Death before Decaf

Strife after Death #2

by Mara Webb

Being mostly dead is no excuse to slack off on murder investigations.

Cora Hart had plans for her life—none of which included being trapped between life and death by a coven of ancient witches. Their offer is solve murders, get her life back. Next up? Finding out who killed Lily Hawthorne, the beloved owner of Leap Point's most enchanted tea shop.

There’s no time to be an introverted loner anymore, so Cora dives into a mystery steeped in botanical secrets and bitter rivalry. But in a town where everyone has something to hide, sorting the innocent from the guilty is harder than brewing the perfect cup of tea.

Between a pushy real estate developer, a suspiciously helpful ex-boyfriend, and a rival herbalist with a deadly green thumb, Cora has her hands full. And time is running out. If she can't crack the case, she'll be stuck in limbo forever—and Lily's killer will remain free to strike again.

At least being semi-deceased means she can't die twice... right?

145 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Mara Webb graduated from a child with a vivid imagination and a love of all things magic, to a professional writer. Mara writes cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist, and delights in concocting new and unusual ways to murder characters in her books.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trapped between life and death, witch and supernatural hunter, Cora Hart, would really like a good day’s sleep. Instead she gets her next case, tracking down the killer of tea shop owner, Lily Hawthorne. Between summonings from the cat familiar of a handsome demon and keeping her Kitsune sidekick in line, not to mention grueling Zumba classes, Cora must figure out who used death magic against Lily. Was it the volatile part time boyfriend, a rival witch from the red circle coven, the unscrupulous real estate developer, or someone else? Will the answers be found in the secret library or Lucipurr’s woods? A second murder raises the stakes for Cora as well as giving her a tag along ghost. Will Cora solve this before she dies, again?

The second in Mara Webb’s new Strife After Death series is another fun, paranormal cozy. With the unique twist of Cora being not quite alive, as well as Kit, her Kitsune companion, and the coven of dead witches constantly baking, you have a series that’s anything but run of the mill. The added question of Damon’s interest in Cora and the rise of supernatural forces in Leap Point add to the anticipation for future stories. Well written with even plotting, splashes of humor, and a touch of tension, this book is a pleasant bit of escapism.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda✨️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the Afterlife Gets Complicated

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 rounded up)

This was such a fun and quirky paranormal mystery! I loved the unique premise, being mostly dead definitely adds a twist to the typical amateur sleuth story. Cora is a relatable, reluctant heroine who finds herself in way over her head, but her dry humor and determination kept me rooting for her.

The town of Leap Point is charmingly eerie, and the magical elements blended well with the mystery.

There were a few pacing issues and moments where I wished for deeper character development, but overall, it was an enjoyable read with a satisfying mix of humor, heart, and intrigue. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a supernatural twist!.

I received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Before Decaf is book #2 in the Strife After Death series by Mara Webb.

Cora is back to her role as a hunter when she is pulled into another case by the witches. Lily Hawthorne, owner of a tea shop, is murdered and Cora needs to find out who killed her. This is a fun series. Kit adds a good deal of humor. We see more of Lucipurr and Damon along with the food obsessed coven of witches that summon Cora when she least expects it. There’s definitely something going on with more supernatural activity. Can Cora solve the murder before she is killed and is dead again?

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Cora solves the murder of Lily and a second murder. The killer was unexpected as I had thought it was someone else. Kit makes things interesting as she tries to help. I'm curious about Damon and how he is connected to Cora.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

death is not simple or singular for a woman stuck in limbo between Life and Death.

too many folks messing with too much trouble.

entertaining exploration of mysteries, mayhem, and fates perhaps better ir worse than Death.

[Mrs. Garen L. Herd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Book 2 has murder, mystery, magic, danger, witches, a demon, and one dead but resurrected hunter. And don't forget werewolves and a shape shifting fox. Pretty entertaining.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this author. Her paranormal fantasies/mysteries are well written and the characters are interesting. I love the towns they create too. This series has such a neat premise to go along with it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Before Decaf: Strife After Death book 2

This series is a little on the quirky side but it is a fun read even though she is a hunter and has died once.