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Book Review of A Bean to Die For (Coffee Shop, Bk 4)

A Bean to Die For (Coffee Shop, Bk 4)
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Dollycas's Thoughts

Lana Lewis wants to try to grow her own coffee beans to add to the offerings at Perkatory, her café in Devil's Beach. With her dad's help, she is taking over a plot at the popular community garden, Peas on Earth, when another man has been banned for breaking the rules. She is a little concerned about all the rules but excited about her new venture. Funny, for all the rules, there isn't one about leaving a dead body in the garden but the previously banned Jack Daggett is in the garden and he is dead.

Darla Ippolito, the president of the garden is high on the suspect list because of her many disagreements with Jack. Noah begs Lana to stay out of his case and she really tries even when Darla asks for her help. She doesn't know Darla well but she does do a little digging. Then Darla is killed and Lana finds herself snooping more than serving coffee. Can she get the bean on the killer? or will she have brewed her last Americano?

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Ms. Lush has created such fun characters for this series. Lana and Erica's friendship continues to grow. Both women are strong, smart, and funny. They come up with new ideas for Perkatory almost every day. A cool new idea is presented in this story but the person presenting it causes a little drama. Growing coffee beans in Florida may be interesting too. Lana's relationship with Noah hits a milestone as his mother and sister come to town to meet her. Lana's dad, Peter is such a cool cat and he has a big announcement in this story too. Beware, Lana's dog Stanley will steal your heart.

The mystery is perplexing. Jack had made more than a few enemies and Darla had a bit of a shady past. Darla also had a unique way of remembering things and that leads to a major clue. Lana, Erica, and Peter try to do a little amateur sleuthing on the sly without telling Noah but you know he knows what they are doing. He loves Lana and wants to protect her. He also knows she is going to be asking questions, it's her reporter instincts that she can let go of. He also knows they make a good team when they put their heads together. After many twists and turns the case comes to a head in an unexpected place. Oh, the way the takedown played out was priceless. I loved it!

I really enjoyed all the subplots the author blended in with the main mystery. No spoilers but something happened during the dinner with Noah's mom, sister, and other guests that has happened to us at our home and I didn't handle it as well as Lana. But when not happening to me it made me laugh out loud.

A Bean To Die For was definitely A Perfect Escape. I escaped right into the pages and was completely entertained. Well-developed characters and a well-plotted story had me so captivated I read it all in one evening. Coffee, a community garden, murders, romance, drama, comedy, lasagna, lubbers and more. What more could you ask for? Cozy mystery lovers you will love this book and this series.