Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the coffee is as hot as the gossip!“Fabulous fun and fantastic! Kappes nails small town mystery with another must-read hit. Don’t miss this one!”– Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author of Eighth Grave After DarkMaxine Bloom has always wanted to try her hand at acting and when Loretta Bebe is desperate for someone to fill a role in the local … role in the local play she’s directing for the Honey Springs Theater Company, she asks Maxi to fill in and Roxy knows Aunt Maxi’s head will grow like the gossip.
Aunt Maxi leaps at the chance for big theatrical debut in the charming play about a posh ‘60’s fur salon and the owner trying to run an honest business while his charming, yet caddish partner, Mr. Browning, is just trying to give a fur coat to his new mistress.
When the woman playing the mistress turns up dead the play comes to a complete halt until Sheriff Spencer Shepard lets Loretta reopen after the crime scene is fully swept.
In the meantime rumors are swirling like the snowflakes in Honey Springs and Roxy finds that she just can’t stop from hearing the gossip and trying to figure out who killed the amateur actress..after all the show must go on!
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Once again Tonya is on top of her game with this story it is full of laughs and scary moments also but I would read any of her books for sure.
I want to live or visit Honey Springs Kentucky! Who wouldn’t! I love all the quirky and charming characters. Dead to the Last Drop delivers another fantastic Roxy Adventure! Roxy is a brilliant sometimes lawyer living her dream in her coffee shop with an amazing life and husband. Where Roxy goes, murder follows! This is another great installment in the Killer Coffee Series. The scene of the crime this time revolves around a play in town! A knife, a rope, a murder, oh my! From start to finish, Roxy and her adventure just pulls you in so that you just don’t want to stop reading! There are plenty of suspects, some great twists and turns and a few red herrings to keep you guessing until the end! If this is your first Killer Latte book, don’t worry, in no time you will know and love all the characters. Roxy and her funky family will definitely leave you wanting more! I can’t wait for the next book. I’m hoping hubby Patrick gets a little more involved in Roxy’s adventures! Can’t wait! If you love these characters, check out this author’s other awesome books, more great adventures are out there with amazing characters!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.
Reading this series always makes me want to visit Kentucky. I know Honey Springs isn’t a real town, but I love the description of it. Another great addition to the series. The twist of who the killer was & why they did it was great. I can’t wait to read the next one!!
Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes is the 8th A Killer Coffee Mystery. It can be read on its own for those who are new to this series. Roxy Bloom owns The Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky where she roasts her own beans for unique blends of coffee for her customers. She would love to expand her business to have a bigger roaster, but, at this time, there is no extra space available on the boardwalk. It is time for the local theater company to put on their winter production. Loretta Bebe is in charge of the production and she is known for collecting favors. Loretta has called in a favor from a theater actress, Gretchen Cannon who will be playing the lead. This causes an upset because Loretta had already promised Maxine Bloom the lead role. Gretchen called in a favor of her own and has brought in director, Alan Bogart. Alan has ideas of his own which causes disorder and upset egos. Alan soon finds himself dead and Loretta is a suspect. Roxy knows that Loretta would not harm anyone and sets out to prove it. Dead to the Last Drop is a light and humorous cozy mystery set in the charming town of Honey Springs. The word imagery allows us to imagine Honey Springs blanketed in snow. I could imagine the cold temperatures, the icy roads and roaring fires. The mystery had a couple of intriguing components. I liked the unique way the crime was committed. There are several suspects for Roxy to question and clues for readers to discover. As if Roxy does not have enough on her plate, she has a new feline at The Bean Hive looking for a home. The sweet girl needs a name and a good home. Then Roxy finds out that Emily, the local bakery owner, is selling her shop and relocating. Roxy needs to organize a goodbye party (while solving a murder, of course). Then Emily has a suggestion that delights Roxy. It will take a little finagling though. There are recipes at the end for the items Roxy served at The Bean Hive in Dead to the Last Drop. Dead to the Last Drop has theatrical theater folks, roasting room quandary, an annoying actress, a mocha colored moggy, a disputable director and an annoyed aunt.
Dead to the Last Drop is the 8th instalment in the A Killer Coffee Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes.
This go around Roxy’s aunt Maxine is the lead in the community theatre, or at least she thought she was .. Loretta has called in some favors, which has brought an off Broadway actress and director to Honey Springs. Roxy had a feeling something bad was going to happen with everyones tempers ya boiling point but she didn’t expect the Producer to be murdered …
As always a Tonya’s stories are filled with humour, wonderful characters and a mystery to solve.
I love visiting Honey Springs and the Bee Hive and looks like there will be some exciting things happening in future instalments…
The mystery is interesting and well plotted. I loved the interaction with Roxy’s aunt and Loretta, right down to how everyone seems to be quirky in their own way making for loveable characters which are well developed. I also like the inclusion of fur-babies into the story, this time there is a rescue kitty named Mocha.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.
Please note you could read as a stand alone, but you will want to read them all.
Did I mention Tonya includes recipes in the back and I am definitely wanting to try the Pecan Balls!
I cant wait to take another trip to Honey Springs, Kentucky, to see whats new with Roxy and her friends. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading cozy mysteries.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dead To The Last Drop
Killer Coffee, Book #8
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the coffee is as hot as the gossip!
“Fabulous fun and fantastic! Kappes nails small town mystery with another must-read hit. Don’t miss this one!”– Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author of Eighth Grave After Dark
Maxine Bloom has always wanted to try her hand at acting and when Loretta Bebe is desperate for someone to fill a role in the local play she’s directing for the Honey Springs Theater Company, she asks Maxi to fill in and Roxy knows Aunt Maxi’s head will grow like the gossip.
Aunt Maxi leaps at the chance for big theatrical debut in the charming play about a posh ‘60’s fur salon and the owner trying to run an honest business while his charming, yet caddish partner, Mr. Browning, is just trying to give a fur coat to his new mistress.
When the woman playing the mistress turns up dead the play comes to a complete halt until Sheriff Spencer Shepard lets Loretta reopen after the crime scene is fully swept.
In the meantime rumors are swirling like the snowflakes in Honey Springs and Roxy finds that she just can’t stop from hearing the gossip and trying to figure out who killed the amateur actress..after all the show must go on! (Goodreads)
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story right from the very beginning. Much of the time I felt like I was in Honey Spring, watching all the action taking place. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read.
The characters are well rounded and well developed. I so enjoy getting to spend time with Maxi and her family and friends. Their southern charm and southern ways make me laugh and wish I could visit them in real life. This mystery is not easily solved, there are plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider.
I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. If you like Southern charm, you will definitely like this one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Tonya Kappes has done it yet again. She creates character that become your friends. She gives you the amazing feel of small town living. The sense of community that we all love and enjoy. She captivates you from beginning to end. Roxy reminds you of a your best friend. Aunt Maxie reminds you of that aunt that is free spirited and you can’t wait to visit.
You just can’t wait to get home from work to crack the book open so you can see what’s happening in Honey Springs. Come on and visit Honey Springs. I promise you won’t want to leave. But in the mean time Pre-order your copy today. Then come on back and enjoy the other books in the series. So you can properly be introduced to everyone. The books can be read as stand-alone or in order.
Kia G.
A volunteer book reader
Another fun, and fabulous, trip to Honey Springs and the Bee Hive! This is one of my favorite series because the characters are true to life and the plot line keep me guessing. I am already looking forward to the next one!
The 8th book in the Killer Coffee cozy mystery series involves a play being done by the Honey Springs Theater Company. Her Aunt Maxi is supposed to have a part in it with Loretta Bebe as the director. Then a big name director, aging female star and her assistant come to town and take over the play. While on stage, with everyone around, the director ends up dead and the hunt for the killer is on. But Roxy can’t wait for Sheriff Spencer Shepard to solve it because Loretta is one of the suspects and wants her to represent her. These stories about life in Honey Springs and the Bean Hive Coffeehouse are so enjoyable to read. You’ll enjoy trying to figure out whodunit right up until the end. Read one and you’ll be back for more.
Fun read in Honey Springs. The Southern Women’s group is putting on a play and Loretta has apparently called in favors to get an off-Broadway actress and producer to help out. All kinds of fighting among the celebs and the townspeople occurs and the producer is then killed in what seems to be a freak accident. It is determined to be murder and Roxy is on the hunt to see which one of the newcomers is behind the killing. Great story, charming town, and wonderful characters. This book makes you wish you were really there with these characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next for Roxy and Patrick and their fur babies, Pepper and Sassy!!
I received this book to review. I gave it five stars because it is a great cozy read. I’ve read all the books in this series and just love the homey town of Honey Springs. I love the setting on a boardwalk and close store owners. Tonya gives enough info that a person picking this book up without reading the others knows what is going on. I love her coffee shop setting and the banter between Bunny and Aunt Maxi. The humor between Roxy and Aunt Maxi is noticeable right away (when she takes out her hair spray to do her hair in the kitchen).
Tonya sets up a crime with a few people who could be suspects. Of course, Roxy gets to help solve it. I read a variety of mysteries. Some more detail and some quick cozy reads. This book and the entire series is worth the money. I own the coffee series books, Magical cures series and most of her campers series (though I haven’t started those).
Just buy book 1 and see how you like it. I guarantee you will want to read the other books.
In Dead to the Last Drop we find ourselves back in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Aunt Maxie is all set to star in the town play which Loretta Bebe is producing. That right there let me know we were all set for some fun. When Loretta decides to bring in a real director and an actress who replaces Aunt Maxie, things just heat up quickly. Suddenly there is a body and Roxie is poking her nose everywhere.
I love the town of Honey Springs and it residents. Tonya Kappes truly brings it to life. You know an author has written well when you open up a book and instantly feel at home. That’s the feeling you get when you begin reading this book. It was fun to see so much going on with Aunt Maxie, Bunny and Low-retta Bebe. Just writing that sentence made me smile with the memory of the story. The glimpses of behind the scenes, (of the play), were so interesting. I loved reading the set up and getting to know the personalities of the new characters. The mystery had several suspects to choose from. It was hard guessing who did it and why. Now that I’m done reading, I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Dead to the Last Drop is the eighth book in the series. You could read it out of order. The mystery is complete. Frankly, though, why would you want to? While Tonya Kappes does an awesome job catching newcomers up, you still miss out on a lot of fun adventures by not reading the prior books. I highly recommend starting with the first book. You’ll fly right through them. If you have already read the prior books, you don’t want to miss the latest happenings from Honey Springs!
I almost forgot to mention, I love the way Tonya Kappes showcases an animal up for adoption in each of her Killer Coffee books. It serves as a reminder that everyone can do a little bit to help out animals in need. This is very close to my heart. In my life I was rescued, more than once, by an animal guardian who came to me through adoption. A huge thank you to the author for highlighting pet adoption and the fact that it is often the animal rescuing you as much as you do them.
Tonya Kappes books are fun and delightful, they take you away to a magical place. Enjoy your visit to Honey Springs. They have everything you need in this sweet little Kentucky town and one item you don’t want, murder. Roxy owns the Bean Hive Coffeehouse, where you will get the best cup for coffee in town, maybe even the state. As a former lawyer, Roxy cannot help but be interested in solving mysteries. Be part of the action when big shots invade her little town and cause trouble, that is what people do when they think they are above the law. Follow Roxy and her friends and family as they piece together the clues and solve the mystery.
As author Tonya Kappes, takes us back to Honey Springs, KY for this book, we get to see some of our favorite characters return. Roxanne Bloom Cane, a lawyer who has returned to Honey Springs to open her Bean Hive Coffee Shop located on the boardwalk. Aunt Maxine Bloom has been given the lead role in a romantic play to be directed by Loretta Bebe, a position given to her by The Southern Women’s Club. All this changes when new people enter the Bean Hive. Mark Redding, a theater reviewer for the New York Times; Gretchen Cannon, a down and out actress; Alan Bogard, a well-known producer and Sydney O/Neil, Gretchen’s personal assistant. Alan owes Loretta a favor and Gretchen owes Alan a favor. When Aunt Maxi learns she no longer has the lead role and the play has heen changed to a murder mystery, she blows her top. There is a lot going on in the book for readers to keep track of. The snowstorm has knocked out the internet. Emily Rich, the owner of Bees Knees Bakery, is leaving town to train as a pastry chef. Perry Zella and the mystery club are soaking up all of the activity.
When the producer, Alan, is killed during practice, Roxy is the only witness to someone running on the catwalk and leaving through a door. Spencer Shepard from the Sheriff’s Department and Kevin Roberts, the coroner, are called to investigate what appears to be a homicide.
There are several suspects who have a motive to kill him and Roxy wants to find out who killed him against her husband, Patrick’s, wishes.
This is a fun read with wonderful characters. A must read. I received an advance copy. This is my honest review.
Another wonderful book by Tonya Kappes! Roxy and Aunt Maxi, and the ever-present Pepper, find themselves in the middle of yet another murder. This time it’s in the middle of rehearsals for the winter play at the local theater. With more than a few suspects, Roxy can’t help but get involved. I love the colorful characters and the quaint little town they live in. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
Dead to the Last Drop earns 5/5 Mocha Meows…Entertaining Fun!
Curtains up on the new, well-written cozy from Tonya Kappes in her southern Killer Coffee Mystery series. This eighth book, “Dead to the Last Drop,” shines on egos, ambition, dimming stardom, divas, and murder! Roxy’s Aunt Maxi is a bit overzealous in her excitement about being given the lead role in the local play, but her attitude changes “drama”tically when she discovers their play has gone Broadway. It seems favors were called in, and Low-retta Bebe, the producer of the local theater group, has arranged for a big Broadway producer to be part of the production. However, he changes the play, and redeeming his own favor, he gets a “more washed up than thriving” off-Broadway actress to take center stage. Her well-developed diva persona demands her personal assistant arrange some special treatment including hiring Roxy to deliver hot coffee each morning along with a freshly-baked treat from the Bees Knees Bakery. But, it gets more contentious when Aunt Maxi loses the lead to the “diva,” and a theater reviewer has arrived revealing some hard truths about Mr. Bogart and Miss Cannon and whose opinions have not been well-received by the two. Aunt Maxi is furious, Low-retta is furious, Miss Cannon is furious, and the producer is…dead!
I personally enjoy Tonya Kappes writing style and using a first-person narrative from Roxy’s perspective gives me a vicarious role in the drama. Readers will delight in a fun sense of humor, southernisms, and insights into Roxy’s love for her husband, her quirky aunt, friends-turned-family, and a variety of animals. Tonya’s descriptive language clearly paints the café, the town in winter, the theater, characters’ looks and mannerisms, and lots of food and drink. She doesn’t rely just on the narrative penning expressive dialogue and clever banter to illustrate the different personalities along with the tone and emotions. The murder mystery was quite a page-turner. Karma landed on an appropriate victim (although Miss Cannon and her divaness seemed a good candidate, too), and adding to the imperative nature to uncover the murderer are accusations and suspicions falling too close to home. Favors owed and redeemed seem a perfect place to start for “motive,” but the ultimate ending was a nice surprise. I enjoy Roxy’s relationship with friends, family, fur friends, and law enforcement which gives an air of realism; I know most people don’t investigate murders, but cozies are my guilty pleasure! I appreciate realistic responses, choices, and interactions. Recipes from The Bean Hive are included for budding chefs to enjoy Pecan Balls, Coffee Soufflé, and the Bees Knees’ Maple Pecan Breakfast Ring. Feline “fur” friends will enjoy the Salmon Cat Treats! Whether two- or four-legged you’ll love these treats. I highly recommend the series, and newbies can start with this eighth book.
Return to Honey Springs, Kentucky in this theatrical murder mystery. Author Tonya Kappes reintroduces her readers to Bean Hive Coffeehouse owner Roxy Bloom, an attorney who prefers her shop to practicing law.
Roxy’s aunt, Maxine Bloom, comes into the shop excited about having landed a role in the upcoming community theatre production. Well, plans for the play are turned upside down when a well-known producer and former star arrive to take over the show.
Many people are under suspicion when the producer is killed. Locals who were cast in the show are angry that they lost roles. The lead actress has an assistant who might have a motive. The reviewer who came into town is known to not like him.
The reader is led through various scenarios in the hunt for the murderer. Each seems plausible until that trail reaches a dead end. Clues show up in places you would not expect…so keep an eye open for details if you are trying to solve the mystery before Roxy does.
The residents of Honey Springs make the small-town setting come to life. You can sense the friendship and camaraderie between the locals….even over the friction of someone getting a role in the play that another coveted.
My only peeve is something I noticed because of my personal background in theatre. However, I suspect that many readers will likely not even notice what was a squeaky wheel for me.
Dead to the Last Drop is a good mystery and I recommend that those who enjoy a good cozy to pick up a copy and start reading. This book is part of an ongoing series, but you do not need to have read the preceding ones in order to enjoy it.
Once again Tonya Kappes has knocked it out of the park. Honey Springs is a quaint little town “where the coffee is hot and the gossip is hotter”. When a big name producer is brought in for this small town winter production, the fur starts flying. Of course one of Honey Springs own is the number one suspect and Roxy sets out to prove Loretta’s innocence. Being a mom of rescues, I love that the Coffee Shop always sponsors an animal looking for their forever home. If you love quaint fun mysteries, you’ll love “Dead to the Last Drop”.
Dead to the Last Drop is book eight in the Killer Coffee Mystery series. I again enjoyed the latest story in this series. It kept me entertained throughout, and I definitely recommend it.
Tonya Kappes writes such wonderful books that you can escape into for a relaxing, enjoyable day of reading.
Dead to the Last Drop is a wonderful, fantastic, thrilling mystery with unique and quirky characters. It is the kind a book that draws you in and makes you want to pull up a chair at the Bean Hive and share coffee and some gossip with the characters. I love this new book in this series and can’t wait for the next one.
When Roxy finds herself right in the middle of a murder again she gets her snooping hat on and sets out to find the killer. Can she find who it is before she is in danger? Will the play Aunt Maxi is in get to go on? What secrets will be uncovered?
I love Roxy’s spunk, smarts and southern charm. She is someone you can relate to which is always a plus. Aunt Maxi is quirky, unique, no holes barred kind of lady that I really enjoy seeing what she will do or say next. She is my favorite character. All of the people of Honey Springs make this book and series one you feel like you could step right into town and feel right at home.
This book has just the right amount of interesting characters, a good mystery, so many twists that it keeps you guessing. I highly recommend this book and series.