A Brew to a Kill

Another excellent addition to the series. The storylines are becoming more complex which adds interest to the mysteries. You aren’t sure what connects to which, so it keeps you guessing. A little unexpected romance occurs – sweet if unbelievable – to lighten things up a bit.

Clare and Matt have a mystery they must solve in addition to the murder. This time the coffee lore is complicated by politics and their store, Village Blend, could be smack in the middle of a major crime. They have to act fast to save themselves and their livelihood, giving a faster pace to this story than its predecessors.

It’s an enjoyable read all the way through. Most “cozies” are very lightweight mystery plots and full of tired tropes, but the CoffeeHouse/Clare Cosi series has improved as it has continued. Looking forward to the next installment!

Like every other small business owner in this anemic economy, Clare Cosi is looking for ways to broaden her customer base. With plenty of persistent persuasion she gets a reluctant Matteo to go along with her idea for a food truck that will carry the Village Blend’s signature coffee as well as some tasty, health conscious treats. Things get off to a terrible start when Clare’s friend (and baker) is the victim of a hit and run right in front of the Village Blend. Is it a case of “food truck wars” gone homicidal or is something deeper at work here?

This was quite a busy and enjoyable installment. There are two mystery threads (one involving Matteo and a drug cartel) and lots of twists and turns in Clare’s personal life. As always the author(s) weaves plenty of authentic NYC atmosphere into the storyline and I really like the way they have managed to find a place for the re-married Matteo in Clare’s world. It’s a “cozy”, so you have to expect a little “literary license” with the law enforcement facts, but overall it makes for an entertaining mystery. Oh, and it’s a relief that every single male in the story isn’t panting after forty-something Clare. For a while there I was beginning to wonder just where this fantasy land of Manhattan was located; a place where every good looking man from 25 to 100 was falling all over himself to catch the eye of a middle-aged single mom!

Series Brief: Clare Cosi is a 40ish single mom who manages an iconic coffeehouse in historic Greenwich Village. She lives in a to-die-for duplex apartment (courtesy of her former mother-in-law), and is dating a NYPD detective. Her ex-husband (a charming womanizer) is never completely out of the picture. In addition to whipping up a mean latte, Clare has a talent for solving mysteries.

Little (if any) strong language and some very mild (nothing explicit) sexual content. Approx. the last 40 pages of the book contain recipes. I’d recommend starting the series in order – Book One is:

On What Grounds (Coffeehouse Mysteries, No. 1)

Why five stars? Well, this is rather easy to say. Star one is for the author’s ability to stay within the framework of a , what to me, is a cozy novel.

Star number two is for the clarity of prose. That means the descriptive words used to put me inside the ‘Coffeehouse’ or ‘Wedding Reception’ and many other locations. I felt I was part of the scene.

Star number three is continuity of storyline. Does this book follow the prior ten in moving forward this series. This was an undoubted yes. The story moves from current times, to the crime scene, to changes in our character’s lives, to solving multiple crimes using the full cast, to the protagonist’s future.

Star number four is Character development. Our Protagonist is Clare Cosi, co-owner of the Coffeehouse and not so amateur sleuth. Clare is more than capable as manager but has an on again, off again relationship with her ex-husband, Matteo, also the other co-owner. This novel moved this storyline forward in a satisfying way. Clare is also well-known for her working relationships. This is brought out again, first in conflict then in settlement with another vendor. Clare has a relationship, personal, with a Detective in the NYPD, Mike Quinn. I’m not going to tell you where this relationship goes…read the book. You will also see Esther grow as well as Dante and others. Ms. Coyle (writing partnership,) knows how to make you care about each character, even if you can’t stand them, such as the villains.

Star number five for me is whether I really enjoyed reading this novel and would recommend it to others, the answer for “A Brew to Kill” is a definite “Yes.” The book was exciting, filled with drama, filled with hope for the future, and filled with yummy recipes. The latter being a bonus. I suggest if you like a cozy murder, or two, or… run out and get this book and the next and the…

I’ve been waiting for Clare Cosi’s newest adventure for what seems like forever! When I saw on
my library website that ‘A Brew To Kill’ was finally released, I couldn’t get on the Amazon websitefast enough to order my copy! (the best part is, I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas so if I want to re-read it, I’ll never have to go looking for my copy again) Right from the beginning, it grabbed me, and through out the whole book, never let go. I kept thinking I knew what the plot was going to be, and then: BAM! A change in direction! I had in mind who I thought the killer was, and again, I was proven wrong. The romantic twist in Clare and Mikes relationship, their temporary long distance separation, the reunion of previous characters, all add up to making this one of the best books that I’ve read this year. Keep them coming, Cleo…..Now, excuse me, I have to go find a great cup of coffee!

Set in a NY coffee shop Cleo Coyle is an interesting heroine who married the man of her dreams – and then found out he wasn’t. But they still work together with him buying the coffee beans while she runs the shop. her new love interest has been called away to Washington but is a NY city cop. When bad things strt happening Cleo needs to find out why. But somehow her ex is moving in with her and it turns out he’s involved himself with some very bad people. An interesting story with unique characters, I enjoyed it.