Iced Over

Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #2

by Heather Day Gilbert

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck's cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy's mama bear instincts kick in. She can't ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren't all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she's been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Fiction, Cozy

212 pages, Paperback

First published July 9, 2020

About the author

Heather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.

Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.

Reviews

[Werner · Rating 4 out of 5]

My own rating for this second volume of the author's "cozy" mystery series would be three stars here (four on Amazon's scale, which is less nuanced); but I considered it fairer and more accurate to go with my wife's rating, four and a half stars, because she's more a part of the target audience. Other things being equal, I do prefer the more cerebral traditional school of mystery writing over the more violent and often morally cynical strand of the genre; but even so, I'm not really a strong fan of the standard tropes of the "cozy" sub-set of the traditional group. That said, though, this is an ably written, well plotted and congenial example of the sub-set, by an author who thoroughly understands its conventions and who can work within them to craft an involving tale.

This series is best read in order. The first book took place in September-October; this one begins with a Thanksgiving dinner in the same fall, and again centers around series protagonist Macy, her older brother (and business partner in the Barks and Beans shelter dog-petting cafe') Bo and their friends and employees. We're still in the same small-town West Virginia setting. Most readers of this book, and this review, will (and should) have read the series opener; for those who didn't, my review of that book, here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... , provides still relevant background. Here, we meet a new Barks and Beans employee, young Bristol Goddard, and her family. Her uncle, Clark, is a driver for a local armored car company; but we've barely met him before he's the comatose victim of a Black Friday armored car crash on a black-iced mountain road. When it develops that half a million dollars in cash that the truck was carrying is now missing, the plot thickens.

Macy is as rash and impulsive, and as afflicted with "detective fever" (though not necessarily endowed with great detective skills!) as ever; but she's a likable protagonist. Her rescued Great Dane, Coal, and the other shelter dogs give this series an appeal to dog lovers; and the small-town Appalachian atmosphere continues to be a strength here. (Based on Heather's textured treatment of her setting, I'm inclined to say that if she ever wanted to, she could write effective general fiction with a West Virginia setting, in the tradition of regionalist Realism, and carry the latter on admirably.) Readers whose interest in mystery fiction is for the mystery, rather than for romance, will be glad that there's very little, if any, reference to romantic attraction; this is a mystery, not a romance posing as one. With an evangelical author, church-going main characters and no foul language or sexual content, the series is Christian-friendly, but doesn't carry religious messages as such. All in all, the series is perfectly crafted for "cozy" fans; I'd highly recommend it to all of the latter, and to any other fans of the genre who can enjoy rather light mystery reads.

[Susan Snodgrass · Rating 4 out of 5]

'I just have this feeling I'm missing something. Maybe something the cops overlooked.'

Heather Gilbert knows her way around a cozy mystery. For sure. I never once guessed the culprit, nor the other surprise in this book. I love the way Gilbert takes us on the journey, letting us into the lives of the characters involved in the day to day of her books. I read this one in a few hours. Looking forward to the next. And....there is a bit of a cliffhanger here, too. Sweet. Recommended.

*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinions here are my own.

[Jocelyn Green]

I don't know how she does it, but Heather Day Gilbert keeps me guessing all throughout her cozy mysteries! I'm continuing to read through this series with my young teenage daughter. It's so nice to be able to read the same books for fun and talk about them together. These books are smart, entertaining, and clean.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
"Let's just say that we lucked out when we hired a sweetie like her."

The Barks and Beans Cafe's new hire, Bristol Goddard, is a perfect fit for the cafe's combination of "cups and canines". She's a hard worker, obviously loves dogs and gets along well with the establishment's owners and fellow employees. Unfortunately, Bristol's struggling family life takes a turn for the worse, when her uncle is seriously injured in a suspicious armored security truck accident- turned- heist, pulling kindhearted cafe co-owner Macy Hatfield into the fray.

Macy's nose for investigative work takes her down one disappointing path after another. She's anxious to help the Goddards, but exactly how much do they already know? She's on a very slippery slope, especially when it appears that outside forces are working overtime to thwart her efforts.

What a fun continuation of a very creative series of cozy mysteries!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iced Over
Barks & Beans. Book #2
Heather Day Gilbert
5 Stars


Synopsis:

BOOK TWO in the ALL-NEW BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!

Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.

Black Friday turns fatal when an armored security truck hits an icy patch and runs over an embankment near the cafe. With one driver dead and the other in a coma, police are baffled by the discovery that $500,000 is missing from the truck's cache.

When strangers show up at Barks & Beans asking nosy questions about a young cafe employee, Macy's mama bear instincts kick in. She can't ignore what her gut is telling her—that things aren't all they seem on the surface—and with a little help from her brother, Bo, and her Great Dane, Coal, Macy follows up on a few leads of her own. But if the ruthless thief beats her to the stash, the thin ice she's been skating on might just crack.

Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.

The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade


Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. Macy and Bo get along really well and they will do anything for each other. Macy likes to help her friends out and she will need to do just that when a security truck has an accident and it gets robbed. With the help of her brother and dog, Coal, she will do what she can to solve the mystery and prove someone’s innocence.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it made a clear picture in my mind’s eye. I could picture the coffee shop and all of the activity with the animals. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I cannot wait to read book three.

[Kailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Day Gilbert knocked it out of the park again with this one! I absolutely love her cozy mysteries! I can’t get enough of them! I loved this new installment in the Barks & Beans series! I read this in one sitting, it was that good!! I can’t wait to read the next one! Macy, Bo, and Coal are a great team! I can’t wait to see what’s next for them!



I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this cozy series, and book two is as great as the first one! Barks & Beans is a neat set-up owned by a brother (Bo) and sister (Macy) team. Bo is the java expert who runs the coffee (beans) half of the business while Macy is the animal lover who takes care of the rescue dogs for adoption (barks) side. They meet some lovely people, and unfortunately, some bad people.

The mystery is interesting and it’s fun reading and trying to solve whodunnit. Bo has a secret past we’re continuing to learn about. I admire how he’s devoted to his sister’s safety. Macy is a bit flighty, but her heart’s in the right place and she’s very close to her brother, also. The supporting cast is likeable and the coffee shop setting is cozy. I look forward to reading each story in this wonderful series!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really catching onto this series with sibling duo Macy and Bo Hatfield and all the regular occurring characters. I am looking forward to reading #3 in the series!

[Karley Milito · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for mindless, cozy reading, the Beans and Bark mystery series is perfect for you! One of the best cozy mystery series I've come across so far!

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Greed was a powerful motivator.”

“Bo and I were bringing happiness into our corner of the world, one coffee drink and one perfect doggie match at a time.”

“It sounded like a solid plan, but I had a feeling there was more than one way it could go wrong.”

Per usual, Heather Day Gilbert does not disappoint. As always, I loved the West Virginia setting since I live in Virginia and it’s nice to read books with close settings. I also enjoyed the wintry setting and read this at the right time of year. It was nice getting to know Macy and Bo (and Titan) more in this book and I love that their last name is Hatfield (and even more so that Titan’s is McCoy!). The mystery aspect was unique, in a good way, with an armored truck crashing from an iced over road and $500,000 going missing. I did guess the culprit about 3/4 through but it was still a nice reveal in how it all played out. This is definitely an enjoyable cozy mystery series to read, especially if you love coffee and dogs.

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[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Macy and Bo Hatfield are back and the Barks and Beans Cafe has a new employee, Bristol Goddard. She fits in really well with the rest of the staff and the owners. She loves dogs and is willing to work as many hours as needed. Macy didn’t know much about her new employee until a freak accident leaves Bristol’s uncle in a coma. Working as a security guard for an armored car company, the truck he is riding in hits a patch of black ice. The driver loses control and the truck goes over the embankment. The driver doesn’t survive. With Bristol’s uncle in a coma, there are more questions than answers but when they learn $500,000 has vanished from the truck things get crazy. Could Bristol’s uncle be in on the heist?

Macy with an assist from brother Bo and his friend Titan McCoy digs into the case. Her Great Dane Coal also makes a fine cohort while tracking the truth but her sleuthing could turn dangerous and get her iced!

I love the whole theme of the Barks and Brews Cafe. We recently lost our two border collie/blue heeler mixes to old age after they lit up our lives for over 17 years. If there was a Barks and Brews near here I would probably visit every day to play with the dogs and enjoy a hot beverage or two. Then maybe after some time had passed give a lovable canine a “furever” home.

After giving readers a delightful setting Heather Day Gilbert gives us an awesome mystery. Twists, turns, red herrings, this story has them all. I found it so easy to escape right into the mystery and I was kept guessing right up to the big reveal. Ms. Gilbert has a great writing style, brewing real-life happenings right alongside the mystery.

I fell hard for Macy and Bo quickly when reading Book 1, No Filter. They are even better in this story, especially now that his secret has been revealed. I think it makes them even closer if that is even possible. I love that some romantic entanglements are starting to emerge.

Readers are also treated to a wonderful supporting cast and are introduced to some interesting new characters. They are cleverly written and develop nicely throughout the story. I really like the personalities she creates for the non-human characters too.

Iced Over is a very entertaining mystery and a fine addition to this series. A perfect book to curl up with on a chilly evening. Brew yourself up a warm beverage, a little snack, and enjoy a few hours with Macy and the Bark and Brews gang.

The next book in the series, Fair Trade was released today. Spilled Milk will follow next year in April. I will be reviewing Fair Trade soon.

[Becky Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw Iced Over, #2 Barks and Beans Café Series by Heather Day Gilbert was for sale, I had to preorder. This is a book I would not want to miss. The wonderful smell of flavored coffee beans, the sound of espresso machines, the chance to pet shelter dogs with a view to adopt...plus the chance to play Nancy Drew with a brother who used to be a DEA agent? Let’s just say I wonder if I could convince one of my loyal brothers to open a dual purpose shop like this? “Bo and I were bringing happiness into our corner of the world, one coffee drink and one perfect doggie match at a time.”
Gilbert keeps her cozies to the cozy foundations. No swearing, no sex scenes, but there is a small town with an amateur sleuth. As one of my friends said about Gilbert’s previous book, “a book I don’t have to be on guard as I read. “
Macy has a heart the size of her adopted Great Dane, Coal. I loved the way she actually puts feet to her prayers that her employee’s family would have their needs met.
I also loved that one of the secondary characters who we get to know is an unashamed plus-size 24-year- old. She is fashionable, fun, and has a good head on her shoulders. While she may not be perfectly pleased with her body, she accepts herself and that causes others to look beyond the outer wrappings.
One thing I always look for in a cozy is whether our sleuth actually spends time working at his or her purported job. Macy does indeed spend much of her time at the café, and it is so well described, I really wish I could at least visit one, if I can’t work at one.
The sleuthing side becomes a little dangerous, and I am glad I am enjoying solving the mystery vicariously. I loved the introduction of another possible love connection
for Macy, but I wanted to see more romance for Bo, too. However, as Macy says, “Bo was about as romantic as a pot of cold coffee.”
Gilbert likes to end her cozies with a nice twist, leaving you needing the next book.
If you are a dog parent, or a coffee aficionado, you will want to read this fun cozy.

[Wilani Wahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. It was such a fun read. It kept me guessing to the end. I can't wait to read the next book in this tremendous series.

[Chloe Flanagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siblings Macy and Bo are ready to weather a West Virginia winter with the charming blend of steaming beverages and warm puppy kisses offered at their Barks & Beans Cafe. But when a tragic armored truck accident disrupts their community, nothing seems merry or bright anymore, especially when it starts to look like the wreck had little to do with black ice and everything to do with cold, hard cash.

Iced Over is a highly entertaining follow-up to No Filter, Book 1 in the Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery series. Macy and Bo make a clever and endearing pair of sleuths, and they're surrounded by colorful supporting characters, both human and furry. Macy’s stalwart and lovable Great Dane Coal returns along with a temperamental cat, and a loopy labradoodle named Waffles. These personalities mix like a well-crafted mocha to invigorate a perplexing whodunnit that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

If you’re a fan of great mysteries and memorable settings, I recommend cozying up with the coffee and canines at Barks & Beans to find out if Macy and Bo can catch a crook before all their clues are Iced Over.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not obliged to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Series!

I LOVE this series! Keeps you guessing to the end! Best part is all the animal interaction - adoptions and happy outcomes!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cost mystery. Macy and her brother Bo have opened a coffee shop with an area for shelter dogs called Barks and Beans. One of their employees family is involved in an accident. Mixed in are stolen diamonds. Macy has to figure out who is behind the heist before someone else dies.

[Suzie Waltner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Macy and her brother Bo are back. Another crime has become the talk of their small town, and Macy’s interest is piqued—especially when one her employee’s family is affected by the tragedy.
Heather Day Gilbert keeps you guessing as to who is behind everything, bringing in multiple possible suspects and even building on the ending of the previous book with another twist you don’t see coming.

While the plot was intriguing, Macy does tend to be a little fatalistic when she’s working through her theories. Her tendency is to think of all the worst-case scenarios without even considering the more logical possibilities. Of course, this puts her in some uncomfortable situations with a few people.

If the cozy mystery isn’t enough for you, there’s also the lovable pet angle. Macy has Coal and Bo now has a kitten. And many of the visitors to the Barks & Beans café find their forever friends while getting their coffee.

Iced Over is a great addition to the series, and I look forward to what happens next with Macy, Bo, and Coal (and is anyone else crossing their fingers that something more develops between Macy and Titan?).

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving this new series with a brother and sister as the main characters. Having an ex-Marine and DEA for a brother taught Macy a thing or two about being careful, and that's one thing I find kind of refreshing about her. She always takes someone along with her and for the most part, she doesn't keep findings to herself. I liked FBI agent Titan McCoy (yes, they have fun with the whole Bo Hatfield being friends with Titan McCoy feud thing, but they're buddies) and was glad to see him back. Summer is an awesome character too, and I hope there's a chance for her and Bo. I think they'd both like it to happen, but they're both too shy to talk to the other one unless it's about Bo's kitten Smokey that he adopted at Summer's shelter.

This was set right after Thanksgiving but before Christmas. I enjoyed how the camaraderie of the cafe employees was established. They all worked well together and adding new girl Bristol was like adding another family member. The story was heartwarming and yet had times that were exciting almost like a thriller but keeping within the coziness of a cozy along with the prescribed murder(s), if that makes sense. There was the best twist toward the end! And a happily ever after for a family in need as well. It was the perfect pre-Christmas story without being super Christmasy (it never bothers me if something's super Christmasy, the more the better lol). I hope that Bristol stays in the story line, I really do like her and her family. I highly recommend this series especially if you have Kindle Unlimited.

[Robin Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Macy Hatfield! Adorable and cute and so clever and quirky. Sometimes, though, ya just wanna knock some sense into her! Then again, ya gotta admire her tenacity! And the girl got some serious observation skills, noticing random and obscure details. Details that end up being vital clues in solving cases.
And I just love Ms. Gilbert’s writing style! She grabs the reader and welcomes them to the story, and plunges them right into the bedlam.
Not only has Ms. Gilbert has created a memorable and loveable character in Macy, she blends disparate personalities to make a robust story-brew. The interactions between the characters are real and relatable, the reactions and personality quirks authentic. And the dialogue is as snappy and quirky as the characters.
The twist and turns and layers in this story are compelling and page-turning. Just when I thought I (might have) figured out whodunnit, Ms. Gilbert hits the reader with another twist, shining the spotlight on a different suspect. Truly, she keeps the reader wondering until the end.
Then, just when ya think the story’s all wrapped up, there’s a surprise twist at the end!

ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.

#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Iced Over, Heather Day Gilbert

[Anne Rightler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Iced Over is Heather Day Gilbert's second book in the Barks & Beans Cafe series. Having read the first I was excited to start reading Iced Over. I was not disappointed. Macy and Bo, sibling owners of the Barks & Beans Cafe, along with Coal, the ever present and vigilant Great Dane, are once again entangled in a murder mystery. One of their employee's uncle is caught up in an armored truck heist. Can they keep the family safe until the case is solved? And who is the extremely tall, long-haired blond man with a German accent? The story moves quickly along with lots of action, quirky characters, and lots of dogs (almost makes me want to adopt one--almost!). What more could a cozy mystery lover ask for? There's a third book in the offing, Fair Trade, and I can't wait.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

[Wolf (Alpha) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was pretty good. I love how it is still set in her hometown. I love that Summer and Bo are finally getting along better and I'm voting for them to get together. I love that she has an opportunity to meet several people through one of her employees. I hate that there is a crash and one man is killed and the other is in a coma. I love that she immediately tries to help him and his family and figure out what happened. I hate that the kid is involved but I love that he was doing it for his family so they didn't worry about anything. I love that they finally get to the end of it and the man in the coma finally wakes up.

[Shonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Fabulous characters that you just want to hang out with. I love the mystery and trying to guess who done it. The fact that this story includes coffee, food and animals just adds to the fun. There is danger with lots of action that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This is a book you definitely can’t put down and will keep you coming back for more by this author. Grab a copy and hang on for one fun and wild ride!

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series. Bo and Macy siblings own Barks and Beans. A coffee and a adoption animal cafe. Macy has great Dane Coal she adopted in the first book from her friend Summer and the kennel owner where Barks and Beans have made a deal for animals( dogs mostly) to have people to be able to play with the animals and see what is a good match for them. Bo has the coffee part down in the Barks and Beans Cafe. The second book Bristoll one of they're employees uncle Clark got in a coma while Clark and Christian get in a terrible car accident on a bad road. Christian died but Clark in a coma. If you like coffees and dogs and cats you will loves

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 2nd book, it is a very snowy and icy day when a Brinks truck crashed not too far from the Barks and Beans Cafe. The driver is killed, his passenger in a coma, and money is missing from the truck. It is up to Macy and her brother Bo to figure out what happened to the money and there are plenty of suspects to choose from.

[Patricia H. Phelps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siblings Solve Crimes

A brother and sister run the small town coffee shop. He's a former Marine and DEA. She just loves dogs and they have them at the shop hopefully adopt them out. This story has plenty of twists and turns with sufficient action and very likeable characters.

[Rebecca (booksandbreggs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. Usually when I get into a cozy series, there is a struggle connecting with the story because cozies sometimes seem repetitive. Gilbert does a great job setting up inventive plots that draw you in, especially with her likable characters. 5/5 stars.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!! This is a well written cozy mystery that will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. I read it in one sitting, yes it's that good! I can't wait to see what Macy, Bo and Cole get involved with next. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa Franzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected

I thought I was on the trail of the loot's location, but I was way off. Twists and turns. Great ending.

[Linda Rainey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice Cozy

This latest cozy mystery met my expectations with plenty of suspense,twists and turns.
I really enjoyed the storyline and characters.
This book is recommended for cozy mystery lovers.

[Jennifer Cagle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book!

I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series! Looking forward to reading the next one. I love that it is exciting with no bad language.