Mocha and Murder By Tonya Kappes: Review/Giveaway

Jul 15, 2017 | 2017 Articles, Food Fun, Kathleen Costa, Mysteryrat's Maze

by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Mocha and Murder, and a link to purchase it from Amazon & an indie bookstore where a portion goes to help support KRL.

The Bean Hive has the perfect location on the boardwalk serving the best treats and hot coffee with a marvelous view of Lake Honey Springs, and seeing a smile on her customers’ faces is why Roxy Bloom didn’t miss being a lawyer. Her coffeehouse with all of its locally sourced ingredients and high quality coffees and teas make this the ideal place for locals and tourists alike. Heading out to the farmers’ market with Pepper, her friendly adopted Schnauzer, was going to the perfect way to enjoy some quiet time with Patrick Cane, her childhood sweetheart turned fiancé. But, this quiet time is interrupted when Louise Carlton, owner of the Pet Palace animal shelter, starts arguing with local farmer Fred Hill. Louise may well regret her very vocal and public disagreement, when she is found, bloody knife in hand, over the dead body of none other than Fred Hill.

bookRoxy’s skill set for investigating murders has been proven, but Detective Spencer still feels compelled to tell her to ‘leave it to the professionals.’ Despite the warning, Roxy knows in a small town like Honey Springs the best place to start an investigation is with the local gossip. She inadvertently learns about an exotic chicken, valuable eggs, property disputes, and money troubles for more than a few residents. But a murder investigation is nothing when compared to learning that her mom is making gestures to stay. Penny Bloom was never a fan of Honey Springs, or Aunt Maxie for that matter, and was vocally upset when Roxy chose to give up being a lawyer, so Roxy is definitely stressed by the prospect of having Mom so close by.

Once again, I am in seventh heaven enjoying the southern community and characters that Tonya Kappes is so talented in creating. Mocha and Murder is the second book in the Killer Coffee series with which fans, like me, are thrilled, but newbies need not shy away since there is plenty of back story to make new fans out of them. However, there is a ‘spoiler’ reference, so I highly recommend reading the first book, Scene of the Grind, to make your experience complete.

This new story is brilliant including some contemporary issues many may have experienced—I knew the IRS calls and threats I received were a scam, but it was very scary, nonetheless, and engaging to see how it played out in this book. With several twists and a great “Oh my!” ending that once again put the main character in jeopardy, amateur Sherlocks are given the opportunity to solve the murder mystery on their own. Me? I had a couple of possible solutions and one long shot, and the long shot came in.

The characters are well developed and entertaining, but also sharing their venerability with some family revelations and hatchets buried. My favorite is Roxy, of course, who is strong-willed, but not obstinate, and loyal to friends and family that seems to be putting her in harm’s way. The setting of Honey Springs, Kentucky, and the issues with being a new full-time resident and running a popular coffeehouse play delightfully in the background along with exploring the relationship of reunited lovers and a mother/daughter dynamic. Additionally, we can always count on some easy-to-follow recipes straight from The Bean Hive: Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies, Apple Crisp Cookies (The Bean Hive favorite), Watermelon Pup-sicles (Pepper’s favorite warm day treat!), and Southern Light Pound Cake. From fans we get Vegan Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting and Twinkie Cake. You’ve got the book and the treats…now invite the friends!

Mocha and Murder earns 5/5 Exotic Ayam Cemani Eggs!

Be A Tonya Kappes Fan!
Facebook – Author Tonya Kappes
Join the “Cozy Krew”
Become a Member at the Website – Tonya Kappes

To enter to win a copy of Murder and Mocha, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “mocha,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 22, 2017. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address, and if via comment please include your email address.

Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & short stories in our mystery section.

Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:

You can use this link to purchase this book from Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.

49 Comments

  1. Kathleen Kendler on July 15 at 9:59am

    yeah, new series.

    kckendler at gmail dot com

    Reply
  2. Valerie Hoynacki on July 15 at 10:41am

    Mocha – yum!! Add a mystery and it’s even better!!!

    Reply
  3. Betsy M Lewerenz on July 15 at 10:58am

    Would love to win. Haven’t read this author before and it’s a good way to find new authors. Thanks.
    bmlewerenz@gmail.com

    Reply
  5. Brandy Barber on July 15 at 7:23pm

    Thanks for the review/blog. I love Tonya books and am waiting excitably for the new book. I like reading a few reviews before the book comes out and after so I am ready. Seen this giveaway on one of my facebook post. Thanks for doing it.

    Reply
  6. Joanie on July 15 at 7:27pm

    I love this series and hope it goes on for many more books

    Reply
  7. Jennifer Muler on July 15 at 9:06pm

    Thanks for the chance! Can’t wait to read it! I love Tanya Kappes.
    Injennius (at) yahoo (dot) com

    Reply
  8. Linda May on July 16 at 7:31am

    Love your books & this interview was very interesting. Thanks as always for your generosity. lindamay4852@yahoo.com

    Reply
  9. Laura Milburn on July 16 at 8:41am

    I love Tonya!! Would love to win her book. Thank you for the chance to win!

    Reply
  10. Patricia Wagner on July 16 at 9:35am

    Another book to be added to my TBR pile

    Reply
  11. Tonya Kappes on July 16 at 10:13am

    Thank you so much!!!!

    Reply
  12. sally on July 16 at 10:14am

    I loved the book. Great take on the story.
    nerdsrgood(at)msn(dot)com

    Reply
  13. Kristi Lewis on July 16 at 10:25am

    This was a very good review. I love the idea of having a coffeehouse in the story. It’s sounds like a great mystery read. Thanks for a chance to win! kristilewis dot lrc at gmail dot com
    My mailing address is 1202 Robin Street Ashdown AR 71822

    Reply
  14. Penney Wilfort on July 16 at 10:50am

    Loved the review on this thank you
    Penney
    penneyw(at)sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  15. Lori Moore on July 16 at 11:07am

    Thanks for this opportunity! I love Tonya’s books & can’t wait to read this one!

    Lori 🙂

    Reply
  16. MaryAnn Forbes on July 16 at 11:19am

    I am a fan of Tonya’s, yet have not read this new series. Would love to win Mocha and Murder; thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  17. Catherine Winslow on July 16 at 11:21am

    Would love!

    Reply
  19. Donna Caldwell on July 16 at 12:00pm

    I can’t wait to read it!

    Reply
  20. Ruthann McCoy on July 16 at 12:30pm

    I am new to Ms.Kappes, but after reading a few of her books, I am a fan for life. I want this series, so I would love to win this book. Thank you for the chance.

    Reply
  21. Paula Adams on July 16 at 12:38pm

    Love the title and the names in the book. Sounds like a fun read. pgenest57 at aol dot com

    Reply
  22. Alisha Collins on July 16 at 12:48pm

    Can’t wait to read this book!! Thank You for a great review!

    Reply
  25. Kelly Braun on July 16 at 1:12pm

    Tonya Kappes is a Fantabulous author & the book sounds divine!
    Cheers-
    Kelly Braun
    Gaelicark(at)yahoo(dot)com

    Reply
  26. girlfromwva on July 16 at 1:22pm

    would love to win Tonya’s book; sending email in now! thanks!

    Reply
  27. jane on July 16 at 2:06pm

    this sounds like something I would love to read . thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  28. Jo Anne Vincenti on July 16 at 2:12pm

    awesome review — would love to win her book – she is an awesome author

    Reply
  29. peggy clayton on July 16 at 2:43pm

    Tonya writes such good books I would love to read a print copy and review on goodreads and amazon. ptclayton2@aol.com

    Reply
  30. Jill Broussard on July 16 at 4:59pm

    The first book in this series was great. I’m looking forward to reading #2. Thankyou for the opportunity! minishoes (at)msn (dot)com

    Reply
  31. Carl on July 16 at 5:41pm

    I’d love a chance to win a copy of Mocha and Murder. It’s great to get into a new series fairly early, I think. Please enter my name in the draw.

    Reply
    • Carl on July 16 at 5:42pm

      Oops! crs(at)codedivasites(dot)com

      Reply
  32. Linda on July 16 at 6:57pm

    Enjoyed this review. Now I need to read the entire book!

    Reply
  33. Doward Wilson on July 16 at 7:31pm

    Another wonderful series by a favorite author. Thanks for the giveaway.

    Reply
  34. Amy Hallmark on July 16 at 9:17pm

    I love Tonya. An awesome author and this is a great giveaway. Would love to win. Email – though required and added above under name – mysticbs@yahoo.com

    Reply
  36. Judy Weaver on July 18 at 6:42am

    Tonya’s a great author! Thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  37. Lynn Russell on July 18 at 1:08pm

    I love Tonya Kappas books. She is a great writer and such a fun person. It shows in her books. I’d love to have this one.

    Reply
  38. Dianne Casey on July 18 at 5:28pm

    I haven’t read this series yet. I really enjoy Tonya’s books and I can’t wait to read this book.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  39. Jeanie on July 18 at 8:10pm

    Would love to read this! It sounds so interesting, and since I love coffee, sounds like a perfect match for this armchair sleuth.

    Reply
  40. Nora-Adrienne on July 19 at 9:06am

    I love Tonya’s books and would be thrilled to add this one to my home library.

    Reply
  42. Cynthia E. Blain on July 19 at 1:39pm

    Would love to enter for the Mocha and Murder contest.
    I have enjoyed other books by Tonya and would be interested in reading this book.

    Thank you for the chance.
    Cynthia

    ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net

    Reply
  43. Michelle on July 19 at 8:41pm

    A new Kitty cozy

    Reply
  44. Karen B on July 20 at 4:25pm

    A new series – YAY – and thanks!

    Reply
  45. Marilyn on July 22 at 5:42pm

    The Bean Hive what a great name…interested in reading this.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    Reply
  47. Iyanna wright on July 23 at 6:46am

    Mocha and Murder, I would love to win and read this

    Reply
  48. Lorie on August 2 at 1:11pm

    We have a winner!

    Reply

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