My favourite cozy mystery series… Coffee… A title that’s a pun on Murder, She Wrote (one of the best mystery shows ever!)… This book has everything!

With the West Coast Barista Cup in town, there was A LOT of focus on coffee, and Torte’s head barista and coffee magician, Andy, has the spotlight put firmly on him. I really enjoyed learning more about coffee (one of my favourite things to drink) and all the different ways to enjoy it.

With the competition came a slew of new characters, including Piper and Benson, the head judges, and all the competitors, including Andy’s two main competitors, Sammy, 5-time Barista Cup champion and YouTube coffee goddess who owns a popular coffee shop in Spokane, and Diaz, a cocky, hipster-type who does odd things like serving coffee in an avocado (yes, I’ve seen it many times on Instagram, no I don’t think I’d enjoy it). There’s also James, who is the MC of the Barista Cup and also the chef at The Hills, where the event is being held.

I think one of the ways that Alexander has been keeping this series fresh is the changing backdrop. While Torte is always the main focus, the last two books have shifted the action away from the bakeshop – last time we were focused on the ice cream venture and this time we’re spending most of our time at the coffee competition. Not that we still don’t get to read about lots of mouthwatering lunches and to-die-for pastries, but it’s all about the coffee in this one.

When the mean-spirited judge, Benson Vargas is murdered, I never suspected Andy for a second, but the field of suspects was still pretty open. Aside from the other competitors, plus Piper and James – everyone had their own reasons for wanting Benson dead.

I really don’t want to gush. Really. But I can’t help but admire the longevity of this cozy mystery series and its ability to stay in my “must read” list time after time. As readers of my blog can quickly figure out, I read quite a few cozy mysteries and since there are literally hundreds of new books in the genre published each year, I have to be picky with the ones I read since I don’t have time to read them all. There have been some very long-running series that I have gotten bored with or lost interest in but honestly, The Bakeshop Mystery just keeps me coming back for more.

Part of the charm is the setting and the characters. I have grown so familiar with Ashland and it’s engaging set of characters that it’s like returning to visit with friends whenever I pick up a new book. But that can’t be the only reason this series still has me excited over every new release.

Familiarity aside, I think it’s the constant growth and development of the characters that I also love. It’s not just about the main character, Juliet and her ability to solve murders, or her love life, or her growing business, Torte. It’s also about her friends and staff – they all have such distinct personalities and Alexander has been giving them each character development time. Some more than others, but it’s always well-balanced within the plotline. For example, in the last book, Chilled to the Cone (you can read my review of that book here), Jules made some significant decisions about her life in Ashland, so in this book, she didn’t have as much personal growth, but other characters, like Andy, did.

We also see Carlos finding his own path in Ashland and Lance (my favourite character) still eager to solve mysteries but also enjoying a romance of his own. Other regular characters who have minor life developments include the Professor (inching ever so closer to retirement) and Thomas and Kerry (who are planning their wedding, but with some concerns popping up). I still wonder how Ashland’s police force will function when it’s managed by a married couple but I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens.

I had an inkling of who the murderer was about halfway through the book but the motive wasn’t that clear until closer to the end. And while I didn’t miss it, I did feel that the police presence seemed a bit more “in the background” in this one – Thomas or the Professor are usually much more involved and there’s more interactions between them and Jules.

Overall, this was a great addition to the Bakeshop Mystery series (especially if you’re a coffee lover!) and one that I can highly recommend. It was so nice to see Andy take the spotlight and I hope we see more of the staff in starring roles in the future. While you could read this as a standalone, I definitely would recommend starting from Book 1 in the series, Meet Your Baker.

*** Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, for providing me with an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Visiting Ashland, Oregon again in the 13th Bakeshop Mystery is a joy whether it's your first or you have read them all, is just a joy. Jules and her team at Torte support Andy in his determination to win in the competition for best barista on the west coast. Unfortunately the competition quickly derails into a hotbed of ambition, cheating and murder. Jules and her best buddy, Lance, investigate. Ellie Alexander skillfully balances a well-crafted mystery and the story of the a community of characters you will remember for a long time. Highly recommended.

"The town of Ashland, Oregon finds itself the host of the prestigious West Coast Barista Cup, and Torte's own barista Andy, has been chosen as one of this year's competitors. Jules and the rest of the bakeshop team could not be more excited to cheer Andy on, until one of the well-known judges, Benson Vargas turns up dead after drinking one of Andy's coffee creations. Jules and her friend Lance, who runs the town's well-known theater, set out together to prove Andy's innocence, finding that there are many likely suspects who'd like to see Benson Vargas dead, given his mean and degrading nature.

This is the 13th book in the Bakeshop Mystery series, and even though it was the first of this series that I have read, was easily able to pick it up to read as a stand-alone book. It was a fun, light read, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I admit, I love the food-based mystery series, and they always get me in the mood to create something in the kitchen after reading about the dishes and sweets in the books!

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for providing me with an advanced copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is the first time I have read this author but loved the story. The amateur sleuths ,Julieta and Lance seemed to be always coming up with suspects. This murder centers around a Barista Cup competition. You must read this to see how it turns out . It sometimes takes me a while to figure it out. A VERY GOOD cozy mystery.

Mocha, She Wrote is the 13th mystery in the Bakeshop Mystery series. No need to fret as it can be read as a stand alone. That being said you need to grow with these characters to fully appreciate them.
Torte’s head barista, Andy has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup. Things go from exciting to deadly.
#mochashewrote#netgalley

Thank you to St. Martin's Press for my ARC in exchange for an honest review - this book published June 29th!

Bakery-cafe Torte is bringing in the crowds of Ashland, Oregon as usual. But that's not all - head barista Andy has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup, with a grand prize of $10,000. The competition is fierce, and when the head judge dies after tasting Andy's latest latte, amateur sleuth and Torte owner Juliet jumps in to prove her employee's innocence.

Mocha, She Wrote is book 13 in the Bakeshop Mysteries - talk about staying power! This is the first book I've read in the series, and I can see why it's lasted this long. Ellie Alexander made me love these characters - I didn't feel like I was missing backstory from the earlier books, but at the same time I really want to read them all now.

Juliet is a perfect cozy mystery protagonist - hardworking, creative, warm, determined - and I loved seeing her relationships with her friends and employees, especially Andy. In addition to the coffee talk (I've learned a lot about how to pull a proper espresso shot!), there was lots of amazing food that made my mouth water. The mystery took great twists and turns and kept me guessing until the end.

Some cozy mysteries don't give you both cozy and mystery - this one succeeds in spades! I'm excited to check out the rest of the series, as well as Alexander's other series - the Sloan Krause brewery-themed cozies.

Andy the barista supreme at Torte has won an entry into the West Coast Barista Competition. Fortunately, the contest is in Ashland, Oregon this year so all can enjoy the excitement. Jules, the owner of Torte, is dismayed when Andy spills his beans and one of the judges threatens to kick him out of the contest. Fortunately, Andy remains and does well in the contest until one of the judges gets an oversalted drink. When the same judge is found dead, Andy is just one of the suspects. Jules and Lance work on their own to help find the murderer.

This is my first read in this series. I enjoyed the characters and the wonderful setting. It is definitely a series to keep on your to-be-read list.

Andy, Torte's head barista, is excited to win a place in the West Coast Barista Cup competition. He hopes he can do a great job and represent himself and Torte well. But when one of the judges dies, Andy becomes a likely suspect. Luckily for him, his boss Jules (Juliette), is there and ready to solve the mystery and hopefully clear his name.

Lots of twists, turns, and red herrings abound in this cozy mystery. Sadly, so many could have done it. Out was a pleasure reading as Jules and her crew helped bring a murderer to justice.
This is the first book I've read in this series...but it's not the last.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Another hit in the Bakeshop Murder series. When Jules' barista Andy gets picked to be in a barista competition everyone is thrilled. When one of the judges is murdered though, and drugs were found in the coffee Andy had made for him, things get heated. A fun and easy cozy mystery. Started a bit slow but soon picked up. Would recommend.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advance reader copy of Mocha, She Wrote by Ellie Alexander in exchange for an honest review. I love these books and was so excited to get this book and start reading it! Taking place in Ashford, OR, this book has been fun to read. Jules' place of business, Torte, has grown over the years, solving murders and creating new drinks and food items. Jules' works, along with her baristas, creating new drinks and many types of foods. Ellie Alexander has so many fun reads and this is such an enjoyable story. I would love to work in a place like Torte.

Mocha, She Wrote by Ellie Alexander is the 13th book in A Bakeshop Mystery series, and another great addition. I love this series, and have read them all, and when a new book comes out it's like visiting old friends. Juliet Capshaw owns Torte Bakery with her mother. The staff of Torte are all excited because Andy, their Barista, was selected to compete for the West Coast Barista Cup. When one of the judges dies, Juliet is determined to find the truth. I suggest you read the books in order, to get the full effect. I strongly recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers, you will not be disappointed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Things at Ashland, Oregon’s favorite coffee and pastry shop Torte have been going smoothly lately. Juliet and her team have been baking up a storm, decorating wedding cakes, serving up lunch, making ice cream concretes, and creating handmade coffee drinks for locals and tourists alike. Her husband Carlos has been running their vineyard. Everything is good. Which is perfect, as the West Coast Barista Cup is coming up, and their barista Andy has made it into the competition.

The Barista Cup is a big competition in the coffee world, and Andy is nervous about competing. He’s been studying and working on an original drink recipe for weeks, and Juliet can’t wait to see him on stage competing with the best baristas on the West Coast. But there is a problem. Judge Benson Vargas is notorious for being especially difficult to please, and Juliet worries that his harsh criticism will destroy his confidence.

Just getting set up at his station in the competition, Andy accidentally drops some of his beans. Vargas starts yelling at him, saying that he’s being disrespectful and should be disqualified. Another judge, Piper, steps in to calm him down and tell Andy that things will be okay, so he settles down a little and prepares for the first round. Even though he’s going up against some top baristas—and internet coffee stars—Andy knows that he’s put in enough work to make it into the competition. But does he have what it takes to win?

After a grueling first day of competition, Andy is still in the competition. But barely. Vargas took one sip of Andy’s original hot honey latte and spit it back out, complaining of all the salt. Andy took a sip as well and realized that something had gone wrong and there was way too much salt in it. The drinks for the other 2 judges were fine—it was just that one cup that was over-salted. Andy can’t figure out how it happened, and he makes Vargas another latte for him to drink as he’s leaving the venue.

As it turns out, that’s what kills him.

Juliet knows that Andy would never hurt the judge, no matter how much the man got on his nerves. But someone used Andy’s latte as the vehicle to deliver enough pharmaceuticals to kill him, and Juliet is determined to find out who would do that. Could it be coffee internet sensation Sammi, who was incredibly upset at ending day one in third place and is missing her anxiety medicine? Could it be the hotshot Diaz, with his confidence and upbeat playlist, who ended the first day on top but with an incredibly messy workspace? Could it have been the technical judge Piper, who Vargas threatened to fire from the Barista Cup competitions? Or what about James, the manager of the venue for the competition, who Juliet saw arguing with Vargas earlier that day?

While the police work on the evidence to find the proof they need of the murderer, Juliet and her best friend Lance ask around to find out all about the past relationships and gossip in the small world of artisan coffee to try to figure out who killed the judge and why. But will their investigation help the police catch a killer, or are they just brewing up trouble for themselves?

Mocha, She Wrote is the 13th mystery in the Bakeshop Mystery series. Author Ellie Alexander has a way with words, describing foods and drinks in a way that makes your mouth water and talking about the town of Ashland and the beauty of Oregon in such glowing ways that make you feel like you’re right there experiencing it all. Her relationships with her employees are kind and respectful, and that graciousness is so lovely to read about.

I particularly loved the barista competition as the setting for this crime. It opened up new characters and new possibilities for the investigation. Although these mysteries are formulaic (and isn’t that what we’re here for? We want a reading experience with these that are as smooth as Andy’s lattes and sweetly layered as Jules’ cookies), Alexander always come through with a story that flows like a caramel sauce, characters that are as balanced as the perfect mocha, and with an ending as fulfilling as a marshmallowy pavlova with seasonal fruits that have been soaked in red wine.

Egalleys for Mocha, She Wrote were provided by St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley, with many thanks.

I really enjoyed reading this latest book from Ellie Alexander. She kept my on my toes till the end I wasn't sure every time they thought they caught the killer I still wasn't sure that was the right one until the very end. and I was happy that Andy won the tropy in the end he was for real and honestly. I Awaiting for the next book in the series. Keep up the great work

Ellie Alexander has done it again! I absolutely adored this 13th installment of the Bakeshop mysteries. Having the focus be on Andy and a barista competition was a fantastic idea, bringing something fresh and new feeling to the series. It helps that Andy is an absolute cinnamon roll who you can't help but root for. The mystery portion of the plot was fun and well done, but I just enjoyed the relationships and characters so much. I wasn't a huge fan of book 12, but Alexander recaptured the magic with this one.

I can't believe we're at book thirteen in Ellie Alexander's bakeshop series. It's always hard to keep a long-running series fresh, but Alexander manages to do that with the introduction of new characters and business ventures. However, while these new elements add plot points, they have become a little overwhelming at this point. So many different people work at the famed Torte, I can't remember who they all are and their relevance to the plot (which is normally very little, if at all). It also seems as though our MC Jules is running a small empire between Torte (which seems to do it all--pastries, coffee, wedding cakes, catering, lunch sandwiches...), Scoops--the ice cream shop introduced in the last book, and Uva, the winery Carlos is now running. It's just a lot. Alexander can't really backtrack now, but I wish all these elements hadn't been added over time.

Putting aside the extraneous fluff and focusing on the story at hand, I was actually quite entertained. Andy, Torte's star barista is entered in the West Coast Barista Competition, where the winner gets $10k and a trip to nationals--not to mention the publicity Torte would get. But when the famed judge known as the Simon Cowell of coffee (and even harsher) drops dead, everyone is a suspect, including Andy! Of course, Jules and Lance are on the case.

With this type of cast cozy mystery with such a despised victim, there were so many potential suspects it made for a wild ride! The competition aspect was fun, as well. Perfect for fans of Chopped! I think fans of this series won't be disappointed, but I hope Alexander chooses to focus on her Sloan Krause series instead of milking the bakeshop books to the bone with even more characters and business ventures.

Thanks to St. Martin's Press for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10

I do enjoy these books, especially since I have been to the Shakespeare festival and Ashland multiple times over the years. While Ms. Alexander's geography is not always accurate, they are still good for wiling away an afternoon.

Juliette (Jules) Capshaw is settling into her new life now that her husband Carlos has made the permanent move to Ashland. Her budding coffee expert and Torte barista, Andy, will be competing in the Barista's Cup this year for the first time and it's being held right there in Ashland. However, when the cantankerous judge (coffee's version of Gordon Ramsay) winds up dead from a poisoned latte, Andy is the top suspect. Jules knows she has to solve the crime so her life can return to normal.

I found this particular book in the series somewhat predictable. The whodunit wasn't all that hard to guess. The real star of this is the coffee drinks concocted by the baristas in the competition. I am a serious coffee lover and I always am interested to see what kind of drinks Andy comes up with, so having an entire book about it was awesome.

I absolutely love Ellie Alexander and The Bakeshop Mystery series. Every time I read a book in the series I feel like I'm a character in the book and am part of Jule's crew. I can't wait to read the next book when it comes out in December! What a great job Ellie on Mocha She Wrote! Love your books and I love how amazing you are!

This is the 13th book in Ellie Alexander's Bakeshop Mystery series, and another wonderful addition. This installment focuses on Andy, who has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup, and naturally, Jules and the Torte gang are there to cheer him on every step of the way. However, things get off to a rocky start when one of the judges spits out Andy's drink, claiming it to be the worst thing to ever touch his lips. When he is found dead hours after drinking another cup of Andy's honey latte, Andy immediately becomes a suspect in his murder. Jules and Lance team up to clear Andy's name and find the real culprit.

I adore this series. When I pick up a new installment, it feels like visiting old friends and seeing what's new in their lives. It's been four years since I discovered this series and it's been a pleasure seeing the characters grow and develop and seeing the bakery flourish. The characters, the friendships, the setting, the storylines, Ellie Alexander has truly bought this series to life and I look forward to seeing what she has in store for readers in future installments. This particular installment was one of my favorite of the series so far. I am a huge sucker for cozy mysteries centered around cooking show competitions, so naturally, I loved the setting in this book. I thought the mystery was pretty strong as well and the killer's identity wasn't obvious. This is a character-driven series and sometimes the mystery tends to take a back seat. However, that wasn't the case with this book.
All in all, a very enjoyable read, and I look forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Andy loves being a barrista and is excited to attend an event for the best barrista. One of the judges who did not like Andy's coffee and was found dead later that day. With Andy the top suspect, it will take all of Jill's skills to find out who the killer is.

I enjoyed this book. I like the characters and how they interact. The story is interesting with lots of suspense. I was surprised by who the killer was. #Mocha,SheWrote #NetGalley