A Measure of Mayhem

A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #4

by Simone Stier

A Measure of Mayhem is the fourth book in the Cafe Crimes series—a clean culinary cozy mystery featuring amateur sleuth and former true-crime podcaster Parker Hayes in the charming small town of Magnolia Grove.

Winter in Magnolia Grove means snowy streets, local cheer and … a feud so frosty it could rival the weather. When a Polar Plunge at the annual Frost Fest ends in murder, suspicion falls on the ambitious (and some might say, cutthroat) owner of Feta & Friends.

Parker Hayes, part-time sleuth and full-time coffee fanatic, isn’t convinced the case is as simple as it looks. Armed with a double shot of determination and her signature wit, Parker begins to uncover a tangled web of grudges, shady property deals and small-town secrets—all brewing just beneath the surface.

Can Parker and her friends, along with her adorable dog, Major, untangle the truth, catch a killer and still manage serving Minted Mayhem Lattes at Catch You Latte? Or will her sleuthing land her on thin ice with a cold-hearted criminal?

A Measure of Mayhem is the fourth book in the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery series—a delightful blend of mystery, mayhem and murder—perfect for fans of small-town secrets, amateur sleuths and steaming cups of coffee.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 23, 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

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. Great characters, and sweet pet companion.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters are starting to feel like old friends. The mysteries are short and sweet—which is a nice palate cleanser.

[Elisabee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoewel deze boekenreeks koffie en crimes op een heerlijke manier combineert, moet je het juist doseren. Ik heb weer genoten van dit boek, daar niet van, maar de schrijfster gebruikt continu dezelfde patronen voor elke crime. Dat geeft de boeken een hoog voorspelbaarheidsgehalte.

Dat is niet erg; vaak is de weg naar de oplossing interessanter dan de oplossing zelf. Maar misschien moet ik mijn Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery inname iets matigen, zodat het leuk blijft. ;)

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a brew-tiful blend of mystery and coffee, A Measure of Mayhem is your perfect cup!

In A Measure of Mayhem, the fourth installment of Simone Stier’s Cafe Crimes cozy mystery series, we find ourselves once again in the charming town of Magnolia Grove. The winter chill sets the stage as Parker Hayes, our beloved amateur sleuth and former true-crime podcaster, dives into yet another thrilling mystery. The annual Frost Fest, usually a highlight of the season, turns dark when a suspicious death occurs during the community’s Polar Plunge event. As rumors swirl and tensions rise, Parker’s instincts tell her this is no mere accident. Parker navigates the complexities of small-town secrets, old grudges, and shady property dealings, all while serving up her latest specialty—Minted Mayhem Lattes. (Warning: If you are a coffee drinker, Simone Stier's descriptions may just make you drool a little!) Balancing her dual roles as a business owner and determined amateur sleuth, Parker is on a mission to unmask the truth before the killer strikes again.

As a huge fan of Simone Stier’s work, I have to say this book was an absolute page-turner! The vivid descriptions of Magnolia Grove, from its snow-dusted streets to the aroma of coffee wafting from Parker’s café, made me feel as if I was right there, sipping a warm latte alongside her customers. Parker remains a strong, intelligent protagonist, and her dynamic with Whit Hawthorne adds warmth without distracting from the mystery. Simone Stier’s knack for creating complex, relatable characters shines through, even in the briefest appearances. I found myself questioning everyone’s motives. The twists and turns kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Simone Stier would pull the rug out from under me. The pacing is spot-on, with moments of tension perfectly balanced by the lighter, heartwarming scenes. What truly sets this installment apart is the heightened stakes. The initial books centered on Parker’s shift from her fish-out-of-water struggles from the first book, where she was launching Catch You Latte, to the challenge now of keeping her hard-earned reputation and safety in a town that constantly pulls her into its mysteries, while this specific book forces her to confront long-standing local feuds and property disputes that threaten the very fabric of the town she now calls home. The story builds to a satisfying conclusion, with an epilogue that highlights the heart of the community. I enjoyed everything about this installment and am excited to read the next installment: A Sprinkle of Secrets.

A Measure of Mayhem is a delightful brew of intrigue and charm that will keep you caffeinated with excitement until the last drop!

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Parker runs her Catch you Latte with aplomb and style in new hometown Magnolia Grove, with her talented baking chef assistant in the making Hazel. They set up their portable stand for the Polar Plunge event, where mayhem ensues and the body of beloved resident George is discovered, murdered by gunshot.

Parker, who is a coffee shop owner and also known as former crime podcaster and amateur crime sleuth, is asked to secretly assist the local police with the murder case clues. Whit, Parker’s boyfriend, local historian and assistant sleuth, capably helps out, as well as Hazel and the local crime podcaster team and the helpful Magnolia Grove community who stand behind Parker to assist in finding George’s killer, and when the villain is revealed, it is a stunner!

Well written, fast paced action, with a brilliant, thoughtful heroine and lovable characters, this series is a keeper for sure and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been reading this series one right after the next. The characters are delightful and the mysteries are very good. This is a new author for me and I will look at her other books when I finish



Amazon synopsis:
this Winter in Magnolia Grove means snowy streets, local cheer and … a feud so frosty it could rival the weather. When a Polar Plunge at the annual Frost Fest ends in murder, suspicion falls on the ambitious (and some might say, cutthroat) owner of Feta & Friends.

Parker Hayes, part-time sleuth and full-time coffee fanatic, isn’t convinced the case is as simple as it looks. Armed with a double shot of determination and her signature wit, Parker begins to uncover a tangled web of grudges, shady property deals and small-town secrets—all brewing just beneath the surface

[Sue Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like all of the secondary characters much more than the main character. I missed her parents. She's still too aggressive in her interrogations of the people she suspects, and she still spends too much time investigating crimes while leaving her cafe in the hands of her messy employee. At least this time she tried to keep law enforcement informed about what she uncovers, so that's progress. I'm still not ready to upgrade to 4 stars, but I plan to continue the series.

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book four in the Cafe Crime Cozy Mystery series we revisit Magnolia Grove during the annual Frost Fest and Polar Plunge which ends in murder. With the Sheriff out of town leaves Deputy Colton in charge. He request Parker assistance in the investigation. Parker start undercover grudges and secrets in the town. The suspects start to pile up but will Parker and her friends undercover the truth before the sheriff comes home. This series grows with each and every book. I recommend this series.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story #4 is a hit!

Once again the wonderful aroma of coffee had lured me into another artfully crafted adventure. This series is fabulous, having all the correct ingredients; strong intelligent MC and a delightful cast of locals. The story and characters are finessed, and sent on twisty fast passed ride. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Karol L. Hosking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smooth blend of prose, people and personality

Just finished the first four books...I like wait to post a review until I have a sense of what I like and appreciate.
These stories check off all the boxes. The writing style flows, the humor works....spontaneous chuckles with an occasional full burst of laughter. It is relaxing and takes my mind to a different place. KLH

[Cheryl Bourdet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maximum mayhem

Another volume of mystery and mayhem with a large seasoning of fun. Loved the intricate twists of the story and especially the frigid contest! Looking forward to book 5!!

[Ted · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cafe Owner Solves Murder

I love this series! The Dad jokes and the wonderful characters are fun to read about. I also love Major and hid antics. This series will.keep me company all through this winter.

[Amy Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I absolutely adore the characters in this story. This series is like returning home! Sweet, heartwarming, and cozy to the max. The mystery really surprised me in this one - I didn't see it coming.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Yet another fun and easy way to pass the time. I'm enjoying Parker Hayes and her Magnolia Grove life. However, it does feel a little bit like Jessica's at Cabot Cove. For such a small town, there are an disproportionate number of murder victims.

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

love

I love ❤️ these mysteries so much!❤️ I can’t wait to read the next one ☝️ thank you 🙏🙏much .

[NAOMI · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it

This series are amazing and I can't stop myself for reading it, and the thing is that the plot twist is amazing too

[Donna L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

delightful!

Charming storyline with interesting characters, witty dialogue, and the best cozy feel! Clean and well-written. I’ll be working my way through each story to the end!

[Nancy O'Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is full of great characters. I am enjoying getting to know each one. I like this series. I read one and want to pick up the next.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars