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Arson and Americanos
When her family’s coffee shop goes down in flames, can this spunky barista prove it was arson?
Hazel Hewitt loves being in the coffee business with her mom and grandma. But when their cafe burns to the ground, her mom’s beloved boyfriend appears to be at fault. Joe will lose everything if he’s blamed for this, and since he’s the closest thing Hazel has to a father, she knows she needs to step in.
Hazel’s brother and the rest of their town’s police force think this is a simple case of negligence on Joe’s part. So when she’s not making plans with Mom and Grandma about the future of The Busy Bean, she’s doing whatever it takes to prove this was arson, not an accident.
With the help of her donut-shop-owning bestie, her reluctant brother, and her dog named Latte, can Hazel clear Joe’s name and find out who was responsible for burning down the shop?
Arson and Americanos is the origin story of the Coffee Truck Cozy Mystery series. Inside you’ll find the perfect blend of family bonds that will warm your heart and whodunit adventures as strong as the coffee.
Hazel Hewitt loves being in the coffee business with her mom and grandma. But when their cafe burns to the ground, her mom’s beloved boyfriend appears to be at fault. Joe will lose everything if he’s blamed for this, and since he’s the closest thing Hazel has to a father, she knows she needs to step in.
Hazel’s brother and the rest of their town’s police force think this is a simple case of negligence on Joe’s part. So when she’s not making plans with Mom and Grandma about the future of The Busy Bean, she’s doing whatever it takes to prove this was arson, not an accident.
With the help of her donut-shop-owning bestie, her reluctant brother, and her dog named Latte, can Hazel clear Joe’s name and find out who was responsible for burning down the shop?
Arson and Americanos is the origin story of the Coffee Truck Cozy Mystery series. Inside you’ll find the perfect blend of family bonds that will warm your heart and whodunit adventures as strong as the coffee.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 8, 2022
10 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jess Mastorakos
55 books707 followersJess Mastorakos writes sweet military romance books that feature heroes with heart and the strong women they love. She is a proud Marine wife and mama of four. She loves her coffee in a glitter tumbler and planning with an erasable pen.
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
Get a free novella from her San Diego Marines series, Forever with You, at the link below!
www.jessmastorakos.com/forever-with-you
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
May 28, 2022
I love cosy mysteries, and this one was fun! Suspect/plot wise, due to the short length, i found it rather obvious, but that’s fine. The characters are just great. I love the family bond the Hewitts share. And who doesn’t love a good cup of coffee?! Can’t wait to continue the story with the next book!
January 3, 2022
I’m not really a fan of cozy mysteries, but this one sounded like fun, and it was. I found myself smiling several times and trying to figure out who was guilty. I really liked Hazel's relationship with her mom and grandma, and even with her brother.
November 19, 2021
The Hewitt family have been brewing coffee for their town for three generations. In fact, all three generations are still working at their shop in a historic building, despite receiving multiple offers to buy their business. When a fire decimates their store, Hazel Hewitt determines that it's up to her to prove the cause and help convict the culprit.
To say this was a short origin story would be to discredit a very well-crafted tale though it is short and it is an origin story. All of the characters were fleshed out and convincing and the plot had a solid beginning, middle and end. This was just enough of a delicious taste to get me ready for the next book in the series.
Recommended.
To say this was a short origin story would be to discredit a very well-crafted tale though it is short and it is an origin story. All of the characters were fleshed out and convincing and the plot had a solid beginning, middle and end. This was just enough of a delicious taste to get me ready for the next book in the series.
Recommended.
January 22, 2022
I just finished this short story, the prequel to the Coffee Truck Cozy Mystery series, and I am really looking forward to reading the first book in the series, Murder and Macchiatos! Three generations of coffee lovers run the Busy Bean coffee shop, Grandma, Mom, and daughter, Hazel. When the shop burns down, which Hazel is sure is due to arson and not an electrical short, she and her friend Lexi investigate and finally convince her detective brother that something is off. In the meantime, the remodel or rebuild is going to take some time and the idea of a Coffee truck is suggested which Hazel jumps on. And just like that, the series is born! Great characters and a very enjoyable writing style make this a series I am really looking forward to reading!!
December 18, 2021
This was a great book.
March 12, 2022
ARSON AND AMERICANOS is the first book in a new series for Justine. It is a cozy mystery so that means that a crime will be committed rather it is arson or murder but it is not the thing that nightmares are made of. It is a fun mystery as the crime is solved. Any age can read and enjoy from teens to grannies. This story is set in a sunny small town.
Hazel, 27 is to be the main character. She lives in an apartment with a friend just a few blocks from where her mother and grandmother live. Many years ago Hazel's grand parents established a coffee shop The Bean. It has been exactly the same all these years with her mother and grandmother running the shop after her granddad passed away. This is their living, it has supported her family since the beginning. However a big developer has come to town and he wants to buy their building. They do not want to sell.
In the middle of the night Hazel gets a phone call that is an emergency, The Bean is on fire and she needs to get there now. They had just had a friend, an electrician, do some new wires. They know he is good at his work. However, the fire department determines the cause of the fire was faulty wiring and they blame the electrician. There is shock, upheaval, sadness and despair. They are not sure what they are going to do. Naturally the electrician is grieving as well. He knows this is not his fault. Hazel knows he is innocent as well and she is determined to find out what happened.
A whole new series will begin. There is adventure and shock as Hazel determines what happened and why. Good beginning to a new story. A whole new world opens up for Hazel and her family.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 2/12/2022.
Hazel, 27 is to be the main character. She lives in an apartment with a friend just a few blocks from where her mother and grandmother live. Many years ago Hazel's grand parents established a coffee shop The Bean. It has been exactly the same all these years with her mother and grandmother running the shop after her granddad passed away. This is their living, it has supported her family since the beginning. However a big developer has come to town and he wants to buy their building. They do not want to sell.
In the middle of the night Hazel gets a phone call that is an emergency, The Bean is on fire and she needs to get there now. They had just had a friend, an electrician, do some new wires. They know he is good at his work. However, the fire department determines the cause of the fire was faulty wiring and they blame the electrician. There is shock, upheaval, sadness and despair. They are not sure what they are going to do. Naturally the electrician is grieving as well. He knows this is not his fault. Hazel knows he is innocent as well and she is determined to find out what happened.
A whole new series will begin. There is adventure and shock as Hazel determines what happened and why. Good beginning to a new story. A whole new world opens up for Hazel and her family.
I was not paid for this review. I am not a writer nor do I know one. I am not kin to this author. I am a reader and this is my opinion, nothing more, nothing less. 2/12/2022.
November 12, 2021
This was a fun prequel that I got from one of those multi-author cozy freebie deals from BookFunnel where you sign up for a newsletter and get the prequel. It was definitely worth signing up, because I really loved finding out all the fun stuff you'd never know if you didn't read a prequel. I especially like prequels that do exist before the series. It kinda gets the reader fired up and wanting to read said series.
Hazel, her mom and grandma were all great characters that I'm eager to read more about in the upcoming first book. I loved how they trusted Hazel's business sense when she made them a proposal for the shop after the fire. Lexi was cracking me up the way she was crushing on Hazel's police detective brother, Ryan. And his partner Nick is someone I hope maybe Hazel can get to know a little better. After all, he planted a good idea in her head! I sure hope the release date of March 2022 is just a filler date for the first book in the series, and we don't really have to wait that long! And it's another fun series I can borrow using my Kindle Unlimited!
This free download is available on BookFunnel either by going to one of the free cozy offers various authors share or signing up for the author's newsletter directly from her website.
Hazel, her mom and grandma were all great characters that I'm eager to read more about in the upcoming first book. I loved how they trusted Hazel's business sense when she made them a proposal for the shop after the fire. Lexi was cracking me up the way she was crushing on Hazel's police detective brother, Ryan. And his partner Nick is someone I hope maybe Hazel can get to know a little better. After all, he planted a good idea in her head! I sure hope the release date of March 2022 is just a filler date for the first book in the series, and we don't really have to wait that long! And it's another fun series I can borrow using my Kindle Unlimited!
This free download is available on BookFunnel either by going to one of the free cozy offers various authors share or signing up for the author's newsletter directly from her website.
March 16, 2022
The Busy Bean in Pine Lakes, Arizona has served coffee to the community for fifty years. Three generations of women have run the small business. At the moment they’re fighting a fellow townsmen who wants to buy their business and renovate the property. Hazel, the youngest of the three women, is outspoken in her resentment of the man. When the building catches fire and burns in the night, she is suspicious. The fire department may insist it was an electrical failure caused by her mother‘s boyfriend, but Hazel doesn’t believe it. When the police won’t help, including her brother a member of the force, she begins to investigate. The enjoyable mystery involves three generations of a close knit family, a small town with a community spirit, and a slight bit of romance. It was a quick enjoyable read and I look forward to the next installment.
August 24, 2025
3.50 stars rounded up to 4 stars. This was an easy quick read. It would have been more interesting to me if there was a fantasy element to this or it was historical fiction somehow but given that both of those elements weren’t here it still kept my attention enough for me to give it a 3.50 rating.
The writer of this novella is talented and I got this book free in the first place so that was nice. I am not sure I will continue with the series since as I said there is not fantasy’s or historical fiction aspect to this…along with that I didn’t really get any cozy vibes despite this being presented as a cozy mystery. I think to could be considered a cozy mystery based on low stakes and more of a toned down feel. That plus the somewhat coffee theme. So we will see, I liked the characters and the book so I might read more or I might not.
The writer of this novella is talented and I got this book free in the first place so that was nice. I am not sure I will continue with the series since as I said there is not fantasy’s or historical fiction aspect to this…along with that I didn’t really get any cozy vibes despite this being presented as a cozy mystery. I think to could be considered a cozy mystery based on low stakes and more of a toned down feel. That plus the somewhat coffee theme. So we will see, I liked the characters and the book so I might read more or I might not.
September 24, 2022
This was a good first story for this author. I have read most, if not all of her other books under a different name and always enjoy them, so I gave this one a read. I have always enjoyed cozy mysteries and haven’t read one in a while. I need to read more of them. This was a very good short story/introduction and set a good foundation.
Hazel is a 3rd generation barista with her mom and grandma. Her brother Ryan is a local detective. The family’s coffee shop is burned down and the finger does not point in the right direction in Hazel’s opinion. She becomes an amateur detective to find the real arsonist.
I liked the family dynamic and getting a few support characters to create a strong base for future stories.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hazel is a 3rd generation barista with her mom and grandma. Her brother Ryan is a local detective. The family’s coffee shop is burned down and the finger does not point in the right direction in Hazel’s opinion. She becomes an amateur detective to find the real arsonist.
I liked the family dynamic and getting a few support characters to create a strong base for future stories.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2021
What a cleverly written prequel to a brand new series. If Ms. Maxwell hadn't told us, in her newsletter, that this was her first foray into the cozy mystery genre you'd certainly never know. The plot moves well with no lagging and the conversations are smooth and realistic. The final twist was unexpected and wrapped the story up well. I enjoyed this short prequel tremendously and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series and learning more about Hazel, her family and more of their adventures in their new coffee truck.
January 9, 2022
When their family owned coffee shop goes up in flames , it is believed to be faulty electrical work and her mom's boyfriend, Joe is blamed.
Hazel thinks it is arson and sets out to clear Joe , save his business and find the real culprit while still helping her Gran and Mom figure out what to do about their own business .
While the story was short it was well written and the characters were well fleshed out. The culprit was not immediately identifiable and there were a few twists. I liked the storyline and the characters and would like to read more in this series. Worth the time to read.
Hazel thinks it is arson and sets out to clear Joe , save his business and find the real culprit while still helping her Gran and Mom figure out what to do about their own business .
While the story was short it was well written and the characters were well fleshed out. The culprit was not immediately identifiable and there were a few twists. I liked the storyline and the characters and would like to read more in this series. Worth the time to read.
December 30, 2024
My first Cozy Mystery
Loved it. I loved meeting Hazel and her family and friends. Jess does an excellent job of "Who dunnit?" I had about three suspects, but all turned out to be wrong. I must admit one was a fleeting thought, and I would apologize to that character if I could. I see he's just protective, and I very much appreciate that about him. When the mystery is solved and the actual culprit is known, the pieces of the puzzle just click. I will definitely be reading more of this series!
Loved it. I loved meeting Hazel and her family and friends. Jess does an excellent job of "Who dunnit?" I had about three suspects, but all turned out to be wrong. I must admit one was a fleeting thought, and I would apologize to that character if I could. I see he's just protective, and I very much appreciate that about him. When the mystery is solved and the actual culprit is known, the pieces of the puzzle just click. I will definitely be reading more of this series!
November 4, 2021
A quick and easy investigation. The coffee shop burns and the electrician, Joe, is blamed.
The police write it off as careless work but Hazel starts to investigate to save Joe's business (cos he's the boyfriend of Hazel's mother).
It's a short book but she manages to interview a range of suspects.
The police write it off as careless work but Hazel starts to investigate to save Joe's business (cos he's the boyfriend of Hazel's mother).
It's a short book but she manages to interview a range of suspects.
February 10, 2022
Hazel, her mom,and grandmother run the Busy Bean a coffee shop,Ryan her brother is a policeman. One evening the Busy Bean catches fire caused by faulty electrical wiring. Hazel doesn't believe that especially since her mom's boyfriend Joe updated the wiring. Thus the mystery of who done it? Justine Maxwell brings the characters to life and this makes for an enjoyable short story.
September 5, 2022
3.5*
This was a cute little prequel to a series I hope to read and enjoy soon. I like the bond between Hazel, her mom and grandma. I like the banter between Hazel and Ryan, her brother. Had no clue about who the guilty party was but it's been a while since I last read a cozy. I am rusty when it comes to sleuthing.
Also, give me a good cozy that includes coffee and I am happy 😊
This was a cute little prequel to a series I hope to read and enjoy soon. I like the bond between Hazel, her mom and grandma. I like the banter between Hazel and Ryan, her brother. Had no clue about who the guilty party was but it's been a while since I last read a cozy. I am rusty when it comes to sleuthing.
Also, give me a good cozy that includes coffee and I am happy 😊
October 24, 2021
Cleverly plotted and building to an intense crescendo in the final chapters. The book draws you in so that you don’t want to put it down without finishing it. And then you wish for more. I can’t wait for the Coffee Truck Cozy Mystery books to be released in 2022.
March 5, 2022
I loved this novella! It was such a great introduction to Hazel and her family and the coffee shop! I cannot wait for the first full novel of this series!
I'm thinking this author is going to be another great one!
I'm thinking this author is going to be another great one!
June 14, 2022
Great sweet & clean mystery!! A quick read but cute story about a multi generation family owned coffee shop. Love Hazel and her sleuthing skills. Can't wait to read more of the crazy antics of Hazel, her friend Lexi and the family dog Latte.
October 21, 2023
I received this book in return for an honest review.
A nice short story, giving us a good introduction to the series. It has all the ingredients for a great cozy mystery series - small town, coffee, close family and a mystery to solve. Will look forward to reading the rest of the series.
A nice short story, giving us a good introduction to the series. It has all the ingredients for a great cozy mystery series - small town, coffee, close family and a mystery to solve. Will look forward to reading the rest of the series.
October 10, 2024
Cute little cozy mystery… really a novella but it came with enough description history so it was enjoyable. Usually novellas don’t have the word count for details! Of course with so few characters, it wasn’t difficult to name the guilty party!
March 21, 2025
I loved this book. So much so that before I finished I ordered the other 3. It is a short read but good things come in small packages. Very cozy light read. Just what I needed on a Friday after a long work week.
November 13, 2021
This was a cute, quick little read that I picked up for free over at BookFunnel. It made me laugh and I liked the characters. I'm looking forward to more from this series!
November 16, 2021
Cute start to a new series. Can’t wait to read the next one.
November 18, 2021
Loved it! Great cozy mystery with good dialogue and relationship building. Human characters with all the foibles and excellence that entails.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
November 29, 2021
Great first book. Interesting characters and a great mystery! Entertaining, I'm looking forward to what happens next.
December 12, 2021
Great start to a new cozy series!
March 17, 2022
Just when you think you have solved the mystery,another twist is thrown into the mix. But never fear. Hazel is on the calse. Did I mention that she works at the family coffee shop? A great read.
July 22, 2022
Easy and fun mystery! Enjoyed it and breezed through it in a day!
November 29, 2022
A fun novella to start off a cute new cozy mystery series!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews