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A Coffee Lover's Mystery #1.5
Give Me Chills
After being humiliated in front of her entire hometown of Moose Knuckle, New Hampshire, Hadley Mortimer heads south to lick her wounds―all the way to the island of Devil's Beach, Florida, where she's opened her first business, Give Me Chills, an artisan ice-cream truck. After a couple of weeks, she's living the cream and has even met a gorgeous guy named Zander, who seems to appreciate more than her soft-serve cones. When Zander asks her to bring an ice-cream cake to his great-aunt's funeral, Hadley overhears two people talking about murder. A true-crime junkie, she lets curiosity get the best of her and begins to sleuth. But it's not easy juggling a new crush, a popular food truck, and a murder investigation, and Hadley has to do all three without having a meltdown...
Audio CD
First published July 12, 2022
About the author
Tara Lush
31 books606 followersTara Lush is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
July 25, 2020
Short novella featuring a protagonist who has an ice cream truck near a beach. Her homemade ice cream is involved in a murder! I read the story in about an hour. Looking forward to the cozy series!
October 10, 2020
Give Me Chills is a novella set in the same world of Devil's Beach as Grounds For Murder, a new series. The main character, Hadley, has an ice cream truck business called Give Me Chills. While delivering an ice cream cake for a Wake Hadley overhears two unseen people discussing having poisoned someone.
The story, being a novella, moves and develops quickly. Hadley and the murder victim's nephew, Zander, begin to investigate on their own. The story is cute if not a little unbelievable, but Zander is likable as the love interest. There is a prologue that is very good. It was written in 3rd person and I think I would have liked it a bit more if the whole novella had been written that way.
I'd like to thank Tara Lush for the free story in exchange for signing up for her newsletter.
The story, being a novella, moves and develops quickly. Hadley and the murder victim's nephew, Zander, begin to investigate on their own. The story is cute if not a little unbelievable, but Zander is likable as the love interest. There is a prologue that is very good. It was written in 3rd person and I think I would have liked it a bit more if the whole novella had been written that way.
I'd like to thank Tara Lush for the free story in exchange for signing up for her newsletter.
July 13, 2022
This was a short cozy mystery novella. Hadley's gets involved with Zander, who's aunt is killed. And she helps him find out the culprit.
August 21, 2022
This was cute. Hadley and Zander make a good couple, though again I wish authors would stop making the female lead do dumb things, it just ruins the book and plot. Overall, it’s a good shot story and would be interesting in reading more about Zander and Hadley.
July 26, 2022
A cute, short introduction to Hadley Mortimer and her ice cream truck, Give Me Chills. I enjoyed the story, the setting, and the characters, especially Hadley who is an old soul. Hope there will be more stories with her and Zander.
August 7, 2025
This short book is in the series, a coffee lovers mystery. It’s set in the same place: Devils Beach, Florida and Perkatory, the coffee shop is mentioned. All new characters in this spinoff.
The author has a delightful sense of humor. Hadley, the main character is from Moose Knuckle, New Hampshire! Her ice cream truck is called, Give Me Chills! I knew nothing about artisan ice cream and learned a little bit about that in the story. She makes her own ice cream and mixes her own flavors.
There is a murder! Of course it’s a cozy mystery… A story is told in a fairly lighthearted manner, but still I found it interesting! I liked how they figured it out at the end. Add in a little romance, which always spices things up. A delightful cozy mystery!
The author has a delightful sense of humor. Hadley, the main character is from Moose Knuckle, New Hampshire! Her ice cream truck is called, Give Me Chills! I knew nothing about artisan ice cream and learned a little bit about that in the story. She makes her own ice cream and mixes her own flavors.
There is a murder! Of course it’s a cozy mystery… A story is told in a fairly lighthearted manner, but still I found it interesting! I liked how they figured it out at the end. Add in a little romance, which always spices things up. A delightful cozy mystery!
October 15, 2020
I'm really hoping that this is the beginning of a series because I want MORE!
The main character, Hadley, escapes from an emotionally trying situation to gain a fresh start selling ice cream in Florida. Her own honest-to-goodness ice cream is created freshly each night to be sold to tourists the next day.
While this was a very quick read, it felt solid. Most of the bases were covered and the story was wrapped up nicely. The denouement was a little speedy and in the rush, it felt as some detail was skirted over. I did really enjoy this novella and would love to read more of Hadley's exploits.
The main character, Hadley, escapes from an emotionally trying situation to gain a fresh start selling ice cream in Florida. Her own honest-to-goodness ice cream is created freshly each night to be sold to tourists the next day.
While this was a very quick read, it felt solid. Most of the bases were covered and the story was wrapped up nicely. The denouement was a little speedy and in the rush, it felt as some detail was skirted over. I did really enjoy this novella and would love to read more of Hadley's exploits.
August 20, 2022
I like the way Hadley stumbled on to the mystery. The investigation is pretty straightforward, but there were still a few red herrings. I liked that the solution had two parts, so when you think you know what happened, there is still more to find out.
The romance is done well also. Hadley and Zander talked to each other and shared what they were thinking, so they were able to move at a pace that they were both comfortable with.
And it was nice to see Devil’s Bech from a new perspective.
The romance is done well also. Hadley and Zander talked to each other and shared what they were thinking, so they were able to move at a pace that they were both comfortable with.
And it was nice to see Devil’s Bech from a new perspective.
November 24, 2022
"After being humiliated in front of her entire hometown of Moose Knuckle, New Hampshire, Hadley Mortimer heads south to lick her wounds. All the way to the island of Devil's Beach, Florida, where she's opened her first business: Give Me Chills, an artisan ice cream truck. After a couple of weeks, she's living the cream and has even met a gorgeous guy named Zander, who seems to appreciate more than her soft serve cones.
Then Zander asks her to bring an ice cream cake to his great-aunt's funeral, and while delivering her pretty, frozen treat to the wake, overhears two people talking about murder. Hadley -- a true crime junkie -- lets curiosity get the best of her and she begins to sleuth.
It's not easy juggling a new crush, a popular food truck and a murder investigation. Hadley has to do all three without having a meltdown..."
My thoughts:
A novella in what is hopefully going to be a full series from author Tara Lush. Hadley had her heart broken but moving to Florida with her ice cream truck and meeting Zander is a delicious recipe for a successful mystery series. Hadley is creative with her ice cream creations and is willing to take a few chances to catch a killer. Zander may be eye candy but he is also intelligent and smart enough to know not to crowd or push Hadley to quickly into a relationship. Their dialogue and encounters felt realistic.
There is great potential for developing these characters and future adventures. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of theme parks or rides but that was not the main focus of this book. This was a quick fun read which mostly featured the pair trying to figure out who killed his great aunt. It also made me hungry for ice cream!
Then Zander asks her to bring an ice cream cake to his great-aunt's funeral, and while delivering her pretty, frozen treat to the wake, overhears two people talking about murder. Hadley -- a true crime junkie -- lets curiosity get the best of her and she begins to sleuth.
It's not easy juggling a new crush, a popular food truck and a murder investigation. Hadley has to do all three without having a meltdown..."
My thoughts:
A novella in what is hopefully going to be a full series from author Tara Lush. Hadley had her heart broken but moving to Florida with her ice cream truck and meeting Zander is a delicious recipe for a successful mystery series. Hadley is creative with her ice cream creations and is willing to take a few chances to catch a killer. Zander may be eye candy but he is also intelligent and smart enough to know not to crowd or push Hadley to quickly into a relationship. Their dialogue and encounters felt realistic.
There is great potential for developing these characters and future adventures. Admittedly, I'm not a fan of theme parks or rides but that was not the main focus of this book. This was a quick fun read which mostly featured the pair trying to figure out who killed his great aunt. It also made me hungry for ice cream!
March 18, 2024
Do you need a fun, little mystery to get you in the mood for summer? Then pick up Tara Lush's Give Me Chills. It involves murder, ice cream and summer fun... also did I mention ice cream?
Hadley Mortimer is starting life afresh in Devil's Beach, Florida, with her little artisan ice cream van. When she meets Zander over ice cream, she doesn't realize that their meeting will result in them chasing down a murderer.
This novella was so much fun! I really enjoy Tara Lush's Coffee Lover's Mysteries, and this is a companion story to that series. While it doesn't involve the same characters as the main story, it does involve the same beautifully sunny and picturesque Devil's Beach. As a fan of her other series I loved the little mentions in this book to the other series, like places and monkeys [!!!!!] in Devil's Beach.
Give Me Chills is fun and light and filled with the Florida charm that I've come to expect from Tara Lush's books. It's the perfect place to start if you're new to the series. Once you've had a taste of Devil's Beach you will definitely be wanting to visit again with the other stories.
Hadley Mortimer is starting life afresh in Devil's Beach, Florida, with her little artisan ice cream van. When she meets Zander over ice cream, she doesn't realize that their meeting will result in them chasing down a murderer.
This novella was so much fun! I really enjoy Tara Lush's Coffee Lover's Mysteries, and this is a companion story to that series. While it doesn't involve the same characters as the main story, it does involve the same beautifully sunny and picturesque Devil's Beach. As a fan of her other series I loved the little mentions in this book to the other series, like places and monkeys [!!!!!] in Devil's Beach.
Give Me Chills is fun and light and filled with the Florida charm that I've come to expect from Tara Lush's books. It's the perfect place to start if you're new to the series. Once you've had a taste of Devil's Beach you will definitely be wanting to visit again with the other stories.
January 4, 2023
This is the third Tara Lush story I’ve read, but this one was really disappointing.
The prologue was really detached from the rest of the story. It kept talking about a stalker, but there wasn’t reaaaally a stalker.
Hadley’s vigilante murder investigation was completely unbelievable. She repeatedly claims to be a big fan of true crime… but doesn’t think to tell Zander to ask for an autopsy to check for cyanide. And, she tries to collect evidence herself, which any true crime fan should know would make it harder to use in court.
The whole thing with the hydrangeas was really confusing and not very well explained. It left me confused.
The ending felt SO rushed. It was only in the last bit that we even learned of the actual suspect, and the epilogue was to brief of a wrap-up and didn’t answer most of my questions.
I’ll continue to read Tara Lush’s work because this is the first one that I’ve truly disliked.
The prologue was really detached from the rest of the story. It kept talking about a stalker, but there wasn’t reaaaally a stalker.
Hadley’s vigilante murder investigation was completely unbelievable. She repeatedly claims to be a big fan of true crime… but doesn’t think to tell Zander to ask for an autopsy to check for cyanide. And, she tries to collect evidence herself, which any true crime fan should know would make it harder to use in court.
The whole thing with the hydrangeas was really confusing and not very well explained. It left me confused.
The ending felt SO rushed. It was only in the last bit that we even learned of the actual suspect, and the epilogue was to brief of a wrap-up and didn’t answer most of my questions.
I’ll continue to read Tara Lush’s work because this is the first one that I’ve truly disliked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2020
This story was fun and quirky and goes by in a flash. I had so much fun with the sweet slow burn of the developing relationship between Hadley and Zander, but the mystery drove me a little batty. It successfully kept me guessing, but I think that’s because the most important clues were all held back until the final big reveal. I also felt that the sleuthing portions of the story were a little over the top. As a mystery, the story left me wanting just a little bit more. But, for pure entertainment value, this book knocked it out of the park. I love that the food truck is a character of its own. I’m curious to see what else is going to occur in Devil's Beach.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.
July 15, 2022
A novella that manages to satisfy. Though short, the author does the most with her word count. By wisely limiting her main characters to two, she rewards readers with fully developed personalities and backstories.
Oddly my only complaint is the side story of Hadley’s van’s horn honking by itself. Maybe it was supposed to be comic relief because it was described in a humorous manner.
Not sure if this is the start of a new series to compliment the author’s Coffee Lover’s mysteries or if it’s a stand alone. I would read more about Hadley and Zander.
Oddly my only complaint is the side story of Hadley’s van’s horn honking by itself. Maybe it was supposed to be comic relief because it was described in a humorous manner.
Not sure if this is the start of a new series to compliment the author’s Coffee Lover’s mysteries or if it’s a stand alone. I would read more about Hadley and Zander.
November 14, 2020
This was a perfect way to spend a little time curled up with a cup of coffee! I loved this novella and I can not wait to read more books with Hadley.
Give Me Chills: A Devil's Beach Novella was a treat to have to read. Reading about Hadley and her adventures of how she has her own ice cream truck in Florida. And her meeting Zander.
You just have to get this novella and sit back for a wonderful read! I can not wait to read more about Hadley and Zander.
Thank you for this great book Tara Lush.
Give Me Chills: A Devil's Beach Novella was a treat to have to read. Reading about Hadley and her adventures of how she has her own ice cream truck in Florida. And her meeting Zander.
You just have to get this novella and sit back for a wonderful read! I can not wait to read more about Hadley and Zander.
Thank you for this great book Tara Lush.
July 19, 2022
🍦
Ice cream truck owner turned amateur sleuth? That's the way it usually happens. Hadley meets Sander who's grieving the most of his aunt and stumbles on to a huge clue. Now these two have to find out if her death was an accident or murder. It's a cozy so its murder.
The romantic element wasn't necessary but the date at the end was cute. The other thing was the ending felt rushed but overall was fine.
CN: poison, elder financial manipulation, stalking, cheating
Ice cream truck owner turned amateur sleuth? That's the way it usually happens. Hadley meets Sander who's grieving the most of his aunt and stumbles on to a huge clue. Now these two have to find out if her death was an accident or murder. It's a cozy so its murder.
The romantic element wasn't necessary but the date at the end was cute. The other thing was the ending felt rushed but overall was fine.
CN: poison, elder financial manipulation, stalking, cheating
September 13, 2025
Not a bad short story. I like that the plot drops pretty early so it cuts to the good stuff but it felt overly cheesy with how much she was obsessed over some guy she literally just met. I get it though, maybe I’m just not that into romance stories like that. Overall, nice and easy read. Didn’t feel too short or too long. And I never got bored where I wanted to quit the book so I think it’s a solid 3 stars. Maybe 3 1/2!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2020
I was so entertained by this new short story. It had me laughing with delight at some of the actions of Hadley who has her own ice cream truck which is parked on a beach in Florida. She overhears a plot for murder and she is a murder mystery lover. But can she prove what she thought she heard really happened and who did it. Great way to fill in a couple of hours.
August 9, 2020
Hadley has an artisan ice cream truck and loves being in Devil's Beach, Florida. She meets Zander and is skeptical of his interest because he is so handsome. She give him a chance and when is Aunt dies under mysterious circumstances (after eating Hadley's ice cream); they work together to determine the killer. This was a cute read and I look forward to the next int he series.
August 28, 2020
Short story about Hadley operating a gourmet ice cream truck in Devil's Beach Florida. She overhears two people discussing cyanide in some ice cream that was given to a new friend's relative. Only problem is, it was Hadley's ice cream, and now that person is dead. Murder!
A little short on details and facts, but a nice introduction to Devil's Beach.
A little short on details and facts, but a nice introduction to Devil's Beach.
December 3, 2020
This well written short cozey murder mystery is also the beginning of a tasty romance blended together like a cool scoop of chocolate almond mint ice cream, a blend of caracters so diverse in nature yet bonded in the pursuit of a cold blooded killer. Aquier "Give Me Chills"so you yourself can enjoy reading it as much as I have. 😮🤔🙄Kat
October 26, 2022
A fun Devils Beach novella featuring the new artisanal ice cream truck owner and a roller coaster developer who are both new to the island. While there was a brief visit to Perkatory I felted just a bit cheated we didn’t get to say hello to our old friend Lana and her sidekick Stanley. Here’s to hoping we see more of Hadley and Zander and Ziggy in the future!
January 29, 2023
Cozy
Another cozy mystery set in Devil’s Beach, Florida. Hadley has recently moved to Florida and sets up a mobile ice cream shop. Zander is mourning the loss of a recently deceased aunt. Hadley is unwittingly drawn into Zander’s family drama and the two pair up for a little sleuthing, and of course a little romance.
Another cozy mystery set in Devil’s Beach, Florida. Hadley has recently moved to Florida and sets up a mobile ice cream shop. Zander is mourning the loss of a recently deceased aunt. Hadley is unwittingly drawn into Zander’s family drama and the two pair up for a little sleuthing, and of course a little romance.
January 6, 2025
I am now craving extraordinary ice cream! Lol
This was a cute cozy mystery, super short and sweet.
I enjoyed this book and definitely would recommend! I technically give this a 4.5. I felt like the prologue was a bit detached from the story/plot so that's why I took half a point off. Overall though, I still enjoyed it!
This was a cute cozy mystery, super short and sweet.
I enjoyed this book and definitely would recommend! I technically give this a 4.5. I felt like the prologue was a bit detached from the story/plot so that's why I took half a point off. Overall though, I still enjoyed it!
July 14, 2023
fun and imaginative!
Hilarious hijinks involving a woman starting over and murder have a great way of melting into a great story. Second chance romance and sleuthing go together to make one cozy mystery.
Hilarious hijinks involving a woman starting over and murder have a great way of melting into a great story. Second chance romance and sleuthing go together to make one cozy mystery.
June 20, 2024
Cute cozy
Not sure how this ties into the coffee mysteries by this author in the same setting but it's a cute intro to the community. The whodunit was a gimme but still a fun short read.
Not sure how this ties into the coffee mysteries by this author in the same setting but it's a cute intro to the community. The whodunit was a gimme but still a fun short read.
July 22, 2020
A fun summer read with ice cream , romance and murder
August 4, 2020
A great read. Full of fun, mayhem, murder and a touch of romance. Well written, descriptive with characters to love! Don’t
miss it!
miss it!
November 16, 2020
A pleasant read with a new theme. Characters just so so.
November 17, 2020
Hoping the relationship between the 2 main characters doesn't ruin it for me. Don't like that in my cozies.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 16, 2022Not out until July 2022
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews