly turn when one of Valentina’s top employees is tragically killed. Was it an accident? Or was it murder? Soon things get up close and personal, giving Jules no choice but to get involved, but she has to remember it’s no longer just her life that could be in jeopardy.
Ms. Alexander takes both her readers and her characters on an extraordinary adventure to Costa Rica, with its coffee culture and passion for high-quality brews. From the open-air markets and local cafés to the pros and cons of running a coffee farm and the pressure exerted by huge companies wanting to take over farms that have been in family ownership for generations. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of the homes, the fields, and the production areas, high in the mountains where the best beans are grown. The farm, Finca las Nubes, translates to The Cloud Farm, and the virtual visit was a wonderful experience.
It was great to see Jules and Carlos in a different setting. Just because they were away from home didn’t mean they stayed out of the kitchen. Baking helps Jules center herself and think things through. Carlos is always ready to show love through his cooking, and both made themselves right at home in Valentina’s kitchen. Andy’s joy in all he took in was palpable. Andy tried his best to document every moment. They did keep in touch with the people in Ashland, but Torte was running like a well-oiled machine.
A murder in a foreign land surrounded Jules with people she didn’t know, so it was hard to know who to trust. She made the best of every situation to ask questions and understand every person’s position on the farm and beyond. Environmental issues facing coffee farms were woven into the tapestry of Finca las Nubes, and it gave Jules a different focus. Ms. Alexander plotted this story with precision, which introduced each person/suspect while dropping clues to move the mystery along at a perfect pace. I enjoyed and could feel Lance’s anguish at not being able to sleuth alongside Jules, but she and Carlos were rock stars.
Laying Down the Latte is another marvelous addition to this long-running series. It’s always entertaining when our favorite characters travel to interesting locales without their normal co-horts to help them solve the mysteries. I am excited for fall in Ashland. The Whisking Hour is set to be released on February 24, 2026. Who knows what Jules and her friends and family will get into next? Will it be a Perfect Crime?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
January 27, 2026
4.5 stars
September 6, 2025
Laying down the Latte is perfect if you are a coffee lover. I personally don’t love coffee, but that did not deter me from enjoying it. Carlos, lovable barista, Andy, and Jules, the owner of Torte bakeshop, were at a scenic Costa Rican coffee farm. Lance, my favourite character, was back at Torte any only chatted with Jules over text but was still his genuine, flamboyant self, helping encourage Jules to solve this crime of an employee of the coffee farm. It was a bit of a disappointment he was not there in person.
My gratitude to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the advance copy. This was an honest review.
My gratitude to Netgalley and Minotaur Books for the advance copy. This was an honest review.
August 14, 2025
This is a long-running series that I usually enjoy. With any long-running series, you are going to have hits and misses. This was a big hit for me, again off site adventures in a favorite series can sometimes be hard, but I really loved this one. Jules and Carlos take Andy to a coffee farm in Costa Rica, owned by a former colleague of theirs from their cruising days. The idea is for Andy to learn more as they are going to surprise him with an offer to expand the coffee roasting operations at Torte. This is a wonderful and natural trip for this series! I loved all the coffee talk and the beauty of Costa Rica, and I have to admit, Andy is definitely one of my favorite characters in this series. Of course, there needs to be a mystery, and it was a good one with plenty of suspects that fit well into the setting and story. The fact that we get to visit with all our favorite Torte people for a little while at the beginning and end of our story is icing on the cake! Special thanks to #Netgally, #MinotaurBooks, and the author for the chance at a caffeine hit! #LayingDowntheLatte #BakeshopMysteries
#EllieAlexander #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
#EllieAlexander #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
August 23, 2025
Laying Down the Latte is the 21st book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. In this book, the main character Juliet "Jules" Capshaw and her husband, Carlos, travel from their home in Ashland, Oregon to Costa Rica. Their friend Valentina has invited them to visit her family's coffee farm for a tour and to advise her on a few issues regarding her business. Andy, the barista at Jules' bakery also goes to learn more about coffee, a subject he's passionate about. Everyone is impressed by the beauty of Costa Rica and the farm, but the pleasant trip takes a turn when Andy witnesses the tragic death of Valentina's cousin and business partner. Jules is determined to find out who the killer is and help Valentina save her farm which is in danger of being bought by a large coffee corporation.
I've been reading this series for a long time. I love Jules and Carlos and the premise of them traveling to Costa Rica was an interesting change. I enjoyed learning about the coffee farms, but I missed seeing Jules and the employees of her family bakery Torte working together. One of my favorite characters in the series is Jules' best friend, Lance. Although he checks in with her via text advising her on the investigation, it wasn't the same as having him playing an active role in the investigation with Jules. Also, with the exception of Valentina, I didn't warm to the other characters in Costa Rica.
There are some tense moments as Jules questions farm employees to try to get to the bottom of what really happened. The ultimate resolution of the case had some surprises, but also some things that didn't add up for me. Overall, the book was entertaining, but I will be glad to see Jules, Carlos, and Andy back in Ashland for the next book. As always there were some delicious-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
I received an advance copy of the ebook from Minotaur Books and NetGalley for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
I've been reading this series for a long time. I love Jules and Carlos and the premise of them traveling to Costa Rica was an interesting change. I enjoyed learning about the coffee farms, but I missed seeing Jules and the employees of her family bakery Torte working together. One of my favorite characters in the series is Jules' best friend, Lance. Although he checks in with her via text advising her on the investigation, it wasn't the same as having him playing an active role in the investigation with Jules. Also, with the exception of Valentina, I didn't warm to the other characters in Costa Rica.
There are some tense moments as Jules questions farm employees to try to get to the bottom of what really happened. The ultimate resolution of the case had some surprises, but also some things that didn't add up for me. Overall, the book was entertaining, but I will be glad to see Jules, Carlos, and Andy back in Ashland for the next book. As always there were some delicious-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
I received an advance copy of the ebook from Minotaur Books and NetGalley for review consideration, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.
September 8, 2025
What a treat to join Juliet, Carlos and Andy on a vacation/ coffee research trip to Costa Rica. As always the characters are wonderful. The trip was meant to enhance Andy's coffee expertise and take him to the next level in his career at the Torte bakeshop in Ashland OR.. It was also supposed to provide a little relaxation for Juliet and Carlos. Of course nothing goes as planed. In the 21st installment Alexander does a great job keeping the series exciting. Adding the exotic location and coffee lore was brilliant. The regular Torte crew were woven in to the story so they never felt forgotten. I love this series. Highly Recommended for cozy mystery fans.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read and review
August 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was my first time stepping into Ellie Alexander’s long-running Bakeshop Mystery series, and it was such a treat. The atmosphere is everything you’d want from a cozy mystery warm, inviting, and sprinkled with just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages. Even though I jumped in mid-series, it was easy to follow and felt like joining a circle of friends at the coffee shop. The setting, the food descriptions, and the community charm made it cute, cozy, and full of good vibes. Definitely one I’ll keep coming back to when I need a comfort read with a dash of murder. #St.MartinPress/Minotaur #EllieAlexander #NetGalley
This was my first time stepping into Ellie Alexander’s long-running Bakeshop Mystery series, and it was such a treat. The atmosphere is everything you’d want from a cozy mystery warm, inviting, and sprinkled with just enough intrigue to keep you turning pages. Even though I jumped in mid-series, it was easy to follow and felt like joining a circle of friends at the coffee shop. The setting, the food descriptions, and the community charm made it cute, cozy, and full of good vibes. Definitely one I’ll keep coming back to when I need a comfort read with a dash of murder. #St.MartinPress/Minotaur #EllieAlexander #NetGalley
August 11, 2025
Who knew that good coffee could be so dangerous?
As we meet up with Jules and Carlos, they're preparing to take our favourite coffee roaster Andy to a coffee farm in Costa Rica. As the coffee farm struggles with a corporation wanting to take over, Jules finds herself in the midst of a murder that has plenty of layers to complicate the situation even further.
The newest instalment in the beloved Bakeshop Mysteries isn't afraid to delve into the environmental issues facing coffee farmers, and farmers in general, today. I loved the behind the scenes look into coffee, making me want to book a trip to a coffee farm myself. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for what goes into the growth and production of a coffee, something we often just see as a way to wake ourselves up.
I loved how Andy got to take part in the spotlight too, with his love for life embracing Costa Rica's pura vida culture. As always, Ellie Alexander has built a world with characters that the reader genuinely cares for and leaves us wanting more (especially with the teaser chapter for the next book).
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press I Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
As we meet up with Jules and Carlos, they're preparing to take our favourite coffee roaster Andy to a coffee farm in Costa Rica. As the coffee farm struggles with a corporation wanting to take over, Jules finds herself in the midst of a murder that has plenty of layers to complicate the situation even further.
The newest instalment in the beloved Bakeshop Mysteries isn't afraid to delve into the environmental issues facing coffee farmers, and farmers in general, today. I loved the behind the scenes look into coffee, making me want to book a trip to a coffee farm myself. It also gave me a deeper appreciation for what goes into the growth and production of a coffee, something we often just see as a way to wake ourselves up.
I loved how Andy got to take part in the spotlight too, with his love for life embracing Costa Rica's pura vida culture. As always, Ellie Alexander has built a world with characters that the reader genuinely cares for and leaves us wanting more (especially with the teaser chapter for the next book).
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press I Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
August 12, 2025
"Laying Down the Latte (Bakeshop Mystery #21)" by Ellie Alexander has Jules, Carlos and Andy traveling to Columbia to help expand their coffee knowledge. All while Jules is pregnant with twins. Honestly, I'm a bit surprised she wanted to do this trip while pregnant, especially with twins. It has to be pretty close to the events of the last book or she'd be fairly far into her pregnancy and I would think it would be a higher risk pregnancy too. There is at least a bit of realism put back into the trip when it's mentioned her doctor okayed the trip with notes to not over extended herself.
While in Columbia they get pulled into a problem their friend is having with her family's coffee farm. The friend's cousin/co-owner is trying to sell part of the farm to a soulless corporate coffee company. So, lots of people mad at the cousin. So one guess what happens next. Yup, he out of the picture completely. I do have to say I had the culprit figured out pretty quickly once a certain clue was mentioned. That in conjunction with an already known clue sealed it for me.
While in Columbia they get pulled into a problem their friend is having with her family's coffee farm. The friend's cousin/co-owner is trying to sell part of the farm to a soulless corporate coffee company. So, lots of people mad at the cousin. So one guess what happens next. Yup, he out of the picture completely. I do have to say I had the culprit figured out pretty quickly once a certain clue was mentioned. That in conjunction with an already known clue sealed it for me.
June 2, 2025
Number 21 in the Bakeshop Mystery series and I will never grow tired of them. Please don't stop Ellie Alexander! 🙏 This time, Jules, Carlos, and Andy are headed to Costa Rica to visit a friend of Jules' from her cruise ship days as the friend plans to expand her family's coffee farm. But murder is never far away with this crew and before they know it, they're on another case!
My only note is the text messages. They were added like dialogue with quotation marks and it was a tad confusing. If you don't want to separate them so they look like actual text messages, then they should at least be italicized for clarity.
My only note is the text messages. They were added like dialogue with quotation marks and it was a tad confusing. If you don't want to separate them so they look like actual text messages, then they should at least be italicized for clarity.
July 20, 2025
Juliet and Carlos are going to Costa Rica to see their former shipmate and friend's coffee plantation. They also bring Andy, the coffee expert in Torte. Valentina shows them around the plantation but she seems distraught. Juliet coaxes the information out and she tells them her cousin who owns 50 percent of the coffee farm wants to sell out. Later when her cousin is mysteriously killed. Juliet decides to find the killer.
This book made me so hungry. Now I need to try empanadas. I loved following the clues and trying to figure out who the killer was with Juliet. I'm a big fan of this series and I'm excited to see what happens next.
This book made me so hungry. Now I need to try empanadas. I loved following the clues and trying to figure out who the killer was with Juliet. I'm a big fan of this series and I'm excited to see what happens next.
August 27, 2025
It was fun reading about Jules, Carlos and Andy being in Costa Rica and even cooler when I read Ellie Alexander’s newsletter the same day telling how she’d gone there last year. I figured she must’ve been there at some point since the coffee facts and everything was described like someone who’d actually seen all this firsthand. Obviously except for the murder, lol.
Jules found herself investigating a murder even while on vacation and getting a little help/encouragement from back home from her mom and Lance. Lance was a hoot without even being there while he was energetically searching for a wedding venue for him and Arlo, and bouncing ideas off Jules probably the same way he was bouncing on caffeine.
My final guess for the killer was right (after a couple fails and my suspects didn’t pan out), and it was awesome what Jules did to said killer. The ending was filled with food and fellowship as everyone was now at home celebrated Andy’s trip to Costa Rica with Jules and Carlos and their safe return. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Jules found herself investigating a murder even while on vacation and getting a little help/encouragement from back home from her mom and Lance. Lance was a hoot without even being there while he was energetically searching for a wedding venue for him and Arlo, and bouncing ideas off Jules probably the same way he was bouncing on caffeine.
My final guess for the killer was right (after a couple fails and my suspects didn’t pan out), and it was awesome what Jules did to said killer. The ending was filled with food and fellowship as everyone was now at home celebrated Andy’s trip to Costa Rica with Jules and Carlos and their safe return. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
November 8, 2025
I should have had an IV of coffee while reading this book….orrrrr maybe not for my families sake. 🥴
What a fun installment -a Costa Rican setting was such a blast! The more Andy’s character develops, the more fond of him I become. He’s such a staple to the Torte family.
I definitely missed Lance and his wit in this one but totally understand the balance of secondary characters. Same with Thomas and Kerry -they are always enjoyable characters. We FINALLY got some clarification on one thing too so I’m happy about that!
What a fun installment -a Costa Rican setting was such a blast! The more Andy’s character develops, the more fond of him I become. He’s such a staple to the Torte family.
I definitely missed Lance and his wit in this one but totally understand the balance of secondary characters. Same with Thomas and Kerry -they are always enjoyable characters. We FINALLY got some clarification on one thing too so I’m happy about that!
December 23, 2025
The story is set in Costa Rica as Jules and Carlos visit a friend of theirs from the time they worked on a cruise ship. Also along for the visit is Andy because of his intense interest in coffee. Of course, a murder happens and Jules tries to figure out the killer is. The book was an easy read.
September 7, 2025
There are some series where with each book the reader feels like they have been invited to share in the lives and personal and professional developments of the characters. It has been a great journey with Jules and Carlos from the rocky days of their reunions to their various collaborations. We have also had the pleasure of watching the side characters grow as well and perhaps no one has done so more than Andy. He is now an expert coffee roaster and Jules and Carlos have plans for him to spread his wings within the Torte family. Let me tell you, if all bosses were like these two no one would ever want to leave.
Included in their plans is a trip to Costa Rica to visit a friend from the ship whose family owns a coffee plantation. Andy comes along so he can soak up all sorts of knowledge. He did not expect to see a murder on his first day but then no one did. Explanations of what happened are scarce and no one, except the killer, knows for sure. There had been a lot of tension under the surface as Valentina’s cousin is negotiating to sell his half of the business to an international conglomerate. No one is in favour so the fact that Martin is the deceased comes as no surprise. I had pegged the killer very early on but I love it when the red herrings are so well done that I questioned my choice many times. I rather enjoy it when a story makes me wonder.
Be warned though, reading this book may have you heading to the nearest airport for the next flight to Costa Rica. Five purrs and two paws up.
Included in their plans is a trip to Costa Rica to visit a friend from the ship whose family owns a coffee plantation. Andy comes along so he can soak up all sorts of knowledge. He did not expect to see a murder on his first day but then no one did. Explanations of what happened are scarce and no one, except the killer, knows for sure. There had been a lot of tension under the surface as Valentina’s cousin is negotiating to sell his half of the business to an international conglomerate. No one is in favour so the fact that Martin is the deceased comes as no surprise. I had pegged the killer very early on but I love it when the red herrings are so well done that I questioned my choice many times. I rather enjoy it when a story makes me wonder.
Be warned though, reading this book may have you heading to the nearest airport for the next flight to Costa Rica. Five purrs and two paws up.
August 29, 2025
Taking place not long after her last book Killing Me Soufflé the main character and murder solver Jules Capshaw and her husband Carlos take their barista Andy with them on a trip to Costa Rica to visit Carlos' former colleague Valentina to visit her family's coffee farm. Jules, being pregnant and expecting twins, isn't going to have a vacation that lasts when one of Valentina's employees is found dead in the pulping machine, and the mystery starts on who and why the employee was killed.
The overall read will keep fans of the series entertained, along with the respect for the knowledge of her topic, along with informing the reader of the culture away from the Oregon setting.
For an in-depth review, visit my page at: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
The overall read will keep fans of the series entertained, along with the respect for the knowledge of her topic, along with informing the reader of the culture away from the Oregon setting.
For an in-depth review, visit my page at: https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
August 20, 2025
Wow! Book 21 in the Bakeshop Mystery Series.
This book takes us away from our beloved Ashland to beautiful Costa Rica!
Jules, Carlos, and our favorite barista Andy head to Costa Rica to see a real working coffee farm.
The trip is a surprise for Andy, as Jules has something very special planned for him back in Ashland with his roasting.
The trip is hosted by a former coworker from the ship, and of course, there is a murder!
Can Jules (who is very pregnant remember) solve the mystery without The Professor and Lance helping her?
I can’t give too much away, but there is definitely some text wedding planning with Lance. And a little something that was briefly noted on a previous book is confirmed in this book (it’s good news).
This book takes us away from our beloved Ashland to beautiful Costa Rica!
Jules, Carlos, and our favorite barista Andy head to Costa Rica to see a real working coffee farm.
The trip is a surprise for Andy, as Jules has something very special planned for him back in Ashland with his roasting.
The trip is hosted by a former coworker from the ship, and of course, there is a murder!
Can Jules (who is very pregnant remember) solve the mystery without The Professor and Lance helping her?
I can’t give too much away, but there is definitely some text wedding planning with Lance. And a little something that was briefly noted on a previous book is confirmed in this book (it’s good news).
August 27, 2025
*Book review: Ellie Alexander’s Laying Down the Latte.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur and NetGalley for my gifted ARC of this cozy treat.
Opening a new book in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series feels like catching up with old friends—the kind you don’t see often but always pick right back up with, latte in hand. Laying Down the Latte is the 21st installment, and instead of staying grounded in the Shakespearean charm of Ashland, Oregon, this time Jules Capshaw, her husband Carlos, and beloved barista Andy take us on a tropical detour to Costa Rica. It’s a bold change of scenery, and it works beautifully. Even as murder brews beneath the surface, this story still manages to feel like a warm hug in book form.
The plot kicks off when Valentina, an old colleague from Jules and Carlos’s cruise ship days, invites them to her family’s organic coffee farm in Costa Rica. It’s supposed to be a relaxing weekend—part tasting tour, part business reconnaissance, part vacation. Jules is heavily pregnant with twins, Andy is buzzing with excitement (and probably actual caffeine), and Carlos is ready to reconnect with his friend. But almost immediately, there’s a shadow over the sunshine. Valentina is struggling. Her cousin Miguel, co-owner of the farm, is threatening to sell his stake to a corporate coffee giant. The staff is tense, the atmosphere strained, and before long Miguel is found dead in the pulping machine. “Gruesome” doesn’t usually make it into a cozy mystery—but somehow, Alexander balances it with heart, humor, and just enough danger to keep the stakes real.
What this book does better than most in the genre is location. The descriptions of Costa Rica are lush and cinematic—steamy air, volcanic soil, chirping birds, sunsets that spill gold over the mountains. You can feel the mist and taste the boldness of every bean. Ellie Alexander has a gift for writing settings you want to live in, and this is no exception. The coffee farm is both idyllic and fraught, a perfect contrast to the calm, controlled world of Torte back in Oregon. And don’t worry—though we’re away from Ashland, familiar voices still come through in texts and calls. Lance, as always, steals the scene without even showing up. His wedding planning texts are absurd in the best way and provide much-needed comic relief.
I especially loved the character arc for Andy in this book. He’s long been a standout side character, but here he really gets to shine. Watching him soak up every detail of the coffee production process and take tentative steps toward becoming more than “just” a barista felt rewarding. It’s clear Jules and Carlos see something big in his future—and so does the reader. Jules herself is still the cozy mystery gold standard: intelligent, intuitive, and full of quiet strength. She’s not quite waddling (yet), but the pregnancy is ever-present, and it gives her sleuthing a fresh emotional weight. She’s solving for two now, and that comes through in every decision she makes.
The mystery is layered enough to keep you guessing but not so complex it gets muddy. Ellie Alexander has a firm grasp on pacing—she knows when to slow down for a quiet moment by the pool with a pastry, and when to crank up the tension as Jules closes in on the truth. The suspect list is solid, and while I sniffed out the killer earlier than I’d hoped, the “why” still delivered a twist. And the final confrontation? Classic Jules: calm, clever, and just dangerous enough.
Of course, no Bakeshop book would be complete without food, and Laying Down the Latte delivers. From flaky empanadas to cloud-soft suspiros cookies, to the Pura Vida Latte that had me seriously contemplating roasting my own beans—this is a story that cooks while it kills. The included recipes at the end are a lovely bonus, and you’ll want to try at least one. Probably while rereading your favorite chapters.
This book is everything a great cozy should be: heartfelt, atmospheric, and rich with flavor—in both plot and food. It also subtly touches on serious themes like sustainability, family legacy, and what happens when tradition meets corporate ambition. Yet it never loses its comforting tone. As Jules says, “Even in the darkest roast, there’s room for a little sweetness.”
Five steaming stars from me. Laying Down the Latte is proof that this series still has plenty of bold flavor left, even after twenty-one books. Ellie Alexander never phones it in—each story is crafted with love, skill, and a deep understanding of why readers keep coming back: not just for the mystery, but for the community, the comfort, and the croissants.
#LayingDownTheLatte #BakeshopMystery #EllieAlexander #CozyMysteryBooks #CoffeeAndCrime #MysteryReaders #CulinaryCozy #NetGalley #StMartinsPress #TorteTime #BookReview #MysteryBookReview #CostaRicaSetting #LatteLoversUnite #PregnantSleuth #CozyBookClub
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur and NetGalley for my gifted ARC of this cozy treat.
Opening a new book in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series feels like catching up with old friends—the kind you don’t see often but always pick right back up with, latte in hand. Laying Down the Latte is the 21st installment, and instead of staying grounded in the Shakespearean charm of Ashland, Oregon, this time Jules Capshaw, her husband Carlos, and beloved barista Andy take us on a tropical detour to Costa Rica. It’s a bold change of scenery, and it works beautifully. Even as murder brews beneath the surface, this story still manages to feel like a warm hug in book form.
The plot kicks off when Valentina, an old colleague from Jules and Carlos’s cruise ship days, invites them to her family’s organic coffee farm in Costa Rica. It’s supposed to be a relaxing weekend—part tasting tour, part business reconnaissance, part vacation. Jules is heavily pregnant with twins, Andy is buzzing with excitement (and probably actual caffeine), and Carlos is ready to reconnect with his friend. But almost immediately, there’s a shadow over the sunshine. Valentina is struggling. Her cousin Miguel, co-owner of the farm, is threatening to sell his stake to a corporate coffee giant. The staff is tense, the atmosphere strained, and before long Miguel is found dead in the pulping machine. “Gruesome” doesn’t usually make it into a cozy mystery—but somehow, Alexander balances it with heart, humor, and just enough danger to keep the stakes real.
What this book does better than most in the genre is location. The descriptions of Costa Rica are lush and cinematic—steamy air, volcanic soil, chirping birds, sunsets that spill gold over the mountains. You can feel the mist and taste the boldness of every bean. Ellie Alexander has a gift for writing settings you want to live in, and this is no exception. The coffee farm is both idyllic and fraught, a perfect contrast to the calm, controlled world of Torte back in Oregon. And don’t worry—though we’re away from Ashland, familiar voices still come through in texts and calls. Lance, as always, steals the scene without even showing up. His wedding planning texts are absurd in the best way and provide much-needed comic relief.
I especially loved the character arc for Andy in this book. He’s long been a standout side character, but here he really gets to shine. Watching him soak up every detail of the coffee production process and take tentative steps toward becoming more than “just” a barista felt rewarding. It’s clear Jules and Carlos see something big in his future—and so does the reader. Jules herself is still the cozy mystery gold standard: intelligent, intuitive, and full of quiet strength. She’s not quite waddling (yet), but the pregnancy is ever-present, and it gives her sleuthing a fresh emotional weight. She’s solving for two now, and that comes through in every decision she makes.
The mystery is layered enough to keep you guessing but not so complex it gets muddy. Ellie Alexander has a firm grasp on pacing—she knows when to slow down for a quiet moment by the pool with a pastry, and when to crank up the tension as Jules closes in on the truth. The suspect list is solid, and while I sniffed out the killer earlier than I’d hoped, the “why” still delivered a twist. And the final confrontation? Classic Jules: calm, clever, and just dangerous enough.
Of course, no Bakeshop book would be complete without food, and Laying Down the Latte delivers. From flaky empanadas to cloud-soft suspiros cookies, to the Pura Vida Latte that had me seriously contemplating roasting my own beans—this is a story that cooks while it kills. The included recipes at the end are a lovely bonus, and you’ll want to try at least one. Probably while rereading your favorite chapters.
This book is everything a great cozy should be: heartfelt, atmospheric, and rich with flavor—in both plot and food. It also subtly touches on serious themes like sustainability, family legacy, and what happens when tradition meets corporate ambition. Yet it never loses its comforting tone. As Jules says, “Even in the darkest roast, there’s room for a little sweetness.”
Five steaming stars from me. Laying Down the Latte is proof that this series still has plenty of bold flavor left, even after twenty-one books. Ellie Alexander never phones it in—each story is crafted with love, skill, and a deep understanding of why readers keep coming back: not just for the mystery, but for the community, the comfort, and the croissants.
#LayingDownTheLatte #BakeshopMystery #EllieAlexander #CozyMysteryBooks #CoffeeAndCrime #MysteryReaders #CulinaryCozy #NetGalley #StMartinsPress #TorteTime #BookReview #MysteryBookReview #CostaRicaSetting #LatteLoversUnite #PregnantSleuth #CozyBookClub
August 27, 2025
Even though beloved baker Jules Capshaw and her husband Carlos are having twins, they are also looking to the future of Torte and wanting to expand their business. Specifically, the coffee business. They have an award-winning barista, Andy, who has expanded to roasting his own beans for the perfect blend. Jules and Carlos want to find a commercial place where they can set Andy up to roast all their beans in-house. But first, a trip to the beans.
Jules and Carlos met years ago while working on a cruise ship. On the ship, they met Valentina, who since left the ship to help run her family’s organic coffee farm in Costa Rica. Valentina has invited Jules and Carlos to visit the farm, and they extended the invitation to Andy as well. Andy is excited to visit the coffee capital of the world and stuffs his bag with notebooks, so he can makes notes of everything he learns while he’s there. But they had no idea that it would be Jules’s expertise that most comes in handy on the trip.
Jules is really looking forward to a vacation, but as soon as they meet up with Valentina in Costa Rica, she can tell that something is wrong. Valentina and her cousin Miguel have shared the farm for ten years. They used to share a vision for what they want to do with the farm, how they treat their employees, what the future looked like. But recently Miguel had been talking about wanting to sell to a corporate developer, and Valentina doesn’t want to. The farm had been in their family for three generations, and she wants to hold on to it. They had been going back and forth about that for weeks, and the stress of that was showing.
Valentina had invited Jules and Carlos to Costa Rica because they were wanting to set up a tasting room and coffee bar and wanted to learn from Jules how to keep a steady supply of homemade pastries available for customers. But now that Miguel is wanting to sell the farm, Valentina isn’t sure the coffee bar is going to happen at all.
Later, after Jules and Carlos and Andy got settled into their rooms at the farm, Valentina took them on a tour. Andy stays back with farm manager Alex as he does some routine maintenance on the machines processing the beans, while Jules and Carlos move on with Valentina. Not too long after that, a terrible accident leaves Miguel dead. But the more Jules learns about what happened, she’s not so sure it was an accident. And the police agree.
Jules has helped solve a murder or two back in Ashland, Oregon, so she knows what to do. She asks questions and gets answers, honing her list of suspects until there is just one left. But doing that will put her in the sight lines of a killer. Will Jules be able to find a murderer and get herself and her babies back home safely, or will Costa Rica be the end of the line for her?
Laying Down the Latte is book number 21 in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series. This one is especially fun with the tropical location. In addition, Jules’s best friend Lance has proposed to his boyfriend Arlo, and he’s constantly peppering her with questions about their upcoming wedding. And there are bonus recipes at the end, including Torta Chilena with Dulce de Leche, flank steak Pepito Sandwiches, Arroz con Leche, light-as-air Suspiros Cookies, and Empanadas with suggested fillings (I would definitely go with the bananas and Nutella myself). There is even a recipe for Andy’s Pura Vida Latte.
I do love hanging out with Jules in Ashland, with its mountain charm steeped in Shakespeare. But this long weekend in Costa Rica was a real treat. It felt like a vacation, and was so interesting to learn more about the culture of the country and coffee farming. But now I’m ready to get back home to Torte and talk brownies, Lance’s wedding preparations, and babies.
Egalleys for Laying Down the Latte were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
Jules and Carlos met years ago while working on a cruise ship. On the ship, they met Valentina, who since left the ship to help run her family’s organic coffee farm in Costa Rica. Valentina has invited Jules and Carlos to visit the farm, and they extended the invitation to Andy as well. Andy is excited to visit the coffee capital of the world and stuffs his bag with notebooks, so he can makes notes of everything he learns while he’s there. But they had no idea that it would be Jules’s expertise that most comes in handy on the trip.
Jules is really looking forward to a vacation, but as soon as they meet up with Valentina in Costa Rica, she can tell that something is wrong. Valentina and her cousin Miguel have shared the farm for ten years. They used to share a vision for what they want to do with the farm, how they treat their employees, what the future looked like. But recently Miguel had been talking about wanting to sell to a corporate developer, and Valentina doesn’t want to. The farm had been in their family for three generations, and she wants to hold on to it. They had been going back and forth about that for weeks, and the stress of that was showing.
Valentina had invited Jules and Carlos to Costa Rica because they were wanting to set up a tasting room and coffee bar and wanted to learn from Jules how to keep a steady supply of homemade pastries available for customers. But now that Miguel is wanting to sell the farm, Valentina isn’t sure the coffee bar is going to happen at all.
Later, after Jules and Carlos and Andy got settled into their rooms at the farm, Valentina took them on a tour. Andy stays back with farm manager Alex as he does some routine maintenance on the machines processing the beans, while Jules and Carlos move on with Valentina. Not too long after that, a terrible accident leaves Miguel dead. But the more Jules learns about what happened, she’s not so sure it was an accident. And the police agree.
Jules has helped solve a murder or two back in Ashland, Oregon, so she knows what to do. She asks questions and gets answers, honing her list of suspects until there is just one left. But doing that will put her in the sight lines of a killer. Will Jules be able to find a murderer and get herself and her babies back home safely, or will Costa Rica be the end of the line for her?
Laying Down the Latte is book number 21 in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series. This one is especially fun with the tropical location. In addition, Jules’s best friend Lance has proposed to his boyfriend Arlo, and he’s constantly peppering her with questions about their upcoming wedding. And there are bonus recipes at the end, including Torta Chilena with Dulce de Leche, flank steak Pepito Sandwiches, Arroz con Leche, light-as-air Suspiros Cookies, and Empanadas with suggested fillings (I would definitely go with the bananas and Nutella myself). There is even a recipe for Andy’s Pura Vida Latte.
I do love hanging out with Jules in Ashland, with its mountain charm steeped in Shakespeare. But this long weekend in Costa Rica was a real treat. It felt like a vacation, and was so interesting to learn more about the culture of the country and coffee farming. But now I’m ready to get back home to Torte and talk brownies, Lance’s wedding preparations, and babies.
Egalleys for Laying Down the Latte were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
June 3, 2025
Poor Jules/Juliet. All she really wanted to do was relax, soak up some coffee know-how, and enjoy herself. Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen. Things go wrong quickly after the arrival in Costa Rica. She's there with husband Carlos and young coffee roasting fanatic Andy to relax and learn. Then there's a murder. Even more astonishing, it seems to happen so unexpectedly and quickly right in front of potential witnesses, including Andy, but no one sees what happened. Seems Jules and Carlos' old friend from their days working on the cruise ship Amour of the Seas is facing both family drama and possible financial ruin. There's much more going on behind the scenes and tensions are high. Pregnant with twins, Jules is hardly at her sleuthing best as pressures mount, all while dealing with friend and frequent sleuthing buddy Lance's over-board wedding plans.
That's all I'll say aside from, yikes, what a murder weapon. This is a favorite series I've been reading since way back before Jules and Carlos found their way together again, and the well-rounded, likable characters are what keep me coming back. True, I sort of missed the comfort of the usual setting, Ashland, Oregon, and Lance's presence, though he did make up for it with texts and emails. Let's face it, in this modern world, you're rarely completely out-of-touch. In other words, although not together physically, we get regular updates on how things back home are going. The setting of the coffee farm sounds luscious and if you're a foodie or coffee-addict, you'll enjoy the bits of info you pick up along the way. Just the process of preparing the coffee beans alone is amazing. And, oh, my, the food. Don't read this one on an empty stomach.
So, who killed Miguel? He had big plans, plans not only Valentina but others opposed. Thus, lots of suspects to sort through, language barriers and all. What made the machinery malfunction? Did or didn't Miguel sign the contract others so strongly opposed? Will Andy manage to learn everything he needs to even after being attacked? Who....Oh, never mind. Read the book. It's well-written with great descriptions and food/coffee talk and intriguing characters. Thanks #StMartin'sPress = #Minotaur for allowing me this early peek into what's going on in the world of Juliet/Jules Capshaw and Carlos. True, sorta missed the abundance of Shakespeare quotes but, hey, there's always the next book!
That's all I'll say aside from, yikes, what a murder weapon. This is a favorite series I've been reading since way back before Jules and Carlos found their way together again, and the well-rounded, likable characters are what keep me coming back. True, I sort of missed the comfort of the usual setting, Ashland, Oregon, and Lance's presence, though he did make up for it with texts and emails. Let's face it, in this modern world, you're rarely completely out-of-touch. In other words, although not together physically, we get regular updates on how things back home are going. The setting of the coffee farm sounds luscious and if you're a foodie or coffee-addict, you'll enjoy the bits of info you pick up along the way. Just the process of preparing the coffee beans alone is amazing. And, oh, my, the food. Don't read this one on an empty stomach.
So, who killed Miguel? He had big plans, plans not only Valentina but others opposed. Thus, lots of suspects to sort through, language barriers and all. What made the machinery malfunction? Did or didn't Miguel sign the contract others so strongly opposed? Will Andy manage to learn everything he needs to even after being attacked? Who....Oh, never mind. Read the book. It's well-written with great descriptions and food/coffee talk and intriguing characters. Thanks #StMartin'sPress = #Minotaur for allowing me this early peek into what's going on in the world of Juliet/Jules Capshaw and Carlos. True, sorta missed the abundance of Shakespeare quotes but, hey, there's always the next book!
July 3, 2025
Jules and Carlos are taking Andy on a trip to a coffee plantation in Costa Rica that belongs to a friend they made while sailing on the Amour of the Seas. The farm is gorgeous but before they can kick back and enjoy the scenery, the peace is broken by tragedy. When the brother who is threatening to sell the plantation out from under their friend dies under mysterious circumstances it's anyone's guess who might have been responsible.
I love this series but I have to admit this was probably one of my least favorite of the series. I missed Ashland and Torte and Lance and although the plantation sounded lovely, the characters were all somewhat dull. In all fairness, the characters might have felt dull because the characters we normally see in this series, Mom, The Professor, Lance, Sequoia, Bethany, are all so vibrant.
The mystery itself felt rushed and although there were lots of likely suspects, something about the way the story played out was a bit unsatisfying. Going by cozy mystery tradition, there was only one person who could have been the killer. The story would have been more intriguing if there had been something else going on besides just the sale of the plantation. If there had been some sort of industrial or ecological sabotage in the days leading up to the murder, etc.
I also found the murder itself very confusing. He fell, but the equipment was "malfunctioning" and who messed with the equipment... or did someone push him? If someone pushed him, who cares if the machines weren't working right? I just couldn't wrap my head around what happened to the victim and that kind of threw off the investigation because are we looking for the person who messed with the equipment beforehand or someone who was close enough to have pushed him? And at the same time, the victim was known to mess with the equipment so do we even know that someone did try to mess with the equipment? Or if someone did mess with the equipment did the victim actually fix it or make it worse or does it matter if the reason they died is because they were pushed?
Altogether I didn't really feel like this book was up to the standards of the rest of the series, though I still did enjoy the story and definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series but I have to admit this was probably one of my least favorite of the series. I missed Ashland and Torte and Lance and although the plantation sounded lovely, the characters were all somewhat dull. In all fairness, the characters might have felt dull because the characters we normally see in this series, Mom, The Professor, Lance, Sequoia, Bethany, are all so vibrant.
The mystery itself felt rushed and although there were lots of likely suspects, something about the way the story played out was a bit unsatisfying. Going by cozy mystery tradition, there was only one person who could have been the killer. The story would have been more intriguing if there had been something else going on besides just the sale of the plantation. If there had been some sort of industrial or ecological sabotage in the days leading up to the murder, etc.
I also found the murder itself very confusing. He fell, but the equipment was "malfunctioning" and who messed with the equipment... or did someone push him? If someone pushed him, who cares if the machines weren't working right? I just couldn't wrap my head around what happened to the victim and that kind of threw off the investigation because are we looking for the person who messed with the equipment beforehand or someone who was close enough to have pushed him? And at the same time, the victim was known to mess with the equipment so do we even know that someone did try to mess with the equipment? Or if someone did mess with the equipment did the victim actually fix it or make it worse or does it matter if the reason they died is because they were pushed?
Altogether I didn't really feel like this book was up to the standards of the rest of the series, though I still did enjoy the story and definitely recommend this series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander brings Jules, Carlos, and Andy to San Jose, Costa Rica, for the weekend to learn about coffee and to visit an old friend.
Can Jules, Carlos, Andy, and Valentina find the killer before it's too late?
Jules and Carlos got an invitation from a friend, Valentina, when the three of them worked on a cruise ship to come to Costa Rica and to her coffee farm. The two of them immediately thought about bringing Andy with them so that he could learn more about the craft of coffee making. I still like Jules as a sleuth and even more so when she has help, since she needs it, especially in Costa Rica.
The Mystery
For Jules, Carlos, and Andy, this weekend trip to Costa Rica was supposed to be a relaxing holiday to learn about coffee making and help Valentina get some recipes down for her coffee counter and bakery on her family's coffee farm. It started that way until they found a dead body in the pulping machine, and then it was to solve a murder. I had a feeling it was the person that it was, but I didn't quite get the why until the end.
Five Stars
Ms. Alexander always surprises me when she releases a new one, and how she keeps the mysteries, sometimes, away from Ashland. My rating for Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander is five stars, and I do recommend this series. Granted, this is only my third book in it, but I do love it. Ms. Alexander keeps me guessing on who could have done it until the reveal scene. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Ms. Alexander has recipes in the back of the book. They are Peach Cobbler, Torta Chilena with Duce de Leche, Pepito Sandwich, Arroz con Leche, Suspiros Cookies, Empanadas, and Andy's Pura Vida Latte.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander brings Jules, Carlos, and Andy to San Jose, Costa Rica, for the weekend to learn about coffee and to visit an old friend.
Can Jules, Carlos, Andy, and Valentina find the killer before it's too late?
Jules and Carlos got an invitation from a friend, Valentina, when the three of them worked on a cruise ship to come to Costa Rica and to her coffee farm. The two of them immediately thought about bringing Andy with them so that he could learn more about the craft of coffee making. I still like Jules as a sleuth and even more so when she has help, since she needs it, especially in Costa Rica.
The Mystery
For Jules, Carlos, and Andy, this weekend trip to Costa Rica was supposed to be a relaxing holiday to learn about coffee making and help Valentina get some recipes down for her coffee counter and bakery on her family's coffee farm. It started that way until they found a dead body in the pulping machine, and then it was to solve a murder. I had a feeling it was the person that it was, but I didn't quite get the why until the end.
Five Stars
Ms. Alexander always surprises me when she releases a new one, and how she keeps the mysteries, sometimes, away from Ashland. My rating for Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander is five stars, and I do recommend this series. Granted, this is only my third book in it, but I do love it. Ms. Alexander keeps me guessing on who could have done it until the reveal scene. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Ms. Alexander has recipes in the back of the book. They are Peach Cobbler, Torta Chilena with Duce de Leche, Pepito Sandwich, Arroz con Leche, Suspiros Cookies, Empanadas, and Andy's Pura Vida Latte.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
September 5, 2025
Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander takes us back to Ashland and Torte but only for a moment as Jules, Carlos, and Andy are off to Costa Rico to visit a coffee plantation owned by a friend from the cruise ship. When they arrive it is obvious that there is some sort of problem. Valentina is off her game entirely. It seems her cousin, and partner, Miguel, is making plans to sell the plantation, or at least his 50%. No one is happy about it except him. Then during a tour of the various machines that aid in the process, Miguel falls and dies instantly. It is a horrible accident or is it murder? There are plenty of witnesses but of course no one was expecting this to happen so they weren’t paying attention where it was necessary. The police come and immediately arrest Alex, who had bonded with Andy over coffee. Jules wasn’t so cure and despite being pregnant with twins, rushed headlong into investigating. Valentina is trying so hard and they have such a good product. It cannot be allowed to close.
Jules is in constant contact with Lance, of course, who is busy planning the most outrageous wedding he can come up with. Bless his fiance, Arlo, for letting him natter on. This was a change of scenery for the group, but a good one. Andy is beside himself with the stuff he has learned. He and Carlos are excited about the roasting operation they are going to open in Ashland. This is a wonderful, as always, Torte novel featuring all our favorites.
I was invited to read Laying Down the Latte by St Martins Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #EllieAlexander #LayingDownTheLatte
Jules is in constant contact with Lance, of course, who is busy planning the most outrageous wedding he can come up with. Bless his fiance, Arlo, for letting him natter on. This was a change of scenery for the group, but a good one. Andy is beside himself with the stuff he has learned. He and Carlos are excited about the roasting operation they are going to open in Ashland. This is a wonderful, as always, Torte novel featuring all our favorites.
I was invited to read Laying Down the Latte by St Martins Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #EllieAlexander #LayingDownTheLatte
July 29, 2025
𝑰 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔, 𝒈𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒇𝒖𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒚 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒔𝒉𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒃𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒆.
The 21st installment in this long-running bakeshop cozy series finds Jules and Carlos traveling to Costa Rica with theirresident barista Andy. Carlos’s former colleague Valentina has invited them to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm. Jules and Carlos also have a business proposal for young Andy.
But business plans take a backseat when plans to sell the family farm are announced and one of Valentina's employees is found dead in a piece of machinery. Is someone close to her to blame, or is the outside company who has been circling her family farm trying to close a sale responsible?Pregnant with twins and hoping for a little relaxation, Jules once again must put her own needs aside to bring a killer to light.
Overall, this was a good read, 3.5 stars. However, I must prefer the installments that take place in Ashland with Torte front and center. I really missed the character development that is usually present in Jules and Carlos, and I definitely missed the descriptions of Ashland and all of the supporting characters. Already eager for the next book, which I hope will include the birth of the twins.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for the early copy. This title is expected to publish on August 26, 2025.
The 21st installment in this long-running bakeshop cozy series finds Jules and Carlos traveling to Costa Rica with theirresident barista Andy. Carlos’s former colleague Valentina has invited them to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm. Jules and Carlos also have a business proposal for young Andy.
But business plans take a backseat when plans to sell the family farm are announced and one of Valentina's employees is found dead in a piece of machinery. Is someone close to her to blame, or is the outside company who has been circling her family farm trying to close a sale responsible?Pregnant with twins and hoping for a little relaxation, Jules once again must put her own needs aside to bring a killer to light.
Overall, this was a good read, 3.5 stars. However, I must prefer the installments that take place in Ashland with Torte front and center. I really missed the character development that is usually present in Jules and Carlos, and I definitely missed the descriptions of Ashland and all of the supporting characters. Already eager for the next book, which I hope will include the birth of the twins.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Press/Minotaur Books for the early copy. This title is expected to publish on August 26, 2025.
October 5, 2025
Laying Down the Latte is the next installment of the charming Bakeshop cozy mystery series. Jules, Carlos, and Andy all head to Costa Rica to visit Jules and Carlos' former colleague Valentina who owns an organic coffee farm. Andy is ecstatic to dive into the coffee culture and learn everything he can about coffee roasting. Jules and Carlos are ready to relax and catchup with their friend. However, everyone's holiday turns sour when Valentina's cousin is discovered dead and his death is declared suspicious. Jules is determined to solve the murder before anyone else is added to the killer's list.
Laying Down the Latte is just as enjoyable and intriguing as the other books in the series. I continue to love following Jules and her family and friends on all of their adventures. In Laying Down the Latte, they venture to Costa Rica, which is a super fun twist in this book. While I missed Ashland and Torte, the descriptions of the Costa Rican coffee farm had me wanting to plan a trip to Central America ASAP. The detailed descriptions of the scenery and food definitely added. I love how all of the characters have their unique storylines that continue to develop throughout each book. In this case, I thoroughly enjoyed following Andy and seeing the development of his coffee-loving career. I will absolutely be continuing with this series and can't wait to be back in Ashland!
Laying Down the Latte is just as enjoyable and intriguing as the other books in the series. I continue to love following Jules and her family and friends on all of their adventures. In Laying Down the Latte, they venture to Costa Rica, which is a super fun twist in this book. While I missed Ashland and Torte, the descriptions of the Costa Rican coffee farm had me wanting to plan a trip to Central America ASAP. The detailed descriptions of the scenery and food definitely added. I love how all of the characters have their unique storylines that continue to develop throughout each book. In this case, I thoroughly enjoyed following Andy and seeing the development of his coffee-loving career. I will absolutely be continuing with this series and can't wait to be back in Ashland!
November 11, 2025
Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for a coffee excursion in Costa Rica. One of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and a weekend at her family's organic coffee farm. The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. But the weekend turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to uncover the murderer before another body is thrown into the mix.
Ellie Alexander is one of the best cozy mystery writers today. I love Jules, and everyone else at Torte, who always make me hungry for the food described and a mystery solved. Since this mystery is based in Costa Rica, I have to imagine that the author went to Costa Rica because it was so well described I could smell the coffee in the air and feel the wonderful warm tropical breezes. The plot was very engrossing and was intricate enough that I wanted to figure out whodunit, but I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read more from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
Ellie Alexander is one of the best cozy mystery writers today. I love Jules, and everyone else at Torte, who always make me hungry for the food described and a mystery solved. Since this mystery is based in Costa Rica, I have to imagine that the author went to Costa Rica because it was so well described I could smell the coffee in the air and feel the wonderful warm tropical breezes. The plot was very engrossing and was intricate enough that I wanted to figure out whodunit, but I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read more from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's press for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
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