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A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #5
A Sprinkle of Secrets
A Sprinkle of Secrets is the fifth 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.
Parker Hayes has finally found her rhythm at Catch You Latte, her cozy cafe known for frothy lattes and sweet treats. Engagement season has the whole town swooning, and Parker is happy to keep the romance fueled with her Rosy Glow Mochas and Hazel's Sweetheart Sprinkles shortbread cookies.
But when a glamorous engagement party goes wrong, Magnolia Grove’s fairy-tale mood shatters. Whispers of murder ripple through town, and someone close to Parker is suddenly caught in the middle. As Parker starts asking questions, she uncovers jealousies, broken promises and secrets some folks would do anything to keep buried.
With her parents moving to town sooner than planned, cookie orders piling up and a killer desperate to stay hidden, Parker has her hands full. She’ll have to sift through the lies fast before Magnolia Grove’s cozy charm is shattered for good.
Pour yourself a sweet escape with A Sprinkle of Secrets—a cozy mystery filled with friendships, an adorable dog, small town secrets and just enough danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
Parker Hayes has finally found her rhythm at Catch You Latte, her cozy cafe known for frothy lattes and sweet treats. Engagement season has the whole town swooning, and Parker is happy to keep the romance fueled with her Rosy Glow Mochas and Hazel's Sweetheart Sprinkles shortbread cookies.
But when a glamorous engagement party goes wrong, Magnolia Grove’s fairy-tale mood shatters. Whispers of murder ripple through town, and someone close to Parker is suddenly caught in the middle. As Parker starts asking questions, she uncovers jealousies, broken promises and secrets some folks would do anything to keep buried.
With her parents moving to town sooner than planned, cookie orders piling up and a killer desperate to stay hidden, Parker has her hands full. She’ll have to sift through the lies fast before Magnolia Grove’s cozy charm is shattered for good.
Pour yourself a sweet escape with A Sprinkle of Secrets—a cozy mystery filled with friendships, an adorable dog, small town secrets and just enough danger to keep you turning pages late into the night.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2025
About the author
Simone Stier
33 books114 followersSimone Stier writes humorous cozy mysteries with coffee shops, bookshops, small towns and clever twists.
With humor, heart and plenty of small-town gossip, Simone’s books follow amateur sleuths as they uncover murder, secrets and scandal in charming Southern communities. Her Cafe Crimes series features a former true-crime podcaster turned barista and delivers binge-worthy mysteries filled with wit, charm and clever twists.
Simone lives in North Carolina with her husband and writing partner, Peter. When they aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re probably cold plunging.
For fans of Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander and Tonya Kappes.
Join the newsletter for free short story + recipes simonestier.com
With humor, heart and plenty of small-town gossip, Simone’s books follow amateur sleuths as they uncover murder, secrets and scandal in charming Southern communities. Her Cafe Crimes series features a former true-crime podcaster turned barista and delivers binge-worthy mysteries filled with wit, charm and clever twists.
Simone lives in North Carolina with her husband and writing partner, Peter. When they aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re probably cold plunging.
For fans of Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander and Tonya Kappes.
Join the newsletter for free short story + recipes simonestier.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 23, 2025
Excellent cozy! These stories keep getting better and better!
January 25, 2025
I loved this one- probably my favorite yet! It was a perfectly timed Valentine’s Day themed mystery. I loved how Hazel got in on the sleuthing action this time with Parker and the mystery was so good!! Came together perfectly in the reveal.
April 19, 2025
Still enjoying the delightful characters and mysteries!
September 12, 2026
If you're craving a cozy mystery that's as rich and layered as a triple-chocolate latte, A Sprinkle of Secrets will keep you guessing until the last sip.
A Sprinkle of Secrets, the fifth installment of A Cafe Crimes Mystery Series by Simone Stier, takes us back to Magnolia Grove, where the coffee is always steaming, the pastries are temptingly mouth-watering, and the secrets are always brewing! The engagement season is already in bloom, and the Catch You Latte café is busy serving Parker’s romantic specialty drinks, Hazel’s scrumptious sweet treats, and plenty of small-town conversations. It isn’t long before a suddenly planned engagement party takes a deadly turn as the celebration ends with a bang and a cherished member of the community is found dead. The crime hits particularly close to home when the victim has a connection to Parker’s cafe assistant, Hazel. Parker would really like to stay out of the investigation. Really. But Hazel needs closure, and Parker’s instincts take over to protect her friend and find the truth. As Parker starts to dig, she starts to uncover secrets that someone was very determined to keep buried, and the killer is willing to protect those secrets at any cost.
What Made This Read So Delightful:
I love that these books don’t always focus on just the murder mystery. There are other moving elements that Parker faces in this installment as well. Parker must also juggle a bustling cafe during peak-season cookie orders, prepare for a sudden early arrival of her parents, her charming relationship with the town historian, Wit, and plenty of small-town gossip that add to the chaos. There is never a dull moment, or a moment I am not invested in as I root for Parker.
Simone Stier does an exceptional job with the sensory details of the cafe - from the frothy lattes to the freshly baked pastries. These moments always create such a warm and inviting world that I always want to keep coming back to. Magnolia Grove’s engagement season feels larger-than-life; I felt like I was right there mingling with the party guests, yet the story never got bogged down in over-the-top descriptions.
Parker is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. Her background in true-crime podcasting helps her have an investigative mindset, so when she starts pulling at the threads of the mystery, her curiosity feels natural to her character, which makes her feel real to me. I absolutely adore the relationship between Wit and Parker. The scenes they share have a natural rhythm, and the humor adds another layer of charm to the story. I particularly found their dialogue especially fun when Wit shares historical tidbits with Parker, which encourages Parker’s witty banter throughout their conversation. It made their connection feel genuine, sweet, and endlessly entertaining. However, I particularly enjoyed how personal the investigation becomes in this installment. Hazel isn’t simply Parker’s assistant standing on the sidelines - she is one of Parker’s best friends, and her connection with the victim gave Hazel a greater emotional presence in the story. I found myself becoming increasingly invested in what she was going through. My heart went out to Hazel, and I don’t think her character could be written to feel any more real. The investigation isn't just about solving a murder. It also allows Parker and Hazel's relationship—and Hazel herself—to develop in meaningful ways. In addition, having the victim be a cherished member of the community, rather than the universally disliked villain, raised the stakes for everyone involved.
Simone Stier crafted an intriguing plot that is filled with twists and red herrings. It really kept me on my toes. The pace was brisk, and there was never a dull moment. This book gave me exactly what I want in a cozy mystery. There was the perfect amount of suspects, secrets, twists, and reasons to keep me turning the pages. All of which led up to a satisfying and unexpected ending. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story hit me with a "WAIT... WHAT?" twist that made me read the pages twice. This installment certainly left me eager for the next: A Hint of Homicide.
A Sprinkle of Secrets is Simone Stier's most satisfying, heart-stealing mystery yet! A deliciously cozy, character-rich mystery that manages to sprinkle sweetness over a story filled with secrets, suspicion, and surprises.
A Sprinkle of Secrets, the fifth installment of A Cafe Crimes Mystery Series by Simone Stier, takes us back to Magnolia Grove, where the coffee is always steaming, the pastries are temptingly mouth-watering, and the secrets are always brewing! The engagement season is already in bloom, and the Catch You Latte café is busy serving Parker’s romantic specialty drinks, Hazel’s scrumptious sweet treats, and plenty of small-town conversations. It isn’t long before a suddenly planned engagement party takes a deadly turn as the celebration ends with a bang and a cherished member of the community is found dead. The crime hits particularly close to home when the victim has a connection to Parker’s cafe assistant, Hazel. Parker would really like to stay out of the investigation. Really. But Hazel needs closure, and Parker’s instincts take over to protect her friend and find the truth. As Parker starts to dig, she starts to uncover secrets that someone was very determined to keep buried, and the killer is willing to protect those secrets at any cost.
What Made This Read So Delightful:
I love that these books don’t always focus on just the murder mystery. There are other moving elements that Parker faces in this installment as well. Parker must also juggle a bustling cafe during peak-season cookie orders, prepare for a sudden early arrival of her parents, her charming relationship with the town historian, Wit, and plenty of small-town gossip that add to the chaos. There is never a dull moment, or a moment I am not invested in as I root for Parker.
Simone Stier does an exceptional job with the sensory details of the cafe - from the frothy lattes to the freshly baked pastries. These moments always create such a warm and inviting world that I always want to keep coming back to. Magnolia Grove’s engagement season feels larger-than-life; I felt like I was right there mingling with the party guests, yet the story never got bogged down in over-the-top descriptions.
Parker is one of my favorite amateur sleuths. Her background in true-crime podcasting helps her have an investigative mindset, so when she starts pulling at the threads of the mystery, her curiosity feels natural to her character, which makes her feel real to me. I absolutely adore the relationship between Wit and Parker. The scenes they share have a natural rhythm, and the humor adds another layer of charm to the story. I particularly found their dialogue especially fun when Wit shares historical tidbits with Parker, which encourages Parker’s witty banter throughout their conversation. It made their connection feel genuine, sweet, and endlessly entertaining. However, I particularly enjoyed how personal the investigation becomes in this installment. Hazel isn’t simply Parker’s assistant standing on the sidelines - she is one of Parker’s best friends, and her connection with the victim gave Hazel a greater emotional presence in the story. I found myself becoming increasingly invested in what she was going through. My heart went out to Hazel, and I don’t think her character could be written to feel any more real. The investigation isn't just about solving a murder. It also allows Parker and Hazel's relationship—and Hazel herself—to develop in meaningful ways. In addition, having the victim be a cherished member of the community, rather than the universally disliked villain, raised the stakes for everyone involved.
Simone Stier crafted an intriguing plot that is filled with twists and red herrings. It really kept me on my toes. The pace was brisk, and there was never a dull moment. This book gave me exactly what I want in a cozy mystery. There was the perfect amount of suspects, secrets, twists, and reasons to keep me turning the pages. All of which led up to a satisfying and unexpected ending. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the story hit me with a "WAIT... WHAT?" twist that made me read the pages twice. This installment certainly left me eager for the next: A Hint of Homicide.
A Sprinkle of Secrets is Simone Stier's most satisfying, heart-stealing mystery yet! A deliciously cozy, character-rich mystery that manages to sprinkle sweetness over a story filled with secrets, suspicion, and surprises.
April 2, 2025
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 this series.
Amazon synopsis:
Parker Hayes has finally found her rhythm at Catch You Latte, her cozy cafe known for frothy lattes and mouthwatering desserts. But when a glitzy engagement party ends in murder, Parker’s peaceful routine gets a sprinkle of chaos.
The victim has ties to Parker’s assistant, Hazel, pulling Parker into an investigation she’d rather avoid. As she digs deeper, she uncovers whispers of shady dealings and a scheme that could rock Magnolia Grove’s picture-perfect reputation.
To make matters worse, Parker’s parents announce they’re moving to town earlier than planned. With cookie orders piling up, nosy locals interfering and a killer desperate to keep their secrets hidden, Parker has her hands full.
Amazon synopsis:
Parker Hayes has finally found her rhythm at Catch You Latte, her cozy cafe known for frothy lattes and mouthwatering desserts. But when a glitzy engagement party ends in murder, Parker’s peaceful routine gets a sprinkle of chaos.
The victim has ties to Parker’s assistant, Hazel, pulling Parker into an investigation she’d rather avoid. As she digs deeper, she uncovers whispers of shady dealings and a scheme that could rock Magnolia Grove’s picture-perfect reputation.
To make matters worse, Parker’s parents announce they’re moving to town earlier than planned. With cookie orders piling up, nosy locals interfering and a killer desperate to keep their secrets hidden, Parker has her hands full.
January 23, 2026
Sparkling
Parker Hayes adores running her Catch You Latte shop in Magnolia Grove with her assistant and baking chef in the making Hazel, along with periodic help from boyfriend Whit Hawthorn, local historian, and handyman, renovation expertise dear friend Clyde, and of course sidekick and canine companion Major.
Parker’s contentment comes to a screeching halt when Hazel’s beloved uncle, a well known Jewel appraiser of respected reputation and renown, is found murdered. Parker’s earlier career as a crime podcaster and amateur sleuth is well known and she is asked by Hazel to quietly investigate Hazels uncle’s death and as the details surrounding his death and those involved are revealed, and eventually the killer, there are more twists and turns than in a Greek labyrinth and the reveal is shocking and quite satisfactory and an absolutely worthwhile read
Parker Hayes adores running her Catch You Latte shop in Magnolia Grove with her assistant and baking chef in the making Hazel, along with periodic help from boyfriend Whit Hawthorn, local historian, and handyman, renovation expertise dear friend Clyde, and of course sidekick and canine companion Major.
Parker’s contentment comes to a screeching halt when Hazel’s beloved uncle, a well known Jewel appraiser of respected reputation and renown, is found murdered. Parker’s earlier career as a crime podcaster and amateur sleuth is well known and she is asked by Hazel to quietly investigate Hazels uncle’s death and as the details surrounding his death and those involved are revealed, and eventually the killer, there are more twists and turns than in a Greek labyrinth and the reveal is shocking and quite satisfactory and an absolutely worthwhile read
May 24, 2026
Once again Parker is caught up in murder investigation but this time it’s connected to her assistant Hazel at her coffee shop. Hazel’s uncle is found dead at engagement party. Parker start digging into the case she undercover some shady deals within the community. I enjoyed how we get to know Hazel more in this book. The story line keeps you wondering who did it. This series keeps growing with each book. Highly recommended this book.
January 30, 2025
I love this series!
I have read all the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mysteries and I am eagerly waiting for the next one. The characters are all so colorful and so not boring. Each story is fun and interesting. I am glad to have started reading books by this author.
I have read all the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mysteries and I am eagerly waiting for the next one. The characters are all so colorful and so not boring. Each story is fun and interesting. I am glad to have started reading books by this author.
November 24, 2025
A Sprinkle of Secrets Review
I am loving these Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Books. A Sprinkle of Secrets kept me guessing who the murderer was. I can't wait to start reading the next one. Another great Read Simone.
I am loving these Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Books. A Sprinkle of Secrets kept me guessing who the murderer was. I can't wait to start reading the next one. Another great Read Simone.
May 30, 2026
This one got a little convoluted, but I think I was finally able to figure out what happened. It was fun to see Hazel give Parker a glimpse of how her behavior when she's in sleuth mode affects the folks who love and worry about her!
January 27, 2025
I cannot get enough of Simone Stier and her the addicting world of Magnolia Grove!!! I cannot wait for the 6th installment in the series, “A Hint of Homicide to drop!!!
June 15, 2025
amazing
Another masterpiece I love love this so much I can't get enough of these books! Thanks for this series I love it
Another masterpiece I love love this so much I can't get enough of these books! Thanks for this series I love it
September 2, 2025
Another treat
Fast moving but complicated, a real treat filled with twists and turns. Never a dull moment and all accomplished without any sleazy parts!
Fast moving but complicated, a real treat filled with twists and turns. Never a dull moment and all accomplished without any sleazy parts!
January 17, 2026
IMHO
IMHO, these can not be read as standalone(s) there is way to much the reader will miss with each character and their past.
IMHO, these can not be read as standalone(s) there is way to much the reader will miss with each character and their past.
February 16, 2026
Sweet, cozy, and oh so fun! I adore the characters and town of Magnolia Grove. The Valentine's Day theme and engagement party were fantastic in this book.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews