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Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #7
Roast Date
Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java...and where murder sometimes pays a visit.
After much cajoling, Macy gives in to her neighbor, Vera, and agrees to come to her book club's Christmas party so she can share about the cafe. While public speaking isn't Macy's thing, she wants to brighten Vera's lonely holiday season...and she can sell a little house blend on the side.
When a lively book discussion spirals into a public roast of the mayor—who happens to be sitting in their midst—things get uncomfortable. Soon afterward, the mayor shows up dead in Vera's bathroom, and no amount of gingerbread cookies or eggnog can restore Vera to the club's good graces. 'Tis the season for Macy to find the murderer, or else Vera might be taking a long winter's nap in a jail cell.
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.
After much cajoling, Macy gives in to her neighbor, Vera, and agrees to come to her book club's Christmas party so she can share about the cafe. While public speaking isn't Macy's thing, she wants to brighten Vera's lonely holiday season...and she can sell a little house blend on the side.
When a lively book discussion spirals into a public roast of the mayor—who happens to be sitting in their midst—things get uncomfortable. Soon afterward, the mayor shows up dead in Vera's bathroom, and no amount of gingerbread cookies or eggnog can restore Vera to the club's good graces. 'Tis the season for Macy to find the murderer, or else Vera might be taking a long winter's nap in a jail cell.
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown...with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2022
47 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Heather Day Gilbert
43 books871 followersHeather Day Gilbert, an RWA Daphne du Maurier Award-winning author and 2-time ECPA Christy Award finalist, enjoys writing contemporary mysteries/psychological thrillers and Viking historicals. She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love. Avid readers say Heather's realistic characters—no matter what century—feel like best friends. When she's not plotting stories, this native West Virginian can often be found hanging out with her husband and four children, playing video games, or reading Agatha Christie novels.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
Find out more at heatherdaygilbert.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
August 25, 2024
In terms of setting, continuing characters, basic ethos and style, this seventh episode (it's actually the eighth altogether, but the Kindle-only novella House Blend doesn't officially have a series number) in my Goodreads friend Heather Day Gilbert's Barks and Beans Cafe' mystery series is very much of a piece with the preceding ones. Friends and others who follow my reviews have read the eight previous ones of the earlier books, so lengthy repetition of the series basics probably isn't necessary. And presumably readers simply checking out this book are doing so because they've read the preceding ones (since for the most part these books need to be read in order; there are progressive developments in circumstances and relationships), and in that case are also familiar with the basics. Our first-person, past-tense narrator is again likable and down-home series protagonist Macy Hatfield (calling her a series sleuth would be crediting her with more ability than she possesses --though, as was said of the heroine of another mystery series my wife and I both liked, she does tend to "attract corpses").
This outing takes place about a month after the previous book, set around Thanksgiving. It's now close to Christmas. Macy's elderly neighbor Vera (who by now is another old friend for series readers) has prevailed on our girl to agree to attend the December meeting of the book club Vera hosts in her home. Vanity Fair is the book up for the discussion, to be led by Lewisburg's mayor (who's a retired English teacher), and Macy will be on the program to plug the Barks and Beans Cafe' and its unique features. (Book discussion doesn't play a big role in the plot, but it's clear the author has actually read Vanity Fair, rather than just dropping the name.) But this club meeting won't be as festive as Vera would like, since the holiday spirit is about to be dampened by murder.... Before the last page is turned, readers will get a glimpse at the epic-scaled illicit drug problem in West Virginia, and a bit of a window into the state's sometimes vicious local politics. We'll also be treated to not just one, but two, major developments in the personal life of Macy's big brother Boaz "Bo" Hatfield (but you won't hear any spoilers from me!).
I was genuinely surprised by the revelation of the killer here; and I would also say that the resolution of the mystery was darker and more thought-provoking than is typical of this series. But I'd still recommend it as relatively light entertainment, particularly tailored to the tastes of "cozy" fans, and as a pretty quick read. (Even reading it only during car trips, Barb and I finished it in less than a month!)
This outing takes place about a month after the previous book, set around Thanksgiving. It's now close to Christmas. Macy's elderly neighbor Vera (who by now is another old friend for series readers) has prevailed on our girl to agree to attend the December meeting of the book club Vera hosts in her home. Vanity Fair is the book up for the discussion, to be led by Lewisburg's mayor (who's a retired English teacher), and Macy will be on the program to plug the Barks and Beans Cafe' and its unique features. (Book discussion doesn't play a big role in the plot, but it's clear the author has actually read Vanity Fair, rather than just dropping the name.) But this club meeting won't be as festive as Vera would like, since the holiday spirit is about to be dampened by murder.... Before the last page is turned, readers will get a glimpse at the epic-scaled illicit drug problem in West Virginia, and a bit of a window into the state's sometimes vicious local politics. We'll also be treated to not just one, but two, major developments in the personal life of Macy's big brother Boaz "Bo" Hatfield (but you won't hear any spoilers from me!).
I was genuinely surprised by the revelation of the killer here; and I would also say that the resolution of the mystery was darker and more thought-provoking than is typical of this series. But I'd still recommend it as relatively light entertainment, particularly tailored to the tastes of "cozy" fans, and as a pretty quick read. (Even reading it only during car trips, Barb and I finished it in less than a month!)
December 23, 2022
Great story! Love the adoptable pets/coffee shop! Great characters!
December 24, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Macy and her brother Bo Hatfield own and operate the Barks & Beans Cafe and are decking it out for the holidays. It is a place where you can stop in for a cup of coffee and fall in love with a dog from the local shelter and have a new pet just in time for Christmas. You may also catch a glimpse of Macy’s lovable Great Dane, Coal.
Vera has wanted to have Macy speak at her book club for a while and Macy has finally agreed to attend the club’s Christmas party. A little nervous Macy knows it is important to Vera that she be there and Bo will be happy if she sells some of their house blend.
Macy’s part of the evening goes well but the book discussion gets out of hand with people turning it into a roast of the mayor. Mayor Goldie Keaton was leading the discussion but left the room rather than engage with the group’s innuendos. Sadly she is later found dead in the bathroom. The police arrive and Macy is shocked that Vera is at the top of their list of suspects. She is not going to let her go down for someone else’s crime. She intends to find the merry murderer before Santa Claus comes to town.
I really enjoy the relationship Macy has built with her neighbor Vera. Bo is right there to help her out too which is good because she is going to need both of them in her corner to get her out of this mess. We learn a lot more about Vera in this story. I liked that she became the central character but not that she was the prime suspect. I was unsure about one thing Macy was doing but was so happy when it worked out.
Bo and Summer’s relationship is moving along nicely as is the relationship between Macy and Titan. These core characters are so well-crafted and continue to develop in each new installment of this series. They are surrounded by great secondary characters like Vera, baristas Milo and Bristol, and Bristol’s mom Della. We meet some quirky new characters as well. And I can’t forget Macy’s Great Dane Coal, Bo’s kitty, Stormy, and Vera’s dog Waffles.
The murder investigation had epic twists and the story had a very rapid pace. I started reading and just couldn’t stop. I always enjoy tagging along with Macy as she follows each clue and tries to make all the clues fit together. A second death turned things a little inside out but Macy stuck with it until she literally faced the killer. I was startled at this reveal and lost my breath for a moment as the exciting saga played out.
What brings me the most joy when reading books in this series is the relationship between Macy and Bo. Working with family doesn’t always work out but Macy and Bo make it work and it seems almost effortless. They have family traditions that I love. They share secrets and have each other’s back at all times. They have a strong bond that can’t be broken. I really appreciate the way the author has written these characters and the situations she puts them in and am excited to see what she has in store for them next.
Roast Date is the seventh book in this wonderful series. We are left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end and there are some exciting things set to happen too. I really wish the next book was right around the corner but it, Shade Grown, won’t be released until next December. I have trust and faith in Heather Day Gilbert that the wait will be worth it. But I am going to miss these characters, human, canine, and feline.
Macy and her brother Bo Hatfield own and operate the Barks & Beans Cafe and are decking it out for the holidays. It is a place where you can stop in for a cup of coffee and fall in love with a dog from the local shelter and have a new pet just in time for Christmas. You may also catch a glimpse of Macy’s lovable Great Dane, Coal.
Vera has wanted to have Macy speak at her book club for a while and Macy has finally agreed to attend the club’s Christmas party. A little nervous Macy knows it is important to Vera that she be there and Bo will be happy if she sells some of their house blend.
Macy’s part of the evening goes well but the book discussion gets out of hand with people turning it into a roast of the mayor. Mayor Goldie Keaton was leading the discussion but left the room rather than engage with the group’s innuendos. Sadly she is later found dead in the bathroom. The police arrive and Macy is shocked that Vera is at the top of their list of suspects. She is not going to let her go down for someone else’s crime. She intends to find the merry murderer before Santa Claus comes to town.
I really enjoy the relationship Macy has built with her neighbor Vera. Bo is right there to help her out too which is good because she is going to need both of them in her corner to get her out of this mess. We learn a lot more about Vera in this story. I liked that she became the central character but not that she was the prime suspect. I was unsure about one thing Macy was doing but was so happy when it worked out.
Bo and Summer’s relationship is moving along nicely as is the relationship between Macy and Titan. These core characters are so well-crafted and continue to develop in each new installment of this series. They are surrounded by great secondary characters like Vera, baristas Milo and Bristol, and Bristol’s mom Della. We meet some quirky new characters as well. And I can’t forget Macy’s Great Dane Coal, Bo’s kitty, Stormy, and Vera’s dog Waffles.
The murder investigation had epic twists and the story had a very rapid pace. I started reading and just couldn’t stop. I always enjoy tagging along with Macy as she follows each clue and tries to make all the clues fit together. A second death turned things a little inside out but Macy stuck with it until she literally faced the killer. I was startled at this reveal and lost my breath for a moment as the exciting saga played out.
What brings me the most joy when reading books in this series is the relationship between Macy and Bo. Working with family doesn’t always work out but Macy and Bo make it work and it seems almost effortless. They have family traditions that I love. They share secrets and have each other’s back at all times. They have a strong bond that can’t be broken. I really appreciate the way the author has written these characters and the situations she puts them in and am excited to see what she has in store for them next.
Roast Date is the seventh book in this wonderful series. We are left with a bit of a cliffhanger at the end and there are some exciting things set to happen too. I really wish the next book was right around the corner but it, Shade Grown, won’t be released until next December. I have trust and faith in Heather Day Gilbert that the wait will be worth it. But I am going to miss these characters, human, canine, and feline.
December 21, 2022
"Now it's starting to look a lot like Christmas."
“The discussion of Vanity Fair had clearly turned into a public roast of the mayor.”
"There are some strange happenings in this town, don't you think? Have you heard about the mayor?"
Unsurprisingly, another amazing book in The Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery series. These just keep getting better and better. I like how some of the characters from earlier books make appearances again while also being introduced to new characters. Macy and Bo are great as always and I enjoyed learning a little more about Vera. And of course the Christmas backdrop is perfection.
The best thing about this series (besides the enjoyable West Virginia setting) is the mystery. I love a good whodunnit and this one definitely fits the bill. I spent the entire book with no clue as to who the villain could be. I did figure it out about 7 seconds before the big reveal so I don’t think that counts 😂.
Heather Day Gilbert never disappoints as she continues to write great mysteries where the pages fly by and the characters, setting, and dialogue are authentic. Her books always make me want to visit my neighbor state of West Virginia. Can’t wait for Book 8!
“The discussion of Vanity Fair had clearly turned into a public roast of the mayor.”
"There are some strange happenings in this town, don't you think? Have you heard about the mayor?"
Unsurprisingly, another amazing book in The Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery series. These just keep getting better and better. I like how some of the characters from earlier books make appearances again while also being introduced to new characters. Macy and Bo are great as always and I enjoyed learning a little more about Vera. And of course the Christmas backdrop is perfection.
The best thing about this series (besides the enjoyable West Virginia setting) is the mystery. I love a good whodunnit and this one definitely fits the bill. I spent the entire book with no clue as to who the villain could be. I did figure it out about 7 seconds before the big reveal so I don’t think that counts 😂.
Heather Day Gilbert never disappoints as she continues to write great mysteries where the pages fly by and the characters, setting, and dialogue are authentic. Her books always make me want to visit my neighbor state of West Virginia. Can’t wait for Book 8!
December 19, 2022
Heather Gilbert brings us another great cozy mystery in her popular Barks and Beans series. And, as usual, she is very adept at keeping the culprit a mystery. I do much enjoyed visiting with Macy’s lovable Great Dane, Coal, again. I just want to meet him so much! I also enjoyed seeing all the regulars again. Gilbert leaves us a bit in the lurch at the ending, where it seems Bo and Macy’s old nemesis I once again throwing a wrench into things. I can’t wait for the next one!
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book. The opinion here is my own.
December 22, 2022
One of my favorite cozy series! 5/5 stars.
January 8, 2023
4.5 Stars
My favorite thing in Heather Day Gilbert’s Barks and Beans Café Cozy Mystery series is the relationship between Macy and her brother Bo. These two watch out for and care for each other deeply.
And you really see their kindness and hearts when they interact with their community. In Roast Date, readers learn more about Macy’s neighbor. Vera has been a fringe character in the past few books, but in Gilbert’s latest release, we get to see inside her home and her character more.
The mystery kept me guessing, the dogs are adorable, the coffee is warm and inviting, and the story is just the way I like it—a good mix of mystery, relationships, and romance. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
My favorite thing in Heather Day Gilbert’s Barks and Beans Café Cozy Mystery series is the relationship between Macy and her brother Bo. These two watch out for and care for each other deeply.
And you really see their kindness and hearts when they interact with their community. In Roast Date, readers learn more about Macy’s neighbor. Vera has been a fringe character in the past few books, but in Gilbert’s latest release, we get to see inside her home and her character more.
The mystery kept me guessing, the dogs are adorable, the coffee is warm and inviting, and the story is just the way I like it—a good mix of mystery, relationships, and romance. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive or negative review. All opinions are my own.
December 20, 2022
Macy is looking forward to Christmas, and the only thing stressing her out is having to promote the coffee shop and dog cafe she runs with her brother Bo at the town’s book club. But when a prominent community member suddenly dies at the book club, Macy once again finds herself embroiled in a perplexing mystery that jeopardizes the people she cares about most.
Roast Date is a fast-paced whodunnit that keeps the reader jumping from clue to clue then springs a plot twist or two for good measure. Following the spunky, kindhearted Macy as she unravels the mystery and puzzles out who to trust is entertaining, suspenseful, and even shocking at times but, as in her previous adventures, she thrives on instincts, loyalty, and the love of her family and friends.
If you like small town mysteries that keep you guessing until the last minute, you’ll want to make a Roast Date with this latest book in The Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery Series.
Roast Date is a fast-paced whodunnit that keeps the reader jumping from clue to clue then springs a plot twist or two for good measure. Following the spunky, kindhearted Macy as she unravels the mystery and puzzles out who to trust is entertaining, suspenseful, and even shocking at times but, as in her previous adventures, she thrives on instincts, loyalty, and the love of her family and friends.
If you like small town mysteries that keep you guessing until the last minute, you’ll want to make a Roast Date with this latest book in The Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery Series.
December 20, 2022
This one was so good! It was tough to read it because part of me wanted to just devour it in one sitting and another part of me wanted to savor it and make it last. I love Macy and Bo so much! They are the kind of characters that you wish you could be friends with for real. Every book in this series is such a treat! I can't wait to see what comes next for them!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.
April 22, 2023
Enjoyable and fun mystery
I'm really enjoying this series with interesting characters and fascinating mysteries. All the Barks and Beans books have been good and well worth reading.
I'm really enjoying this series with interesting characters and fascinating mysteries. All the Barks and Beans books have been good and well worth reading.
December 22, 2022
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Another fun adventure with Macy and her brother Bo. This time Macy gives in to giving a talk at a local book club. Though reluctant the talk goes over well until the mayor is found dead in the bathroom. This just happens to be at her friend Vera's house making her the prime suspect. Even though Macy is busy she starts looking into things in an effort to clear Vera's name. Makes for fun read with a great mix of adorable fur babies and clues peppered throughout. A great choice for animal fans and cozy lovers. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Another fun adventure with Macy and her brother Bo. This time Macy gives in to giving a talk at a local book club. Though reluctant the talk goes over well until the mayor is found dead in the bathroom. This just happens to be at her friend Vera's house making her the prime suspect. Even though Macy is busy she starts looking into things in an effort to clear Vera's name. Makes for fun read with a great mix of adorable fur babies and clues peppered throughout. A great choice for animal fans and cozy lovers. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
December 21, 2022
While Macy is promoting the Barks and Beans cafe, the dog cafe and coffee shop that she and her brother owns, at a book cub, the mayor ends up dead.
Heather Gilbert does a great job with her cozy mysteries in the Barks and Beans cafe mystery series and keeping then suspenseful with twists and turns. The ending of the story has a surprising twist with an archenemy.
This is a great cozy mystery set at Christmas.
Heather Gilbert does a great job with her cozy mysteries in the Barks and Beans cafe mystery series and keeping then suspenseful with twists and turns. The ending of the story has a surprising twist with an archenemy.
This is a great cozy mystery set at Christmas.
December 20, 2022
Incredible
I just couldn't read this one fast enough. It was so good. And that cliffhanger ending was something else. I can't believe it will be a year before the next book. I am looking forward to it so much.
I just couldn't read this one fast enough. It was so good. And that cliffhanger ending was something else. I can't believe it will be a year before the next book. I am looking forward to it so much.
December 14, 2022
A fun Christmas mystery!
Macy Hatfield is a good friend and a good neighbour. So she can’t help but get involved to try to clear her neighbour Vera’s name after a woman is found dead in Vera’s home. Especially since there’s no family around to help… and Christmas is coming.
The Christmas activities fit into the story to add atmosphere without feeling tacked on like they do in some books. There are cookies, carols, presents, and a visit to a Christmas tree farm. It would be a good book to read any time of year, but I enjoyed reading it mid-December.
The Barks & Beans Café Mystery Series is perfect for readers who like a fun, clean read with engaging characters… and pets. The stories aren’t fluff, but neither are they deep and brooding. Adult siblings Macy and Bo make a good team—both in the café and in solving the mysteries that keep coming their way. And of course Coal, the gorgeous Great Dane pictured on all the book covers, is a treat in his own right.
I always enjoy a virtual trip to the Barks & Beans Café to discover what’s on the menu and to see the interaction with the shelter dogs. Macy’s friend Summer brings them for café patrons to visit and hopefully adopt.
Roast Date is book 7 in the series and I think it’s one of the best. New readers could begin here and not feel lost. Doing so would give some minor spoilers for earlier books.
It’s a good series to read from the beginning, though, as the characters’ relationships do develop and there’s a behind-the-scenes villain who shows up from time to time. (Each mystery is self-contained and fully solved at the end of each book.)
This one ends with a hint of trouble to come in book 8, Shade Grown, which will release in 2023.
Heather Day Gilbert’s books range from clean mainstream cozy mysteries to Christian romantic suspense to Viking historicals. For more about the author and her work, visit heatherdaygilbert.com.
[Review copy provided by the publisher. My opinions are my own.]
Macy Hatfield is a good friend and a good neighbour. So she can’t help but get involved to try to clear her neighbour Vera’s name after a woman is found dead in Vera’s home. Especially since there’s no family around to help… and Christmas is coming.
The Christmas activities fit into the story to add atmosphere without feeling tacked on like they do in some books. There are cookies, carols, presents, and a visit to a Christmas tree farm. It would be a good book to read any time of year, but I enjoyed reading it mid-December.
The Barks & Beans Café Mystery Series is perfect for readers who like a fun, clean read with engaging characters… and pets. The stories aren’t fluff, but neither are they deep and brooding. Adult siblings Macy and Bo make a good team—both in the café and in solving the mysteries that keep coming their way. And of course Coal, the gorgeous Great Dane pictured on all the book covers, is a treat in his own right.
I always enjoy a virtual trip to the Barks & Beans Café to discover what’s on the menu and to see the interaction with the shelter dogs. Macy’s friend Summer brings them for café patrons to visit and hopefully adopt.
Roast Date is book 7 in the series and I think it’s one of the best. New readers could begin here and not feel lost. Doing so would give some minor spoilers for earlier books.
It’s a good series to read from the beginning, though, as the characters’ relationships do develop and there’s a behind-the-scenes villain who shows up from time to time. (Each mystery is self-contained and fully solved at the end of each book.)
This one ends with a hint of trouble to come in book 8, Shade Grown, which will release in 2023.
Heather Day Gilbert’s books range from clean mainstream cozy mysteries to Christian romantic suspense to Viking historicals. For more about the author and her work, visit heatherdaygilbert.com.
[Review copy provided by the publisher. My opinions are my own.]
December 21, 2022
Need a date with a good book? Pick up Roast Date, a good cup of coffee, some snacks, a blanket, and get ready to snuggle up with another delightful mystery from Heather Day Gilbert! I've loved each book I've read in the Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery Series, and Roast Date didn't disappoint me! These books are very cozy cozies, and Roast Date even has the added coziness of Christmas!
If you're new to the series, it's fine to start here! Yes, there are established characters, and you definitely get to know them a lot in the first several books. However, this mystery can be enjoyed all on its own. The characters are very well-written, and I have enjoyed following them thus far. With each book, I become a little more attached and invested in all of the characters, not just the "stars" of the series, Macy and Bo Hatfield. The regulars are an eclectic bunch! In Roast Date, Macy's neighbor and dear friend, Vera, ends up with a dead body in her bathroom!
In addition to the great characters, they mysteries always baffle me, and this one was no exception. I had multiple suspects on my list and couldn't figure it out until the big reveal!
The author's descriptions of the area, the dogs, the coffee shop, the houses...completely bring the story to life. I feel like I'm right there, and since the books feel so cozy, I feel cozy too! If you're a cozy mystery reader, you know what I mean! Some cozies that I read are really enjoyable, but I don't always get this same "feeling." I think part of that feeling is knowing that this series is completely clean with no swearing or situations that my mom wouldn't like. If I can let my mom borrow a book, it passes the clean cozy test, and Roast Date passes with flying colors!
I highly recommend Roast Date and am looking forward to the next book in the Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery Series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
If you're new to the series, it's fine to start here! Yes, there are established characters, and you definitely get to know them a lot in the first several books. However, this mystery can be enjoyed all on its own. The characters are very well-written, and I have enjoyed following them thus far. With each book, I become a little more attached and invested in all of the characters, not just the "stars" of the series, Macy and Bo Hatfield. The regulars are an eclectic bunch! In Roast Date, Macy's neighbor and dear friend, Vera, ends up with a dead body in her bathroom!
In addition to the great characters, they mysteries always baffle me, and this one was no exception. I had multiple suspects on my list and couldn't figure it out until the big reveal!
The author's descriptions of the area, the dogs, the coffee shop, the houses...completely bring the story to life. I feel like I'm right there, and since the books feel so cozy, I feel cozy too! If you're a cozy mystery reader, you know what I mean! Some cozies that I read are really enjoyable, but I don't always get this same "feeling." I think part of that feeling is knowing that this series is completely clean with no swearing or situations that my mom wouldn't like. If I can let my mom borrow a book, it passes the clean cozy test, and Roast Date passes with flying colors!
I highly recommend Roast Date and am looking forward to the next book in the Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery Series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
December 28, 2022
Another Great Book in the Series
I just love these books and this one was no exception! Gilbert always manages to take you on a crazy ride. You are sure you know who the culprit is and then they end up dead and you are back to square one. Happy to see Bo and Summer’s relationship grow. I’d love to see more of Titan!
I just love these books and this one was no exception! Gilbert always manages to take you on a crazy ride. You are sure you know who the culprit is and then they end up dead and you are back to square one. Happy to see Bo and Summer’s relationship grow. I’d love to see more of Titan!
January 2, 2023
What a delightful addition to the Barks and Beans series. I appreciate the hints and fill-ins Heather adds so that if we haven't read a Barks and Beans novel in a while, it refreshes our memory of things that have happened before. I also think it could be enough for a first timer to the series.
If you like dogs, coffee and cozy mysteries this would be a good series for you.
If you like dogs, coffee and cozy mysteries this would be a good series for you.
January 23, 2023
This was a great book. I hate that mystery and killings seem to follow Macy. I love that she finally goes to the book club meeting but I hate that the mayor is killed right there. I hate that the killer is innocent and didn't realize that he killed her. I love that she solves the murder and that Leo is finally arrested. I love that Bo finally proposes to Summer and that Titan and Macy talk about marriage. I can't wait for the next book to come out in December!
December 30, 2022
4.5 stars
Roast Date was another fantastic addition to this series. I can never get enough of these wonderful characters and adorable doggies. Throw in the compelling mystery and I can't put it down.
This mystery was a good one. Talk about a drama-filled book club meeting! Wow! There was a lot of tension in the air and gossip being flung around. There were lots of twists that I didn't see coming, and the guilty party came as a complete surprise to me. While this mystery was solved, the surprising reappearance of an old character is sure to shake things up in the future.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a must read! I can't recommend it highly enough!
Roast Date was another fantastic addition to this series. I can never get enough of these wonderful characters and adorable doggies. Throw in the compelling mystery and I can't put it down.
This mystery was a good one. Talk about a drama-filled book club meeting! Wow! There was a lot of tension in the air and gossip being flung around. There were lots of twists that I didn't see coming, and the guilty party came as a complete surprise to me. While this mystery was solved, the surprising reappearance of an old character is sure to shake things up in the future.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a must read! I can't recommend it highly enough!
December 23, 2022
I love this series and can’t get enough! The characters are so fun and every time I read one of these books I feel like I’m visiting my closest friend. So many twist and turns, I’m kept guessing the whole way through. The yummy food and animals that are pulled into the story are extra bonuses. Heather Gilbert is my favorite cozy mystery writer, I’ve read everyone of these books and I’ve never been disappointed!
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December 29, 2022Excellent Read
I liked the fact that there was no bickering about who could investigate or know anything. One of my pet peeves is the man telling the woman to stay out of things and the woman acting like she is the only one who can solve the crime. I can't wait til the next book comes out.
I liked the fact that there was no bickering about who could investigate or know anything. One of my pet peeves is the man telling the woman to stay out of things and the woman acting like she is the only one who can solve the crime. I can't wait til the next book comes out.
December 22, 2022
Another cozy mystery from Heather Day Gilbert and our favorite Barks and Beans Cafe. (I always read every book in this series, even though I am not a dog person.)
A book club Christmas party is the scene of the crime. And Macy and her brother Bo are there to find the murderer.
Always love the sibling interaction in these books!
A book club Christmas party is the scene of the crime. And Macy and her brother Bo are there to find the murderer.
Always love the sibling interaction in these books!
December 22, 2022
this is another great story if you like suspense and romance you will enjoy reading the book Marcy has agreed to talk at the book club meeting at veras but after it is over they find the mayors body in the bathroom. now they have to find out who did it and why well written very good story
December 22, 2022
I love Macy & her family/friends/pets!
December 22, 2022
Great book
This is another great book in the Barks & Beans series by Heather Day Gilbert. I cant wait for the next book.
This is another great book in the Barks & Beans series by Heather Day Gilbert. I cant wait for the next book.
December 20, 2022
A fun read - and a mystery I didn't figure out before it was revealed by the author. Clean, interesting, and something I couldn't wait to pick up again. My only complaint is that it ended too soon! And on a bit of a cliffhanger. I highly recommend this whole series.
November 6, 2023
Wow! What a fun mystery!
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it from cover to cover in one setting. I have greatly enjoyed every book in this series that I have read so far. I can hardly wait to start the next one! I really like this author!
I enjoyed this book so much that I read it from cover to cover in one setting. I have greatly enjoyed every book in this series that I have read so far. I can hardly wait to start the next one! I really like this author!
June 19, 2023
It was fun visiting Macy and her friends at Christmastime in Lewisburg, but all wasn't merry and bright when the mayor was killed at Macy's sweet friend Vera's book club meeting. It was a baffling case especially when another body joined the mix, but Macy figured it out during the showdown at the Christmas tree lot. Heck of a place for a showdown with a killer, right? Luckily Macy had a good self-defense teacher and got the upper hand so the perp could be hauled away.
The ending was super cute with a carriage ride, but even that got interrupted by the realization of someone from the past the DEA, Bo and Titan were dealing with. Bo had a couple life-changing events, so it'll be interesting to see how one pans out. I'm pretty sure I already know one of those events is gonna be just fine!
The ending was super cute with a carriage ride, but even that got interrupted by the realization of someone from the past the DEA, Bo and Titan were dealing with. Bo had a couple life-changing events, so it'll be interesting to see how one pans out. I'm pretty sure I already know one of those events is gonna be just fine!
September 29, 2023
Roast Date is the seventh book in the Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery series and is written by one of my favorite authors, Heather Day Gilbert. Having read and enjoyed the previous books, I was excited to read Roast Date and was not disappointed. I truly enjoy this cozy mystery series. Bo and his sister, Macy, own the Barks & Beans Cafe where one can get a cup of java and a puppy fix simultaneously. Macy is invited to speak at a local book club and the murder mystery begins. I like how the author keeps her readers guessing about who the culprit is. There are lots of action-filled tense moments that keep the pages turning. I love the characters, charming and capable--people one would like for friends--or perhaps not. Lots of action, some quirky characters from precious books, a murder to solve, and a hint of a romance, what more could a cozy mystery lover ask for? The ending brings Anne Louise Moreau back into the picture. Having wreaked havoc before, Macy and Bo's 'favorite southern belle' who is now an official drug dealer, leaves readers wondering what will happen in the next book in the series. It can't come too soon for this reader.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of the book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
January 19, 2023
If you’ve never visited the Barks and Beans Care, or met Macy Hatfield and her brother, Bo, then you’re in for a treat. Well, a treat with a bit of murder mixed in.
Ms. Gilbert weaves a cast of characters, friends and neighbors—red herrings—weaving in and out of the pages, coming and going to the café.
With every clue comes another twist, and more questions. The author keeps the reader engaged and guessing—and turning pages to the end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Roast Date, Heather Day Gilbert, Barks & Beans Series
Ms. Gilbert weaves a cast of characters, friends and neighbors—red herrings—weaving in and out of the pages, coming and going to the café.
With every clue comes another twist, and more questions. The author keeps the reader engaged and guessing—and turning pages to the end.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, Roast Date, Heather Day Gilbert, Barks & Beans Series
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews