Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Laying Down the Latte - Cozy Mystery Review

Goodreads:  Laying Down the Latte (A Bakeshop Mystery #21) by Ellie Alexander

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family's organic coffee farm.

They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.

The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte's beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.

Genre: Mystery - Cozy

Why I Picked This Book:  This is one of my favorite cozy series and I do enjoy a book in a different location from the usual.

My Impression: I've been curious to see how the series evolves and Jules and Carlos have some major life changes coming up.   The trip to Costa Rica makes sense for the growth of the business and for Jules and Carlos personally as they are friends with the coffee farm owner.  The inclusion of Andy also makes a lot of sense and I was so glad to see as he's one of my favorite characters.  It was good to see them away from Ashland and I think wedding Lance is best only dealt with in text message form!

I wasn't sure who the victim would be and I had no clue how it would come to be.  I also wasn't sure how Jules and Carlos being involved in the investigation since they are in a foreign country.  That part might not have been the most realistic but it's also not realistic that a bakery owner would be involved in 21 murder investigations so I'm more than happy to let that go!  

I enjoyed this book and it made for a nice little bit of escapist reading.  I've never really thought much about coffee growing so the coffee farm setting was one I really enjoyed.  The mystery was an easy read and kept me guessing.  I love Ashland but it was nice to see the three characters off on a bit of a vacation.  This is a series that I've enjoyed from the beginning and really loved revisiting this world.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Absolutely!  I typically enjoy Alexander's books and this is my favorite series by her.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you enjoy cozy mysteries this series is a must read and this book was a fantastic addition to the series.

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

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