Death by Spiced Chai
In a small town like Pine Hills, reputation counts for a lot. And for reasons that Krissy Hancock can’t figure out, someone is trashing hers. Cockroaches in the bookstore’s coffee, spiteful reviews, vandalism, Krissy is being framed for every bit of bad news around. Her boyfriend, local cop Paul Dalton, is on the case, but before they can source the saboteur, Krissy is in the frame for murder, too.
The murder weapon was a teapot full of Krissy’s favorite spiced chai, and all the local town gossips are spilling the tea about her supposed involvement. But the real culprit has a grudge that’s been simmering for years. And unless Krissy can uncover the truth before the killer’s rage boils over again, it won’t just be her business in hot water; her life will be on the line too.
The Details
Series: A Bookstore Café Mystery – Book #10
Author: Alex Ericson
Genre/Category: Cozy – Bookstore/CoffeeShop
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
ISBN: 1496736656
Page Count: 320
Rating: 
The Review
I have enjoyed this series since book one, and though Death by Spiced Chai has the same delightful characters and very enjoyable settings, namely Krissy’s bookshop, as usual, there was just something off with this story. Bad reviews, especially from those who feel they have been wronged or just don’t like someone, are commonplace in today’s social media society. But the sabotage of coffee is an outright crime, and using a teapot full of tea to kill someone is downright disgraceful. I say this in jest, but… I had problems with Krissy and the story this time around, and no amount of tea or coffee can change this.
Someone is out to destroy Krissy and her shop; putting cockroaches in the coffee and the store is not just sabotage or a prank; it’s a crime and one that should be prosecuted. Critical reviews, well, they are what they are; sometimes they are justified, sometimes they aren’t, but most businesses deal with them as best they can; individuals, however, take things too personally and can get caught up in an online back and forth that leads to trouble. This seems to be the case for Krissy; someone doesn’t like her and is out to close her shop and put her behind bars for murder.
Generally, the characters in this series are easygoing, fun, and enjoyable. But this time, I feel the book deviated from the norm. The idea that someone is setting Krissy up for a murder charge, sabotaging her business, and giving her bad reviews is a far cry from getting her arrested for murder. For me, this just wasn’t a believable scenario. If someone did that to me, I would have been pounding on the police office doors and screaming at the sky, but Krissy just takes it in stride as if it’s no big deal. No one would do that, especially if they thought they were going to go to prison. Top that off with a boyfriend who is also a cop, who gives the impression that he might believe she is guilty, which was enough to make me not want to read the entire book.
When the sabotage is discovered and finally reported, the bad reviews are analyzed, and the author uncovered, it doesn’t take long for readers to figure out who the killer is, but the killer’s motive was clearly not well thought out. I found the entire story to be a real stretch of my imagination, and unfortunately, not in a good way. I still enjoy this series, and Death by Spiced Chai has pleasant aspects to it; most of the returning characters are still wonderful, and I will always love Krissy’s shop, but this one was a miss for me in the believability department. I hope the next book will be better and let me get back to smiling when I read it.
The Author
Alex Erickson is the author of both the Bookstore Café and the Furever Pets mysteries. When he’s not writing, he enjoys spending his time gaming or playing music. Alex has always wanted to write, even at a young, impressionable age. He’s always had an interest in the motive behind murder, which has led him down his current path. He’s always ready with a witty, at least in his opinion, quip and tries to keep every conversation light and friendly. Alex lives in Ohio with his family and resident felines, who provide endless amounts of inspiration.
Other books in this series will enjoy are Death by French Roast or Death by Hot Apple Cider.
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