A Bean to Die For

This was such a great cozy! It was the first one I have read by Tara Lush and it certainly won't be the last. It's the 4th book in her Coffee Lover's Mystery series and I just loved it. I received a free copy from Net Galley and the author for an honest review and they didn't disappoint.

It's about Lana Lewis who stumbles over the dead body of a local curmudgeon when she follows her father to the community garden. She is looking to plant some coffee beans to see if they will grow in the soil in Florida and she can have her own blend for her cafe, Perkatory. Instead she gets involved in a mystery, much to the dismay of her police chief boyfriend, Noah.

The characters were quirky and interesting and I felt like they were fleshed out well and I could really get to know them. The plot was great with lots of twists that I didn't see coming. It was one of my favourite reads of 2023 so far.

Book Review: A Bean to Die For: A Fun and Engaging Mystery

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 Stars

I just finished reading “A Bean to Die For” by Tara Lush, and it was a delightful read! This installment takes us back into the world of reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis as she finds herself in the middle of another intriguing mystery.

The story follows Lana as she embarks on a new adventure – growing her own coffee in the community garden. However, her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers the body of Jack Daggett among the gardening plots. Jack, an environmental activist with a history of clashes with the garden's owner, Darla, becomes the center of a murder investigation. Lana, determined to clear Darla's name, can't resist the urge to dig deeper into the case.

What I loved most about this book is the writing. Tara Lush has a way with words that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The pacing is just right, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. While the mystery may have been a bit predictable at times, it didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story.

The setting of Devil's Beach adds an extra layer of charm to the narrative. Lush's vivid descriptions make you feel like you're right there, sipping coffee at Perkatory and exploring the community garden alongside Lana. It's a world you won't want to leave.

And let's not forget the characters. Lana Lewis is a fantastic protagonist – smart, witty, and relatable. The supporting cast is equally delightful, each with their own quirks and secrets that add depth to the story.

I must also mention the cover of this book. It's eye-catching and perfectly captures the essence of the story inside. Kudos to the designer!

Overall, “A Bean to Die For” is a fun and engaging mystery that will keep you entertained from beginning to end. While the mystery may not be the most complex, it's still a satisfying read. If you enjoyed the previous book in this series, you won't be disappointed with this installment. I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the next adventure with Lana Lewis.

So grab a cup of your favorite brew and dive into “A Bean to Die For” – you won't regret it!!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Lana did not spend as much time as I would have liked at Perkatory in this one, but we did get a good explanation of the whole building. I didn't know it was 3 stories tall! There were some big changes by the end of the book, so I am ready for book 5, so I can see what happens next. The murderer and the big clue were used in unexpected ways, so I couldn't have guessed the murderer. It was a good visit to Devil's Beach, but not my favorite.