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Peridale Cafe #24
Popcorn and Panic
FESTIVALS CAN BE MURDER…
When Julia’s full-time café return clashes with a festival, thousands of music lovers descending on the village should be precisely what she needs to kick off a new era. But the council throws a spanner in the works when her cafe is “required not to operate” due to blocked road access. The front entrance, that is, and with the festival happening right behind her café, the kernels of a plan begin to pop…
And it seems like the perfect plan to get through the hectic weekend until the lead singer of the headlining band, Electric Fury, dies before he gets a chance to perform on the main stage. Having witnessed how the victim, Jett Fury, interacted with his entourage, Julia is sure there’s more to the story than the local Detective Inspector’s “accidental” theory.
While picking up the pieces after the destructive weekend, Julia hears the beat of a different song. From the rockstar’s secretive wife to his new drummer, unscrupulous agent, and even an obsessed groupie, many have something to gain from Jett’s death. Can Julia pluck through the lies chorded around the rockstar’s life and strike the right note to uncover Jett Fury’s killer?
When Julia’s full-time café return clashes with a festival, thousands of music lovers descending on the village should be precisely what she needs to kick off a new era. But the council throws a spanner in the works when her cafe is “required not to operate” due to blocked road access. The front entrance, that is, and with the festival happening right behind her café, the kernels of a plan begin to pop…
And it seems like the perfect plan to get through the hectic weekend until the lead singer of the headlining band, Electric Fury, dies before he gets a chance to perform on the main stage. Having witnessed how the victim, Jett Fury, interacted with his entourage, Julia is sure there’s more to the story than the local Detective Inspector’s “accidental” theory.
While picking up the pieces after the destructive weekend, Julia hears the beat of a different song. From the rockstar’s secretive wife to his new drummer, unscrupulous agent, and even an obsessed groupie, many have something to gain from Jett’s death. Can Julia pluck through the lies chorded around the rockstar’s life and strike the right note to uncover Jett Fury’s killer?
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
505 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Agatha Frost
75 books597 followersAGATHA FROST, an Amazon bestselling author, has written over thirty mystery novels. She lives in the North West English county of Lancashire with her two cuddly beagles and one cat.
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
When Agatha isn’t writing, she loves reading head-scratching mysteries and thrillers, coffee, baking, and exploring her local countryside on long dog walks.
From a young age, Agatha devoured the great British murder mystery books and television shows, ample inspiration for her Peridale Café and Claire’s Candles series. She loves writing about family women who juggle their ordinary village lives with the challenges of amateur sleuthing.
Add in some good food, close friends and family, cute pets, and plenty of twists and turns, and you have a classic Agatha Frost mystery.
Sign up to the newsletter at www.agathafrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 18, 2022
I am totally behind in this series but I couldn't pass up reviewing this ARC. I think I am back on book #17 Vegetables & Vengence. This book is book #24. It says a lot that an author is still inspired to write on a series of characters and make it this far into a series. So inspiring!
I've got to admit these stories never get old but I do miss Barker working with the police department . If you know me, you know how I love my detectives. Barker is a P.I. now and I am feeling a whole Remmington Steele vibe with this character. He is the face of the agency but Julia really solves the crimes. I'm kinda praying he goes back to police work. The detective in charge now is grating on my nerves.
In this story Julia is returning to work after a long absence only to find the city wants to close her cafe to put on a festival outside her business. Due to this festival featuring a popular singer, lots of fans are driven into town and cause quite a mess and unfortunately that singer is killed and Julia is on the case to solve the mess while trying not to freak out about her and Barker's financial situation.
This is definitely an involved book. I was kinda surprised one the suspects nearly threw Julia down the stairs while she was interviewing her. If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check out this series. It is one of my favorites! This book doesn't disappoint and I am looking forward to a marathon catch up with books 17-20 which I have purchased as a set.
I received this as an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
I've got to admit these stories never get old but I do miss Barker working with the police department . If you know me, you know how I love my detectives. Barker is a P.I. now and I am feeling a whole Remmington Steele vibe with this character. He is the face of the agency but Julia really solves the crimes. I'm kinda praying he goes back to police work. The detective in charge now is grating on my nerves.
In this story Julia is returning to work after a long absence only to find the city wants to close her cafe to put on a festival outside her business. Due to this festival featuring a popular singer, lots of fans are driven into town and cause quite a mess and unfortunately that singer is killed and Julia is on the case to solve the mess while trying not to freak out about her and Barker's financial situation.
This is definitely an involved book. I was kinda surprised one the suspects nearly threw Julia down the stairs while she was interviewing her. If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check out this series. It is one of my favorites! This book doesn't disappoint and I am looking forward to a marathon catch up with books 17-20 which I have purchased as a set.
I received this as an ARC from the author in return for an honest review.
September 16, 2022
Great, different.
I really enjoyed this one. During the reading I was a bit upset with Dot’s ways, she has turned, pushy,rude and overbearing. I was glad to see her come to her senses. And my other pet peeve, Barker. I want Barker to be successful, have him write another best seller, get the Police to hire him again, maybe as consultant. I want him to shine. I don’t like to see him being a failure. Though he is a great Father and support for Julia, not that she ever listens to him. Can’t wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this one. During the reading I was a bit upset with Dot’s ways, she has turned, pushy,rude and overbearing. I was glad to see her come to her senses. And my other pet peeve, Barker. I want Barker to be successful, have him write another best seller, get the Police to hire him again, maybe as consultant. I want him to shine. I don’t like to see him being a failure. Though he is a great Father and support for Julia, not that she ever listens to him. Can’t wait for the next one.
September 17, 2022
as Katie finally reaches the stage where she can open her nail salon, Julia gifts her with a cake.
could it be time to return to her cafe? perhaps it is time to re-think staffing there a bit. Julia seems to be facing the classic working mom of an infant conflict: there are only so many hours in a day, and her priorities might now be different.
the council may force some additional changes with an unexpected event
Jessie seems to be reflecting on her travels and knowing when to come home. after so many months gone, how will she mesh with her baby sister?
colorful characters on the scene lead to reflections on the different connections and kinds of family.
Can the recently divorced detective Christie focus less on wanting a wingman and more on solving the wacky cases that come his way?
intense and frantic intrigue, action and mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
could it be time to return to her cafe? perhaps it is time to re-think staffing there a bit. Julia seems to be facing the classic working mom of an infant conflict: there are only so many hours in a day, and her priorities might now be different.
the council may force some additional changes with an unexpected event
Jessie seems to be reflecting on her travels and knowing when to come home. after so many months gone, how will she mesh with her baby sister?
colorful characters on the scene lead to reflections on the different connections and kinds of family.
Can the recently divorced detective Christie focus less on wanting a wingman and more on solving the wacky cases that come his way?
intense and frantic intrigue, action and mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2022
It's been a while but I'm back in Peridale with Julia, Barker and Olivia; Jessie is still off on her travels, and Dot and Percy are still Peridales Ears!
Julia decides to go back to work as Katie, Julia's step-mother, has finally got her nail salon up and running. However, things don't go as smoothly as Julia hopes, with a rock festival due to land on the village, making Julia's cafe a no-go area.
Brian, Julia's Father comes up with a scheme, which, initially goes well, til the festival ends up in chaos, and murder.
Julia gets drawn into old feuds, the rock scene and ends up dealing with DI Christie again. She also gets a huge surprise!
I couldn't put this latest Peridale installment down. Each book is a standalone mystery but the books are much better if they're read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Julia decides to go back to work as Katie, Julia's step-mother, has finally got her nail salon up and running. However, things don't go as smoothly as Julia hopes, with a rock festival due to land on the village, making Julia's cafe a no-go area.
Brian, Julia's Father comes up with a scheme, which, initially goes well, til the festival ends up in chaos, and murder.
Julia gets drawn into old feuds, the rock scene and ends up dealing with DI Christie again. She also gets a huge surprise!
I couldn't put this latest Peridale installment down. Each book is a standalone mystery but the books are much better if they're read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
September 16, 2022
Agatha Frost has written a splendid fast paced cozey mystery with murder bringing together the charming, quirky, colorful and familiar characters of small town Peridale Cafe series with an array of rowdy, loud and scheming new characters they all will draw you into their story wanting to get acquainted with them and better you will , while the mystery entices you further with its intrigue, drama and rock star quality. AHH the plot the plot will keep you captivated turning page after page wanting to know what's to happen next with twists, turns, unexpected surprises and gentle clues. Acquire " Popcorn and Panic " so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
September 13, 2022
Julia is back and ready to take on her newest adventure. She’s balancing sleuthing, baking, and motherhood all at once. This time around an unexpected death during a music festival throws Peridale into chaos. Dot is back up to her lovable shenanigans too as Peridale Ears is trying to uncover who’d kill a rock star about to get his big break. The story flows, the characters are fantastic, and this installment shows just how far Julia has come since book one in the series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2022
Well Worth the Wait
Julia is back and better than ever! The usual cast of characters--friends and family--combines with an eccentric group of rock band members, ex-members, and related personnel to create a murder mystery with more twists and turns than anyone in Peridale (or the rest of the world) has any right to expect!
Julia is back and better than ever! The usual cast of characters--friends and family--combines with an eccentric group of rock band members, ex-members, and related personnel to create a murder mystery with more twists and turns than anyone in Peridale (or the rest of the world) has any right to expect!
September 14, 2022
It’s great to be back in Peridale!🤩
It is so great to be back in Peridale again were Julia, Jessie, Barker, Gran (Dot) and the rest of the lovely characters are welcoming you with open arms.
This is book number 24 in this series and Agatha Frost still manages to write an engaging mystery with drama, red-herrings, twists and turns, banter and surprising arrests a little too close to home. Will Julia figure out the culprit before DI Christie?? Of course she does - will you??
I got this book as an ARC reader from the author and this is my honest review given voluntarily. I look foreward to read more in this serie.😊
It is so great to be back in Peridale again were Julia, Jessie, Barker, Gran (Dot) and the rest of the lovely characters are welcoming you with open arms.
This is book number 24 in this series and Agatha Frost still manages to write an engaging mystery with drama, red-herrings, twists and turns, banter and surprising arrests a little too close to home. Will Julia figure out the culprit before DI Christie?? Of course she does - will you??
I got this book as an ARC reader from the author and this is my honest review given voluntarily. I look foreward to read more in this serie.😊
September 16, 2022
Like all the other book in the series, fantastic read.
It was great to see everyone back and helping out to solve the murder
Bring on book 25.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was great to see everyone back and helping out to solve the murder
Bring on book 25.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 20, 2022
Popcorn and Panic
If you love cozy mysteries, or if you’re interested in trying them, this is a good series to try them out!
If you love cozy mysteries, or if you’re interested in trying them, this is a good series to try them out!
September 14, 2022
I loved this story. Julia and her fellow villagers are awesome characters so lively. They pop off the page. They made me giggle. I loved the story line. I thought it was a unique one. All I know is that I was entertained until the very end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 15, 2022
Popcorn
Love the series. Great characters, I've enjoyed getting to know all the residents of Peridale as the series progresses. Bought and read this the day it was released. As always impatiently waiting for the next book
Love the series. Great characters, I've enjoyed getting to know all the residents of Peridale as the series progresses. Bought and read this the day it was released. As always impatiently waiting for the next book
September 16, 2022
really enjoyed the story, missed the visits with Julia and friends in Peridale...
September 16, 2022
popcorn and panic
Great read with many twists and turns keeping the reader guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a murder mystery.
Great read with many twists and turns keeping the reader guessing until the end. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves a murder mystery.
September 11, 2022
Julia South-Brown is back in action. After an almost year of stepping back from her beloved bakery to care for baby Olivia, she’s ready to go back to work full time. Almost immediately she discovers she must close for a week because of a rock festival that will take place in front of her café. She’s never heard of the headliners, Electric Fury, but that soon changes. Lead singer, Jett Fury, is found dead – and in a particularly gruesome manner - before the band’s performance on the main stage. Julia, Barker, and the rest of the family soon find themselves investigating the supposedly accidental death. Will they uncover the killer before there is a second victim? You’ll have to read on to find out.
This book was a refreshing return to our cast of cozy and quirky characters from Peridale. Agatha Frost even gave us a surprise return of one of my favorite characters. It's great to have the gang back in action.
Popcorn and Panic is the twenty fourth book in the Peridale Café Cozy Mystery series by Agatha Frost.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book was a refreshing return to our cast of cozy and quirky characters from Peridale. Agatha Frost even gave us a surprise return of one of my favorite characters. It's great to have the gang back in action.
Popcorn and Panic is the twenty fourth book in the Peridale Café Cozy Mystery series by Agatha Frost.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2022
So Many Surprises
Beginning with an almost strive murder, Status has written another fascinating cozy mystery set in the charming and delightful village of Peridale. It's wonderful to renew acquaintance with Julia and Barker, Gran (Dot) and Percy, Katie and Brian. New businesses, an almost rock festival, and massive vandalism by drunk and disappointed attendees are just part of the challenges created to enhance this fantastic adventure in Peridale. If you enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, you will LOVE this book.
Beginning with an almost strive murder, Status has written another fascinating cozy mystery set in the charming and delightful village of Peridale. It's wonderful to renew acquaintance with Julia and Barker, Gran (Dot) and Percy, Katie and Brian. New businesses, an almost rock festival, and massive vandalism by drunk and disappointed attendees are just part of the challenges created to enhance this fantastic adventure in Peridale. If you enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, you will LOVE this book.
September 19, 2022
I quite enjoyed this latest episode of the Peridale Cafe series. The mystery was interestingn and I wasn't sure who had committed the murder for quite some time. Equally important, some things I hadn't enjoyed about some of the more recent entries were no longer present, most notably there were NO sections from Julia's grandmother's POV, and her grandmother was a bit more in the background. Katie, Julia's stepmother, continues to develop, and I definitely enjoyed one personal development that occurs late in the book regarding Julia's family.
August 21, 2023
September
This story involves a wadding pool, a music festival, a popcorn machine, property damage, kidnapping and murder. There is also a surprise return of a character. The band was a mess. It didn't surprise me that he was killed. I also wasn't surprised by who did it. I like that they are starting over.
This story involves a wadding pool, a music festival, a popcorn machine, property damage, kidnapping and murder. There is also a surprise return of a character. The band was a mess. It didn't surprise me that he was killed. I also wasn't surprised by who did it. I like that they are starting over.
September 13, 2022
A long overdue but welcome return to this series.
This is one of my favourite cozy series and I devoured this latest offering.
You will not be disappointed. Great characters and a top notch whodunit!
Fans of cozy mysteries will love this!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This is one of my favourite cozy series and I devoured this latest offering.
You will not be disappointed. Great characters and a top notch whodunit!
Fans of cozy mysteries will love this!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
September 28, 2022
Who killed Jett Fury and why??? Band members aren’t always what they seem, are they??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book and also to keep a drone handy!!!
September 13, 2022
Glad to have our friends from Peridale back in action!
October 3, 2022
Oh how I've missed Peridale and I love being back with Julia, Barker and the whole gang! It really was such a great feeling to pick up a new book in this series and be transported right back, and this book definitely brings you back into all the action.
After taking about a year off to enjoy being a new mom Julia thinks she may be ready to go back to work in her cafe. She's got some of the usual new mom hesitations, but it seems it's time, at least until she realizes her return comes at the same time as a big musical festival in the village. One that will cause the businesses to shut down to accommodate the visitors. She's definitely not excited about having to shut down and the financial loss that means to her business and she really has no idea about this type of music, the headliner band, Electric Fury or their lead singer Jett. She gets an upfront introduction though when she checks out a rehearsal, too bad though that is the only performance she may get from the band when Jett is apparently electrocuted right in front of her. Was it an accident or something darker?
As with every Agatha Frost book I've enjoyed, I was immediately immersed in this story and the Peridale world. I loved seeing Julia back in action with Barker by her side and Gran by her side complicating everything as usual. This was a fun addition and it really kept me guessing. There's a great mix of characters that all seem to have motive so it was great to Julia try to work her way through this group. I really loved Jessie's return and the reasons behind it as well. Again, very excited to be back in this world and I'm already looking forward to more!
After taking about a year off to enjoy being a new mom Julia thinks she may be ready to go back to work in her cafe. She's got some of the usual new mom hesitations, but it seems it's time, at least until she realizes her return comes at the same time as a big musical festival in the village. One that will cause the businesses to shut down to accommodate the visitors. She's definitely not excited about having to shut down and the financial loss that means to her business and she really has no idea about this type of music, the headliner band, Electric Fury or their lead singer Jett. She gets an upfront introduction though when she checks out a rehearsal, too bad though that is the only performance she may get from the band when Jett is apparently electrocuted right in front of her. Was it an accident or something darker?
As with every Agatha Frost book I've enjoyed, I was immediately immersed in this story and the Peridale world. I loved seeing Julia back in action with Barker by her side and Gran by her side complicating everything as usual. This was a fun addition and it really kept me guessing. There's a great mix of characters that all seem to have motive so it was great to Julia try to work her way through this group. I really loved Jessie's return and the reasons behind it as well. Again, very excited to be back in this world and I'm already looking forward to more!
November 24, 2022
A Wonderful Series!
by Barbara Kelley
Popcorn and Panic is Book #24 of the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series, written by Agatha Frost. This is one of my top 10 favorite series'. Agatha Frost has developed great and lovable characters from the very first book in the series. This episode still has Julia and Barker very much in love, and I love the way they always back each other up. Their little baby, Olivia, is about 9 months old, and I can actually hear her little contagious giggles. When my daughter was A baby, she had this little giggle that started deep inside her chest, and by the time she was laughing, everybody around her was also laughing. Jessie came back home early from her travels around the world because she missed her family. However, her brother, Alvie, continued his lifelong travels. This episode is about a band, Electric Fury, coming to Peridale to perform. The lead singer of the band gets murdered by electrocution at a rehearsal in the town's church. There are 6 or more likely suspects, all members or groupies of the band. Julia's cafe gets trashed, and almost set on fire. Julia's grandmother, Dot, has bought a drone to play around with, and everyone thinks she's crazy for having bought such a thing; but Jessie puts that drone to good use to bring down a killer. This is such a great series, and I can hardly wait to read Book 25. In fact, I might just do that in a couple of days when I get caught up with a couple of other books I'm reading. I gave this episode, as well as every other episode in this series, five big old fat stars!
by Barbara Kelley
Popcorn and Panic is Book #24 of the Peridale Cafe Cozy Mystery series, written by Agatha Frost. This is one of my top 10 favorite series'. Agatha Frost has developed great and lovable characters from the very first book in the series. This episode still has Julia and Barker very much in love, and I love the way they always back each other up. Their little baby, Olivia, is about 9 months old, and I can actually hear her little contagious giggles. When my daughter was A baby, she had this little giggle that started deep inside her chest, and by the time she was laughing, everybody around her was also laughing. Jessie came back home early from her travels around the world because she missed her family. However, her brother, Alvie, continued his lifelong travels. This episode is about a band, Electric Fury, coming to Peridale to perform. The lead singer of the band gets murdered by electrocution at a rehearsal in the town's church. There are 6 or more likely suspects, all members or groupies of the band. Julia's cafe gets trashed, and almost set on fire. Julia's grandmother, Dot, has bought a drone to play around with, and everyone thinks she's crazy for having bought such a thing; but Jessie puts that drone to good use to bring down a killer. This is such a great series, and I can hardly wait to read Book 25. In fact, I might just do that in a couple of days when I get caught up with a couple of other books I'm reading. I gave this episode, as well as every other episode in this series, five big old fat stars!
September 18, 2022
Welcome back to Peridale. Julia is taking over her bakery after time off for the baby. She's barely open when she gets notice there is a music festival starting and all stores have to close. Her Dad comes up with a brilliant idea to help the store with the festival. However, one of the lead singers for the event gets electrocuted. Was it an accident or was it more sinister. Follow Julia and her family as they piece together the clues and track down evidence to solve the crime. Great to be back to Peridale. Can't wait for the next story.
September 20, 2022
Exciting Return to Peridale!
It was so great to return to Peridale with this book, the first in at least a year, maybe more!
I felt like I was reuniting with close friends, Julia, Barker, Sue, Percy and sometimes frustrating grandmother Dot. The plot was very exciting with many twists and turns as Peridale hosted it’s first music festival. This can be read as a “stand-alone” mystery but I highly recommend you read all of this delightful series. I enjoyed it so much and am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
It was so great to return to Peridale with this book, the first in at least a year, maybe more!
I felt like I was reuniting with close friends, Julia, Barker, Sue, Percy and sometimes frustrating grandmother Dot. The plot was very exciting with many twists and turns as Peridale hosted it’s first music festival. This can be read as a “stand-alone” mystery but I highly recommend you read all of this delightful series. I enjoyed it so much and am already looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 5, 2022
A fantastic cozy mystery read that has you turning the pages hoping you can solve the mystery before you reach the end. The characters are enjoyable, a bit quirky at times, and fun to get to know if you don't already know them from previous books in the series. A great read that cozy mystery fans won't want to miss.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 30, 2022
Great story
Julia is back. When a rock concert invades Peridale all kinds of mischief happens. But when the headline of the band dies of an apparent accident, well Julia and her intrepid band of snoops start investigating and conclude murder occurred but who did it. Ms. Frost weaves her characters through the layers of suspects and motives with consummated wit and fun. Enjoyed this book to the end.
Julia is back. When a rock concert invades Peridale all kinds of mischief happens. But when the headline of the band dies of an apparent accident, well Julia and her intrepid band of snoops start investigating and conclude murder occurred but who did it. Ms. Frost weaves her characters through the layers of suspects and motives with consummated wit and fun. Enjoyed this book to the end.
September 18, 2022
This is the twenty fourth book in the Peridale Café Cozy Mystery series. 24th! That should tell you how good theses stories are. Readers can't stop wanting more.
Very well written, great characters, twists and turns you won't see coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very well written, great characters, twists and turns you won't see coming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2022
She's Back
Agatha Frost is back and she brought Peridale back with a bang! I was so happy to be reading along with Julia and the gang once again and I can't wait for the next Peridale adventure!
Agatha Frost is back and she brought Peridale back with a bang! I was so happy to be reading along with Julia and the gang once again and I can't wait for the next Peridale adventure!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews