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Barks & Beans Cafe Cozy Mystery #6
Cold Drip
BOOK 6 in the bestselling BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!!
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.
Thanksgiving is on the way, and Macy's thrilled when her boyfriend Titan says he's coming to town for a week-long visit. She plans to take him to some of her favorite haunts, including the sprawling caverns nearby.
But when the lights go out during their underground tour and a local society darling plunges to her death, Macy can't shake the feeling that the cave's slippery floors weren't entirely to blame. She taps into the admittedly limited skills of her upscale barista, Milo, to do a little snooping in the moneyed circles he moves in. When he unearths a sinkhole of lies, Macy slides straight toward a killer who's not about to stop until every leak is sealed...permanently.
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. Find all the books at heatherdaygilbert.com !
The Barks & Beans Cafe series in
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing
Book 6: Cold Drip
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.
Thanksgiving is on the way, and Macy's thrilled when her boyfriend Titan says he's coming to town for a week-long visit. She plans to take him to some of her favorite haunts, including the sprawling caverns nearby.
But when the lights go out during their underground tour and a local society darling plunges to her death, Macy can't shake the feeling that the cave's slippery floors weren't entirely to blame. She taps into the admittedly limited skills of her upscale barista, Milo, to do a little snooping in the moneyed circles he moves in. When he unearths a sinkhole of lies, Macy slides straight toward a killer who's not about to stop until every leak is sealed...permanently.
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. Find all the books at heatherdaygilbert.com !
The Barks & Beans Cafe series in
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
Book 3: Fair Trade
Book 4: Spilled Milk
Book 5: Trouble Brewing
Book 6: Cold Drip
160 pages, Paperback
First published May 24, 2022
43 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Heather Day Gilbert
42 books868 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 40 reviews
April 1, 2024
This sixth installment of Gilbert's Barks and Beans Cafe' mystery series is set about a month after the events of the previous one, Trouble Brewing; that one took place around Halloween, and this one during the week of Thanksgiving. (It's the same year, since protagonist Macy still refers to herself as 38 years old.) Like the previous entries in the series, it takes place in the real-life small town of Lewisburg, West Virginia, and makes use of real-life features of that setting. In this case, the author makes use of the fact that the mountainous topography of the area (like that of Appalachia in general) is fissured by numerous deep limestone caves, which are often tourist attractions. The one which figures prominently here isn't named, but is probably modeled on Lewisburg's Lost World Caverns (https://www.lostworldcaverns.com/ ).
When our story opens, Macy learns that her boyfriend, FBI agent Titan McCoy, will be able to come into town for the week of the holiday. Yielding to her brother Bo's suggestion, she agrees to take Titan for a tour of the local caverns, though contrary to the cover copy (which the Goodreads description reproduces) it's not one of her 'favorite haunts;" she hasn't cared much for the place since, as a child, she nearly fell over a steep drop when she slipped on a slick underground trail. Despite that bad memory, she and her beau are enjoying the experience well enough --until (in Chapter 2) the lights inexplicably go out, and a couple of screams pierce the darkness. We're soon dealing with an apparent accident --or was it an accident?-- a missing person/corpse, and before long a definite murder mystery. (If this series were to be believed, for such a small place, Lewisburg's murder rate ought to be of serious concern to the DOJ's crime statisticians. :-) ) As usual, Macy's detective fever will find her snooping (with more zeal and naivety than finesse) into a tangle of not-very-loving family ties, toxic "friendships" and interlocking romantic triangles, with some illegal gambling thrown into the mix, among the town's monied set. (Since Barks and Beans' male barista, continuing character Milo, has wealthy parents and moves in those circles when he wants to, he gets featured here a bit more than usual.)
Personally, my main criticisms of this book are twofold. First, as isn't uncommon in this series, the solution is arrived at through the killer's helpful, "Now that I have you at my mercy, since you're going to die anyway, I'll first obligingly explain the whole crime to you" trope (okay, that's not an exact quote :-) ). I've never been a real fan of that particular device. Also, I thought the motives behind two of the key mysteries of the plot were hard to credit; IMO, the decisions of both the two characters involved were too drastic under the circumstances, and were either unnecessary for their own interests or actually contrary to the latter. But while those are issues for me, they won't be with all readers. Although I sometimes finger the culprit in mysteries before the big reveal, I didn't do so for sure here (although I did divine the fact that one character had to be more involved in one aspect of the plotting here than he/she was wanting to shout from the housetops!). Our continuing characters, by now, are all old friends, the ambiance of modern small-town Appalachia is evoked realistically, and the book has a built-in attraction for dog-loving readers in particular.
Like all the previous paperback entries of the series, I read this one aloud to my wife (who's not on Goodreads). She stated that she would give this one four stars; though she didn't like it as well as some of its predecessors, because she thought Macy's recklessness in self-endangerment here was worse than usual. My own perception was that this book wasn't that much of an outlier in this respect; Macy's likely to wind up in damsel-in-distress mode, but for her that's fairly characteristic. :-) Since the series is consciously written for "cozy" fans, those who actually prefer mysteries in that mode even over other traditional mysteries that incorporate less "cozy" formulaic characteristics, Barb is more the target audience for it than I am (though, for the record, I also like both this book and the series overall). So I went with her rating, to more fairly represent its merits in the context of the author's intention.
When our story opens, Macy learns that her boyfriend, FBI agent Titan McCoy, will be able to come into town for the week of the holiday. Yielding to her brother Bo's suggestion, she agrees to take Titan for a tour of the local caverns, though contrary to the cover copy (which the Goodreads description reproduces) it's not one of her 'favorite haunts;" she hasn't cared much for the place since, as a child, she nearly fell over a steep drop when she slipped on a slick underground trail. Despite that bad memory, she and her beau are enjoying the experience well enough --until (in Chapter 2) the lights inexplicably go out, and a couple of screams pierce the darkness. We're soon dealing with an apparent accident --or was it an accident?-- a missing person/corpse, and before long a definite murder mystery. (If this series were to be believed, for such a small place, Lewisburg's murder rate ought to be of serious concern to the DOJ's crime statisticians. :-) ) As usual, Macy's detective fever will find her snooping (with more zeal and naivety than finesse) into a tangle of not-very-loving family ties, toxic "friendships" and interlocking romantic triangles, with some illegal gambling thrown into the mix, among the town's monied set. (Since Barks and Beans' male barista, continuing character Milo, has wealthy parents and moves in those circles when he wants to, he gets featured here a bit more than usual.)
Personally, my main criticisms of this book are twofold. First, as isn't uncommon in this series, the solution is arrived at through the killer's helpful, "Now that I have you at my mercy, since you're going to die anyway, I'll first obligingly explain the whole crime to you" trope (okay, that's not an exact quote :-) ). I've never been a real fan of that particular device. Also, I thought the motives behind two of the key mysteries of the plot were hard to credit; IMO, the decisions of both the two characters involved were too drastic under the circumstances, and were either unnecessary for their own interests or actually contrary to the latter. But while those are issues for me, they won't be with all readers. Although I sometimes finger the culprit in mysteries before the big reveal, I didn't do so for sure here (although I did divine the fact that one character had to be more involved in one aspect of the plotting here than he/she was wanting to shout from the housetops!). Our continuing characters, by now, are all old friends, the ambiance of modern small-town Appalachia is evoked realistically, and the book has a built-in attraction for dog-loving readers in particular.
Like all the previous paperback entries of the series, I read this one aloud to my wife (who's not on Goodreads). She stated that she would give this one four stars; though she didn't like it as well as some of its predecessors, because she thought Macy's recklessness in self-endangerment here was worse than usual. My own perception was that this book wasn't that much of an outlier in this respect; Macy's likely to wind up in damsel-in-distress mode, but for her that's fairly characteristic. :-) Since the series is consciously written for "cozy" fans, those who actually prefer mysteries in that mode even over other traditional mysteries that incorporate less "cozy" formulaic characteristics, Barb is more the target audience for it than I am (though, for the record, I also like both this book and the series overall). So I went with her rating, to more fairly represent its merits in the context of the author's intention.
May 20, 2022
'The wicked stepmother scenario isn't limited to fairy tales, you know.'
Heather Day Gilbert once again delights her loyal readers with another offering in her Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series. I always look forward to each one so very much. Siblings Bo and Macy Hatfield just seem to find trouble always around and are quite dab hands at solving crimes. While at the same time, finding owners for the shelter dogs they showcase in one corner of their cafe. A cafe, incidentally, at which I'd love to have lunch sometime. This one is just fine, folks, and I highly recommend not only this book, but this author!
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.
Heather Day Gilbert once again delights her loyal readers with another offering in her Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series. I always look forward to each one so very much. Siblings Bo and Macy Hatfield just seem to find trouble always around and are quite dab hands at solving crimes. While at the same time, finding owners for the shelter dogs they showcase in one corner of their cafe. A cafe, incidentally, at which I'd love to have lunch sometime. This one is just fine, folks, and I highly recommend not only this book, but this author!
My thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book. The opinion in this review is my own.
November 11, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Macy and Bo Hatfield own and operate the Barks & Beans Cafe where you can stop in for a cup of coffee and fall in love with a dog from the local shelter. You can also catch a glimpse of Macy’s lovable Great Dane, Coal.
It’s almost Thanksgiving and Macy’s boyfriend and FBI Agent, Titan has come for a week-long visit. Macy plans to take him around like a tourist to see some local sights. Their first stop is the local caverns where Macy had a big scare as a child. Soon after their arrival, the lights go out and they hear a scream. When the lights come back on they learn a young socialite fell into the cavern while trying to get the perfect selfie. Or maybe she was pushed. After a lengthy search and rescue, no body is found. Macy decides to do some investigating herself and her best source may be her best barista, Milo. Together they may find the body and a killer.
Anyone that has been in a cave or cavern will agree they can be very eerie. I haven’t been to one in years, way before the arrival of social media tweets, instas, TikToks, and selfies. I can just imagine how places have had to add a lot of new safety measures to keep people from getting hurt while they strive to get the perfect picture. I loved the author’s detailed descriptions of the stalagmites and stalactites and the wondrous beauty they create and the danger of one false step. They opened my eyes to the places I take my grandchildren and how much they have had to change from my old days.
The core characters in this story are so genuine and engaging. I became invested in their lives while reading the first book of the series, No Filter and they have continued to grow in each new installment. Bo and Macy have a close relationship and their significant others Summer and Titan fit right in. I really enjoy the friendships that are built within this series. People watch out for each other and that makes this series shine.
It is always the animals that make me smile and grab my heart. I love Coal but a dog like him would be too big for me. Some members of our family have a Great Dane and it is amazing to see how fast he is growing and what a great breed they are.
This mystery was different because until a body is found you don’t know if you are searching for a missing person or a killer but someone or several someones are lying and Milo uncovers a lot to help Macy. I stuck with Macy through the twists and turns and was keen to know I was right about so much. The ending was chilling though, the coldness wasn’t just in the caverns. Brrr!
Cold Drip is another entertaining story from Heather Day Gilbert. She always delivers a flawless blend of intrigue, drama, romance, and humor. Her characters are exceptional and feel like old friends. Set around Thanksgiving makes this a great time to read this book. Plus the next book in the series, Roast Date will be released on December 20th.
Macy and Bo Hatfield own and operate the Barks & Beans Cafe where you can stop in for a cup of coffee and fall in love with a dog from the local shelter. You can also catch a glimpse of Macy’s lovable Great Dane, Coal.
It’s almost Thanksgiving and Macy’s boyfriend and FBI Agent, Titan has come for a week-long visit. Macy plans to take him around like a tourist to see some local sights. Their first stop is the local caverns where Macy had a big scare as a child. Soon after their arrival, the lights go out and they hear a scream. When the lights come back on they learn a young socialite fell into the cavern while trying to get the perfect selfie. Or maybe she was pushed. After a lengthy search and rescue, no body is found. Macy decides to do some investigating herself and her best source may be her best barista, Milo. Together they may find the body and a killer.
Anyone that has been in a cave or cavern will agree they can be very eerie. I haven’t been to one in years, way before the arrival of social media tweets, instas, TikToks, and selfies. I can just imagine how places have had to add a lot of new safety measures to keep people from getting hurt while they strive to get the perfect picture. I loved the author’s detailed descriptions of the stalagmites and stalactites and the wondrous beauty they create and the danger of one false step. They opened my eyes to the places I take my grandchildren and how much they have had to change from my old days.
The core characters in this story are so genuine and engaging. I became invested in their lives while reading the first book of the series, No Filter and they have continued to grow in each new installment. Bo and Macy have a close relationship and their significant others Summer and Titan fit right in. I really enjoy the friendships that are built within this series. People watch out for each other and that makes this series shine.
It is always the animals that make me smile and grab my heart. I love Coal but a dog like him would be too big for me. Some members of our family have a Great Dane and it is amazing to see how fast he is growing and what a great breed they are.
This mystery was different because until a body is found you don’t know if you are searching for a missing person or a killer but someone or several someones are lying and Milo uncovers a lot to help Macy. I stuck with Macy through the twists and turns and was keen to know I was right about so much. The ending was chilling though, the coldness wasn’t just in the caverns. Brrr!
Cold Drip is another entertaining story from Heather Day Gilbert. She always delivers a flawless blend of intrigue, drama, romance, and humor. Her characters are exceptional and feel like old friends. Set around Thanksgiving makes this a great time to read this book. Plus the next book in the series, Roast Date will be released on December 20th.
Read
November 1, 2022Kudos, Heather Day Gilbert, for another captivating cozy mystery with Cold Drip, Book 6 in the Barks & Beans Cafe series! This one flew by for me, and I was completely wrong with my guess about who did and didn't commit the crime. But what fun would it be if I figured it out early? I love the main character, Macy Hatfield. She's 38, she's smart, she can take care of herself but knows when she needs backup. She has much more common sense than the average heroine, I love her co-stars, too. The diverse cast makes for an interesting read everytime.
November 13, 2024
Read in one sitting. Takes place during Thanksgiving. Liked the characters and the setting. Didn't like the motive for the crime or a decision the main character made. Never hand over your pepper spray. Use it!
May 10, 2022
"Yet another death due to popularity posting on the internet—otherwise known as taking unwise selfies."
“I was like some kind of busybody matchmaker when it came to placing shelter dogs.”
"She'll get what's coming to her."
The Bark And Beans Cafe Mystery Series has quickly become one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Heather Day Gilbert has created a great cast of characters, some fun animals, a West Virginia setting with the coffee/dog cafe, and intriguing mysteries. And I enjoyed the Thanksgiving timeframe.
Macy once again is asking questions and placing herself in harms way. Every moment is edge of your seat. It is called Cold Drip but the action pours! Although I had an idea about the original mystery that proved true, the big reveal was a complete surprise to me. A lot of really good red herrings that would make Agatha Christie proud! So grab your favorite coffee (or tea if so inclined!), throw on a blanket, and get lost in a great book.
I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
“I was like some kind of busybody matchmaker when it came to placing shelter dogs.”
"She'll get what's coming to her."
The Bark And Beans Cafe Mystery Series has quickly become one of my favorite cozy mystery series. Heather Day Gilbert has created a great cast of characters, some fun animals, a West Virginia setting with the coffee/dog cafe, and intriguing mysteries. And I enjoyed the Thanksgiving timeframe.
Macy once again is asking questions and placing herself in harms way. Every moment is edge of your seat. It is called Cold Drip but the action pours! Although I had an idea about the original mystery that proved true, the big reveal was a complete surprise to me. A lot of really good red herrings that would make Agatha Christie proud! So grab your favorite coffee (or tea if so inclined!), throw on a blanket, and get lost in a great book.
I received this book courtesy of the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 9, 2022
Here is a clean, light mystery, perfect for snuggling up with on the couch or reading on the beach. If you like animals, you'll appreciate the pets showcased in this book (and indeed, the whole series) and the likable heroine - so much like any ordinary gal you might know - is someone to root for. Can you guess who done it?
February 23, 2025
3.5 stars
"I was feeling quite safe and enjoying the earthy, cool smells of being underground when all the lights went out."
Following a couple of jarring screams, the cave lights came back on, but there was one less visitor in the subterranean cavern that day. Macy Hatfield and her boyfriend Titan McCoy carefully moved towards the two frightened young women ahead of them on the walkway, only to learn that the third one in their trio of friends was missing. Darby Whitmore had simply vanished over the side of a deep, dark precipice.
Leaving Titan behind to lend his F. B. I. credentials to the local search and rescue team, Macy returns home, a cozy apartment behind the Barks and Beans Cafe, which she co-owns with her brother Bo, and shares with her jet black Great Dane, Coal. One of the cafe's baristas happens to know quite a bit about Darby Whitmore and the story isn't what you might consider very pretty. Does Macy really want to get involved?
Of course she does.
Enjoy all the ups and downs, twists and turns, not to mention the hot and cold leads in this nothing-is-what-it-seems-to-be addition to a most delightful series!
"I was feeling quite safe and enjoying the earthy, cool smells of being underground when all the lights went out."
Following a couple of jarring screams, the cave lights came back on, but there was one less visitor in the subterranean cavern that day. Macy Hatfield and her boyfriend Titan McCoy carefully moved towards the two frightened young women ahead of them on the walkway, only to learn that the third one in their trio of friends was missing. Darby Whitmore had simply vanished over the side of a deep, dark precipice.
Leaving Titan behind to lend his F. B. I. credentials to the local search and rescue team, Macy returns home, a cozy apartment behind the Barks and Beans Cafe, which she co-owns with her brother Bo, and shares with her jet black Great Dane, Coal. One of the cafe's baristas happens to know quite a bit about Darby Whitmore and the story isn't what you might consider very pretty. Does Macy really want to get involved?
Of course she does.
Enjoy all the ups and downs, twists and turns, not to mention the hot and cold leads in this nothing-is-what-it-seems-to-be addition to a most delightful series!
February 4, 2023
Just when Macy had Titan in the area for a whole week just to do fun area things, a cave tour went south when a woman who'd been known as a mean girl in school disappeared. Macy of course felt sorry for one of the friends the girl had and came to find out that girl didn't have much in common with the ones she hung out with.
There were some crazy twists especially at the end. I started suspecting someone eventually and was right although I didn't have all the details right. The showdown was really exciting as Macy fought to keep a killer away. I'd say she needed some normalness of having some dogs in the café after that ordeal! Or some time with Titan before his vacation was finished. Nothing like being on vacation and getting pulled into a case, but it was who Titan was. He's definitely a keeper for Macy! I've already borrowed the next book from KU.
There were some crazy twists especially at the end. I started suspecting someone eventually and was right although I didn't have all the details right. The showdown was really exciting as Macy fought to keep a killer away. I'd say she needed some normalness of having some dogs in the café after that ordeal! Or some time with Titan before his vacation was finished. Nothing like being on vacation and getting pulled into a case, but it was who Titan was. He's definitely a keeper for Macy! I've already borrowed the next book from KU.
July 16, 2022
Book 6. These are Awesome books series too. The brother Bo and sister Macy have started up Barks and Been Cafe.where you can get all kinds of different coffees and baked goods and then sit and watch puppies and dogs that Samantha ( a dog rescurer and Bo ' s girlfriend) had a deal for her dogs to visit at Cafe to find homes foe each one of them. Titan ( Macy's boyfriend and Bo's FBI friend) is coming to visit her. So she wanted go to different sites in her town with him. So she decided to go to a Cave which as a child she almost slipped and fell to her death but her brother Bo saved her. So when Macy and Titan went she saw a girl Darby and her Best Buddies Felicia ,and Olivia ( Milo the Barista at Cafe) Milo's nemesis that came in Cafe and was very rude to him that also were there too at caves. Well next thing you know the lights in the cave had blacked out and someone screamed. Finally when the lights came on they found that Darby had fallen off one of the caves edge because she was trying to take a selfie. This book 6 is very weird at end. But I had a feeling which killer really murdered her. And I was right. But maybe you would not guess
May 17, 2022
This one was so good! I absolutely love this series! These are such a cozy, feel-good read. I can usually read them all in one sitting. I was surprised by finding out whodunit in this one! I can't wait for the next one!
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.
June 2, 2022
Great book
This is an excellent series by Heather Day Gilbert. I love all of the characters especially Coal and all the other dogs.
This is an excellent series by Heather Day Gilbert. I love all of the characters especially Coal and all the other dogs.
July 29, 2022
Another excellent entry into the Barks and Beans series. I cannot get enough of Macy’s sleuthing antics.
And, okay, let’s go ahead and get this out of the way—Titan! Macy’s finally boyfriend was one of the secondary characters in this story, and I am so here for it. I do love the sibling relationship between Macy and Bo, however, I really enjoyed getting more of Titan than just a peripheral view. That was super fun!
An underground cave visit turns deadly when a seemingly innocent selfie leaves someone missing, presumed dead. Since Titan is in the FBI, he stays to lend a hand in the search, while Macy takes home shaken friends of the victim. The story proceeds with Gilbert’s trademark twists and turns, a plot that doesn’t quit, as well as the quirks and characters of a small West Virginia town. I’m somewhat decent at sniffing out whodunits, but in this case, I was a little surprised. And, hoo-wee, the cold-heartedness of this one was creepy!
This was an entirely satisfying addition to the series, and I’m happy to know there’s more to come! Cozy and clean mystery readers – put this series on your list!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
And, okay, let’s go ahead and get this out of the way—Titan! Macy’s finally boyfriend was one of the secondary characters in this story, and I am so here for it. I do love the sibling relationship between Macy and Bo, however, I really enjoyed getting more of Titan than just a peripheral view. That was super fun!
An underground cave visit turns deadly when a seemingly innocent selfie leaves someone missing, presumed dead. Since Titan is in the FBI, he stays to lend a hand in the search, while Macy takes home shaken friends of the victim. The story proceeds with Gilbert’s trademark twists and turns, a plot that doesn’t quit, as well as the quirks and characters of a small West Virginia town. I’m somewhat decent at sniffing out whodunits, but in this case, I was a little surprised. And, hoo-wee, the cold-heartedness of this one was creepy!
This was an entirely satisfying addition to the series, and I’m happy to know there’s more to come! Cozy and clean mystery readers – put this series on your list!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel; a positive review was not required, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.
June 4, 2022
I'm not really a dog person--at all. But I love coffee. And I always enjoy Heather Day Gilbert's short and easy to read mysteries in the Barks and Beans Cafe series. Cold Drip had a few surprising elements that made it harder to figure out whodunnit.
May 12, 2022
A tour of the local caverns with her visiting boyfriend plunges Macy Hatfield into another mystery when a young woman falls over a cliff during a suspicious power outage.
I’m always happy to return to the West Virginia-set Barks and Beans Café for a vicarious dose of tasty treats and canine company. And as the series continues, I appreciate how some of the secondary characters are included in aspects of the mysteries. It lets readers get to know them along with brother-and-sister sleuthing duo Bo and Macy—and Coal, my favourite fictional Great Dane.
Fans of Heather Day Gilbert’s other books will be happy to recognize a new character in Cold Drip who was introduced in False Pretense, the recent finale to her Murder in the Mountains series. Cold Drip also includes some hints that may shape future mysteries in the series.
The Barks and Beans books are light-toned cozy mysteries with characters who’ll keep you coming back for more. There’s an overall arc of developing friendships and romance, yet a reader could start with any book.
Author Heather Day Gilbert writes contemporary mysteries (some faith-based and some clean mainstream) and Viking historicals. To quote her bio on the Goodreads site, “She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love.” For more about the author and her work, visit heatherdaygilbert.com.
[Advance review copy provided by the author. I was not required to write a review, and my opinions are my own.]
I’m always happy to return to the West Virginia-set Barks and Beans Café for a vicarious dose of tasty treats and canine company. And as the series continues, I appreciate how some of the secondary characters are included in aspects of the mysteries. It lets readers get to know them along with brother-and-sister sleuthing duo Bo and Macy—and Coal, my favourite fictional Great Dane.
Fans of Heather Day Gilbert’s other books will be happy to recognize a new character in Cold Drip who was introduced in False Pretense, the recent finale to her Murder in the Mountains series. Cold Drip also includes some hints that may shape future mysteries in the series.
The Barks and Beans books are light-toned cozy mysteries with characters who’ll keep you coming back for more. There’s an overall arc of developing friendships and romance, yet a reader could start with any book.
Author Heather Day Gilbert writes contemporary mysteries (some faith-based and some clean mainstream) and Viking historicals. To quote her bio on the Goodreads site, “She brings authentic family relationships to the page, and she particularly delights in heroines who take a stand to protect those they love.” For more about the author and her work, visit heatherdaygilbert.com.
[Advance review copy provided by the author. I was not required to write a review, and my opinions are my own.]
May 24, 2022
Macy’s plans for a peaceful Thanksgiving with friends and her brother Bo go sideways when a young socialite takes a treacherous tumble in a cavern right in front of Macy and her boyfriend. Determined to find out what happened to the girl, the perpetually curious, peril-prone amateur sleuth soon finds herself swept up in the drama and scandal of the town’s upper crust citizens…not all of whom appreciate Macy’s meddling.
Cold Drip is a fascinating and cunning addition to the Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery Series. The mystery is truly perplexing, and the focus on the personalities and interpersonal dynamics among the victim’s social circle gives the story an engaging element of psychological suspense. As with previous books in the series, the Barks and Beans cafe, with its adorable animals and vibrant humans, serves as a charming background to the mystery.
Fans of the classic Agatha Christie-style tales where the clues to “whodunnit” reside more in the psyche of the victim and suspects than at the crime scene itself will love Cold Drip.
Cold Drip is a fascinating and cunning addition to the Barks and Beans Cafe Mystery Series. The mystery is truly perplexing, and the focus on the personalities and interpersonal dynamics among the victim’s social circle gives the story an engaging element of psychological suspense. As with previous books in the series, the Barks and Beans cafe, with its adorable animals and vibrant humans, serves as a charming background to the mystery.
Fans of the classic Agatha Christie-style tales where the clues to “whodunnit” reside more in the psyche of the victim and suspects than at the crime scene itself will love Cold Drip.
May 27, 2022
Cold Drip is the sixth book in the Barks & Beans Cafe Mystery series, written by one of my favorite authors, Heather Day Gilbert. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in the series, I was excited to find out what mystery Macy would get swept up into in this story. I love this cozy mystery series. Macy and her brother, Bo, own the Barks & Beans Cafe where one can get a cup of java and a puppy fix at the same time. While Macy is spending time with her boyfriend, a socialite tumbles into a cavern right in front of them and Macy is off and running to find out whodunit! There are lots of action-filled tense moments that keep the pages turning. With some quirky characters, a murder to solve, and a hint of a romance, what more could a cozy mystery lover ask for. I am so looking forward to the next book, Roast Date, which can't come too soon.
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.
May 24, 2022
Cold Drip was a good cozy mystery read. A young socialite takes a fall in the cavern while Macy and her boyfriend Titan are there.
Macy, determined to find out what happened to the girl, gets involved. This mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me turning the pages to find out whodunnit. Love reading about Macy, Bo, Coal, and the rest of the characters from Bark and Beans Cafe.
Macy, determined to find out what happened to the girl, gets involved. This mystery, full of twists and turns, kept me turning the pages to find out whodunnit. Love reading about Macy, Bo, Coal, and the rest of the characters from Bark and Beans Cafe.
May 26, 2022
this is another great story in the series . Titan is in town for Thanksgiving and they go to the caves to be togeather but while they are there someone falls. now they needs to find out what happened . to the girl that fell and no one know what happened macey titan, bo and others woke to find out what is going on in the town. looking forward to the next book
June 16, 2022
Cold Drip was another great addition to this series. I can't seem to get enough of these wonderful characters and the charming setting. The mystery was a good one. I sorta figured out what was going on, but there were quite a few surprising twists that I didn't see coming.
I loved getting to know Milo a little better. He's always kinda been in the background, so it was nice to have him at the forefront of the story this time. And I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Titan. He's a good guy and so perfect for Macy.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a definite must read. This book could probably work as a standalone. There's some really great recaps, but I'd still recommend starting with book one. Each story is a true gem.
I loved getting to know Milo a little better. He's always kinda been in the background, so it was nice to have him at the forefront of the story this time. And I really enjoyed getting to spend more time with Titan. He's a good guy and so perfect for Macy.
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this series is a definite must read. This book could probably work as a standalone. There's some really great recaps, but I'd still recommend starting with book one. Each story is a true gem.
January 23, 2023
This book was pretty good. I hate that they think the girl died from falling in a chasm. I hate that she ended up dead a few day later in an abandoned house. I hate that they find out who killed her and her relationship to the dead girl. I love that Macy is determined to find out who killed her and that she even goes to a party and talks to several people. I love that she goes to investigate but I hate that she is kidnapped by the killer. I love that Bo and Titan show up at the last minute and rescue her from the killer.
May 26, 2022
Excellent mystery!
This is a great mystery and it has been an excellent series that is clean with excitement and a little romance! Very good!
This is a great mystery and it has been an excellent series that is clean with excitement and a little romance! Very good!
August 24, 2022
H.ate books you can read in under an hour.
August 9, 2022
Cold Drip
Exciting story always keep me guessing what would happen next.I don’t know what the next will hold but I’m excited to find out.
Exciting story always keep me guessing what would happen next.I don’t know what the next will hold but I’m excited to find out.
September 7, 2022
I love these cozies. The characters are wholesome and uplifting...something the world needs more of these days. 4/5 cozy stars.
November 14, 2022
This was so good
Oh gosh this one has quote a few twists. I completely thought the killer was someone else entirely. I especially like how things are progressing with Macy and Titan. Looking forward to the next book.
Oh gosh this one has quote a few twists. I completely thought the killer was someone else entirely. I especially like how things are progressing with Macy and Titan. Looking forward to the next book.
August 30, 2022
This was a wonderful read. I could almost picture the whole story. I felt like I was right there. Wonderful suspense and mystery. Kept me guessing till the end. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
June 1, 2022
I really enjoy the main characters in this series. I love the animals, also, and how they play a huge part in the story. I kinda suspected what happened in the cave, so the mystery wasn’t too surprising. The killer was easy to guess, also. Overall, the story moved fast, had humor, and I enjoyed it.
November 4, 2023
Another great mystery by Heather Day Gilbert!
Wow! I don't think you can go wrong with any book by Heather Day Gilbert. Every one of her books that I've read so far has been so entertaining that I hated to put them down. Her characters are so well presented and interesting, and her mysteries are so incredibly detailed, I think any mystery lover will absolutely love to.read them!
Wow! I don't think you can go wrong with any book by Heather Day Gilbert. Every one of her books that I've read so far has been so entertaining that I hated to put them down. Her characters are so well presented and interesting, and her mysteries are so incredibly detailed, I think any mystery lover will absolutely love to.read them!
January 9, 2023
great series of books
This is book 6 of 8. Macy seems to get herself in trouble by asking too many questions. But both Titan and Bo have her back. Her Great Dane Coal is a rescue dog who loves Macy.
This is book 6 of 8. Macy seems to get herself in trouble by asking too many questions. But both Titan and Bo have her back. Her Great Dane Coal is a rescue dog who loves Macy.
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