Mocha, She Wrote

Bakeshop Mystery #13

by Ellie Alexander

When a barista competition comes to town, Torte's favorite pastry chef finds herself sleuthing once again—in the next installment of Ellie Alexander's beloved Bakeshop Mystery Series, Mocha, She Wrote!Summer has ushered in a new season in the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon. Torte is bustling with tourists taking in star-drenched shows at the Elizabethan, setting out to hike in the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains, and sampling the bakeshop’s summer lineup of raspberry lemon tarts and mint mojito cold brews. Jules and the team are buzzing with excitement when they learn that Andy, Torte’s head barista, has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup.The prestigious competition draws coffee aficionados from up and down the coast to Ashland. The winner will not only claim to be best-in-brew, but also be awarded a hefty cash prize. Andy’s nervous about his chances, but Jules is confident that her star barista will shine. However, things take a grim turn when head judge Benson Vargas spits out Andy’s first offering, claiming it to be the worst thing to ever touch his lips—and hours later, is found dead clutching Andy’s creamy latte. Suddenly Torte’s favorite barista becomes the number one suspect. There’s no roast for the weary. Jules will have to sleuth out whodunit to clear Andy’s name and catch a killer before she ends up with one foot in the grounds.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult

299 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2021

About the author

Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over forty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

Find out more about Ellie and her books by visiting her website at: http://www.elliealexander.co/ or following her on social media—
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexa...
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@elliealexande...
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexand...
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Reviews

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 13th book in Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mystery series, and another wonderful addition. This installment focuses on Andy, who has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup, and naturally, Jules and the Torte gang are there to cheer him on every step of the way. However, things get off to a rocky start when one of the judges spits out Andy's drink, claiming it to be the worst thing to ever touch his lips. When he is found dead hours after drinking another cup of Andy's honey latte, Andy immediately becomes a suspect in his murder. Jules and Lance team up to clear Andy's name and find the real culprit.

I adore this series. When I pick up a new installment, it feels like visiting old friends and seeing what's new in their lives. It's been four years since I discovered this series and it's been a pleasure seeing the characters grow and develop and seeing the bakery flourish. The characters, the friendships, the setting, the storylines, Ellie Alexander has truly bought this series to life and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for readers in future installments. This particular installment was one of my favorite of the series so far. I am a huge sucker for cozy mysteries centered around cooking show competitions, so naturally, I loved the setting in this book. I thought the mystery was pretty strong as well and the killer's identity wasn't obvious. This is a character-driven series and sometimes the mystery tends to take a back seat. However, that wasn't the case with this book.
All in all, a very enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Danielle The Book Huntress · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mocha She Wrote is tailor-made for foodies who love sumptuous, mouthwatering descriptions of food and drink. The beautiful scenery of smalltown Oregon is also a feast for the senses. This is a book for cozy mystery readers who like the atmosphere just as much as the mystery. Readers will find themselves hungry and thirsty when they finish the book, so it’s a good thing that there are recipes included.

Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine. http://affairedecoeur.com

Arc copy of book provided courtesy of Saint Martin's Press via Netgalley for review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s summertime and an exciting event is coming to Ashland, Oregon. The West Coast Barista Cup is about to start and Torte’s own Barista Extraordinaire Andy will be competing in the prestigious competition. The Best-in-Brew title is rewarding in itself but the winner also receives a nice cash prize too. The entire Torte staff plans to take turns supporting Andy with Jules attending all the events to cheer him on.

Andy gets a bit of a rough start but quickly finds his footing right up until head judge Benson Vargas spits out Andy’s signature coffee creation. He rips into Andy saying it is the worst he has ever tasted. The head judge’s drink is clearly different from the other judge’s coffee. Determined to win the judge over he brews another latte and vows to get it to the judge. Hours later Benson Vargas is dead and it appears that he is holding Andy’s second effort. This means Andy is suspect #1 but he is allowed to continue to compete. Jules, with a little assistance from Lance, vows to find out what really happened and prove what she already knows, Andy is innocent and someone else is brewing up trouble.

I was so happy to see Andy featured in Mocha, She Wrote. This storyline has been building for a while because Andy is really a genius at blending up some truly terrific coffee drinks, He really knows his flavors and is well known in the area for his expertise. I hated to see him high on the suspect list but we all knew he was innocent of the crime. The camaraderie that has been built by the characters of the Bakeshop Mysteries is heartwarming. With the exception of one character who is such a sad sack, the people within these books really care about each other and that was clearly seen in this story. When I load these books up on my Kindle I feel like I am checking in on old friends and know it is time to get comfortable, and enjoy my visit.

I am a huge fan of cooking competition shows on television so I loved the barista cup theme of this story. The judges for the competition seemed true to life. You know there is always one boisterous judge with a differing opinion. Benson Vargas truly fit that bill. He rubbed many people the wrong way and now pushed someone to kill.

Ms. Alexander has given readers a well-plotted mystery with a roomful of suspects. Everyone knew Andy was innocent but police including the Professor have to follow the evidence. But he is smart enough to trust Jules eyes and ears. Sabotage and twists run rampant and Jules gets a little diverted at one point. As she and Lance try to pare down the suspects they find it is not an easy task. I had a couple of theories of my own and one turned out to be correct as proven with a very exciting climax to the mystery.

The author’s descriptive voice continues to bring each location to life. There have been some changes to Torte that have been very well received. I love the new area and can easily picture myself enjoying a pastry and one of Andy’s concoctions and people watching. The people in the kitchen, and all the people who find their way into this amazing place. For Mocha, She Wrote, she had to create the perfect setup in a local space. Each contestant’s station, the judge’s table, and the audience, some contenders have their own groupies, were all clear in my mind.

Mocha, She Wrote is a delightful addition to this series. I really liked this story and can tell you it was A Perfect Escape. The next book in this series, Bake, Borrow, and Steal will be released on December 28.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mocha, She Wrote is the 13th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. I find this series to be very entertaining and is strongly character-driven. Mocha, She Wrote continues this tradition, and fans will certainly be delighted with this installment. My favorite part of this series is the characters. These are well-developed characters that feel like old friends. Jules is such a wonderful main character, but what I really enjoy is how Ms. Alexander highlights one of the secondary characters with a prominent role in a book. This time around it's Andy, but regardless of which character it is, Ms. Alexander has evolved the cast allowing the readers to watch them grow and come into their own. That is the case with Andy and his passion for coffee.

The mystery was enjoyable. The victim reminded me of a Simon Cowell (American Idol Judge) type character and as such seemed to have more enemies than friends. Unfortunately, one of those enemies turns into a killer and tries to frame several characters involved with the Barista competition that Andy has entered. Once again, Jules and Lance investigate on their own which leads them to put themselves in the crosshairs of a killer. The mystery concluded with a very satisfactory ending.

I find this to be a very entertaining series and I think I gain 5 pounds with each book as I read about the delicious food and baked goods served at Torte and Uva.

I will continue to make return trips to Ashland for as long as Ms. Alexander continues to write this series. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the thirteenth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. I have read many of the books in the series but not all. It's like visiting old friends when I come back and read this series when a new book is released. I've seen the characters grow in their thoughts and actions and have met new ones along the way.
The focus of this book is on Head Barista Andy who represents Torte in the West Coast Barista Cup competition. He's pretty nervous about it but Jules has all the confidence in the world in him.
When the main judge spits out Andy's drink in one of the rounds Andy is humiliated but is that enough to make him kill the judge who is found dead with another cup of Andy's specialty latte by his side?
Quick paced, I was not expecting who turned out to be the murderer. Lots of yummy drinks and baked goods mentioned in here and so many delicious recipes for you to try in the back of the book.

Pub Date 29 Jun 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

[Linden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet, owner of a coffee shop in Ashland, Oregon, is thrilled when her shop's barista, Andy, is selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup, but when there is a murder, she and her friend Lance are determined to investigate to clear Andy of any suspicion. I hadn't read any of the previous books in this series, but had no problem reading this one as a stand-alone. I enjoyed not only the mystery, but also the descriptions of food, the likable characters, and the friendly small-town atmosphere. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mocha, She Wrote by Ellie Alexander is the 13th A Bakeshop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Mocha, She Wrote is a lighthearted culinary cozy mystery. It contains good writing with appealing characters. It is the characters that make this series. They are friendly and relatable. I enjoy the descriptions of Ashland. The writer paints a visual picture with her words. There are mouthwatering food and coffee descriptions that will have you heading for your local bakery. Information about coffee and the brewing process are included. It is interesting learning about what goes into making a good cup of java. The whodunit has a loathsome victim that a number of people wished dead. Jules had to interview victims, wade through the clues, and brew up a killer. I wish the mystery had been more of a challenge (it is my favorite part of cozy mysteries). I could easily identify the guilty party early in the story. Jules has become a seasoned investigator so she can handle a more challenging whodunit. The murder did not occur until a third of the way through the book. I like that there is no bloodshed or foul language. This type of cozy is perfect for summer. Mocha, She Wrote is a merry cozy mystery with a vile victim, a cutthroat coffee competition, a potent potion, chilled ice cream, and a keen killer.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review coming Soon

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visiting Ashland, Oregon again in the 13th Bakeshop Mystery is a joy whether it's your first or you have read them all, is just a joy. Jules and her team at Torte support Andy in his determination to win in the competition for best barista on the west coast. Unfortunately the competition quickly derails into a hotbed of ambition, cheating and murder. Jules and her best buddy, Lance, investigate. Ellie Alexander skillfully balances a well-crafted mystery and the story of the a community of characters you will remember for a long time. Highly recommended. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series so much. I think Ellie does a fantastic job with character growth across the books. In this one Andy is competing and you get to see more of Carlos. It was fun to see the interaction between Jules & Carlos as they get a fresh start together. Andy is a beloved part of the crew and it was exciting to see the team rally around him. I recommend this series to ALL cozy lovers and if you are new to cozies this is a great series to start with. Book can be read as a stand alone but you will get more out of it if you read the series in order.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the Bakeshop Mystery and this 13th book is just as enjoyable as the others. As the series progressed characters have been added and have taken turns to be central to the story. In this outing, Torte's head barista, Andy, has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup. He is nervous, especially as he meets the other competitors. Things start going wrong from the start and Jules begins watching and investigating to see what is going on and who is sabotaging various competitor's entries. When one of the judges dies after drinking one of Andy's coffees, the investigation heats up as Jules tries to prove Andy has no reason to kill him. As in previous books, Jules and Lance team up to clear Andy's name and find the real culprit.

This is one of the series that I recommend you read in order. All mysteries are self-contained and solved within each book, but the character development and community itself changes and grows as the series continues. Every book feels like I am getting together with old friends and excited to see what they are up to. I do enjoy stories that are centered around competitions, and this one is fun and interesting. I never thought about who dreams up all the various flavors of those cappuccinos and lattes that I enjoy, so I loved the setting in this book. I thought the mystery was well written, with a few suspects and some red herrings. I did not figure out who the killer was until close to the end of the story. The clues were there and spread throughout the book, with the final one giving me the information I needed. This is a character-driven series and sometimes the mystery is secondary, but not in this one. The mystery drives this book with the ending giving us the comfortable get togethers with family and friends. I definitely enjoyed this one and continue to recommend this series to cozy mystery lovers. This book was narrated by Emily Durante and I have come to recognize her voices for the various characters in this series. She does a wonderful job with expression and emotion to add to my enjoyment of the story. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series and I love the growth of both the main characters as well as supporting characters.
When Andy, one of the barista's at Torte, is participating in a barista contest, things take a disastrous turn when a judge winds up dead.
Andy may have had a few heated words with the judge, but so did several others.
Jules won't let Andy take the fall for this, so she sets out to uncover the truth.


Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the barista competition at the beginning of this book which gives a new spin to this installment. The mystery was interesting, but it's the main characters and their relationships that make this series so special - Jules and her staff, her relationship with Carlos, and her friendship with Lance. There were several red herrings, so I was surprised by the solution to the murder. The food and drinks sound so good in this book. I was craving coffee and I rarely drink it! There are a couple of recipes at the end of the book.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solita piacevole lettura, anche se trovo Lance, l'amico della protagonista, un po' troppo istrionico. Devo dire che avevo capito subito chi fosse il colpevole, sebbene nel corso della storia vari altri personaggi sono sembrati dei buoni candidati.

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

Mocha, She Wrote, the thirteenth book in Ellie Alexander’s Bakeshop Mystery series puts the spotlight on Torte’s resident barista, Andy Howard. Andy has made the difficult decision to drop out of college and pursue his desire to focus on all things coffee. Andy’s decision pays off sooner than expected when he’s invited to participate in The West Coast Barista Cup, which just happens to be taking place in Ashland, Oregon this year.

Jules the co-owner of Torte Bakery and the rest of the staff couldn’t be more excited and proud of Andy. While nervous, Andy is confident he has a chance. Andy’s confidence is shattered when in the first round, on the first-day head judge Benson Vargas spits out Andy’s coffee creation, declaring it dreadful. Benson is highly respected in the coffee community, and his word carries a lot of weight. Wanting to prove that he knows coffee and deserves to be competing at the cup, Andy presents another latte to Benson. Later that evening, Benson is found dead with Andy’s latte nearby. Once it’s determined Benson was murdered, Andy moves to the top of the suspect list.

It’s a good thing that Jules’ stepfather, The Professor, is the head detective of the Ashland PD and knows Andy well enough to know that he wouldn’t kill anyone. The Professor knows Jules has superb observation skills and asks her to pay attention to things while she’s watching Andy compete. With her best friend and partner in crime solving, Lance, Jules does just that and starts to uncover more than she thought imaginable.

Ellie has once again written a really good mystery, filled with just enough misdirects to keep you guessing until the big reveal. The premise of the next book in the series is also revealed and it promises to shake Ashland.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Love all, trust few, do wrong to none.”

**Received a copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed the book.**

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publication Date: June 2021
#13 in the Bakeshop Mystery series (Recommended these be read in order because of the character development.)

In the latest, Andy, the barista from Torte, competes in a coffee competition but as always, a murder gums up the works. Jules and her friends use their usual powers of observation to help catch the killer and along the way impart details about the art and science of making coffee drinks.

As always, because of the lush Ashland (Oregon) setting, the mouth-watering food descriptions, and the appealing characters, this cozy series is a favorite. I always feel like I'm seeing old friends and never fail to finish a title wishing I had a bakeshop like Torte just down the street.

Since these contain no profanity or gratuitous scenes of bloodshed, this is a great series for anyone who wants pure escapism.

Thank you to the publisher (Macmillan) for the advance digital galley.

[Annu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading this book physically within a day, and that says a lot about how much I enjoyed it!! Andy is participating in a barista competition and drama and murder ensues. Of course, Jules investigates along with Lance, who I'm really starting to like now. They do get into scrapes and trouble, much to Carlos's dismay. It was soo nice to see Carlos and Jules in a regular and normal relationship. And as usual I couldn't guess the killer in this one.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

MOCHA, SHE WROTE is the thirteenth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. This newest release brings a well-plotted mystery back to the foreground and is reminiscent of the author’s earlier books which I’ve greatly enjoyed. There are still plenty of mouthwatering descriptions of the charming Ashland, Oregon setting along with delectable goodies baked up at protagonist Jules’ family bakeshop, Torte. And this book features Torte’s buzz-worthy barista, Andy, as he competes in the West Coast Barista Cup. I like that Andy is the focus in the mystery plotline. It gives the reader a chance to get to know him better and gives Jules a good reason to get involved in yet another investigation.

One of Ms. Alexander’s strengths is character building, and Mocha, She Wrote showcases that asset. While it could be read as a standalone, this series is best begun from the beginning to get the full value of the characters. Another hallmark of the author is how close-knit Jules, her family, and her friends are. There isn’t any snarky sarcasm and they go out of their way to show support and respect no matter the pressure that befalls the group. It makes this reader enjoy spending time with them and keeps me coming back for every new release.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melissa P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy, do I love this series. I really liked that this book took place at a coffee competition. (Along with books, coffee is also something that I love dearly) I really loved the details in the new coffee recipes. I would certainly like to try a lot of them. One of the judges, who was a jerk, ends up dead and Jules is around to investigate. I didn't figure out the suspect(s) before it was reveled. Still loving the wholesomeness of these books. I'm sadly more than halfway through the series. I don't want it to end!! I recently looked up the town of Ashland, Oregon, where this takes place. It sounds so lovely. Happy reading. ☕️🥄🍵

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my favorite cozy mystery series and the only one I've stayed with for 13 installments. As always I am thrilled to catch up with the characters and the new things that are happening at the Torte in Ashland Oregon. I don't think this is the strongest book in the series. The characters we've grown to love feel a little bit flat and the mystery is slightly underdone. It's been a tough year. That said, when the next Bakeshop Mystery becomes available I will be among the first to snap it up.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite in the series so far (and I’ve loved them all but one)! I’m a big fan of the cooking/baking competitions so the coffee competition was a plus for me. This was a well written, fast paced mystery. It was also a nice visit back to Ashland and Torte. Looking forward to the next one.

[Shelley Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
Mocha, She Wrote, is a delightful, richly descriptive addition to the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. Though it’s a murder mystery series, cozy-style, this book is clearly joyous as it celebrates an exemplary, close-knit group of friends, all who support one another through thick and thin.

It’s set in a charming, truly unique town, and invokes a spirit of togetherness and camaraderie sorely lacking in our real world. This coffee competition mystery was intriguing and quite interesting given our reality-obsessed culture, and the coffee and food descriptions were enticing and also oddly unusual, in some cases. All-in-all, Mocha, She Wrote was an absolute pleasure to read!

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a culinary competition cozy and this one was so much fun. Not only was I completely invested in both the mystery and the competition, I love how much thought and detail were put into describe the competition for the readers. I felt like I was in the room; the excitement and tension got to me and I absolutely LOVED reading about all the fun and innovative drinks that I wish I could sample. I can't say I was shocked by the reveal, but still enjoyed it so

Audiobook note: recommend this audiobook, though it might be even more enjoyable reading the print.

[Sem · Rating 3 out of 5]

At this point I will likely read this series until I die or it ends and, let me tell you, my doctor is at the bookie's office putting money down on the former. And with every book I have about 4 to 5 thoughts on it, and I don't mean solid ones, just any kind of thought, because it's like a Lego set with elements shuffled every time, which is the whole appeal of the "cozy mystery" genre. Hell, I'm nearly ready to just start giving these 5-star reviews because I do truly feel a wild rush of serotonin every time I open up one of these and read about "delectable cakes" and "spiced honey lattes".

In no particular order, observations on this one:
1) Ellie Alexander learned the word "bucolic" right before she wrote this one so she put it in several times but I can't be mad, I now know the word "bucolic" thanks to her.

2) The gay relationship is ongoing and mentioned multiple times, although I wouldn't scoff at even more attention being paid to it.

3) This one really makes you want to chug coffee all day long.

4) Diaz is, perhaps, the worst written character in the series so far and I love it. "That's cringe, bruh" is not a line I expected to see in one of these.

[Stephanie (read_with_steph) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe we're at book thirteen in Ellie Alexander's bakeshop series. It's always hard to keep a long-running series fresh, but Alexander manages to do that with the introduction of new characters and business ventures. However, while these new elements add plot points, they have become a little overwhelming at this point. So many different people work at the famed Torte, I can't remember who they all are and their relevance to the plot (which is normally very little, if at all). It also seems as though our MC Jules is running a small empire between Torte (which seems to do it all--pastries, coffee, wedding cakes, catering, lunch sandwiches...), Scoops--the ice cream shop introduced in the last book, and Uva, the winery Carlos is now running. It's just a lot. Alexander can't really backtrack now, but I wish all these elements hadn't been added over time.

Putting aside the extraneous fluff and focusing on the story at hand, I was actually quite entertained. Andy, Torte's star barista is entered in the West Coast Barista Competition, where the winner gets $10k and a trip to nationals--not to mention the publicity Torte would get. But when the famed judge known as the Simon Cowell of coffee (and even harsher) drops dead, everyone is a suspect, including Andy! Of course, Jules and Lance are on the case.

With this type of cast cozy mystery with such a despised victim, there were so many potential suspects it made for a wild ride! The competition aspect was fun, as well. Perfect for fans of Chopped! I think fans of this series won't be disappointed, but I hope Alexander chooses to focus on her Sloan Krause series instead of milking the bakeshop books to the bone with even more characters and business ventures.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10

[Teena in Toronto · Rating 3 out of 5]

uliet (aka Jules) was raised in small town Ashland, OR. She grew up helping her parents in their bakery and went on to culinary school. After working for many years on a cruise line, where she met her husband, Carlos, she moved back home to take over the family bakery. She now shares ownership of it with her mother, who recently married the local head of police. After a two year separation, Jules has worked things out with Carlos and he is running the winery they have majority ownership of.

Andy, one of Jules' employees, is really into coffee and has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup. He's nervous but ready to go. Benson is one of the judges and has a flair for dramatics and not in a good way. He takes a dislike to Andy and even spits out one of his offerings during the competition. A few hours later, Benson is dead and Andy is the number one suspect. But Benson was not a nice man and disliked by many so anyone could have killed him. Because of loyalty to her employee, Jules and her friend, Lance, set out to find out who hated Benson enough to kill him so they can clear Andy's name.

This is the thirteenth in the Bakeshop Mystery series (I've read them all) and I thought it was okay. It's written in first person perspective in Jules' voice. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. I suspect there will probably not be many more in this series as everyone is settling down happily and Jules is thinking about having a baby.

There are recipes at the end.

Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2021/09...

[Almodine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am I biased to think that this is one of my fave in the series so far because I work in coffee? Yes, absolutely. Is that going to stop me from giving this book a high rating? Absolutely not! I loved this installment of the bakeshop mysteries, filled with fun and detailed coffee descriptions without being pretentious, while also describing how pretentious people in the industry can be. Fear not, there is still plenty of food/baking and recipes, and the growth in the friendship of Jules and Lance really gets to shine here. I’m so invested in these characters I’d be happy to keep reading about them until the author gets tired of them (which I hope isn’t anytime soon). In some ways I feel we’re just scratching the surface of them!

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a satisfying read. For a long time series to work, the characters need to grow, alone and together, you need to carefully add more, and give us something else to think about all within our beloved framework. This series works on a number of levels. We see Jules, happy making a nest for herself and Carlos, growing her business (s), and encouraging her employees to grow. I think Andy must be a favorite among long time readers, he definitely is one of mine. Seeing him get a chance is great, of course we know murder must follow. Another good mystery and a great tale, and as always food, coffee and wine that make you want to swoon! Well worth your time !

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's summer in Ashland, Oregon and the tourist season is in full swing. Juliet Capshaw and the staff at Torte are excited that one of their baristas, Andy, has been selected to complete in the West Coast Barista Cup. Nothing goes as planned when the head judge is found dead with one of Andy's drinks in his hand. Now Juliet, aka Jules, investigates on her own to help clear Andy. Who wanted the head judge dead? Why would they frame Andy? I absolutely love all the characters in this series and watching them grow from book to book. The mystery is well written. There are some delicious recipes included the book. I definitely recommend this book!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. And this book did not disappoint. I would love to live in Ashland, work at Torte’s. Hang out with all the gang working there. And have Lance as my bestie! Ellie Alexander is an amazing author! And magically transforms you into the pages of her books! Not to mention all the tantalizing foods and deserts that will have you drooling throughout the story!! Can’t wait for the next book to come out!