Mocha, She Wrote - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Mocha, She Wrote (Bakeshop Mystery #13) by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Really Liked It
Source: Publisher

Description:  Summer has ushered in a new season in the charming hamlet of Ashland, Oregon. Torte is bustling with tourists taking in star-drenched shows at the Elizabethan, setting out to hike in the surrounding Siskiyou Mountains, and sampling the bakeshop’s summer lineup of raspberry lemon tarts and mint mojito cold brews. Jules and the team are buzzing with excitement when they learn that Andy, Torte’s head barista, has been selected to compete in the West Coast Barista Cup.

The prestigious competition draws coffee aficionados from up and down the coast to Ashland. The winner will not only claim to be best-in-brew, but also be awarded a hefty cash prize. Andy’s nervous about his chances, but Jules is confident that her star barista will shine. However, things take a grim turn when head judge Benson Vargas spits out Andy’s first offering, claiming it to be the worst thing to ever touch his lips—and hours later, is found dead clutching Andy’s creamy latte. Suddenly Torte’s favorite barista becomes the number one suspect. There’s no roast for the weary. Jules will have to sleuth out whodunit to clear Andy’s name and catch a killer before she ends up with one foot in the grounds.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and there was no way I could resist that title!

My Impression:  Ellie Alexander never disappoints!  This was a fun cozy read with a gorgeous setting and even better foodie descriptions.  Between Sterling's savory concoctions, Jules's pastries, and Andy's coffee creations there is always something mouth watering and tempting being described.  

This book really focused on Andy who has been a regular character since the first book and has long been my favorite.  While I hated seeing him in such a stressful place I did enjoy getting some focus on his character.  As well, Jules has some developments in her personal life and is reestablishing her routines and just how her life works.  

I do love when the victim has more enemies then friends and that was definitely the case in this book.   Benson Vargas has more then a few people who weren't sorry to see him go and with very good reason.  He's pretty dreadful.  I enjoyed the unravelling of the mystery and loved seeing Andy take a more active role. Both Andy's competition and Jules changes do push the mystery a bit towards the background occasionally throughout the book.  However, I love the characters in this series so much that that isn't a problem for me.  If you're looking for a fun series with characters you feel like your friends with in a gorgeous town this series is a must!

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?   Absolutely!  I'm already looking forward to getting the next book.  

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you are a cozy lover you must read this series!  I would probably start with an earlier book so you can get to know the characters but really you'd have no problem jumping in right here.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *