The Java Tavern: Fangs & Fiends

The Java Tavern #1

by Elizabeth Garver

Eliza Woods is gothy thirty-five years old and owns a table-top-game-themed coffee shop in a conservative small town in eastern North Carolina. Being from a small town is difficult when everyone knows you or your family, especially when you have a secret. As the weather turns cooler into autumn Eliza finds herself juggling her growing business, never-ending small-town drama, and a local murder all the while navigating a new romance. Eliza's world is on a tilt as her life opens up much wider than she ever anticipated. This is the first installation of The Java Tavern cozy murder mystery series.

265 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2021

Reviews

[Erika Wyse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great read, murder mystery, coffee house. Things I love about it: the character is not embarrassed about her sexuality. I also love that one of the main characters is gender non-binary. The use of pronouns is correct and respectful. I read a lot of murder mysteries and I feel like in the first few chapters I can usually determine the murderer. This one kept you in suspense until the end. It was a page turner until the end and I can’t wait until the next in the series is available.

[Victoria Jarman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprising!

This story did not turn out how I expected, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Brandon Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Java Tavern - a unique little coffee spot that draws in characters of all colors and creeds. Maybe it's the interesting and creative baked goods that pulls them in. Maybe its the welcoming, inclusive atmosphere that comforts them. Or maybe it's the establishment's owner Eliza, a master baker with the ability to see and speak to the dead. But when one of her more...interesting patrons turns up dead, Eliza's relationship quandaries become the least of her problems.

I don't know what expectations I had for this book when I first picked it up, but it still wasn't what I expected. The paranormal mystery aspect takes a backseat to the back and forth nature of Eliza's romantic connections. Does she want to rekindle an old relationship with Chad, the bro-ish police officer she can't seem to trust? Or will she fall for Khai, an employee she can't seem to stop thinking about? Sex and relationships are the true story of Fangs & Fiends, the paranormal mystery is just window dressing.

As far as that goes, the story and character dynamics are pretty good. A bit wordy at times, especially considering the amount of time dedicated to the main character's fulfillment of her duties as head baker. The mystery aspect ends rather abruptly, but like I said, that's just a side story. The main character comes off as both vulnerable and strong, and she's entertaining to read.

Overall, as far as the first novel in the series goes, its a bit clunky in places, but not a bad read. I'd be interested to see where the author goes with the setting and characters from here.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun to read if you're familiar with New Bern, North Carolina

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The formatting is off in some places, and I noticed some missing or inserted words here and there. It didn't take away from the overall story, though.

That said, I had a difficult time setting this book down! I would tell myself one more chapter, but I wanted to know what was going to happen next! I love the realistic yet supernatural vibe in it. I can't wait to read the next one!

[Amanda Gruber · Rating 2 out of 5]

Made it almost halfway before deciding to jump through the story. There is a lot of info dumping, for example the first chapter is her just explaining the staff at the coffee shop. The conversations are unrealistic and the way it jumps around is confusing. The mystery is mildly interesting which is why I gave it 2 stars.