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Bookstore Cafe Mystery #9
Death by Hot Apple Cider
Krissy Hancock's bookstore-cafe in Pine Hills, Ohio, is teaming up with the local library for a seasonal celebration, but someone is spiking the refreshments--with fatal results...
With autumn in full swing and Thanksgiving on the way, Krissy's supplying cider and her staff is manning the apple-bobbing booth at a town event. But then a patron dunks his head in--and doesn't come back up.
It soon becomes clear that Krissy's brew wasn't to blame. But with her policeman boyfriend looking to make detective, she can't help being drawn into the investigation. The victim was notorious for harassing not only her own bookstore but the library and the school for promoting supposedly scandalous literature--before someone censored him permanently. Now, Krissy will have to check out a stack of suspects to find a killer who's rotten to the core...
With autumn in full swing and Thanksgiving on the way, Krissy's supplying cider and her staff is manning the apple-bobbing booth at a town event. But then a patron dunks his head in--and doesn't come back up.
It soon becomes clear that Krissy's brew wasn't to blame. But with her policeman boyfriend looking to make detective, she can't help being drawn into the investigation. The victim was notorious for harassing not only her own bookstore but the library and the school for promoting supposedly scandalous literature--before someone censored him permanently. Now, Krissy will have to check out a stack of suspects to find a killer who's rotten to the core...
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
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1298 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
December 16, 2021
⭐⭐
I really wanted to give this one more stars, but in the end it was just an okay read for me. I enjoyed the setting and some of the side characters. However, Krissy (the protagonist) is god awful. She has zero chemistry with Paul (or any characters, to be honest). She is nosy. Obnoxious. Not very intelligent. Jumps to conclusions at the drop of a hat. That entire scene with the DR and Kevin where she demands to know why Kevin is at the DR's, and a bunch of other stuff that was SO very much none of her business really put the last nail in the coffin of this book. What more can I say...🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I really wanted to give this one more stars, but in the end it was just an okay read for me. I enjoyed the setting and some of the side characters. However, Krissy (the protagonist) is god awful. She has zero chemistry with Paul (or any characters, to be honest). She is nosy. Obnoxious. Not very intelligent. Jumps to conclusions at the drop of a hat. That entire scene with the DR and Kevin where she demands to know why Kevin is at the DR's, and a bunch of other stuff that was SO very much none of her business really put the last nail in the coffin of this book. What more can I say...🤷🏻♀️
**ARC Via NetGalley**
October 29, 2021
This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is 9th book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. I found the main characters likable, but they did not really pull me into what was going on. I found the mystery just ok, and I guess who did it before it was reveal. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Alex Erickson) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 28, 2021
Once again we join Krissy Hancock in the latest addition to this series by Alex Erickson.
In Death by Hot Apple Cider, Krissy is pleased to be participating in the town’s Fall Festival.
As part owner of a bookstore/cafe, Krissy is pleased to see the crowd all enjoying her hot apple cider.
Things suddenly take a bad turn when someone dunks for an apple, but doesn’t come back up.
Even though she’s cleared of any wrongdoing, Krissy can’t stop herself from asking questions. It seems she makes someone upset with her nosiness, and finds herself in trouble once again.
I enjoy this series more and more with each new book. The character are fun, and bring color and humor to the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery.
#DeathbyHotAppleCider #NetGalley
In Death by Hot Apple Cider, Krissy is pleased to be participating in the town’s Fall Festival.
As part owner of a bookstore/cafe, Krissy is pleased to see the crowd all enjoying her hot apple cider.
Things suddenly take a bad turn when someone dunks for an apple, but doesn’t come back up.
Even though she’s cleared of any wrongdoing, Krissy can’t stop herself from asking questions. It seems she makes someone upset with her nosiness, and finds herself in trouble once again.
I enjoy this series more and more with each new book. The character are fun, and bring color and humor to the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
I definitely recommend this series to anyone who likes a good cozy mystery.
#DeathbyHotAppleCider #NetGalley
December 6, 2021
This is my second read in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. I am enjoying this series.
In this one we find Krissy Hancock’s who loves books and believes in the power of books and who also owns a bookshop-cafe teaming up with the local library for a Fall Festival . Autumn is here and the towns folks are enjoying themselves anticipating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Krissy has supplied the apple cider for the Fall Festival but not all is as cheerful as it may seem to an outsider.
Could Krissy have poisoned a patron with her cider especially since the death is of a known rabble rouser known to cause trouble for the bookstore and library for supposedly carrying scandalous materials?
Well written. I enjoyed it.
Pub Date 26 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy.
All opinions expressed are my own.
In this one we find Krissy Hancock’s who loves books and believes in the power of books and who also owns a bookshop-cafe teaming up with the local library for a Fall Festival . Autumn is here and the towns folks are enjoying themselves anticipating the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Krissy has supplied the apple cider for the Fall Festival but not all is as cheerful as it may seem to an outsider.
Could Krissy have poisoned a patron with her cider especially since the death is of a known rabble rouser known to cause trouble for the bookstore and library for supposedly carrying scandalous materials?
Well written. I enjoyed it.
Pub Date 26 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy.
All opinions expressed are my own.
August 29, 2021
It seems that Krissy can always find trouble, even at a fall festival where all she is doing is watching people dunk for apples. In the latest book in the “A Bookstore Cafe Mystery” series, Death by Hot Apple Cider, Krissy and the team is gearing up for the holidays with the season’s first festival. But, unfortunately, just when they think everything is going smoothly and people are enjoying themselves, someone goes and commits murder.
The characters in this series have many quirks. They are funny, intelligent, and at times far too nosy for their own good. Krissy always sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong. She jumps to conclusions faster than most people change their clothes. She also puts herself in danger more than any average person with a business to run, especially one as innocuous as making apple cider, should ever even conceive. This time the victim isn’t all that likable, but readers may find themselves feeling sorry for him. The suspects are everywhere, and most had good reason to dislike the victim and want him dead.
There are plenty of red herrings throughout this story, some go nowhere, but a few help solve the crime. There is action, usually in the form of Krissy getting into things she shouldn’t and causing trouble. The location is delightful, and the festival sounds like an enjoyable event, the apple cider sounds delicious, and the atmosphere is ripe for excitement and intrigue. The murder is pretty easy to solve. Of course, Krissy can’t stay out of danger and barely manages to not get killed. Death by Hot Apple Cider is filled with everything cozy readers expect and a whole lot more. I recommend that you cozy up with a warm cup of cider, crank up the air conditioning, grab your favorite blanket and snuggle up on your favorite seat and spend a couple of hours pretending it’s autumn and enjoy the read.
The characters in this series have many quirks. They are funny, intelligent, and at times far too nosy for their own good. Krissy always sticks her nose where it doesn’t belong. She jumps to conclusions faster than most people change their clothes. She also puts herself in danger more than any average person with a business to run, especially one as innocuous as making apple cider, should ever even conceive. This time the victim isn’t all that likable, but readers may find themselves feeling sorry for him. The suspects are everywhere, and most had good reason to dislike the victim and want him dead.
There are plenty of red herrings throughout this story, some go nowhere, but a few help solve the crime. There is action, usually in the form of Krissy getting into things she shouldn’t and causing trouble. The location is delightful, and the festival sounds like an enjoyable event, the apple cider sounds delicious, and the atmosphere is ripe for excitement and intrigue. The murder is pretty easy to solve. Of course, Krissy can’t stay out of danger and barely manages to not get killed. Death by Hot Apple Cider is filled with everything cozy readers expect and a whole lot more. I recommend that you cozy up with a warm cup of cider, crank up the air conditioning, grab your favorite blanket and snuggle up on your favorite seat and spend a couple of hours pretending it’s autumn and enjoy the read.
January 2, 2024
This is a fun cozy mystery series. I really enjoy the characters and the progression of their relationships. The coffee/book theme can't be beat! The mystery had a few twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
December 20, 2024
Eh I mean it was good at first but to me it honestly just got kinda boring the ending was good tho I didn’t guess who murdered Sidney
October 24, 2021
Death by Hot Apple Cider is the 9th book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
This was my 2nd delve into this series. Although it was book nine, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. It was a very entertaining read with snippets of humour and dashes of romance. Krissy Hancock, owner of 'Death by Coffee' - a bookshop/ café - is a marvellous protagonist who I find to be caring and determined. Set in Pine Hills, Ohio, around Thanksgiving, Death by Hot Apple Cider is well-crafted, nippily-paced, thoroughly entertaining and autumnal. The mystery is very engaging with its red herrings and misdirections and I was kept guessing almost until the end of this compelling yarn. There are quite a few instalments to catch up on and I can’t wait to meet Krissy in Pine Hills again. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This was my 2nd delve into this series. Although it was book nine, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. It was a very entertaining read with snippets of humour and dashes of romance. Krissy Hancock, owner of 'Death by Coffee' - a bookshop/ café - is a marvellous protagonist who I find to be caring and determined. Set in Pine Hills, Ohio, around Thanksgiving, Death by Hot Apple Cider is well-crafted, nippily-paced, thoroughly entertaining and autumnal. The mystery is very engaging with its red herrings and misdirections and I was kept guessing almost until the end of this compelling yarn. There are quite a few instalments to catch up on and I can’t wait to meet Krissy in Pine Hills again. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 2, 2021
Death by Hot Apple Cider by Alex Erickson is the 9th book in the Bookstore Cafe series and another fun addition. Krissy Hancock and her best friend,Vicki Patterson, own Death by Coffee which is a coffee shop and bookstore in Pine Hills, Ohio. It November and Thanksgiving is fast approaching. Krissy supplied the apple cider and the apples for apple bobbing booth. Unfortunately one man bobs but never come back up, and Krissy is concerned about her reputation. Krissy, being Krissy, just can't leave it alone, she must solve the case. I really enjoy this fun series, and it was nice to see some of the quirky characters again. There are suspects around every corner, that kept me reading until I was finished with the book. The plot and characters were well developed, along with some romance. If you love humorous cozy mysteries, my favorite, I highly recommend this book/series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 1, 2024
Hahahaha I’m a sucker for this series. I also never thought I’d care so much about who killed a guy by way of poisoned cider. 😂
December 10, 2021
4.5 Stars
This is the ninth book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
This was a great read. I feel like the author is really expanding the world in order to bring about more cool mysteries in Pine Hills. Here we see Krissy Hancock paired with the local library. Somehow her cider gets poisoned and someone dies. Ugh. How unfortunate. But putting Krissy in touch with the library sure opens a lot of doors for new stories. Kinda really excited about this new avenue.
I loved following this mystery. The clues were planted so perfectly and I couldn’t figure out why anyone would go to such lengths to frame Krissy. Some of those characters I just waned to shake and say… “why oh why.” Stop messing with Krissy. I have been reading this series from the beginning. I just love it so much!
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
This is the ninth book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
This was a great read. I feel like the author is really expanding the world in order to bring about more cool mysteries in Pine Hills. Here we see Krissy Hancock paired with the local library. Somehow her cider gets poisoned and someone dies. Ugh. How unfortunate. But putting Krissy in touch with the library sure opens a lot of doors for new stories. Kinda really excited about this new avenue.
I loved following this mystery. The clues were planted so perfectly and I couldn’t figure out why anyone would go to such lengths to frame Krissy. Some of those characters I just waned to shake and say… “why oh why.” Stop messing with Krissy. I have been reading this series from the beginning. I just love it so much!
If you love a cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title. Opinions are completely my own.
November 26, 2021
This book was fun and super easy to read!
It was a great to read this at Thanksgiving time, even though it's not celebrated here because the descriptions of cider, turkey and autumn were really enjoyable!
The plot wasn't great - the main character is really annoying and not only snoops around far too much, but also suspects absolutely everyone she meets of being the murderer for really unimportant reasons. There were far too many characters overall, but it probably didn't matter too much if you'd read the previous books in the series because there were a lot of previous plot points referenced.
Finally, I didn't feel any suspense or tension - especially seeing as there is no real breakthrough, the murderer is just revealed suddenly at the very end.
That all being said, I still read this all in one sitting over an evening and had fun with it, so it wasn't bad at all!
It was a great to read this at Thanksgiving time, even though it's not celebrated here because the descriptions of cider, turkey and autumn were really enjoyable!
The plot wasn't great - the main character is really annoying and not only snoops around far too much, but also suspects absolutely everyone she meets of being the murderer for really unimportant reasons. There were far too many characters overall, but it probably didn't matter too much if you'd read the previous books in the series because there were a lot of previous plot points referenced.
Finally, I didn't feel any suspense or tension - especially seeing as there is no real breakthrough, the murderer is just revealed suddenly at the very end.
That all being said, I still read this all in one sitting over an evening and had fun with it, so it wasn't bad at all!
September 27, 2023
This was not the cozy mystery I was hoping for.
Clunky writing, frustrating main character, and overall unsatisfying murder plot.
Also I could not stand how instead of writing “my car” is was always “my Escape” or “my orange Escape” and because I’m petty, I looked up how many times it was used. THIRTY-EIGHT. It’s a really dumb thing to be upset about, but once you notice it, you can’t NOT notice it.
Love the idea of a bookstore café series, but this one isn’t for me!
Clunky writing, frustrating main character, and overall unsatisfying murder plot.
Also I could not stand how instead of writing “my car” is was always “my Escape” or “my orange Escape” and because I’m petty, I looked up how many times it was used. THIRTY-EIGHT. It’s a really dumb thing to be upset about, but once you notice it, you can’t NOT notice it.
Love the idea of a bookstore café series, but this one isn’t for me!
October 29, 2025
I thought the FMC was annoying. Like why was everybody going to her to tell their side of the story and not the police??? If she wanted to solve murders she should’ve became a police officer not a coffee and book shop owner. The reasoning for the man dying was dumb too. And why couldn’t she say my car? It was always my Escape this and my Escape that. The author must own an Escape or was promoting the Escape to get the car lol
August 2, 2021
Set in Pine Hills, the first annual Thanksgiving celebration is in full swing. Krissy Hancock, co-owner of Death by Coffee ☕️ is also participating. She co-owns the bookstore cafe with her best friend Vicki Lawyer. Her ex Will Foster left Pine Hills for a job but Krissy’s since been over him since she’s been seeing police officer Paul Dalton👮🏼♂️
Meanwhile, a man named Sydney Tewksbury has been prejudiced against books at Cindy and her husband Jimmy Carlton’s library as well as Krissy’s bookstore café. He wants them to stop carrying certain types of books because he thinks they’re offensive and the books are responsible for the bad things happening in town.
Sydney comes to the library often and demands that the librarians change their book selection claiming the books were corrupting the youth of the town.
One of the activities at the show involves grabbing an apple with one’s teeth from a tub of cider. Customers donate to participate and the books are given out as prizes to encourage reading. A portion of the proceeds from the contest goes to the library for a reading program Jimmy hopes to set up. The rest is reserved for the food fund.
Right after Krissy and Paul overhear Sydney raising his voice and causing a scene at the festival, the man’s body is found in the cider tank. A doctor at the scene takes a look at the victim and declares him dead by poisoning.
Panicked, Krissy heads to find her friend Rita who also participated in the apple-bobbing contest. Rita Jablonski is one the biggest gossips in all of Pine Hills. Krissy wonders if Rita has also been poisoned by her apples or her apple cider?
Fortunately, Rita seems fine as well other participants who drank Krissy’s apple cider 🍺
So who killed Sydney and why?
Thank you to Alex Erickson, NetGalley, and Kensington for the ARC of this book.
Meanwhile, a man named Sydney Tewksbury has been prejudiced against books at Cindy and her husband Jimmy Carlton’s library as well as Krissy’s bookstore café. He wants them to stop carrying certain types of books because he thinks they’re offensive and the books are responsible for the bad things happening in town.
Sydney comes to the library often and demands that the librarians change their book selection claiming the books were corrupting the youth of the town.
One of the activities at the show involves grabbing an apple with one’s teeth from a tub of cider. Customers donate to participate and the books are given out as prizes to encourage reading. A portion of the proceeds from the contest goes to the library for a reading program Jimmy hopes to set up. The rest is reserved for the food fund.
Right after Krissy and Paul overhear Sydney raising his voice and causing a scene at the festival, the man’s body is found in the cider tank. A doctor at the scene takes a look at the victim and declares him dead by poisoning.
Panicked, Krissy heads to find her friend Rita who also participated in the apple-bobbing contest. Rita Jablonski is one the biggest gossips in all of Pine Hills. Krissy wonders if Rita has also been poisoned by her apples or her apple cider?
Fortunately, Rita seems fine as well other participants who drank Krissy’s apple cider 🍺
So who killed Sydney and why?
Thank you to Alex Erickson, NetGalley, and Kensington for the ARC of this book.
November 28, 2021
The town of Pine Hills, Ohio is having an autumn festival and Krissy Hancock's bookstore-cafe is supplying apple cider for the event. The staff are also volunteering to man the apple-bobbing booth. Everyone is having a great time until one of the apple bobbers doesn't come back up. Initially the cider is suspected of being poisoned, but that is quickly dismissed. The victim was a man, known for his outspoken comments about literature that promoted murder, sex and all sorts of scandalous behaviour. Krissy's store was one of his targets and when a local woman picks up where he let off, Krissy is pulled into the investigation, much to her boyfriend's chagrin.
This was an interesting story, particularly because of the theme of banning books. I found this to be a bit of a slower story, with Krissy asking a lot of questions and being reprimanded by her boyfriend, the lead detective in town. There are a lot of twists to this one, and a few suspects. The victim was not well liked, but by the end I did have some sympathy for him. Once again, Krissy sticks her nose in a few places that put her in danger and barely manages to not get killed. An interesting mystery that I enjoyed, but not as much as some others in this series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in small communities, mysteries set around festivals and are interested in why people want to ban books, pick this one up.
This was an interesting story, particularly because of the theme of banning books. I found this to be a bit of a slower story, with Krissy asking a lot of questions and being reprimanded by her boyfriend, the lead detective in town. There are a lot of twists to this one, and a few suspects. The victim was not well liked, but by the end I did have some sympathy for him. Once again, Krissy sticks her nose in a few places that put her in danger and barely manages to not get killed. An interesting mystery that I enjoyed, but not as much as some others in this series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in small communities, mysteries set around festivals and are interested in why people want to ban books, pick this one up.
October 8, 2021
Death by Hot Apple Cider is the ninth addition to Alex Erickson's Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series. I have enjoyed this charming series from the beginning and this was a perfect addition to the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. This is a great cozy mystery for fall with a fall festival theme .
In this next in series Krissy is participating in the fall festival and serving apple cider . When someone bobbing for apples dies Krissy is under suspicion . She is determined to save her reputation and her business by proving herself innocent and finding the true suspect. Red herrings and suspects abound and soon Krissy may be in danger from the real killer. She depends on her friends to help clear her name and help her investigate .
I love the charcters in this series, the small town theme and the well crafted sleuth. I love how the author infuses humor in each book and makes Krissy so likable. This was a pleasing read to conclusion.
In this next in series Krissy is participating in the fall festival and serving apple cider . When someone bobbing for apples dies Krissy is under suspicion . She is determined to save her reputation and her business by proving herself innocent and finding the true suspect. Red herrings and suspects abound and soon Krissy may be in danger from the real killer. She depends on her friends to help clear her name and help her investigate .
I love the charcters in this series, the small town theme and the well crafted sleuth. I love how the author infuses humor in each book and makes Krissy so likable. This was a pleasing read to conclusion.
October 26, 2021
Amateur sleuth, Krissy, is also the owner of the local cafe and co-organizer for the fall fair. During the activities at the fair, a local man is murdered. The book goes on with Krissy investigating the murder, along side her boyfriend who is a local police officer. In the end, the mystery is solved.
Apparently this is not a stand alone book and there are others in this series. That being said, I had no troubles picking this one up and figuring things out. At one point I was wondering how Krissy was able to get away with some of her inquiries in people’s affairs without being a police officer, but I guess that’s what makes the story. Perhaps this is better explained in the author’s other novels
Overall, this was a fun little who dunnit mystery without the violence and gore of psychological thrillers. I would rate as 3.5 stars out of 5. .
Apparently this is not a stand alone book and there are others in this series. That being said, I had no troubles picking this one up and figuring things out. At one point I was wondering how Krissy was able to get away with some of her inquiries in people’s affairs without being a police officer, but I guess that’s what makes the story. Perhaps this is better explained in the author’s other novels
Overall, this was a fun little who dunnit mystery without the violence and gore of psychological thrillers. I would rate as 3.5 stars out of 5. .
September 9, 2024
I loved the writing in this cozy mystery! It’s not necessarily fall/halloween forward but very much felt like a cozy autumn read to me. And I never knew where the story was going! Likeable characters, quaint setting, all around will definitely read this author again!
November 26, 2025
I liked this book so much more than Death By Pumpkin Spice. Krissy pulls some of the most batshit insane stunts to solve the case this time and while the female leads in the books like this I usually read do some crazy stuff, this one is off the walls bananas. But I actually really liked that, it definitely kept my interest going to finish it so quickly. Maybe I underestimated your game Mr. Erickson.
December 9, 2025
Once again, the character Kristy is her nosey self asking questions and it allowing Officer Dalton to do his job. Lol! Anyways, this book was okay and a little predictable in who the killer was going to be. I like how Alex writes so I will be reading more of his work.
March 12, 2025
Definitely written after 2020. The “conservative people bad” trope is getting super old.
April 9, 2024
Another enjoyable twisty cozy by Alex. This is an interesting series and the characters are relatable.
September 12, 2025
I love these books for Fall! The town and characters are so fun! This one in particular was not my favorite story line but I enjoyed the coziness and the mystery of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2025
Super cozy, very cute!
March 14, 2022
The middle section of this mystery reminds me a bit of Muffin But Trouble (2019) but written in a less grim-dark tone. It's not that Alex Erickson is flippant with his approach, rather that the "cult" Krissy encounters is less established and less threatening.
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December 13, 2024
2.25⭐️ I get sucked in by the cover everytime, and the first like 30-40% of the book is usually pretty good but then the middle gets drawn out and by the end I’m lost. For the majority of this book, I just really wanted more of the murder investigation and mystery, but instead we seemed more focused on Krissys love life, past and present, which honestly I just didn’t care about at all.
December 15, 2021
Princess Fuzzypants here: Krissy has provided the apples and the cider for the apple dunk at the festival. Everything is going swimmingly until an obnoxious and bolshie local man drowns in the tub while bobbing for apples. Everyone who is watching is stunned. When the local doctor announces he thinks the man was poisoned, it sends shockwaves through the town. In spite of her good intentions not to get involved so she does not ruin her burgeoning relationship with cop, Paul, she cannot resist asking questions.
She becomes more invested when she learns the deceased had a podcast in which he threatened to bomb her store. It appears poison comes in various forms, not the least of which is hatred and intolerance, which the deceased had in volumes. She is then confronted with a nasty woman who held great sway over the victim and her group that would destroy anything they find offensive. Their list is quite extensive. They threaten her, the library and various others.
Krissy, it turns out, is quite adept at causing physical damage to herself with a little assistance from her cat. Her injuries do not dissuade her from digging deeper. What she uncovers could ruin more than one reputation. And when all the pieces fit together for her, it might be too late.
It is not a total surprise to discover the villains but there is still a nice twist.
Sometimes Krissy is known for doing things that are cavalier but she does acknowledge her faults. She never goes into dumb heroine territory which I appreciate. Four purrs and two paws up.
She becomes more invested when she learns the deceased had a podcast in which he threatened to bomb her store. It appears poison comes in various forms, not the least of which is hatred and intolerance, which the deceased had in volumes. She is then confronted with a nasty woman who held great sway over the victim and her group that would destroy anything they find offensive. Their list is quite extensive. They threaten her, the library and various others.
Krissy, it turns out, is quite adept at causing physical damage to herself with a little assistance from her cat. Her injuries do not dissuade her from digging deeper. What she uncovers could ruin more than one reputation. And when all the pieces fit together for her, it might be too late.
It is not a total surprise to discover the villains but there is still a nice twist.
Sometimes Krissy is known for doing things that are cavalier but she does acknowledge her faults. She never goes into dumb heroine territory which I appreciate. Four purrs and two paws up.
December 10, 2021
This time my reading group, Novel Conversations, picked a holiday book. It is the holiday season. Because we did Christmas stories a couple of years ago, we decided we could pick any holiday we wanted. I just received a copy of this book, and it is set over Thanksgiving, so I read it.
It is that mystery sub-genre called cozy. I like cozies on occasion. They are, for the most part, easy reads. Just get back in the rocking chair with a cup of a drink suitable for the season and relax into the story.
This book is part of a series called the Bookstore Cafe Mysteries. The heroine is part owner of a bookstore coffee shop called Death by Coffee. Lately the cafe has been harassed by a group calling themselves Freedom From Filth. They seem to be operating under the idea that if something is written down, some people will do whatever was written. Sort of like, if people read murder mysteries, they will want to kill other people. They, or at least one vocal member, have been harassing the high school, the library and the Death by Coffee bookstore. This guy manages to turn up dead in an apple dunking booth in the town's harvest celebration.
There are the usual red herrings. Lots of people disliked the man. He managed to fight with lots of people on town. So which one of then poisoned him in such a public way? And was his death really a response to his harassment? You will have to read the book to find out and to see if Thanksgivingwas cancelled or not.
It is that mystery sub-genre called cozy. I like cozies on occasion. They are, for the most part, easy reads. Just get back in the rocking chair with a cup of a drink suitable for the season and relax into the story.
This book is part of a series called the Bookstore Cafe Mysteries. The heroine is part owner of a bookstore coffee shop called Death by Coffee. Lately the cafe has been harassed by a group calling themselves Freedom From Filth. They seem to be operating under the idea that if something is written down, some people will do whatever was written. Sort of like, if people read murder mysteries, they will want to kill other people. They, or at least one vocal member, have been harassing the high school, the library and the Death by Coffee bookstore. This guy manages to turn up dead in an apple dunking booth in the town's harvest celebration.
There are the usual red herrings. Lots of people disliked the man. He managed to fight with lots of people on town. So which one of then poisoned him in such a public way? And was his death really a response to his harassment? You will have to read the book to find out and to see if Thanksgivingwas cancelled or not.
October 8, 2021
It's hot apple cider and murder in this latest entry in A Bookstore Cafe Mysteries!
In this story, Krissy Hancock along with her town plan a Thanksgiving fundraiser to raise funds for the local food bank and others. It's during the fundraiser that a local town resident dies while bobbing for apples at Death by Coffee's apple bobbing booth. There's no shortage of people who wanted the victim dead. The victim was pretty well spoken in their opinions about the problems in the town, and made enemies.
Krissy's investigation into the victim's death takes a bunch of interesting twists and turns. I also enjoyed reading Krissy and her policeman boyfriend Paul's romance. The protagonist is curious, friendly, and determined to solve the case.
I also think the book's cover is wonderful, with the fall colors giving a warm and cozy feeling that invites readers. Death by Hot Apple Cider is a pleasant, enjoyable book to read while drinking your favorite hot beverage. If you enjoy this book, check out the other entries of A Bookstore Cafe Mysteries!
My thanks to the author, Alex Erickson for a copy of this book.
In this story, Krissy Hancock along with her town plan a Thanksgiving fundraiser to raise funds for the local food bank and others. It's during the fundraiser that a local town resident dies while bobbing for apples at Death by Coffee's apple bobbing booth. There's no shortage of people who wanted the victim dead. The victim was pretty well spoken in their opinions about the problems in the town, and made enemies.
Krissy's investigation into the victim's death takes a bunch of interesting twists and turns. I also enjoyed reading Krissy and her policeman boyfriend Paul's romance. The protagonist is curious, friendly, and determined to solve the case.
I also think the book's cover is wonderful, with the fall colors giving a warm and cozy feeling that invites readers. Death by Hot Apple Cider is a pleasant, enjoyable book to read while drinking your favorite hot beverage. If you enjoy this book, check out the other entries of A Bookstore Cafe Mysteries!
My thanks to the author, Alex Erickson for a copy of this book.
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