Audrey Alden’s Espresso Shots & Murder Plots brews the perfect blend of comfort and suspense in the debut of her Mysteries of Mount Pleasant series. With its bookshop café setting, irresistible Southern charm, and a heroine who feels like your funniest, most capable friend, this cozy mystery hits all the right notes—then throws in a murder that makes your heart race just a little faster than your second espresso.
Lila Bennett has traded in the chaos of New York for a quieter life as co-owner of The Gilded Spine, a dreamy little bookstore and café tucked in the heart of Mount Pleasant. With her sarcastic best friend Amy by her side and a daily supply of donuts and dark roast, life seems simple and sweet—until the town’s Blessing of the Fleet festival takes a grim turn. When a well-known entrepreneur is found dead, Lila finds herself caught in a mystery that threatens the peace of her beloved new hometown.
The tone is instantly warm and welcoming. From the opening chapter, readers are treated to whip-smart banter, lighthearted flirtation, and the comforting clatter of a café coming to life. Lila is an immensely likable protagonist—funny, observant, and refreshingly unafraid to get her hands dirty (sometimes literally). Her interactions with Amy are full of heart and humor, and their bond feels lived-in and real.
But beneath the laughs and lattes lies a smartly plotted mystery. Alden balances the cozy with the criminal exceptionally well. The murder isn’t a backdrop—it’s an emotional and social disruption to a tight-knit town. Suspicion shifts from neighbor to neighbor, and as Lila digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that reveal just how complex small-town dynamics can be. Gossip, grudges, and old tensions surface with each chapter, giving the story a steady pace and layered intrigue.
Another standout element is the town of Mount Pleasant itself. Alden paints it with rich, sensory detail—from the scent of fresh donuts in the air to the tension beneath polite greetings. Every side character, from flirtatious Brad to the matronly Margaret Thorne, feels distinct and purposeful, contributing not only to the ambiance but to the unraveling mystery.
The book also shines in its dialogue. Alden has a gift for voice—witty, modern, and infused with personality. Conversations sparkle with energy, and even mundane moments (like dealing with a stubborn coffee machine) feel vibrant and character-revealing.
If there’s any room for growth, it’s in the mystery’s complexity. Though well-constructed and satisfying, seasoned cozy readers may spot the solution before the final reveal. Still, the charm, writing quality, and character relationships more than compensate for the slightly telegraphed ending.
Espresso Shots & Murder Plots is a delightful series starter with heart, humor, and just enough danger to keep your fingers smudged with glaze and your eyes on the page. Audrey Alden serves up a mystery that’s cozy without being soft, delivering a clever and comforting read that’s impossible not to love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.