Something different, but rather exciting, on the Ramblings today (and which will be of great interest to bookish types, I am sure!) 😀 I was contacted recently by Kate Jackson, who runs the rather wonderful crossexaminingcrime blog (where she hosted a marvellous poll of 1936 crime novels leading up to our 1936 Club earlier in the year). Kate’s name may also be familiar to fans of the British Library Crime Classics, as she’s compiler of these two lovely “Pocket Detective” Classic Crime Quiz books which are great fun for anyone who loves Golden Age crime:
However, Kate has a very interesting sideline, and that is in curating “Coffee and Crime” book subscription boxes. I must admit I’ve never signed up for a book subscription box, because I frankly own so many unread volumes it would be a very dangerous thing to do… But when Kate asked if I would like a sample box to review, I couldn’t resist – I mean, they sound so wonderful! Each box comes with a newsletter, two vintage mystery novels, a sachet of luxury coffee (with tea or chocolate as alternatives), and crime related goodies – how exciting!
The box duly arrived, and if I had a YouTube channel I would have done an unboxing – but I don’t, so you’ll have to make do with the snaps I took as I was opening!
First up we have the sturdy box the items come in – well packaged and protected in transit!
At first glance the contents look amazing!
As I started to explore, I realised just how many lovely things were included in the box!
As you can see, my box contained some lovely treats! Kate, realising that I’m vegan, consulted on the chocolate, and I chose a tea option (I love green tea!) There’s also the interesting double-sided newsletter to look at whilst drinking and munching if you can’t wait until you get to the books!
The coaster and the bookmark will be *very* useful, of course; and the postcard is of a favourite vintage crime movie.
The Escape Room Puzzle Book looks fascinating; I’ve never tried ‘escape rooming’ but I love a locked room mystery so this will be fun to explore! I like puzzles too, and some of these apparently involve paper crafting – as a closet crafter, I’m intrigued…
As for the vintage crime books, you can see how beautifully they were packed, in brown paper and string, each with a vintage style ‘evidence’ label with details of the contents; and I am mightily impressed because Kate has managed to find books and authors I haven’t read, which is fantastic! Here’s the big reveal:
I was aware of S.S. Van Dine (and might possibly have read a short story, though certainly not any of the novels); his detective is Philo Vance and “The Gracie Allen Murder Case” sounds great! Mignon G. Eberhart is completely new to me, and the description of her as “America’s Agatha Christie” has me champing at the bit to read “Hasty Wedding“, which comes with many plaudits. The fact that both of these are American titles is a bonus, as I’m less well-read with GA crime from the USA, and so the books will definitely rectify that.
I have to say that this was a wonderfully curated box, which really hit the spot for me. Some of the book boxes I’ve looked at in the past have been potentially interesting, but there’s always been the risk of receiving a book I’ve already read. However, the care that went into choosing the items for the “Coffee and Crime” box was obvious, and Kate seems to have a real knack of picking out just the right things for her recipients – I was certainly delighted to receive this one!
“Coffee and Crime” boxes can be purchased as one-offs or as a subscription, and you can find more information about them here: I was absolutely delighted with mine (and thank you, Kate, for the care you put into choosing the contents). These boxes would make the ideal treat for yourself or gift for any crime fiction lover you know; and I reckon my Christmas shopping this year could be a lot easier! 😀
(“Coffee and Crime” box kindly provided by Kate Jackson for review – thank you! :D)
Jun 23, 2021 @ 07:15:32
Ooh, lovely! My TBR is so out of control I avoid the temptations of subscription boxes but this does look such a treat. Also it’s made me want a tulsi tea – I’m off to put the kettle on!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 09:42:00
My TBR is reaching dangerous proportions so I’m normally the same as you. But this one really is lovely…. And enjoy the tea! 😀
Jun 23, 2021 @ 08:16:18
Brilliant just ordered one for a friends Birthday after spending hours trying to find something for them.
Jun 23, 2021 @ 09:41:27
Excellent! My work is done, lol! But I do think it’s a perfect treat!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 08:28:34
I think you may have solved a birthday present problem! A one-off purchase is such a good idea. Thank you
Jun 23, 2021 @ 09:41:04
It’s perfect for giving as a gift, isn’t it? And I do have a *lot* of bookish friends who I think would appreciate it!!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 09:06:17
This is so wonderful! I love the coasters and bookmarks. What a lovely thoughtful package! Mignon G. Eberhart is great! I really enjoyed her books; let us know how you like them!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 09:40:28
It’s a beautifully put together box, and I think wonderful value too! And I’m really looking forward to exploring two new authors – what fun! 😀
Jun 23, 2021 @ 14:16:29
Oh, what a lovely box! I am intrigued. And hurray for Mignon Eberhart!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 16:11:15
It is indeed a beautifully put together thing, and I’m so looking forward to exploring Eberhart!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 15:34:56
What a good idea, and a brilliant present. From the look of it everything apart from the chocolate wrapper is compostible/recyclable is that right?
Jun 23, 2021 @ 16:10:51
It’s a brilliant idea, and yes – very green! The brown paper and string is already being reused and I try to utilise teabags in my craft activities. So really only the chocolate wrapper which is excellent!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 15:53:25
I’ve had my eye on one of these for my sister who is the crime fan in our family. Lovely to see what I’d be sending her – it does look very good.
I’ve had a few subscription boxes in past years – unfortunately two of them kept sending me books I’d already read and it seemed an expensive way to get a notebook and a tea bag!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 16:10:01
I think it would be ideal for any crime fan! And I know what you mean about sub boxes and possible duplicates – it *is* hard for those of us who have read a lot and own a lot of books! That’s why this was most impressive – unread books and authors!!!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 17:56:59
Great idea – thanks for the review, and agree brilliant present for certain people! 🙂
Jun 23, 2021 @ 20:54:40
Very welcome – I think this would be perfect for any classic crime lover!
Jun 23, 2021 @ 18:55:39
How wonderful! This looks such fun, and I love the idea of the extra treats. Fry’s Chocolate cream, now there’s a name from the past. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a raspberry one before, what a fab surprise.
Jun 23, 2021 @ 20:54:12
It was a reall treat, yes – and Fry’s is one of those things which is Accidentally Vegan, as we call it! The raspberry one is lovely, and the books look fun too! 😀
Jun 23, 2021 @ 21:20:10
What a fab subscription. I read an Eberhart book a couple of years ago after finding one in a second hand bookshop. I really enjoyed it.
Jun 24, 2021 @ 10:44:52
It’s a lovely box, and a great idea for either a subscription or a one-off treat, I think! Looking forward to Eberhart!
Jun 24, 2021 @ 09:22:13
I bought one of these and was really impressed with it. Glad you liked your box too.
Jun 24, 2021 @ 10:44:23
I thought it was fab! Beautifully put together and lovely contents – what’s not to love???
Jun 24, 2021 @ 18:04:43
Sounds like fun, but I’m sure shipping to me would be prohibitive, I’m afraid.
Jun 24, 2021 @ 20:44:12
Alas, that may be the case… Shame, because it’s a lovely idea!
Jun 24, 2021 @ 21:51:44
sounds great. too expensive for me though (US resident)
Jun 25, 2021 @ 11:27:22
Yes, I get that – a shame. Postage costs to and from the USA have become prohibitive – I blame Brexit, amongst other things… 😦
Jun 27, 2021 @ 17:38:59
How lovely, what a treat, and not too many extra things hanging around which some of these boxes seem to feature.
Jun 27, 2021 @ 18:01:03
No, it’s exactly what you want, and all related to crime (plus the treats!) Really well put together!
Jul 01, 2021 @ 00:35:26
This sounds like a tonne of fun: tweeted!
Jul 01, 2021 @ 09:47:29
Thank you – it really is a treat!
Jul 19, 2021 @ 21:00:02
I have been ordering these for over a year now and they are absolutely delightful! Given the size of my Golden Age library, I’m astounded Kate keeps finding books–and authors–I haven’t read. The only sadness for me is that because I’m in the US, I get tea but no chocolate but buying my own is a small price for the thrill I get when my box arrives!
Jul 20, 2021 @ 19:28:23
They’re wonderful, aren’t they? I have a significant GA library too, and so I was so impressed with Kate’s choice of books – I’m a hard person to buy for! 😀
Dec 11, 2021 @ 07:00:27