Hey, I’m Joss Miller and I’m a barista at Sugar Creek Café in Charleston, South Carolina. The café isn’t trendy and sleek like the popular franchise coffeehouses. More like walking into someone’s home.

I heard the chimes of the café door indicating a customer had arrived or left. My heart broke a little as I spotted one of our regulars Claude McKnight. A very talented artist, the café practically was a gallery of sorts featuring all kinds of artwork by Claude.

One of my favorite pieces was one I commissioned Claude to do for me. A large portrait of my grandfather August Manning graced the wall of the cafe. It meant a lot to me to be able to see the portrait whenever I was at work. A few months ago, I launched the Cold Justice Podcast. I wanted to share with the world how my grandfather’s life had been cut short years ago from a racially-motivated hate crime fifty years ago.

As I approached the counter, I put on a smile to hide my concern. Claude was a handsome man, but he always looked like a starving artist. He spent most of his mornings sleeping, rising late afternoon to pursue painting until the early hours of the night. His artwork was brilliant, like him. Today, he appeared more disheveled than usual, his dirty blonde hair unkempt and dark circles under his eyes.

“Hey, Claude,” I greeted him. “What can I get you?”

He gave me a small smile. “I’ll take an espresso and one of those banana nut muffins.”

“Sure thing.” After he swiped his card, I said, “I’ll bring it out to you.”

I braced myself to ask a question that’s been on my mind lately. I knew the reason behind Claude’s demeanor and I didn’t want to upset him. After I sat the tray in front of him, I stepped back, twisting my hands. “I’ve been thinking about what to investigate next for the Cold Justice Podcast. People keep asking me if I’m going to do season two.“ I paused. “Do you think it would be a good idea for me to investigate Rebecca’ Montgomery’s disappearance?”

Claude furrowed his eyebrows. “Joss, I’m not sure if that’s such a good idea. Rebecca’s case… it’s different.”

I placed my hand on my hips. “Different how?”

He hesitated, looking down at his hands. “Rebecca was acting off in the weeks leading up to her disappearance. I don’t want you getting involved in anything dangerous.”

“Dangerous?” I commented. “What exactly was Rebecca involved in?”

Claude sighed, his shoulders slumping. “You mean who was she involved with? You would have to talk to these people to get a podcast going, and I’m not sure if that’s a good idea.” He suddenly sat up straighter. “You’re dating Detective Baez now. He might also have the same concerns as I do with you doing the podcast.”

“Oh.” I confessed with a blush. I’d met Andre when I’d just launched my first podcast. He had some choice words about me pursuing my own investigation.

But lately I’ve been itching to do something. To get back to my podcast.

A Latte Mayhem, A Joss Miller Mystery Book #2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: July 2024
Format: Print, Digital
Purchase Link

After the success of her first true crime podcast series, barista Joss Miller returns with a new season of the Cold Justice Podcast. Joss dives into the investigation of a local artist and activist, Rebecca Montgomery, who went missing three years ago.

As Joss pieces together the puzzle, someone is determined to keep the truth buried. Now six months into dating Detective Andre Baez, Joss’ determination to find the truth could jeopardize their relationship and her life.

About the author
Tyora Moody is the author of Soul-Searching Mysteries, which includes cozy mystery, women sleuth mystery, and mystery romance under the Christian Fiction genre. Her books include the Eugeena Patterson Mysteries, Joss Miller Mysteries, Serena Manchester Mysteries, Reed Family Mysteries, and the Victory Gospel Series.

When Tyora isn’t working for a literary client, she’s either loving on her cats, listening to an audiobook or podcast, binge-watching crime shows or Marvel movies, and of course, thinking about the next book. To contact Tyora about reviewing her books or book club discussions, visit her online at TyoraMoody.com.