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Peridale Cafe #6
Espresso and Evil
The 6th book in the BESTSELLING Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series!
When a coffee shop opens in the village, Julia is surprised when her customers flock to the new business, leaving her café almost empty. A failed protest against the corporate chain store leaves Julia wondering if her café can survive, but she suddenly has bigger fish to fry when the owner of the coffee shop is poisoned, and she is framed for his murder.
As Julia attempts to clear her name, she is stopped in her tracks when an unwanted familiar face arrives in Peridale. Her past and present crash together, threatening to jeopardise her blossoming relationship with Barker. Julia's history is back to haunt her, and she is forced to deal with the consequences of her actions before it is too late. Somebody is trying to frame Julia for her rival's murder, but can she juggle her most challenging case yet with her complicated love life before she loses more than just her café?
Book 6 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English and 48,000 words long. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
When a coffee shop opens in the village, Julia is surprised when her customers flock to the new business, leaving her café almost empty. A failed protest against the corporate chain store leaves Julia wondering if her café can survive, but she suddenly has bigger fish to fry when the owner of the coffee shop is poisoned, and she is framed for his murder.
As Julia attempts to clear her name, she is stopped in her tracks when an unwanted familiar face arrives in Peridale. Her past and present crash together, threatening to jeopardise her blossoming relationship with Barker. Julia's history is back to haunt her, and she is forced to deal with the consequences of her actions before it is too late. Somebody is trying to frame Julia for her rival's murder, but can she juggle her most challenging case yet with her complicated love life before she loses more than just her café?
Book 6 in the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series! Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. A light, cozy mystery read with a cat loving and cafe-owning amateur female sleuth, in a small village setting with quirky characters. Written in British English and 48,000 words long. No cliffhanger, swearing, gore or graphic scenes!
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2017
1230 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
72 books593 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews
April 13, 2018
This was hands down the best one in this series yet. I had a hard time putting my kindle away and only did so reluctantly because of work. This new coffee chain shop and the introduction to this despicable man Anthony was interesting and I laughed so hard about Dot's t-shirt protest. I knew that it would bite Julia in her behind that she kept quiet about her previous marriage and here it happened. I couldn't decide which man I found more abhorrent: Anthony or Jerrad so it made sense to me that they were business partners. A match made in heaven. If Jerrad was like this during her marriage, Julia must be a saint. I would have put strychnine in his coffee long ago so clearly I'm not as patient and nice as Julia :-) I loved the story very much and will read the next book soon. 5 stars
June 22, 2017
Agatha keeps up the high quality with each new mystery. I absolutely adore Julia - she has a beautiful character and I am happy to see the two sisters becoming more close with their dad and his wife.
Lots of twists and turns in the mystery and a murderer that surprised me.
The mystery can be read alone but I would recommend reading the series in order. I think the development of the background story makes for a big part of the charm of this mystery series.
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
Lots of twists and turns in the mystery and a murderer that surprised me.
The mystery can be read alone but I would recommend reading the series in order. I think the development of the background story makes for a big part of the charm of this mystery series.
*Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review*
June 17, 2018
Break-in, Murder, Art Forgeries, Family issues, A
New Cafe, Clue in Blood, Antiques, Arsenic
Poisoning plus more are found in this book # 6 of
the Peridale Cafe Mystery series. It can be read
as a stand alone.
A new coffee cafe opens in Peridale run by Julia’s
father shady ex-partner. Julia & Jessie discover
him dead. When Julia’s shop alarm indicating a
break-in goes off, they go to check and notice the
door open at the other coffee shop. When they go
to investigate they discover the body and clues
left behind to indicate Julia as the murderer.
Now Julie and Jessie are determined to find the
real killer.
In the meantime, Julia discovers that what she
thought was her ex-husband is part owner of the
new coffee shop plus he never signed the divorce
papers so Julia is still married to him.
Some quirky, colorful, relatable characters, some
hiding secrets but all interesting and family like
characters.
Combine mystery, suspense, surprises, twists and
turns for a good read.
New Cafe, Clue in Blood, Antiques, Arsenic
Poisoning plus more are found in this book # 6 of
the Peridale Cafe Mystery series. It can be read
as a stand alone.
A new coffee cafe opens in Peridale run by Julia’s
father shady ex-partner. Julia & Jessie discover
him dead. When Julia’s shop alarm indicating a
break-in goes off, they go to check and notice the
door open at the other coffee shop. When they go
to investigate they discover the body and clues
left behind to indicate Julia as the murderer.
Now Julie and Jessie are determined to find the
real killer.
In the meantime, Julia discovers that what she
thought was her ex-husband is part owner of the
new coffee shop plus he never signed the divorce
papers so Julia is still married to him.
Some quirky, colorful, relatable characters, some
hiding secrets but all interesting and family like
characters.
Combine mystery, suspense, surprises, twists and
turns for a good read.
December 17, 2020
The mystery for this cozy was excellent, however I couldn't understand the premise behind Julia's Cafe failing considering she is the best baker in Peridale with the best baked goods around. Now I get it that the coffee at Happy Bean was better and cheaper but why did everybody stop buying her baked goods? (the planted fake fingernail wasn't enough for me to buy into everybody to stop buying her baked goods). It just seemed to me too big of a plot leak in explaining the Cafe failing.
November 18, 2017
Great read!! Someone from the past makes quite a splash in this book along with a great mystery.. Well-written, nicely paced.. I also enjoyed the continued development of her family, the good and the bad because that's what real life is all about. This one may just be may favorite in the series so far. Definitely purchasing the next!!
May 28, 2020
Fave of the series so far!
April 25, 2020
Picture perfect
A great addition to the Parkdale series. I am really enjoying the characters and seeing them as friends. Julia has the unpleasant situation of having to deal with her x, not so ex, while trying to solve another murder. Plenty of intrigue and drama to keep the reader guessing.
A great addition to the Parkdale series. I am really enjoying the characters and seeing them as friends. Julia has the unpleasant situation of having to deal with her x, not so ex, while trying to solve another murder. Plenty of intrigue and drama to keep the reader guessing.
December 13, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the sixth book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
A new business has opened across the way from Julia’s cafe and it is run by one of her father’s old friends she used to call Uncle Anthony. Apparently, Anthony is just as ruthless as her father had been back in his antiquing days and he goes to extremes to make everyone come to his shop and shun Julia’s cafe. And when he turns up dead, the suspect list is long and lengthy. Anthony made an enemy of everyone.
I felt bad for Julia in this book. A man she had looked up to in her youth had turned out to be a ruthless and uncaring butthead. Then her ex-husband shows up unexpectedly working alongside Anthony in the new coffeehouse venture and informs her that they are still married since he never signed the divorce papers. And then to top it off her detective inspector boyfriend says he needs space when he learns she failed to tell him she had been what she thought was divorced.
This series has really hit its stride in such a short interval. All the characters are already becoming like old friends you are glad to visit again and again. You don’t find that in a lot of stories. When Julia finally decides “eureka!” when figuring out whodunit, I am still clueless. The characters feel very rich and vibrant. I enjoy the relationship Julia has with her young adopted daughter, Jesse. So sweet!
This book has so much more in it than solving a murder. You can see life being lived in this book and feel for all the characters within its pages. Such a nice thing to see in a cozy mystery. I look forward to all the future books in this series with glee.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out and decide for yourself.
This is the sixth book in the Peridale Cafe mystery series by Agatha Frost.
A new business has opened across the way from Julia’s cafe and it is run by one of her father’s old friends she used to call Uncle Anthony. Apparently, Anthony is just as ruthless as her father had been back in his antiquing days and he goes to extremes to make everyone come to his shop and shun Julia’s cafe. And when he turns up dead, the suspect list is long and lengthy. Anthony made an enemy of everyone.
I felt bad for Julia in this book. A man she had looked up to in her youth had turned out to be a ruthless and uncaring butthead. Then her ex-husband shows up unexpectedly working alongside Anthony in the new coffeehouse venture and informs her that they are still married since he never signed the divorce papers. And then to top it off her detective inspector boyfriend says he needs space when he learns she failed to tell him she had been what she thought was divorced.
This series has really hit its stride in such a short interval. All the characters are already becoming like old friends you are glad to visit again and again. You don’t find that in a lot of stories. When Julia finally decides “eureka!” when figuring out whodunit, I am still clueless. The characters feel very rich and vibrant. I enjoy the relationship Julia has with her young adopted daughter, Jesse. So sweet!
This book has so much more in it than solving a murder. You can see life being lived in this book and feel for all the characters within its pages. Such a nice thing to see in a cozy mystery. I look forward to all the future books in this series with glee.
If you love a good cozy mystery, check this one out and decide for yourself.
June 24, 2017
This is the 6th book in the Peridale Mystery series.
When a rival coffee shop opens up in the village, Julia is faced with the possibility of losing her dream, as her cafe is in jeopardy of closing. The people of Peridale seem to be flocking to this new place and all she can do is sit and watch as her cafe stays empty.
When the owner of the rival coffee shop is poisoned, and Julia is framed for the murder, she fights to clear her name. The last thing Julia expected while investigating the murder, is to encounter an unwanted visitor from her past. This complication causes tension between her and Barker, which is the last thing that she wants. Their love is just beginning and she doesn't want anything to get in the way of her fresh start with him.
This was another great read. This one was a little closer to home for Julia since she was the one being framed for the crime. She had a lot more riding on solving this mystery. I enjoyed how there was some little subplots in this book to distract us from the murder. I personally enjoy that in a story. This series just keeps getting better.
When a rival coffee shop opens up in the village, Julia is faced with the possibility of losing her dream, as her cafe is in jeopardy of closing. The people of Peridale seem to be flocking to this new place and all she can do is sit and watch as her cafe stays empty.
When the owner of the rival coffee shop is poisoned, and Julia is framed for the murder, she fights to clear her name. The last thing Julia expected while investigating the murder, is to encounter an unwanted visitor from her past. This complication causes tension between her and Barker, which is the last thing that she wants. Their love is just beginning and she doesn't want anything to get in the way of her fresh start with him.
This was another great read. This one was a little closer to home for Julia since she was the one being framed for the crime. She had a lot more riding on solving this mystery. I enjoyed how there was some little subplots in this book to distract us from the murder. I personally enjoy that in a story. This series just keeps getting better.
February 27, 2018
Julia is accused of murder! There's no one more loving and kind than her but all fingers point in her direction and she must prove she's not the killer.
The author runs the story in a mysterious yet witty perspective. The characters in this small knit community is similar to any other neighborhood except there's always a murder within the community. There's satire and many other emotions demonstrated throughout the story. I love the heroine of the story but Jessie is becoming a close and likable person.
The author runs the story in a mysterious yet witty perspective. The characters in this small knit community is similar to any other neighborhood except there's always a murder within the community. There's satire and many other emotions demonstrated throughout the story. I love the heroine of the story but Jessie is becoming a close and likable person.
March 18, 2020
This is the 6th book in a series and although there are references to things that have happened in earlier books, it can be read as a stand-alone book. I haven't read the previous books and I had no trouble keeping track of who everyone was in the storyline.
It was an enjoyable read that just flowed along.
It was an enjoyable read that just flowed along.
July 8, 2017
Questo libro mi è piaciuto davvero tanto. Bella storia, sia per quanto riguarda il giallo che per la vita della protagonista. E per una volta non avevo proprio capito chi fosse il colpevole!
November 26, 2020
Overall I enjoyed this mystery. In this one there is a new coffee shop opening up. Of course the guy ends up dead. The real killer is making it look like Julia did it. Of course we all know she didn't do it. On top of her trying to figure out who is behind it she has to deal with her ex showing back up. The good news is that everything is taken care of in the end and all is well for now.
February 3, 2021
All the feels. This book introudced to horrible Jerrad. I understood Barker but come on look at the sleeze that Jerrad is. Lol
June 21, 2017
And Agatha does it again. This is a five star read. The mystery was so good this time. I think before I had solved 4 out of the previous murders before the big reveal the 5th about the same time but this one kind of mainly stayed a mystery until Agatha revealed who the murderer was and why they had murdered.
I think I loved this book the most out of the whole series because there seemed more story to go with the murder. I really enjoyed how Julia is trying to get the family together. And Sue, Brian and Kate seem to be on board. I liked how Jessie and Billy are kind of getting their story too in the background. I also liked Dots antics I enjoyed the fact she played her part but took more of a back seat in this book.
This series is just getting better and better. Love the writing and love the covers. I can't wait for the next instalment.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
I think I loved this book the most out of the whole series because there seemed more story to go with the murder. I really enjoyed how Julia is trying to get the family together. And Sue, Brian and Kate seem to be on board. I liked how Jessie and Billy are kind of getting their story too in the background. I also liked Dots antics I enjoyed the fact she played her part but took more of a back seat in this book.
This series is just getting better and better. Love the writing and love the covers. I can't wait for the next instalment.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
June 19, 2017
I can never figure these out! I've been close a few times but I was so far off with this one compared to the previous books. Whether you want to attribute that to me being an idiot or the great writing is up to you but I feel better believing it's the latter as Agatha continues knocking out great, enjoyable mysteries. I feel like we got more of a story with this one and the mystery was in the background at times which I enjoyed as I always like to learn more about the characters lives which can be difficult if the focus is solely on finding the murderer. Another great book that I would highly recommend. Keep them coming Agatha!
June 21, 2017
They just keep getting better and this is no exception! The latest outing to Peridale Cafe sees someone from Julia's past in the village, causing her problems that need to be dealt with alongside the solving of a murder and so much is riding on the successful resolution of both. Another well written tale of murder in a quaint English village, with a host of fantastic characters that makes it feel you're dropping in on friends instead of reading a book. I honestly think these books would make for a fantastic TV series. Eagerly awaiting the next instalment.
January 1, 2022
I'm enjoying each book in this series more than the previous one!
In Espresso and Evil, we finally meet Julia's ex-husband and see what a jerk his is. I can't believe she married him! Barker is such an amazing guy and I hope to see them married, with maybe a child or two...they would both be great parents.
It's fun seeing Julia's sister experiencing pregnancy and the surprise about it was completely unexpected. I felt badly that her father is expecting again at the same time as her, but am hopeful this will bring them closer as a family in the long run.
Looking forward to the next book.
In Espresso and Evil, we finally meet Julia's ex-husband and see what a jerk his is. I can't believe she married him! Barker is such an amazing guy and I hope to see them married, with maybe a child or two...they would both be great parents.
It's fun seeing Julia's sister experiencing pregnancy and the surprise about it was completely unexpected. I felt badly that her father is expecting again at the same time as her, but am hopeful this will bring them closer as a family in the long run.
Looking forward to the next book.
June 20, 2017
I love the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery's but this has to be my favorite!!! Back to Peridale we go, Julia, Barker, Jessie and the family along with some friends enjoying life. Then comes in a new coffee house, one of those chain ones, taking some of Julia's customers away. Dot won't stand for that, organizing her protest and such. But when the owner of the coffee shop ends up murdered, Julia is their #1 suspect. That's not the worse thing, Jerrad, Julia's ex-husband is back to run the coffee shop, and he has news for Julia on their "divorce". As things keep unraveling, Julia must find out who done it with the help of an unlikely partner, her Dad and patch up her relationship with Barker!!! Murders, lies, crazy old women, coffee and cakes are all part of the excitement in this book.
I would give this book 20 stars if they were there to mark!!! It's a great book with twist and turns, love and extreme dislike, but as always Julia to the rescue with some help from the family!
I would give this book 20 stars if they were there to mark!!! It's a great book with twist and turns, love and extreme dislike, but as always Julia to the rescue with some help from the family!
June 19, 2017
I love these books, they're such light-hearted fun - for all that they centre around various murders that it!
There is always a sense of joy to the whole setting, something uniquely English about a cafe owner who bakes cakes and solves murders while she's at it.
The clues are always there as well, but the twists are also always fresh and come completely out of left field, leaving the reader going "ahhh" when the big reveal happens.
Peridale and its mix of inhabitants is a fabulous setting but, like the Midsomer Murders on TV, it's not somewhere I ever want to visit!
There is always a sense of joy to the whole setting, something uniquely English about a cafe owner who bakes cakes and solves murders while she's at it.
The clues are always there as well, but the twists are also always fresh and come completely out of left field, leaving the reader going "ahhh" when the big reveal happens.
Peridale and its mix of inhabitants is a fabulous setting but, like the Midsomer Murders on TV, it's not somewhere I ever want to visit!
June 21, 2017
Coffee Time is Any Time!!
This is a charming English cozy that has characters that seep into your soul & tug at your heart strings! It has just the right blend of action, emotion, & edge for a well plotted page turner. Agatha Frost always delivers a great read! Can't wait for the next chapter in coffee shop/baker Julia's life.
This is a charming English cozy that has characters that seep into your soul & tug at your heart strings! It has just the right blend of action, emotion, & edge for a well plotted page turner. Agatha Frost always delivers a great read! Can't wait for the next chapter in coffee shop/baker Julia's life.
November 27, 2020
This takes place in England. The story has family drama, a rival company, a painting, murder, and a set-up. I would have liked this more if the family issues hadn't been included. I thought it was unnecessary. I liked the mystery. I was surprised by the way things worked out. I thought it would be something different.
June 19, 2017
Loved it! Julia is being framed for murder, her so called ex husband is ruining her business with a coffee shop across the street, Barker isn't talking to her...this is my favorite book so far so much is going on but it all fits!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2020
5*
Anyone who is not reading this series is missing out. For real. It is a set of great murder mysteries that a tent too heavy. Yeah there's a bit of romance but it's not sex in every page. Thank goodness. It is truly a great series and I can't wait to read the next one
Anyone who is not reading this series is missing out. For real. It is a set of great murder mysteries that a tent too heavy. Yeah there's a bit of romance but it's not sex in every page. Thank goodness. It is truly a great series and I can't wait to read the next one
June 20, 2017
Although this was the first I have read in the series, it will not be the last!
Great characters and a well written whodunit kept me interested and guessing until the end.
I will definitely read the previous books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Great characters and a well written whodunit kept me interested and guessing until the end.
I will definitely read the previous books in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
June 20, 2017
5 Glowing Stars :D I loved this book, the series just gets better every time!! So full of suspense & mystery, you think you got it figured out & then your like"wow" didn't see that coming. So looking forward to reading next book!!
June 21, 2017
Five 🌟
I am a cozy mystery fan and learned about Agatha Frost through social media. This series came well recommend. I have really enjoyed it also.
I am a cozy mystery fan and learned about Agatha Frost through social media. This series came well recommend. I have really enjoyed it also.
July 11, 2018
ESPRESSO AND EVIL is my first Agatha Frost book and as cozies go, this one is right at the top of the genre. Featuring burglary, murder, and multiple threats to our cat loving, café proprietor’s future this one manages to deliver an enjoyable read without resorting to blood, gore or foul language.
Set in an small English village and featuring a a quirky cast of characters this quick, short read and a great diversion for a lazy summer day at the beach.
Set in an small English village and featuring a a quirky cast of characters this quick, short read and a great diversion for a lazy summer day at the beach.
June 24, 2017
While I still enjoy the series, this is probably the weakest in the series for me and I'd give it a C+. Julia's business is in danger thanks to the opening of a chain coffee shop in town. All of her longstanding customers have abandoned her for the new shop. It was obvious immediately who the murder victim would be, and I was fine with it. What I had problems with was the notion that all of Julia's customers abandoned her. We'd seen in the other 5 books her longstanding relationships with her customers, how they all adored Julia, loved her cakes and pastries, etc., etc. I found it hard to believe that in this very small town all of these longtime friends would drop her shop in a flash.
I'll definitely pick up the next entry, but hope I enjoy it a bit more.
I'll definitely pick up the next entry, but hope I enjoy it a bit more.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews