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The Coffee Shop Detectives
Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins
In the quaint streets of South-West London, four female pensioners are about to embark on the heist of a lifetime. Meet the
Delilah, the impulsive mastermind
Orla, the razor-sharp retired teacher
Maz, the anxious caterer riddled with self-doubt.
and Beth, battling a deadly brain tumour
United by forty years of friendship, and desperate to raise funds for Beth’s healthcare, the Crones set about a daring plan to steal a priceless brooch from Hawling House.
But this is no ordinary theft. It's a mission to right a decades-old wrong – the ‘death’ of their friend Ronnie at the hand of the mansion's enigmatic owner, Edgar Hawling.
As the crones navigate secret passages, outsmart security, and showcase some of the most cunning catering skills Twickenham has ever seen, they quickly find themselves in a race against time and tugging at the threads of a far more treacherous tapestry than they ever imagined.
Brought to life by legendary Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey, Abigail's Party), The Coffee Shop Detectives is a hilarious and heart-warming celebration of female friendship and the unbreakable spirit of women who refuse to go quietly into their golden years.
In the quaint streets of South-West London, four female pensioners are about to embark on the heist of a lifetime. Meet the
Delilah, the impulsive mastermind
Orla, the razor-sharp retired teacher
Maz, the anxious caterer riddled with self-doubt.
and Beth, battling a deadly brain tumour
United by forty years of friendship, and desperate to raise funds for Beth’s healthcare, the Crones set about a daring plan to steal a priceless brooch from Hawling House.
But this is no ordinary theft. It's a mission to right a decades-old wrong – the ‘death’ of their friend Ronnie at the hand of the mansion's enigmatic owner, Edgar Hawling.
As the crones navigate secret passages, outsmart security, and showcase some of the most cunning catering skills Twickenham has ever seen, they quickly find themselves in a race against time and tugging at the threads of a far more treacherous tapestry than they ever imagined.
Brought to life by legendary Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey, Abigail's Party), The Coffee Shop Detectives is a hilarious and heart-warming celebration of female friendship and the unbreakable spirit of women who refuse to go quietly into their golden years.
11 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 5, 2026
333 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
February 15, 2026
Omg, this book is hysterical! I can't wait to see what happens. Selected it as a palette cleanser & I'm so glad I did!!
February 10, 2026
What a fun listen! Four post-menopausal women come up with a wild idea to steal a priceless broach from the man who murdered their close friend 40 years ago, and try to sell it to pay for their friend's cancer treatment. Along the way, they make some new alliances in a geriatric mob boss and the man's young actress wife.
Madame Coco stole the show. I loved the little quips and bits of the narrative from her point of view. She's got main character energy for days!!
I don't know if they're planning to make a sequel, but I'm here for it if they do!
Madame Coco stole the show. I loved the little quips and bits of the narrative from her point of view. She's got main character energy for days!!
I don't know if they're planning to make a sequel, but I'm here for it if they do!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2026
2.5 stars
Cute, nice.
I liked the characters were older, it's a nice change of pace.
It lacked action.
Cute, nice.
I liked the characters were older, it's a nice change of pace.
It lacked action.
February 25, 2026
audiobook!! TERRIBLE title and artwork nearly put me off but guys I acc rlly liked this. Felt like a marriage of calendar girls / Thursday murder club. Nothing groundbreaking ofc but a lovely listen of lighthearted fun w gorg female friendships at the heart of the story. Cute and feel good!!
February 18, 2026
DNF. A fair bit below mediocre, full of tired tropes. I’ve been half listening while moving house and even partial attention was intolerable. It’s like a really bad beach read for woke older women with poor taste.
March 25, 2026
Maybe it's my advancing age, but I'm starting to really enjoy reading about bad-ass older women! Cute and fun!
February 6, 2026
Was a good, quick and fun listen!
March 14, 2026
Just finished: The Coffee Shop Detectives by Louise Mumford.
Having read and listened to a lot of pretty dark psychological thrillers lately, I needed something a bit more light-hearted and this definitely fit the bill, helped in no small part by the excellent narration from the wonderful Alison Steadman. It's not quite as frothy as it first appears, though, with several big topics interwoven with the plot, including cancer, dementia, and domestic violence. The charm of this is really in the character development, and given all the main characters are women at or approaching retirement age who have no intention of growing old quietly, I was invested from the start.
I do love a cosy crime, and really enjoyed this. It's not quite The Thursday Murder Club, which I regard as the gold standard of the genre, but it's pretty good!
Having read and listened to a lot of pretty dark psychological thrillers lately, I needed something a bit more light-hearted and this definitely fit the bill, helped in no small part by the excellent narration from the wonderful Alison Steadman. It's not quite as frothy as it first appears, though, with several big topics interwoven with the plot, including cancer, dementia, and domestic violence. The charm of this is really in the character development, and given all the main characters are women at or approaching retirement age who have no intention of growing old quietly, I was invested from the start.
I do love a cosy crime, and really enjoyed this. It's not quite The Thursday Murder Club, which I regard as the gold standard of the genre, but it's pretty good!
March 23, 2026
Absolutely loved this book maybe because I am over 60 and it gives me hope that theres life to be had. The book is full of fun made me laugh out loud. The characters were great and i definitely was in their corner for justice and a positive outcome.
February 14, 2026
it was such a fun cute book I absolutely adored it the characters are so funny and they wanted to have an adventure I don't want to give too much away but they wanted to have their last adventure together and it's sad and it's funny and it's it's really a wonderful
February 20, 2026
It’s definitely not a 4 star but I clearly have a soft spot for a rag tag group of cuties solving a mystery with a hint of romance
February 24, 2026
Cute story 😊
February 24, 2026
4.5⭐️ an easy, cosy story and I loved the characters!
March 5, 2026
Essentially an all girl menopausal group of cronies solving their friends Murder. wholesome.
March 11, 2026
Such fun!
March 13, 2026
Cute & empowering! Didn't know I needed a granny heist story, but apparently I did.
March 15, 2026
really slow to start but the ending is great
March 4, 2026
This book was so much fun - it was an easy, entertaining read. Highly recommend when you need a palate cleanser - make sure to suspend a little belief and just enjoy the ride.
March 6, 2026
The story in itself was good but I think maybe I would have enjoyed it better had I read it rather than listened. However, it did provide a few giggles
March 12, 2026
This was an audiobook. It was a really cute story about four older women that were best friends. It was a little too long for me. I think the story could have been shortened up for sure.
February 26, 2026
Listened to audiobook. Pretty decent book if you’re not wanting to have to think much. Some descriptions made me laugh out loud.
I do wish though that authors who set books in England, actually write about things that would happen the English way … most babies are delivered by midwives, not ‘doctors’. Only a small grr but still it’s there.
I do wish though that authors who set books in England, actually write about things that would happen the English way … most babies are delivered by midwives, not ‘doctors’. Only a small grr but still it’s there.
February 20, 2026
To be fair I listened to this on Audible and part of my distaste for the story could have been the reader - I found some of the "voices" to be a bit squeaky and whiny and I wished it would end faster than it did.
Sorry was easy to follow and somewhat enjoyable, although not my preference.
Sorry was easy to follow and somewhat enjoyable, although not my preference.
February 20, 2026
Lots of potential in the characters but the plot wasn’t all that interesting I stopped about half way through too bored
February 20, 2026
DNF. Ridiculous. Old women behaving badly. The F bomb did it. I’m done.
March 3, 2026
🎧 3/5 ⭐️ | ☕️ 🧿 👵
Why I 🧡 this book:
👵 I love books where the cast of characters is older! From someone who is usually reading in the perspective on younger folks, this is such a nice change of pace, scenery, and life perspective. The wonderful women that made up this group of friends were so entertaining, lovable, and gave me something that I hope my friends and I can be like someday.
🎤 The audiobook narrator was fantastic. The voices were distinct, but not cartoonish or over characterized. You could tell it was narrated by a woman who is older herself and that lended the story much needed credibility and style. I hate when audiobooks mismatch the narrators to the characters.
🐶 Madam Coco is an icon.
Why this book wasn't a perfect 5 ⭐️ for me:
✍️ I had several issues with the writing. First and foremost, it really feels like the author doesn't trust the listener to remember basic information. I lost count of how many times we hear at the beginning of the novel that the crones met in their 20s and were catering a party when Ronnie was murdered. The story is also packed full of tropes executed with medium skill. A lot of the comments I thought the book was trying to make on society, treatment of older women, etc. were too overt and lacked nuance that I think would have made them stronger.
🥱 I do think this story suffered a bit from over-stuffing. While I loved getting to know the characters on a deeper level, there was a lot of little side stories and information that wasn't relevant to the primary plot. It sometimes made it harder to listen because I just wanted to get back to the point.
🤔 I actually, truly, honestly do not understand the title of this book. They aren't detectives? They aren't investigating a crime scene? They drink tea 10x more than coffee? It makes no sense.
As usual, she still didn't know what to do with her life... she had found no sudden new direction and maybe she would never work out some golden, straight path that she wanted to tread. Maybe that was okay.
Why I 🧡 this book:
👵 I love books where the cast of characters is older! From someone who is usually reading in the perspective on younger folks, this is such a nice change of pace, scenery, and life perspective. The wonderful women that made up this group of friends were so entertaining, lovable, and gave me something that I hope my friends and I can be like someday.
🎤 The audiobook narrator was fantastic. The voices were distinct, but not cartoonish or over characterized. You could tell it was narrated by a woman who is older herself and that lended the story much needed credibility and style. I hate when audiobooks mismatch the narrators to the characters.
🐶 Madam Coco is an icon.
Why this book wasn't a perfect 5 ⭐️ for me:
✍️ I had several issues with the writing. First and foremost, it really feels like the author doesn't trust the listener to remember basic information. I lost count of how many times we hear at the beginning of the novel that the crones met in their 20s and were catering a party when Ronnie was murdered. The story is also packed full of tropes executed with medium skill. A lot of the comments I thought the book was trying to make on society, treatment of older women, etc. were too overt and lacked nuance that I think would have made them stronger.
🥱 I do think this story suffered a bit from over-stuffing. While I loved getting to know the characters on a deeper level, there was a lot of little side stories and information that wasn't relevant to the primary plot. It sometimes made it harder to listen because I just wanted to get back to the point.
🤔 I actually, truly, honestly do not understand the title of this book. They aren't detectives? They aren't investigating a crime scene? They drink tea 10x more than coffee? It makes no sense.
March 5, 2026
The Coffee Detectives by Louise Mumford, a charming and uplifting cozy mystery that had me smiling from ear to ear. Narrated by the superb Alison Steadman, this audiobook is a treat for the ears and the heart.
The story follows a group of women, all in their 50s and beyond, who meet at their local coffee shop, The Daily Grind, in the picturesque town of Brisley. These ladies, led by the feisty and lovable Dee, are a force to be reckoned with. As they sip their lattes and share their lives, they stumble upon a mystery that takes them on a thrilling adventure.
What I loved most about this book is the camaraderie and banter among the women. Louise Mumford has created a cast of characters that are relatable, endearing, and authentic. They're not just one-dimensional sleuths; they're real women facing life's challenges with humor, kindness, and a strong support system. I was reminded of the spirit of The Calendar Girls, and I mean that as the highest compliment!
Alison Steadman's narration is a masterclass in bringing these characters to life. Her warm, expressive voice perfectly captures the tone and essence of the story, making it easy to imagine the women of Brisley as friends you'd love to have.
Now, I know some might argue that the plot is a tad unrealistic – and yes, it's not exactly a hard-boiled mystery. But that's not what this book is about. It's about the joy of community, friendship, and facing life's tribulations with a strong support system. It's about embracing who you are, wrinkles and all, and finding your tribe.
The Coffee Detectives is a delightful, feel-good read that will leave you smiling. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, women's fiction, or just want a story that will lift your spirits, look no further. I can't wait to see if this charming tale gets the movie treatment it deserves – it would be a box office hit, if you ask me!
The story follows a group of women, all in their 50s and beyond, who meet at their local coffee shop, The Daily Grind, in the picturesque town of Brisley. These ladies, led by the feisty and lovable Dee, are a force to be reckoned with. As they sip their lattes and share their lives, they stumble upon a mystery that takes them on a thrilling adventure.
What I loved most about this book is the camaraderie and banter among the women. Louise Mumford has created a cast of characters that are relatable, endearing, and authentic. They're not just one-dimensional sleuths; they're real women facing life's challenges with humor, kindness, and a strong support system. I was reminded of the spirit of The Calendar Girls, and I mean that as the highest compliment!
Alison Steadman's narration is a masterclass in bringing these characters to life. Her warm, expressive voice perfectly captures the tone and essence of the story, making it easy to imagine the women of Brisley as friends you'd love to have.
Now, I know some might argue that the plot is a tad unrealistic – and yes, it's not exactly a hard-boiled mystery. But that's not what this book is about. It's about the joy of community, friendship, and facing life's tribulations with a strong support system. It's about embracing who you are, wrinkles and all, and finding your tribe.
The Coffee Detectives is a delightful, feel-good read that will leave you smiling. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, women's fiction, or just want a story that will lift your spirits, look no further. I can't wait to see if this charming tale gets the movie treatment it deserves – it would be a box office hit, if you ask me!
February 23, 2026
Refreshing approach to detecting and I absolutely love the characters!
There is a richness in the storytelling in this book with layers of life the characters are experiencing or have experienced. Even though the characters are older ladies, they still go through development and transformation, which is inspiring to see because we usually get older characters that are either static or go through minimal transformation. The story also hits upon a wide range of issues, not the least of which is death in various forms.
Some of the challenges are what we would expect, such as loneliness, fear of aging and such. Purpose and relevance are also big issues tackled in these pages.
I enjoyed the book so much, between getting to know the characters and their foibles, and watching the story unfold as the ladies tried to find their way through the insurmountable goal they set for themselves. I am going to have to find a sequel because I did not get enough of them in this first book!
There is a richness in the storytelling in this book with layers of life the characters are experiencing or have experienced. Even though the characters are older ladies, they still go through development and transformation, which is inspiring to see because we usually get older characters that are either static or go through minimal transformation. The story also hits upon a wide range of issues, not the least of which is death in various forms.
Some of the challenges are what we would expect, such as loneliness, fear of aging and such. Purpose and relevance are also big issues tackled in these pages.
I enjoyed the book so much, between getting to know the characters and their foibles, and watching the story unfold as the ladies tried to find their way through the insurmountable goal they set for themselves. I am going to have to find a sequel because I did not get enough of them in this first book!
March 21, 2026
I absolutely loved listening to this. I generally listen while im at the gym and I can tell you, pissing yourself laughing while lifting weights makes you look absolutely mental.
But you will laugh so much listening to this. The characters are all great. Beth is poorly, and her gang of Crones decide they are going to do something audacious to get her treatment. They are going to steal a valuable broach that also happens to belong to a man who killed their friend 30 years ago.
The gang of crones are fab, and I can totally picture them all sitting in a coffee shop nattering. Then throw in a crime boss and an old house with secret passageways and you really have a cracking story.
This is obviously firmly in the cozy camp but its such an enjoyable listen. I would love to be part of their gang to be honest.
But you will laugh so much listening to this. The characters are all great. Beth is poorly, and her gang of Crones decide they are going to do something audacious to get her treatment. They are going to steal a valuable broach that also happens to belong to a man who killed their friend 30 years ago.
The gang of crones are fab, and I can totally picture them all sitting in a coffee shop nattering. Then throw in a crime boss and an old house with secret passageways and you really have a cracking story.
This is obviously firmly in the cozy camp but its such an enjoyable listen. I would love to be part of their gang to be honest.
March 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5)
This is one of those books that you don’t overthink—you just enjoy.
The Coffee Shop Detectives sits somewhere between Murder, She Wrote and The Thursday Murder Club. It has that cozy, slightly whimsical mystery vibe, with characters that feel warm, charming, and easy to spend time with.
What I liked most is exactly that—the characters. Each one has their own little personality and charm, from Laila to Madame Coco, and together they create a world that feels inviting and comforting.
That said, this is not a book you read to get deeply emotionally invested. It’s light, simple, and easy to follow. The kind of story you pick up when you want to relax, unwind, and not think too much.
I genuinely enjoyed it and would recommend it—especially if you’re looking for something cozy, entertaining, and effortless.
This is one of those books that you don’t overthink—you just enjoy.
The Coffee Shop Detectives sits somewhere between Murder, She Wrote and The Thursday Murder Club. It has that cozy, slightly whimsical mystery vibe, with characters that feel warm, charming, and easy to spend time with.
What I liked most is exactly that—the characters. Each one has their own little personality and charm, from Laila to Madame Coco, and together they create a world that feels inviting and comforting.
That said, this is not a book you read to get deeply emotionally invested. It’s light, simple, and easy to follow. The kind of story you pick up when you want to relax, unwind, and not think too much.
I genuinely enjoyed it and would recommend it—especially if you’re looking for something cozy, entertaining, and effortless.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews