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Dead & Breakfast Mystery #1
Dead & Breakfast
The new vampires in town are sinking their teeth into solving a murder…
Married odd couple Arthur and Sal are totally normal. They wear sunscreen, not because the sun can kill them, but because even the undead need a skincare regimen. They eat garlic whenever they want, though it gives Sal indigestion. They can talk to creatures of the night, but only the raccoons that rifle through their garbage. Really, they don’t bite… except into delicious baked goods.
Ready to settle down and stay out of trouble, the two have opened a bed & breakfast in the idyllic, if not-so-paranormal-friendly, town of Trident Falls, Oregon. But trouble finds them when the mayor is discovered dead in their begonias with two puncture wounds in his neck. With the help of a werewolf barista, the elven town coroner, and a very human city manager, Arthur and Sal will need to prove they aren’t literally out for blood by catching a killer…
Married odd couple Arthur and Sal are totally normal. They wear sunscreen, not because the sun can kill them, but because even the undead need a skincare regimen. They eat garlic whenever they want, though it gives Sal indigestion. They can talk to creatures of the night, but only the raccoons that rifle through their garbage. Really, they don’t bite… except into delicious baked goods.
Ready to settle down and stay out of trouble, the two have opened a bed & breakfast in the idyllic, if not-so-paranormal-friendly, town of Trident Falls, Oregon. But trouble finds them when the mayor is discovered dead in their begonias with two puncture wounds in his neck. With the help of a werewolf barista, the elven town coroner, and a very human city manager, Arthur and Sal will need to prove they aren’t literally out for blood by catching a killer…
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2025
89 people are currently reading
12042 people want to read
About the author
Kat Hillis
3 books39 followersKat Hillis is the author of queer speculative fiction full of silly jokes and twisty plots. A southerner now living in Alabama, she’s a lifelong fan of vampires, mysteries, and puns. When she’s not writing or reading, she’s gaming, drawing, or making handcrafted soaps.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
December 10, 2025
It's a great feel-good cozy mystery. It's funny, cute and an easy read.
The characters are loveable, and the matter of the town's supernatural acceptance is an interesting background to the story.
The characters are loveable, and the matter of the town's supernatural acceptance is an interesting background to the story.
October 25, 2025
(2.25 stars)
I loved the idea of this book - a married gay vampire couple run a bed and breakfast in a small town in Oregon. But the execution disappointed me. I enjoy cozy mysteries (up to a point) but this one just didn’t work for me. First of all, we have an extremely stereotypical gay couple, with one being rather flamboyant and over-the-top, and the other being more buttoned-up or laid back. We also have an incompetent prejudiced sheriff - prejudiced against paranormals anyway.
When the mayor of the town, who is extremely anti-paranormals, is found murdered in the garden of the inn, suspicion immediately falls on Sal and Arthur, the proprietors. Arthur, his last name being Miller, keeps introducing himself as “Arthur Miller - no relation”, referring to the famous playwright. Sal is constantly making jokes that don’t quite land. And there were so many instances where I just thought, “Please get to the point!”. There were way too many side conversations that took away from the plot. I very nearly DNF’d this one, but I was curious about the actual mystery, so I skimmed to try to get to the meat of the story. The actual mystery wasn’t bad at all, but sad to say this - I won’t be looking for book two in this series.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I loved the idea of this book - a married gay vampire couple run a bed and breakfast in a small town in Oregon. But the execution disappointed me. I enjoy cozy mysteries (up to a point) but this one just didn’t work for me. First of all, we have an extremely stereotypical gay couple, with one being rather flamboyant and over-the-top, and the other being more buttoned-up or laid back. We also have an incompetent prejudiced sheriff - prejudiced against paranormals anyway.
When the mayor of the town, who is extremely anti-paranormals, is found murdered in the garden of the inn, suspicion immediately falls on Sal and Arthur, the proprietors. Arthur, his last name being Miller, keeps introducing himself as “Arthur Miller - no relation”, referring to the famous playwright. Sal is constantly making jokes that don’t quite land. And there were so many instances where I just thought, “Please get to the point!”. There were way too many side conversations that took away from the plot. I very nearly DNF’d this one, but I was curious about the actual mystery, so I skimmed to try to get to the meat of the story. The actual mystery wasn’t bad at all, but sad to say this - I won’t be looking for book two in this series.
Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 14, 2025
Sometimes spooky season 👻 is just plain FUN!! Thank you for the free book @berkleypub #berkleypartner 🥰 Thank you @prhaudio #prhaudiopartner for the free audiobook!
Pub day is TODAY!! 🥳🥳🥳 @kathillisauthor @rosieethor
Guys.. this was so much fun!! I started out with the physical copy. Then I switched over to audio and it was SO entertaining.😂👏 Listen to this…
Two vampires 🧛♀️🧛🏻♂️ open a bed and breakfast… I know… I know.. sounds like a bar joke.😂 Sal and Arthur are the real deal. They are determined to make their little paranormal business a hit. Despite some push back from some certain anti paranormal people in the small town.
Except it’s not really great for business… when someone is murdered on your property.😬… especially if you are a suspect. WHAT?! I know right?? Just because they are vampires 🧛 doesn’t mean Sal and Arthur would go around killing anyone.. 🤔 Right?! 🫣🤣
Okay this married vampire couple … they are SO snarky!! Like pass the cheese snarky! 😂 I found them adorable and I just might want to be besties with them. 🤷♀️ Just saying. 😉
This cute cozy vampire mystery kept me guessing the ENTIRE time. Fun.. entertaining.. and a murder?! Yes please. Highly recommended the audio!! 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
Pub day is TODAY!! 🥳🥳🥳 @kathillisauthor @rosieethor
Guys.. this was so much fun!! I started out with the physical copy. Then I switched over to audio and it was SO entertaining.😂👏 Listen to this…
Two vampires 🧛♀️🧛🏻♂️ open a bed and breakfast… I know… I know.. sounds like a bar joke.😂 Sal and Arthur are the real deal. They are determined to make their little paranormal business a hit. Despite some push back from some certain anti paranormal people in the small town.
Except it’s not really great for business… when someone is murdered on your property.😬… especially if you are a suspect. WHAT?! I know right?? Just because they are vampires 🧛 doesn’t mean Sal and Arthur would go around killing anyone.. 🤔 Right?! 🫣🤣
Okay this married vampire couple … they are SO snarky!! Like pass the cheese snarky! 😂 I found them adorable and I just might want to be besties with them. 🤷♀️ Just saying. 😉
This cute cozy vampire mystery kept me guessing the ENTIRE time. Fun.. entertaining.. and a murder?! Yes please. Highly recommended the audio!! 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
April 14, 2025
If you read anything from my review, let it be this:
‼️ NEVER, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, FEED MILK TO CATS ‼️
I didn't think this PSA was still needed in 2025, but apparently, some people still propagate this harmful notion! PLEASE, edit this out of the book before release.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dead & Breakfast is a quirky paranormal whodunnit mystery where Arthur, an undead vampire and owner of the struggling Iris Inn, must solve the murder of the town's mayor to prevent his husband from being put behind bars... for eternity. It is clearly the start of a series, but thankfully avoids ending on a cliffhanger.
First, the book fully embraces its silliness, committing wholeheartedly to its over-the-top humor, even when addressing heavy topics. Its political undertones draw a clear parallel between vampirism and queerness, as Arthur and Salvatore navigate vicious bigotry in their small town. I didn't expect the book to be quite so lighthearted in tone while dealing with such serious themes, which feel relevant to our current times.
The novel's strengths lie in its laugh-out-loud moments and puns (though they may be overdone at times). The relationship between the main characters is lovely, and their few allies add charm to the story. However, the worldbuilding feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving out many details about the paranormal universe they live in.
The mystery itself is lackluster. There's a limited cast of characters, so I was able to guess who the murderer was very early on. While a few moments briefly cast doubt, I'd argue they're more messy characterization than clever plotting by the authors. I enjoyed that Arthur took notes relating to the case in his little notebook but felt this aspect was underutilized. By the end of the book, I grew frustrated with all the ineffective red herrings: I never once believed any of them, so I was annoyed that the MCs wouldn't give up on them.
Regarding the characters, I thought the supporting cast was fine for their limited airtime. The main characters' backstory felt lacking, though I recognize their past will be expanded upon in future instalments of the series. What I found most annoying, however, was that the cat was used as a prop—a mere object to carry around or forget about—something cutesy for the background but certainly not a living being. While I understand the book aims to be a silly comedy, there are limits to what one can take at face value.
Overall, I enjoyed this funny read, the cute cottagecore vibes and lovely supporting characters. The heavy themes were touching, and the burgeoning friendships among townsfolk were heartwarming. It's a solid first book, and I can't wait to read more in this series!
I didn't think this PSA was still needed in 2025, but apparently, some people still propagate this harmful notion! PLEASE, edit this out of the book before release.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Dead & Breakfast is a quirky paranormal whodunnit mystery where Arthur, an undead vampire and owner of the struggling Iris Inn, must solve the murder of the town's mayor to prevent his husband from being put behind bars... for eternity. It is clearly the start of a series, but thankfully avoids ending on a cliffhanger.
First, the book fully embraces its silliness, committing wholeheartedly to its over-the-top humor, even when addressing heavy topics. Its political undertones draw a clear parallel between vampirism and queerness, as Arthur and Salvatore navigate vicious bigotry in their small town. I didn't expect the book to be quite so lighthearted in tone while dealing with such serious themes, which feel relevant to our current times.
The novel's strengths lie in its laugh-out-loud moments and puns (though they may be overdone at times). The relationship between the main characters is lovely, and their few allies add charm to the story. However, the worldbuilding feels somewhat underdeveloped, leaving out many details about the paranormal universe they live in.
The mystery itself is lackluster. There's a limited cast of characters, so I was able to guess who the murderer was very early on. While a few moments briefly cast doubt, I'd argue they're more messy characterization than clever plotting by the authors. I enjoyed that Arthur took notes relating to the case in his little notebook but felt this aspect was underutilized. By the end of the book, I grew frustrated with all the ineffective red herrings: I never once believed any of them, so I was annoyed that the MCs wouldn't give up on them.
Regarding the characters, I thought the supporting cast was fine for their limited airtime. The main characters' backstory felt lacking, though I recognize their past will be expanded upon in future instalments of the series. What I found most annoying, however, was that the cat was used as a prop—a mere object to carry around or forget about—something cutesy for the background but certainly not a living being. While I understand the book aims to be a silly comedy, there are limits to what one can take at face value.
Overall, I enjoyed this funny read, the cute cottagecore vibes and lovely supporting characters. The heavy themes were touching, and the burgeoning friendships among townsfolk were heartwarming. It's a solid first book, and I can't wait to read more in this series!
August 16, 2025
This is a fun, entertaining sapphic cozy mystery. Married vampire couple, Arthur and Sal, open a Bed & Breakfast in the idyllic town of Trident Falls, Oregon. They just want to stay out of trouble, and run their business. But trouble finds them when the mayor is discovered dead in their begonias with two puncture wounds in his neck. They team up with some townies, including a werewolf barista, to prove they're innocent. This was a cute, quick read. The mystery was a bit predictable but overall it was entertaining enough. I think newbies to cozy mysteries will like this one.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
October 24, 2025
I needed this book. And when I say I needed it, I mean my soul felt thirsting for something lighter, gentler, but still meaningful. So much has been happening lately that diving into another full-on horror book was probably going to send me into the deep end. Because yes, I love horror, but even the horror-lover needs a break sometimes. Especially when mental health is on the line.
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 by Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor became my rose among thorns: beautiful, unexpected, and refreshingly different from what I normally read. Though I often lean into the dark, twisted, blood-soaked side of things, this one offered something kind, fun, and quietly profound.
Arthur and Sal, a married vampire couple who run a bed and breakfast, are exactly the kind of characters I didn’t realize I’d been missing. They’re “normal” in the most endearingly undead way: slathering on sunscreen because even immortals need proper skin care, and while they can’t die, removing melanoma hurts just as much; eating garlic despite Sal’s inevitable regret due to allergies; and chatting away with the raccoons rummaging through their trash. They don’t bite, unless it’s into a perfectly baked scone.
The setup is charmingly offbeat, set in a quaint town that’s not exactly rolling out the welcome mat for paranormals. When the mayor is found dead in their begonias with two suspicious puncture wounds in his neck, a group of eccentric allies: a werewolf barista, an elven coroner, and a very human city manager, team up to help clear the couple’s names.
What I loved was how the authors included a full spectrum of paranormal characters: vampires, werewolves, elves, fae, and even hints of witches, all woven into the story with humor and heart. But beneath the cozy mystery and playful banter lies something deeper: a reflection of how society treats those who are different.
The paranormal characters in this book, like Arthur and Sal, constantly have to watch their backs despite living in a world that claims to be “accepting.” Theo, the werewolf barista, left behind a stable, respectable career to follow his dream of opening a café. Lore, the elven coroner, is delightfully strange and unapologetically herself. Even Brody, a side character and graffiti artist often dismissed by society, proves to be anything but ordinary.
To me, that’s what makes 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 so special. The authors use these so-called “monsters” to mirror real people: LGBTQ+ individuals, dreamers, artists, and anyone who’s ever been labeled as too different, and show that what the world fears or mocks can actually be wonderful, kind, and worth celebrating.
The tone strikes a perfect balance between cozy humor and heartfelt commentary. It’s domestic, funny, and filled with amazingly corny puns, yet quietly brave in its message about belonging and acceptance. 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 reminded me that sometimes, even in a world full of thorns, it’s okay to reach for something soft, warm, and healing.
5 stars — completely deserved.
(𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝘽𝙚𝙧𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙮, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!)
𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 by Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor became my rose among thorns: beautiful, unexpected, and refreshingly different from what I normally read. Though I often lean into the dark, twisted, blood-soaked side of things, this one offered something kind, fun, and quietly profound.
Arthur and Sal, a married vampire couple who run a bed and breakfast, are exactly the kind of characters I didn’t realize I’d been missing. They’re “normal” in the most endearingly undead way: slathering on sunscreen because even immortals need proper skin care, and while they can’t die, removing melanoma hurts just as much; eating garlic despite Sal’s inevitable regret due to allergies; and chatting away with the raccoons rummaging through their trash. They don’t bite, unless it’s into a perfectly baked scone.
The setup is charmingly offbeat, set in a quaint town that’s not exactly rolling out the welcome mat for paranormals. When the mayor is found dead in their begonias with two suspicious puncture wounds in his neck, a group of eccentric allies: a werewolf barista, an elven coroner, and a very human city manager, team up to help clear the couple’s names.
What I loved was how the authors included a full spectrum of paranormal characters: vampires, werewolves, elves, fae, and even hints of witches, all woven into the story with humor and heart. But beneath the cozy mystery and playful banter lies something deeper: a reflection of how society treats those who are different.
The paranormal characters in this book, like Arthur and Sal, constantly have to watch their backs despite living in a world that claims to be “accepting.” Theo, the werewolf barista, left behind a stable, respectable career to follow his dream of opening a café. Lore, the elven coroner, is delightfully strange and unapologetically herself. Even Brody, a side character and graffiti artist often dismissed by society, proves to be anything but ordinary.
To me, that’s what makes 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 so special. The authors use these so-called “monsters” to mirror real people: LGBTQ+ individuals, dreamers, artists, and anyone who’s ever been labeled as too different, and show that what the world fears or mocks can actually be wonderful, kind, and worth celebrating.
The tone strikes a perfect balance between cozy humor and heartfelt commentary. It’s domestic, funny, and filled with amazingly corny puns, yet quietly brave in its message about belonging and acceptance. 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐝 & 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭 reminded me that sometimes, even in a world full of thorns, it’s okay to reach for something soft, warm, and healing.
5 stars — completely deserved.
(𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝘽𝙚𝙧𝙠𝙡𝙚𝙮, 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙜𝙞𝙛𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙚 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙗𝙤𝙤𝙠!)
October 9, 2025
First, thank you so much to NetGalley, Kat Hillis, Rosiee Thor, and Berkeley Publishing Group for the advanced reader copy!
I enjoyed this cozy mystery so much! If you are looking for a funny, cozy mystery this fall, pick this one up!
Arthur and Salvatore have amazing chemistry and their banter between each other is a thrill to read. I really enjoyed how this story all wrapped up. As everyone who has read my other reviews knows, I always try to figure out the murderer, and this time, I could! Hooray for me!
While there are some tough things going on in this book as the story unravels, especially towards the end, it is handled with great care. Once you read it, you’ll understand what I mean, because no spoilers here!
Highly recommend!
I enjoyed this cozy mystery so much! If you are looking for a funny, cozy mystery this fall, pick this one up!
Arthur and Salvatore have amazing chemistry and their banter between each other is a thrill to read. I really enjoyed how this story all wrapped up. As everyone who has read my other reviews knows, I always try to figure out the murderer, and this time, I could! Hooray for me!
While there are some tough things going on in this book as the story unravels, especially towards the end, it is handled with great care. Once you read it, you’ll understand what I mean, because no spoilers here!
Highly recommend!
October 12, 2025
A paranormal mystery with vampires? Yes please! This book was SO much fun! I think I fell in love within the first few pages. It’s funny, the main characters Sal and Arthur are DELIGHTFUL and the secondary characters/town people (or creatures) are so much fun. I don’t think there was one thing I didn’t like about the book if I’m being honest so I highly recommend it to everyone! Is it too early to ask for another book? Because at this point, I really want one!
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Paranormal Cozy Mysteries
❥ LGBTQ stories
❥ Vampires
𝗠𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗘𝗖𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗢𝗙
❥ Paranormal Cozy Mysteries
❥ LGBTQ stories
❥ Vampires
October 23, 2025
Vampires and werewolves! Oh my!
Oh what a perfect cozy mystery. I listened to this and it's so good on audio, This one is quite hysterical and will need a reread to catch all the jokes. The characters are absolutely amazing.
It ends with hints of a future story, and I'm here for it.
Oh what a perfect cozy mystery. I listened to this and it's so good on audio, This one is quite hysterical and will need a reread to catch all the jokes. The characters are absolutely amazing.
It ends with hints of a future story, and I'm here for it.
October 24, 2025
Many thanks to PRH International for the digital review copy!
I agree with this author duo wholeheartedly: cosy mysteries should be funny! And to me, this book was hilarious. I had so much fun reading this, and it cracked me up about every other page. It's not easy writing a funny book, and of course humour in books is highly subjective, but to me, these authors really succeeded.
And while Arthur and Sal, our vampire couple, are hilarious together, I also came to love them so much. Their story was just so heartfelt. It was wonderful to read about a pre-existing couple - Arthur and Sal have even been married for 60 years already! Their dynamic has a long-suffering but deeply loving quality to it that shows you how much they care about each other, while at the same time creating really funny moments.
I also thought the mystery was genuinely interesting, and not immediately obvious. I tried to puzzle along and fell into the same traps Arthur did.
I agree with this author duo wholeheartedly: cosy mysteries should be funny! And to me, this book was hilarious. I had so much fun reading this, and it cracked me up about every other page. It's not easy writing a funny book, and of course humour in books is highly subjective, but to me, these authors really succeeded.
And while Arthur and Sal, our vampire couple, are hilarious together, I also came to love them so much. Their story was just so heartfelt. It was wonderful to read about a pre-existing couple - Arthur and Sal have even been married for 60 years already! Their dynamic has a long-suffering but deeply loving quality to it that shows you how much they care about each other, while at the same time creating really funny moments.
I also thought the mystery was genuinely interesting, and not immediately obvious. I tried to puzzle along and fell into the same traps Arthur did.
October 14, 2025
I'm still not super sold on cozy mysteries, but I did love this synopsis, so I couldn't resist.
I really liked Arthur and Sal. They're so different, but each complements the other so well. There's a good amount of characters here, but this firmly set on Arthur and Sal and how they deal with the accusations.
Plot wise, it was okay. It's a slow meandering, which was a bit surprising, since there's a murder. There were several moving parts and while I assume that was to keep the reader guessing, for me, it's felt like too many pieces not quite fleshed out.
Overall, it was easy to root for these two, but I did want just a little more.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Arthur and Sal. They're so different, but each complements the other so well. There's a good amount of characters here, but this firmly set on Arthur and Sal and how they deal with the accusations.
Plot wise, it was okay. It's a slow meandering, which was a bit surprising, since there's a murder. There were several moving parts and while I assume that was to keep the reader guessing, for me, it's felt like too many pieces not quite fleshed out.
Overall, it was easy to root for these two, but I did want just a little more.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
March 31, 2025
4.5 stars
What an absolute delight of a cozy mystery. I loved Arthur and Sal and so many of the rest of the residents of Trident Falls. This was just really really fun to read. There were so many jokes and puns I highlighted, and I'm very excited that this seems like it might be the first in a series.
What an absolute delight of a cozy mystery. I loved Arthur and Sal and so many of the rest of the residents of Trident Falls. This was just really really fun to read. There were so many jokes and puns I highlighted, and I'm very excited that this seems like it might be the first in a series.
October 14, 2025
Thank you to BERKLEY for the ARC and finished copy!
Dead and Breakfast is a humorous queer murder mystery. Arthur and Sal own a bed and breakfast that’s struggling because they are vampires and the town they really want to settle down in hasn’t been super accepting of them. Things seem to be turning around when they finally get a guest, but then shortly after the mayor shows up dead in their garden. The top suspects, the vampire bed and breakfast owners.
This book is full of hilarious puns, quick banter, queer love, and a very adorable cast of side characters.
This is listed as a mystery and I love that because it’s so cozy. I never was scared or worried and was thankful to Arthur’s humorous POV for walking me through this murder mystery.
Dead and Breakfast is a humorous queer murder mystery. Arthur and Sal own a bed and breakfast that’s struggling because they are vampires and the town they really want to settle down in hasn’t been super accepting of them. Things seem to be turning around when they finally get a guest, but then shortly after the mayor shows up dead in their garden. The top suspects, the vampire bed and breakfast owners.
This book is full of hilarious puns, quick banter, queer love, and a very adorable cast of side characters.
This is listed as a mystery and I love that because it’s so cozy. I never was scared or worried and was thankful to Arthur’s humorous POV for walking me through this murder mystery.
October 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️'s! me finishing this in a day should tell you all you need to know, I can't wait to yap about this in a video
October 16, 2025
Cute start to a new series. This was a little campy for my taste but there were moments when I laughed at their antics. Arthur and Sal are written as a stereotypical gay couple reminiscent of Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in The Birdcage so that’s how I pictured them for most of the book. The mystery was interesting, with paranormal elements thrown in to add a little flavor but it does get a slow in the middle, making my interest wane. Overall, it’s a good start and I will look for the next in the series.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BerkleyPub for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #BerkleyPub for an honest review.
October 13, 2025
3.5 rounded up
This was a quirky and funny paranormal cozy mystery involving a gay vampire couple running a small town B&B who get wrapped up in solving a murder when the mayor turns up dead in their home.
Twisty and laugh out loud funny. I enjoyed the sarcasm and snark and the way small town prejudices played out in a world where supernaturals and humans struggle to get along peacefully.
Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Timothy Janovsky or TJ Klune.
This was a quirky and funny paranormal cozy mystery involving a gay vampire couple running a small town B&B who get wrapped up in solving a murder when the mayor turns up dead in their home.
Twisty and laugh out loud funny. I enjoyed the sarcasm and snark and the way small town prejudices played out in a world where supernaturals and humans struggle to get along peacefully.
Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Timothy Janovsky or TJ Klune.
April 15, 2025
This is my first book by the authors; it was such a delightful read! I laughed throughout the entire thing.
Dead & Breakfast is a cozy mystery filled with humor. Arthur and Sal are both sassy, sarcastic, and sweet. I loved their banter and the way they played off each other.
The murder mystery is engaging with plenty of eccentric suspects. It's light enough to keep things cozy but with enough intrigue to keep you turning the page. The entire cast makes the book a must-read. I would love to book a night at this B&B!
Thank you, NetGalley and the Berkley Publishing Group, for this wonderful read!
Dead & Breakfast is a cozy mystery filled with humor. Arthur and Sal are both sassy, sarcastic, and sweet. I loved their banter and the way they played off each other.
The murder mystery is engaging with plenty of eccentric suspects. It's light enough to keep things cozy but with enough intrigue to keep you turning the page. The entire cast makes the book a must-read. I would love to book a night at this B&B!
Thank you, NetGalley and the Berkley Publishing Group, for this wonderful read!
October 12, 2025
4 stars. I feel like I don't read enough cozy mystery, and Dead & Breakfast has me second guessing why that is. Because this book was delightful (and also features probably the tagline of the year- come for the vampires, stay for the scones). I love the concept of this book- 2 gay vampires who run a bed and breakfast end up finding a dead body in their yard and have to figure out who the murderer is, before being arrested themselves. It was cute, cozy, and funny. Plus, there was a well developed mystery with a lot of potential red herrings. Honestly, it was a very easy read and if this ends up becoming a series, I would 100% see myself reading more.
Thank you so much to Hillis/ Thor, Berkley romance (partner), and netgalley for the ARC.
Thank you so much to Hillis/ Thor, Berkley romance (partner), and netgalley for the ARC.
October 30, 2025
Funny and romantic cozy mystery that will make you laugh, smile and wish you too were an old gay vampire.
I don't have much to say about the actual murder mystery but this elderly couple of vampires owns my heart and I just want them to be happy and welcomed in the town they want to make their home.
I don't have much to say about the actual murder mystery but this elderly couple of vampires owns my heart and I just want them to be happy and welcomed in the town they want to make their home.
October 9, 2025
A married gay couple buy a B&B to fulfill their dream of small town coziness. Except they're vampires, and the mayor does NOT want paranormals in town. And then one day, they find said mayor dead in their flower garden. Hijinks ensue.
This book is hilarious. I adored the vampire couple and the way they embrace each other's foibles. One is so over the top extra and the other just wants to make you scones. Somehow, they're perfect together. The jokes just keep coming, too. As a UU, I was cracking up at the bit about how most vampires abandoned religion long ago and therefore religious symbols (crosses) don't harm them anymore. Except they can't go into UU churches and those damn "coexist" bumper stickers get them every time.
As a cozy mystery, this one is lighter on the mystery and heavier on the cozy, but I still loved following along. In retrospect, I should have guessed whodunnit, but I didn't until near the end. Probably having too much fun. :)
This book is hilarious. I adored the vampire couple and the way they embrace each other's foibles. One is so over the top extra and the other just wants to make you scones. Somehow, they're perfect together. The jokes just keep coming, too. As a UU, I was cracking up at the bit about how most vampires abandoned religion long ago and therefore religious symbols (crosses) don't harm them anymore. Except they can't go into UU churches and those damn "coexist" bumper stickers get them every time.
As a cozy mystery, this one is lighter on the mystery and heavier on the cozy, but I still loved following along. In retrospect, I should have guessed whodunnit, but I didn't until near the end. Probably having too much fun. :)
December 23, 2025
Trident Falls ist ein beschauliches Städtchen an einem idyllischen Wasserfall, irgendwo in Amerika. Schon seit er in der Kindheit mit seinen Eltern hier war, ist Arthur verliebt in diesen Ort. Gemeinsam mit seinem Ehemann, dem exzentrischen Sal, hat er beschlossen, sich hier niederzulassen. Und zwar für die Ewigkeit – denn die beiden sind Vampire.
Obwohl sie bei Weitem nicht die einzigen übernatürlichen Wesen in Trident Falls sind, machen der Bürgermeister und viele andere Bewohner des kleinen Städtchens ordentlich Stimmung gegen die ansässigen Elfen, Werwölfe und Vampire. Als dann die Leiche des Bürgermeisters in Arthur und Sals Garten gefunden wird, ist ihnen klar: Hier will ihnen jemand einen Mord in die Schuhe schieben!
Da auf die lokalen Ermittlungsbehörden kein Verlass ist (ebenfalls keine Freunde des Übernatürlichen), müssen die beiden Untoten wohl selbst herausfinden, wer den Bürgermeister auf dem Gewissen hat, bevor ihnen ein Leben hinter Gittern droht. Ein Leben, das niemals enden wird…
____________
Nette Idee, hat mir eigentlich ganz gut gefallen, obwohl es jetzt keinen tieferen Eindruck hinterlassen hat. Wie bei Erstlingsromanen so oft leider schlecht lektoriert, hat einige Silbentrennungsfehler drin.
Kann man mal lesen 🧛♂️
► Gelesen im Rahmen der The 52 Book Club’s 2025 Reading Challenge - Prompt 1: A pun in the title
Obwohl sie bei Weitem nicht die einzigen übernatürlichen Wesen in Trident Falls sind, machen der Bürgermeister und viele andere Bewohner des kleinen Städtchens ordentlich Stimmung gegen die ansässigen Elfen, Werwölfe und Vampire. Als dann die Leiche des Bürgermeisters in Arthur und Sals Garten gefunden wird, ist ihnen klar: Hier will ihnen jemand einen Mord in die Schuhe schieben!
Da auf die lokalen Ermittlungsbehörden kein Verlass ist (ebenfalls keine Freunde des Übernatürlichen), müssen die beiden Untoten wohl selbst herausfinden, wer den Bürgermeister auf dem Gewissen hat, bevor ihnen ein Leben hinter Gittern droht. Ein Leben, das niemals enden wird…
____________
Nette Idee, hat mir eigentlich ganz gut gefallen, obwohl es jetzt keinen tieferen Eindruck hinterlassen hat. Wie bei Erstlingsromanen so oft leider schlecht lektoriert, hat einige Silbentrennungsfehler drin.
Kann man mal lesen 🧛♂️
► Gelesen im Rahmen der The 52 Book Club’s 2025 Reading Challenge - Prompt 1: A pun in the title
September 25, 2025
Thank you endlessly to Netgalley for sending me an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
A cozy murder mystery set in a small town, centering around gay vampires who own a bed and breakfast? Yes, please! This sounded like just the book I had been yearning for this spooky season. I could see all of the potential in what it could be, and I just hoped it would be able to live up to my expectations. Thankfully, I was not left disappointed. This delivered everything I wanted it to be and more! Charming and punctuated with quirky, offbeat humor, Dead and Breakfast reads like a mix between The Addams Family and The Birdcage while also delivering tender, heartfelt moments between Arthur and Sal that will make readers fall in love with them.
I cannot stress this enough: this was such a fun read! The dynamic between Arthur and Sal is so funny, with Arthur being more stoic and proper, and Sal being theatrical and overly dramatic. It’s impossible not to love Sal with his little jibes and side comments he makes throughout the novel. I was cackling the entire time! But the sort of “odd couple” nature of their relationship is exactly what allows for Arthur and Sal to have such good chemistry, because they just balance each other out so well. With this, there were also so many little moments between Arthur and Sal that made my heart so full, like the casual way that they call each other “Love” or gentle touches here and there or Arthur at times looking at Sal from afar, expressing fondness for his husband that hasn’t faded even after all this time together. (my heart!)
What I also appreciated about Arthur and Sal’s story was seeing the parallel between what they struggle with as paranormals—particularly vampires—and the very real types of discrimination that gay men have historically had to face. I thought this was a brilliant writing choice, and it was so expertly incorporated into the story and the world that these characters live in. It didn’t feel at all disingenuous or shoehorned in but felt like very real experiences that Arthur and Sal have had to deal with throughout their lives, which just makes you feel for them that much more. Concerns about integrating into a small-town community where old prejudices still run rampant and they already feel like targets. Having to deflect tired stereotypes. (Sound familiar?)
The vibes of this were immaculate. Set in a small town, descriptions of the cozy bed and breakfast and wanting to curl up with a good book… and a cat! There’s a cat! With characters you can’t help but love, and equal parts humor and heart, Dead and Breakfast is an upcoming queer paranormal novel that you will absolutely want to put on your Fall TBRs this October!
A cozy murder mystery set in a small town, centering around gay vampires who own a bed and breakfast? Yes, please! This sounded like just the book I had been yearning for this spooky season. I could see all of the potential in what it could be, and I just hoped it would be able to live up to my expectations. Thankfully, I was not left disappointed. This delivered everything I wanted it to be and more! Charming and punctuated with quirky, offbeat humor, Dead and Breakfast reads like a mix between The Addams Family and The Birdcage while also delivering tender, heartfelt moments between Arthur and Sal that will make readers fall in love with them.
I cannot stress this enough: this was such a fun read! The dynamic between Arthur and Sal is so funny, with Arthur being more stoic and proper, and Sal being theatrical and overly dramatic. It’s impossible not to love Sal with his little jibes and side comments he makes throughout the novel. I was cackling the entire time! But the sort of “odd couple” nature of their relationship is exactly what allows for Arthur and Sal to have such good chemistry, because they just balance each other out so well. With this, there were also so many little moments between Arthur and Sal that made my heart so full, like the casual way that they call each other “Love” or gentle touches here and there or Arthur at times looking at Sal from afar, expressing fondness for his husband that hasn’t faded even after all this time together. (my heart!)
What I also appreciated about Arthur and Sal’s story was seeing the parallel between what they struggle with as paranormals—particularly vampires—and the very real types of discrimination that gay men have historically had to face. I thought this was a brilliant writing choice, and it was so expertly incorporated into the story and the world that these characters live in. It didn’t feel at all disingenuous or shoehorned in but felt like very real experiences that Arthur and Sal have had to deal with throughout their lives, which just makes you feel for them that much more. Concerns about integrating into a small-town community where old prejudices still run rampant and they already feel like targets. Having to deflect tired stereotypes. (Sound familiar?)
The vibes of this were immaculate. Set in a small town, descriptions of the cozy bed and breakfast and wanting to curl up with a good book… and a cat! There’s a cat! With characters you can’t help but love, and equal parts humor and heart, Dead and Breakfast is an upcoming queer paranormal novel that you will absolutely want to put on your Fall TBRs this October!
October 15, 2025
Thank you to @prhaudio for the #gifted audiobook #PRHAudioPartner and thank you for the free physical copy @BerkleyPub! #BerkleyPartner #Berkley
🏠 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Arthur and Sal are a queer vampire couple running a cute little bed and breakfast in Trident Falls, Oregon. Some folks in town aren’t exactly paranormal friendly and business has been a little slow, so there’s plenty of room at the inn when the new city manager checks in. Not long after her arrival, the town’s mayor turns up dead and exsanguinated in the flower beds, and the vampires are the prime suspects.
🩵 𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: If you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery this spooky season, definitely check out Dead & Breakfast! The cast of characters is so endearing, from strait-laced Arthur to irrepressibly flamboyant Sal, barista-slash-lawyer werewolf Theo, an elven coroner, and even some normies! The dialogue is so clever and punny that I literally laughed out loud multiple times. I was thoroughly charmed by this quirky bunch, and I can’t wait to return to Trident Falls and see what they get up to next!
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Daniel Henning does a delightful job narrating the audiobook, I especially loved his “traditional vampire” accent for Sal!
🏠 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Arthur and Sal are a queer vampire couple running a cute little bed and breakfast in Trident Falls, Oregon. Some folks in town aren’t exactly paranormal friendly and business has been a little slow, so there’s plenty of room at the inn when the new city manager checks in. Not long after her arrival, the town’s mayor turns up dead and exsanguinated in the flower beds, and the vampires are the prime suspects.
🩵 𝗠𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: If you’re looking for a cozy paranormal mystery this spooky season, definitely check out Dead & Breakfast! The cast of characters is so endearing, from strait-laced Arthur to irrepressibly flamboyant Sal, barista-slash-lawyer werewolf Theo, an elven coroner, and even some normies! The dialogue is so clever and punny that I literally laughed out loud multiple times. I was thoroughly charmed by this quirky bunch, and I can’t wait to return to Trident Falls and see what they get up to next!
🎧 𝗔𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: Daniel Henning does a delightful job narrating the audiobook, I especially loved his “traditional vampire” accent for Sal!
October 11, 2025
3.75/5 ⭐️
Dead & Breakfast is a cozy paranormal mystery about a vampire married couple who own a bed & breakfast together.
After finding the mayor dead in their backyard, one of them is accused of murder and the other takes it upon himself to exonorate his husband and find the killer. They work together and form unlikely alliances with people in town who want to find the truth.
This was such a fun read. I loved going along their investigation and trying to piece together the mystery with them. The paranormal aspect made it really different and fun. It was also so funny and silly, I absolutely loved Salvatore and the dynamic between the characters.
They experience a lot of prejudice and discrimination throughout the book, which was frustrating to read at times but it really made the story relatable to our world (even though they are literal vampires).
If you're looking for a fun cozy mystery read with a touch of whimsy, I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
Dead & Breakfast is a cozy paranormal mystery about a vampire married couple who own a bed & breakfast together.
After finding the mayor dead in their backyard, one of them is accused of murder and the other takes it upon himself to exonorate his husband and find the killer. They work together and form unlikely alliances with people in town who want to find the truth.
This was such a fun read. I loved going along their investigation and trying to piece together the mystery with them. The paranormal aspect made it really different and fun. It was also so funny and silly, I absolutely loved Salvatore and the dynamic between the characters.
They experience a lot of prejudice and discrimination throughout the book, which was frustrating to read at times but it really made the story relatable to our world (even though they are literal vampires).
If you're looking for a fun cozy mystery read with a touch of whimsy, I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
October 5, 2025
Thank you to the author for a gifted copy; all thoughts are my own.
Thank you
📖 Book Review 📖 At some point in our lives all settle down; and even the undead eventually find a nice little spot to plant their roots. Arthur and Sal decide to establish their own little Bed & Breakfast in Trident Falls, Oregon - a warm and welcoming place (for most). We are loving this journey for them and it’s all going with the expected ebb and flow of any small business until the mayor is found murdered in the garden hedges with puncture wounds to the neck. And no, this was not a game of Clue for a theme night at the B&B.
Listen, it might be easy to jump to the conclusion that the reformed vampires are the culprits but too often those who are different are profiled and these two are out to clear their names with the help of a motley crew. Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor do not hold back the humor in this endearing cozy little mystery.
I had my reservations at first (no pun intended) because who would actually choose to stay the night while traveling at an accommodation run by actual vampires? But happily Dead & Breakfast proved me wrong in my boundaries for traveling choices with the most delightful characters written in these charming pages amidst a perfectly paced storyline.
Thank you
📖 Book Review 📖 At some point in our lives all settle down; and even the undead eventually find a nice little spot to plant their roots. Arthur and Sal decide to establish their own little Bed & Breakfast in Trident Falls, Oregon - a warm and welcoming place (for most). We are loving this journey for them and it’s all going with the expected ebb and flow of any small business until the mayor is found murdered in the garden hedges with puncture wounds to the neck. And no, this was not a game of Clue for a theme night at the B&B.
Listen, it might be easy to jump to the conclusion that the reformed vampires are the culprits but too often those who are different are profiled and these two are out to clear their names with the help of a motley crew. Kat Hillis and Rosiee Thor do not hold back the humor in this endearing cozy little mystery.
I had my reservations at first (no pun intended) because who would actually choose to stay the night while traveling at an accommodation run by actual vampires? But happily Dead & Breakfast proved me wrong in my boundaries for traveling choices with the most delightful characters written in these charming pages amidst a perfectly paced storyline.
November 3, 2025
2.5⭐️ sorry
I’ll be honest — I wanted to like this book. The premise sounded like cozy chaos in all the right ways: a murder mystery, some quirky humour, and an oddball cast of characters holed up in a bed-and-breakfast owned by vampires. Perfect recipe, right? Unfortunately, the execution felt more like someone spilled the batter halfway through.
My main struggle? Sal. I tried, truly, but he’s written like a parody of a quirky protagonist — all chaotic energy, no real depth. His “antics” never landed as charming or funny for me; they just grated. I don’t mind a little eccentricity, but this was full-blown cartoon energy in a book that wanted to balance humor and mystery. The audiobook narration didn’t do him any favors either. let’s just say it amplified the quirks in all the wrong ways.
Arthur, on the other hand, was solid. If the story had leaned more on him and the actual mystery, it might’ve found better footing. But the humour felt forced, the romantic beat fell flat, and the “cutesy” moments came off more cheesy than endearing.
It’s not the worst thing I’ve listened to, but it definitely didn’t live up to its potential.
I’ll be honest — I wanted to like this book. The premise sounded like cozy chaos in all the right ways: a murder mystery, some quirky humour, and an oddball cast of characters holed up in a bed-and-breakfast owned by vampires. Perfect recipe, right? Unfortunately, the execution felt more like someone spilled the batter halfway through.
My main struggle? Sal. I tried, truly, but he’s written like a parody of a quirky protagonist — all chaotic energy, no real depth. His “antics” never landed as charming or funny for me; they just grated. I don’t mind a little eccentricity, but this was full-blown cartoon energy in a book that wanted to balance humor and mystery. The audiobook narration didn’t do him any favors either. let’s just say it amplified the quirks in all the wrong ways.
Arthur, on the other hand, was solid. If the story had leaned more on him and the actual mystery, it might’ve found better footing. But the humour felt forced, the romantic beat fell flat, and the “cutesy” moments came off more cheesy than endearing.
It’s not the worst thing I’ve listened to, but it definitely didn’t live up to its potential.
October 19, 2025
This was such a fun ☠️ mystery! Paranormals are out in the world and some people just aren't happy about that. I really loved our fun group of characters. Their personalities were hilarious and I just loved the banter we got. The mystery was really cool trying to figure out who did it! I'm excited to see this is going to be a series!
Thank you Berkeley and NetGalley for the gifted book.
Thank you Berkeley and NetGalley for the gifted book.
October 29, 2025
Thank you for the free book @penguinrandomhouse and @berkleypub #penguinrandomhousepartner #berkleyIG #BerkleyBookstagram. Thank you for the free audiobook, @prhaudio!
The mix of small town + cozy fantasy + murder mystery + dramatic vampire couple + found family is the mashup of tropes I didn’t know I needed!
Art and Sal is an odd married vampire couple. They just recently opened a bed and breakfast in the paranormal- friendly town of Trident Falls. Story starts when they discovered the unalived body of their mayor in their begonias with two puncture wounds on his neck!
And this is how the amateur sleuthing starts! But what makes the sleuthing here fun is that you will be doing it with the most dramatic vampire couple ever, a werewolf barista/ lawyer, an elf town coroner, and a human city manager!!
Honestly, this has some political undertones but done in a very creative way. It was subtle but effective and it gave the story more depth for me.
The audiobook was definitely very fun to listen to!! You cant go wrong with the audiobook route also!! It reminded me of House of the Cerulean Sea performance but with a murder mystery to solve!
Definitely a great read for the Halloween season!! It just came out last Tuesday!!
💭 Have you ever stayed in a bed and breakfast?
☕️ I actually think I haven’t been yet! I am curious about the Lizzie Borden bed and breakfast in MA though! Although that sounds a little too spooky for me 😅
The mix of small town + cozy fantasy + murder mystery + dramatic vampire couple + found family is the mashup of tropes I didn’t know I needed!
Art and Sal is an odd married vampire couple. They just recently opened a bed and breakfast in the paranormal- friendly town of Trident Falls. Story starts when they discovered the unalived body of their mayor in their begonias with two puncture wounds on his neck!
And this is how the amateur sleuthing starts! But what makes the sleuthing here fun is that you will be doing it with the most dramatic vampire couple ever, a werewolf barista/ lawyer, an elf town coroner, and a human city manager!!
Honestly, this has some political undertones but done in a very creative way. It was subtle but effective and it gave the story more depth for me.
The audiobook was definitely very fun to listen to!! You cant go wrong with the audiobook route also!! It reminded me of House of the Cerulean Sea performance but with a murder mystery to solve!
Definitely a great read for the Halloween season!! It just came out last Tuesday!!
💭 Have you ever stayed in a bed and breakfast?
☕️ I actually think I haven’t been yet! I am curious about the Lizzie Borden bed and breakfast in MA though! Although that sounds a little too spooky for me 😅
November 23, 2025
wasn't too invested in the mystery but every single one-liner by Sal was pure comedic gold 🤌🤌 also Arthur is a cute little cinammon roll and needs to be protected at all costs 💛
October 7, 2025
Oooh what a delight. I immediately love Sal and Arthur. They might be the most adorable vampires ever (and yes that's a good thing). Over the top, full of drama and flash, I could not help but root for them immediately. This is a fun new twist on a cozy mystery and was so full of humor. It also addressed serious themes of prejudice and I appreciate how it was incorporated into the story in a light tone, but powerful way. I loved the storytelling, the unlikely friends, and the love Sal and Arthur have for each other. I was shocked by the ending and I realllly hope this is a start to a new cozy series.
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.
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