Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series #8

A Pinch of Peril: A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Book 8

Rate this book
Spring’s brewing more than just blissful lattes in Magnolia Grove …

Parker Hayes is trying to keep things perky at Catch You Latte with Blueberry Bliss lattes and a firm commitment to staying out of trouble. But when a mysterious note is found hidden inside an old jewelry box from the Winslow estate sale, Parker’s plans for a quiet season get tamped down.

When she shows up at the Winslow manor to ask a few questions, she finds a dead body—and Deputy Colton Watkins, just shy of retirement, standing over it. Suddenly, Parker’s swept into a tangled brew of family secrets, long-buried betrayals and an increasingly hostile State Bureau investigator who warns her to stay far, far away.

Meanwhile, anonymous texts start trickling in. Eerily familiar ones. Her old stalker—the reason she abandoned her podcast and city life—might not be as far behind her as she thought.

As Parker digs into the past and present suspects—from resentful heirs and jilted friendships to a bitter barbershop owner—things only grow more dangerous. Is the murder tied to the mysterious note … or is someone using old wounds to cover up new crimes?

With a town full of eccentric suspects and one truly disturbing admirer, Parker must outwit a killer before this mystery turns into a double shot of danger.

A Pinch of Peril is a charming and chilling cozy mystery filled with Southern flavor, slow-burn suspense and a sleuth who just can’t seem to quit. Cozy up with your favorite brew—this one’s got a kick.

All books in the series can be read as standalones.

The Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series

A Shot of ScandalA Drizzle of DangerA Blend of BetrayalA Measure of MayhemA Sprinkle of SecretsA Hint of HomicideA Dash of DeceitA Pinch of PerilA Brew of BlundersA Roast of RevengeA Crumble of ChaosA Dusting of DoubtA Twist of TroubleA Dollop of DisasterA Whisk of WoesAlso coming to the Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery

A Cup of CrimeA Steep of SuspicionA Pour of PanicA Grind of GuiltA Splash of SuspenseA Latte of LiesA Teaspoon of TerrorA Swirl of ShadowsA Mocha of Murder

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

209 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Simone Stier

23 books69 followers
Simone Stier and her husband Peter are the duo behind the bestselling Cafe Crimes cozy mystery series—clean, humorous whodunits filled with small-town secrets, quirky characters and twisty cases to solve.

Blending humor, heart and Southern charm, Simone’s mysteries are perfect for fans who love clean fun, coffee-fueled adventures and amateur sleuths who always find themselves in the middle of trouble. When she and Peter aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re exploring North Carolina with their dog Cali.

Their heroine, Parker Hayes, is a former true-crime podcaster turned cafe owner and amateur sleuth. In the charming town of Magnolia Grove, Parker serves up lattes, laughter and clever sleuthing while stumbling into mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very last page.

Ready to start your next cozy read? Discover the Cafe Crimes series and sign up for Simone’s newsletter for a free story and author updates..

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
129 (67%)
4 stars
54 (28%)
3 stars
7 (3%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
2,006 reviews
August 3, 2025
This was another good book on the series. The murder mysteries were very hard to solve. The stalker mystery was unexpected and more than creepy. I’m on to the next one in series!

Amazon synopsis:
Parker Hayes is trying to keep things perky at Catch You Latte with Blueberry Bliss lattes and a firm commitment to staying out of trouble. But when a mysterious note is found hidden inside an old jewelry box from the Winslow estate sale, Parker’s plans for a quiet season get tamped down.

When she shows up at the Winslow manor to ask a few questions, she finds a dead body—and Deputy Colton Watkins, just shy of retirement, standing over it. Suddenly, Parker’s swept into a tangled brew of family secrets, long-buried betrayals and an increasingly hostile State Bureau investigator who warns her to stay far, far away.

Meanwhile, anonymous texts start trickling in. Eerily familiar ones. Her old stalker—the reason she abandoned her podcast and city life—might not be as far behind her as she thought.

As Parker digs into the past and present suspects—from resentful heirs and jilted friendships to a bitter barbershop owner—things only grow more dangerous. Is the murder tied to the mysterious note … or is someone using old wounds to cover up new crimes?
25 reviews
May 10, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable!

I love everything about Simone Stiers books. Makes me want to drink lattes the whole time I am reading them. If you enjoy small town mysteries and interesting characters you should read her books. Looking forward to the next one.
1 review
May 29, 2025
Personally, I found this one to be one of my favorites out of the series. I think it is because there was more suspense and I found myself not wanting to put the book down to see what was coming next.
Profile Image for Debby Edwards.
69 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2025
Another great one!

I love this series! I have read all 8 books. They have the same lovable characters you feel like you know. Can't wait for the next book. I'm glad there is not a long wait between books.
427 reviews2 followers
December 3, 2025
Murder at the Manor

I really enjoyed this cosy mystery. I love
reading about the Catch you Latte cafe
I love the characters that live in these page's. The twist of the plot at the end had me breathless


219 reviews1 follower
May 15, 2025
Surprise!

The Cafe Crimes series just keeps getting better and better, and this one took me by complete surprise. Murder. More murder. Stalking.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
190 reviews8 followers
September 12, 2025
This book made me realize I think Parker should break up with Whit!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.