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Kate P Adams
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Death by Dark Roast: An English Cozy Mystery (The Charleton House Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Kate P Adams (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,597 ratings
The annual Charleton House Food Festival is about to begin. But the first item on the menu is murder…

Nestled in the idyllic setting of Derbyshire’s rolling hills, the ancestral home of the Fitzwilliam-Scott family seems an unlikely location for murder. But when a young man is killed recent thefts from local stately homes are put in the shade, and caffeine-loving café manager Sophie Lockwood finds her interest piqued by a pair of unusual cases.

Who would want to murder a gentle giant of a man? And why would a thief, with an endless treasure trove to choose from, make off with an antique from Charleton House that only has sentimental value?

Enlisting the help of her charismatic and eccentric colleagues, including quick-witted tour guide Mark, Sophie sets off to extract inside information from Detective Constable Joe Greene in return for a generous supply of chocolate croissants. But just as Sophie finds her suspicions falling on a likely suspect, a trail of coffee beans leads to a shocking revelation that turns her caffeine-fuelled investigation on its head.

Buy Death By Dark Roast today, you won't be able to put it down.

Book 1 in The Charleton House Mysteries series. A light, entertaining mystery with a coffee loving amateur sleuth who works at one of England’s finest stately homes, and is ruled by her domineering tabby cat.

Written in British English. Can be read as a standalone but will be enjoyed more as part of the series. No strong language, gore, sex, or violence!


What readers are saying about Death by Dark Roast:
‘I absolutely adored this book.’
‘A delightful escape, and I cannot wait for the rest of the series.’
‘You just can't put this book down.’
‘This book has everything I love about cozy mysteries - likable interesting characters, an intriguing cozy mystery, and friendship.’
‘The mystery plot(s) is fascinating and the writing is as elegant as Charleton House itself. A brilliant beginning to a series I will read every word of.’
‘Kate P. Adams develops her characters in such a way that you feel you are right there with them solving mysteries, drinking amazing coffee, wandering beautiful gardens, and working in a grand English home.’
‘This book is the perfect read for fans who enjoy their cozy mysteries served with a patina of history, a bounty of culinary delights, and a bottomless cup of perfectly brewed coffee.’
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  1. Book 1 of 11
    The Charleton House Mysteries
  2. Print length
    186 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    April 12, 2020
  6. File size
    1.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 11 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0871MZFQZ
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 12, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 186 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 11 ‏ : ‎ The Charleton House Mysteries
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,597 ratings

About the author

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Kate P Adams

Kate P Adams

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After 25 years working in some of England’s finest buildings, Kate P. Adams has turned to murder.

Kate grew up in Derbyshire, the setting for the Charleton House Mysteries, and went on to work in theatres around the country, the Natural History Museum - London, the University of Oxford and Hampton Court Palace. Every day she explored darkened corridors and rooms full of history behind doors the public never get to enter. Kate spent years in these beautiful buildings listening to fantastic tales, wondering where the bodies were hidden, and hoping that she’d run into a ghost or two.

Kate has an unhealthy obsession with finding the perfect cup of coffee, enjoys a gin and tonic, and is managed by Pumpkin, a domineering tabby cat who is a little on the large side. Now that she lives in the USA, writing the Charleton House Mysteries allows Kate to go home to her beloved Derbyshire every day, in her head at least.

Head to Kate’s website to get a free copy of ‘A Stately Murder’, the first in the Charleton House Mysteries. Find it here www.katepadams.com

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,597 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this cozy mystery, particularly appreciating its twists and interesting characters. The book is easy to read and features beautiful gardens, with one customer noting how the house is described in beautiful detail. Customers find the writing style entertaining, and one review mentions how it made them want snacks.

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Mystery contentEnjoymentCharacter developmentReadabilityBook styleCosy contentWriting styleTaste
54 customers mention "Mystery content"51 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the mystery content of the book, describing it as an interesting cozy murder mystery with engaging plots and enjoyable twists.

"Loved the twists & turns. The variety of characters was great. I was in complete mystery mose, I had no clue what was really going on...." Read more

"...This is a good start to the series. There are plenty of twists and turns and a satisfying ending. Recommended." Read more

"This is an interesting story with many twists until they solve which characters did the murder...." Read more

"...I wasn't disappointed with the story by any means, and enjoyed the twists that came with the story...." Read more

39 customers mention "Enjoyment"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable and fun to read, keeping their interest throughout.

"...This is a good start to the series. There are plenty of twists and turns and a satisfying ending. Recommended." Read more

"...my love for coffee 😉 I didn't figure out the mystery, but it was a fun ride...." Read more

"...I read it too fast. I wanted a bit more. Worth a read." Read more

"...This is a fascinating book and well worth the readers' time." Read more

31 customers mention "Character development"31 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters in the book interesting.

"Loved the twists & turns. The variety of characters was great. I was in complete mystery mose, I had no clue what was really going on...." Read more

"I liked this it was a good introduction to the series fun characters and made me want snacks but could have used a little more mystery for me it..." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. The characters were interesting and fun. The storyline was also very enjoyable...." Read more

"If you like engaging characters, bits of history thrown in for spice, mystery and oh yes, coffee – this is for you...." Read more

15 customers mention "Readability"15 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and well written, with one customer noting it's a great English mystery.

"This was a very British cozy mystery set in a Duke’s “castle”...." Read more

"A very English mystery. Silver-haired Sophie runs the cafes at Charlton House for the Duke and the Duchess...." Read more

"...Right! This is a light, easy read with a good story line, a mystery that makes you think you know who yet leaves you with a wee bit of doubt, with..." Read more

"DEATH BY DARK ROAST is a thoroughly interesting and fun English cozy murder mystery...." Read more

11 customers mention "Book style"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's style, with its beautiful gardens and lovely presentation, and one customer notes that it is described in beautiful detail.

"...I only chosen read this book because the cover appealed to me (I love coffee)...." Read more

"The clever book cover was what ultimately made me choose to read this book...." Read more

"...Kate brings it alive with her descriptions - I can almost smell the goodies in the cafes and taste the coffee and who knew there were so many..." Read more

"...The details are spot on. Of course, this coffee lover enjoys an insider’s look into that world, too. What an amazing surprise!!" Read more

8 customers mention "Cosy content"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the cozy content of the book, with one mentioning it's a nice England-themed read that kept them entertained.

"...It's a cozy quick read due to the flow of the story and no romance was found in this book...." Read more

"Death by Dark Roast kept me well entertained. Ms. Adams has created a wonderful world at Charleton House...." Read more

"...Grab some coffee or even a gin and tonic. Relax and enjoy." Read more

"...It has some good characters and a good storyline. A good cozy to read" Read more

8 customers mention "Writing style"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the writing style of the book, finding it entertaining and witty, with one customer noting the minimal use of cuss words.

"...Also, Kate, love the clever title, as well as the cover, which features Pumpkin, front and center! Keep them coming!" Read more

"This is a refreshing new mystery series. There are minimal cuss words so it’s not “squeaky clean” but I’m very picky about the amount of cussing I..." Read more

"Kate P Adams is a new author for me and I found her writing style very entertaining...." Read more

"...series has been born to take you on a twist and turn ride with laugh out loud moments and the need to help Sophie find the killer...." Read more

6 customers mention "Taste"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the taste of the coffee in the book, with one describing it as a delicious peek into a world.

"...it was a good introduction to the series fun characters and made me want snacks but could have used a little more mystery for me it was easy for me..." Read more

"...descriptions - I can almost smell the goodies in the cafes and taste the coffee and who knew there were so many flavors of gin??..." Read more

"This mystery affords a delicious peek into a world most of us would love to belong to. The details are spot on...." Read more

"I thoroughly enjoyed the homage to the perfect cup of my favorite drink, along with an armchair tour of life in an historic house...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars death by By Dark Roast
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Loved the twists & turns. The variety of characters was great. I was in complete mystery mose, I had no clue what was really going on. Looking forward to reading d book #2.
    This book deserves every STAR 5 rating.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Vicky Burkholder
    4.0 out of 5 stars Coffee, Thefts, and Murder
    Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a very British cozy mystery set in a Duke’s “castle”. During a food festival held on the grounds of the estate, there is a theft, and a murder. Sophie is the manager of the three cafes on the grounds and is a coffee addict. There are two competing coffee companies in attendance. Sophie’s preference is the one run by two sisters. But when one of the men in the other mobile unit is found murdered, they become suspects—as well as several other people. And Sophie is determined to figure out who did it.

    This is a good start to the series. There are plenty of twists and turns and a satisfying ending.

    Recommended.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Joyce
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Murder Mystery Writer for me to enjoy reading!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Really enjoyed this first book in the series, with the main character and part time sleuth Sophie, and her adorably rotund tabby cat, “Pumpkin”, although Pumpkin doesn’t get involved in all the murder and mayhem….she’s just there for the affection, and the food, and to look cute! Sophie does get some assistance from her fellow friends and coworkers, Mark and Joyce, at the estate house where she lives and works as manager in Derbyshire, England.

    The setting is delightful, the characters are well rounded/thought out, and most of us cat lovers have had our very own “Pumpkin”, and can relate!

    The storyline was well thought out and believable. I look forward to reading more mystery books in this series about Sophie, Pumpkin, and friends! Also, Kate, love the clever title, as well as the cover, which features Pumpkin, front and center! Keep them coming!
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Cute
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I liked this it was a good introduction to the series fun characters and made me want snacks but could have used a little more mystery for me it was easy for me to figure out who did it early on
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Death by dark roast
    Reviewed in the United States on March 10, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This is an interesting story with many twists until they solve which characters did the murder. Makes you wish you could go there for a visit and have a coffee and piece of lemon drizzle cake.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Cozy and clean
    Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was a quick read and a good palette cleanser from my usual genres. I only chosen read this book because the cover appealed to me (I love coffee). I wasn't disappointed with the story by any means, and enjoyed the twists that came with the story. It's a cozy quick read due to the flow of the story and no romance was found in this book. I look forward to using this author for future cleansing solutions.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Hannah Alexander
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cozy and fun mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this book a lot. I think Sophie might be the only person to rival my love for coffee 😉 I didn't figure out the mystery, but it was a fun ride.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kat
    4.0 out of 5 stars nice cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I enjoyed this mystery and it includes coffee! I read it too fast.
    I wanted a bit more. Worth a read.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Lynne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This story held my attention from the first page. Well written, good dialogue and a good story. The characters are engaging
    Report
  • Frankie72
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Mystery and Coffee
    Reviewed in Canada on May 8, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Death by Dark Roast is an attention grabber. It includes history, a little romance and a series of mysterious happenings, the biggest being a murder, with plenty of suspects.
    The story is quick paced but contains the right amount of detail to provide a good read. You may require a little coffee because you will want to keep reading.
    I highly recommend this book if history and mystery intrigue you.
    Report
  • Margie Mac
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great new find!
    Reviewed in Australia on March 12, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I really liked this book. It’s always exciting to read the first in a series. If it’s a good read you’ve got the promise of more to come. And this one is a great read.
    I love books where the characters are believable and real - having adventures while living a believable life. The main characters in this book feel like people I might meet, doing jobs that I can relate to.
    I also love the historical features in the book, the tidbits of factual information about real people and real events.
    This has become one of my favourite cozy series, I’m very keen to get each new book as it comes out.
    Report
  • HFP
    4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 23, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Overall it was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the murder mystery. The only issue I had was the amount of extra information provided at the beginning that didn't add to the story. Long histories were provided for people that weren't relevant to the story in any way. It felt like the author was an extremely intelligent person and had researched her topic well.
    Report
  • Linders
    4.0 out of 5 stars Pleasant Read
    Reviewed in Canada on February 19, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Quite a good story but a bit convoluted at times. Was hard to keep all characters straight in my head.
    Report

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