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Killer Coffee #10

Spoonful of Murder

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Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the coffee and gossip are HOT!

Sure, Honey Springs, Kentucky is a destination for summer time visitors but our annual Christmas Festival, which includes a PAW-rade (mmhmmm for furry friends) is giving the summer tourist season a run for its money quickly becoming a tourist favorite!

Aunt Maxi is hosting a progressive supper for the community to raise funds for Pet Palace, our local SPCA. You'd think it would be GREAT for the tourists and it is but when Aunt Maxi literally has a hissy fit with a tail on it after she finds out Loretta Bebe's involvement...things turn south.

A dead body appears during the appetizers, Aunt Maxi and Loretta are suspects, and it's all she wrote from there.

Lordy bee...let's hope this things wrapped up in a nice little package with a bow on top so Santa doesn't have to make a stop at the local jail!

186 pages, ebook

First published December 23, 2021

244 people are currently reading
1535 people want to read

About the author

Tonya Kappes

441 books3,673 followers
Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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Twitter
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https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
216 reviews3 followers
December 5, 2021
I love receiving an early Christmas present, and reading this book was one! We get to return to the comfort of the Bean Hive Coffeehouse in Honey Springs, Kentucky. A big fund-raiser is set to happen that will benefit a cause near and dear to Roxy, the Pet Palace. Everyone in town is hosting a part of the dinner which will culminate at the Bean Hive. Just like with any plan, sometimes life throws in a wrench. This wrench is a big one because Loretta has inserted herself into the dinner much to Aunt Maxi’s dismay. She is sure Loretta’s appetizers will be the death of everyone! Aunt Maxi has a clever plan B to solve that problem but sometimes solutions don’t always work as planned. We’ve got a body the night of the dinner, someone connected to Loretta and Aunt Maxi. Unfortunately, Aunt Maxi seems to be the main suspect. Death by cheeseball? Roxy knows she must figure this out and clear her beloved Aunt Maxi! It was an awesome holiday trip to return to this series and characters! The characters are like a family and the more you read about them, they become part of your little world too! I did guess this the correct murderer but not the how or why until the final pages! Love seeing Kirk come back into Roxy’s life in a different way, just goes to show you, anyone can be forgiven. My favorite part of this book was the final few sentences for sure! I’m so excited to see where we are going next! I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,209 reviews61 followers
December 6, 2021
Spoonful of Murder Earns 5/5 Spicy Cheeseballs…Engaging & Clever!

Honey Springs, Kentucky, is very pet friendly community especially during the holiday season with the annual Christmas PAW-rade for local fur buddies, and, new this year, Aunt Maxi has spearheaded a Holiday Progressive Dinner fundraiser to support Pet Palace, the local SPCA. She envisioned this unique event as an opportunity to bring in off-season tourists and highlight a local shop during each of the four-course evening. An unfortunate accident, however, is only the beginning of the troubles…Loretta Bebe injects herself into the event, Aunt Maxi is furious and tries to sabotage Loretta’s participation, and Loretta’s assistant Lana is found dead. Due to witnesses of an argument between Aunt Maxi, Loretta, and Lana, Maxi is the prime suspect…if they can find her. The holidays have become more felonious than fa la la la!

Tonya Kappes has brought all the bright lights and mistletoe to this southern mystery. She’s added a fascinating story about the Siefert family, their elaborate Christmas parties, suspicious family tragedies, an old barn filled with their unique family treasures, and of course, showcasing the long-time conflicts between Aunt Maxi and Loretta. There are compelling insights into mother/daughter dynamics along with navigating exes and spouses, exposing a few secrets, and lots of four-legged antics. Kappes always does well adding holiday fun into her stories with a tree-lighting ceremony, vendor booths, Santa visits, family fun and recipes straight from the Bean Hive Coffeehouse kitchen: Kentucky Cowboy Casserole, Maple Cinnamon Latte, and Red Velvet Whoopi Pies. Excellent respite from holiday hassle!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
210 reviews2 followers
December 5, 2021
It’s so nice to visit Honey Springs again, especially around the holidays. It’s Christmas time at the Bean Hive Coffeehouse and not all is jolly and bright. Roxy is busy planning for the town’s progressive dinner when someone from town is murdered. Unfortunately, someone close to Roxy is the prime suspect.
Full of fun, quirky characters and southern charm. There was a big cliffhanger/clue about what is coming next for Roxy and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Profile Image for Kim.
1,162 reviews16 followers
December 24, 2021
I loved being back in Honey Springs, Ky. Once again Mrs. Kappes gave me another great story to escape from the daily stresses. Roxy is a smart loving protagonist, whom I can relate to on a number of things. One of those things being her love for fur babies and her family. The mystery kept me guessing who was the culprit and why the committed the murder. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,323 reviews1 follower
December 21, 2021
I absolutely loved being back in Honey Springs, Kentucky with Roxy Bloom Cane, her family and friends! The Bean Hive Coffeehouse is the perfectly delicious, aromatic setting for this coffeeholic to visit, home of Roxy’s special roasted beans and pastries. Roxy, her family, friends, and employees are great fun to be around. No sourpusses are allowed here; there is too much to laugh about to be crabby. One of the biggest things I learned this time is that I would never, ever go into a morgue with Roxy and Bunny!

Roxy, owner of the Bean Hive coffeehouse and roastery is my favorite. She is happily married to Patrick. For some reason, her ex-husband Kirk has been staying in Honey Springs lately, a place he never wanted to visit when they were married. He now has business interests there, and she hopes he will be done with them soon. Overall, Roxy is a genuinely happy young woman who is full of joy and believes the best about people. Bunny is her full-time septuagenarian employee, and Birdie is her part-time employee. Roxy’s Aunt Maxi is one of her favorite people. She rents the building the coffeehouse is in from Maxi, and they have always been close.

It is almost Christmas, and the first annual Holiday Progressive Dinner begins in a few hours. Each part of the dinner will be served in a different public eatery; the Bean Hive is the final destination for after dinner coffee and dessert. Maxi has planned the dinner, and all is going well until the morning of the dinner. The person in charge of making the appetizers fell and hurt herself. To save the day, Loretta and her ego will prepare the appetizers. When Maxi found out, she had a fit! Loretta can’t make an appetizer to save her life, so Maxi tries to save the dinner with her own scheme. It backfired terribly, and someone died. The cause, apparently, is in one of the appetizers that Maxi made to replace Loretta’s. It was served on a special antique platter that Maxi somehow appropriated from the antique shop that had promised it to Loretta. When the evidence is examined, including witnesses to arguments Maxi had with Loretta and her helper, Lana, Maxi is the prime suspect. Then the real source is found in the Bean Hive. The only way to keep from celebrating Christmas in jail is if Roxy and her friends find the real whodunit.

This mystery is written so well that I felt as if I were there in Honey Springs with Roxy, Birdie, Maxi, and their friends. The characters are thoroughly enjoyable, and the mystery kept me guessing. I knew that neither Maxi nor Roxy caused Lana’s death, and even Loretta didn’t do so by accident with the appetizers she prepared, but like the sheriff, was running out of suspects. The resolution brought a motive I wouldn’t have guessed, and there are no loose ends remaining. And oh, what a surprise is at the end! I highly recommend this to fans of the author, those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, coffee shops, pets, and Christmas festivals.

From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the author, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Kristina Anderson.
4,055 reviews83 followers
December 23, 2021
Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes is the 10th A Killer Coffee Mystery. Roxy is looking forward to the holidays in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Aunt Maxi has organized a progressive dinner with the proceeds benefiting the Pet Palace, their local SPCA. At the Bean Hive, Roxy will be providing coffee and dessert. The day of the progressive dinner, the woman providing the appetizers has to bow out after breaking her ankle. Loretta is quick to step in, but her food is the last thing Aunt Maxi wants served. Aunt Maxi comes up with a plan to save the day. Before the guests can move on to the main course, a body is found on the beach. Loretta and Aunt Maxi are at the top of the suspect list. The pair declare a truce until the case is solved. They are relying on Roxy to sift through the clues and produce the killer. Can Roxy serve up the guilty party before her Christmas dinner? Spoonful of Murder can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Everything you need to know is included. Christmas is quickly approaching which means plenty of activities in Honey Springs. Aunt Maxi dreamed up the progressive dinner which has Roxy providing coffee and dessert. Roxy is looking forward to the Paw Parade and the other fun activities. She is also hosting dinner at the Bean Hive for family, friends and anyone who wishes to attend. Spoonful of Murder is an amusing cozy mystery with Aunt Maxi and Loretta up to their old tricks. Loretta wants to provide the appetizer for the progressive dinner which has Aunt Maxi (and many others) in an uproar. There is no one that wishes to eat Loretta’s cheese balls. I like the characters in this series. They are relatable and realistic. Honey Springs is a typical small Southern town where gossip spreads faster than butter on hot pancakes. I noticed a continuity issue or two in the book which I hope will get corrected. The mystery was uncomplicated. There was a lack of suspects which made it a cinch to identify the wrongdoer. There are good clues in the story and Roxy is good at obtaining information. The puppy up for adoption at the Bean Hive stole the show. He is a cutie pie. I wanted to bring him home. There is a special surprise at the end that will delight fans. Spoonful of Murder is a lighthearted tale with a precious puppy, delectable coffee, cheese ball bedlam, a merry mystery, a crafty killer, a resolute Roxy, and a cheery Christmas.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,371 reviews14 followers
December 4, 2021
I love that we get to go back and visit with old friends and continue on the storyline because I love this series! The back stories are really interesting and I love it when aunt Maxine and Loretta get into it!! I can’t wait for the next book!!
Profile Image for Helen Drake.
981 reviews15 followers
January 4, 2022
This latest book in the Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery Series is perfect for a Christmas read. When Roxy’s aunt is the prime suspect in a recent murder as all the clues are pointing to her it’s up to Roxy and her friends and family to find the real killer. She reluctantly needs to get legal help from her ex-husband. The story is filled with lots of twists and some humorous scenes. I would have liked a bit more info and involvement of the actual killer in the story before the big reveal.

The characters are well developed and I love the pet rescue aspects of these books.
Profile Image for Ashley Yungbluth.
663 reviews7 followers
July 4, 2024
"Spoonful of Murder" is book 10 in the Tonya Kappes "A Killer Coffee Mystery" series. They are having a fundraiser in Honey Springs, Kentucky, and Aunt Maxi is worried about Loretta making appetizers for it. So Aunt Maxi makes a bunch of appetizers to switch out with the ones that Loretta was making. An individual ends up murdered, and they are blaming Aunt Maxi for it. So they want Roxy to look into it and get Aunt Maxi off the hook. There is a lot happening in this book that keeps you wanting to read on. Tonya also writes books that keep you wanting to read what's going to happen next.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
April 26, 2024
This was a good read. Roxy is busy getting things ready for an upcoming event. Someone is murdered and Maxi is accused. Of course she doesn't do it and Roxy sets out to find the truth. She of course solved it and all is well for now.
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,298 reviews74 followers
December 29, 2021
Spoonful Of Murder
A Killer Coffee Mystery Book #10
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the coffee and gossip are HOT!

Sure, Honey Springs, Kentucky is a destination for summer time visitors but our annual Christmas Festival, which includes a PAW-rade (mmhmmm for furry friends) is giving the summer tourist season a run for its money quickly becoming a tourist favorite!

Aunt Maxi is hosting a progressive supper for the community to raise funds for Pet Palace, our local SPCA. You'd think it would be GREAT for the tourists and it is but when Aunt Maxi literally has a hissy fit with a tail on it after she finds out Loretta Bebe's involvement...things turn south.

A dead body appears during the appetizers, Aunt Maxi and Loretta are suspects, and it's all she wrote from there.

Lordy bee...let's hope this thing’s wrapped up in a nice little package with a bow on top so Santa doesn't have to make a stop at the local jail! (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. All of the usual characters are in this book and I felt like I was visiting with old friends. I love their Southern charms and the way they all stick together. And when a body is found and Aunt Maxi is a person of interest, they will all have to work together to find the real killer.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and she knows how to make the reader believe in all of the Southern goodness and quirkiness. The mystery was well plotted and there were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was surprised at who the culprit was.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Grab this book and enjoy the read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.





Profile Image for Meg.
229 reviews1 follower
December 30, 2021
Honey Springs is a winter wonderland destination. The beautification committee has the town decorated, the Progressive Dinner fundraiser for the animal shelter and the Pawparade. are all lined up and ready to go. Aunt Maxi is pleased as punch that her fundraiser dinner, hosted by some of the business owners, is shaping up to be a success. Until Babette breaks her ankle and is unable to provide the appetizers. Low-retta Bebe, aunt Maxi’s frenenemy, Low-retta takes over the job. This has aunt Maxi madder than a wet hen. Low-retta has a new assistant and is confident she will get the job done. That is until her assistant is murdered. When aunt Maxi has the finger pointed at her, Roxy knows she needs to be on the case! When it appears that someone is trying to frame Roxy, and she’s taken in for questioning, her ex-husband attorney helps her out. What?
There is so much happening in this book, some background information comes to light, antique dishes and a platter all come into play. I love being back in Honey Springs, Kentucky. I’ve missed Roxy and the gang. I love the Bean Hive and the fact that it’s not only a café for humans, but also a place that features shelter animal. Happily, this leads to quite a few adoptions. There are plenty of suspects that kept me guessing and the ending was not what I expected. I love this series! The Bean Hive, come for the coffee but stay for the excitement! I requested and received an advanced copy of this book. I’m voluntarily leaving my thoughts.
Profile Image for Charissa Wilkinson.
837 reviews13 followers
October 29, 2025
Overview: Roxie Bloom is getting ready for the upcoming Paw-rade, and her Aunt Maxi's progressive dinner benefitting the Pet Palace. Unfortunately, Babette is unable to make the appetizers portion of the dinner. Loretta Bebe has offered to make the appetizers, just to save the dinner. There's are two problems with this idea, however. First, Loretta took over the appetizers and didn't just offer to make them. And second, Loretta can't cook, at least not appetizers. Aunt Maxi has a solution. But, when tragedy strikes after the first course, both Aunt Maxi and Loretta end up as suspects in a murder. Who killed Lana? And What was Aunt Maxi's plan to save the dinner? Let's find out.

Dislikes: The solution that Maxine Bloom had for the appetizers course was just insane. It was a dinner, not a James Bond scenario.

And I felt sorry for Birdie. It seems like her parents didn't want to hear her out. Unfortunately for her, her reputation worked against her in this instance.

Likes: The Pet Palace had two pets this time around. Let's face it, puppies don't last long, especially at Christmas. And that old cat got herself a new buddy rather fast. These picks for the Bean Hive collaboration worked out well.

And Bunny was quite determined to help Roxie and the morgue.

Patrick did a great job of keeping Roxie's business working out.

For the first time in this series, Kurt was shown to be a decent guy. He still cheated on Roxie though.

Conclusion: This was a fun story. If you like to visit Honey Springs, or just prefer cozy mysteries, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,846 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2022
This is the tenth in the series. I really enjoy the characters, humor, and hometown feel of this series. Our non-practicing layer, Roxy, owns a coffee shop in Honey Springs, KY. Her aunt and her employee’s, Birdie, grandmother are the prime suspects in the death of the grandmother’s (Loretta) assistant, Lana.
Kirk, Roxy’s ex-husband, is on the scene to provide legal counsel for Roxy and Aunt Maxi.
The Christmas theme, the community support, and the characters make this series a must read.
I love the humor that is always present as they try to find the true killer.
I love the surprise at the end of the book. Roxy also gleans some insight into why her first marriage failed. We see some growth in her. I was impressed with her realizations.
I can’t say enough good things about this book and the series. Find out for yourself by giving this heartwarming cozy a try if you haven’t started the series. This is a standalone book and will give you a boost through the season.

I was given an advanced reader’s copy and these are my opinions. I am not obligated to leave a positive review.
1,596 reviews13 followers
December 5, 2021
I just spent an afternoon of reading pleasure and visiting some of my favorite book friends in Honey Springs, Kentucky. I knew as soon as I started reading I was in for a holiday treat including the Christmas Festival with the Christmas Pawrade and the Holiday Progressive Dinner when a murder occurs at the beginning of the dinner and quickly becomes a must-solve, can't-put-down whodunit with Roxy right in the middle of everything trying to clear Aunt Maxi and Low-retta. If you enjoy fun cozy mysteries that will have you laughing out loud while enjoying a big dose of Southern charm with characters that jump right out of the book and into your heart, don't miss Spoonful of Murder, Book 10 in A Killer Coffee Mystery series by gifted author Tonya Kappes. Ms. Kappes never disappoints whatsoever and I can hardly wait to read the next adventure she has for Roxy and the gang. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Kara Marks.
451 reviews80 followers
December 24, 2021
I can’t believe this is the 10th book in this series. I’ve read and enjoyed them all, and while this can stand alone just fine, I think it would be best enjoyed after reading the previous books in the series. There are some great long-term characters, and I especially like the main character, Roxanne. The setting is charming and the mystery is intriguing. It was fun to solve, and of course, I like that it’s set at Christmas. I can definitely recommend this book; I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Brenda.
3,486 reviews46 followers
May 17, 2023
A Good Mystery
Sure, Honey Springs, Kentucky is a destination for summer time visitors but our annual Christmas Festival, which includes a PAW-rade (mmhmmm for furry friends) is giving the summer tourist season a run for its money quickly becoming a tourist favorite!
This is a good mystery and I really enjoyed it.
Roxie can't figure out who the murderer is. It's not who is accused or who she thinks it is.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book.
Profile Image for Carol Lee.
689 reviews7 followers
January 7, 2022
Roxy's Aunt is a suspect in a murder and it is up to Roxy to figure out who the real culprit is . There is lots going on in town including fundraiser for the Pet Palace and things are really heating up. Maxi and Loretta are going at it as they both have a part in what is going on and soon the both find themselves as part of a murder investigation. Lots of entertainment and can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Kandy.
1,383 reviews13 followers
December 6, 2021
Another fun and interesting book in this series. Roxy, Patrick, Aunt Maxi and Low-retta always keep you entertained. Spending Christmas with them is a fun way to celebrate the holidays. Such a fun book.
Profile Image for Allyson Abu-Hajar.
605 reviews37 followers
December 13, 2021
Honey Springs has two events for the Christmas season, one is the Pawrade where fur babies will participate and the other is a Holiday Progressive Dinner, which is a fundraiser for the local Pet Palace.

For the Holiday Progressive Dinner, local businesses are each hosting a part of the dinner, except Loretta creates quite a commotion when she and her new employee visit The Bean Hive, Loretta declares she's filling in for Babette to do the appetizers. Aunt Maxine isn't having it, according to her, Loretta's cheese balls aren't fit for consumption.

When Roxy heads to the Wild and Whimsy after breaking a cow creamer, she learns that Beverly and Dan Teagarden had acquired items that were auctioned from an old barn. Beverly filled her in about a local wealthy family who would have lavish parties by invite only. Many of the items from the home were now being sold in the Teagarden's antique store. Loretta is coveting some china from the auction. Roxy even found some beautiful Christmas ornaments.

When Roxy tries to run interference to prevent Aunt Maxi from substituting Loretta's appetizers when a body is found on the beach. Several witnesses have Sheriff Shepard, setting his sights on Aunt Maxine. Roxy already is geared to be Aunt Maxi's lawyer when suddenly Roxy finds herself needing a lawyer!

Aunt Maxi, Loretta, and Bunny had me laughing at the way they kept needling one another. I had to laugh at how Loretta pulled one over on Maxine with the cheese balls. I loved the surprise at the end.

I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

Profile Image for Karen Stallman .
885 reviews97 followers
December 15, 2021
Spoonful of Murder" is the 10th instalment in the A Killer Coffee Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I was so happy to visit Honey Springs Kentucky again, been way to long as I love this series.

This go around it’s the night of the progressive dinner on the Boardwalk to raise money for the Pet Palace. Medlum ensues when Babette can’t do the appetizers portion due to an injury. Enter Low-retta with her cheese balls … pretty soon aunt Maxi is in a tizzy and thinking of ways to stop Low-etta from inserting herself into her event. Roxy has a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach but she didn’t expect someone to be murdered again …

As always a Tonya’s stories are filled with humour, wonderful characters and a mystery to solve. I love visiting Honey Springs and the Bee Hive and this time we have a cute little puppy from the Pet Palace to love up on. Plus it looks like there will be some exciting things happening in future instalments...

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, I did figure it out before the reveal but that didn’t stop me from going along for the ride. I loved the interaction with Roxy, Birdie, and Bunny in this instalment. I also like the inclusion of fur-babies into the story, this time there is a rescue puppy and a senior cat.

The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down thus I finished it in a few hours. Please note you could read as a stand alone, but you will want to read them all.

I cant wait to take another trip to Honey Springs, Kentucky, to see whats new with Roxy and her friends. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.
125 reviews1 follower
December 23, 2021
Welcome back to Honey Springs, KY, we’re the snow is falling and a murder has happened. Auntie Maxi has really gone and done it this time. Even Roxy her niece can’t help her. Roxy has tried her best to talk with her aunt to get her to calm down. But Auntie Maxi will hear none of it.
Auntie Maxi has planned to towns fundraiser to benefit the local SAPC ( like the ASPC). Different locations in town will host a different part of the dinner.

Some how Low-retta has somehow manage to insert herself as one of the host for appetizers. Auntie Maxi would rather die than be ruined by Low-retta. As she really finally gone over the edge and truly murdered someone. Low-retta’s assistant Lana has turn up on the Honey Springs Lake moments after having words with Auntie Maxi.

Spencer the local sheriff has a search warrant for all property owned by Auntie Maxi. That also, includes the Bean Hive owned by Roxy. Auntie Maxi niece where she has been seen taking appetizers from the coffee shop to the hotel. Roxy has been shut down and taken in for questioning. Where her ex-husband and lawyer Kirk has been called in to assist with getting Roxy released. Was that even a good idea considering the reason behind their divorce. Did Patrick make a wise choice by calling him.

So many unanswered questions? So many suspects to consider. Did Birdie Loretta’s granddaughter try to make her sick so she didn’t have to go home to see her parents? Come by the Bean Hive for the local gossip and see what you can figure out.

I am a volunteer advance copy reader. This is solely my opinion of the book.

Kia
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,264 reviews59 followers
December 24, 2021
Spoonful of Murder is a mystery that pulls you in and keeps you engaged. I found myself guessing at who the murderer was all the way until the end. In this book, there aren’t a lot of suspects but enough to keep the reader involved in the attempt to figure it out. The police focus mainly on Aunt Maxi, but we all know she isn’t the one who committed the crime.

I enjoyed all the characters and the amount of humor added to the mix. The world building had me feeling like I was right in the middle of Honey Springs. I was able to visualize the town, the activities, the people, and feel the emotions.

Spoonful of Murder is a fun book with several storylines, and a pesky ex-husband, to keep the reader engaged and entertained. The inclusion of Roxi’s ex-husband, Kirk, was an added twist that proves to be most useful. The author does a great job adding Kirk into the mix. The only issue for me was the reveal of the murderer and the motive. The scene seemed a bit rushed but, as always, that's just my opinion. The rushed reveal didn't take away from the story though. I enjoyed Spoonful of Murder.

As a reader who hasn’t read books 1-8, I don’t feel like starting the series late has been an issue. The author does a wonderful job with character development, world building, and explaining events and people to the reader. I’m not lost in details I don’t understand. There aren’t unexplained situations that keep me from enjoying this series partway through. I will eventually start the series from the beginning.

I was provided a copy of the book to read.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,561 reviews19 followers
December 17, 2021
It's such a Christmas treat to spend time with Roxy, Aunt Maxi and the rest of the people of Honey Springs, KY. Winter can be a slow time of the year so the locals put together some events to entice people to spend some time in town enjoying the Christmas Festival. There will be a pet parade and Aunt Maxi has organized a progressive dinner to support the local ASPCA, Pet Palace. Like all best laid plans this one derails in more ways than one. First off the whole town will agree that Loretta's cheese balls should be labeled not for human consumption but fate gives her the chance to take over the appetizer stage of the dinner and Aunt Maxi has something to say about that. Soon enough the cheese balls are the least of the problems surrounding the progressive dinner. Loretta's assistant is found dead on the beach and pretty quick the focus turns to Aunt Maxi as the prime suspect. They had had an argument with plenty of witnesses for the police to question.
Roxy sets out to clear Aunt Maxi and unmask the killer. Along the way the reader learns more about the origins of the friction between Aunt Maxi and Loretta plus lots of family history. By the end of this delightful holiday mystery I was wishing I could find a way to adopt the cute little pup available for adoption. Now I can't wait for the next mystery for Roxy to solve.
My thanks to Tonya Kappes for allowing me to read an advance copy.
9 reviews
January 7, 2022
Spoonful of Murder is the 10th installment in Tonya Kappes cozy Killer Coffee series! What a delightful read! Of course, the book is set in the charming town of Honey Springs, KY—but to make it even better, it is set during the Christmas Holiday Season. All of the usuals are present, to include Roxy, Aunt Maxi, Loretta, Birdie, Bunny, and more. And, to add to Honey Springs’ love of all things furry, the book revolves around a Paw-rade and Progressive Fundraising Dinner to make money for The Pet Palace, a local SPCA. Roxy’s coffee shop, The Bean Hive, is set to host the final spot on the Progressive Dinner by serving desserts and plenty of coffee.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tonya Kappes book without mayhem, misunderstandings, and perhaps a murder thrown in, Southern style. The story will definitely keep you guessing about the who, and especially the why, of the murderer. And if you love all things Christmas and four-legged and furry, you will love all the extra activities and characters occurring while Roxy and her friends try to solve the case. Tonya ends the book with a bit of a clue —making me want the next book to come out in a hurry.

If you enjoy holidays, small towns, quirky people, furry friends, gossip, coffee, a bit of romance, recipes, or mysteries, you will love not only this book but any book by Tonya Kappes. She makes reading fun and enjoyable. Try Spoonful of Murder or another book by Tonya—you will be glad you did!
Profile Image for Susan.
612 reviews10 followers
December 23, 2021
Spoonful of Murder is another exciting installment of Kappes' Killer Coffee Cozy mystery series. Roxy and the town of Honey Springs are getting ready for the holiday season. When Aunt Maxi decides to hold a progressive dinner for the Pet Palace, things don't go as planned. Maxi and Loretta are at odds over the appetizers to serve, and Roxy is caught in the middle. Then Loretta's assistant is found dead making Maxi and Roxy suspects in her murder. Roxy needs to solve this case fast in order to save Christmas.

Kappes does a great job at setting up an entertaining holiday read. I absolutely loved seeing my favorite characters back again especially with Maxi and Loretta's rivalry over cheese balls. I always feel that great secondary characters really add to the story which was definitely the case here. Roxy also got the chance to deal with some personal issues when her ex-husband Kirk's new wife shows up in town. I liked the growth and development as Roxy and Kirk need to really put the past to rest. Overall a Spoonful of Murder was a great holiday mystery that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Roxy's next adventure.

Received a copy of Spoonful of Murder from the author.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
65 reviews
December 24, 2021
It is a delight to be back in Honey Springs, KY, and visiting the Bean Hive! Roxy’s Aunt Maxi organized a progressive dinner with a bunch of the local businesses. It sounds like fun until Aunt Maxi realizes that Loretta will be providing the appetizers which may ruin everything! Aunt Maxi has to get creative with saving her dinner, but the same night, someone is murdered on the beach, and Aunt Maxi is a suspect!
Of course, Roxy is using her lawyer background to help defend Aunt Maxi but then who will step in to defend Roxy when she is called to the police station?

Honey Springs is a warm welcoming town, with a lot of gossip, plenty of southern manners, a caring community, and more often than not, a murder. I love that the welfare of animals is included in each book. Roxy’s coffee shop has a new adoptable animal each week and the Pawrade and progressive dinner are to help raise money for the animal shelter. These ideas are a simple way to raise awareness for animal rescues.

This is another interesting and relatable book in the series (#10). The twists and turns keep you guessing as Roxy works to solve another mystery!

I received an advance copy but this review is my own.
Profile Image for Meryl Markowitz.
680 reviews12 followers
December 15, 2021
Welcome back to Honey Springs. The coffee is flowing and the town is preparing for it's Christmas festivities.
Aunt Maxie is in charge of the big fundraiser progressive dinner. The problem is that the person, who was supposed to do the appetizer course was injured, so Loretta jumps in to take over that course. The problem is that Loretta makes horrible appetizers and could derail the entire event!!!!

Aunt Maxie and Loretta verbally spar and unfortunately Loretta's assistant winds up dead. She's been poisoned and Aunt Maxie is the primary suspect.

There are red herrings galore and even a plant that gets Roxie in trouble. Imagine her chagrin, when the only person who can truly help her out is her ex- husband Keith. Not only that, but he plans on helping Aunt Maxie out too! This is an unplanned for event! Will things be settled by Christmas?

Thank you Tonya Kappes for the advance copy
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