A Spirited St. Patrick's Day Whodunit – Death by Irish Coffee

 

 Death by Irish Coffee, the 15th installment in Alex Erickson’s Bookstore Café Mystery series, serves up a pleasant cozy mystery perfect for fans of the genre. Set against the lively backdrop of St. Patrick's Day in Pine Hills, Krissy Hancock partners with local bar owner Bucky to offer festive Irish coffees to the celebrating crowd. When Bucky suddenly falls ill and is later found dead, Krissy can’t resist digging into the case despite her own packed personal life.

The mystery is well-constructed with a large cast of suspects (I could have used a character list in the front of the book), red herrings, and a fairly intricate plot. I appreciated the added complexity; it kept me engaged and guessing until the end. Krissy’s character had some depth to it, and the supporting cast feels richer with ongoing storylines—a wedding on the horizon, coffee shop franchising plans, and a new police chief—building up anticipation for what’s next. 

While the pacing occasionally lets you set the book down, the charming small-town vibe, coffee-shop setting, and solid sleuthing make it an enjoyable read. New readers can jump in without feeling lost, though longtime fans will especially love seeing the series’ threads advance.

A great pick for cozy mystery lovers who enjoy bookstore or café settings, light suspense, and a touch of holiday flair. Pair it with your favorite cup of coffee (Irish or otherwise) for the full experience. 4 out of 5 stars.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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