Espresso Shot: A Coffeehouse Mystery

by: Cleo Coyle

Published by: Berkley Prime Crime (September 30, 2008)

Reviewed by Elizabeth Bright

The Coffeehouse Mysteries (Espresso Shot is the seventh in the series) are written by a multi-published author and is a collaboration with her husband. The couple has also co-authored the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries under the pen name Alice Kimberly.

Clare Cosi is the manager of the popular New York coffeehouse, the Village Blend. Clare’s been hired to create a new gourmet coffee and dessert bar for a New York wedding that will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. What a plum job! All sorts of famous people will be in attendance and that’s not only good for business but it’s a personal coup for Clare. But wait! Clare isn’t smiling…. It could be because the groom is her very own business partner and ex-husband Matteo Allegro.

Why is Clare so upset? It’s not like she’d ever consider marrying the guy again. But she is concerned enough about him that she doesn’t want him to make a mistake, and his bride-to-be is in bridezilla mode. Trend magazine editor Breanne Summour has it all. She’s smart, beautiful, sexy, very rich and is the ultimate high-maintenance gal. But when people who happen to be close to Breanne begin dying, it is up to Clare to solve the case. It’s not clear if there is another victim waiting for death and if that victim could be the bride-to-be Breanne.

Oh, Espresso Shot is a fun read. I love Clare, really dislike Breanne (she deserves her comeuppance) and kept turning the pages long after I should have turned off the light. It’s an intriguing plot with many interesting characters and a satisfying conclusion. I’ve never read Cleo Coyle’s books before but I will look for them now. The Haunted Bookshop Mysteries are particularly intriguing.

Armchair Interviews says: Murder is delightful business in Espresso Shot.

Author’s Web site: http://www.CoffeehouseMysteries.com