What do you think?
Rate this book
A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery #3
Crime in the Café
CRIME IN THE CAFE (A LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY—BOOK 3) is book three in a charming new cozy mystery series by Fiona Grace.
Lacey Doyle, 39 years old and freshly divorced, has made a drastic change: she has walked away from the fast life of New York City and settled down in the quaint English seaside town of Wilfordshire.
Summer is nearly here, and Lacey has fallen more in love with the town and with her chef boyfriend. She has even made a best friend: the new owner of a local B&B. And when her friend needs her services for the decoration of her inn, buying nearly everything in Lacey’s antique shop, her business even gets an extra boost.
Everything’s going perfectly—until someone mysteriously dies in her friend’s new B&B.
Their village turned upside down and her new friend’s livelihood now in jeopardy, it’s up to Lacey and her dog to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Lacey Doyle, 39 years old and freshly divorced, has made a drastic change: she has walked away from the fast life of New York City and settled down in the quaint English seaside town of Wilfordshire.
Summer is nearly here, and Lacey has fallen more in love with the town and with her chef boyfriend. She has even made a best friend: the new owner of a local B&B. And when her friend needs her services for the decoration of her inn, buying nearly everything in Lacey’s antique shop, her business even gets an extra boost.
Everything’s going perfectly—until someone mysteriously dies in her friend’s new B&B.
Their village turned upside down and her new friend’s livelihood now in jeopardy, it’s up to Lacey and her dog to get to the bottom of the mystery.
Audible Audio
First published March 31, 2020
663 people are currently reading
545 people want to read
About the author
Fiona Grace
477 books721 followersDebut author Fiona Grace is author of the LACEY DOYLE COZY MYSTERY series which includes MURDER IN THE MANOR (Book #1), DEATH AND A DOG (Book #2) and CRIME IN THE CAFE (Book #3). Fiona would love to hear from you, so please visit www.fionagraceauthor.com to receive free ebooks, hear the latest news, and stay in touch.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
May 14, 2022
Honestly, these books are junk, but I can’t stop listening to them. I don’t know why! The stories are ridiculous. The main character is annoyingly whiney and overthinks everything. The fact that she always “has to” find out who did it otherwise her life will be ruined is just stupid. The narrators are AWFUL. Why do I keep listening? I don’t know. Thank goodness they’re free on Hoopla.
June 22, 2020
The title doesn't fit the book. I've read the whole story and there still hasn't been a crime in a cafe...
Maybe "The Murder of the Mayor" or "The Drawing Room Five" would make a better title.
That doesn't mean I didn't like the book. I most certainly did! With all 'the usual suspects' and some interesting new ones.
It takes about half a book for there being any murder, but the main characters are such a colourful and interesting bunch, it is not boring.
I received a copy from Booksprout and choose to review it.
Maybe "The Murder of the Mayor" or "The Drawing Room Five" would make a better title.
That doesn't mean I didn't like the book. I most certainly did! With all 'the usual suspects' and some interesting new ones.
It takes about half a book for there being any murder, but the main characters are such a colourful and interesting bunch, it is not boring.
I received a copy from Booksprout and choose to review it.
July 12, 2020
I enjoy the characters and setting of the books in this series. The plots are pretty good. It’s a pleasant way to pass the time while staying home during the pandemic. You need to forgive a lot when reading this series. For example, a great designer could not decorate and furnish an inn in a week. I can’t tell if Fiona Grace is an American who doesn’t fully understand how the English speak, or is British and doesn’t understand how Americans speak. Lacey’s speech just doesn’t seem right somehow. I feel like these books are being written and published too quickly. The author needs to slow down and do some rewriting and editing.
August 19, 2021
Listened to the first few chapters until the murder and the last chapter for the murderer's reveal. I find Lacey to be a highly insensitive, self-absorbed and distasteful protagonist.
March 2, 2024
Are these books super cheesy? -yes
Do I get annoyed by the main character and her choices? - also yes
Will I continue to read all of the books in this series? YES
These read like an episode of Murder She Wrote and I’m here for it. I always pick one of these up after a heavy read and it’s just what I need to lighten the load.
Do I get annoyed by the main character and her choices? - also yes
Will I continue to read all of the books in this series? YES
These read like an episode of Murder She Wrote and I’m here for it. I always pick one of these up after a heavy read and it’s just what I need to lighten the load.
March 31, 2020
Another very entertaining murder in Wilfordshire. Lacey is on the scene when another murder takes place and naturally has to investigate. This time she gets roped into designing an old nursing home into a B&B dressed up as an old hunting lodge. She does everything on spec so when the main suspect is the young owner of the B&B Lacey has to help exonerate her or lose everything. She also has to deal with the new, young, pretty apprentice that Tom has hired at his patisserie. And she also is fending off flirtations by Xavier, who sent her the murder weapon in the first place. What is a girl to do? A very good addition to this series. Looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 31, 2020
I have read the previous two novels in the cozy mystery series but I must say this one, The Crime In The Café, is my favorite. Book three opens up with the little tourist town getting ready for an annual event and after the Mayor rezones some areas old buildings open up for new business. With one B&B and small hotel needing all the summer business they can handle, they are understandably hurt when someone young opens a new B&B style Hunting Lodge using the silver spoon in her mouth. Lacey bust her behind to gather everything she needs to furnish her new clients lodge. On opening day the whole town gathers event the ones with jilted feelings join in , and something goes terribly wrong. Now Lacey who is once again reminded that she is an outsider has to keep the tempers of the towns people cool while also wondering if her boyfriends new hire might be a little too pretty and a little perfect to be trusted. Sweet, clean, twisty story that is very enjoyable. ENJOY!
April 24, 2020
A Yankee in Wilfordshire
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it immensely. Even though I had read no other books in this series, I didn't feel lost, though I imagine I would appreciate more of the heroine's backstory if I had read the other two. This book starts off a little slow, but then things begin to ramping up. I definitely thought the theme of our heroine as an outsider, an American living in a small English seaside town, was well played and an interesting twist on the standard British cozy. It actually did play into the story. There were some excellent twists and turns, and I liked the cast of quirky characters who managed to feel real.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
This is the first book I have read by this author, and I enjoyed it immensely. Even though I had read no other books in this series, I didn't feel lost, though I imagine I would appreciate more of the heroine's backstory if I had read the other two. This book starts off a little slow, but then things begin to ramping up. I definitely thought the theme of our heroine as an outsider, an American living in a small English seaside town, was well played and an interesting twist on the standard British cozy. It actually did play into the story. There were some excellent twists and turns, and I liked the cast of quirky characters who managed to feel real.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
November 23, 2021
Once again Lacey Doyle is working on expanding her antiques store, this time by helping a new friend decorate her new B&B. She goes out on a limb fronting the cost of the furniture, but when a murder happens at the grand opening suddenly she's facing disaster, so now she's once again investigating a murder.
June 29, 2020
I prefer my cozy mysteries to be at least somewhat plausible, but the content of this book verges on fantasy. Lacey willingly takes on a huge project of interior decorator for a retirement home turned into a B&B. She supposedly accomplishes this feat in a matter of days, including renovation as well as furnishings. This strains credulity to the limit. As well, her character has really become whiny with relationship complaints magically all resolved at the end without directly engaging her partner or her friends. Sad to say, I won’t be continuing on with the series, it’s asking me to suspend reality way too much.
November 4, 2021
Estou gostando dessa série de livros, mas e esse título??!! Spoiler: ninguém morre no Café! A trama nem se passa no Café! Pensei até em um erro de tradução, mas não, o original é "Crime in the Café". Tirando isso (o que é um título errado, né, gente!?), estou curtindo essas leituras despretensiosas, para passar o tempo entre leituras mais pesadas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2022
Very good mystery, liked it very much.
June 1, 2021
At last, Lacey is not a wrongly accused murder suspect nor in mortal danger from a killer. She is merely trying to proved the innocence of a new acquaintance whom she already considers a friend and just knows couldn’t possibly be a murderer. Besides, she won’t get paid for a recent design job and could lose her business if her new friend’s B&B fails because she ends up in jail and therefore can’t pay Lacey.
On the plus side, the characters and relationships are evolving and becoming more interesting. The ongoing teaser of what happened to Lacey’s father is an intriguing subplot.
Minus 1 star for another change in narrator. Lacey in particular sounds very different in this audiobook, like a hard edged pushy American rather than a new resident in a foreign country who is trying adapt and make new friends. if characters sound different from audiobook to audiobook, i have to get to know them all over again.
On the plus side, the characters and relationships are evolving and becoming more interesting. The ongoing teaser of what happened to Lacey’s father is an intriguing subplot.
Minus 1 star for another change in narrator. Lacey in particular sounds very different in this audiobook, like a hard edged pushy American rather than a new resident in a foreign country who is trying adapt and make new friends. if characters sound different from audiobook to audiobook, i have to get to know them all over again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2021
I’ve enjoyed some books in this series but am finding that the main character is especially irritating and annoying in this book. Perhaps I’ve reached my limit. I can hardly stand the protagonist in this one. Interfering and self-absorbed. Is this doesn’t improve, I may do something I seldom do - return the book without finishing. Finished it finally. Meh.
August 1, 2021
Good light reading. A decent example of a “cozy” mystery. Has all the characteristics of the genre: a plucky heroine forced by circumstances to solve a murder; a bumbling, antagonist police inspector; a small sleepy tourist town; a handsome, charming love interest, and only PG violence.
The audiobook is performed by Sarah Kempton and deserves *****. In the first two audiobooks of the series, Lacey (the amateur sleuth) doesn’t have an American accent despite being described as a life long New Yorker. Sarah corrects that error by supplying a very credible New York accent. Along with delightful voice characterizations for the English and foreign characters. To be honest if I was reading the book I may not have finished it but Sarah’s performance is engaging enough to keep a listener hooked till the end.
Here is a list of things that detracted from my enjoyment and prevented the book from getting a higher rating:
1. Lacey is talked by a 22 year old girl (only recently graduated and with zero experience of real life) into putting her entire financial future on the line for a dicey project. That a 40 yr old New Yorker would be so naive and gullible is totally unbelievable.
2. We are asked to believe that it’s possible to renovate a retirement home into a “luxury” B&B in less than a week. Including refinishing the floors, repainting the walls, and sourcing furniture and decor from multiple countries. All with no upfront money, no contract, no legal documents. This is so absurd.
3. Of all the weapons and methods to use for a murder, the murderer chooses a hundred year old flint lock rifle that uses gunpowder and a lead ball as the bullet. When the rifle fires it produces sparks to ignite the gunpowder - in a pitch dark room the sparks would be easily visible and there would be no mystery as to who was holding the gun.
4. That in modern times, police can force a group of people to convene at a crime scene without any lawyers present and let them be interrogated by a foreigner with no legal authority. Major eye roll. Really, this old device popularized by Agatha Christie is such a cliche and so unbelievable that it needs to be retired.
The audiobook is performed by Sarah Kempton and deserves *****. In the first two audiobooks of the series, Lacey (the amateur sleuth) doesn’t have an American accent despite being described as a life long New Yorker. Sarah corrects that error by supplying a very credible New York accent. Along with delightful voice characterizations for the English and foreign characters. To be honest if I was reading the book I may not have finished it but Sarah’s performance is engaging enough to keep a listener hooked till the end.
Here is a list of things that detracted from my enjoyment and prevented the book from getting a higher rating:
1. Lacey is talked by a 22 year old girl (only recently graduated and with zero experience of real life) into putting her entire financial future on the line for a dicey project. That a 40 yr old New Yorker would be so naive and gullible is totally unbelievable.
2. We are asked to believe that it’s possible to renovate a retirement home into a “luxury” B&B in less than a week. Including refinishing the floors, repainting the walls, and sourcing furniture and decor from multiple countries. All with no upfront money, no contract, no legal documents. This is so absurd.
3. Of all the weapons and methods to use for a murder, the murderer chooses a hundred year old flint lock rifle that uses gunpowder and a lead ball as the bullet. When the rifle fires it produces sparks to ignite the gunpowder - in a pitch dark room the sparks would be easily visible and there would be no mystery as to who was holding the gun.
4. That in modern times, police can force a group of people to convene at a crime scene without any lawyers present and let them be interrogated by a foreigner with no legal authority. Major eye roll. Really, this old device popularized by Agatha Christie is such a cliche and so unbelievable that it needs to be retired.
March 27, 2024
4 Stars
The Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery Series by Fiona Grace is a fun cozy mystery series with an amateur sleuth, whodunnit vibes, crime & investigation, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, and intriguing developments.
Lacey Doyle is almost forty, and newly divorced - and in desperate need of a fresh start. So, she quits her job and her horrible boss and makes a sea change- moving to the charming seaside town of Wilfordshire, and opens an antique shop. But no sooner has she started to settle in, when one of her customers turns up dead- and Lacey is definitely prime suspect in the eyes of the town. She has no choice but to try and solve the crime so she can clear her name. Her fresh start, business, and reputation are on the line.
‘With a business to run, a next-door neighbor turned nemesis, a flirty baker across the street, and a crime to solve – is this new life all that Lacey thought it would be?’
As the series progresses, Lacey seems to attract trouble and mystery- getting drawn into investigations and mysterious developments….. all of which make for a fun read.
Each instalment in the series follows a fairly predictable ‘recipe’- especially after you’ve read a few of the books- but with a few clever touches from the author, she keeps you turning the pages, engrossed till the end. Even though the stories were a little predictable, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment and appreciation of the stories/series at all- in fact I found it to be part of their ‘charm’.
The Series contains:
-Murder in the Manor (Book #1)
-Death and a Dog (Book #2)
-Crime in the Café (Book #3)
-Vexed on a Visit (Book #4)
-Killed with a Kiss (Book #5)
-Perished by a Painting (Book #6)
-Silenced by a Spell (Book #7)
-Framed by Forgery (Book #8)
-Catastrophe in a Cloister (Book #9)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Fiona Grace!
The Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery Series by Fiona Grace is a fun cozy mystery series with an amateur sleuth, whodunnit vibes, crime & investigation, suspense, tension, intrigue, drama, and intriguing developments.
Lacey Doyle is almost forty, and newly divorced - and in desperate need of a fresh start. So, she quits her job and her horrible boss and makes a sea change- moving to the charming seaside town of Wilfordshire, and opens an antique shop. But no sooner has she started to settle in, when one of her customers turns up dead- and Lacey is definitely prime suspect in the eyes of the town. She has no choice but to try and solve the crime so she can clear her name. Her fresh start, business, and reputation are on the line.
‘With a business to run, a next-door neighbor turned nemesis, a flirty baker across the street, and a crime to solve – is this new life all that Lacey thought it would be?’
As the series progresses, Lacey seems to attract trouble and mystery- getting drawn into investigations and mysterious developments….. all of which make for a fun read.
Each instalment in the series follows a fairly predictable ‘recipe’- especially after you’ve read a few of the books- but with a few clever touches from the author, she keeps you turning the pages, engrossed till the end. Even though the stories were a little predictable, it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment and appreciation of the stories/series at all- in fact I found it to be part of their ‘charm’.
The Series contains:
-Murder in the Manor (Book #1)
-Death and a Dog (Book #2)
-Crime in the Café (Book #3)
-Vexed on a Visit (Book #4)
-Killed with a Kiss (Book #5)
-Perished by a Painting (Book #6)
-Silenced by a Spell (Book #7)
-Framed by Forgery (Book #8)
-Catastrophe in a Cloister (Book #9)
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Fiona Grace!
July 4, 2023
I’ve read at least one other book in the “Lacy Doyles Cozy Mystery” series and wasn’t terribly impressed. I may have been unfair because, as cozies go, it’s not awful and my prejudice against English mysteries featuring Americans probably influenced my reaction and one star rating.
For this book I’ve skipped from #1 to #3 and it seemed normal to assume I didn’t miss much by jumping over #2. The plot is fanciful -- preposterous may be more accurate -- but, in this case I kind of enjoyed it -- apart from Lacy Doyle herself.
The seaside town of Wildfordshire has a touch of atmosphere. There are quaint and charming touches thrown into the narrative and characters but there are none of the crisply observed and relevant details you might find in a cozy by MC Beaton. Doyle is a forty-ish divorcee from New York who inherited an antique shop in England so decided to more and start anew. It’s summer Lacey has fallen more in love with the town and with her chef boyfriend. She has made friends and done well in business when she is recruited to help with the renovation of an old property for it to become an upscale B&B.
Everything is going well until someone dies in her friend’s new B&B. This is where it occurred to me that skipping #2 in the series might have been a bad idea because the reader is thrown into a murder investigation that seems to have begun in an earlier book. That hardly matters because the important points are that the local police are idiots, there are plenty of people with secrets and Lacey and her dog are smarter than everyone else. The audiobook took me less than a day and it was a nice diversion.
For this book I’ve skipped from #1 to #3 and it seemed normal to assume I didn’t miss much by jumping over #2. The plot is fanciful -- preposterous may be more accurate -- but, in this case I kind of enjoyed it -- apart from Lacy Doyle herself.
The seaside town of Wildfordshire has a touch of atmosphere. There are quaint and charming touches thrown into the narrative and characters but there are none of the crisply observed and relevant details you might find in a cozy by MC Beaton. Doyle is a forty-ish divorcee from New York who inherited an antique shop in England so decided to more and start anew. It’s summer Lacey has fallen more in love with the town and with her chef boyfriend. She has made friends and done well in business when she is recruited to help with the renovation of an old property for it to become an upscale B&B.
Everything is going well until someone dies in her friend’s new B&B. This is where it occurred to me that skipping #2 in the series might have been a bad idea because the reader is thrown into a murder investigation that seems to have begun in an earlier book. That hardly matters because the important points are that the local police are idiots, there are plenty of people with secrets and Lacey and her dog are smarter than everyone else. The audiobook took me less than a day and it was a nice diversion.
March 26, 2020
Lacey just keeps stumbling over dead bodies. What's more surprising is that there is so much action in the small English town she has recently come to call home. In this new saga, Suzy has recently arrived in town to start up a new B&B much to the dismay of many in the town. Lacey is convinced to help her decorate the place to match her chosen Victorian theme. In the midst of the preparation, the town mayor is shot and both Lacey and Suzy are suspected. Lacey (with the help of her chef boyfriend Tom) must once again save the day, lest the wrong person be convicted. There are also a slew of potential criminal masterminds, friends and old enemies. But is it the obvious solution or is something more going on?
Fiona Grace's latest novel brings back some of the novelty of her first book, along with many of the characters we have come to love over the course of the series. While it refers to the previous books, it can also be read as a standalone. I did get a little annoyed with Lacey's jealously toward her boyfriend's young, new employee, but this may be reasonable as long as she works it out and doesn't let it continue into the next story. There was also an interesting side story of a smart female being overlooked and demeaned by her less-that-smart male superior; I sincerely hope this is remedied as the series continues. Suzy was delightful, and even the twists in her story and personality make sense as they occur. Fiona Grace is an engaging writer who makes her readers care about the characters and the way the story will turn out. I look forward to reading her next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fiona Grace's latest novel brings back some of the novelty of her first book, along with many of the characters we have come to love over the course of the series. While it refers to the previous books, it can also be read as a standalone. I did get a little annoyed with Lacey's jealously toward her boyfriend's young, new employee, but this may be reasonable as long as she works it out and doesn't let it continue into the next story. There was also an interesting side story of a smart female being overlooked and demeaned by her less-that-smart male superior; I sincerely hope this is remedied as the series continues. Suzy was delightful, and even the twists in her story and personality make sense as they occur. Fiona Grace is an engaging writer who makes her readers care about the characters and the way the story will turn out. I look forward to reading her next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2023
Crime in the Café (A Lacey Doyle Cozy Mystery #3) — Fiona Grace/Narrator: Sarah Kempton (23 chapters + Epilogue) Dec. 20-22, 2023
Lacey gets a vintage rifle from an admirer from the last case. The rifle seems very familiar to Lacey and she almost feels she should keep it for safety. However, a new bed and breakfast has opened in direct competition with Carol’s, making the latter mad. Then Lacey is corralled into helping the new bed and breakfast’s owner, Suzie, decorate and furnish it. While showing her the vintage rifle, Suzie buys it for her bed and breakfast. Lacey ends up giving most of her pieces in the store to Suzie on loan until her business is up and running and she can properly buy them. Unfortunately, a person is murdered in the new inn during the grand opening. Is Lacey’s new friend doomed already before barely getting started?
As the murder case ramps up, Gina thinks the murderer is Suzie, but Lacey is sure it’s someone else. Can she solve it in time, or is Suzie going to jail, leaving Lacey penniless and having to sell her place and head back home?
Lacey also gets help from an unlikely ally as she tries to solve the crime.
On the love front, Lacey becomes jealous when it looks like Tom is getting a bit cozy with his new assistant.
As everything comes to a head, will Lacey lose everything she holds dear?
When I first started reading this series, I didn’t think I would stick with it for too long. I am on book five and am so glad I stayed with this series.
A very good narrator helps the audio as well.
Best book in the series.
Five stars.
Lacey gets a vintage rifle from an admirer from the last case. The rifle seems very familiar to Lacey and she almost feels she should keep it for safety. However, a new bed and breakfast has opened in direct competition with Carol’s, making the latter mad. Then Lacey is corralled into helping the new bed and breakfast’s owner, Suzie, decorate and furnish it. While showing her the vintage rifle, Suzie buys it for her bed and breakfast. Lacey ends up giving most of her pieces in the store to Suzie on loan until her business is up and running and she can properly buy them. Unfortunately, a person is murdered in the new inn during the grand opening. Is Lacey’s new friend doomed already before barely getting started?
As the murder case ramps up, Gina thinks the murderer is Suzie, but Lacey is sure it’s someone else. Can she solve it in time, or is Suzie going to jail, leaving Lacey penniless and having to sell her place and head back home?
Lacey also gets help from an unlikely ally as she tries to solve the crime.
On the love front, Lacey becomes jealous when it looks like Tom is getting a bit cozy with his new assistant.
As everything comes to a head, will Lacey lose everything she holds dear?
When I first started reading this series, I didn’t think I would stick with it for too long. I am on book five and am so glad I stayed with this series.
A very good narrator helps the audio as well.
Best book in the series.
Five stars.
July 14, 2023
I am really enjoying this series so far. I already picked up the next couple so I can continue listening. This is also an audio review.
Quick tip: This series does feature narrator changes as I am seeing alternating narrators in the first 4, so if that is an issue for you check them beforehand.
Lacey is recent root placer in the cozy community of Wilfordshire and is quickly growing roots with friends, a business, a home, a romance and even a furry friend who sort of claimed her from the get-go upon her arrival.
She can't seem to avoid being tangled in mystery as she makes a new friend with another new arrival to town who is opening a new B&B and she is hired to decorate it before the grand opening -- which has her new friend buying nearly everything in Lacey's antique shop and several things being ordered which is a big boost for her new business. Alas, someone is murdered at the opening event and the B&B owner is suspect #1. So, to save her new friend, the newly opened B&B and her own antique shop, Lacey delves into the investigation with the help of her canine companion, her beau and new friends.
That cast of characters is fun and the mystery is interesting with a surprising number of good suspects. I am trying to not give too much away. The narrator gives a lovely performance, and the story is well written. Great cozy mystery to enjoy while relaxing or even to listen to in the car.
Quick tip: This series does feature narrator changes as I am seeing alternating narrators in the first 4, so if that is an issue for you check them beforehand.
Lacey is recent root placer in the cozy community of Wilfordshire and is quickly growing roots with friends, a business, a home, a romance and even a furry friend who sort of claimed her from the get-go upon her arrival.
She can't seem to avoid being tangled in mystery as she makes a new friend with another new arrival to town who is opening a new B&B and she is hired to decorate it before the grand opening -- which has her new friend buying nearly everything in Lacey's antique shop and several things being ordered which is a big boost for her new business. Alas, someone is murdered at the opening event and the B&B owner is suspect #1. So, to save her new friend, the newly opened B&B and her own antique shop, Lacey delves into the investigation with the help of her canine companion, her beau and new friends.
That cast of characters is fun and the mystery is interesting with a surprising number of good suspects. I am trying to not give too much away. The narrator gives a lovely performance, and the story is well written. Great cozy mystery to enjoy while relaxing or even to listen to in the car.
September 23, 2021
Crime in the Cafe is book three in the Lacey Doyle series by Fiona Grace. Lacey Doyle decided she needed to make changes to her life after her divorced. Lacey decided to move from New York City and move to the seaside town of Wilfordshire and open up an antique shop. One day the new owner of B&B, Suzy, came into the store and asked for Lacey help in decorating her B&B. Everything was rosy in Lacey life, new business, and new boyfriend. When disaster arrived, at Suzy's B&B, a murder took place. To help her friend Lacey Doyle decided to investigate. The readers of Crime in the Cafe will continue to follow Lacey Doyle to find out what happens.
Crime in the Cafe is an enjoyable cozy mystery. I am pleased that I read Crime in the Cafe because I have not engaged with the cozy mysteries I have read for a long time. However, I engaged with Crime in the Cafe from the first page. I love Fiona Grace's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Crime in the Cafe is well written and researched by Fiona Grace. I like Fiona Grace description of the settings of Crime in the Cafe that complimented the book's plot.
Crime in the Cafe readers will learn about living in a small English seaside town of Wilfordshire. Also, the readers of Crime in the Cafe will understand the consequences of financial mismanagement.
I recommend this book.
Crime in the Cafe is an enjoyable cozy mystery. I am pleased that I read Crime in the Cafe because I have not engaged with the cozy mysteries I have read for a long time. However, I engaged with Crime in the Cafe from the first page. I love Fiona Grace's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Crime in the Cafe is well written and researched by Fiona Grace. I like Fiona Grace description of the settings of Crime in the Cafe that complimented the book's plot.
Crime in the Cafe readers will learn about living in a small English seaside town of Wilfordshire. Also, the readers of Crime in the Cafe will understand the consequences of financial mismanagement.
I recommend this book.
September 9, 2024
Much better
Much better than volume 2, “Death and a Dog,” but there is an incredible rush
to the ending with the killer metaphorically popping of out a hat in the
last few pages of the story.
I really doubt if anyone besides Ms Grace anticipated the identity of the killer.
But what really has me stumped is something much more straightforward.
Why is the book titled “Crime in the Cafe” when nothing in the story, least of all a
crime, takes place in a cafe? And this occurs in another of her series, as Ms Grace
repeatedly uses titles or subtitles which bear no relation the story.
There is no flapper in “Thistlewood Manor: A Flapper’s Demise,” nor is anyone
bumped by a dame in “Thistlewood Manor: Bumped by a Dame,” nor is any fella
ruined in “Thistlewood Manor: A Fella’s Ruin.”
And that is just three examples of many. I reference the “Thistlewood Manor”
books because I have read all of them, and while I have a feeling that there
are other misleading titles in other books in the Lacey Doyle series, I am only
part way through this series.
Oh, this is all very petty of me, I am sure, but it is confusing, and it makes me
feel Ms Grace is toying with her readers.
Much better than volume 2, “Death and a Dog,” but there is an incredible rush
to the ending with the killer metaphorically popping of out a hat in the
last few pages of the story.
I really doubt if anyone besides Ms Grace anticipated the identity of the killer.
But what really has me stumped is something much more straightforward.
Why is the book titled “Crime in the Cafe” when nothing in the story, least of all a
crime, takes place in a cafe? And this occurs in another of her series, as Ms Grace
repeatedly uses titles or subtitles which bear no relation the story.
There is no flapper in “Thistlewood Manor: A Flapper’s Demise,” nor is anyone
bumped by a dame in “Thistlewood Manor: Bumped by a Dame,” nor is any fella
ruined in “Thistlewood Manor: A Fella’s Ruin.”
And that is just three examples of many. I reference the “Thistlewood Manor”
books because I have read all of them, and while I have a feeling that there
are other misleading titles in other books in the Lacey Doyle series, I am only
part way through this series.
Oh, this is all very petty of me, I am sure, but it is confusing, and it makes me
feel Ms Grace is toying with her readers.
July 20, 2021
Estuvo bueno y entretenido. Se me hizo que se pasó increíblemente rápido y es que a comparación de los libros anteriores, este creo que es el más corto. Durante todo el libro mientras lo escuchaba me dieron unas ganas tremendas de irme de viaje y conocer más sobre la cultura britanica, sus elegantes castillos, sus tradiciones. Y es que desde que empecé con el primer libro, me atrapó el hecho de que la historia se llevara a cabo en Inglaterra, siempre me ha atraído su cultura, su infraestructura medieval y sus costumbres.
En cuanto a la historia, sigo pensando que la manera en la que está escrito me haga pensar que es un fan fiction, sobre todo por como terminan estos libros que al terminar uno, el que le sigue continua justo donde se quedo el anterior. Aún así, los recomendaría a alguien solo para pasar el rato. En mi caso, disfruto escuchar estos audiolibros en el trabajo.
En cuanto a la historia, sigo pensando que la manera en la que está escrito me haga pensar que es un fan fiction, sobre todo por como terminan estos libros que al terminar uno, el que le sigue continua justo donde se quedo el anterior. Aún así, los recomendaría a alguien solo para pasar el rato. En mi caso, disfruto escuchar estos audiolibros en el trabajo.
January 9, 2021
Lacey gets involved with a young girl who is opening a B&B at the Lodge, much to the consternation of Carol, the owner of the existing B&B. Suzy asks Lacey to help her decorate the place, buy the furniture, etc. They decide on a Victorian hunting lodge theme because of an antique gun that Lacey has received, and gives to Suzy to hang on the wall. There is a grand opening complete with fireworks and a DJ, but when the lights go out, someone is murdered and Suzy is holding the gun. As usual Lacey is suspected, but eventually Suzy becomes the #1 suspect. Lacey ignores her antiques business to do some sleuthing because she's sure Suzy didn't do it, and also because she stands to lose a lot of money if the new B&B isn't successful. The murderer was a complete surprise to me.
March 3, 2022
Swift and stupid… I really wanted to just enjoy this series and light fluffy murder mysteries that are kind of cute and quaint.. but the author makes such horrible plot decisions that I can’t tolerate more…
Cmon three murders in a tiny town in a few months? And who risks tens of thousands of money in furniture and interior decorating for a friend she just met hoping to quickly
Make all that money back from a person who is clueless about business and has no plan… just plain annoying. And could Tom the baker be a bit less clueless? Goodness Fiona Grace! And no one goes from nursing home to BnB in less than a week.. why addd the stupid time constraint to make it even more stupid. Oh yeah,,, the crime doesn’t occur in a CAFE!
Cmon three murders in a tiny town in a few months? And who risks tens of thousands of money in furniture and interior decorating for a friend she just met hoping to quickly
Make all that money back from a person who is clueless about business and has no plan… just plain annoying. And could Tom the baker be a bit less clueless? Goodness Fiona Grace! And no one goes from nursing home to BnB in less than a week.. why addd the stupid time constraint to make it even more stupid. Oh yeah,,, the crime doesn’t occur in a CAFE!
December 19, 2020
I love mystery novels and read them to give me a break from serious topics. This is the third in the series and I think it is the best so far.
Lacey has embraced her new town her chef boyfriend. She decorated a new hotel for her friend, almost emptying the inventory in her shop—and adding to her bottom line.
All is well until there is a mysterious death in the new Bed and Breakfast. I really enjoyed the steps taken to solve the death and to return her reputation to a sterling one.
This is an easy-t0-read book and is definitely a good read.
Lacey has embraced her new town her chef boyfriend. She decorated a new hotel for her friend, almost emptying the inventory in her shop—and adding to her bottom line.
All is well until there is a mysterious death in the new Bed and Breakfast. I really enjoyed the steps taken to solve the death and to return her reputation to a sterling one.
This is an easy-t0-read book and is definitely a good read.
July 17, 2021
Weer een fijn cozy mystery. Na de drie boeken leer je de personages steeds beter kennen.
Ik had verwacht dat er in dit boek wel meer bekend zou worden over de vader maar op een paar kleine aanwijzingen na zijn we nog niet veel verder. De situatie van Tom en zijn nieuwe werkneemster had van mij wel wat ingrijpender mogen zijn of anders weggelaten worden, het voegt weinig toe aan dit boek.
Ik hoop dat er in het volgende boek in de reeks een stuk meer bekend wordt en dat er niet te veel nieuwe personages worden toegevoegd (die zijn altijd extra verdacht natuurlijk).
Ik had verwacht dat er in dit boek wel meer bekend zou worden over de vader maar op een paar kleine aanwijzingen na zijn we nog niet veel verder. De situatie van Tom en zijn nieuwe werkneemster had van mij wel wat ingrijpender mogen zijn of anders weggelaten worden, het voegt weinig toe aan dit boek.
Ik hoop dat er in het volgende boek in de reeks een stuk meer bekend wordt en dat er niet te veel nieuwe personages worden toegevoegd (die zijn altijd extra verdacht natuurlijk).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2022
I thought I would love this book, but sadly, not so. First off, the cover art and title are misleading. Although the cover features a cat and doors to what appear to be an ivy covered cafe, and the title refers to a cafe, there is no cafe - the story is set in a bed and breakfast inn. And there is no cat - the main character has a dog.
The narration is terrible! The narrator repeatedly describes the dog as "whinneying" (like a horse) rather than "whining" (like a dog).
The mystery itself is about average.
The narration is terrible! The narrator repeatedly describes the dog as "whinneying" (like a horse) rather than "whining" (like a dog).
The mystery itself is about average.
June 18, 2025
Another cosy mystery with Lacey in the thick of it.
An old building in the village is going to open up as a B&B. Suzy is the daughter of the owner. She had been gifted the building by her parents. She asks Lacey to use her previous training in the interior design business to help her. One drawback, they only have a week!
Of course, on the big opening night someone, the mayor, is murdered. There are five potential suspects and, of course, Lacey! So Lacey puts on her sleuthing hat, dusts off her magnifying glass and goes searching for the culprit.
An old building in the village is going to open up as a B&B. Suzy is the daughter of the owner. She had been gifted the building by her parents. She asks Lacey to use her previous training in the interior design business to help her. One drawback, they only have a week!
Of course, on the big opening night someone, the mayor, is murdered. There are five potential suspects and, of course, Lacey! So Lacey puts on her sleuthing hat, dusts off her magnifying glass and goes searching for the culprit.
August 30, 2020
Grab bag!
You never know what u r going to find in a grab bag! Murder and fortune? They do go together in this book. Lacey once again finds a body and has to solve a murder. Helps the police behind their backs. Her loud family comes for a visit. Her nephew is a pretty smart 8 year old and wants to help her solve the case. Lacey gets one step closer to finding her father. Ready for the next mystery. Jo
You never know what u r going to find in a grab bag! Murder and fortune? They do go together in this book. Lacey once again finds a body and has to solve a murder. Helps the police behind their backs. Her loud family comes for a visit. Her nephew is a pretty smart 8 year old and wants to help her solve the case. Lacey gets one step closer to finding her father. Ready for the next mystery. Jo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews