Murder in the Steam

In the fog-softened seaside town of Brindle Cove, everybody knows everybody else's business-or at least they think they do.

Ivy Mercer thought buying a battered vintage espresso machine at the town's annual estate auction would be the perfect centerpiece for her quirky coffeehouse, Mug & Murder, where mystery-themed drinks and book club gossip keep the locals warm through salty coastal mornings. But when she discovers a sealed envelope hidden deep inside the machine, her cosy life takes a dangerous turn.

The handwritten note inside contains a chilling accusation:

"Elias Thorne was murdered. Ask Clara before she disappears, too."

There's just one problem.

Elias Thorne is very much alive, sitting across the street every morning, sipping cinnamon lattes on the bakery patio.

At first, Ivy assumes it's an old prank. Until strange incidents begin rattling the town: someone breaks into the coffeehouse after hours, Clara Bennett vanishes without warning, and Elias himself seems terrified whenever the subject of the past arises.

As sea fog rolls through Brindle Cove's narrow lanes and whispered secrets spread faster than caffeine, Ivy finds herself untangling decades-old betrayals hidden beneath the town's postcard-perfect charm. Someone in Brindle Cove has already gotten away with murder once before.

And they're willing to kill again to keep the truth buried.