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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The Honey Springs theater is preparing for their winter show. A nice romance with Maxine Bloom as the star. But Loretta calls in a few favors and now Maxine has been replaced and the play is now a murder mystery. With all the extra off-Broadway people, no one is surprised that someone is murdered. Roxy seems to hear all the rumors and with a little help from the Internet she once again solves the murder.
A nice quick read. I liked it.
This book is the 8th in the series, but all can be read standalone. I love this series, and this book is a great continuation. I adore Roxy, the main character, and she always solves the mystery, of course. There are plenty of suspects and the resolution is satisfying. The lovely setting of Honey Springs in the late winter is a beautiful place I’d love to visit in real life. I highly recommend this book and series. I was provided an arc from the author, but these opinions are my own.
Dead To The Last Drop (Killer Coffee Series #8) by Tonya Kappes is the latest Roxy Bloom book and it, as always, was wonderful!!!
Aunt Maxi is finally getting her theatrical debut when one of her co-stars is found dead. Owning and running a coffee shop in a small southern town puts Roxy in position to hear all of the little towns gossip.
They say write what you know, and it is quite definitely clear Ms. Kappes does this, and does it well. She writes the best small town stories I’ve ever encountered. You can smell the Magnolia and Honeysuckle, and taste the sweet tea, as if you are right there. And the characters are so clear and alive, it feels like you are reading about dear friends.
4.5 stars rounded to 5!
This book was my first visit to Honey Springs, KY and it was a wonderful and exciting visit! I got to know the town’s people, most of them coming to Roxy’s coffee shop, The Bean Hive. There are some new people in town for the winter theater production causing some strife among the locals. There is even more stress when Roxy gets involved in investigating the “incident” of the death of the famous producer. So many twists and turns that keep you guessing until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the characters and I will be looking for more from this author.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Roxanne Bloom-Cane, a licenses attorney turned coffee shop entrepreneur finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. Her husband, Patrick, is not amused or thrilled with the prospect. He wants Roxy to remain safe.
There is a lot going on in this story, local theater production, swap of leads in play, swap of scripts, favors being redeemed, friends leaving and new opportunities for some.
We never really learn what favor Loretta Bebe called in for the director to come to Honey Springs. I guess that went to his grave as Loretta does everything but divulge the reason.
The director dies and the search is on for the motive and killer. There are a lot of twists, turns and misdirects which provide an interesting reveal.
It seems that Patrick and Roxy are drifting apart. She doesn’t keep Patrick informed and he is just worried about her. Is this possibly the beginning of the end?
I highly recommend this book and there are recipes included at the end.
I received an advanced copy of the e-book and am not required to leave a positive review. I rated this 4.5 but rounded up.
Witty, charming, and not disappointing is how I describe the latest Tonya Kappes book in the Killer Coffee Series. Dead To The Last Drop is the 8th in the series, but can be read as a stand alone.
When you open the book, you are entering the Bean Hive Coffee House, located in Honey Springs, Kentucky and meeting up with old friends Roxy, Patrick, Maxie, Loretta, Bunny to name just a few. You will also meet the newest temporary inhabitants of Honey Springs that have come to town to put on a play. You’ll be introduced to Gretchen, Sydney, Alan, and Mark. Famous in their own minds, each has a secret and they are all connected to each other through the theatre. When one of the four dies, is it truly an accident or is it murder? Being killed by a sand bag is unusual, painful, and hopefully instantaneous. Is one of the frenemies a killer or is it one of Honey Springs’ own? Read Dead To The Last Drop to find out. The only disappointment is when the book ends and you have to leave Honey Springs and your friends.
I voluntarily read an advanced reading copy of Dead To The Last Drop, and have given a honest review of the book.
Roxy Bloom-Cane is one of my favorite heroines written by Tonya Kappes. Dead to the Last Drop is the 8th book in the Killer Coffee Mystery series. Roxy is happily running her coffee shop, The Bean Hive, and enjoying married life with Patrick Cane and their fur babies.
Honey Springs, Kentucky, is in the grip of winter and everyone is looking for a diversion – many of them are finding it in Loretta Bebe’s theatre production. This is especially true for Roxy’s Aunt Maxine – she is thrilled to have been cast in a significant part in the play.
Small town dramas become big city dramas when a Broadway producer and actress blow into town to add glamour to Loretta’s production. It is no surprise that their arrival is upsetting to the cast and crew of Loretta’s play.
Roxy is able to stay on the periphery until one of the out-of-towners is killed right in front of her while she is at the theatre, making a coffee delivery. Because she is the only eye witness, she gets the okay from the town sheriff to be her naturally nosy self and investigate the case. Roxy hits the ground running and her investigation leads her in unexpected directions. I loved following along with Roxy as she worked through the mystery. I was very happy to be proved wrong when the killer was revealed – I 100% fell for the red herring.
While Dead to the Last Drop can be read on its own, do yourself a favor and read the whole series!
Just like the title, this book is good to the last drop. Aunt Maxi was the perfect person to cast in a play since she clearly has the drama aspect of acting down. When things turn more dramatic then what is written in the script Roxy can’t help it but solve another mystery. I love this series and all of the characters. Great job!
Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes is the 8th book in the A Killer Mystery Series. Even though this book is the 8th book in the series it can very well be read as a standalone but why not enjoy this whole wonderful series? Ms. Kappes books just keep getting better and better the twists and turns will keep you guessing who dun it until the very end. This book is a quick and easy read I could not put it down once I started reading it. Dead to the Last Drop is very well written as are all of Tonya’s books the descriptions make you feel as if you are right there in Honey Springs, Kentucky. The characters are well defined and believable. Wow! Suspense, mystery, love and friendship are all yours in this book! I enjoy all of Tonya’s work and highly recommend this book and series you will not be disappointed. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next!
I just love this series. Roxi is at it again. She is the sole witness to a murder and will be in grave danger if the killer knows she can identify him/her. The internet is out in town and there isn’t any way to research a few people who may be involved in the murder. So, they have to do it the old fashioned way. In the meantime, a chance to open up a roastery comes along. With everything she has to do, will that be too much? Some interesting characters in this story.
The snow is falling and the coffee is brewing at The Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Roxy Bloom is enjoying the slower pace of winter, but there is still plenty of drama in town as a local theatre production has Aunt Maxi and Loretta Bebe fussing at each other. When a big city producer and a small time off Broadway actress breeze into town and take over the production, sparks continue to fly and someone ends up dead. Now Roxy must sift through the suspects including a NY Times reviewer, the head of the local mystery club, and an assistant waiting for her big break. As the snow piles up, so do the clues, and Roxy finds herself searching for an internet connection and a likely killer.
The latest Killer Coffee Mystery sets up the crime nicely and ramps up the ambiance of small town living. The setting is a character itself and you feel as if you are a visitor catching up on the small town gossip. Roxy is a likeable protagonist running a small business with an entrepreneurial spirit. She moves the plot along quickly and there are plenty of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
Theater, Coffee, Goodbyes and new opportunities arise in Honey Springs, KY in the latest mystery of the Killer Coffee Series.
Roxanne Bloom-Crane, aka Roxy to her friends and family, finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder, much to her husband Patrick’s dismay. This time, Spencer is allowing her to help since she is a witness to the murder!
Trouble began brewing when the new play at the theater began its rehearsals. Loretta called in a favor, which was a huge surprise to everyone in Honey Springs, and had Alan (a producer) come in and take over. Also to everyone’s surprise, and Aunt Maxie’s, off-Broadway actress, Gretchen comes to town as the leading lady.
This story has really built itself from the first book, allowing characters to grow and “find themselves”. The reason for the four stars is that, while Patrick is concerned about his wife putting herself in danger, it almost feels as if it’s pushing them away from one another and he has trouble accepting Roxy as she is. But at the same time (which she does somewhat begin to realize) she doesn’t seem to respect his feelings and goes behind his back a lot. That doesn’t build a good marriage in general as it may bring hard feelings.
Also, we never learn where Loretta’s favor extended from as she dances around the answer.
This aside, it doesn’t take away from the storyline which makes you second guess who did it and if it everything isn’t just smoke and mirrors.
You will truly enjoy this story and series. It is best to read the series in order, but it can be read as a standalone book.
I was given an advance copy of this book for an honest review and opinion.
A fun story that doesn’t disappoint. Tonya Kappes is a word artist and that will allow you to put any fears to rest that this is book #8. It works as a standalone. But, if you haven’t already, you’ll want to read the others, if for no other reason than for some character backstory; however, there is no shortage of descriptors here which will have you right in the thick of things with knowing the characters and town before you know it. Never a spoiler in any of my reviews, Dead to the Last Drop is a light and humorous cozy mystery set in the charming town of Honey Springs. In this installment, it is time for the Winter Production, and the organizer/director is no other than Low-rett-a! Who is that you may ask? Well, one-click this book for the answer! The setting is the fictional town of Honey Springs Kentucky, and our wonderful sleuth is Roxy, the coffee shop owner who is a dead body magnet and just can’t help herself! Chock full of characters you’ll love to love and love to hate, twist and turns you don’t see coming, and many laugh-out-loud moments. Small independent shops on the boardwalk and everyone knowing everyone else, make this a true to the last drop home town setting perfectly infused with just the right amount quirky smalltown characters, and the bonus: coffee house recipes included! I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book and I am providing my honest, unsolicited, unbiased opinion.
The local theatre of Honey Springs,Kentucky is planning their winter production and Roxie’s Aunt Maxie is hoping to be in the cast. But then the town organizer brings in an actress and director to take over the production, even going so far as to change the play itself. This certainly puts the back up for several of the townspeople involved in the play, but the murder of A main player may just put an end to all the plans. Can Roxie once again unravel the clues and find the murderer. I am new to this series but that did not interfere with my enjoyment of the story and characters. And there are definitely a number of colorful characters, not least of which include Aunt Maxi and Loretta. There were some laugh out loud moments when those two got started. The suspects and clues kept the reader involved, and the various animal characters, including Mocha, a rescue cat, were a delightful addition. I am looking forward to becoming better acquainted with this series. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book, and all opinions are strictly my own.
Here we are with the eighth book in the Killer Coffee mystery series and it’s just as enjoyable as the previous books. I love spending time in the small town world that is Honey Springs. Roxy has her hands full right out of the gate in this one. Her Aunt Maxi (aka her landlord) and Bunny, her employee are toe to toe, nose to nose in the middle of the Bean Hive and Roxy is trying to referee. Both have very strong opinions on the proper use of the lamp post flags, of all things. Aunt Maxi is firm that they should spend extra money and use them to advertise the upcoming local stage production. She is the star of the show but then not.Too bad things go sideways and get not only ugly but downright deadly. Strings are pulled and the role Aunt Maxi had is handed to a not all that famous actress, one who has nothing better than Off Broadway ‘stardom’. Along with that news, a ‘famous’ producer is part of the bad news. Ouch. Watch the fur fly and lots of hissy fits too.
It’s not long before the killer strikes. Roxy is on hand daily to supply her home roasted coffee and some yummy pastry to the cast. While on stage harsh words are spoken, and Gretchen, the off Broadway actress (now ‘star’ of the play) exits the stage just as a sand bag falls. Roxy saves Aunt Maxi from harm but Alan isn’t as fortunate and becomes a corpse, center stage. Roxy is the witness and is asked by the police to help the investigation. Can she sift through the various secrets and connections amongst the out of towners to nab the killer before another corpse takes the stage? If anybody can, it’s Roxy. Along the way humor joins the mystery and the puzzle kept me guessing. I guessed wrong and that’s a very good thing for this reader.
Dead to the Last Drop by Tonya Kappes is as usual another wonderful installment in the Killer Coffee Series.
Coffee, a local play, and murder. Can Roxie find the killer before it’s her last act?
I highly recommend to any that has or hasn’t read Tonya Kappes.
As I slipped into the story I felt a hug as the town embraced me. I was finally back in Honey Springs where the people were friendly and the rich smell of coffee greeted me. Roxy is there in her coffee shop serving up aromas that invite you to stay. Oh look there is Aunt Maxi all decked out in purple hair. The author makes me feel at home every time I read this series. The characters are so hospitable that I have decided to pretend I know them.
The town is abuzz with excitement as a play is in the works at the local theater. Aunt Maxi is sure she is the lead until in walks some lady who says she is here to be the star in the play. Now I didn’t care much for the snotty actress who thinks she is all that. How dare she take the lead from our dear Maxi. The author sets the stage for a mystery that is sure to catch the locals off guard. Now it wasn’t a surprise who was killed but oh my I had a hard time figuring our who the killer is. Roxy has her hands full once again as a killer is on the loose and the suspects start piling up.
I loved the author’s description of the different coffees and how they were roasted. I’m not a big fan of coffee, but I love to smell the rich aroma it brings. It reminds me of sitting on my grandfather’s porch late in the evening at his farm. He loved his coffee and would sit in his rocker enjoying a cup while telling me about the good old days. The story is filled with danger, intrigue and characters sure to charm anyone. Don’t miss the recipes at the end of the book.
I received an arc copy of the book from the author. The review is my own opinion.
Roxy’s Aunt Maxi wanted to try acting. So when Loretta Bebe asked her to star in the community theatre winter production, Maxi can’t wait. Maxi’s role as a leading lady is short-lived when Loretta calls in a favor from a well-known director. The director brings in his own leading lady. After the newcomers arrive in town, the play and everything surrounding it becomes total chaos. When a major person involved in the play is killed, Roxy, of course, is brought into the investigation.
This is the eighth book in the series and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery. Having said that for you to understand some of the chemistry between certain characters you should read the previous books. I love these characters, every book feels like reading about my friends. The characters are likable, realistic, and have fun quirky personality with loads of southern charm. The mystery is fast-paced with several twists and turns along the way. I was completely surprised by who the murderer was.
I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced by anyone.
I loved being back in the fabulous Honey Springs, Kentucky! Even with a snowstorm, it sounds almost perfect! It is written so well, I almost felt as if I were there. Southern charm and sayings make it a fun, down-home read. The most welcoming shop in town is Roxy’s Bean Hive, where one can get the best coffee, baked goods, and gossip. Why, you can even sit with a cat or dog, depending on the Pet Palace’s most adoptable pet for the week. It is easy to get to know the delightful regulars, and the mysteries that tend to happen around Roxy are complex and challenging.
Roxy is an attorney by training, and keeps her license current, but coffee is her passion. While she does help people out with legal advice, her primary focuses are her husband, Patrick, their dogs, family, and friends, and the Bean Hive. Today’s buzz is the casting of the new community theater play.
Roxy’s Aunt Maxi is given the lead by Loretta, the producer voted on by the Southern Women’s Club. Until some surprise visitors arrive at the Bean Hive. First is Mark, a New York Times theater reviewer. The producer, Alan, and an off-Broadway actress, Gretchen, with Sydney, her personal assistant, are most of the newcomers. Favors are big in the Big Apple, as Alan owes Loretta a favor, and Gretchen owes one to Alan. Mark and Alan hate each other; Alan wants him far away from him and the play.
More surprises await the cast. Maxi is replaced by Gretchen and given a much smaller part. The sweet romance Loretta wrote is out and in its place is a murder mystery. The only person happy about the changes is Roxy’s friend Crissy, as she now has the lead. Maxi tries to suck it up and act as a professional.
Roxy was hired to deliver fresh coffee and a special pastry from the Bees Knees Bakery to Gretchen every morning and goes to the theater. Stuff seems to happen around Roxy! She is there to hear Alan dress down the cast and crew, then to – barely – save Maxi from a sandbag tumbling from the catwalk overhead. They discover that Alan is dead, hit hard by a sandbag. She is the only one to hear someone overhead immediately afterwards. Spencer, of the sheriff’s department, invites Roxy for the very first time to listen in to hear what she can about the death as people come into the Bean Hive, even though Patrick would have a fit if she gets involved in another murder. The internet is down from the heavy snow so Spencer is very limited in what he can find out about the New York folks. Those New York folks are no match against Roxy!
This is one of my two favorite series of the author. The characters are delightful, down-to-earth, and sometimes over-the-top. Roxy is so calm much of the time, perhaps in part due to her training as an attorney. She does, in my opinion, tend to tell people a little too much about the investigation, including things Spencer wanted kept quiet. This whodunit is a real challenge, and the author did a fine job of ending the story well with no loose ends, leaving me looking forward to the next visit. I really enjoyed meeting Mocha and hope to see more kitties in the series! I highly recommend this to fans of the author, Southern cozy mysteries, stage drama, and coffee.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.