I am very happy to help Tonya Kappes celebrate her new release, SCENE OF THE GRIND! This first book in her brand new Killer Coffee Mystery series is off to a buzzing start. I enjoyed reading from the start as the protagonist, Roxanne Bloom prepares to open her new coffeehouse, The Bean Hive, in Honey Springs, Kentucky, and begin a new chapter in her life. Too often I start a series in the middle or towards the end and have backtracking to do so it was a delight to find this series as it debuted. The first part of the book has a lot of details on Roxanne’s background, the struggles of getting her business ready to open, and being introduced to characters. I felt like the author was taking her time to set the stage not only for this particular book but also for future books. Some might think it’s a bit slow starting out, however, I like knowing backstory and having the chance to get to know the characters.
Once the murder takes place, the mystery moves along quite nicely with plenty of suspects to keep the reader guessing. There is a heartwarming theme of pet rescues and adoptions and I loved the sweet scene where Roxanne finds the perfect match with Pepper, the dog meant for her. SCENE OF THE GRIND is sprinkled with darling Southern sayings and mannerisms, giving it an authentic feel. The author creatively uses adorable business names along the lake’s boardwalk….and made me want to have the chance to visit this charming location!
The Bean Hive serves up tasty treats and Tonya Kappes has included several yummy recipes* at the back of the book. I decided to try the Chilled Coffee Souffle…it sounded so unique and refreshing…and it is! I was a bit worried while making the recipe because I really couldn’t envision what it was supposed to turn out like (I like a cooking challenge, what can I say?). I changed a bit of the recipe to make it easier with a more attractive serving presentation, which resulted in yum! I loved the foamy light coffee scented top layer which complimented the full-bodied sweet coffee bottom layer. It reminded me of a café latte, which is my favorite coffeehouse drink. (*Recipe submitted by Andrea Stoeckel who said, “This recipe is one of the first my grandmother taught me over fifty years ago!”)
Amazon Synopsis
Scene of the Grind is the first in USA TODAY bestselling author Tonya Kappes’ new A Killer Coffee Mystery Series. The series takes place in the cozy southern fictional tourist town of Honey Springs, Kentucky.
Roxanne Bloom (her friends, though few call her Roxie) quit her job as a lawyer, divorced her cheating husband, and moved to the quaint town of Honey Springs, Kentucky where she’d spent many of her teenage summers visiting her eccentric and fun-loving Aunt Maxi.
Roxy follows her dream and opens The Bean Hive, Honey Springs first coffee house on the town’s newly revitalized boardwalk. that opens just in time for Honey Springs annual Honey Festival.
Roxy’s life couldn’t be better. Business was booming, she’s reconnected with special people from her past, including her first teenage love, and visits The Crooked Cat book store, which is still her favorite shop in Honey Springs.
One problem, Aunt Maxi and Alexis Roarke, owner of Crooked Cat, aren’t on the best of terms. Alexis leases the book store’s building from Aunt Maxi and the rent is going up.
Roxy takes Alexis a fresh cup of coffee from The Bean Hive and a tasty pastry as a peace offering between the two women, but discovers the beloved book store owner murdered and Aunt Maxi is the number one suspect.
Gossip in Honey Springs is as hot at the coffee served at the Bean Hive and Roxy has to uncover who is behind the murder not only to save her shop, her aunt, but her life.
A huge thank you to Tonya Kaapes for providing an e-book copy of SCENE OF THE GRIND for one lucky winner! Contest ends Thursday, January 26, 2017 at 11:59 pm PST. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below the recipe to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)
Ingredients
- 1 envelope (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
- 1-1/2 cups brewed coffee, cooled
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or half & half, or heavy cream)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar + 1 tablespoon, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 pasteurized eggs, separated**
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine gelatin and cold coffee in a small bowl and let set for 5 minutes to soften.
- Whisk the egg yolks and set aside.
- In a heat-proof bowl or the top of a double boiler, combine the coffee mixture, milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and salt.
- Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water.
- Stir until sugar is dissolved and gelatin has melted.
- Whisk in remaining 1/4 cup sugar and the egg yolks.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture coats the back of a metal spoon and reaches at least 160 degrees (F).
- Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the egg whites (with a pinch of salt if desired) until soft peaks form.
- Slowly add 1 tablespoon sugar to the whipped egg whites and then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Stir egg whites and vanilla into cooled coffee mixture. Mix until egg whites are mostly incorporated but it's okay if it is a little lumpy.
- Divide between several cocktail or wine glasses, making sure there's both foam and coffee liquid in each glass. Chill until set, at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with whipped cream and shaved chocolate just before serving.
- Be sure there are no specks of yolk or grease present in the mixing bowl and beaters used to whip the egg whites.
- **Eating raw or undercooked eggs poses a health risk to everyone, but especially to the elderly, young children under age 4, pregnant women and other highly susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems. Whole Food Markets sell pasteurized eggs or you can try this (unproven) method for pasteurizing eggs at home as provided by http://bakingbites.com/2011/03/how-to-pasteurize-eggs-at-home/ Please use your discretion when eating undercooked items.
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Note: Eating raw or undercooked eggs poses a health risk to everyone, but especially to the elderly, young children under age 4, pregnant women and other highly susceptible individuals with compromised immune systems. Whole Food Markets sell pasteurized eggs or you can try this (unproven) method for pasteurizing eggs at home as provided by: Baking Bites. Please use your discretion when eating undercooked items.
Sounds like real good souffle.
I actually don’t drink coffee at all as I don’t like the taste of it. I am more of a tea person. But I do like the sound of this book. The part about seeing her start up her business sounds fun to read. And the pets in this book sound like a lovely addition, i always like reading about pets. Great review and thanks for the giveaway!
Sounds like another fun “coffee” mystery read! Looking forward to reading it and trying some of the recipes.
I love a cappuccino or café latte when at a coffee shop. At home it’s coffee with cream or milk. I love to curl up with a “coffee” mystery and a good pot of coffee! Looking forward to trying this new series!
Thanks so much for sharing information on Tonya’s newest book and series. Also thanks for including such a delicious sounding souffle. It’s a must try recipe. I’m hoping my luck is there for the drawing for a book.
I got my paperback yesterday and can’t wait to get started!!
Awesome review
I love Tonya’s books!
I have pre-ordered the ebook and can’t wait to read it!
I love a good latte or a coffee with lots of cream. 🙂
Recipe looks good! I prefer just plain old black coffee but an occasional latte is good too.
Actually, I don’t drink coffee. I like the smell of coffee, but, don’t enjoy the taste. Maybe I need to try some of the fancy flavors, since all I remember is strong, black coffee that my parents drank when I was a child. 🙂
I found that your comment about the beginning of the book being a pretty good set-up for the series in that even if it may seem slow, the process helps the reader lay a foundation to master the series. The book sounds really good. It has mystery and really grabs the reader.
Thank you for the souffle recipe. It may be my first ever! Yay! Coffee sounds amazing!
Oh, and iced caramel coffee… definitely. I wonder though. Sometimes I get it out and it’s great and other times it is bitter caramel. Is there a difference in flavorings?
Iced coffee with caremel sauce is delicious.
Can’t wait to read this one!
Looking forward to the release of this new series by Tonya Kappes. Thank you for sharing.
Tonya Kappes is a fantastic author!
I don’t drink coffee nor do I like coffee flavored anything. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha — unfortunately, it’s only a seasonal drink 🙁
I’m really looking forward to the release of this book!
I love cappuccinos…but for something a bit indulgent, I’ll order a white chocolate latte with just a splash of coconut syrup. Ooooh! Delicious. I am excited about the new series. Fingers crossed!
I’m a cafe latte girl. It’s bad because I could order one, and then another, and another, and another…
I do not like any kind of coffee. Don’t even like the smell of it. But I would love to win and read Scene Of The Grind. Thank you for the chance to win an e-book copy.
Can’t wait to read this! I love the cover.
Mocha latte if it’s cool weather.
A frozen slush version if it’s hot.
I love any flavored latte’s, thank you for this recipe, it sounds fantastic. I can’t wait to read this, I love Ms. Kappe’s books.
I have pre-ordered the ebook. Looking forward to reading the first in this new fun series!
love Tonya’s books! i like white chocolate latte’s best.
The Salted Carmel Mocha from Starbucks. Cant wait to read this series.
I like a blended coffee drink called German Chocolate Mocha at a local coffee place. It’s the most delicious coffee I ever had. So basically, I like coffee drinks but I don’t really like plain coffee. Tonya is one of my favorite authors.
I like mocha ice capps or mint chocolate hot cocoa!
Love coffee and can’t wait to read the book.Thank you for the giveaway.
I don’t drink coffee, but my husband drinks it. I love the smell of his various coffees.
Caramel Machiato
I am a Starbucks junkie 🙂
No I don’t drink Coffee mine would be Caffeinated Hot Chocolate with Sugar Cookie Creamer in it or Mint tea.
I’m not a big fan of coffee but when I want some it needs lots of chocolate and ice. I head to dunkin donuts.
I love cooking- and even more than that I love coffee- so I can’t wait to try out this new series!
Not really into coffee drinks, but I LOVE the smell.