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Bookstore Cafe Mystery #12
Death by Peppermint Cappuccino
Pine Hills, Ohio, bookstore-cafe owner Krissy Hancock has high hopes for this holiday season, but a Grinch with murder in mind is set to ruin the celebrations for everyone . . .
Christmas has come to Pine Hills, and Krissy’s blooming relationship with Officer Paul Dalton has her in an especially festive mood. The café’s new seasonal signature drink is a hit too. But not everyone shares the same holiday spirit. There are some loud complaints about businesses profiting off the season and losing focus on what Christmas is really about. And as if on cue, a shop owner who’d been price-gouging his customers is found dead after receiving a mysterious gift . . .
Krissy doesn’t want to let the troubling events put a damper on the holiday, especially with her father and his girlfriend in town. But when other shop owners are targeted
she has no choice. She needs to wrap up this case quickly before one of her friends—or even Krissy herself—ends up on a Grinchy killer’s deadly gift list . . .
Christmas has come to Pine Hills, and Krissy’s blooming relationship with Officer Paul Dalton has her in an especially festive mood. The café’s new seasonal signature drink is a hit too. But not everyone shares the same holiday spirit. There are some loud complaints about businesses profiting off the season and losing focus on what Christmas is really about. And as if on cue, a shop owner who’d been price-gouging his customers is found dead after receiving a mysterious gift . . .
Krissy doesn’t want to let the troubling events put a damper on the holiday, especially with her father and his girlfriend in town. But when other shop owners are targeted
she has no choice. She needs to wrap up this case quickly before one of her friends—or even Krissy herself—ends up on a Grinchy killer’s deadly gift list . . .
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2023
72 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
November 6, 2023
3.5 stars
February 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️,75
October 8, 2023
I enjoyed it but there was a little too much waffling about. It became clear at one point who the murderer was and then I was ready for it to be done. All the worrying about if Paul loves her or not also kind of got annoying.
But I still devoured it and enjoyed it. Just not as good as some of the others in the series.
But I still devoured it and enjoyed it. Just not as good as some of the others in the series.
March 13, 2024
Fun addition to the series
I really enjoyed this book. Krissy has really grown and has become a good, solid, easy to like character.
This story revolves around Christmas and the beliefs that others have.
I figured out who the murderer was, but it didn't take away from the story.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
I really enjoyed this book. Krissy has really grown and has become a good, solid, easy to like character.
This story revolves around Christmas and the beliefs that others have.
I figured out who the murderer was, but it didn't take away from the story.
I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
September 7, 2024
5/5 stars - I Think this is my favorite of this series to date!
I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t read these books in a year or got a day just to work and enjoy the audiobook - but this was so cheesy and so fun and so relatable in the best way!
I love Alex Erickson’s writing style and cozies and will forever recommend this series if you’re looking to pick up a cozy mystery!
I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t read these books in a year or got a day just to work and enjoy the audiobook - but this was so cheesy and so fun and so relatable in the best way!
I love Alex Erickson’s writing style and cozies and will forever recommend this series if you’re looking to pick up a cozy mystery!
November 11, 2023
Cute holiday cozy.
November 15, 2024
My Christmas TBR is coming up so dry this year! This was alright but not my favourite in this series that I've read
April 15, 2024
Like a handful of other reviewers, I figured out who the murderer was. I'm happy I was right because there are two other suspects who could have been but either solution wouldn't have been as satisfying or as tragic.
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...
https://pussreboots.com/blog/2024/com...
November 23, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Death by Coffee, in Pine Hills, Ohio, might be head and shoulders above the national chain stores when it comes to signature holiday coffees and teas, a book shop, and cheerful service under one roof. This peppermint cappuccino sounds like the best reward for Christmas shopping! Pine Hills proprietors are unique in that their businesses are independently owned and managed. No big box stores or franchises for these folks!
That’s why it was a surprise when Krissy went into a local gift shop where the proprietor kicked out a potential customer because of his very non-conservative attire. Andrew, the proprietor of Andrew’s Gifts, saw the young man’s long hair, black clothing, and goth-looking accessories and decided he was there to steal something. Krissy had gone into Andrew’s for Christmas lights for the party, but the owner didn’t acknowledge her presence, she didn’t see any holiday lights, and left.
Earlier that day, Krissy and close friend Rita were decorating a room at the church where their writers’ club meets, as their Christmas party would be held that evening. Krissy had heard less than favorable things from ladies at the church about businesses feeding their own greed by selling all that Christmas stuff at inflated prices, including both Andrew’s store and her own bookstore café. They were also quick to say that the books they discuss had no place in a church building.
Krissy’s father, James, and his girlfriend, Laura, had come into town for the holidays and James stopped at the church. He brought a personal, autographed ARC of his latest thriller for Rita, his greatest fan. His kindness almost brought her to tears, and she couldn’t wait to savor it.
That evening, James and Laura briefly joined the party. While the writer’s group was having an enjoyable time, Andrew was murdered inside his shop across the street. When emergency vehicles showed up, they tried to learn what happened. Andrew wasn’t a friendly guy, but rudeness wasn’t an excuse for murder!
Krissy had helped with several murders since moving to Pine Hills, but will not get involved with this one. She is curious, but is too busy with the shop, Christmas preparations, James and Laura’s visit, and trying to spend time with Paul, her favorite police officer. Her intentions were forgotten when she learned that a gift box had been delivered to Andrew hours before his death, then saw one of her close friends and owner of a specialty candy shop, Jules, receive a box just like it. After the police picked it up, they learned that Krissy was mentioned in the note inside Jules’s “gift” box. Krissy has taken the gloves off; nobody will hurt her friends or implicate her!
The quirky characters are great, and I can almost picture each of the regulars. Gestures, facial expressions, conversations and behaviors are all part of the descriptions that brings them to life. While wandering in Krissy’s thoughts isn’t always a pretty place to be, she brings much of the wit, the intuition to put together clues, and a cheerful, positive outlook to every situation. Paul is laid back when not on the job and brings a calming influence into her life. Officer Garrison has become someone valued and appreciated, a breath of fresh air after Detective Buchanan. I was happy to see some characters who visited this series on the periphery of earlier mysteries are back again. They add to Krissy’s life, her friends, and at times, the atmosphere at Death by Coffee. Misfit is my kind of cat!
This is a delightful holiday read that many cozy mystery lovers will appreciate. Along with solving the murder, there is a secondary theme. I don’t typically look beyond the mystery and, close friendships or relationships, and delivers additional value to the novel. It was clear enough to see repeated once I noticed it, and is appreciated. The mystery itself was a challenge and held my attention. Andrew hadn’t been well liked, but Jules was, so that changed the suspect pool. The bad guy was a bit of a surprise, even though I considered the person more than once. I was very satisfied with the conclusion, and highly recommend this cozy mystery!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Death by Coffee, in Pine Hills, Ohio, might be head and shoulders above the national chain stores when it comes to signature holiday coffees and teas, a book shop, and cheerful service under one roof. This peppermint cappuccino sounds like the best reward for Christmas shopping! Pine Hills proprietors are unique in that their businesses are independently owned and managed. No big box stores or franchises for these folks!
That’s why it was a surprise when Krissy went into a local gift shop where the proprietor kicked out a potential customer because of his very non-conservative attire. Andrew, the proprietor of Andrew’s Gifts, saw the young man’s long hair, black clothing, and goth-looking accessories and decided he was there to steal something. Krissy had gone into Andrew’s for Christmas lights for the party, but the owner didn’t acknowledge her presence, she didn’t see any holiday lights, and left.
Earlier that day, Krissy and close friend Rita were decorating a room at the church where their writers’ club meets, as their Christmas party would be held that evening. Krissy had heard less than favorable things from ladies at the church about businesses feeding their own greed by selling all that Christmas stuff at inflated prices, including both Andrew’s store and her own bookstore café. They were also quick to say that the books they discuss had no place in a church building.
Krissy’s father, James, and his girlfriend, Laura, had come into town for the holidays and James stopped at the church. He brought a personal, autographed ARC of his latest thriller for Rita, his greatest fan. His kindness almost brought her to tears, and she couldn’t wait to savor it.
That evening, James and Laura briefly joined the party. While the writer’s group was having an enjoyable time, Andrew was murdered inside his shop across the street. When emergency vehicles showed up, they tried to learn what happened. Andrew wasn’t a friendly guy, but rudeness wasn’t an excuse for murder!
Krissy had helped with several murders since moving to Pine Hills, but will not get involved with this one. She is curious, but is too busy with the shop, Christmas preparations, James and Laura’s visit, and trying to spend time with Paul, her favorite police officer. Her intentions were forgotten when she learned that a gift box had been delivered to Andrew hours before his death, then saw one of her close friends and owner of a specialty candy shop, Jules, receive a box just like it. After the police picked it up, they learned that Krissy was mentioned in the note inside Jules’s “gift” box. Krissy has taken the gloves off; nobody will hurt her friends or implicate her!
The quirky characters are great, and I can almost picture each of the regulars. Gestures, facial expressions, conversations and behaviors are all part of the descriptions that brings them to life. While wandering in Krissy’s thoughts isn’t always a pretty place to be, she brings much of the wit, the intuition to put together clues, and a cheerful, positive outlook to every situation. Paul is laid back when not on the job and brings a calming influence into her life. Officer Garrison has become someone valued and appreciated, a breath of fresh air after Detective Buchanan. I was happy to see some characters who visited this series on the periphery of earlier mysteries are back again. They add to Krissy’s life, her friends, and at times, the atmosphere at Death by Coffee. Misfit is my kind of cat!
This is a delightful holiday read that many cozy mystery lovers will appreciate. Along with solving the murder, there is a secondary theme. I don’t typically look beyond the mystery and, close friendships or relationships, and delivers additional value to the novel. It was clear enough to see repeated once I noticed it, and is appreciated. The mystery itself was a challenge and held my attention. Andrew hadn’t been well liked, but Jules was, so that changed the suspect pool. The bad guy was a bit of a surprise, even though I considered the person more than once. I was very satisfied with the conclusion, and highly recommend this cozy mystery!
December 21, 2023
How could I resist a cozy mystery with the name of my favorite Christmastime coffee beverage in the title made by some of the best baristas in the Midwest? The fine people who work at Death by Coffee are almost ready for Christmas, both personally and in the shop. They are like a family, and get along much better than some families do! Co-owners Mason and Vicki drove many miles away to spend Christmas with her parents, bringing Mason’s father and his girlfriend along for the ride. They definitely look forward to returning to Pine Ridge, Ohio.
Krissy, or favorite co-owner, is excited to have her father, best-selling author James Hancock, and his lady friend, Laura, in town. His best fan, Rita, visits the coffee shop/ book store daily, and is eager for his arrival. When they got to town, Rita and Krissy were decorating for the party of one of their groups that would be held that evening at a nearby church. Their Santa Claus style décor was offensive to a small sect of ladies who are members of the church, and they are trying to get the group kicked out. The stores with Christmas-themed specialty items, including Death by Coffee, are also offensive to them, and they are planning to get these less-than-desirable shops out of town. The mini-cult of women were still there when James arrived to see Krissy and Rita, and they were not impressed by him, either.
That evening, the store owner of the shop across the street from the church was murdered. Within a couple days, Jules, another shop owner and dear friend of Krissy’s received an unusual package that appeared to be like one on the counter of the murdered shop owner when he died. The note inside of Jules’s gift box pointed Krissy as the bad guy. All three are proprietors of businesses that the church ladies complained about.
Krissy’s boyfriend, Paul, is a police officer and the son of the police chief. Due to Krissy’s frequent involvement in murders, Paul is kept out of the loop of this one. She helped the police department several times in the past identify and find whodunits, but the detective isn’t always appreciative. James desperately wants to get involved since he writes crime thrillers, but the police detective wouldn’t be any more friendly to him than to Krissy.
Despite my disbelief at how Krissy sometimes acts without thinking when on the trail of a bad guy, I still like her a great deal, especially her heart for others. I am thankful I get to watch her jump into situations rather than jump into them with her! It was fun, sometimes, watching her logic as she thinks through what she knows about a person. She is ready to go the extra mile for any of her friends in danger.
It was a challenge to figure out whodunit, especially since Paul was not privy to any information about this investigation. Even though Krissy shares what she learns, as she always does, the detective is territorial; he also doesn’t want any civilians to take any risks. That hasn’t stopped Krissy, though, even when she faces the ultimate danger. Whodunit is somewhat of a surprise when revealed, someone who simply didn’t seem to be a killer. All loose ends are tied up, and I am looking forward to the next special coffee beverage! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries with a Midwest Christmas setting, humor, and a bit of romance.
Krissy, or favorite co-owner, is excited to have her father, best-selling author James Hancock, and his lady friend, Laura, in town. His best fan, Rita, visits the coffee shop/ book store daily, and is eager for his arrival. When they got to town, Rita and Krissy were decorating for the party of one of their groups that would be held that evening at a nearby church. Their Santa Claus style décor was offensive to a small sect of ladies who are members of the church, and they are trying to get the group kicked out. The stores with Christmas-themed specialty items, including Death by Coffee, are also offensive to them, and they are planning to get these less-than-desirable shops out of town. The mini-cult of women were still there when James arrived to see Krissy and Rita, and they were not impressed by him, either.
That evening, the store owner of the shop across the street from the church was murdered. Within a couple days, Jules, another shop owner and dear friend of Krissy’s received an unusual package that appeared to be like one on the counter of the murdered shop owner when he died. The note inside of Jules’s gift box pointed Krissy as the bad guy. All three are proprietors of businesses that the church ladies complained about.
Krissy’s boyfriend, Paul, is a police officer and the son of the police chief. Due to Krissy’s frequent involvement in murders, Paul is kept out of the loop of this one. She helped the police department several times in the past identify and find whodunits, but the detective isn’t always appreciative. James desperately wants to get involved since he writes crime thrillers, but the police detective wouldn’t be any more friendly to him than to Krissy.
Despite my disbelief at how Krissy sometimes acts without thinking when on the trail of a bad guy, I still like her a great deal, especially her heart for others. I am thankful I get to watch her jump into situations rather than jump into them with her! It was fun, sometimes, watching her logic as she thinks through what she knows about a person. She is ready to go the extra mile for any of her friends in danger.
It was a challenge to figure out whodunit, especially since Paul was not privy to any information about this investigation. Even though Krissy shares what she learns, as she always does, the detective is territorial; he also doesn’t want any civilians to take any risks. That hasn’t stopped Krissy, though, even when she faces the ultimate danger. Whodunit is somewhat of a surprise when revealed, someone who simply didn’t seem to be a killer. All loose ends are tied up, and I am looking forward to the next special coffee beverage! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries with a Midwest Christmas setting, humor, and a bit of romance.
November 9, 2023
Christmastime has come to Pine Hills and Krissy Hancock, who owns the local cafe/bookstore, is in a great mood mostly due to her new relationship with Paul. Unfortunately there is someone in town who thinks the shop owners in town are exploiting Christmas and makes their views know loud and clear. Who is this person and why are they causing havoc? When one of the shop owners is found dead everyone is on edge. What is going on? Who would want the shop owner dead? Is anyone else in danger? I love all the characters! Each unique in their own way. the story is very well written and will have you turning the pages.
June 14, 2025
This is cozy mystery set at Christmastime in a small town. Unlike many cozy mysteries, I did not really get much of a feel for the town other than the church and the shop that sold religious artifacts. The coffee shop owned by the main character was not well described which is unusual for a cozy mystery. I did not feel like the main character was well described either. The unlikable characters were better described, but overall this was a disappointing read.
December 24, 2023
This was a solid read again by Alex, I enjoyed seeing that he wrote another holiday themed book this year for Christmas. I love that you have red herrings and new suspects, while still not knowing who did the murder. The little detail that caught the killer was a fun one and I enjoyed making the connection.
Side note: why is the cat black and white on the cover if it doesn't exist in the book?
Side note: why is the cat black and white on the cover if it doesn't exist in the book?
December 28, 2023
3.5.
This felt like a bit of stretch in most parts. Krissy jumps to a LOT of conclusions in this one.
I really appreciated the discussions of stereotyping and accepting others, but the murder and plot itself was a bit frustrating. If just because Krissy and her melodrama pissed me off more than normal.
This felt like a bit of stretch in most parts. Krissy jumps to a LOT of conclusions in this one.
I really appreciated the discussions of stereotyping and accepting others, but the murder and plot itself was a bit frustrating. If just because Krissy and her melodrama pissed me off more than normal.
January 16, 2024
Krissy is drawn into another murder in town and it looks like local businesses are being targeted. With everyone on edge, her father in town and her relationship Paul coming together, Krissy is overwhelmed, but still sleuthing! These stories make me smile and keep me guessing to the end! Well written and the characters are great!
July 18, 2025
This is book #12 in the "A Bookstore Cafe Mystery" series. I did enjoy it. I can see myself reading future books by Alex Erickson because I liked reading about Krissy. This was a free book I received as a Barnes & Noble premium member. I like the family characters. Doris was a little hard to handle because she was SO "JUDGEMENTAL" in her spiritual life - GAG - lololol
September 27, 2023
A fun addition to a great series. Christmas time,cold weather and a cold killer. I enjoy reading about Krissy and her friends. Never a dull moment in her town or coffee shop. I enjoy a good Christmas cozy. I hope to read many more in this series.
October 1, 2023
Death by Peppermint Cappuccino
I love how Krissy tries not to get involved in solving the murder this time, but she can’t help herself. She puts herself and her dad in danger when she confronts suspects.
I love how Krissy tries not to get involved in solving the murder this time, but she can’t help herself. She puts herself and her dad in danger when she confronts suspects.
October 4, 2023
Relationships seem "off." When the last book ended, it was the middle of a heat wave in the summer. This book takes place at Christmas. How have Krissy and Paul still not had that important conversation? And the reason for murder? Really a stretch of the imagination.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2023
Some good holiday cheer
This is a fun series with interesting, and sometimes odd, characters. They get into trouble, solve a few murders along the way, and make for interesting reading.
This is a fun series with interesting, and sometimes odd, characters. They get into trouble, solve a few murders along the way, and make for interesting reading.
February 17, 2024
The book "Death by Peppermint Cappuccino" (A Bookstore Cafe Mystery) by Alex Erickson covers all current social nuances. The creative characters including pets, Ohio setting, and crafty ending will entice readers to search for more tales by this author or not. copy right 2023 316 pages
October 22, 2024
How can Krissy get into so much drama? Especially in a small town and even during the holidays. Well, she is at it again, snooping and getting all the answers. I would normally not care for the gossip in the town, but krissy and friends are getting killers behind bars. Merry Christmas! 🤣
October 8, 2023
Another good addition to the series.
October 29, 2023
Another fun addition to the series. Krissy manages to get her and he dad wrapped up in a murder right around Christmas time.
October 31, 2023
Love it
I have enjoyed all of Alex Erickson 's Bookstore Cafe books. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you.
I have enjoyed all of Alex Erickson 's Bookstore Cafe books. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you.
November 17, 2023
I usually enjoy these books, but this one had a very weak plot.
November 18, 2023
Another good one in this series.....
November 23, 2023
Audio book. Blah too much introspective dialogue and self analysis.
November 25, 2023
This wasn’t my favorite book in the series. I felt like Krissy spent too much time worrying about whether or not Paul loved her and it was fairly easy to figure out who the killer was.
December 13, 2023
A quick and fun read! The plot swept me along from the beginning!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews