The Coffee Shop Detectives

By: Louise Mumford

Narrated by: Alison Steadman

In the quaint streets of South-West London, four female pensioners are about to embark on the heist of a lifetime. Meet the Crones:

Delilah, the impulsive mastermind

Orla, the razor-sharp retired teacher

Maz, the anxious caterer riddled with self-doubt.

and Beth, battling a deadly brain tumour

United by forty years of friendship, and desperate to raise funds for Beth’s healthcare, the Crones set about a daring plan to steal a priceless brooch from Hawling House.

But this is no ordinary theft. It's a mission to right a decades-old wrong – the ‘death’ of their friend Ronnie at the hand of the mansion's enigmatic owner, Edgar Hawling.

As the crones navigate secret passages, outsmart security, and showcase some of the most cunning catering skills Twickenham has ever seen, they quickly find themselves in a race against time and tugging at the threads of a far more treacherous tapestry than they ever imagined.

Brought to life by legendary Alison Steadman (Gavin & Stacey, Abigail's Party), The Coffee Shop Detectives is a hilarious and heart-warming celebration of female friendship and the unbreakable spirit of women who refuse to go quietly into their golden years.

©2026 Louise Thorn (P)2026 Audible Ltd.

stayed up past 3am listening

This might be 5 star or 4. I am new to audio books so not sure how to score it. However it had me staying up past 3am listening because it was just that good! the descriptions and vocabulary were impressive to me and the story was cleaver. it had just enough mystery without being stressful and some humor, and the friendship between the ladies was very endearing. The voicing of the characters was pretty amazing. I did not really like how the character Jen was done but all the others were just fabulous . I very much enjoyed this journey.

character deveopmeent

story development. age and sex of characters, length of story, difference in characters,discription of attire and setting

it was a fun read

I had to listen a couple of times to get the story as I work as I listen. I did enjoy it and hope there are more!

Mature Women Matter

The friendship of the “crones” and the theme of older women still growing and changing in positive ways and not giving up really makes me feel less hopeless

I haven’t giggled like this in some time!

This is just wonderful, wholesome book all the way around. Story and plot line are fantastic — the characters so well rounded I couldn’t wait to jump back in. I felt like I knew these crones. The one liners are brilliant! I’d bust up laughing at the relatability of these menopausal convos and thoughts. And the narrator… oh my god. She made it for me. Each character was distinct and I saw everything so vivid in my mind. Please make this a movie! I’d love to see it!