BOOK ONE in the ALL-NEW BARKS & BEANS CAFE cozy mystery series!!Welcome to the Barks & Beans Cafe, a quaint place where folks pet shelter dogs while enjoying a cup of java…and where murder sometimes pays a visit.Fed up with her go-nowhere job, newly single Macy Hatfield moves back to her small hometown in West Virginia. She joins forces with her brother Bo in his crazy new venture—the … his crazy new venture—the Barks & Beans Cafe, which caters to dog lovers and coffee drinkers alike.
When a golf instructor is murdered at the nearby spiritual center, Macy winds up adopting his Great Dane. Just after Macy finds a mysterious message sewn under the dog’s collar, her Dane is dognapped. She launches into a relentless search for her newfound canine friend, but along the way, she digs up a cruel and confident killer.
Join siblings Macy and Bo Hatfield as they sniff out crimes in their hometown…with plenty of dogs along for the ride! The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series features a small town, an amateur sleuth, and no swearing or graphic scenes.
The Barks & Beans Cafe cozy mystery series in order:
Book 1: No Filter
Book 2: Iced Over
more
I am excited to share with you a new cozy mystery series by Heather Day Gilbert. While I love cozies, I start a new one with much trepidation. Will there be sex on the page or a lot of innuendoes? Will there be bad language? I am thrilled to say No Filter , #1 Barks & Beans Café Cozy Mysteries, fits every category I am looking for in a cozy:
1. Small town setting
2. No bad language
3. No sex
4. Amateur sleuth
5. Murder not presented in gory manner
6. Bit of Romance (my addition)
In No Filter, we find Macy and Bo Hatfield, unlucky-at-love siblings who decide to retreat to their small town origins, Lewisburg, West Virginia. Not giving up, they open up a coffee shop combo therapy dog petting area. Now Gilbert has my full attention, and the shop gets its dogs from the local shelter, to give the dogs for adoption more publicity. Looking up Lewisburg, WV, right now on my GPS. Think it would be a great place to live.
But maybe not. There are the “haves” and the “haves snot.” The mingling of these two classes at the local spiritual center-country club leads to murder, art fencing, and a wealth of possible culprits. I felt there were a lot of characters to keep straight, but we will see many of these players again in book 2, Iced Over, and book 3, Fair Trade.
Only one complaint- I am seriously considering whether people can be both coffee connoisseurs and tea aficionados at same time! I’d be surprised if Great Danes don’t become popular after this series. I loved the sibling loyalty and strong bond. I enjoyed seeing the set-up of possible romances (I already have my “teams” going)! I even enjoyed seeing unlikely characters succeed to benefit the town. But watch out! Gilbert manages to find a way to leave you hanging by a thread!
I need to cool down. Bring on Iced Over!!
Quotes to Note:
“No, I’d rather have both feet on the ground than feel them getting sucked in with ocean water where fish pooped, sharks lurked, and currents could catch and kill you.”
“She seemed to be a wealth of information, and she had no hesitation in sharing it.”
This first novel in a charming new cozy mystery series from Heather Gilbert. Is absolutely delightful.
Macy is such a sweet heroine, and I couldn’t help liking her and all her unique characteristics.
In some ways, I was reminded of Tess in Ms. Gilbert’s earlier series, Murder in the Mountains.
Macy is a gal that is determined to chase after clues and search for answers without stopping to think about the danger she might be putting herself in. (and no, she’s not a detective, or law enforcement, or anything, just a normal human…) I think this is mostly why I liked her. Although I found myself being a bit scared for her…I had an idea of what might be coming… 🙂
I found their business enterprise unique and unusual – a coffee shop with a dog petting area. Because I’m not just a huge dog person, I found myself questioning the logistics of all of this, but it all came together quite nicely! 🙂
Heather Gilbert has a way of writing mysteries that only hint towards solutions, while keeping you guessing. This story left me entirely in the dark until the last few pages–I had all kinds of suspicions churning around in my head, as I quickly tried to figure out who the most likely suspects might be, and no clear idea of how it might all turn out. The ending was every bit as satisfactory as the rest of the story.
I found this an all around delightful cozy mystery, and eagerly look forward to reading the second in the series.
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
New beginnings bring brother and sister duo, Macy and Bo together in new business venture in their hometown, that combines their expertise and passions. The Barks and Beans Cafe is a cozy coffee shop where patrons can sip on their drinks while hanging out with furry friends from the local humane society. When Macy adopts new dog, they find themselves in the crosshairs of a murderer.
A thrilling cozy mystery, filled with colorful characters, and a great small town feel. This book was well paced, and there was never a dull moment, because once I picked it up I didn’t put it down.
The story is told in first person narrative from Macy’s perspective, and we uncover the mystery right alongside her. I loved the humor, the twists and turns as secrets are uncovered, and getting to know the many colorful friends and acquaintances.
Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end with fantastic characters in a fun setting, and plot that moves the book forward. I loved the dogs and pretty everything about it! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What a wonderful start to a new series! This book has just enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. I loved how the author used dogs from the local animal shelter for the Barks & Beans Cafe. I feel in love with Cole, what a wonderful dog. If you like a good clean mystery, you will love this book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
What a delightful new story and series. Murder notwithstanding.
Another impetuous closet sleuth, Macy (love that name!) just can’t stop herself from trying to figure out the murder at Ivy Hill. Then again, some people just can’t leave a puzzle with gaps. And an unsolved murder is nothing if not a puzzle with gaps.
Scorned and heartbroken, Macy Hatfield stumbles into her new role in life, co-owner of Barks & Beans, and in a twist, ends up with a dog of her own. As one clue tumbles onto another, she truly can’t help but follow the breadcrumbs to connect the dots.
Bo is the older brother we all wish we had—a best friend and a protective guardian—with a broken heart of his own. The bond between them, and the banter, make for a lively and very real story.
Ms. Gilbert lays out the clues and dishes out the emotions with every page and chapter, and this reader surely is looking forward to the next book in the series, Iced Over.
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
FOUR FEATHERS
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, No Filter, Heather Gilbert, Barks & Beans Café Cozy Mystery, JustRead Publicity Tour
Heather Day Gilbert brings her signature talent for creating stories with clever and endearing heroines, sweet family bonds, and cunning conundrums to a brand new cozy mystery series.
No Filter, Book 1 in the Barks and Beans Cafe series introduces Macy, a funny, middle-aged dog lover and Bo, her huggably heroic brother, who also happens to be a coffee connoisseur. They pool their passions to create a coffee shop and dog petting parlor, quickly proving that cappuccinos and canines are an irresistible combination. But their early success is threatened by a gruesome murder and the realization that nothing is what it seems in their quaint West Virginia community.
No Filter has everything most fun and relaxing cozy mysteries have, including a small town full of eccentric characters, all of whom become suspects once the crime starts brewing. But reading this particular mystery is like ordering a chamomile tea and getting an espresso instead. At every turn, the whodunnit plot zaps the reader with twists and misdirects that are as thrilling as the day’s first shot of caffeine. If you enjoy a mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end, it will be easy to love No Filter.
It is also easy to love Macy, Bo, and their sweet sibling dynamic. Their personalities and relationship form a great basis for this first book and it will be fun to get to know them better in subsequent stories.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not obliged to leave a positive review. All opinions are my own.
“Barks and Beans was a grand experiment for both of us, and it simply had to work.”
Macy Hatfield, and her brother Bo, have both returned to their hometown of Lewisburg, West Virginia following deep personal disappointments. Repurposing their Aunt Athaleen’s lovely home by dividing it into a trendy cafe/ residence for Macy, they expectantly launch their combination coffee-and-canines business with the area’s eclectic community in mind. It never once occurred to them that murder and mayhem would appear on the menu.
With few friends, multiple suspects, and her new adoptee; a dog named Coal, Macy cannot resist putting her dogged determination and curiosity to the test, especially when Coal literally carries the most significant clue around his neck.
I wouldn’t change a single thing about this clean, clever, and very cozy mystery!
I received a copy of this book from the author; the opinions stated above are entirely my own.
Heather Day Gilbert starts off a new cozy mystery series with No Filter and it totally works. A coffee shop with a dog petting area. I didn’t even need the coffee. Just the dogs would do it for me.
Macy Hatfield has come out of a divorce and moves back to her West Virginia hometown and goes in with her big brother on an odd new venture, the Barks and Beans Café. Soon, though, a murder happens and Macy ends up adopting the victim’s Great Dane. Now, let me tell you: I love a good mystery and Gilbert does it well, but this dog just made the book in my opinion. I want him to come live with me!
Bo and Macy Hatfield make a fine team as they sniff out the suspects in this crime, and more to come in future books! I absolutely love the idea of a petting area in a coffee shop where you can go sit and surround yourself with dog love. The coffee isn’t bad, either. Recommended.
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a copy of this book. The opinions here are entirely my own.
Macy is divorced and back in town. She and her brother decide to go into business. That is the coffee business with a twist. In their cafe, people come in and pet, hopefully, adopt as well, shelter dogs while they sip their brew. But things get a bit crazy when a man is killed close by. Macy adopts his dog and her life starts to get all tangled up and not in the dog’s leash.
The great Dane has a message in his collar. And then he’s dognapped. Macy has to find him, solve the crime, and save herself all at once.
This is a great novel! I loved how fast-paced it was. It’s unique with the coffee and shelter dog aspect. I’ve actually heard of this with cats but never dogs.
The story is told from Macy’s perspective in the first person so you get to feel like you’re there and experiencing it all with her. I love this series and can’t wait to find out what happens in book two. I find myself wondering if it will be told from her brother’s point of view so he gets his own book or not. Only time will tell.
I highly recommend you give this cozy mystery a go. You’re going to fall in love with Coal and race to the end to finally figure out the mystery. Grab your copy today!
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
First, I could visualize this book as a movie, something on the Hallmark Channel in their Murder and Mysteries Channel. Macy Hatfield has had a rough go of it. Her brother, Bo, calls and asks her to come back to West Virginia and run a Coffee shop with a dog petting area with him. She jumps at the chance for a fresh start. When she arrives all is going well, then she overheard conversations. She ends up adopting a Great Dane names Coal. His owner was murdered. There’s a lot of mischief in their town. And some suspicious residents! The “Who committed the crime” kept me guessing until it was revealed! I can’t wait to read more about these characters and their sleuthing. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All views stated here are my own.
If I had more time in my days, I’d definitely add more cozy mysteries to my tbr. Why? Because books like No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert are a delight.
In the first book of her Barks & Beans series, Gilbert introduces Macy and Bo and their coffee shop/dog petting business. Even though I don’t like coffee and rarely visit coffee shops, this is one I’d hang out at. Not only because of the dogs but because Macy, Bo, the employees at the shop, and Summer are all people I would love to hang out with.
The mystery in No Filter pulled me in and kept me guessing right along with Macy and her brother’s revelation was completely unexpected. Coal is another bonus to this story—such a sweet and loving dog and the perfect pet for Macy.
So, while I don’t have a ton of spare time to add cozy mysteries into my already packed reading schedule, the second book in this particular series has already made it’s way to my books to read list.
Disclosure statement: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert is a unique combination of siblings heading home to find themselves, while also figuring out whodunit.
Will Macy and Bo figure out who killed Gerard and why?
Macy Hatfield
Our sleuth and point of view is Macy. She is recently divorced and moved to her hometown of Lewistown, West Virginia to open a coffee shop/rescue dog petting area, called Barks and Beans. The idea is her brother Bo’s, but Macy is all in. She will handle the dogs, and her brother will handle the coffee side. Macy is curious, and even though Bo tells her to stop, she continues to investigate. In fact, Macy does what she wants to do.
I enjoyed being inside of Macy’s head. It’s nice to see character growth and Macy’s confidence return. I like this character, and I am looking forward to the next installment.
The Mystery
The mystery is about murder, smuggling, and art theft. So, I was thwarted by a red herring again. I didn’t see the real culprit through the smokescreen. No Filter is well written and entertaining. There are so many clues and suspects; you just have to pay attention. However, I thought that Coal, the great dane stole the show whenever he arrives in a scene.
Five Stars
Since I totally enjoyed the story, mystery, characters, and the setting, I am giving No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert five stars. And I recommend you catch this first book in this new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of No Filter by Heather Day Gilbert.
This Guest Review is for Baroness’ Book Trove.
Until the next time,
~Jen
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