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Bookstore Cafe Mystery #10
Death by Spiced Chai
Since Krissy Hancock opened her bookstore-café in the charming small town of Pine Hills, Ohio, she’s discovered that murders don’t just happen between the pages. This time, she’s both suspect and target . . .
In a small town like Pine Hills, reputation counts for a lot. And for reasons that Krissy Hancock can’t figure out, someone is trashing hers. Cockroaches in the bookstore’s coffee, spiteful reviews, vandalism—Krissy is being framed for every bit of bad news around. Her boyfriend, local cop Paul Dalton, is on the case, but before they can source the saboteur, Krissy is in the frame for murder, too.
The murder weapon was a teapot full of Krissy’s favorite spiced chai, and all the local gossips are spilling the tea about her supposed involvement. But the real culprit has a grudge that’s been simmering for years. And unless Krissy can uncover the truth before the killer’s rage boils over again, it won’t just be her business in hot water—her life will be on the line too . . .
In a small town like Pine Hills, reputation counts for a lot. And for reasons that Krissy Hancock can’t figure out, someone is trashing hers. Cockroaches in the bookstore’s coffee, spiteful reviews, vandalism—Krissy is being framed for every bit of bad news around. Her boyfriend, local cop Paul Dalton, is on the case, but before they can source the saboteur, Krissy is in the frame for murder, too.
The murder weapon was a teapot full of Krissy’s favorite spiced chai, and all the local gossips are spilling the tea about her supposed involvement. But the real culprit has a grudge that’s been simmering for years. And unless Krissy can uncover the truth before the killer’s rage boils over again, it won’t just be her business in hot water—her life will be on the line too . . .
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2022
71 people are currently reading
770 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
October 17, 2022
I have enjoyed this series since book one, and though Death by Spiced Chai has the same delightful characters and very enjoyable settings, namely Krissy’s bookshop, as usual, there was just something off with this story. Bad reviews, especially from those who feel they have been wronged or just don’t like someone, are commonplace in today’s social media society. But the sabotage of coffee is an outright crime, and using a teapot full of tea to kill someone is downright disgraceful. I say this in jest, but… I had problems with Krissy and the story this time around, and no amount of tea or coffee can change this.
Someone is out to destroy Krissy and her shop; putting cockroaches in the coffee and the store is not just sabotage, or a prank; it’s a crime and one that should be prosecuted. Critical reviews, well, they are what they are; sometimes they are justified, sometimes they aren’t, but most businesses deal with them as best they can; individuals, however, take things too personally and can get caught up in an online back and forth that leads to trouble. This seems to be the case for Krissy; someone doesn’t like her and is out to close her shop and put her behind bars for murder.
Generally, the characters in this series are easygoing, fun, and enjoyable. But this time, I feel the book deviated from the norm. The idea that someone is setting Krissy up for a murder charge, sabotaging her business, and giving her bad reviews is a far cry from getting her arrested for murder. For me, this just wasn’t a believable scenario. If someone did that to me, I would have been pounding on the police office doors and screaming at the sky, but Krissy just takes it in stride as if it's no big deal. No one would do that, especially if they thought they were going to go to prison. Top that off with a boyfriend who is also a cop, who gives the impression that he might believe she is guilty, which was enough to make me not want to read the entire book.
When the sabotage is discovered and finally reported, the bad reviews are analyzed, and the author uncovered, it doesn’t take long for readers to figure out who the killer is, but the killer’s motive was clearly not well thought out. I found the entire story to be a real stretch of my imagination, and unfortunately, not in a good way. I still enjoy this series, and Death by Spiced Chai has pleasant aspects to it; most of the returning characters are still wonderful, and I will always love Krissy’s shop, but this one was a miss for me, in the believability department. I hope the next book will be better and let me get back to smiling when I read it.
Someone is out to destroy Krissy and her shop; putting cockroaches in the coffee and the store is not just sabotage, or a prank; it’s a crime and one that should be prosecuted. Critical reviews, well, they are what they are; sometimes they are justified, sometimes they aren’t, but most businesses deal with them as best they can; individuals, however, take things too personally and can get caught up in an online back and forth that leads to trouble. This seems to be the case for Krissy; someone doesn’t like her and is out to close her shop and put her behind bars for murder.
Generally, the characters in this series are easygoing, fun, and enjoyable. But this time, I feel the book deviated from the norm. The idea that someone is setting Krissy up for a murder charge, sabotaging her business, and giving her bad reviews is a far cry from getting her arrested for murder. For me, this just wasn’t a believable scenario. If someone did that to me, I would have been pounding on the police office doors and screaming at the sky, but Krissy just takes it in stride as if it's no big deal. No one would do that, especially if they thought they were going to go to prison. Top that off with a boyfriend who is also a cop, who gives the impression that he might believe she is guilty, which was enough to make me not want to read the entire book.
When the sabotage is discovered and finally reported, the bad reviews are analyzed, and the author uncovered, it doesn’t take long for readers to figure out who the killer is, but the killer’s motive was clearly not well thought out. I found the entire story to be a real stretch of my imagination, and unfortunately, not in a good way. I still enjoy this series, and Death by Spiced Chai has pleasant aspects to it; most of the returning characters are still wonderful, and I will always love Krissy’s shop, but this one was a miss for me, in the believability department. I hope the next book will be better and let me get back to smiling when I read it.
July 25, 2022
If you've ever been prank called and hung up on or simply had the feeling someone was following you, you know how unsettling that can be. In Krissy Hancock's case, however, she's enduring not just these things but being framed for murder. This can certainly be read as a stand-alone, I was new to the series, but I wished I knew more about the past cases that are brought up as the book continues. Although it's eventually explained where the town residents are getting their gossip about Krissy, I never quite understood why they were so willing to believe what was being shared, for instance. I guess I'm just too accustomed to the typical amateur sleuth being an admired and well liked character in most cozy mysteries but it did leave me in the dark, perhaps intentionally, just as Krissy was initially.
That said, I found the mystery intriguing. The preparation for terrorizing Krissy was extensive. The culprit obviously knew a great deal about her. That allowed them to push emotional buttons, such as the blurry photo suggesting her boyfriend was cheating on her. What's the connection to her father's books? But, yuck, cockroaches? Writing nasty reviews in Krissy's name? Vandalism? Why was the lead investigator so willing to believe she was the guilty party? Who had she wronged so horribly in the past that they'd set such an elaborate plan in action? What is the connection to the victim who'd simply visited her stop? Who is behind all the rumors and gossip flowing through the town? How did the master mind behind the murder and stalking of Krissy know so much? Why did her neighbor lie? Why... oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's a relatively quick read and you'll find yourself feeling the suspense and same unsettled nerves that Krissy feels as it progresses.
Thanks #NetGalley and KensingtonBooks for inviting me to visit Krissy's bookshop cafe. I'm going to catch up with this series asap so I'll be ready next visit.
That said, I found the mystery intriguing. The preparation for terrorizing Krissy was extensive. The culprit obviously knew a great deal about her. That allowed them to push emotional buttons, such as the blurry photo suggesting her boyfriend was cheating on her. What's the connection to her father's books? But, yuck, cockroaches? Writing nasty reviews in Krissy's name? Vandalism? Why was the lead investigator so willing to believe she was the guilty party? Who had she wronged so horribly in the past that they'd set such an elaborate plan in action? What is the connection to the victim who'd simply visited her stop? Who is behind all the rumors and gossip flowing through the town? How did the master mind behind the murder and stalking of Krissy know so much? Why did her neighbor lie? Why... oh, enough teasers. Read the book. It's a relatively quick read and you'll find yourself feeling the suspense and same unsettled nerves that Krissy feels as it progresses.
Thanks #NetGalley and KensingtonBooks for inviting me to visit Krissy's bookshop cafe. I'm going to catch up with this series asap so I'll be ready next visit.
October 24, 2022
I have read and enjoyed most of the previous books in this series and was expecting the more traditional cozy mystery. It had an edge to it that made me a bit uncomfortable. Still, it was a well crafted puzzle and on that I gave it three stars.
Krissy Hancock loves her bookstore and cafe and her life in Pine Hills, Ohio is going well. She has many friends and a policeman boyfriend. Until she becomes the target of somebody out to ruin her reputation and her life in general. From cockroaches in her cafe, bad reviews on social media to mention just a few things, her life takes an ugly turn, affecting everything she holds dear. Even her friends are involved in varying degrees. To her dismay, many in town believe the worst about her which is bad enough but when one of her customers is found poisoned by a pot of her chai tea and she is the prime suspect....who could hate her enough to frame her for murder? If Krissy can't uncover the killer's identity fast she will have nothing left of the life she once had.
The mystery was very good, just not a subject I was very comfortable with. As for its place in the series, it works fine as a standalone. I won't hesitate to read the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Krissy Hancock loves her bookstore and cafe and her life in Pine Hills, Ohio is going well. She has many friends and a policeman boyfriend. Until she becomes the target of somebody out to ruin her reputation and her life in general. From cockroaches in her cafe, bad reviews on social media to mention just a few things, her life takes an ugly turn, affecting everything she holds dear. Even her friends are involved in varying degrees. To her dismay, many in town believe the worst about her which is bad enough but when one of her customers is found poisoned by a pot of her chai tea and she is the prime suspect....who could hate her enough to frame her for murder? If Krissy can't uncover the killer's identity fast she will have nothing left of the life she once had.
The mystery was very good, just not a subject I was very comfortable with. As for its place in the series, it works fine as a standalone. I won't hesitate to read the next book in the series.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2022
Krissy Hancock really has bad luck. When someone begins to wreak havoc in their small town, all the evidence points to Krissy and proving she's innocent isn't an easy task.
I've grown to enjoy each of these books, they always make me laugh.
#DeathbySpicedChai #NetGalley
I've grown to enjoy each of these books, they always make me laugh.
#DeathbySpicedChai #NetGalley
March 18, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
This is the tenth book in the series and my first. Definitely not my normal cozy mystery. This book left me feeling anxious about all the crap that was being done to Krissy. Obviously the killer was a deranged person with the stunts done on Krissy.
This is the tenth book in the series and my first. Definitely not my normal cozy mystery. This book left me feeling anxious about all the crap that was being done to Krissy. Obviously the killer was a deranged person with the stunts done on Krissy.
September 26, 2024
I’ve done nothing but read all day and I’m so happy about it! One of my favourite cozy mystery series and I am now on a mission to find all of these at my city’s library’s!
August 22, 2022
Krissy Hancock loves her bookstore-cafe, Death by Coffee, best friend, Vicki, and boyfriend, Paul. She doesn't love becoming the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons or her happy, contented, life suddenly being full of strife. Most of the residents of Pine Hills, Ohio know she runs a great coffee shop, is enthusiastic about books and has been known to solve a murder or two alongside her boyfriend who is also a local cop! When her job is threatened, her relationship put in jeopardy, and she’s implicated in a vicious murder, Krissy knows she has to sort everything out as quickly as possible.
In addition to her other problems Krissy has a frosty new neighbour to deal with and isn’t sure where to begin her quest to salvage her reputation before she is arrested for murder. As friends and colleagues are also targeted, Krissy has to search for the truth more desperately than ever or someone else might die, and that someone might well be her!
This is number ten in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series and although I haven't read any of the others it wasn't a problem at all. The main protagonists are great and, as you would expect after so many books, fit together seamlessly. The mystery itself was original and intriguing from the start and although a couple of the attacks were easily solved when everything was put together the reasoning fitted well with those responsible.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more of the series. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
In addition to her other problems Krissy has a frosty new neighbour to deal with and isn’t sure where to begin her quest to salvage her reputation before she is arrested for murder. As friends and colleagues are also targeted, Krissy has to search for the truth more desperately than ever or someone else might die, and that someone might well be her!
This is number ten in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series and although I haven't read any of the others it wasn't a problem at all. The main protagonists are great and, as you would expect after so many books, fit together seamlessly. The mystery itself was original and intriguing from the start and although a couple of the attacks were easily solved when everything was put together the reasoning fitted well with those responsible.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I enjoyed this and will definitely be reading more of the series. 3.5 rounded up to 4.
October 27, 2022
Death by Spiced Chai is the 10th book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
This was my 3rd delve into this series. Although it was book ten, 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. In this clever, original tale, someone is playing pranks on Krissy; she is receiving strange phone calls, books with adult themes have been put in the children's section, and there are cockroaches in the coffee. Then a person dies after drinking spiced chai tea and Krissy is the prime suspect.
Set in Pine Hills, Ohio, Death by Spiced Chai is well-crafted, nippily paced and thoroughly compelling. The mystery is very engaging and well-reasoned. 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 3rd delve into this series. Although it was book ten, 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. In this clever, original tale, someone is playing pranks on Krissy; she is receiving strange phone calls, books with adult themes have been put in the children's section, and there are cockroaches in the coffee. Then a person dies after drinking spiced chai tea and Krissy is the prime suspect.
Set in Pine Hills, Ohio, Death by Spiced Chai is well-crafted, nippily paced and thoroughly compelling. The mystery is very engaging and well-reasoned. 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 22, 2022
Okay, this book kinda disconcerted me... In a good way. Kristy has someone making it look like she is doing a lot of bad things in town. It's just one thing after another: cockroaches, spiteful reviews they claimed she did and vandalism. It's just too much and her boyfriend the cop, Paul seems helpless to assist her. Then she gets framed for murder because the murder weapon was in a teapot made with her special sliced chai tea. Then Krissy finds the clue she needs to unravel the mystery. Boy, this one has me in stress mode. But you gotta love an author who can put you through the ringer like that. What a special talent. This is definitely one of my favorite all time series!😍
August 31, 2022
Death by Spiced Chai is the 10th instalment of the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. It follows Krissy Hancock the owner of the Death by Coffee cafe and bookstore as she deals with a series of unfortunate events that seem to be targeting her and her shop. There is even a website that is writing horrible articles about her and those she cares about. Things get even worse when she gets implicated for the murder of a disgruntled customer.
I have never read any of the other books, but I found it easy to get into the story and connect with Krissy. I did find it a bit crazy that she was being targeted in so many ways and no one was really as concerned for her as they should have been, esp. her cop boyfriend.
That said, I did enjoy the story and I would def. read more from the series.
I have never read any of the other books, but I found it easy to get into the story and connect with Krissy. I did find it a bit crazy that she was being targeted in so many ways and no one was really as concerned for her as they should have been, esp. her cop boyfriend.
That said, I did enjoy the story and I would def. read more from the series.
January 26, 2023
First time I have read this series and really enjoyed the read. The bookshop owner is set up as a victim of revenge and the sleuthing begins with the confusion of such animosity!
It was a great read of human misconceptions of expectations and simple reality of lives
It was a great read of human misconceptions of expectations and simple reality of lives
April 9, 2023
While many of the books in this series can be read out of order, Death by Spiced Chai references clues and events from many of the previous books. The criminal behind the crimes and the murder is using the past murders as their personal motif.
Even if one hasn't read the previous books, an observant reader can piece together how the various crimes fit with the murder. They can also identify who is behind the crimes.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
Even if one hasn't read the previous books, an observant reader can piece together how the various crimes fit with the murder. They can also identify who is behind the crimes.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
November 17, 2022
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Death by Coffee sounds like my kind of hangout! The café/ bookstore is named after one of Krissy’s father, James’s, best-selling novels; she is a co-owner along with best friends Vicki and her husband, Mason. The café on the ground floor is extremely busy, while the bookstore is on the second floor overlooking the seating area. There were many pieces to this complicated murder, vandalism, and other actions someone is committing to ruin Krissy’s business and reputation.
Hamish Lauder was a customer who was abrupt but not unkind. He came in to purchase James’s latest novel. Hamish was upset that an author would disrespect a reader by starting a new series while in the middle of writing another one, but he did purchase the new book. He left it for her father to autograph to him, and perhaps even deliver it when it is ready. If someone didn’t know Hamish or Krissy, they would think the two were ready to fight, but Krissy would never do that with a customer – even if they did talk bad about her father.
Shortly after he left, a lady in the café screamed; there was a roach in her half-full coffee cup. She ran into the ladies’ room and came right back out, as there were roaches in there, too! What a way to clear out a café…
It only got worse from there. A local “news” blogger, who Krissy hadn’t heard about before, had amped up her comments about Krissy. Her new next-door neighbor had a strong, obvious dislike for her. She is called into the police station and accused of vandalizing a competitor’s building. Then she is called into the police station about the murder of Hamish, even though she didn’t know him before the day he bought the book. Her Javacon coffee mug and a book of her father’s, autographed to her, were at the crime scene, along with a pot of her current favorite tea.
Thankfully her boyfriend still believes her, but it is a mixed blessing. Someone texted her a grainy photo of Paul and his ex-girlfriend in which it appears he is leaning in to kiss her. He is a police officer, and was told by the detective, John, that he should stay away from Krissy until all is resolved. Krissy’s best friend, Vicki, and a few other people, including Rita, her friend despite being the biggest gossip in town, are trying to find out what they can to help her, as the police don’t appear to be looking at anyone else.
Krissy and her best friends/ business partners are going forward in the café after making sure no roaches have taken up residence in the building. They refuse to believe that she is behind all the goings-on in their lives. As for Paul, they are sure he has a good explanation, but when she finally does ask him, he can’t tell her unless his ex will allow him to as it isn’t his story to tell.
This is a very emotional time for Krissy, and she is rarely this flustered. To someone who hasn’t been stalked or had such audacious lies told about them over the space of forty-eight hours, her behavior and personality seems over-the-top. All the characters are described as well as fitting for their roles, even though Krissy isn’t shown at her best.
Even to an avid reader, this sounds like either a conspiracy – as almost nobody could have that many things go wrong in less than 48 hours – or that Krissy is a train wreck waiting to happen! I felt bad for her, especially since she truly enjoyed where she lives, her friends, and her business. The thought that she could lose it all, go to prison, and never know why would be devastating. Even her remarkable tenacity and optimism were exhausted before each day ended.
Thankfully, there are people willing to help sort this out with her. The plot twists were wild for at least the first half of the book, and the best they could discover was the description of one of the people involved. The author did an excellent job of penning a seemingly unsolvable mystery. He also included very funny scenes that helped break the tension. The solutions were very surprising, as well as the motives, and the end was very satisfying. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and look forward to visiting Krissy at Death by Coffee again soon.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Death by Coffee sounds like my kind of hangout! The café/ bookstore is named after one of Krissy’s father, James’s, best-selling novels; she is a co-owner along with best friends Vicki and her husband, Mason. The café on the ground floor is extremely busy, while the bookstore is on the second floor overlooking the seating area. There were many pieces to this complicated murder, vandalism, and other actions someone is committing to ruin Krissy’s business and reputation.
Hamish Lauder was a customer who was abrupt but not unkind. He came in to purchase James’s latest novel. Hamish was upset that an author would disrespect a reader by starting a new series while in the middle of writing another one, but he did purchase the new book. He left it for her father to autograph to him, and perhaps even deliver it when it is ready. If someone didn’t know Hamish or Krissy, they would think the two were ready to fight, but Krissy would never do that with a customer – even if they did talk bad about her father.
Shortly after he left, a lady in the café screamed; there was a roach in her half-full coffee cup. She ran into the ladies’ room and came right back out, as there were roaches in there, too! What a way to clear out a café…
It only got worse from there. A local “news” blogger, who Krissy hadn’t heard about before, had amped up her comments about Krissy. Her new next-door neighbor had a strong, obvious dislike for her. She is called into the police station and accused of vandalizing a competitor’s building. Then she is called into the police station about the murder of Hamish, even though she didn’t know him before the day he bought the book. Her Javacon coffee mug and a book of her father’s, autographed to her, were at the crime scene, along with a pot of her current favorite tea.
Thankfully her boyfriend still believes her, but it is a mixed blessing. Someone texted her a grainy photo of Paul and his ex-girlfriend in which it appears he is leaning in to kiss her. He is a police officer, and was told by the detective, John, that he should stay away from Krissy until all is resolved. Krissy’s best friend, Vicki, and a few other people, including Rita, her friend despite being the biggest gossip in town, are trying to find out what they can to help her, as the police don’t appear to be looking at anyone else.
Krissy and her best friends/ business partners are going forward in the café after making sure no roaches have taken up residence in the building. They refuse to believe that she is behind all the goings-on in their lives. As for Paul, they are sure he has a good explanation, but when she finally does ask him, he can’t tell her unless his ex will allow him to as it isn’t his story to tell.
This is a very emotional time for Krissy, and she is rarely this flustered. To someone who hasn’t been stalked or had such audacious lies told about them over the space of forty-eight hours, her behavior and personality seems over-the-top. All the characters are described as well as fitting for their roles, even though Krissy isn’t shown at her best.
Even to an avid reader, this sounds like either a conspiracy – as almost nobody could have that many things go wrong in less than 48 hours – or that Krissy is a train wreck waiting to happen! I felt bad for her, especially since she truly enjoyed where she lives, her friends, and her business. The thought that she could lose it all, go to prison, and never know why would be devastating. Even her remarkable tenacity and optimism were exhausted before each day ended.
Thankfully, there are people willing to help sort this out with her. The plot twists were wild for at least the first half of the book, and the best they could discover was the description of one of the people involved. The author did an excellent job of penning a seemingly unsolvable mystery. He also included very funny scenes that helped break the tension. The solutions were very surprising, as well as the motives, and the end was very satisfying. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and look forward to visiting Krissy at Death by Coffee again soon.
October 25, 2022
This latest cozy mystery kept me turning pages to see what would happen next and how these situations could possibly be solved. I enjoyed visiting Death by Coffee again, a café and bookstore in friendly Pine Hills, Ohio. The author describes the characters very well, primarily through realistic conversations, behaviors, and Krissy’s thoughts throughout. The scenes are defined very well, but I saw little about Pine Hills itself or what season this was set in to give it a little texture. The problems were either the result of a lot of coincidences, or somebody was wreaking havoc on the town and setting up Krissy to take the fall.
The delightful shop that she and best friends Vicki and Mason own is Death by Coffee. It is a combination bookstore and café, in which Krissy’s primary responsibility is the bookstore upstairs. She also helps in the café when needed. Normally she is motivated and friendly, a glass-half-full kind of gal. Within a couple of the longest days of her life, more stuff goes bad around her than she can keep up with and the glass is empty, empty, empty.
Cockroaches are found in the restroom and in a customer’s half-drank coffee. Someone dressed like Krissy, wearing a café apron, threw a brick through the window of a competitor and poured coffee beans everywhere inside. The new local theater where Vicki is rehearsing for a play has been extensively damaged with foodstuff everywhere and a note supposedly left by Krissy. The list continues, with a local blogger trashing her. The ultimate, however, was that a bookstore customer was murdered and a couple items easily identified as hers were in his house. Being invited to the police station got old, very quickly.
Krissy has helped the police many times with murder cases since she moved to Pine Hills. No, they didn’t usually ask for her help, and really didn’t want it. But help she did, finding whodunit before the cops did. This time they really don’t want her help. Nor do they want her boyfriend, Paul, a police officer, to spend time with her. This time it is her life, her freedom, on the line, and she refuses to leave her future in the hands of the police.
Instead of her take-charge, sometimes scattered, personality, Krissy is a basket case. Who wouldn’t be? Yet, she is still able to, with help from her friends, put together various plans to determine what she needs to do. She researches people online and considers the best people to talk with.
Plot twists added and subtracted suspects throughout. I was very surprised at whodunit, as there were no clues throughout that would help the reader find the bad guys this time. There was no way I could have guessed whodunit – everything – or why, so the end was surprising. I highly recommend this to fans of the series and author, cozy mysteries with coffee shops, bookstores, and cats.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
The delightful shop that she and best friends Vicki and Mason own is Death by Coffee. It is a combination bookstore and café, in which Krissy’s primary responsibility is the bookstore upstairs. She also helps in the café when needed. Normally she is motivated and friendly, a glass-half-full kind of gal. Within a couple of the longest days of her life, more stuff goes bad around her than she can keep up with and the glass is empty, empty, empty.
Cockroaches are found in the restroom and in a customer’s half-drank coffee. Someone dressed like Krissy, wearing a café apron, threw a brick through the window of a competitor and poured coffee beans everywhere inside. The new local theater where Vicki is rehearsing for a play has been extensively damaged with foodstuff everywhere and a note supposedly left by Krissy. The list continues, with a local blogger trashing her. The ultimate, however, was that a bookstore customer was murdered and a couple items easily identified as hers were in his house. Being invited to the police station got old, very quickly.
Krissy has helped the police many times with murder cases since she moved to Pine Hills. No, they didn’t usually ask for her help, and really didn’t want it. But help she did, finding whodunit before the cops did. This time they really don’t want her help. Nor do they want her boyfriend, Paul, a police officer, to spend time with her. This time it is her life, her freedom, on the line, and she refuses to leave her future in the hands of the police.
Instead of her take-charge, sometimes scattered, personality, Krissy is a basket case. Who wouldn’t be? Yet, she is still able to, with help from her friends, put together various plans to determine what she needs to do. She researches people online and considers the best people to talk with.
Plot twists added and subtracted suspects throughout. I was very surprised at whodunit, as there were no clues throughout that would help the reader find the bad guys this time. There was no way I could have guessed whodunit – everything – or why, so the end was surprising. I highly recommend this to fans of the series and author, cozy mysteries with coffee shops, bookstores, and cats.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
September 7, 2022
Note: This book can be triggering to victims.
This is the 10th release in the charming " Boostore Cafe Mystery Series". I have read the entire series and always enjoy returning to this well crafted series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
This was a departure from the usual murder investigation. In this book our protagnist is being harassed, set up and stalked. it was hard to read and ( alert to victims ) can be very triggering . When she is framed she and her boyfriend have to take measures to save her business and her reputation. I was surprised that many of the town people featured in this series did not support her and believed the rumors when they are targets to. Krissy finds her entire life falling apart and does not find the support she always thought she had from her boyfriend, her friends and neighbors. When she is accused of murder she quickly has to work on her own to solve the murder and find out who is harming her.
Three stars as its a upsetting subject and not a subject you find in most cozies. The degree of what was being done to her was disturbing. The reason we read cozies is to avoid upsetting subjects and this can be very upsetting to read. I found it difficult to read and skipped a lot of pages. I hope the series returns to normal with the next book. This is not for everyone . This book can leave you unsettled and upset.
This is the 10th release in the charming " Boostore Cafe Mystery Series". I have read the entire series and always enjoy returning to this well crafted series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
This was a departure from the usual murder investigation. In this book our protagnist is being harassed, set up and stalked. it was hard to read and ( alert to victims ) can be very triggering . When she is framed she and her boyfriend have to take measures to save her business and her reputation. I was surprised that many of the town people featured in this series did not support her and believed the rumors when they are targets to. Krissy finds her entire life falling apart and does not find the support she always thought she had from her boyfriend, her friends and neighbors. When she is accused of murder she quickly has to work on her own to solve the murder and find out who is harming her.
Three stars as its a upsetting subject and not a subject you find in most cozies. The degree of what was being done to her was disturbing. The reason we read cozies is to avoid upsetting subjects and this can be very upsetting to read. I found it difficult to read and skipped a lot of pages. I hope the series returns to normal with the next book. This is not for everyone . This book can leave you unsettled and upset.
November 14, 2022
Death by Coffee, recently remodeled, is co-owned and co-managed by Krissy Hancock and Vicki & Mason Lawyer.
When Krissy is on duty, A scream shocks everyone, and a woman reveals a cockroach in her cup of coffee. More of the creepy bugs are in the restroom, but only in the women's restroom. Already, I'm suspicious, but Krissy is not. Nobody is.
Multiple sub-stories are hidden here, making the "mystery" slightly more complex than the structure can handle; clues, red herrings, dead-ends, and extra drama. And some of the most important motives are not fully explained.
There are also minor plot holes that confuse the characters, but readers will be trying to clue them in; "It happened when...!" or "Just say they had a problem! It isn't that hard!"
Krissy's 'romantic' thoughts about her boyfriend were suggestive, had an 'eww' factor for me, and were not exactly part of the story.
I wanted to like this book, but it soon felt like unnecessary work.
2.4/5 Stars More unfocused than complex.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and my own opinion.
#DeathbySpicedChai #NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks #KensingtonCozies
#AlexErickson #AlexEricksonAuth
#FictionBookstoreCafeMystery
#MysteryandThrillers
#FemaleSleuth
When Krissy is on duty, A scream shocks everyone, and a woman reveals a cockroach in her cup of coffee. More of the creepy bugs are in the restroom, but only in the women's restroom. Already, I'm suspicious, but Krissy is not. Nobody is.
Multiple sub-stories are hidden here, making the "mystery" slightly more complex than the structure can handle; clues, red herrings, dead-ends, and extra drama. And some of the most important motives are not fully explained.
There are also minor plot holes that confuse the characters, but readers will be trying to clue them in; "It happened when...!" or "Just say they had a problem! It isn't that hard!"
Krissy's 'romantic' thoughts about her boyfriend were suggestive, had an 'eww' factor for me, and were not exactly part of the story.
I wanted to like this book, but it soon felt like unnecessary work.
2.4/5 Stars More unfocused than complex.
Thanks to Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies, and NetGalley for the temporary digital preview; any review is voluntary and my own opinion.
#DeathbySpicedChai #NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks #KensingtonCozies
#AlexErickson #AlexEricksonAuth
#FictionBookstoreCafeMystery
#MysteryandThrillers
#FemaleSleuth
September 29, 2022
Death by Spiced Chai is part of the Bookstore Café Mystery series. This can be read as a stand-alone book, although the premise in this story is based on prior events described in previous books.
Krissy Hancock’s bookstore and café are doing well in Pine Hills, Ohio, until one day a customer finds a cockroach in their coffee, with more cockroaches in the bathroom. This kicks off a series of events that target Krissy as the culprit, ending with a murder of a bookstore customer that had complained about the new book published by Krissy’s father. The victim is found at home, and a teapot containing Spiced Chai, Krissy’s favorite drink, is found nearby. To keep herself out of jail, Krissy has to figure out who is creating all of the mayhem in her life and why.
I found that I had to keep reading “one more page” as the story evolved. The author gave me insight as to how bullying in any form effects a person. The reveal at the end was a surprise to me, which I consider a plus when reading a mystery. I have read previous books in this series and will continue to do so.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Krissy Hancock’s bookstore and café are doing well in Pine Hills, Ohio, until one day a customer finds a cockroach in their coffee, with more cockroaches in the bathroom. This kicks off a series of events that target Krissy as the culprit, ending with a murder of a bookstore customer that had complained about the new book published by Krissy’s father. The victim is found at home, and a teapot containing Spiced Chai, Krissy’s favorite drink, is found nearby. To keep herself out of jail, Krissy has to figure out who is creating all of the mayhem in her life and why.
I found that I had to keep reading “one more page” as the story evolved. The author gave me insight as to how bullying in any form effects a person. The reveal at the end was a surprise to me, which I consider a plus when reading a mystery. I have read previous books in this series and will continue to do so.
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 17, 2023
Death by Spiced Chai is the tenth book in the Bookstore Cafe Mysteries by Alex Erikson. In this installment, protagonist Krissy Hancock is plagued by a series of events that recreate specific circumstances from each of the murders that she has solved in the previous books as well as a series of not so innocent pranks directed at her and the coffee shop.
In this story the author has done an excellent job of interweaving the various plot points from the earlier books while maintaining consistency within the characters and their individual histories and relationships. With the variety of twists, turns, red herrings, and misdirects the reader is kept guessing until the end as who, what and why Krissy is being targeted. By including aspects of the earlier stories, the author gives new readers to this series a taste of what they have missed which ultimately will entice them to go back and read the entire backlist. I look forward to seeing where the author goes in future installments with both the mysteries and the relationships that are continuing to deepen throughout the series.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing and am leaving this review voluntarily.
In this story the author has done an excellent job of interweaving the various plot points from the earlier books while maintaining consistency within the characters and their individual histories and relationships. With the variety of twists, turns, red herrings, and misdirects the reader is kept guessing until the end as who, what and why Krissy is being targeted. By including aspects of the earlier stories, the author gives new readers to this series a taste of what they have missed which ultimately will entice them to go back and read the entire backlist. I look forward to seeing where the author goes in future installments with both the mysteries and the relationships that are continuing to deepen throughout the series.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing and am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 17, 2022
Death by Spiced Chai, Alex Erickson (Publish Date 10/25/22)
Death by Spiced Chai is the tenth book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. Krissy Hancock owns and runs the Death by Coffee bookstore and coffee shop in the small town of Pine Hills, Ohio. Krissy has a strong reputation as an amateur sleuth, which has caused conflict with her community and the local police, even while she is dating local police officer Paul Dalton. In this book, Krissy is targeted by false internet claims that threatens to turn Pine Hills against her and is also suspected of a murder of a store customer. Can Krissy solve the mystery before everything unravels?
I had not read the prior books in the series and I don't think reading the books in order is necessary as there are flashbacks that explain the prior history. I would give this book 4 stars for a delightful cozy mystery.
I received this book in an exchange for a honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books!
Death by Spiced Chai is the tenth book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. Krissy Hancock owns and runs the Death by Coffee bookstore and coffee shop in the small town of Pine Hills, Ohio. Krissy has a strong reputation as an amateur sleuth, which has caused conflict with her community and the local police, even while she is dating local police officer Paul Dalton. In this book, Krissy is targeted by false internet claims that threatens to turn Pine Hills against her and is also suspected of a murder of a store customer. Can Krissy solve the mystery before everything unravels?
I had not read the prior books in the series and I don't think reading the books in order is necessary as there are flashbacks that explain the prior history. I would give this book 4 stars for a delightful cozy mystery.
I received this book in an exchange for a honest review. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books!
June 15, 2023
I didn't start consistently reading this book till I got to chapter 13. After that, I couldn't put it down. I wish I would've read the first book in the series before this one (I also wish the books had numbers at the bottom of the spines, because I really didn't know which went first). I had a love and hate relationship with Krissy Hancock. In times where you needed to be focused, her mind would just wonder. [SPOILER ALERT] Like when she went over to Shannon's house to make sure she was okay. Before she opened the door, all she was thinking about is how Shannon would be able to afford her new baby. Like girl??? Shannon could be dead right now! I loved the book. I plan on going back to B&N and getting the other books in this series. SIDENOTE: The amount of times Misfit was acknowledged versus Trouble, Misfit should've been the cat on the cover. However, now thinking about it, I kind of understand why a cat named "trouble" is on the cover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2026
This was the first book of the series I’ve read and I found it to be a quick read. But there were sometimes the main character Kristy acted so stupidly I was amazed. Like with a murderer on the loose and angry with her, what does she do? Hang out at the police station? Go to a public area? Visit with her boyfriend’s mother who is the police chief?
.
. No she goes home and waits alone with her cat and sends cute messages to her policeman boyfriend. And, she doesn’t even lock the front door. Smart, huh?
The book never really explains why the murderer and his sister believe that Kristy is responsible for deaths in the small village or why they set her up for social disaster.
Generally, I enjoyed the book. Could have done without Krissy’s teenage like descriptions of her boyfriend (Scrumptious? Really? Welcome to Junior High) but overall not a bad story and moves along well.
Just don’t expect maturity.
.
. No she goes home and waits alone with her cat and sends cute messages to her policeman boyfriend. And, she doesn’t even lock the front door. Smart, huh?
The book never really explains why the murderer and his sister believe that Kristy is responsible for deaths in the small village or why they set her up for social disaster.
Generally, I enjoyed the book. Could have done without Krissy’s teenage like descriptions of her boyfriend (Scrumptious? Really? Welcome to Junior High) but overall not a bad story and moves along well.
Just don’t expect maturity.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2022
Death by Spiced Chai is number ten in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series. This was the first book I have read but it was fine alone - enough of the back story is given to make it a fine stand alone.
Krissy owns the bookstore and is an amateur sleuth when things go wrong in the small town in Ohio. This time things are going awry and someone is working hard to darken the store and owner's reputation. A bug in the coffee is one shenanigan. The internet plays a role in the problem and the town begins to look askance at Krissy.
A bookstore customer turns up dead after drinking the store's special spiced chai. Krissy becomes the number one suspect. Krissy's boyfriend Paul is a member of the local police but it looks like even he can't save her.
A delightful cozy mystery - I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC
Krissy owns the bookstore and is an amateur sleuth when things go wrong in the small town in Ohio. This time things are going awry and someone is working hard to darken the store and owner's reputation. A bug in the coffee is one shenanigan. The internet plays a role in the problem and the town begins to look askance at Krissy.
A bookstore customer turns up dead after drinking the store's special spiced chai. Krissy becomes the number one suspect. Krissy's boyfriend Paul is a member of the local police but it looks like even he can't save her.
A delightful cozy mystery - I look forward to reading other books in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC
August 22, 2022
I thought I had read some books in this series, but nothing rang a bell when I started reading. It was easy enough to fall right in with this as a stand alone.
I was interested in enough to finish the book, but never really felt connected to Krissy or the other characters. I didn't find all of the other characters turning on her and believing/accepting that she had done all the bad things that were happening without at least asking her why she did it or confronting her. Once in a while a couple of thing were repeated, such as Krissy understanding why someone had the right to be upset. I think she said it two pages in a row.
I got my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
If the blurb on one of the books in this series sounded interesting, I'd give it a go, but this book did not make me want to get caught up with the preceding 9.
I was interested in enough to finish the book, but never really felt connected to Krissy or the other characters. I didn't find all of the other characters turning on her and believing/accepting that she had done all the bad things that were happening without at least asking her why she did it or confronting her. Once in a while a couple of thing were repeated, such as Krissy understanding why someone had the right to be upset. I think she said it two pages in a row.
I got my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
If the blurb on one of the books in this series sounded interesting, I'd give it a go, but this book did not make me want to get caught up with the preceding 9.
July 5, 2022
Krissy Hancock is usually the one trying to solve a murder and uncover the murderer. This time, the tables are turning and she’s both a suspect and a target. Someone has it in for Krissy but can she and Paul figure it out before she’s burned and buried?
Another super entry in this series. I have to be honest though, I love this series and I may have gotten tot he point where I can put myself in Krissy’s shows…because I predicted quite a few of the things that happened in this story. Maybe I need to start asking myself WWWKD (what would Krissy do) a little more often. Either way, you won’t be sorry with this book, even if you haven’t read a book in the series yet, they read fine as stand alones.
Another super entry in this series. I have to be honest though, I love this series and I may have gotten tot he point where I can put myself in Krissy’s shows…because I predicted quite a few of the things that happened in this story. Maybe I need to start asking myself WWWKD (what would Krissy do) a little more often. Either way, you won’t be sorry with this book, even if you haven’t read a book in the series yet, they read fine as stand alones.
October 7, 2022
Someone in Pine Hills seems to have it in for Krissy. She's being harassed, stalked, and bad reviews are being written about her coffee and bookshop on line- especially after the cockroach incident. And just as bad, there's the allegation that Paul Dalton, her boyfriend, has been cheating on her. Then someone who complained about her father's book is murdered with poison in a pot 0f- wait for it-tea. No spoilers from me but this is classic cozy territory where the heroine must solve the murder. While I've read almost all of the books in the series, I'd recommend this as a standalone because Erickson does a nice job with the backstory. It's got good twists and turns. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Waiting for the next one.
October 25, 2022
2 1/2 stars. Being harassed and/or framed for terrible behavior than probably murder is something I have read in several mystery books recently. I didn't really mean to pick up books with this theme because it is a trigger of mine. I picked them because I have liked the writers and the series when I read them before without really reading the synopsis. Writing this review, I realized there is another reason I don't like cozy mysteries with this theme because it breaks the feeling of friendship and bonds of community that I really enjoy in cozy mysteries.
That being said, I thought this was a solid mystery. Many of the characters are enjoyable and I loved the cat.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in return for an honest opinion.
That being said, I thought this was a solid mystery. Many of the characters are enjoyable and I loved the cat.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this ARC in return for an honest opinion.
November 12, 2022
Death by Spiced Chai was an enjoyable read. The main character, Krissy, isn’t out looking for trouble, but winds up in a non-stop mess. Someone is pretending to be her and causing all kinds of problems around town. On top of that, a customer at her bookshop café is murdered hours after being in her store and giving her a hard time. It’s a fast-paced story with Krissy trying to figure out who is out to get her. Her true friends know she isn’t involved in all these issues, but some of her acquaintances aren’t convinced, which makes you feel really bad for her. I guess in times like these, she’s learning who her real friends are. I really like her character, and how she deals with things. It is another great book in the series and I’m hoping there will be many more to come!
March 16, 2023
Another charming, hair-raising "Bookstore Cafe Mystery" set in Ohio and chock full of suspects.
Someone is out to ruin Krissy and her bookstore cafe. Who would put cockroaches in coffee and bathrooms? Who would post bogus news and letters on the web?
When Krissy looks closer, the crimes and mischief are really similar to cases she's solved. Wow! Of course, Krissy follows the clues, gets entangled in the investigation, and ties her police officer boyfriend Paul in knots.
You'll have to read this one to find out who dunnit.
No, you don't have to read the other books in the series, but it always helps.
Thanks to Ohioana Library Association for the book to review. See another review in their quarterly at http://www.ohioana.org
Someone is out to ruin Krissy and her bookstore cafe. Who would put cockroaches in coffee and bathrooms? Who would post bogus news and letters on the web?
When Krissy looks closer, the crimes and mischief are really similar to cases she's solved. Wow! Of course, Krissy follows the clues, gets entangled in the investigation, and ties her police officer boyfriend Paul in knots.
You'll have to read this one to find out who dunnit.
No, you don't have to read the other books in the series, but it always helps.
Thanks to Ohioana Library Association for the book to review. See another review in their quarterly at http://www.ohioana.org
March 18, 2023
In Pine Hills, someone is trashing Krissy Hancock’s reputation. First, Cockroaches are found in the bookstore, then spiteful reviews, and vandalism are all blamed on Krissy. Her boyfriend, local cop Paul Dalton, is on the case, but before they can source the saboteur, Krissy is framed for murder, too. Unless Krissy can uncover the truth, it won’t just be her business in hot water, her life will be on the line too.
This is a great series for any cozy mystery reader. The plot is well developed, the characters are diabolically created, and the story is fun. This one of those stories that if you put it down for a day, you can pick it right back up and know what’s happening. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
This is a great series for any cozy mystery reader. The plot is well developed, the characters are diabolically created, and the story is fun. This one of those stories that if you put it down for a day, you can pick it right back up and know what’s happening. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
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