The Brown Bean Coffee Shoppe by Tim Trott is a delightful collection of short stories that seamlessly blends charm and mystery. Centered around Samantha Wilson, a young barista with psychic abilities, the narrative is based in a quaint coffee shop setting where she solves intriguing paranormal puzzles. Trott’s writing is engaging and filled with warmth, making readers feel at home in this small-town atmosphere. The diverse cast of characters, including the dedicated Detective Johnson and ambitious reporter Georgiana, adds depth to the stories. Each tale is cleverly crafted, ensuring a perfect balance of suspense and lightheartedness. A must-read for fans of cozy mysteries!

Sam always brews something unusual and often involves her friends in the adventures.

Chapters: Dreamscape, Dangerous Brew, The Face in the Cup, The Jogger, Déjà vu, Friends in Low Places, The Storm, Another Dimension, A Novel Investigation, The Intruder, Mocha Mystery, Grounds for Suspicion, Trouble Brewing, The Brown Bean is Closed, Bitter Scoop

The Brown Bean Coffee Shoppe serves as the setting for most of the adventures. The high ceilings, which are a signature of the 1940s architecture, have intricate metal plates covering them that glint softly under the warm lights of the heavy iron paddle fans. The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans fills the air, mingling with the sweet scent of baked goods from the counter, creating an irresistible invitation to linger.

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Georgiana Philips, a television news reporter for a local television channel, becomes involved in many of Samantha’s adventures. She is in her early twenties and interned in Atlanta before accepting an outside reporter working the noon and afternoon news reports at the local channel. She often is her own camera operator, driving the news truck to news locations for live reports. Her goal is to become a studio news anchor.

Detective Ronald Johnson is involved in several of Samantha’s adventures. Detective Johnson, a seasoned veteran of the police force, has dedicated his life to law enforcement since graduating from the academy. Now in his late 40s, he is a hardened investigator with a face etched by years of relentless casework. Though open-minded about Samantha’s paranormal abilities, he remains discreet, keeping his “secret resource” hidden from his superiors. Johnson maintains a professional, confidential relationship with Georgiana, frequently serving as her trusted source of information.

Marge Miller, the coffee shop manager, plays a supporting role. Marge is the consummate organizer, tending to details, and not above cleaning tables. We come to know Marge as a woman in her late forties. She is fastidious and efficient. Marge has wavy shoulder-length auburn hair.

David Dillon is a college student who works in the mornings and attends college classes in the afternoon. He is tall and athletic with blonde hair and blue eyes. He lives in an apartment above the coffee shop.

Sandra Smith is a part-time afternoon worker. She is a single mother in her thirties, supporting teen twins. Sandra Smith styles her dark hair in a bun. The Brown Bean is one of her two jobs.