Death by Java (Bookstore Cafe Mysteries, Bk. 14)

Krissy Hancock is a little nervous leaving her bookstore-café in Pine Hills, Ohio, in someone else’s hands while she visits family in California. But when a killer strikes during her week out west, it’s a good thing she packed her sleuthing skills . . .

When she arrives in her hometown, the owner of Death by Coffee is startled to see a store called Death by Java. She soon realizes the name belongs to a copycat business run by her mean-girl high school rival, Valerie. It may not be grounds for a lawsuit—but when they stop in and witness a bitter argument with a health inspector, the whole scene leaves a bad taste in Krissy’s mouth. Valerie has even imitated Death by Coffee’s resident feline—except this one is a hissing stray who’s more likely to terrorize customers than delight them.

Despite her irritation, Krissy finds herself trying to help the hapless Valerie. But her old classmate needs a different kind of help when the health inspector is found dead on the premises. As Krissy’s boyfriend cozies up to local law enforcement, she collects a carafe of clues, drip by drip . . .

Alex Erickson is the author of the Bookstore Cafe Mystery Series and the Furever Pets Mysteries. He lives in Ohio with his family and resident felines, who provide endless amounts of inspiration. When he’s not writing, he enjoys spending his time gaming or playing music. Visit him online at AlexEricksonBooks.com or find him on Twitter at twitter.com/AEricksonbooks and on Facebook at Facebook.com/alexericksonbooks.