A Study in Chocolate

ex-physical-therapist, Galveston, amateur-sleuth, murder, murder-investigation, law-enforcement, chocolatier, ex-cop, verbal-humor, small-business, widow, friendship, series, theft, relationships, cozy-mystery, island-life, family, family-dynamics, asthmatic, business-partners, crafts, culinary, books, catnapping-a-feline, yarn-crafts, rivalry*****

Come for the chocolate, stay for the inventive murder investigation.
Another great addition to this tasty series! There is a literary inspired murder (Sherlock Holmes) with some real oddities, an amorous rivalry, and a few other interesting sidelines. There is a fairly large cast and suspect pool in this extremely interesting and engrossing story (plus a retired K-9, lop eared bunny, cockatoo, and others). Loved it!
I requested and received an EARC from BooksGoSocial and Golden Tip Press via NetGalley. Thank you!

This was a fun book you learn how to make chocolate too. There is even a mystery trying to find out who murder someone. This book was approved by netgalley and the publisher for me to read and review.

Ms.Royer pens an intriguing culinary cozy.
Felicity’s chocolate shop/ coffee shop is doing so well that she’s expanding next door with her partner/dear friend. She’s very busy and seems to often get involved with murders, and this tale is no exception. Together with Logan, her partner, former PI and ex Arlo, and her friends, they chase down any clue to try to solve the case.
I enjoyed the twists and turns this tale takes and as it was my first in the series, I’ll have to add the rest to my TBR list and catch up what I missed. I highly recommend it.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same

This is the 5th release in the charming foodie series "Bean To Bar" . This is a must read for chocolate lovers and foodies. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the ARC. My review opinion is my own.

The wow factor off this fun cozy series is the chocolate bar. Our protagnist Felicity makes chocolate from bean to bar and her business in Galveston is very popular. She also has a reputation for solving murders. In this next in series she is requested to attend a tea at a historic mansion in town. The following day when a murder occurs at the mansion one of her friends is one of the top suspects. Felicity finds herself desperate to solve this murder to save her friend . Her sleuthing abilities will be put to the test when she receives threats and has to call on her friends to help.

I love this series for the intriquing well crafted sleuthing, the eccentric charcters and of course the chocolate descriptions. This is a mystery that kept me turning pages into the night to conclusion. Well done to the author. I look forward to the next in series.

Setting the Scene: In Amber Royer's 5th book in her Bean to Bar series, set in Galveston, Texas, chocolatier Felicity Koerber is in the process of taking her chocolate shop to a whole new level. At the same time, she has finally set a deadline for herself to let Logan and Arlo know which of the two she will choose. In the midst of it all, a new murder occurs, and this one is personal. The killer challenges Felicity to a macabre contest based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Study in Scarlet., and if Fee cannot solve the case and stop the murderer, someone close to her will die.

What I Thought: This is a well plotted mystery with equally well developed intelligent characters, most of whom are very relatable on various levels. Although, I identified the killer and even the means by which the second murder would be committed, it was not until later in the book, and even then, I was not sure until the actual reveal. The story is filled with red herrings, twists, turns, and subplots. The setting in a fictional historical home on Galveston Island gave the story a bit of a period feel, particularly since there was a murder in the old home in the 1920s. As a 5th generation Texan, I enjoyed references to Galveston, past and present, as well as a few other Texas locales. There were 3 things in the first half of the book that detracted from the flow of the story: (i) The information on chocolate and chocolate making is interesting, but there is too much minutiae; (ii) The first half of the book is very busy, almost manic, at times; and (iii) As with the chocolate/chocolate making, too much extraneous detail is provided in the early part of the book. For instance, providing an irrelevant relationship chain when referencing seemingly minor figures interfered with the actual story. Other readers may find all of those things energizing, but it overwhelmed me. That said, it is an excellent read, and I definitely plan to read Book 6. By the way, I am Team Logan.

Thank you to the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC!

This was a fun mystery! I loved the premise, the characters, and who doesn't love reading about chocolate? It was also really cool that we got to learn how to make it! All that aside, I was not aware this was part of a series but that didn't hinder my reading experience. It was super easy to understand the dynamics and this little world, and it just made me want to read the others!

A clever and engaging cozy mystery. I think this is my first experience with this charming series. I will have to read the previous ones as the characters are quite enjoyable. An extra half star for the mention of turtles, one of my favorite critters. Of course, I adore rabbits and dogs, too. I do look forward to the next one. I wonder if the romantic mystery will be solved. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

So glad this one caught my eye! I could not stop reading till the end. It has me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing... Page turner till the very end. Can't wait to read all the books in this series! I'm hooked. Definitely a fan for life.

Felicity’s business is expanding and other artists are also working from her shop. When one of her artist friends is accused of murder, Felicity finds the murderer wanting her to put on her sleuthing hat. If she doesn’t, the killer threatens to go after one of the two people she holds dearest. Can she solve another murder or will everything seize up and lead Felicity to even more loss?

A great series with cute fur babies and a great mystery every time. The first book I read, I came for the chocolate and then came back for the mystery…and the chocolate. ;) Grab some good chocolate and settle in with this one for a cozy read!

This is the perfect mixture of delicious chocolate and literary classics. While I don't share Felicity's love for Jane Austen, I appreciate her delectable chocolate and cute bunny.

Felicity is hoping things settle down in her life, although she is having to chose between an ex-flame, Arlo and her hunky business partner, Logan. I get tired of the love triangle bit.

Unfortunately, an artist and known forger winds up dead and a copy of A Study in Scarlet ends up in Felicity's chocolate shop. The killer wants to play a game and Doyle's story is at the center.

I read this book in 2 sittings, excellent writing and yummy chocolate. Can't wait for the sixth installment.

An entertaining addition to this excellent cozy series. I had fun, the solid mystery kept me guessing, and was happy to catch up with the characters.
Enjoyable, recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

Couldn't put this one down. A page Turner for sure! Very well developed characters. A solid mystery that pulls you in and keeps you reding. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thanks #netgalley and #BooksGoSocial for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

I am simply obsessed with this book. I now have to read more. And throw in Satchmo the dog and Rufflesthe cat, Yes! I need to read more!!
I just reviewed A Study in Chocolate by Amber Royer. #AStudyinChocolate #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]Edit

A STUDY IN CHOCOLATE is the fifth book in the Bean to Bar Mystery series by Amber Royer. This delicious new release had me drooling over the descriptions and kept me engrossed in the Sherlockian-style murder mystery. While I haven’t read any of the previous books, Ms. Royer does a fantastic job introducing the characters and the setting, so I never felt at a loss. The protagonist, chocolatier Felicity Koerber, comes across as relatable and someone you’d love to spend time with… especially when she’s working in her bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic strand. My only little quibble is her love triangle, which detracted a bit from my overall enjoyment of the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the bits and pieces woven into the story about the process of making chocolate from the cacao bean until it was turned into a delectable truffle. And I was especially intrigued by the mention of chocolate sculpturing and painting portraits with chocolate. These aspects easily segued into the theme of artists and the art world, setting the stage for the murder of a local artist and collector.

Even though Felicity attended the tea hosted by the artist, she really didn’t know him. It comes as a complete shock when the killer contacts her later and tells her she has only a short time to save his life… but she receives the message too late. The killer tries to pull Felicity into the game by leaving her A Study in Scarlet, with the threat that someone Felicity loves will be killed next unless she can solve the crime before it happens. The fast-paced plot kept me guessing and the clues are there for a sharp reader to follow. With a 100-year-old cold case thrown in the mix, I’ll admit I didn’t guess correctly. The edge-of-your-seat reveal was electrifying and unsure what the final outcome would be, I turned the pages faster and faster. Ms. Royer writes a compelling mystery that is sure to appeal to fans of both chocolate and intriguing plotlines.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a fun cozy mystery with great descriptions, especially when talking about the chocolates. The mystery was good with enough of a side plot to keep me interested. I could have done without the love triangle though, but that’s just not something I enjoy in my reading in general.

Galveston bean-to-bar chocolate shop owner Felicity Koerber is intrigued to get an invitation to tea by the mysterious new owner of the historic Wobble House. She meets eccentric art collector Mitch who asks Felicity to pose for a portrait done with chocolate. But the next day, Mitch is killed shortly after Felicity gets a text message challenging her to stop the crime. Failing that, the Sherlock Holmes-obsessed killer challenges Felicity to solve the murder or her business partner/love interest Logan will be killed.

With the help of Logan, her ex-boyfriend cop Arlo & her other friends, Felicity races against the clock to find the killer's ID and motives.

This was another enjoyable book in the Bean-to-Bar mystery series.

I received a digital ARC from Netgalley and Golden Tip Press. All opinions are my own.

I loved the name of this book and this is what drew me to read it. And it was such a fun book to read. From the chocolate to the setting to the story and the murder of course. This has it all and is exactly what you want from a cosy murder mystery.

Felicity is a great character and Satchmo the retired police dog was a great addition to the story. The miter kept me on my toes and provided me with all the clues so I could try and solve it (as I do).

This is a quirky, fun, intriguing, easy to read and best of all fun and entertaining not to mention delicious (who doesn't like chocolate. A great read.

t’s hard to imagine dying as a pawn in a twisted game designed by a bookworm who does needlecraft. 58%

When the tables are turned and Felicity finds herself protecting her former bodyguard will she be as successful as he was in the past? Challenged by her own personal Moriarty to keep Logan alive the stakes have never been higher for our chocolatier. A very intriguing cozy by a new to me author and a must read for a cozy fan!

A Study in Chocolate by Amber Royer is the fifth book in the Bean to Bar Mysteries series following Felicity, Arlo and Logan on yet another murder case after a tea party. The killer plays a puzzle with Felicity basing their crimes on the Sherlock Holmes novels and getting Felicity to suspect and confront all of her 'friends'. This latest murder mystery is all on top of the expansion and ongoing business of Greetings and Felicitations, with the introduction of some new pets and characters and being reunited with others such as Knightley, Felicity's pet rabbit. Will Felicity work out who the murderer is and will she manage to save Logan?

I have to say it is an absolute pleasure and delight to be back on Galveston Island following Felicity and her friends on their adventures. This is something I have very much missed after not reading the previous two novels in this collection. It is great to hear Felicity's business is going strong and lovely how the author incorporates chocolate in this series of books. The idea of Felicity's craft chocolates is just lovely but such a shame that we can't visit Felicity ourselves. We also continue to enjoy the romantic themes of Felicity's adventures whilst she decides whether to pursue a relationship with Logan or Arlo. As always, this is an extremely gripping book which just got me more and more excited as it went on.

The one thing I was not keen of with this book is some of the long chapters. Yes, this allowed us to get into the story more and feel more part of Felicity's adventures and life. However, not only can the longer chapters make it harder to read, but if the chapters were shorter it would help to pick up the pace of the story which would make it more exciting and have the reader on the edge of their seats even more so than the story already does. I would not take this as a large problem because the book is beautifully and artistically put together.

Altogether, I rate this book 4 stars because it really is a great story and a great adventure combining everything I personally enjoy, romance, thriller, murder mystery, chocolate and so much more. I very much look forward to the next of Felicity's adventures in book 6 where I also hope to find out whether Felicity picks Logan or Arlo to be her boyfriend. Thank you very much to NetGalley and Books Go Social for providing me with an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book in return for an honest book review.

Felicity is an ex physical trainer now makes chocolate and co owns a shop with her love interest Logan. When she is invited to a dinner at the mansion of an artist. After the party she receives a message that she has a short time to save his life. I found It very well written and the characters and locations were described nicely. It held my interest and I could not figure out the villain. In between all this Felicity has to decide whether she will go back to her ex Arlo or continue with Logan. I will definitely be reading the previous books in the series as they are mentioned a lot in this book, just to catch up. I recommend this book to any cozy mystery reader you will not be disappointed.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A STUDY IN CHOCOLATE (Book 5 of the Bean to Bar Mysteries), by Amber Royer, in exchange for an honest review. Felicity Koerber is happy; her shop is doing well, and they're even expanding to add a demonstration area. When Felicity attends a luncheon hosted by a mysterious new resident of Galveston, the host offers to paint Felicity in chocolate. Intriguing. Then the man is murdered in a way that implicates one of Felicity's friends. Horrifying. Finally, the real murderer has challenged Felicity to a game. If Felicity cannot stop the murderer, then the next target is one of Felicity's friends. Terrifying. Felicity has always found the murder fan traffic at her shop to be gruesome. How much worse is it to find out your number one fan is a psychopath who wants to challenge you to a real-life game of Clue?

I recommend this book to fans of the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring island life, candy shops, chocolate, and adorable pets.

#AStudyinChocolate #NetGalley

The author appears to have done a lot of research into chocolate making. The murder kept me guessing. It will be interesting to read more by this author.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was my introduction to the series, having missed the previous books. I will definitely rectify that and pick up the previous books.
A great premise with interesting characters and a whodunit that was well written, well paced and kept me guessing.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

This is a series! I'm excited to go back and read the first four. I enjoyed every minute of this and learned a great deal about chocolate. Amber Royer integrated the chocolate with the story, making it effortless and interesting.

Delving into the life of an artsy person in Galveston, TX, was fascinating. I felt very comfortable and felt a kinship with this chocolate shop. There was a cat and a dog, murders, and friends. Being transported to another world, a quaint little town with likable people, except for the murder part, was so refreshing and easy.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, cozy mystery with just a little bit more.

Chocolate, a little murder what more could you ask. This was a quick, fun book. You learn a bit about making chocolate which I thought was pretty cool.

I really enjoyed reading this book. The author managed to keep my interest right up to the last page. She also managed to keep me guessing, as to who the killer was.
I will read her other books.

I was unaware that this book was part of a series when i requested it, however i was able to dive in with no problem and will certainly be looking to read others in the series. I loved the setting of this book as it evoked a lot of detailed and romantic images, whilst coupled with a really well-written murder-mystery that kept you guessing. A great find, and i will be certainly be keeping an eye out for others int he series!

I love the setting in this book! I live near Galveston and I love how you can see the island as you read! If you are looking for a cozy mystery with great atmosphere, this is a good choice for you!

I really really loved this. Such an interesting take on the Sherlock classic: A Study in Scarlett. The pacing was nice, the plot engaging, the characters interesting. All my best wishes to the author! Thank you so much for the ARC!

Loved reading this book and author. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend her and her books. I suggest reading this book in order

This newest installment in the Bean to Bar mystery series has me knee-deep in chocolate, murder, and misdirection.

I adore this series for several reasons - all of the chocolate talk, Knightly the bunny, and mysteries that make me think and try to sort out the clue and unearth the killer before that person is revealed in the book. I don't always guess the correct person, but I have fun trying to sort through the clues and try and figure out which ones are red herrings and which ones are fact. I have to admit that I did suspect who the killer might be, but there were red herrings that threw me off and pointed me in other directions. I need to stick with my gut instinct. I appreciated how the story unwinds at the end when the killer is discovered, and everything falls into place.

There are a couple of different mysteries that happen in this book. Outside of who killed Mitch, who isn't who he claims to be, to the history of the Wobble House and the secrets it hides. I love historic homes and the secrets that they hold. There is a lot of interesting architecture, secret passages/rooms, and so much more. These are not things you usually find in today's home. I am sure there will be more secrets discovered over time.

We still have a love triangle between Felicity, Logan, and Arlo. I believe that she is getting closer to deciding, and I am on #TeamLogan. Arlo is comfortable because he is the past, but I think Logan is the future. However, Felicity might have other ideas when she finally decides. Perhaps in the next book? She has said she will make a decision by Autumn's wedding, which is in a month or so. I'll be curious to see who she chooses.

I have enjoyed each book in this series and look forward to more on the island of Galveston and many more chocolate-infused treats. We give this book 5 paws up.

This was a pleasant enough read, Felicity, the main character, had an annoying habit of suspecting everybody, but not wanting to believe they had committed the murder. The attempt to tie the murder into a Sherlock Holmes mystery was a bit convoluted, but will appeal to Holmes fans I'm sure..

The bean to bar chocolate shop on Galveston’s historic strand is expanding as a gathering spot for the community despite being the scene of multiple murders. When Felicity Koerber is invited to tea by eccentric art collector she’s intrigued especially when she is asked to pose for a portrait done with chocolate on chocolate. After there is a murder at the historic house and one of Felicity’s friends becomes the main suspect. When the killer threatens Felicity solve the murder one of her two love interests may become the next victim she finds herself at the center of a Sherlock Holmes obsessed murderer that wants to be the next Moriarty and cast Felicity as Sherlock. Can Felicity solve it in time to protect the people she cares about from becoming the next victims? This was a very exciting who done it I would recommend it to everyone.

Princess Fuzzypants here: Felicity is invited to a quirky tea party hosted by an eccentric art collector and artist. He asks her for an unusual favour and while she is still considering it, he is murdered. Since she had dismissed his request for her to find out who was threatening him, she feels obliged to try to find out what happened. Then things get personal. Really personal. And it is not just the mystery of the murder that is at stake but the life of someone very dear to her. If she cannot solve the mystery, he is going to die. She is determined that it will not happen on her watch..

She joins forces with her ex who happens to be the local detective as the clock ticks and she sifts through all the possible suspects only to discover they are not involved although they all have deep connections to the deceased. What is more frustrating is the killer is teasing Felicity and has modelled the murder after a Sherlock Holmes story. Who is Em? Can Felicity solve the puzzle before it is too late.

Good story, well paced and full of quirky twists and turns. I loved the therapy cat Ruffles. Only problem with this book is it will get you craving chocolate. Four purrs and two paws up.

This book had quite a few twists and turns that kept me guessing. I enjoyed the chocolate theme and overall found the characters to be likable. This is the first book I have read in the series, but it will not be the last.

Felicity Koerber just can’t get away from murder, can she? In the fifth installment in Amber Royer’s Bean to Bar Mystery series, Felicity finds herself drawn into a mystery worthy of (and inspired by?) Sherlock Holmes himself. The book’s title is a nod to Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet, and as usual, a book is involved in the mystery.

Now people don’t just come to Felicity’s chocolate shop for the delightful confections she sells. She’s got murder groupies. Her reputation as a murder magnet is heightened when she’s drawn into a mystery surrounding the death of the historic Wobble House’s new owner, someone Logan had once arrested. The killer is playing a Holmesian game with Felicity, taunting her with clues and a dare to solve the crime like Moriarty did with Sherlock. And if she can’t solve the crime fast enough? Then someone very close to her will die.

I love the literary angle in this book. The Sherlock tie-in is a treat for any mystery lover, and the threat of another death – one that matters to Felicity – adds a lot of tension to her efforts to figure out whodunnit. It was no easy solve for me, either. Royer deftly gives us one suspect after another, only to turn around and show us why that person couldn’t possibly be the killer. She kept me guessing!

Felicity is still trying to decide between Arlo and Logan. I honestly don’t know which of them I’m rooting for anymore. And even though the deadline she set herself to decide is drawing nigh, I’m not sure Felicity is ready to choose yet, either!

Delightful characters, chocolates that sound scrumptious, a twisty mystery with literary flair – it’s another five-star Royer read for me. Give me more!

A Study in Chocolate
Bean to Bar Mysteries by Amber Royer Is A Delicious Tale Of One Chocolatier Felicity Koerber’s Whose Bean To Bar Chocolate Shop … Greetings and Felicitations …On Galveston Island’s Historic Strand Is The Setting For The Tantalizing Murder Investigation Of Newly Arrived Mitch Eberhardt …Owner Of The Island’s Historic Wobble House…Whose Get To Know Him Tea Party Was The Talk Of The Town….Until His Murder Became The Subject Of The Town’s Gossip Mill…. Can Ruffles, Mitch’s Feline And Satchmo A Retired Police Dog Assist Felicity’s Investigation?!? Can Arlo & Logan?!? Read and See. Much Enjoyed and Highly Recommended. I Voluntarily Reviewed An Advanced Copy Of This Book.

The author has a great flair for describing the. There was interesting details and the story line keep the reader interested. This is a great addition to the series however it did well in its own way.looking forward to what in store next for the series

It’s very well written and definitely worth a read. Wow!!! Started this book and could not stop reading it until I'd finished!!