Step into the cozy, caffeine-fueled world of the Killer Coffee series by Tonya Kappes, where murder mysteries brew alongside Southern charm in the quaint town of Honey Springs, Kentucky. This delightful cozy mystery series invites readers to sip on suspense and savor the warmth of small-town life, all while Roxanne Bloom, a former lawyer turned coffeehouse owner, unravels crimes with her trusty Schnauzer, Pepper, by her side.
With its blend of humor, heart, and just the right amount of intrigue, Killer Coffee hooks readers from the first page, making it a must-read for fans of light-hearted whodunits. Whether you’re drawn to quirky characters, mouthwatering recipes, or the thrill of solving a puzzle, this series serves up a perfect blend of all three.
How Killer Coffee Began
Tonya Kappes, a USA Today bestselling author known for her Southern-flavored cozy mysteries, launched the Killer Coffee series in 2017 with Scene of the Grind. Inspired by her love for small-town life and her knack for crafting flawed, relatable characters, Kappes created Honey Springs as a lakeside haven where gossip flows as freely as coffee. Her goal was to blend the comfort of a coffeehouse setting with the excitement of amateur sleuthing, drawing readers into Roxy’s world of pastries and peril.
Kappes’ own experiences as a Kentucky native shine through in the series’ vivid setting and authentic Southern hospitality. Her conversational writing style and knack for humor have made the series a fan favorite, with each book building on the charm of Honey Springs and its colorful residents.
The Heart of Killer Coffee
The Killer Coffee series, spanning 15 books as of 2025, centers on Roxanne ‘Roxy’ Bloom, who trades her high-stakes legal career for a simpler life running The Bean Hive coffeehouse. In Scene of the Grind, Roxy’s fresh start is tested when a bookstore owner is murdered, and her Aunt Maxi becomes a suspect. Roxy’s sleuthing skills kick into gear, setting the tone for the series’ blend of mystery and community.
Other standout titles include Mocha and Murder, where Roxy defends a friend accused of killing her apple supplier, and Decaffeinated Scandal, a Halloween-themed tale involving a resort developer’s death and a masked killer. Each book weaves themes of friendship, family, and resilience, with Honey Springs’ festivals and landmarks—like the Christmas Pawrade or the boardwalk—adding a festive backdrop. Kappes’ inclusion of recipes, like Apple Pie Jam and pumpkin dog treats, enhances the cozy vibe, making readers feel right at home.
The series’ strength lies in its quirky cast, from the sassy Aunt Maxi to the gossip-loving Loretta Bebe. The small-town setting, infused with Southern sass and humor, creates a comforting yet suspenseful atmosphere, while Roxy’s growth as a sleuth and her budding romance with Patrick add emotional depth.
Why Killer Coffee Resonates
Killer Coffee has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering readers an escape into a world where community triumphs over chaos. Fans praise the series for its relatable characters and twisty plots, with reviews on Goodreads highlighting its ‘laugh-out-loud humor’ and ‘heartwarming moments.’ Kappes’ ability to balance light-hearted fun with gripping mysteries keeps readers coming back, with the series’ 4.3+ average rating reflecting its loyal following.
Beyond entertainment, Killer Coffee celebrates the power of small-town bonds and second chances, resonating with readers who crave stories of hope and connection. Its growing popularity has even sparked interest in a potential TV adaptation, cementing its place in the cozy mystery canon.
- First book published: 2017
- Number of books: 15
- Author: Tonya Kappes
- Genre: Cozy Mystery
Ready to brew some suspense? Grab Scene of the Grind and dive into the Killer Coffee series’ irresistible mix of mystery, coffee, and Southern charm!