Read time: 2 minutes
📚 Genre: Cozy Mystery
🎧 Format: Audiobook
🎙️ Narrator: Melissa Moran
⏱️ Duration: 7 hours
Book Blurb:
Krissy Hancock, bookstore-café owner in Pine Hills, Ohio, swaps her iced coffee for running shoes in the town’s first marathon. But the heat is brutal, and when a fellow runner is found dead with suspicious marks on his throat, Krissy’s cozy day turns chilling. The victim’s cheating ways—romantic and financial—left him with plenty of enemies. Reluctantly, Krissy dives into sleuthing to help her friend Rita’s boyfriend, Johan, who’s tangled in the mess. Can she unmask the killer before another Pine Hills resident meets a deadly end? A charming, twisty cozy mystery.
Let’s talk about the book:
There are certain series that feel like coming home, and for me, the Bookstore Café Mystery series is exactly that. Reading them is like curling up with a warm blanket, a favorite drink, and good company. Chicken soup for a cozy mystery soul! In Death by Iced Coffee, Krissy laces up for a marathon and ends up with a body. The marathon setting added a fresh twist, with Krissy’s reluctant jog through Pine Hills’ sweaty streets painting her as the endearing everywoman we adore.
The mystery itself was a solid brew, twisty enough to keep me guessing. Johan’s involvement added stakes, pulling Krissy deeper into the sleuthing game for Rita’s sake. The pacing stumbled slightly during the marathon scenes (I wanted more murder, less sneakers!) but the cozy vibes and tight-knit community carried me through.
I listened to the audiobook, and a special cheer for Melissa Moran, the narrator! She truly brings Krissy’s world to life, slipping between tones and voices with a pro’s flair, making it obvious who’s talking without ever muddling the conversation. Best of all, she manages to keep Krissy’s adorable personality intact, capturing the signature blend of curiosity and charm that makes this series such a treat. It’s like she invites you right into Pine Hills for coffee and gossip.
Erickson’s knack for blending heart and humor with murder makes this series a go-to, and I’m already craving the next installment to see where Krissy and Paul’s slow-burn romance heads.
Would I recommend it?
This audiobook is a cozy delight, like curling up with friends and a frothy coffee. Krissy’s crew feels like home, and Melissa Moran’s narration brings every character to life while preserving Krissy’s adorable spark. A fun, heartwarming escape for cozy mystery fans.
What do you say?
Who’s your favorite Pine Hills character—Krissy, Paul, or another quirky resident? How do you like Melissa Moran’s narration? Spill the beans in the comments!
Book Links:
Kobo
Goodreads
Follow Alex Erickson on his author page
Discover more from Views She Writes
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
