This is such a great group of found family characters. With some crime, some mystery and a whole lot of love. Such a good one!

It’s a while since I read one of Shay’s capers and I wasn’t too far into this one before I remembered why I enjoy them so much. Ms Chandler is an excellent writer, there is a great cast of weird characters, and the setting is very strongly created. Shay goes on a trip to a coffee convention and her little cohort comes so they can do some sightseeing.

No spoilers here but it’s fair to say that the coffee convention doesn’t quite go to plan and the touring isn’t as carefree as it should be. The pace of the writing gives a real sense of jeopardy when Shay is trying to escape her captors. There is a lot going on but it’s all well handled and we always know who’s point of view we are in and what’s happening. The book finishes in a whirlwind and I was glad to have a break to catch my breath!

It’s definitely recommended to read the others in the series as the little gang of chosen family will make more sense, but this could be read as a standalone. I just want to know if Shay ever made it to a toilet. And there’s way too much talk about doughnuts ~ I think I might have put weight on just reading the book…

I was given a copy of this book by NetGalley

I wish I had read the other books before delving into this one but I will definitely go back and read them because this book was awesome!

Overall, an enjoyable read even though I haven't read the other books. Very quirky


Thank you, Bella Books, and NetGalley for this ARC copy.

Shay O’Hanlon on a Coffee Convention - what can go wrong?
Shay O’Hanlon on a Coffee Convention with her merry band of misfits, ahem found family - what can go wrong? Well having followed the O‘Hanlon Caper-saga from the very first book it‘s of course a no-brainer. Everything which can go wrong will go wrong. There is no such thing as innocently tasting coffee for Shay, nor innocently sight-seeing for the rest of them.
Shay aka Quirky O‘Quirky stumbles innocently (and here. the innocence definitely ends) over said coffee beans and off we go on an action filled course full of mayhem, a pinch of near despair and friends to the rescue. Beware: this is no cozy mystery with Miss Marple but at times the stuff of near heart-attacks and burning rubber.
The writing of Chandler is her trademake: quirkdom personified. There is always a tangent or word play to be explored even in dire circumstances. And if there ever was a book with a quirky cast this is the one. You either like it or love it - only the Grinch might refuse.
P.S.: If you never tried one of Chandler‘s unique books you might want to start with Bingo Barge Murder and get to know the background and the whole cast.

I received an ARC via netgalley. The review is left voluntarily.