Aromatic Alibis

Love is brewing in Steeplechase… but so is murder.For Madison "Beans" Perkins, Valentine's Day at the Perk & Puzzle Roastery was supposed to be about lattes, love connections, and keeping her eccentric grandmother, Mavis, from accidentally shooting customers with a suction-cup arrow.But when the town's sleaziest developer, Sterling Vance, drops dead face-first into the pastry case after downing Madison's special "Cupid's Arrow" espresso, the "Love is Brewing" speed dating event turns into a crime scene.Now the local gossip mill has branded Madison the "Black Widow of Steeplechase," and the handsome but grumpy Detective Gabe Miller has no choice but to shut down her shop. With her livelihood on the line and a blizzard cutting off the town, Madison has to trade her portafilter for a notepad.Teamed up with Mavis, who is currently convinced she's a ninja in neon tights, Madison must sift through a list of suspects that includes a scorned florist, a secret wife, and a bodybuilder with a grudge. Can Madison roast the real killer before the trail goes cold, or will this Valentine's Day end with a bitter aftertaste?

Summer heat, carnival treats, and a fatal shock to the system.For barista Madison "Beans" Perkins, the Steeplechase County Fair was supposed to be about selling cold brew to overheated tourists and keeping her eccentric friend Mavis from starting a riot at the ring toss. But when the carnival's most hated ride operator bullies Madison into lending him her backup slushie machine, the summer fun takes a deadly turn.When the man is found electrocuted by the rigged appliance, the police point the finger at the owner of the machine: Madison.Now, with a rival deputy eager to put her in cuffs and a killer hiding among the midway games, Madison must trade her apron for her detective hat. Teaming up with the handsome Detective Gabe Miller and Mavis-who is currently armed with a giant purple bear and a dangerous aim-Madison has to find out who turned her slushie maker into a murder weapon.Can Madison short-circuit the killer's plan before she becomes the next victim of a midway accident? Or will this investigation prove to be one ride she can't survive?