A Perk of Trouble

A Perk of Trouble is a delightful mystery with a fun writing-related plot, charming characters, and yummy recipes.

• Series: A Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery (Book 17)

• Written by: Tonya Kappes

• Publication date: May 25, 2025

• Mystery type: Culinary cozy mystery

Plot Overview

In A Perk of Trouble, the town of Honey Springs, Kentucky is hosting a writer's retreat with a big-name, bestselling thriller writer who may have more enemies than fans.

When a body is found at the Crooked Cat Bookstore, people are shocked to discover the crime scene mimics a fictional scene straight out of one of the victim's books.

The town is buzzing, and everyone at the retreat is a suspect. Lawyer-turned-barista Roxy Bloom decides to investigate and finds secrets percolating at every turn.

Spoiler-Free Review

Making the plot revolve around a writer's retreat was a great idea.  The retreat provides an interesting backdrop for the mystery and helps introduce several suspects. 

The retreat includes several events that would be fun to attend in real life. There is a book signing event and panels on topics ranging from worldbuilding in cozy mysteries to pitching a series to a publisher. And the Bean Hive is serving up themed drinks, such as the Plot Twist Pumpkin Latte, Cliffhanger Cold Brew, and Cozy Killer Cappuccino.

In addition to a fun backdrop, A Perk of Trouble has a mystery with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing right up to the final reveal.

But the best parts of this book are the charming characters and the cozy setting. Roxy is a caffeine-fueled amateur sleuth with smarts and Southern sass. Recurring characters, such as Bunny, Loretta, and Birdie, enable fun and lighthearted scenes.

Tonya Kappes excels at creating characters that readers want to spend time with and communities that they want to visit again and again. Honey Springs is one of those places. 

A Perk of Trouble ends on a sweet note with two completely doable dessert recipes. I tried one of them (Suspenseful Strawberry Shortcakes) and loved it. 

Read an excerpt of A Perk of Trouble on Tonya Kappes’ website. See more reviews of A Perk of Trouble on Goodreads.

Disclaimers: Cozy Crime Reads received an advanced reading copy of A Perk of Trouble from the publisher. This did not influence the review. This page may include affiliate links that allow Cozy Crime Reads to earn a commission on qualifying purchases. This happens at no additional cost to you.