Review: The Little Coffee Shop of Terrors

Brewing Up Suspense: A Cosy Mystery with a Supernatural Twist

Publication date: September 12th, 2024
Genre: Romance, Sci Fi & Fantasy, General Fiction
Find it here: Goodreads, Amazon
Disclaimer: Thank you to NetGalley for selecting me to review this ARC. All views are honest and my own.

My star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hazel Graves brews up a delightful blend of cosy charm and supernatural suspense in The Little Coffee Shop of Terrors. This quirky tale transforms a small-town coffee shop into the epicentre of eerie happenings, and I couldn’t put it down. With a captivating mix of humour, mystery, and a touch of horror, this book is an easy 4 out of 5 stars for me.

One of the standout elements of this story is the unforgettable character of Franks. Graves has created a unique and compelling character who adds depth, humour, and a certain level of unpredictability to the story. Franks is the kind of character you can't help but root for, with his sharp wit and quirky demeanour making him a scene-stealer every time he appears. His interactions with the other characters brought so much life to the story.

The setting is another strong point. The little coffee shop itself feels like a character, with its cosy yet mysterious atmosphere. Graves’s descriptive writing made it easy to imagine the creaky floors, the aroma of fresh coffee, and the subtle chill of something otherworldly lurking just out of sight. The balance of lighthearted humour with dark, suspenseful moments kept me engaged from start to finish.

While I absolutely loved the characters and the setting, the plot occasionally felt rushed, with certain threads tied up a little too quickly for my liking. However, the charm of the story and the engaging premise more than made up for these minor flaws. It’s a book that feels both comforting and thrilling—a rare and winning combination.

The Little Coffee Shop of Terrors is a must-read if you’re a fan of spooky, cosy mysteries with memorable characters. Franks alone makes it worth the price of admission, and the rest of the story is the perfect accompaniment. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for Hazel Graves’s next book!

Question for discussion :How does the coffee shop setting contribute to the overall tone and suspense of the story? Could the same plot have worked in a different location, or is the shop essential to the narrative? - Please put your comments below.