Spoonful of Murder sat on my shelf for too long before I had a chance to read it. But it did not take long at all for me to devour the pages of this delightful mystery once I opened the pages. Tonya Kappes has the ability to wrap readers around her little finger and quickly draw them into the action.

The Bean Hive Coffeehouse is a beehive of activity. Roxy is busy with her regular customers and taking part in Honey Springs’ Christmas activities. Everything is great, well, until it isn’t. The progressive dinner is brought to a grinding halt when a body is found on the beach. To make matters worse, Aunt Maxi is a prime suspect!

Roxy, of course, dives into the investigation to clear her aunt’s name. Various names pop up as possible murder suspects, but the reader is left guessing up until the end. Yes, this reader was taken by surprise when learning who was responsible.

If you love small towns, pets, and a good clean mystery, then this is the perfect book for you. ( )

Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes is the 10th A Killer Coffee Mystery. Roxy is looking forward to the holidays in Honey Springs, Kentucky. Aunt Maxi has organized a progressive dinner with the proceeds benefiting the Pet Palace, their local SPCA. At the Bean Hive, Roxy will be providing coffee and dessert. The day of the progressive dinner, the woman providing the appetizers has to bow out after breaking her ankle. Loretta is quick to step in, but her food is the last thing Aunt Maxi wants served. Aunt Maxi comes up with a plan to save the day. Before the guests can move on to the main course, a body is found on the beach. Loretta and Aunt Maxi are at the top of the suspect list. The pair declare a truce until the case is solved. They are relying on Roxy to sift through the clues and produce the killer. Can Roxy serve up the guilty party before her Christmas dinner? Spoonful of Murder can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Everything you need to know is included. Christmas is quickly approaching which means plenty of activities in Honey Springs. Aunt Maxi dreamed up the progressive dinner which has Roxy providing coffee and dessert. Roxy is looking forward to the Paw Parade and the other fun activities. She is also hosting dinner at the Bean Hive for family, friends and anyone who wishes to attend. Spoonful of Murder is an amusing cozy mystery with Aunt Maxi and Loretta up to their old tricks. Loretta wants to provide the appetizer for the progressive dinner which has Aunt Maxi (and many others) in an uproar. There is no one that wishes to eat Loretta’s cheese balls. I like the characters in this series. They are relatable and realistic. Honey Springs is a typical small Southern town where gossip spreads faster than butter on hot pancakes. I noticed a continuity issue or two in the book which I hope will get corrected. The mystery was uncomplicated. There was a lack of suspects which made it a cinch to identify the wrongdoer. There are good clues in the story and Roxy is good at obtaining information. The puppy up for adoption at the Bean Hive stole the show. He is a cutie pie. I wanted to bring him home. There is a special surprise at the end that will delight fans. Spoonful of Murder is a lighthearted tale with a precious puppy, delectable coffee, cheese ball bedlam, a merry mystery, a crafty killer, a resolute Roxy, and a cheery Christmas. ( )

As always this series keeps making me laugh and cry and try to solve a murder. I love this small town in Kentucky where you get to gossip or just discuss things over your daily coffee and treats. You can do this with your favorite fur baby also. I love Maxi and Roxy and Patrick and all the other people in the town. We need to know what Maxi and Loretta are up to during the Pawrade and dinner. I also love the twist at the end. I do recommend reading this series in order so you know what is happening to the main characters. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )