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Bookstore Cafe Mystery #11
Death by Iced Coffee
A charming, relatable sleuth and quirky cast of characters sets Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Cafe Mystery series apart from the cozy pack–and this time, bookstore owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter and lacing up her sneakers to participate in her hometown’s first-ever marathon, only to find herself racing to solve a murder instead.
Bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. But with a killer close by, she may soon be running for her life . . .
It’s a brutally hot day in Pine Hills, and Krissy Hancock would love to be sitting in a shady spot and sipping her favorite iced coffee. Instead, she’s lacing up her sneakers for a marathon—and swiftly regretting it. Especially when she finds one of the other runners lying motionless. At first Krissy suspects heatstroke, but the red marks around the man’s throat tell a more sinister story.
The victim, it turns out, had brewed up all kinds of enemies thanks to his cheating ways—both romantic and financial. Krissy’s not keen to get involved, but her friend Rita’s boyfriend, Johan, seems to be mixed up in the mayhem. For Rita’s sake, Krissy wants to help filter out the real killer. But can she do it before another Pine Hills resident gets permanently iced?
Bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. But with a killer close by, she may soon be running for her life . . .
It’s a brutally hot day in Pine Hills, and Krissy Hancock would love to be sitting in a shady spot and sipping her favorite iced coffee. Instead, she’s lacing up her sneakers for a marathon—and swiftly regretting it. Especially when she finds one of the other runners lying motionless. At first Krissy suspects heatstroke, but the red marks around the man’s throat tell a more sinister story.
The victim, it turns out, had brewed up all kinds of enemies thanks to his cheating ways—both romantic and financial. Krissy’s not keen to get involved, but her friend Rita’s boyfriend, Johan, seems to be mixed up in the mayhem. For Rita’s sake, Krissy wants to help filter out the real killer. But can she do it before another Pine Hills resident gets permanently iced?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 25, 2023
75 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
April 13, 2023
Probably why you should never start a series at book 11 - I just could not get into this book at all. I persevered but certainly cannot give it the four or even five star rating that others are giving it. Basically I think I just did not like the main character. She lacked charm and her investigative techniques did not fall far short of going up to someone and saying to their face "Did you do it?"
On the other hand there was a good mystery going on with all the usual red herrings, lots of assumptions being made, and the eventual exposure of the main culprit. It was all okay but not great.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
On the other hand there was a good mystery going on with all the usual red herrings, lots of assumptions being made, and the eventual exposure of the main culprit. It was all okay but not great.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 21, 2022
Death by Iced Coffee is a Bookstore Cafe Mystery. It takes place in the town of Pine Hills. Krissy Hancock is the main character who owns Death by Coffee, a bookstore and cafe along with her friend and co-owner Vicki Lawyer. There are some of the characters from the other Bookstore Cafe mysteries as well as the added ones to contribute to the story. The story opens with Krissy waiting for the start of a marathon for a run for charity. Rod Maxwell and Alleah Trotter are the two people who have put the race together. There are other runners waiting for the race to start. Glen Moreau, Calvin, Trever and Cassie. It is really hot out and many of the runners have already dropped out. Paul Dalton is one of the town's police officers and Krissy's boyfriend. During the run Krissy is taken off the route when someone calls for help. She finds one of the runners next to the dead boy of Glen Moreau. This is where the story takes off in different story lines.
So much happens in this story that it is hard to put it on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy. There are woman's issues, blackmail, money laundering, charity schemes, etc. to the buildup at the end.
I must say that I did not like the character of Krissy. It made it hard for me to enjoy the story. It is hard to pinpoint why I disliked her. Because of this I don't think I would read any of the other books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC.
So much happens in this story that it is hard to put it on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy. There are woman's issues, blackmail, money laundering, charity schemes, etc. to the buildup at the end.
I must say that I did not like the character of Krissy. It made it hard for me to enjoy the story. It is hard to pinpoint why I disliked her. Because of this I don't think I would read any of the other books in this series.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp for this ARC.
June 16, 2024
I've really gotten into cozy mysteries over the past few years and have started a few series and this is one of them. I enjoy cozies that have cats in them and have a coffee shop as the main area it takes place. Co-Owner Krissy Hancock, of Death by Coffee, a coffee shop in Pine Hills, Ohio has given up slogging joe for the day and entered a marathon raising money for a good cause.
Not sure I understand why the race was run during an ungodly heatwave and Krissy Hancock hadn't trained for this race or gotten into shape for it. The race proved too much for her and she almost fainted from the heat and was couch bound after the race. During the race a body was found, heatstroke is suspected but upon inspection it's determined not to be the case. I do enjoy the cozies, but they can be a bit predictable as many are very similar. It surprises me how many people will just talk to the amateur sleuth and how much they'll tell them. Lots of clues presented and the victim did not have the best character so many people could have had reason to want the victim out of the way.
Enjoyed this and I'll be reading more in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Not sure I understand why the race was run during an ungodly heatwave and Krissy Hancock hadn't trained for this race or gotten into shape for it. The race proved too much for her and she almost fainted from the heat and was couch bound after the race. During the race a body was found, heatstroke is suspected but upon inspection it's determined not to be the case. I do enjoy the cozies, but they can be a bit predictable as many are very similar. It surprises me how many people will just talk to the amateur sleuth and how much they'll tell them. Lots of clues presented and the victim did not have the best character so many people could have had reason to want the victim out of the way.
Enjoyed this and I'll be reading more in the series.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
November 3, 2022
Death by Iced Coffee is a fun title for this next installment of the series, featuring Krissy Hancock.
Krissy finds herself running a marathon in sweltering heat, wondering why she just didn't decide to stay home.
The sun and heat wreak havoc on Krissy, causing her to become disoriented and unsure of what she's seeing.
Screams shake her back into focus, and as she nears the person screaming, she sees a body on the ground, unconscious.
Krissy finds herself wrapped up in a bizarre investigation, and things seem off with her relationship with Paul.
I'm not sure what's next for Krissy, but I'm sure she'll be just fine.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DeathbyIcedCoffee #NetGalley
Krissy finds herself running a marathon in sweltering heat, wondering why she just didn't decide to stay home.
The sun and heat wreak havoc on Krissy, causing her to become disoriented and unsure of what she's seeing.
Screams shake her back into focus, and as she nears the person screaming, she sees a body on the ground, unconscious.
Krissy finds herself wrapped up in a bizarre investigation, and things seem off with her relationship with Paul.
I'm not sure what's next for Krissy, but I'm sure she'll be just fine.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DeathbyIcedCoffee #NetGalley
September 20, 2023
1,5/5
Boiiiiiiiiiiiiiii........
I didn't expect much for this, i only wanted something easy to read on the commute to and from work, but what i got almost made me smash my head on the glass window on multiple times instead. Yes, it's the 11th book in the series, but how people would manage to read all of them and keep their sanity is beyond me. Why, you ask (at least i'm pretending you do).
Well, Krissy fucking Hancock is why. Her awful name really suits her. I'm gonna spoil a bunch of stuff but honestly it's not like anything incredible ever happens in the book so........
This fucking idiot is the most unsufferable main character i've ever read about. Miss Krissy woke up one day and convinced herself she was Veronica Mars (albeit a much less lovable one) and she just HAS to get involved in everyone's business - even when it has nothing to do with the murder.
This bitch has the gal to bitch about her "gossipy friends" (if you hate your friends, what does that say about you???) when she doesn't miss an occasion to get into everyone else's business. Dude just GET A LIFE!!! And the way she's so hypocritical about it almost drove me crazy ooooh my GOD. She keeps saying things like "I'm letting the police handle it, i'm not getting involved.", "I wish people would stop commiting crime in this town so i could live a normal life" WHO ASKED YOU TO DO ANYTHING??? It's pathological at this point. Not to mention all the times she didn't tell the police about the stuff she knows using the most idiotic excuses "I don't want to tell him on the phone, i want to say it in person" WHY??????????? "I don't want to get x in trouble" MISS ?????? A CRIMINAL YOU MEAN ???? And she's so bad at investigating it's LAUGHABLE. Miss Krissy goes to see sketchy people "hoping she won't get killed", but never once mentions to anyone where she is in case something happens. Honestly that's the biggest give away that this was written by a man. NO WOMAN EVER WOULD DO THAT.
She's also a terrible friend, boss, and girlfriend. What a winning deal. And she apparently loves playing God and deciding which crimes are acceptable or not. In the end, this dude tells her he stole money that was supposed to go to charity, and she feels bad for him because she felt flattered he trusted her with the information ????? I am SO TIRED. Even the murder plot was boring AF. Ugh. pls don't read this. The most exciting thing that happened was two cats chasing each other.
Boiiiiiiiiiiiiiii........
I didn't expect much for this, i only wanted something easy to read on the commute to and from work, but what i got almost made me smash my head on the glass window on multiple times instead. Yes, it's the 11th book in the series, but how people would manage to read all of them and keep their sanity is beyond me. Why, you ask (at least i'm pretending you do).
Well, Krissy fucking Hancock is why. Her awful name really suits her. I'm gonna spoil a bunch of stuff but honestly it's not like anything incredible ever happens in the book so........
This fucking idiot is the most unsufferable main character i've ever read about. Miss Krissy woke up one day and convinced herself she was Veronica Mars (albeit a much less lovable one) and she just HAS to get involved in everyone's business - even when it has nothing to do with the murder.
This bitch has the gal to bitch about her "gossipy friends" (if you hate your friends, what does that say about you???) when she doesn't miss an occasion to get into everyone else's business. Dude just GET A LIFE!!! And the way she's so hypocritical about it almost drove me crazy ooooh my GOD. She keeps saying things like "I'm letting the police handle it, i'm not getting involved.", "I wish people would stop commiting crime in this town so i could live a normal life" WHO ASKED YOU TO DO ANYTHING??? It's pathological at this point. Not to mention all the times she didn't tell the police about the stuff she knows using the most idiotic excuses "I don't want to tell him on the phone, i want to say it in person" WHY??????????? "I don't want to get x in trouble" MISS ?????? A CRIMINAL YOU MEAN ???? And she's so bad at investigating it's LAUGHABLE. Miss Krissy goes to see sketchy people "hoping she won't get killed", but never once mentions to anyone where she is in case something happens. Honestly that's the biggest give away that this was written by a man. NO WOMAN EVER WOULD DO THAT.
She's also a terrible friend, boss, and girlfriend. What a winning deal. And she apparently loves playing God and deciding which crimes are acceptable or not. In the end, this dude tells her he stole money that was supposed to go to charity, and she feels bad for him because she felt flattered he trusted her with the information ????? I am SO TIRED. Even the murder plot was boring AF. Ugh. pls don't read this. The most exciting thing that happened was two cats chasing each other.
May 6, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Krissy is off and running, literally, in this newest episode of the Bookstore Café Mystery series. Her friend Rita talked her into participating in the first Pine Hills marathon to benefit cancer research. They are in the middle of a heat wave, and people are dropping out before the marathon even begins. Krissy, who almost never exercises, considers it but knows Rita is counting on her participation. Tempers are hotter than the sun, and one runner had to be pulled away from an organizer.
Rita’s boyfriend Johan is supposed to be out of town. Before the marathon began, Krissy saw a blond woman and a man who looks like Johan going into the woods behind a couple storage sheds. She didn’t tell Rita at the time as she didn’t want to upset her friend.
The marathon was going reasonably well and for a while, Krissy was in the middle of the pack until she began to feel the effects of too much heat. She heard someone call for help from a nearby bicycle path, saw one man bent over a man lying on the ground. Assuming it was heatstroke, she stopped, but it was too late for Glen, the man who tried to fight Rod, an organizer, before the marathon began.
Somehow Krissy made it through the entire marathon. She stopped into Death by Coffee, the bookstore café she owns with her best friend Vicki, then collapsed at home. It wasn’t until later that she heard Glen was strangled. And she is sufficiently inquisitive to start asking questions, despite her boyfriend, a police officer and the son of the police chief. Paul has asked her, for her own safety, to stay out of murders in the past, but to no avail. Even if she puts herself in danger. Even if she would be arrested for interference.
Krissy became friends with Shannon, Paul’s ex-girlfriend, and Trisha, the wife of one of Krissy’s ex-boyfriends. Shannon and Trisha met and became friends at a group they attend for help with various mental health or living challenges. When Krissy found out that the group is run by Melanie, Glen’s ex-wife, she is happy. Of course, she would be interested in the group! She decided to meet with Melanie outside of the group when she can learn more about it before attending. There are no end of connections Krissy makes to get to the heart of the murder, especially when Rita’s boyfriend Johan could be a suspect.
The author’s descriptions are excellent regarding characters and pets! I could almost see and understand some of the characters, especially Krissy and Paul. I particularly appreciated the descriptions of Krissy’s symptoms of a harsh sunburn and near heatstroke. Krissy surprises me, however, with some of the things she does and the extreme risks she takes. I like that she is beginning to make more women friends, including Cassie, who invite her to new activities that don’t involve murder. The author is very familiar with pets, as one of the funniest scenes was her kitty, Misfit, with his new water fountain, proving that when it comes to our pets, few good deeds go unpunished!
The mystery is unpredictable, and the murder involved much more than tempers flaring in the heat. The suspect list gets longer as Krissy noses around. A detective on the force, her nemesis, seems to often find her where she shouldn’t be, even though he no longer suspects her of every crime in Pine Hills. There are many surprises, including what Johan was doing and the motive and situations behind Glen’s murder. All is resolved at the end, with no outstanding issues. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and series, especially for its clever creativity, humor, coffee shop/ bookstore setting, and intrigue.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Krissy is off and running, literally, in this newest episode of the Bookstore Café Mystery series. Her friend Rita talked her into participating in the first Pine Hills marathon to benefit cancer research. They are in the middle of a heat wave, and people are dropping out before the marathon even begins. Krissy, who almost never exercises, considers it but knows Rita is counting on her participation. Tempers are hotter than the sun, and one runner had to be pulled away from an organizer.
Rita’s boyfriend Johan is supposed to be out of town. Before the marathon began, Krissy saw a blond woman and a man who looks like Johan going into the woods behind a couple storage sheds. She didn’t tell Rita at the time as she didn’t want to upset her friend.
The marathon was going reasonably well and for a while, Krissy was in the middle of the pack until she began to feel the effects of too much heat. She heard someone call for help from a nearby bicycle path, saw one man bent over a man lying on the ground. Assuming it was heatstroke, she stopped, but it was too late for Glen, the man who tried to fight Rod, an organizer, before the marathon began.
Somehow Krissy made it through the entire marathon. She stopped into Death by Coffee, the bookstore café she owns with her best friend Vicki, then collapsed at home. It wasn’t until later that she heard Glen was strangled. And she is sufficiently inquisitive to start asking questions, despite her boyfriend, a police officer and the son of the police chief. Paul has asked her, for her own safety, to stay out of murders in the past, but to no avail. Even if she puts herself in danger. Even if she would be arrested for interference.
Krissy became friends with Shannon, Paul’s ex-girlfriend, and Trisha, the wife of one of Krissy’s ex-boyfriends. Shannon and Trisha met and became friends at a group they attend for help with various mental health or living challenges. When Krissy found out that the group is run by Melanie, Glen’s ex-wife, she is happy. Of course, she would be interested in the group! She decided to meet with Melanie outside of the group when she can learn more about it before attending. There are no end of connections Krissy makes to get to the heart of the murder, especially when Rita’s boyfriend Johan could be a suspect.
The author’s descriptions are excellent regarding characters and pets! I could almost see and understand some of the characters, especially Krissy and Paul. I particularly appreciated the descriptions of Krissy’s symptoms of a harsh sunburn and near heatstroke. Krissy surprises me, however, with some of the things she does and the extreme risks she takes. I like that she is beginning to make more women friends, including Cassie, who invite her to new activities that don’t involve murder. The author is very familiar with pets, as one of the funniest scenes was her kitty, Misfit, with his new water fountain, proving that when it comes to our pets, few good deeds go unpunished!
The mystery is unpredictable, and the murder involved much more than tempers flaring in the heat. The suspect list gets longer as Krissy noses around. A detective on the force, her nemesis, seems to often find her where she shouldn’t be, even though he no longer suspects her of every crime in Pine Hills. There are many surprises, including what Johan was doing and the motive and situations behind Glen’s murder. All is resolved at the end, with no outstanding issues. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and series, especially for its clever creativity, humor, coffee shop/ bookstore setting, and intrigue.
January 5, 2023
It's beyond hot in Pine Hills, Ohio and not really the type of weather to take part in a marathon even if you're an experienced runner. Unfortunately, participant, and local book and coffee shop owner, Krissy Hancock, is a complete novice inspired only by supporting a good cause.
As Krissy runs past familiar landmarks she is horrified to find a fellow competitor dead in front of her. Luckily her boyfriend, Paul Dalton, is on hand policing the event and soon an investigation is in full swing to discover who killed the fallen runner. It soon becomes clear the victim had secrets others seem anxious should remain hidden as well as more enemies than friends. With links to one of her closest friends coming to light, Krissy finds herself unable to resist looking into those involved alongside the local police department. As she digs deeper however, it becomes clear Krissy herself may now be a danger to a killer desperate enough to eliminate anyone they deem to be in their way.
This is the twelfth Bookstore Café Mystery book and, with the familiar characters and locations is a welcome return to this fun series with its original, slightly scatty, main protagonist who investigates in her own unique way. I enjoyed the main storyline about the killing and there were also plenty of offshoots from this which were just as engaging including an unresolved issue which I look forward to reading about in book 13!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an easy, fun read and recommended to any fan of cosy mysteries.
As Krissy runs past familiar landmarks she is horrified to find a fellow competitor dead in front of her. Luckily her boyfriend, Paul Dalton, is on hand policing the event and soon an investigation is in full swing to discover who killed the fallen runner. It soon becomes clear the victim had secrets others seem anxious should remain hidden as well as more enemies than friends. With links to one of her closest friends coming to light, Krissy finds herself unable to resist looking into those involved alongside the local police department. As she digs deeper however, it becomes clear Krissy herself may now be a danger to a killer desperate enough to eliminate anyone they deem to be in their way.
This is the twelfth Bookstore Café Mystery book and, with the familiar characters and locations is a welcome return to this fun series with its original, slightly scatty, main protagonist who investigates in her own unique way. I enjoyed the main storyline about the killing and there were also plenty of offshoots from this which were just as engaging including an unresolved issue which I look forward to reading about in book 13!
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an easy, fun read and recommended to any fan of cosy mysteries.
May 2, 2023
Who in their right mind runs a marathon in the blistering heart? Krissy isn’t normally a runner, but she promised Rita that she would do it, and she has to keep her word. But, unfortunately, before she can reach the end, she begins to suffer from heat stroke and manages to come up on a body. It’s not the first time and probably won’t be the last time.
Most of the characters readers love, Krissy, Paul, Rita, and so forth, appear in this book. But when Rita’s boyfriend becomes a suspect, Krissy has to jump into the investigation. Suspects can be found everywhere, from marathon runners to possible love interests from the past and financial dealings. Evidence is scattered throughout the story but doesn’t tell the reader as much as they would like. By the time the killer is found, readers will be wondering if Krissy doesn’t have more than a slight case of heat stroke. The reveal is filled with danger and intrigue.
Although I enjoyed Death by Iced Coffee, I had issues with it. I felt that Kirssy was foolish for running the marathon in heat that could kill seasoned runners. I found that the promise to Rita was not a good reason to participate in what was a mistake and could have caused people to die. It just wasn’t very believable. The suspects were varied; some had iron-clad reasons for wanting the victim dead, but finding the killer felt slightly off. Krissy is a little more irritating than usual, which is hard to take on a good day. Overall, it was a good book that fits in with the series, but it wasn’t my favorite.
Most of the characters readers love, Krissy, Paul, Rita, and so forth, appear in this book. But when Rita’s boyfriend becomes a suspect, Krissy has to jump into the investigation. Suspects can be found everywhere, from marathon runners to possible love interests from the past and financial dealings. Evidence is scattered throughout the story but doesn’t tell the reader as much as they would like. By the time the killer is found, readers will be wondering if Krissy doesn’t have more than a slight case of heat stroke. The reveal is filled with danger and intrigue.
Although I enjoyed Death by Iced Coffee, I had issues with it. I felt that Kirssy was foolish for running the marathon in heat that could kill seasoned runners. I found that the promise to Rita was not a good reason to participate in what was a mistake and could have caused people to die. It just wasn’t very believable. The suspects were varied; some had iron-clad reasons for wanting the victim dead, but finding the killer felt slightly off. Krissy is a little more irritating than usual, which is hard to take on a good day. Overall, it was a good book that fits in with the series, but it wasn’t my favorite.
Read
January 27, 2024I see this one categorized as a "cozy mystery" and that seems appropriate. There is some tension, and domestic violence cannot be dismissed, but there is, generally, the feeling in this one that nothing is going to get too far out of control, murder mystery or not. Cats play a role that I enjoy! The protagonist/investigator is well-intentioned and curious (like a cat) and more than once gets into trouble accordingly (like a cat). She is a cafe owner, not a police officer or PI, so her involvement in investigating a murder is, to the local DI, more annoyance than help though, of course, she winds up being right about most of what matters. Very fast reading.
March 27, 2023
Thank you Alex Erickson, NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read an Arc of Death by Iced Coffee. This is the 11th book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series due to be published April 25th 2023.
I haven’t gotten the chance to read any other books in this series, but I gotta say it didn’t hinder my reading at all. I jumped right in from the very beginning and just loved the overall small town experience.
I definitely need more of Krissy and Paul so can’t wait for more from this series !
I haven’t gotten the chance to read any other books in this series, but I gotta say it didn’t hinder my reading at all. I jumped right in from the very beginning and just loved the overall small town experience.
I definitely need more of Krissy and Paul so can’t wait for more from this series !
March 20, 2023
This was a fun captivating mystery. It starts out with Krissy running a marathon and she's never exercised before. Really, that's crazy. The mystery of Glen's death was complicated. I had no clue who the killer was until the end. I really want to know what Paul wants to talk about. I guess I will have to wait for the next book to find out.
August 18, 2023
fun little cozy mystery!
January 2, 2024
I really struggled getting into this book, but I pushed through because of it being an ARC. I likely would have DNF if I did not feel obligated to give an honest review and finish it. Personally I just could not relate to the main female character Krissy. She owns a coffee shop and dates a local police officer but seems to find a way to meddle into everyone’s business. She even begins “investigating “ crimes in town and doing stupid dangerous things like entering empty buildings at night to search and going to homes alone to question people. She struggled with making friends and I can see why.
Overall I would read this author again. I found the writing and flow to be fast and easy reading.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Kensington Books Publishing and author Alex Erickson for the digital ARC of this novel. Publication date April 25, 2023.
Review left on Netgalley and Goodreads
September 15, 2023
Worth waiting for the audiobook.
I really enjoyed seeing Krissy reach out to people she had in previous books been at odds with. She makes friends beyond her neighbors and her coworkers. She goes to a party. She takes up exercise with another.
As for the mystery itself, I didn't figure it out ahead of Krissy like I have in the past. I was honestly more invested in the Rita side story than the murder itself. That's not to say the main mystery wasn't interesting. It's just that I've gotten far enough into the series to genuinely care about the characters.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
I really enjoyed seeing Krissy reach out to people she had in previous books been at odds with. She makes friends beyond her neighbors and her coworkers. She goes to a party. She takes up exercise with another.
As for the mystery itself, I didn't figure it out ahead of Krissy like I have in the past. I was honestly more invested in the Rita side story than the murder itself. That's not to say the main mystery wasn't interesting. It's just that I've gotten far enough into the series to genuinely care about the characters.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2023/comm...
May 21, 2023
Princess Fuzzypants here: I do like this series. I do like the characters. I did like this book but I sometimes have a real issue with Krissy, a smart and savvy business woman who knows she is doing something that might have serious repercussions for her and her boyfriend cop but does it anyway. And then she has remorse for putting both him and her in an awkward position. Einstein’s definition of insanity was to continue to do the same things, the same way but expect different outcomes. Krissy does not seem to learn.
This time there is a murder during a marathon. The handling of the story with the runners in punishing heat through hilly terrain and the aftermaths that Krissy experienced were really well done. She has witnessed a few things prior to the event that lead her to investigate. One of the things involves a friend so this is the hook on which she excuses her actions. She does uncover the truth but not before she almost ruins another ongoing investigation. In the course of her questioning the various people who might be involved, she befriends a couple of women who once might have been her nemeses but who may become good friends. She uses the two ladies to get to someone close to the victim but it does not seem to dissuade them from offering their friendship. I hope she proves to be a better friend going forward.
All that being said, it is a good story filled with nefarious deeds, betrayals and con jobs. Four purrs and two paws up.
This time there is a murder during a marathon. The handling of the story with the runners in punishing heat through hilly terrain and the aftermaths that Krissy experienced were really well done. She has witnessed a few things prior to the event that lead her to investigate. One of the things involves a friend so this is the hook on which she excuses her actions. She does uncover the truth but not before she almost ruins another ongoing investigation. In the course of her questioning the various people who might be involved, she befriends a couple of women who once might have been her nemeses but who may become good friends. She uses the two ladies to get to someone close to the victim but it does not seem to dissuade them from offering their friendship. I hope she proves to be a better friend going forward.
All that being said, it is a good story filled with nefarious deeds, betrayals and con jobs. Four purrs and two paws up.
July 23, 2025
Not sure what I was expecting but this wasn't it. I thought I was at the beginning of this series but this is Book 11. Anyway, the story just didn't grab me. It's about a coffee shop owner who has a cop boyfriend, who she rarely sees, and gets involved in solving the murder of a marathon participant. I was lost in the status of the relationship with the boyfriend because it always seemed like pop in visits except for the one time he took her to dinner. I was also a bit annoyed that whenever the character would speak about her coffee shop, Death by Coffee, she would literally call it by name. For example, "This afternoon when I left Death by Coffee, I remembered I needed to go to the grocery store for cheese", or "Susan walked into Death by Coffee and I waved at her to join me in the kitchen". Why not just say "the coffee shop", or "the shop", or even "work". I did not get the point of that at all. And it was literally mentioned about 3 times in one paragraph. Also, the character did the same thing when referring to her vehicle which was a Ford Escape. She would say things like "I climbed into my Escape", or "I blocked their driveway with my Escape", like ok we get it!! And the ending seemed rushed and jumped from yelling out whodunit to the police and then on to the next scene. It took me longer than usual to get through this book because I really wanted to like it and I wanted to go through the whole series but yeah, no. I'll stop here......literally.
January 17, 2025
I've read all of this series and I once loved it. I'm not sure if it's gotten worse, or I'm just over the cozy mystery thing now.. but Krissy just pisses me off now. How many times does everyone in her life have to yell at her for getting into other people's business??? How many times does SHE tell herself to stop getting into people's business, or literally break and enter into somewhere!? She constantly does not tell the police important information, or refuses to tell anyone anything important on a phone call and insists everything be done in person despite the urgency of these things.
I also want Krissy and Paul to have an actual conversation once in a while without either of them running away before saying anything of interest. Krissy constantly mentions how she feels bad for possibly hurting Paul's job, but never bothers to change her behavior.
Also really weird subplot about missing candy that never got brought up again? Unless I missed where that was wrapped up. It's possible because I think I stopped caring pretty early on in the story. I honestly couldn't tell you what happened or how anything was solved. There were far too many things happening with her band neighbor, lemonade neighbor, friend Rita, employee Pooki, the woman's group, the murder, and boyfriend troubles.
I also want Krissy and Paul to have an actual conversation once in a while without either of them running away before saying anything of interest. Krissy constantly mentions how she feels bad for possibly hurting Paul's job, but never bothers to change her behavior.
Also really weird subplot about missing candy that never got brought up again? Unless I missed where that was wrapped up. It's possible because I think I stopped caring pretty early on in the story. I honestly couldn't tell you what happened or how anything was solved. There were far too many things happening with her band neighbor, lemonade neighbor, friend Rita, employee Pooki, the woman's group, the murder, and boyfriend troubles.
April 25, 2023
Krissy, part-owner of a bookstore/coffee shop, unprepared to run in a charity marathon particularly on one of an extremely hot summer day, is competing and near exhaustion stops when another runner is down and stops to assist. Too late, the person has died but cause of the death: murder. While still suffering from heat exhaustion, Krissy begins to do her own sleuthing on behalf of a girlfriend whose boyfriend is a possible suspect. This is one strong woman who is strong and loyal to friends (old and new) and employees. A lot of suspects and quirky characters with one special police officer, Paul, who is quick to respond to Krissy’s calls. I do wish they had more time alone because Paul wants to ask her a question but duty prevails. The atmosphere in this book is expressed so well by the author that I was so thirsty not only for iced coffee but the delicious lemonade made by Krissy’s neighbor. I will eagerly be looking forward to the next book in this long-running series. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for an ARC of this book; this is my personal opinion of this book.
April 26, 2023
This is the 11th installment of the Bookstore Cafe series. Krissy co-owns a coffee shop with her friend Vicki. At the start of the book she is participating in a marathon and it's extremely hot out at the start of the race so many runner's start becoming dehydrated. Of course during the race a dead body is discovered and Krissy starts getting involved in the investigation. Her boyfriend happens to be a police officer who is constantly having to save her.
I have to say that I have not read every book in this series but the ones I have read are good not amazing. I really love the whole premise of Krissy owning a bookstore cafe but somehow the way the character is written doesn't really work for me personally. In this book, she does not want to get involved in investigating but the main suspect ends up being her friend's boyfriend and somehow that makes it seemed force how she gets involved. I did enjoy how the plot played out. I could see how other people would like this series, and I might try to read any future books.
Thank you netgalley and Kensington for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I have to say that I have not read every book in this series but the ones I have read are good not amazing. I really love the whole premise of Krissy owning a bookstore cafe but somehow the way the character is written doesn't really work for me personally. In this book, she does not want to get involved in investigating but the main suspect ends up being her friend's boyfriend and somehow that makes it seemed force how she gets involved. I did enjoy how the plot played out. I could see how other people would like this series, and I might try to read any future books.
Thank you netgalley and Kensington for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2023
Death by Iced Coffee is the 11th book in Alex Erickson's "A Bookstore Cafe Mystery" series. It is summer in Pine Hills, Ohio, and bookstore-cafe owner Krissy Hancock stumbles upon a murder while she is attempting to run a marathon.
I have read all the books in this series, and to be honest, I sometimes wonder why. Krissy is not the most likable character, and her investigations offer the subtly of a bull in a china shop. Despite repeated run-ins with the local detective and threats of her arrest for interfering with police business, she continues to crash about Pine Hills confronting strangers.
I do like several of the supporting characters in the books, and I wish they could be a larger part of the story and investigations. The books usually have decent mystery plots with several red herrings that keep a reader guessing.
I will likely continue to read this series, but I wish Erickson could make Krissy just a bit more charming and bit less abrasive. There are many fans of this series so cozy mystery readers who like bookstore/cafe settings should give it a try.
I have read all the books in this series, and to be honest, I sometimes wonder why. Krissy is not the most likable character, and her investigations offer the subtly of a bull in a china shop. Despite repeated run-ins with the local detective and threats of her arrest for interfering with police business, she continues to crash about Pine Hills confronting strangers.
I do like several of the supporting characters in the books, and I wish they could be a larger part of the story and investigations. The books usually have decent mystery plots with several red herrings that keep a reader guessing.
I will likely continue to read this series, but I wish Erickson could make Krissy just a bit more charming and bit less abrasive. There are many fans of this series so cozy mystery readers who like bookstore/cafe settings should give it a try.
November 11, 2022
Pine Hills is hosting their very first marathon and Krissy is ready to roll, even if it’s hot out. But once she commits, she’s all in and off she goes, only to find a body along the way. Thinking it was caused by a the warm weather, Krissy is ready to move on, until it turns out to be murder and Rita’s boyfriend is a suspect.
With a friend suspected of murder, Kriss puts on her sleuthing hat yet again to help find the real culprit. But will she be tossed out with the grinds or will she perk the killer straight to the top?
Another solid entry in this long running series. Krissy makes every visit to Pine Hills a worthy outing of sleuthing. Well developed characters, the cutest kitty and some fun supporting characters, you’ll find yourself craving coffee and your next visit to Pine Hills.
With a friend suspected of murder, Kriss puts on her sleuthing hat yet again to help find the real culprit. But will she be tossed out with the grinds or will she perk the killer straight to the top?
Another solid entry in this long running series. Krissy makes every visit to Pine Hills a worthy outing of sleuthing. Well developed characters, the cutest kitty and some fun supporting characters, you’ll find yourself craving coffee and your next visit to Pine Hills.
December 8, 2022
Krissy Hancock is participating in a marathon in the heat of summer when one of the contestants falls over and is found deceased. Krissy herself spends much of the book in a bit of a heat-infused stupor due to heat exhaustion. During the event she sees Rita's boyfriend run off during the marathon with another woman and begins investigating at first to find out what that man might have been up to since he told Rita he was out of town. This puts a bit of distance between Krissy and Rita since the investigation makes her keep secrets from Rita.
Definitely a great story with a lot of suspense and the whodunit is well-crafted and compelling. Love this series a lot and wish they could get Krissy's author dad a bit more involved in the action. Wouldn't that be fun?
I read this as an ARC for an honest review via NetGalley.
Definitely a great story with a lot of suspense and the whodunit is well-crafted and compelling. Love this series a lot and wish they could get Krissy's author dad a bit more involved in the action. Wouldn't that be fun?
I read this as an ARC for an honest review via NetGalley.
January 3, 2023
Death by Iced Coffee starts out with Krissy Hancock, who owns a combination coffee shop/bookstore in Pine Hills, at the starting line to run a marathon on a hot summer day. Along the way, she finds another participant who seems to have been overcome by the heat. But it turns out to be murder.
I enjoyed this book, however, I felt that the sunstroke symptoms that Krissy experienced would have put anyone else in the hospital. I felt that Krissy's physical issues were treated a little too lightly. The process of solving the murder took Krissy to some interesting places and it was great to see the character grow by being more thoughtful about approaching people and locations.
Overall, a good read and a welcomed addition to this series. Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for providing me with an advance copy for review.
I enjoyed this book, however, I felt that the sunstroke symptoms that Krissy experienced would have put anyone else in the hospital. I felt that Krissy's physical issues were treated a little too lightly. The process of solving the murder took Krissy to some interesting places and it was great to see the character grow by being more thoughtful about approaching people and locations.
Overall, a good read and a welcomed addition to this series. Thanks to Net Galley and Kensington Books for providing me with an advance copy for review.
April 26, 2023
Death by Iced Coffee is book #11 in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
Krissy Hancock is running a marathon in terribly hot weather, but things get worse when she finds a runner down, especially when it is by foul play.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but i am familiar with this author’s work and it didn’t disappoint. I like Krissy and her willingness to help her friends, even if it means trying to find a killer. You’ll be thirsty for iced coffee while reading this book. I was guessing who the guilty party was up until the end. This is an entertaining cozy mystery and I plan to catch up on the earlier books.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Krissy Hancock is running a marathon in terribly hot weather, but things get worse when she finds a runner down, especially when it is by foul play.
This is the first book I’ve read in this series, but i am familiar with this author’s work and it didn’t disappoint. I like Krissy and her willingness to help her friends, even if it means trying to find a killer. You’ll be thirsty for iced coffee while reading this book. I was guessing who the guilty party was up until the end. This is an entertaining cozy mystery and I plan to catch up on the earlier books.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 5, 2023
Death by Iced Coffee is the 11th book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.
This was my 4th of this series. Although it was book eleven, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. It was a very entertaining read with snippets of humour. Krissy Hancock, owner of 'Death by Coffee' - a bookshop/ café - is a marvellous protagonist who I find to be caring and determined. Set in Pine Hills, Ohio, Death by Iced Coffee is well-crafted, nippily paced and thoroughly compelling. The mystery is very engaging and well-reasoned. There are quite a few instalments to catch up on and I can’t wait to meet Krissy in Pine Hills again. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
This was my 4th of this series. Although it was book eleven, I had no difficulties keeping up with characters and events and it worked for me as an individual story. It was a very entertaining read with snippets of humour. Krissy Hancock, owner of 'Death by Coffee' - a bookshop/ café - is a marvellous protagonist who I find to be caring and determined. Set in Pine Hills, Ohio, Death by Iced Coffee is well-crafted, nippily paced and thoroughly compelling. The mystery is very engaging and well-reasoned. There are quite a few instalments to catch up on and I can’t wait to meet Krissy in Pine Hills again. Very highly recommended.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
October 23, 2023
Marathons are murder
Krissy has made a promise to Rita, to run in the first ever Pine Hills marathon - this despite the fact she’s not really a runner, it’s the hottest day of the year, and the route goes uphill twice. Focusing on her goal, she won’t be stopped - until someone finds another runner in an off-route area, dead. When his death is found to be due to strangulation, her curiosity is off and running - who would kill someone in the middle of a marathon, with dozens of potential witnesses all around? Digging into the man’s past, she finds several possible suspects - but her attempts to get more information are met with lies, evasions, and outright animosity. Working out which of the many false leads and confusing ties between folks won’t be easy, but if she can keep from tripping over her own feet, she may just be able to run the truth down.
Krissy has made a promise to Rita, to run in the first ever Pine Hills marathon - this despite the fact she’s not really a runner, it’s the hottest day of the year, and the route goes uphill twice. Focusing on her goal, she won’t be stopped - until someone finds another runner in an off-route area, dead. When his death is found to be due to strangulation, her curiosity is off and running - who would kill someone in the middle of a marathon, with dozens of potential witnesses all around? Digging into the man’s past, she finds several possible suspects - but her attempts to get more information are met with lies, evasions, and outright animosity. Working out which of the many false leads and confusing ties between folks won’t be easy, but if she can keep from tripping over her own feet, she may just be able to run the truth down.
December 17, 2022
A charming, relatable sleuth and quirky cast of characters sets Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Cafe Mystery series apart from the cozy pack–and this time, bookstore owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter and lacing up her sneakers to participate in her hometown’s first-ever marathon, only to find herself racing to solve a murder instead.
Bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. But with a killer close by, she may soon be running for her life . . .
This has such a cast of fun characters who are very entertaining. I wish my town had a bookstore cafe with Krissy leading. I did guess the murderer quickly however it did not take away the fun.
#DeathbyIcedCoffee #NetGalley
Bookstore-café owner Krissy Hancock is stepping out from behind the counter to take part in the first annual Pine Hills, Ohio, marathon. But with a killer close by, she may soon be running for her life . . .
This has such a cast of fun characters who are very entertaining. I wish my town had a bookstore cafe with Krissy leading. I did guess the murderer quickly however it did not take away the fun.
#DeathbyIcedCoffee #NetGalley
April 29, 2023
I enjoy this series but I have to say I was puzzled at the start by Krissy running a marathon, on a very hot day and not having spent much time exercising to get fit enough to manage it. What possessed her? While on the run the heat gets to her and, once she refocuses, she finds herself faced with a dead runner. Accident or homicide? Heatstroke is series business but murder is worse. Krissy gets pulled into the case due to a connection via her best friend. Once I got involved with the mystery and all of the twists, turns and a few red herrings, I found it to be a good reading escape. My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
May 1, 2023
Krissy Hancock participates in her hometown, first ever marathon. She knew it was a mistake before it even started, but she had promised a friend and she didn't like to break promises.
At about the time she realized she wasn't going to make it to the end, she heard screaming. She ran to the source and found a dead body.
This book is about her trying to find the murderer. I think it would have been a better book had it been a novella. A lot of the book is explaining her thought process which is really pretty wacky. It jumps from right to left, up to down, all over the place.
Krissy makes the worst decisions ever. I was constantly thinking, "I wouldn't do that!".
I did read it to the very unfulfilling end, maybe more of a teen book? I don't know
At about the time she realized she wasn't going to make it to the end, she heard screaming. She ran to the source and found a dead body.
This book is about her trying to find the murderer. I think it would have been a better book had it been a novella. A lot of the book is explaining her thought process which is really pretty wacky. It jumps from right to left, up to down, all over the place.
Krissy makes the worst decisions ever. I was constantly thinking, "I wouldn't do that!".
I did read it to the very unfulfilling end, maybe more of a teen book? I don't know
September 23, 2023
I don’t know anyone who does a marathon without training for it and she only did it because her friend wanted her to 🙄 but the friend wasn’t running in it. She was having such a difficult time with the heat why didn’t she go to the emergency room for fluids instead she is able to go out to lunch. Why is she investigating this murder, she really didn’t know the victim. What person over the age of five wants to be called Pookie? What value to the book did the conflict between Pookie and her brother add to the story and why did Krissy have to get involved? Pookie handled it quite well by herself. What’s the deal between Krissy and her boyfriend? They are like two ships passing in the night.
I really don’t care for the MC but I keep reading these books.
I really don’t care for the MC but I keep reading these books.
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