Death at the Café

Reverend Annabelle Dixon #1

by Alison Golden, Jamie Vougeot

A brand new female vicar. An accident-prone nun. Two friends. Two killings.
Annabelle and Mary are best friends. But when one gets framed for murder, can the other one save her?

Assigned to St. Clement's Church in an inner-city borough just outside Hackney in London, Reverend Annabelle Dixon brings an enthusiasm and drive to her clerical position that baffles her mentor, Father John, but which soon gains her fans and admiration. Annabelle is not your typical vicar, but her strengths prove to serve her, and those around her, very well.

When Annabelle plans to meet her longtime friend, Sister Mary, a Catholic nun visiting from West Africa, at a local café, little does she know that she will soon find herself embroiled in a mystery of deadly design. Their meeting place is awash with horror, with Sister Mary standing in the middle, shaking, her hand over her mouth and a dead woman at her feet.

Armed only with a note, a disappearing dart, vague hints, and a love of cake, this quick-thinking, quick-footed holy woman must gather the clues, pacify a detective, and find the real perpetrator before both she and her friend wind up in jail.

Part Sherlock, part Father Dowling, Annabelle is a new kind of detective – one who sees the truth in the most unlikely places. If you love solving puzzles, then this suspense-filled, endearing, cozy mystery is just for you. Enjoy following our amateur sleuth as she careers around London. It will have you guessing until the very end!

Included in this book are recipes for:
– Cherishable Cherry Blossom Cupcakes
– Cherubic Chocolate Caramel Bars
– Jubilicious Jam Turnovers
– Teresa's Surprise Cake

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Novella, Humor

162 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2015

About the author

Alison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.

Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.

Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.

To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death at the café is a prequel to the Reverend Annabelle Dixon mysteries. The book introduces you to the characters and gives some background on the cake loving Rev Annabelle. Classed as a 'cosy' mystery, the book is a very easy read that flows well.

Brief blurb:-

Rev Annabelle, is on her way to the café where she is meeting her lifelong friend, Sister Mary Willis, a Catholic nun. Mary has been in Africa, but is currently in London raising funds for the African project. As Annabelle approaches the café, a woman (Lauren Trujillo) suddenly dies in front of Mary.

Lauren, as she was collapsing, passed a note to Mary. The note gave Teresa Nortega's (Lauren's aunt) contact details. Annabelle phones Teresa to arrange a meeting. Unfortunately, Annabelle and Mary had not been at Teresa's flat for long, when Teresa like her niece, collapses and dies.

DI Cutliffe, is in charge of investigating the deaths of the two women. He starts to suspect that both Annabelle and Mary are somehow implicated. As his investigations progress, Bishop Murphy contacts Cutliffe and provides evidence resulting in Annabelle and Mary being arrested. Annabelle knows that Mary and herself are completely innocent and decides to prove this to the detective.

I enjoyed reading this novel and will definitely seek out and read the other books in the series.

[christene_littlelibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death at the Café is a fun and easy read. Cozy and mysterious. Characters were introduce well as it was the first book of the series. Reverend Annabelle Dixon, a warm and godly woman with a joyful side and who loves cakes. Mary, Annabelle's friend a nurse and a sister from Africa who came to London to look for her hospital's fund.

This book follows the story of Annabelle as she discovered truth behind the 2 murder. Annabelle and Mary was supposed to met at the Café when the first murder happened, small note was discovered and with instinct and span of the moment they were lead to the second murder. Was one of them a murderer or were they framed? Chief Inspector and Annabelle throw out some theories and then finally come up to the conclusion. The person behind those 2 murder was then caught.

I liked the characters of this book even though the suspect was known right away when it was introduced. I liked how light and easy it was to read. Annabelle is such a character. 3.5/5

[Sally906 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet little cosy -really enjoyed it -although I did suspect the murderer from the moment the character appeared - I enjoyed how the police got to make their arrest in the end.

[Nicholas Perez]

Look, it's a mystery, it has a nun, ecumenism, and recipes for sweets. Those are things I like. Y'all. leave me alone.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel was a great way to get to know the Reverend Annabelle Dixon. She is just a wonderful character. She is a warm and Godly woman that has a very fun way about her. She is very bright and a joy to read about since she is rather quirky. Sister Mary is also a fun character. She is called the accidental nun by her friends. Sister Mary is caught in a terrible situation and so is not quite at her best. She keeps ending up at the wrong end of a police investigation. I was glad to be able to read this even after reading Murder at the Mansion.

Annabelle Dixon is able to see through all the confusing clues and find the things that are only obvious to her to draw the correct conclusion.
Another great read by Alison Golden.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reverend Annabelle Dixon is assigned to St Clements Church which is just outside Hackney in London. Annabelle Dixonand her Best Friend Sister Mary the accidential Nun who is visiting from West Africa decide to meet at a local Cafe . Little do they know that they will soon be involved in a murder mystery with Sister Mary standing in the middle with a dead women at her feet . rmed with only a few clues she must solve this crime before they both end up in jail. A Fun quick cozy mystery read.

[Treasa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put it down

This cozy mystery featuring vicar Annabelle Dixon and her best friend 'the accidental nun' Sister Mary is a hoot. How two women of God find themselves in so much trouble and come out in top is quite miraculous. Alison Golden did an excellent job of grabbing my attention and keeping it. Looking forward to the next in the series.

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted a light read after getting through some fairly heavy duty mysteries and spiritual books. This one looked like fun. Sadly, I didn't find it so and gave up after 35 pages, so schoolmarmish had I become in wincing at the over-the-top similes--"They left Baker Street station like a couple of scampering dogs...."--and implausible actions. Had I a red pen in my hand....

One of the first characters introduced, Sister Mary is a Catholic nun described as having spent years working in West Africa because she loved "dangerous but fulfilling work." Yet she is so shocked at someone dying--bloodlessly--in front of her in a London cafe that she "forgets" to tell the police that the woman handed her a paper before she keeled over. This is the woman that Annabelle, the chief character in the book, describes as being used to difficult situations, thriving on them in fact. And yet she goes catatonic and can barely function until Annabelle bounces in. And this Annabelle, an Anglican vicar, convinces her not to give the paper to the police but to phone the number written on the paper and blithely go over for tea with a complete stranger.

As they ride over in the Tube, Sister Mary reads their shared horoscope that says "Today will be a day of dramatic events. Stay alert, because someone you know will be full of surprises." Never mind that they are going to meet a complete stranger, they feel the horoscope is somehow meant for them. They leave the Tube, and "as they hurried through the station, the shock of the day's horoscope seemed to spur just a little more speed out of the pair." Huh? A horoscope shocks and vicar and nun? Bland as it is? And how do we spur a little more speed anyway? It continued like this for another several pages until the loving description of cakes served by said complete stranger (I rather hoped they'd be poisoned) and I finally gave up.

Truthfully, I admire Ms Golden for her gusto in publishing her books. It's the kind of thing I would have enjoyed doing in my teenaged years. I probably would have used the same writing style too. Still, from the reviews here on Goodreads, people enjoy them and that's great. I support people writing and finding an audience. It's just that, for me the book is as lightweight as the cakes described in Chapter Six. Well, let's be honest, cozies ARE lightweight, that's their appeal. Some are better than others though and are great for a fun read. For me, this wasn't one of them, free as it was on Kindle, and I am on to another now.

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

First response: Lots of fun and good background for the series. Full review on the blog in a week or so...

My Disclaimer: I received this book free through the author's newsletter on the basis of a "read and review". This is my honest review for which I am not receiving any compensation of any kind. All opinions are fully my own.
~ Judi E. Easley for Blue Cat Review

My Review:
Annabelle and Mary were raised together in London's East End. One grew up slim and fair and became a Catholic nun in Africa with the nickname the Accidental Nun. The other grew up to be a large woman with dark hair and became an Anglican minister who people thought was just the woman for the job once they got to know her. So when Annabelle found a crowd around where she was supposed to be meeting Mary, she wasn't surprised. She simply wondered what had happened this time.

Knowing this was a prequel to an already existing series, I felt this was a pretty good introduction to the main character. The book gives you some of the actual information about Annabelle's childhood as well as letting you see her in action in the city where she grew up. It demonstrates her character quite well, I think. And with the way it ends, I'm curious now to see how that works out, too. For the woman who chose to get off the bus and walk because it would be faster, I have to wonder how she will do in the countryside. But that's what she has always wanted and that's where the Archbishop finally lets her go. So, I have Book #1, Murder at the Mansion, waiting patiently for my attention.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries and aren't sensitive about the church connection or perhaps like the church connection, this series is for you. I strongly recommend trying the prequel, Death at the Cafe whether you've read any of Ms. Golden's other work or not. It's fun and funny if you let it be. Match yourself against Reverend Annabelle and see if you solve the mystery before she does.



Book #1 in the series is Murder at the Mansion

[Kav · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun introductory novella to the Reverent Annabelle series. I think I would have enjoyed it more if it had been a full length novel so that the mystery could have been developed more. The author did a great job with the shorter word count though and I really like the idea of a female reverend amateur sleuth. Annabelle is all enthusiasm and action paired with a sharp wit. A little overbearing at times, but that's part of her charm. This novella is set in London, but I gather that the series will be set in a rural village so I'm looking for ward to that.

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Penny Scott-Andrews and enjoyed it except for the shrill tone she gave to Sister Mary -- that got to be a bit grating after awhile. But since the good sister is journeying back to Africa, she won't be featured in future books so I'm ready for some scenic English countryside...and murder...in my reading (listening) future. :-)

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reverend Annabelle is looking forward to a visit with her childhood friend, Sister Mary. What should have been an enjoyable reunion becomes a murder investigation. Now both these women of the cloth are suspected of killing not one but two women in order to steal priceless jewels. Reverend Annabelle can't convince DI Cutcliffe that someone is trying to implicate Sister Mary for the crime. I love our cake loving Reverend Annabelle. She's a fascinating character. She's intelligent and feisty. She will always fight for the innocent. Her methods may be unconventional but you can't argue with the results. I'm a fan of the Reverend. She's just starting on her journey and I can't wait to see what will happen next. If there is trouble, our crime fighter will be involved.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun book with Rev. Dixon at the helm. This lays the background for the series. You'll get a kick out of Rev. Dixon. An enjoyable book, not heavy, fun characters and tricky plot.

[Marie (UK) · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an easy uncomplicated read

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun - a bit unbelievable at times but I really liked Annabelle's spunkiness and want to read more.

[Diane Law]

A fun little read. Very short- read most of it while waiting for my dog at the groomers.

[Damaskcat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annabelle Dixon has made an impact on her parish in the East End of London and she is taking some well earned time off to meet her old friend Sister Mary, a Catholic nun, who is back in England on a fund raising mission for the hospital she works for in West Africa. But Sister Mary has always attracted strange events and today is no exception. Annabelle arrives at the café they have agreed on as a rendezvous only to find that Sister Mary has done it again and a woman has dropped dead at her feet.

This is only the start of an adventure which sees Annabelle and Mary arrested for murder and trying to track down the real murderer themselves. This is short but entertaining mystery featuring the delightful Annabelle with her sunny personality and inexhaustible supply of energy and interest in everything. I enjoyed reading it and have already started on the next one in the series. I am looking forward to reading more about Annabelle.

[Terri Crossley · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you didn't think that a Catholic nun and reverened could cause you to laugh until you cry and get into a ton of mischief then you need to read this series! When Sister Mary comes to visit Annabelle before she goes back to Africa Annabelle is extremely excited and a little wary. Although they have been friends forever Sister Mary has a way of getting herself into trouble. When Annabelle sets off to meet her friend she has plans of what exciting things they are going to do. When she arrives at the meeting Sister Mary is standing next to a dead woman she was about to meet. The dectective assign to the case has these two in his sights and when another dead body is found and these two are the last to see her the dectective is ready to throw them in jail. These two better hustle and pray that they find the real killer or they both will wind up in jail! I highly recommend this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just discovered this series. It's a light cozy mystery series featuring an Anglican priest (my only beef is that the author calls her Reverend, which is not a title - she should be "the Reverend."). In this book, the Reverend Annabelle and her friend, Sister Mary meet at a cafe, only to have someone come up to Sister Mary, hand her a note, and die. Based on the note, they go to see someone else, who also dies in front of them. Naturally, the police consider them suspects until they figure out who the killer really is and why, and manage to frame the (unexpected) villain. A quick, fun, read!

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun prequel in the Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mystery series. It's a quick, enjoyable read. Fun & funny, & clean, too. I really enjoyed it! :)

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very well put together mystery. I will be reading more of her books.

[SherleyB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book well worth sitting down with a coffee a few times for a great read...
SherleyB

[Lis Carey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a prequel, written after some of Reverend Annabelle Dixon's later adventures, but taking place at the start of her career, during her first assignment at a church in London. Annabelle is always likeable; so is her friend, Sister Mary. The stories are fun.

Nevertheless, I'm growing frustrated.

Annabelle is doing unexpectedly well in her first assignment, in a rather rough, inner city parish. Her friend, Catholic nun Sister Mary, is home briefly from her assignment in Africa--in London to raise money for the hospital she works at as a nurse. They arrange to meet at a café, but Annabelle arrives to find a commotion, and a young woman lying dead, practically at Sister Mary's feet. Mary had intended to meet with another woman, not this one, before meeting Annabelle. The police are called, Sister Mary gives them the limited information she has, and the friends leave.

Shortly after, the often scatterbrained Mary realizes she has another piece of evidence, the note the dead woman had handed her just before collapsing at her feet. Naturally, they, or rather Annabelle, decide to call the phone number and talk to Theresa, whom the note warns is in danger.

Theresa turns out to be the older woman Mary was supposed to meet, in hopes of a sizable donation to her hospital. They go to her home, which is lovely and filled with antiques. They're having a pleasant visit, when Theresa suddenly also falls dead, very similar to the way the younger woman at the café did.

For some reason, Detective Inspector Cutcliffe doesn't arrest them both on the spot.

Naturally, they continue to investigate.
--
Obviously, they solve the case, after some quite alarming experiences.

And it's at this point that I get really frustrated.

Beware possible spoilers. I am seriously not happy.

A couple of weeks ago, I read Fireworks in France, the latest Reverend Annabelle story. In it, in a tiny village in France, with a total "professional" religious community of fifteen--thirteen nuns and two priests--six are involved in varying degrees of impropriety. The pastor of the church and the mother superior of the convent are having an affair. One of the nuns is only there to prove her parents, a priest and a nun, were evil hypocrites, and is a really nasty person herself. Sister Mary and the other priest have realized they might be more attracted to each other than to their vocations--which in a different surrounding story would be, hey, this happens, many enter religious life too young to really know what they're committing to, and it could be a sweet story. The sixth? Another of the nuns is the actual killer, of course.

When I read it, I said, improbable, but think of the death rate in Cabot Cove. (And I am probably hopelessly dating myself with that reference. But then I read this one, and yes, the killer is a prominent Catholic bishop. Oh, and a longstanding crook.

And now I'm thinking, an English writer, now a US resident, possibly citizen for all I know, but English, is finding a lot of easy villains in a religion that is historically unpopular in the UK, and still often viewed and talked of in very stereotypical ways. Sure, Mary is altogether a good person, but one can't help but suspect at this point that "oh, she's not like the rest of them!"

If I'd had an actual paperback copy of the book, it would have hit the wall at high speed.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review:
4 stars
I have purchased a copy of the England based series The Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mysteries: Books 1-4 (The Reverend Annabelle Dixon Series Boxset) by Alison Golden and this review was given freely. An eclectic mix of colorful characters, mysteries and murder set in England that contain a bit of romance and ends with some popular dessert recipes.

Death at the Café:
5 stars
I have purchased a copy of the England based series The Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mysteries Book 1: Death at a Cafe by Alison Golden and this review was given freely.
Starts a bit slow with a history lesson but is ultimately intriguing, complex and action packed with a dynamic and outspoken Reverend Annabelle Dixon who finds herself in the middle of multiple murders and a mystery which she solves despite the interference of the police.

Murder at the Mansion:
4 stars
I have purchased a copy of The Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mysteries Book 2: Murder at the Mansion by Alison Golden and this review was given freely.
Down to earth colorful characters,small town rumors, vivid and at times flowery descriptions, a elaborate murder mystery, and a hint of romance.
Trouble arises when Annabelle Dixon goes to Woodlands Manor to welcome Sir John Cartwright to the Upton ST. Mary Parish only to find him dead in his bedroom with a arrow in his heart and a mysteriously disappearing girl necessitating the involvement of the local laid back, mischievous Constable Jim Raven and Truro's Inspector Mike Nicholls.

Body in the Woods:
4 stars
I have purchased a copy of The Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mysteries Book 3:Body in the Woods by Alison Golden and this review was given freely.
Eclectic characters like the outspoken Phillipa, the socially awkward anthropologist Dr.Robert Brownson, the easily irritated Inspector Nicholls, and the dessert loving, curious and at times persistent Reverend add color to the pages filled with rambling descriptions and conversations,multiple mysteries which are entwined with multiple love triangles, a murder, and a love match.
When eight year old Dougie Dewar trips over a skeleton in the woods of Upton ST. Mary, Detective Mike Nicholls tries to keep the quick witted Reverend Annabelle away from the investigation but town gossip situates her perfectly to solve the twenty year old murder case.

Grave in the Garage:
5 stars
I have purchased a copy of The Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mysteries Book 4: Grave in the Garage by Alison Golden and this review was given freely.
Suspenseful and action packed involving a few twist, puppies, and some surprises. As Reverend Annabelle laments the reduction in church funds and her friendship with Inspector Mike deepens, Phillia's matchmaking escalates, and the village of Upton ST. Mary experiences another murder as well as a secret gambling ring.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great start to this series
likeable characters, easy to read & follow, a quick read, I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
A brand new female vicar. An accident-prone nun. Two friends. Two killings.
Annabelle and Mary are best friends. But when one gets framed for murder, can the other one save her?

Assigned to St. Clement's Church in an inner-city borough just outside Hackney in London, Reverend Annabelle Dixon brings an enthusiasm and drive to her clerical position that baffles her mentor, Father John, but which soon gains her fans and admiration. Annabelle is not your typical vicar, but her strengths prove to serve her, and those around her, very well.

When Annabelle plans to meet her longtime friend, Sister Mary, a Catholic nun visiting from West Africa, at a local café, little does she know that she will soon find herself embroiled in a mystery of deadly design. Their meeting place is awash with horror, with Sister Mary standing in the middle, shaking, her hand over her mouth and a dead woman at her feet.

Armed only with a note, a disappearing dart, vague hints, and a love of cake, this quick-thinking, quick-footed holy woman must gather the clues, pacify a detective, and find the real perpetrator before both she and her friend wind up in jail.

Part Sherlock, part Father Dowling, Annabelle is a new kind of detective – one who sees the truth in the most unlikely places. If you love solving puzzles, then this suspense-filled, endearing, cozy mystery is just for you. Enjoy following our amateur sleuth as she careers around London. It will have you guessing until the very end!

[Denise Zendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Annabelle Dixon is a newly-minted Anglican vicar, assigned to St. Clement’s Church, an inner-city church in a London suburb. She bewilders her mentor, Fr. John, but he appreciates her drive and energy. Her longtime friend and Catholic nun, Sister Mary, gets embroiled in the death of not one but two people, one of whom was going to give Mary a huge donation for the operation of a hospital in Africa, and Annabelle does what she can to save her.

This was a fun novella with an interesting premise – a female, outgoing priest, and a quiet, retiring nun who have known each other all their lives and have managed to maintain a friendship despite time and distance. I enjoyed seeing the human side of Annabelle (she hates public transportation with a passion and she really, really likes baked goods), as well as the professional side (her bumbling manner hides a sharp mind and a kind heart).

I noticed a reviewer who gave this one star because it was a cozy and the reviewer just couldn’t abide cozies. Hellooo, what did you think it was going to be with a cartoon priest and nun on the cover and a bunch of hearts? Some of the activities are slapstick (like when Annabelle does a full flying tackle and brings down one of the suspects in a crowded open-air market), and I don’t know enough about the Anglican church to know whether the religious elements are accurate, but overall the story was enjoyable and held my attention. The ending was sort of Perry Mason, but still fun. I liked this book enough to want to read more in the series.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet treat in more ways than one and I really enjoyed it. I am not very religious and was a little bit worried that this book wasn't for me but I have read a few of the authors other series and thought I would give it ago. I needn't have worried there is no preaching and in fact it is just a fun mystery. I liked the chatty vicar and think the author is going to have a lot of fun with this character. The mystery, while there wasn't a great deal of suspects it was cleverly worked out and I was surprised by who turned out to be behind it all. The story ends with a chapter from the next book and I think I know what I might be listening to next.
Annabelle is looking forward to meeting up with an old friend but before she has the chance, her friend gets caught up in a murder investigation by becoming the prime suspect. Mary was meeting someone to try and gain funding to help her hospital in Africa but a woman passes Mary a note claiming the lady she is to meet is in danger, before she dies. Mary and Annabelle rush off to save a life but find themselves once again being questioned by the police. Annabelle knows her friend isn't responsible for the death and the only way to prove it, is to find a killer.
I liked the narrator. She has a bubble voice which made the story fun but it did mean Mary sometime got annoying as she was A light high pitched.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntary left this review.

[Alis Page · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entering Alison Golden's literary realm through "Mardi Gras Madness," was like stepping into a cosy haven for mystery lovers. The book is part of a series but can be read alone. You are enveloped in her narrative embrace, I devoured this one very quickly, each page offering a delightful escape into a world where suspense and comfort perform a delightful dance.
Golden's prose is a comforting melody, smoothly flowing through the pages like a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly evening. Her characters, crafted with endearing charm, feel like old friends, and the quirky storylines add a touch of whimsy to the mystery genre. It's as if the book is a puzzle, and Golden masterfully weaves clues into the fabric of her tales, inviting readers to join in the delightful unravelling.
Alison Golden's signature style creates an atmosphere that's not just engaging but warmly inviting. It's the kind of writing that makes you want to curl up in your favourite reading nook, sipping your favourite warming drink, and losing yourself in the unfolding mysteries. If you're a fan of cosy mysteries, Golden's books are a must-read. A delightful blend of charm, suspense, and warmth, her stories will leave you eagerly anticipating the next inviting adventure.

[Daniela Sorgente · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the first in a series of detective stories where the detective is Reverend Annabelle Dixon.
One shouldn't expect much from the so-called cozy mysteries: one should enjoy the atmosphere, the setting, the descriptions more than the actual detective plot. Here we are in London, not very cozy apart from the tea rooms and cupcakes (even if in the end there is a mention of a possible move to the countryside and so perhaps there will be a more cozy atmosphere in the next books of the series). Reverend Annabelle improvises as an investigator when first her friend Sister Mary and then both of them happen to witness a murder.
There are several points that are not very plausible For example, they aren't immediately interested in discovering the identity of the first person who died or in looking for a connection between the two murders. And then who does really think of putting emeralds in a cake before cooking and not after? And then someone dies, who knows how, perhaps poisoned, and you take a cake away from the table and then you eat it? And then the solution comes with a sudden intuition and at the first attempt everything is solved, the first suspect is the culprit.
In short, three stars and no more, everything really a bit weak.

[Mmgeric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Golden serves up one of her best cozy mysteries yet reintroducing Rev. Annabelle Dixon.

Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill! Alison Golden has fashioned an intriguing yarn from a mere thread into a full blown tapestry in Death at the Cafe. As a prequel to the Reverend Annabelle Dixon series this introduces Annabelle as newly ordained and sent to St. Clement's Church in the rather rough area of London's East End. Her mission today is to meet up with life long friend Sister Mary who is scheduled to return to West Africa where she works at a hospital. Before they meet up at the cafe in London Sister Mary encounters a young woman who literally dies at her feet. Enter Annabelle and this sets in motion a series of events that finds our dynamic duo in great jeopardy in more than one ways. So the youthful "detectives" of childhood companions find themselves in far more serious circumstances than ever before. Pickup a copy of Death at the Cafe and sit back and enjoy what a really good cozy mystery is like. Plot twists and turns and moves along at a really good pace. Kudos to Alison Golden on yet another great novel.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#0.5 in the Reverend Annabelle Dixon series. This is a prequel to the series written by author Alison Golden with Jamie Vougeot. A quick, pleasant read. The main characters, Reverend Annabelle and Sister Mary, are a likeable pair and I look forward to their further adventures as the series continues in a new venue.

#0.5 Reverend Annabelle Dixon - Assigned to St. Clement's Church in inner-city London, Reverend Annabelle Dixon brings an enthusiasm and drive to her position that baffles her mentor, Father John, but which soon gains her fans and admiration. When Annabelle plans to meet her longtime friend, Sister Mary, a Catholic nun visiting from West Africa, at a local café, little does she know that she will soon find herself embroiled in a mystery of deadly design. Their meeting place is awash with horror, with Sister Mary standing in the middle, shaking, her hand over her mouth and a dead woman at her feet. Quick-thinking, quick-footed Annabelle must gather the clues, pacify a detective, and find the real perpetrator before both she and her friend wind up in jail.