Laying Down the Latte by Ellie Alexander

#LayingDowntheLatte #NetGalley

Description-From the publisher

Another delicious installment in the Bakeshop Series set in Ashland, Oregon!

Baker Jules Capshaw, along with her husband, Carlos, and Torte’s resident barista, Andy, are packing their bags and preparing for the ultimate coffee excursion in Costa Rica. A fortuitous invitation from one of Carlos’s former colleagues, Valentina, has them venturing to the coffee capital of the world for a tasting tour and an immersive weekend at her family’s organic coffee farm.

They soak in the tropical breezes, the vibrant colors, the sounds of morning birdsong, and the sweeping views of the historic coffee farm. Valentina is the ultimate host, offering them traditional meals and thrilled to have their input as she’s preparing to open a coffee counter and bakery on the farm.

The getaway is just what Jules needed. A chance to relax and unwind, curl up with a book and iced latte by the pool, and tinker in Valentina’s kitchen, dreaming up new recipes to bring home. Except her tranquil weekend quickly turns into a nightmare when one of Valentina’s employees is found dead in the pulping machine. Now, Jules will have to put her vacation on hold to try and uncover the murderer before one of Torte’s beloved workers becomes the next body thrown into the mix.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 26 August 2025

My thoughts:

I like the title of this book with its invitation to think about coffee drinks. I also found the cover to be a fun one with it spilled coffee skull, delicious looking pastry, and sense of a beautiful location.

The trip that Jules, Carlos and Andy took sounded like fun and started out so promisingly with its offer of relaxation, good food and drink in a gorgeous setting, and a lovely host. Of course, all of this was disrupted by murder

It was enjoyable to watch the mystery unfold. I enjoyed spending time with the characters and liked the location.

This title will, I think, appeal to those who enjoy traditional mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All thoughts are my own.

Pub date: 26 August 2025