Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

Welcome back to Pine Hills for a special theater event! The aspects of this mystery and series that I especially enjoy include the Ohio setting, the popular coffee shop with an upstairs bookstore and cats. Misfit, an adorable orange tabby, belongs to Krissy, our favorite Pine Hills sleuth. Trouble, a black and white tuxedo, belongs to Vicki and Mason, Krissy’s co-owners for Death by Coffee. Coffee, cats, and books are mainstays of this reader’s life. One day, I must try Krissy’s favorite coffee!

A theater group from a neighboring town has begun a unique, week-long event in Pine Hills that Oliver, the director, strongly believes will be the production the year. It was intended to be a combination role-playing murder mystery and theatrical production taking players all around Pine Hill, both to find clues and follow where they lead. The “investigators” include residents of three different towns. Three teams, including one with Krissy and Rita, are from Pine Hills. Another team is from nearby Cherry Valley, and two others from Levington, as is Oliver. Oliver has two young assistants, Lydia and Richie.

The event begins at a quaint B&B in Pine Hills. Oliver’s original intent was to use actors from Pine Hills but replaced them with actors from his town, Levington. That, in itself has bred many emotions of local actors as well as a certain arrogance from the Levington folks.

Krissy, her friend Rita, and acquaintance, Wendy, makes up their team. They will work together to find, decipher, and follow up clues. The opening act is simple narration, with an actor acting dead with various items around him. They examine the scene closely and will hopefully acquire clues that provide direction of where they will go next to examine to find more clues and directions. Some of the clues or leads are actors set up throughout Pine Hills. The event proceeds, potentially for several days, until the right killer is turned in and verified.

When the teams followed clues to Death by Coffee, Krissy saw one of Oliver’s assistants slip a note on blue paper to Scott, part of an out-of-town team. Krissy assumed it was a clue. Krissy soon found the note and led her team to the location on the note. Wendy, part of Rita and Krissy’s team, found Scott dead when they went inside. Krissy could smell his caramel macchiato from her shop, scalding hot per his request. It had been thrown all over him.

Their cell phones didn’t work there. While deciding who would drive to a cell zone to call the police, Detective John and his team members arrived. For several years, she has helped his office solve several murders. He is determined it won’t happen again. Krissy and Detective John Buchanan have been each other’s nemesis for as long as she has helped the police.

The police have shut down the event while they investigate. Krissy talked with many of the actors, role players, and others associated with the event, and learned more than she wanted to know about Scott – that he was not well liked for many reasons – and about Oliver, and the troubles he caused their local theater community.

We meet many more characters than usual in this cozy. As a result, we learn only the very basics about each person. I do like Krissy, despite her somewhat wild imagination. I was happy to see her exercise friend, Cassie, again, and her next-door neighbor Caitlyn. I’m not sure why it seemed more noticeable in this episode, but there was less depth of interactions between Krissy and her friends. Perhaps it was because many of the characters were from out of town. I was surprised to see Krissy’s ex, Robert, and his association with the B&B, and happy they could carry on a conversation without animosity.

The production itself sounded interesting once I understood how it worked, and thought it would be fun to participate in it. The number of people who may have had grudges against Scott grew. Nobody really knew why Scott’s teammates left him behind at a stop, continuing with their investigation without him. He also had to find a ride to where the little blue clue told him. How Krissy figured out, then revealed, the bad guy/ gal was quite a surprise – I think, even to her! The motive was sad. I’m a little unsettled with the mystery overall, as several scenes, including the big reveal, were a bit confusing to me. All of the loose ends were tied up. I do recommend this cozy mystery and others in the series! I have enjoyed much of this series, so perhaps I had an off day when reading this one.

Great little mystery. Liked it pretty well. . I really liked that there was a cat involved in the story :)

Alex Erickson continues to bring fun and entertaining stories with the 13th story in the bookstore Café mystery series, Death by Caramel Macchiato.

Krissy and crew are all set for a fun weekend long murder mystery competition. With live action role-playing spread all across town. It’s the makings of a very fun and interactive event. That is until Krissy’s team actually stumbles upon a dead body. The competition is immediately called off and the local authorities very much encourage Krissy to let them handle the situation, we all know she just can’t help herself.

I have not read every book in the series, but I do enjoy coming back to visit our friend known as the murder lady. Krissy is one smart cookie and has a tendency to figure things out a bit quicker than what the authorities do. Death by Caramel Macchiato is a solid murder mystery and has me interested to see how everything played out. I will say the characters keep you very much entertained and there’s a reason the series has gone on as long as it has.

Easy, cozy read. My first in the series, but I didn't feel too lost. I appreciate the good mystery. Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I always love slipping back into Krissy Hancock’s world and seeing the familiar faces at Death By Coffee. There are quite a few books in the series now, so many that Krissy has earned the name “murder lady” for her ability to solve crimes before the police. In fact, they happen so often I think they need to hire another detective or two!

The only way you can get around so many murders in such a short amount of time is to add some outsiders and their drama. It means that some of the former players only get bit roles, and it was especially sad that Misfit didn’t feature much this time around.

The actual murder mystery was solid, although I was more interested to see how the murder game would have played out by the end. I wonder how many more books this series will have and how they can all tie in. I’d definitely like to see Paul and Krissy develop a more solid relationship for example. This was a fun addition to an already solid series. Five stars.

The thirteenth book in the series. I love this series! It's A Murder Mystery Party where a real murder takes place. I've read this series in order and I think it helps the reader to do that.. Always a great read. Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

If there is anything I love than a cozy mystery, it's a cozy mystery that takes place at a MURDER MYSTERY PARTY! Yes! A double, complicated, intertwined mystery?! What is a clue and what is just a red-herring left over from the planned event? Who knows?! I loved how Krissy pieced this one together with help from her friends and other people in the town (all while trying to avoid the wrath of the police detective). There are interesting characters, though I think some of them didn't stand out as much as I wish they had. I was shocked by the ending!

Note: I would definitely recommend starting this series from the beginning (womp womp I did not) because I think you'll get a better feel for the town, the recurring characters and their relationships. It took a bit to get a real feel for Krissy in this book just because it's later in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Death by Caramel Macchiato is the thirteenth book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. This time, an actual murder is committed during a murder mystery game. Since Krissy, the main character, was participating in the murder mystery, she decides to investigate. Krissy and Paul, her boyfriend, are great characters that make the story come alive. The mystery was really interesting, as well as Krissy's investigation. As with previous books in the series, Death by Caramel Macchiato is a marvelous cozy mystery. Alex Erickson's writing always allows the reader to picture the settings and all the action going on. I truly enjoyed reading this book, and readers who are looking for a well-written cozy mystery will definitely enjoy it as well.

This is book 13 in this series but the first I’ve read. It caught my eye because my favorite coffee is in the title. I had no trouble following the story so it does well as a standalone.
I really liked the characters in this story. Krissy leads a busy life between her coffee shop, friends, her cat and her boyfriend, Paul. As with most cozy mystery MC’s, she’s a bit stubborn when it comes to solving a murder. They keep getting told no but don’t stop. And in this book, we had 2 mysteries, one fake and one real.
I’m looking forward to going back and reading some of the earlier books in this series.
I received this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

When Pine Hills hosts a murder mystery week event Krissy joins along with the other attendees to try and solve the murder. But when a real murder takes place, Krissy finds herself trying to solve this murder too. Well, she be able to figure out whodunit, or will this be the last drop for her?

Book number 13 in this series provide another great mystery. Just like with my coffee, I can never get enough in this series. As soon as I finish one book, I’m ready for the next. And just like coffee, the series never disappoints.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEATH BY CARAMEL MACCHIATO (Book 13 of the Bookstore Café Mystery series) by Alex Erickson in exchange for an honest review. Krissy Hancock and a team of her friends are participating in a live action murder mystery special event. However, things take a turn for the grim when another team member turns up as a real corpse. Krissy is again drawn in by the mystery. Will Krissy be able to identify the killer before the participants in the dramatic production all exit stage left?

I liked this book. I haven’t read any of the prior books in the series, but I had no problem separating the characters or following the storyline. I recommend this book to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring small towns, small businesses, special events, murder mystery parties, amateur detectives, competitive police detectives, and animals with attitude.

#DeathbyCaramelMacchiato #NetGalley

Death by Caramel Macchiato is book #13 in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson.

I can’t believe this is book #13. Krissy is taking part in a live-action role playing game and a theatrical production event. Of course, Krissy and her team find a real body which ends the competition. So Krissy and friends switch gears to solve the real murder. Will they find the murderer before the police? I enjoyed this book. It was great seeing Krissy and friends again and following along as they investigated.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Publishing, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

A production of a murder mystery has Krissy involved in trying to solve a pretend murder, when an actual murder happens to one of the participants. Of course Krissy begins to nose around trying to solve the mystery. There are plenty of suspects but no real evidence of who the killer might be. Lots of rabbit holes to explore and plenty of coffee in this latest book of this long running series. I enjoyed the story and process of discovering the answers. I always enjoy the cat antics in each book!
I was given an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Death by Caramel Macchiato is book 13 in the Bookstore Café series by Alex Erickson. This is my first book in the series so I can say it’s easily read as a standalone, but be warned, you may want to go back and read the previous 12 books.

Pine Hills is involved in hosting a big murder mystery event, with many of the townsfolk participating in the event. Krissy Hancock has teamed up with two of her friends to try to solve the mystery. Unfortunately. The day the event begins, Krissy and her friends find the body of one of their fellow competitors, putting an early end to the event.

Death by Caramel Macchiato was an engaging mystery, with lots of suspects due to the presence of many people involved in the mystery competition, many of whom had a history with the victim.

With many secrets to be revealed, Krissy and the local police had their work cut out for them, but Krissy, with a reputation for solving murders, was up to the task, and soon the town of Pine Hills was back to normal.

I would recommend Death by Caramel Macchiato to anyone looking for a light cozy mystery with a small town setting.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Yet another great book in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series by Alex Erickson. This story brings us back to Pine Hills for an interactive mystery production put on by a rather annoying director from a neighboring city. Oliver Quick thinks this production will be the greatest thing to ever happen to Pine Hills and is determined that all those participating in teams of three will find the murder nearly impossible to solve as they race across town gathering clues. Krissy Hancock, local coffeeshop owner and real-life murder mystery sleuth is on one such team and ends up finding more than clues to lead to the staged murder ... she and her team find an actual murder victim. She, of course, decides that she needs to do all that she can to help find the killer before they strike again, even as the lead detective and her police officer boyfriend try to dissuade her from "helping". There are more suspects than you could cast in a full theater production and it isn't easy to weed out whodunit, but, as always, Krissy manages to get to the truth. This was a really well written book with a good storyline, great characters, and some great red herrings to keep you guessing until the end. A definite must read for cozy mystery fans.

This is book Thirteen in this charming cozy series. Krissy and friends are back with a fun murder mystery game weekend planned for the town. When a real murder occurs Krissy has put on her investigation hat much to the chagrin of her detective boyfriend. As she delves into the victim and finds substantial clues she soon finds secrets abound among red herrings. The sleuth is well crafted, the characters all add depth to the series and the protagnist is savvy and smart. A most enjoyable addtion to this fun series.

This is a engaging next in series with great supporting characters and a fun sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion. I always enjoy returning to this series and look forward to the next in series.. Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own .

Geez. The murder mystery game wasn't meant to be played for real but that's what's happened. This latest in the long running series sees Krissy and her friends Rita and Wendy working to find the villain who not only disrupted the Pine Hills game but also killed someone (no spoilers) who was not (in the tradition of all good cozies) liked. It helps I think to have read at least a few of the earlier books as this will help the reader keep all the characters straight. That said, it's a lively one with some good red herrings. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun cozy read.

3/5 Stars for the newest Alex Erickson book!

I’m thankful that I was able to receive an early copy via Netgalley!

While I love Kristy and Alex Erickson’s books, this one fell a little flat for me. It felt a bit disjointed, rushed, and there were too many characters. I still enjoyed being back in this world, but it just didn’t hit the same way as the other books in the series. The previous book left me on such a high so this was just slightly disappointing to read.

I enjoy this one so much!

Krissy owns a cafe’/bookstore in Pine Hills, Ohio. She is also a part-time crime solver. Much to the dismay of her cop boyfriend.

When she and Rita team up on an exclusive murder mystery weekend, the drama begins.

Oh what despicable characters show up! And then a body. A real dead body.
As the police close down the show, the director is furious, the other actors are acting fishy and everyone is looking like a killer.

The characters really make this series.


NetGalley/ Kensington November 26, 2024

Krissy Hancock, owner of the Death by Coffee bookstore and cafe, has a busy few days ahead which she's quite looking forward to. Pine Hills is about to hold its first murder mystery weekend where teams interact with role players in various locations and watch a theatrical production while hoping to be the first ones back to base. With the groups desperate to get a head start not everyone plays fair but the last thing Krissy expects to find is an actual dead body.

With the police cancelling the event and no one trusting anyone else, Krissy and her friends Rita and Wendy know they have to begin their own investigation. With the competition organiser desperate to save face and Krissy’s nemesis detective sharing very little information can they find the killer before they cause even more danger and destruction?

Book thirteen in this fun series takes most of the action out into the community and was a good read which I enjoyed very much. The new characters in this story were well formed with some more likeable than others and meant that once again I have enjoyed my regular visit to Pine Hills.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is always an entertaining series and is recommended. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.0.