How to Read the Killer Coffee Series
For the best reading experience, it is highly recommended to read the Killer Coffee series in its original publication order. While each cozy mystery features a self-contained whodunit that wraps up by the final page, the character relationships, romantic subplots, and town dynamics of Honey Springs evolve continuously from book to book. Starting from the beginning allows you to watch Roxy Bloom build her business, develop her relationships, and integrate into the local community.
Where to Start: The Perfect Cup
The definitive starting point is the first novel, Scene of the Grind (2017). This book introduces Roxy Bloom, her sassy Aunt Maxi, her loyal Miniature Schnauzer Pepper, and the vibrant lakeside setting of Honey Springs. You will get to experience Roxy's initial transition from a stressed-out corporate lawyer to a warm, small-town coffeehouse owner, which serves as the foundational narrative arc for the entire series.
Killer Coffee Books in Publication Order
Tonya Kappes has maintained an incredibly prolific writing schedule since launching the series in 2017. Below is the complete chronological publication order, tracing Roxy's adventures from her first days at The Bean Hive to her latest investigations:
- Scene of the Grind (2017)
- Mocha and Murder (2017)
- Freshly Ground Murder (2017)
- Cold Blooded Brew (2018)
- Decaffeinated Scandal (2018)
- A Killer Latte (2019)
- Holiday Roast Mortem (2019)
- Dead to the Last Drop (2020)
- Frothy Foul Play (2021)
- Spoonful of Murder (2021)
- Barista Bump Off (2022)
- Cappuccino Criminal (2023)
- Macchiato Murder (2023)
- Pour-Over Predicament (2024)
- Ice Coffee Corruption (2024)
- Steamed Secrets (2025)
- A Perk of Trouble (2025)
- Brewing Up Bones (2025)
- Frosted Frappe Felony (2026)
- Espresso Espionage (2026)
- Pumpkin Spice Scandal (2026)
Meet the Residents of Honey Springs
A major draw of the series is its quirky and lovable cast of recurring characters. Understanding the main players will help you feel right at home when you step inside The Bean Hive:
- Roxanne "Roxy" Bloom: A former lawyer who walked away from her high-stakes career to open The Bean Hive coffeehouse in Kentucky. Roxy is clever, determined, and has a natural knack for spotting legal details and clues that others miss.
- Pepper: Roxy's faithful Miniature Schnauzer. Pepper is always by her side, often helping sniff out clues (and treats) around town.
- Aunt Maxi: Roxy’s eccentric, sassy, and fiercely supportive aunt. Maxi is a constant source of humor and occasionally finds herself at the center of local suspicion, prompting Roxy to jump into investigative action.
- Patrick: The local park ranger (and later Roxy's husband), who provides a steady, grounding presence and a romantic anchor for Roxy amidst the chaotic investigations.
- Loretta Bebe: Honey Springs' resident gossip-monger who always has her ear to the ground, serving as an unintended source of leads for Roxy's cases.
What to Know Before You Start
The Killer Coffee series is celebrated for its warm, Southern hospitality and comforting cozy elements. Each book is infused with festive small-town energy, often taking place during seasonal events like the Neewollah (Halloween spelled backward) Festival, the Christmas Pawrade, or summer boardwalk celebrations.
As a bonus for home bakers and coffee enthusiasts, Tonya Kappes includes delicious recipes at the end of her books, ranging from Apple Pie Jam to special pumpkin dog treats. The series is also highly regarded in its audiobook format, narrated by Christina Sagnimeni, which captures the authentic Southern accents and cozy cadence of Kentucky life.
Are there any spin-offs or co-authored books?
Unlike some of Tonya Kappes' other works, the Killer Coffee series is written entirely by Kappes herself and is not a spin-off of another series. However, it exists in the same stylistic universe as her other popular cozy series, such as the Camper & Criminals mysteries, making it a perfect match for readers who enjoy her signature Southern charm and small-town amateur sleuthing.