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Coffeehouse Mystery #2
Through the Grinder
There's trouble brewing at the Village Blend. Business is booming-but Clare's customers are starting to die. Soon after stopping at the coffeehouse, a regular jumps to her death in the subway. Or was she pushed? Detective Quinn is convinced that someone has an axe to grind, especially after the suicide of another female customer. Unfortunately, his prime suspect is Bruce Bowman-the new man in Clare's life. Bruce is the perfect blend of rugged good looks and potent personality. Too bad the women in his life keep turning up dead. Now Clare will risk her heart-and her life-to follow the killer's trail to the bitter end.
Audiobook
First published October 5, 2004
424 people are currently reading
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About the author
Cleo Coyle
52 books3,554 followersDon't miss the newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series (with more to come),
NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY,
a National Mystery Bestseller and triple #1 Amazon Category Bestseller. Join Cleo's Coffee Club for bonus recipes and giveaways: Click Here to Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter
CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.
When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.
CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com
*******
CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.
Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
*******
LATEST BOOK NEWS:
The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).
Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!
CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.
When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.
CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com
*******
CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.
Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.
*******
LATEST BOOK NEWS:
The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).
Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 846 reviews
December 21, 2025
Ohhhmygosh. What a book.
I am trying really, really hard to like this series.
I love the concept - a divorcee running a quaint coffee shop while juggling her college-daughter's life, her own failed relationships AND murders on the side.
But...the execution is just so lack-luster.
Clare Cosi, manager at the Village Blend, knows two things: Coffee and murder.
Well, she's technically not an expert on murder yet but given the direction the first two books take, there will definitely be a lot more murder in her future.
Someone is killing the local singles and there's a possible connection through dating websites or the local singles mixers (including the one at her coffee shop).
It's up to Clare (because...reasons) to find out what's happening and prevent her daughter from dating a murderer.
So. Deep breath. I feel like this concept and the series would work so much better if a bit more thought was put into the book.
First off, there's the coffee.
You know that feeling when someone is really, really into their hobby. And their whole face just lights up and you become excited just because they're excited?
Yeah, not so much here.
Instead of bringing the audience in, Clare ends up seeming super snobbish. Little-miss-I-don't-trust-decaff-drinkers.
To which I said, aren't decaff drinkers the true coffee lovers? They may not be able to handle the caffeine but they are so in love with the taste, that they will drink it anyway.
Second off, the dialogue.
A lot of the dialogue just felt...off - either too much exposition, cringy or just...off.
For example, Clare decides to jump back into the dating pool, to which her coworkers (aka underlings) gently mock her.
Overall, Clare's complete and utter lack of knowledge regarding slang (and the weird slang chosen in this book) felt a little unbelievable.
But, that does not compare to her actual interactions with those men.
Third off, the SURPRISE biphobia.
Clare goes on one of those social mixers (along with her daughter (cringe)), in order to "interview" the potential men for her daughter.
Here is one such interview:
Seriously, what is up with her? This man isn't "allowed" to date her daughter cause he's into both men and women?
And because of that, he might leave her daughter for the gay scene (in reference to the Far from Heaven movie)?
By that logic, her daughter shouldn't date anyone because half of the world is full of women - the potential-boyfriend might dump her for any one of those.
Now, I could understand (and accept) if this was just how Clare was - if she was just an old biphobic, homophobic woman throughout the novels.
After two books, you get a feel for the characters and let me assure you, this came out of the blue.
She's tolerant - heck, she's even welcoming, to all of the gay people who come into her coffee shop.
This rant felt so out of place, that it makes me wonder if the author was injecting a bit of personal belief into the mix.
Also, before I end my rant, Mr. Switch hitter? Really? What is up with the slang in this book?
Fourth off, THE PERP
This is going to have to be a spoiler but I am so hopping mad that I have to include it anyway.
So, the whole point of these books is to guess at who-done-it. To pick apart the clues from the red herrings. To figure out the murderer BEFORE the characters can.
Audiobook Comments
Read by Rebecca Gibel - and honestly, this one wasn't very lively. Not much pep was in this step.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - a book by a female author who uses a male pseudo name
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
I am trying really, really hard to like this series.
I love the concept - a divorcee running a quaint coffee shop while juggling her college-daughter's life, her own failed relationships AND murders on the side.
But...the execution is just so lack-luster.
Clare Cosi, manager at the Village Blend, knows two things: Coffee and murder.
Well, she's technically not an expert on murder yet but given the direction the first two books take, there will definitely be a lot more murder in her future.
Someone is killing the local singles and there's a possible connection through dating websites or the local singles mixers (including the one at her coffee shop).
It's up to Clare (because...reasons) to find out what's happening and prevent her daughter from dating a murderer.
So. Deep breath. I feel like this concept and the series would work so much better if a bit more thought was put into the book.
First off, there's the coffee.
You know that feeling when someone is really, really into their hobby. And their whole face just lights up and you become excited just because they're excited?
Yeah, not so much here.
Instead of bringing the audience in, Clare ends up seeming super snobbish. Little-miss-I-don't-trust-decaff-drinkers.
To which I said, aren't decaff drinkers the true coffee lovers? They may not be able to handle the caffeine but they are so in love with the taste, that they will drink it anyway.
Second off, the dialogue.
A lot of the dialogue just felt...off - either too much exposition, cringy or just...off.
For example, Clare decides to jump back into the dating pool, to which her coworkers (aka underlings) gently mock her.
Before I rant, wouldn't it have made more sense to call her a cougar for preying on younger men? Instead of using "tadpoling" which is (apparently) a thing according to urban dictionary.
"Tadpoling."
"Excuse me?"
"That's what they call it when an older woman dates a younger guy."
Overall, Clare's complete and utter lack of knowledge regarding slang (and the weird slang chosen in this book) felt a little unbelievable.
But, that does not compare to her actual interactions with those men.
Third off, the SURPRISE biphobia.
Clare goes on one of those social mixers (along with her daughter (cringe)), in order to "interview" the potential men for her daughter.
Here is one such interview:
And to that I say, no honey, that's a bigot's point of view.
"You tell me you were dating a man?"
"Yes."
I frowned. "But tonight you are looking for a woman?"
"Yes."
Mr. Switch hitter, I wrote.
"Aren't you familiar with bisexual?" He asked.
"Aren't you familiar with the movie Far from Heaven?" I responded
"Okay, now you're sounding like my ex. Forever telling me to pick a team."
"Well, maybe you should."
"It's my life."
"Not exactly. Not if you involve another person in it and then change your mind."
"That's harsh."
"No honey, that's a mother's point of view."
Seriously, what is up with her? This man isn't "allowed" to date her daughter cause he's into both men and women?
And because of that, he might leave her daughter for the gay scene (in reference to the Far from Heaven movie)?
By that logic, her daughter shouldn't date anyone because half of the world is full of women - the potential-boyfriend might dump her for any one of those.
Now, I could understand (and accept) if this was just how Clare was - if she was just an old biphobic, homophobic woman throughout the novels.
After two books, you get a feel for the characters and let me assure you, this came out of the blue.
She's tolerant - heck, she's even welcoming, to all of the gay people who come into her coffee shop.
This rant felt so out of place, that it makes me wonder if the author was injecting a bit of personal belief into the mix.
Also, before I end my rant, Mr. Switch hitter? Really? What is up with the slang in this book?
Fourth off, THE PERP
This is going to have to be a spoiler but I am so hopping mad that I have to include it anyway.
So, the whole point of these books is to guess at who-done-it. To pick apart the clues from the red herrings. To figure out the murderer BEFORE the characters can.
Audiobook Comments
Read by Rebecca Gibel - and honestly, this one wasn't very lively. Not much pep was in this step.
The 2018 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - a book by a female author who uses a male pseudo name
YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads
July 3, 2018
3 Stars
Ahhh! Cozy mysteries the Hallmark movie of books. This is my go-to genre if I ever have any anxiety or feel stressed. I just pop open a cozy mystery and let the quaintness wash over me and this series about a barista sleuth that has a passion for that fine coffee beverage is as quaint as it gets. Through the Grinder, is the second book in the Coffeehouse Mysteries and follows our protagonist Clare Cosi as she navigates love, work, family and maybe even murder? I know chesse balls but I love it!
I really enjoy the details about making coffee and perfecting the art of espresso. I love any book that gets into the minutia of a characters passion, honestly, I could read a whole book just based on our protagonist walking us through her coffee preferences and bean trivia but its a cozy mystery so we got to get to the murder eventually. In this novel, the murder case involves women being pushed to their deaths, it's at first ruled a suicide but our nosey barista believes otherwise and off we go into the murder mystery. Which actually had a shockingly dark ending for a cozy mystery which through me for a bit. You're a cozy mystery, why are you getting bleak on me?
Overall this book is fun and silly (despite the ending) and beyond easy reading. If you get bad anxiety and stress like myself may I recommend a cozy mystery to sync into during these tough times. They are the security blanket of books and highly recommend the Coffeehouse mysteries if you enjoy the art of a decent cup of joe.
Ahhh! Cozy mysteries the Hallmark movie of books. This is my go-to genre if I ever have any anxiety or feel stressed. I just pop open a cozy mystery and let the quaintness wash over me and this series about a barista sleuth that has a passion for that fine coffee beverage is as quaint as it gets. Through the Grinder, is the second book in the Coffeehouse Mysteries and follows our protagonist Clare Cosi as she navigates love, work, family and maybe even murder? I know chesse balls but I love it!
I really enjoy the details about making coffee and perfecting the art of espresso. I love any book that gets into the minutia of a characters passion, honestly, I could read a whole book just based on our protagonist walking us through her coffee preferences and bean trivia but its a cozy mystery so we got to get to the murder eventually. In this novel, the murder case involves women being pushed to their deaths, it's at first ruled a suicide but our nosey barista believes otherwise and off we go into the murder mystery. Which actually had a shockingly dark ending for a cozy mystery which through me for a bit. You're a cozy mystery, why are you getting bleak on me?
Overall this book is fun and silly (despite the ending) and beyond easy reading. If you get bad anxiety and stress like myself may I recommend a cozy mystery to sync into during these tough times. They are the security blanket of books and highly recommend the Coffeehouse mysteries if you enjoy the art of a decent cup of joe.
February 13, 2017
Clare Cosi runs the Village Blend, a coffeeshop where she takes pride in the details. When Clare's customers start dying, and Detective Quinn starts suspecting the new man in her life, things take an uncomfortable turn as the barista has urgent need to solve this whodunnit. All while whipping up a perfectly crafted coffee, of course.
'Through the Grinder' was even more amusing than' Uncommon Grounds.' The humor works and comes across natural - most of it is through the unfortunate characters circumstances of having to share space with her ex-husband, the joys of parenting a young adult daughter, contending with a mother in law she loves (but who is determined to reunite her son and daughter-in-law again).
While the author goes into detail about proper coffee know-how and creative adventures between lattes and cappucinos, she doesn't overdo it as much as she did in the first book. In other words, it comes across as an enjoyable mystery and not halfway technical manual.
I love the author's quaint style, the characters are hilariously different BUT normal at the same time, the coffee environment shows fun barista mentality. The mysteries are awesome too, clever leads and misleads. It's not impossible to solve but you'll have a fun time trying to.
The surprise isn't the villain so much as it is the shocking sad slap in the ending. My God, how depressing. I had to take away a star for heartbreak alone. Mayday, Mayday, you have been warned!
'Through the Grinder' was even more amusing than' Uncommon Grounds.' The humor works and comes across natural - most of it is through the unfortunate characters circumstances of having to share space with her ex-husband, the joys of parenting a young adult daughter, contending with a mother in law she loves (but who is determined to reunite her son and daughter-in-law again).
While the author goes into detail about proper coffee know-how and creative adventures between lattes and cappucinos, she doesn't overdo it as much as she did in the first book. In other words, it comes across as an enjoyable mystery and not halfway technical manual.
I love the author's quaint style, the characters are hilariously different BUT normal at the same time, the coffee environment shows fun barista mentality. The mysteries are awesome too, clever leads and misleads. It's not impossible to solve but you'll have a fun time trying to.
The surprise isn't the villain so much as it is the shocking sad slap in the ending. My God, how depressing. I had to take away a star for heartbreak alone. Mayday, Mayday, you have been warned!
January 16, 2019
Clare Cosi is back in the second Coffeehouse mystery series by Cleo Coyle. Clare manages Vintage Blend coffeehouse. It seems an odd coincidence that female customers of the coffeehouse are dying under mysterious circumstances. Clare uses her amateur sleuthing skills to find who is behind the deaths.
The mystery was good, I enjoyed the coffee talk, and I was happy that Clare was seeing someone new. I'm so over the ex-husband, but that relationship seems to be an ongoing story arc in this series.
A light and entertaining read. Good for fans of cozies and coffee.
The mystery was good, I enjoyed the coffee talk, and I was happy that Clare was seeing someone new. I'm so over the ex-husband, but that relationship seems to be an ongoing story arc in this series.
A light and entertaining read. Good for fans of cozies and coffee.
June 8, 2017
I could handle her acting like slang is some new oddity the kids are into. I could (almost) handle her coffee obsession punctuating every other sentence. I could not handle her casual biphobic remarks and reductive stereotypes.
May 7, 2017
Second in the Coffeehouse Mystery series set in an independent coffeehouse, the Village Blend, based in Greenwich Village in New York City.
My Take
I loved and hated this! The story was good, and the ending made me cry!! The theme for this installment is online dating in all its frustrations along with the rare gem.
Clare's relationship takes a twist with Quinn, and Matt finds out what it's like on the receiving end. Although. Clare does get a bit of insight on Matt's thinking process.
You will definitely learn a lot about coffee and proper brewing in this series. Clare is also interested in cooking with some interesting food and drink recipes following at the back of the book.
The Story
Joy is thinking about online dating, and Clare is determined to check them out before Joy signs on.
Meanwhile, business is booming at Clare Cosi's Village Blend, until her female customers start to die. Lieutenant Quinn is convinced that someone has an axe to grind, and unfortunately, his prime suspect is the new man in Clare's life.
Now Clare will risk her heart — and her life — to follow the killer's trail to the bitter end.
The Characters
Clare Cosi is Matteo Allegro's ex-wife and she manages the shop — Village Blend, the family's historic coffeehouse in the Village — for his French mother, Madame Blanche Dreyfus Allegro Dubois. Matteo is the coffee buyer and rarely in town. Joy is their 19-year-old daughter who is going to school to be a chef.
Among the employees are Tucker Burton, their gay night barista financing his writing/acting career and Esther Best, an NYU student. Some of their regular customers include Kira Kirk, a crossword enthusiast; "Winnie" Winslet, a successful lawyer; Valerie Lathem; Sahara McNeil who works at a death art gallery; and, Inga Berg is a buyer at Macy's.
Detective Mike Quinn asks Clare to have dinner with him and then half-asks for advice on his marital problems. He's not too happy about Clare dating Bruce. Officers Langley and Demetrios have a cameo.
Brooks Newman is a fundraiser for non-profits, and Bruce Bowman is a successful contractor currently restoring a gorgeous Federal townhouse for himself; both are men whom Clare meets through online dating services.
The Cover and Title
The cover is steamy swirls around an old-fashioned manual coffee grinder, its drawer holding a broken heart and flanked by two old-style copper coffeepots, a sprinkle of coffee beans, and rows of clear coffee cups.
The title relates to how Clare feels at the end, as though she's been Through the Grinder.
My Take
I loved and hated this! The story was good, and the ending made me cry!! The theme for this installment is online dating in all its frustrations along with the rare gem.
Clare's relationship takes a twist with Quinn, and Matt finds out what it's like on the receiving end. Although. Clare does get a bit of insight on Matt's thinking process.
You will definitely learn a lot about coffee and proper brewing in this series. Clare is also interested in cooking with some interesting food and drink recipes following at the back of the book.
The Story
Joy is thinking about online dating, and Clare is determined to check them out before Joy signs on.
Meanwhile, business is booming at Clare Cosi's Village Blend, until her female customers start to die. Lieutenant Quinn is convinced that someone has an axe to grind, and unfortunately, his prime suspect is the new man in Clare's life.
Now Clare will risk her heart — and her life — to follow the killer's trail to the bitter end.
The Characters
Clare Cosi is Matteo Allegro's ex-wife and she manages the shop — Village Blend, the family's historic coffeehouse in the Village — for his French mother, Madame Blanche Dreyfus Allegro Dubois. Matteo is the coffee buyer and rarely in town. Joy is their 19-year-old daughter who is going to school to be a chef.
Among the employees are Tucker Burton, their gay night barista financing his writing/acting career and Esther Best, an NYU student. Some of their regular customers include Kira Kirk, a crossword enthusiast; "Winnie" Winslet, a successful lawyer; Valerie Lathem; Sahara McNeil who works at a death art gallery; and, Inga Berg is a buyer at Macy's.
Detective Mike Quinn asks Clare to have dinner with him and then half-asks for advice on his marital problems. He's not too happy about Clare dating Bruce. Officers Langley and Demetrios have a cameo.
Brooks Newman is a fundraiser for non-profits, and Bruce Bowman is a successful contractor currently restoring a gorgeous Federal townhouse for himself; both are men whom Clare meets through online dating services.
The Cover and Title
The cover is steamy swirls around an old-fashioned manual coffee grinder, its drawer holding a broken heart and flanked by two old-style copper coffeepots, a sprinkle of coffee beans, and rows of clear coffee cups.
The title relates to how Clare feels at the end, as though she's been Through the Grinder.
July 27, 2024
Lo confieso: estoy a un paso del bloqueo lector. Bueno, es que ya tengo dentro del oscuro bucle una patita y la mitad de la otra. Es por eso que decidí leerme este libro, la segunda parte de una serie cozy mysterie ambientada en un café de Nueva York, cuya primera entrega llegó a mis manos por casualidad en abril y que en su momento disfruté bastante. Sin ser el libro de mi vida, “ Un Capuchino Mortal” (que es el título de ese primer volumen) fue una lectura ágil, rápida y extremadamente amena, que me duró dos días en los cuales me tuvo totalmente absorbida. Y eso es lo que buscaba cuando cogí “Café Hasta la Muerte”, pura y rápida literatura en vena. Y lo he conseguido, pero no en el grado en que me hubiera gustado o esperado, o por li menos similar a lo que pasó con la primera parte.
Después de haber resuelto su primer misterio, la vida de Clare Cosi sigue su curso como encargada del antiguo y emblemático café Villague Blend y absoluta enamorada y obsesa de la bebida más consumida del mundo. Sin embargo también es madre. Por eso, cuando su hija Joy demuestre interés por conocer a otras personas, Clare no durará en apuntarse a las páginas web y encuentros donde ella está buscando pareja, para asegurarse que no da con ningún depravado o desgraciado. Lo que menos esperará es que el amor donde llamé a su propia puerta, en forma de un sensible e inteligente arquitecto. El cual pronto se descubrirá que de alguna forma está conectado con cadena de muertes que a priori parecen accidentes o suicidios, Pero que en realidad son llevadas a cabo por la misma persona. Así que Clare no le quedará más remedio que investigar al hombre del que se está enamorando, y meterse de lleno en un misterio tan negro como el mejor café.
(Sí, la última frase la he sacado de la pegatina que aparece con forma de taza en la portada del libro. Soy lo peor haciendo reseñas y tengo menos imaginación que un garbanzo)
Lo primero que tengo que decir es que creo que para saborear apropiadamente de un cozy mysterie lo mejor es cogerlo con cero expectativas y y simplemente estando dispuesto a dejarte llevar y a disfrutar, asumiendo que vas a encontrarte con una historia sencilla, escrita de una manera amena y muy entretenido, pero no una gran joya de la literatura que te remueva por dentro y te presente unos personajes o un argumento especialmente elaborado. En este género, lo que te vas a encontrar son novelas muy entretenidas y simples. Y eso va muy bien cuando, como me pasa a mí ahora, estás al borde del bloqueo lector, quieres desengrasar entre otras lecturas más sesudas o simplemente leerte algo ligero y disfrutable, que en verano la verdad es que apetece mucho. No es una literatura de altas expectativas, pero yo la estoy descubriendo este año y la verdad es que cuando cojo uno por lo menos me anima.
Como ya os he señalado antes, “Café Hasta la Muerte” es la segunda entrega de una serie de libros de misterios que lleva por título“The Coffehouse Mysteries” y que están ambientados en una centenaria y bonita cafetería en la Nueva York profunda. Como buen Cozy Mysterie, la ambientación es uno de los puntos fuertes de la lectura. Ya lo dije en la reseña del primer libro, pero al Blend solo le falta tener una parte de librería para ser el lugar soñado para visitar, trabajar o incluso vivir por más de uno y más de dos amantes de la lectura. Además, una de las cosas que más me llama la atención cuando leo estos libros es que los autores (estas novelas están escritas por el matrimonio formado por Alice Alfonsi y Marc Cerqsini, que publica bajo el seudónimo femenino de Cleo Coyle) pone mucho el foco en lugares emblemáticos y, muchas veces, desconocidos de la ciudad de Nueva York, muy alejados de lo más turístico, popular o Mainstraim, poniendo el foco en el patrimonio histórico y cultural, de una de las ciudades más populosas y transitadas del mundo, y demostrándo al lector una parte de la ciudad que es la más antigua y, muchas veces, donde mejor se conservan sus raíces. Pero, por supuesto, el indiscutible y gran protagonista de estas historias sigue siendo el café. Como me pasó con la primera entrega, durante los dos días que me ha durado esta lectura casi pensaba más en tomarme cafés que, muchas veces, en la propia trama que tenía entre manos cuando leía. Desde luego que si eres amante del café, solo por eso este es tu libro. Es que la obsesión del café que tiene la protagonista está presente en todo momento, y a veces sale en los momentos más insospechados.
En lo personal, una de las cosas que más he valorado de esta lectura es que la autora (los autores) ponen en esta segunda parte más el foco en los trabajadores y en la clientela habitual del Blend, lo que nos permite conocer mejor a personajes secundarios que ya aparecieron en “ Un Capuchino Mortal” y descubrir a algunos nuevos, demostrándonos con más nitidez, como es el día a día en la cafetería y la clase de personas que se mueven entre sus muros. Eso me parece algo importante y necesario en una serie de libros que se van a dar a lo largo de los años, y ayuda a que el lector pueda meterse de lleno en la ambientación. Al igual que la anterior entrega, la novela tiene una prosa sencilla y directa, pero a la vez igual de cálida que muchos de los cafés que se describen y se mencionan entre sus páginas. Hay algunos momentos más humorísticos y más sensibles o filosóficos, los cuales ayudan a hacer la historia más fluida , la da cierta profundidad y capas o ayuda a conocer mejor a los personajes que en ella aparecen. En este sentido, me gustaría rescatar la dupla que formanClsre y su ex marido Matt. Las escenas que comparten juntos son de las más interesantes del libro, y se nota que son dos personajes que han sido creados para tener muy buena química entre ellos y entenderse muy bien. Una química que además está estupendamente justificada y te da mucha vidilla al libro . Todo esto, sin perder de vista, lo que realmente nos importa a todos a la hora de coger el libro, que es el misterio.
Y siento decir que es ahí donde creo que este segundo tomo empieza a hacer aguas. Es verdad que, al igual que en el primero, la trama de misterios está, por norma general, bastante bien llevada. La autora engaña descaradamente al lector haciendo creer una cosa ,para luego, en un momento determinado, dar un volantazo y pegar un giro que cambia todo de manera drástica. Lo cual es más que agradecer, ya que así uno logra sorprenderse mientras lee. En esta ocasión, el misterio es bastante más oscuro que en la novela previa, y todo tiene una aura más densa y peligrosa que está bastante conseguida . En esto ayuda que hay ciertas partes que leemos desde la perspectiva del asesino desde la primera página, lo que ayuda a meterte en la red de asesinatos y egocentrismo que va creando paulatinamente a lo largo de toda la historia, a la cual va implementando de no poca tensión. Pero siento que está parte queda, inevitablemente, opacada por lo que es la vida amorosa de Clare y su incipiente relación con Bruce. Que es verdad que ambas tramas beben la una de la otra, y sin una no se entiende la otra. Pero había momentos en que sentía que las partes relacionadas con lo que se estaba cociendo entre los dos personajes estaban ahí por estar, en ciertos momentos me dió la impresión de que no aportaba nada a la trama y se me hicieron muy bola. Además, y en el primer tomo, comenté que una de las cosas que más me gustaron fue que la protagonista fuera una mujer de 40 años y con una biografía a sus espaldas, no una mujer de despampanante y joven. Pero la verdad es que se nota demasiado el interés por mostrarnos, lo espectacular y de muy buen ver que está, y lo inteligente y sensible que es y como con eso, básicamente consigue en convertirse en el objeto de deseo de varios personajes y atraer la atención del protagonista perfecto, un héroe tan sensible, inteligente y hecho asi mismo, como ella . Hay una clara intención de colocarla en muy buena posición ante el lector, y a mí eso me quita bastante realismo al personaje (¿y ese momento en que se pone una falda a los Britney Spears y está despampanante? Seamos sinceros: ni siquiera a Britney Spears no hacía parecer menos ridícula esas faldas de cuadritos que le ponían cuando era un ídolo adolescente) . Además, por otro lado, creo que en este libro sí que notado algo que el anterior me pasó un poco más desapercibido: que son historias escritas y publicadas a principios del siglo, por los años 2000-2005. Hay ciertos comentarios y situaciones que ya han quedadomuy obsoletos y que tiene un cierto sesgo sexista que en la actualidad resulta bastante rancio y hace que el libro a ratos se sienta muy anticuado.
Creo que el gran problema que he tenido con este libro ha sido que el primero me sorprendió para bien cuando eso era lo que menos esperaba. “Un Capuchino Mortal” era y es una historia muy sencilla y básica, pero con la que de alguna forma conecte bastante bien y que por ello me sorprendió gratamente. En cierto sentido, creo que esperaba que la ecuación volviera a darse con este libro. Esto me ha pasado un poco de factura. Si hubiera venido con menos expectativas disfrutado como lo que es, un producto sencillo, de hecho para entretener. Y para animarte a beber buen café, por supuesto.
Después de haber resuelto su primer misterio, la vida de Clare Cosi sigue su curso como encargada del antiguo y emblemático café Villague Blend y absoluta enamorada y obsesa de la bebida más consumida del mundo. Sin embargo también es madre. Por eso, cuando su hija Joy demuestre interés por conocer a otras personas, Clare no durará en apuntarse a las páginas web y encuentros donde ella está buscando pareja, para asegurarse que no da con ningún depravado o desgraciado. Lo que menos esperará es que el amor donde llamé a su propia puerta, en forma de un sensible e inteligente arquitecto. El cual pronto se descubrirá que de alguna forma está conectado con cadena de muertes que a priori parecen accidentes o suicidios, Pero que en realidad son llevadas a cabo por la misma persona. Así que Clare no le quedará más remedio que investigar al hombre del que se está enamorando, y meterse de lleno en un misterio tan negro como el mejor café.
(Sí, la última frase la he sacado de la pegatina que aparece con forma de taza en la portada del libro. Soy lo peor haciendo reseñas y tengo menos imaginación que un garbanzo)
Lo primero que tengo que decir es que creo que para saborear apropiadamente de un cozy mysterie lo mejor es cogerlo con cero expectativas y y simplemente estando dispuesto a dejarte llevar y a disfrutar, asumiendo que vas a encontrarte con una historia sencilla, escrita de una manera amena y muy entretenido, pero no una gran joya de la literatura que te remueva por dentro y te presente unos personajes o un argumento especialmente elaborado. En este género, lo que te vas a encontrar son novelas muy entretenidas y simples. Y eso va muy bien cuando, como me pasa a mí ahora, estás al borde del bloqueo lector, quieres desengrasar entre otras lecturas más sesudas o simplemente leerte algo ligero y disfrutable, que en verano la verdad es que apetece mucho. No es una literatura de altas expectativas, pero yo la estoy descubriendo este año y la verdad es que cuando cojo uno por lo menos me anima.
Como ya os he señalado antes, “Café Hasta la Muerte” es la segunda entrega de una serie de libros de misterios que lleva por título“The Coffehouse Mysteries” y que están ambientados en una centenaria y bonita cafetería en la Nueva York profunda. Como buen Cozy Mysterie, la ambientación es uno de los puntos fuertes de la lectura. Ya lo dije en la reseña del primer libro, pero al Blend solo le falta tener una parte de librería para ser el lugar soñado para visitar, trabajar o incluso vivir por más de uno y más de dos amantes de la lectura. Además, una de las cosas que más me llama la atención cuando leo estos libros es que los autores (estas novelas están escritas por el matrimonio formado por Alice Alfonsi y Marc Cerqsini, que publica bajo el seudónimo femenino de Cleo Coyle) pone mucho el foco en lugares emblemáticos y, muchas veces, desconocidos de la ciudad de Nueva York, muy alejados de lo más turístico, popular o Mainstraim, poniendo el foco en el patrimonio histórico y cultural, de una de las ciudades más populosas y transitadas del mundo, y demostrándo al lector una parte de la ciudad que es la más antigua y, muchas veces, donde mejor se conservan sus raíces. Pero, por supuesto, el indiscutible y gran protagonista de estas historias sigue siendo el café. Como me pasó con la primera entrega, durante los dos días que me ha durado esta lectura casi pensaba más en tomarme cafés que, muchas veces, en la propia trama que tenía entre manos cuando leía. Desde luego que si eres amante del café, solo por eso este es tu libro. Es que la obsesión del café que tiene la protagonista está presente en todo momento, y a veces sale en los momentos más insospechados.
En lo personal, una de las cosas que más he valorado de esta lectura es que la autora (los autores) ponen en esta segunda parte más el foco en los trabajadores y en la clientela habitual del Blend, lo que nos permite conocer mejor a personajes secundarios que ya aparecieron en “ Un Capuchino Mortal” y descubrir a algunos nuevos, demostrándonos con más nitidez, como es el día a día en la cafetería y la clase de personas que se mueven entre sus muros. Eso me parece algo importante y necesario en una serie de libros que se van a dar a lo largo de los años, y ayuda a que el lector pueda meterse de lleno en la ambientación. Al igual que la anterior entrega, la novela tiene una prosa sencilla y directa, pero a la vez igual de cálida que muchos de los cafés que se describen y se mencionan entre sus páginas. Hay algunos momentos más humorísticos y más sensibles o filosóficos, los cuales ayudan a hacer la historia más fluida , la da cierta profundidad y capas o ayuda a conocer mejor a los personajes que en ella aparecen. En este sentido, me gustaría rescatar la dupla que formanClsre y su ex marido Matt. Las escenas que comparten juntos son de las más interesantes del libro, y se nota que son dos personajes que han sido creados para tener muy buena química entre ellos y entenderse muy bien. Una química que además está estupendamente justificada y te da mucha vidilla al libro . Todo esto, sin perder de vista, lo que realmente nos importa a todos a la hora de coger el libro, que es el misterio.
Y siento decir que es ahí donde creo que este segundo tomo empieza a hacer aguas. Es verdad que, al igual que en el primero, la trama de misterios está, por norma general, bastante bien llevada. La autora engaña descaradamente al lector haciendo creer una cosa ,para luego, en un momento determinado, dar un volantazo y pegar un giro que cambia todo de manera drástica. Lo cual es más que agradecer, ya que así uno logra sorprenderse mientras lee. En esta ocasión, el misterio es bastante más oscuro que en la novela previa, y todo tiene una aura más densa y peligrosa que está bastante conseguida . En esto ayuda que hay ciertas partes que leemos desde la perspectiva del asesino desde la primera página, lo que ayuda a meterte en la red de asesinatos y egocentrismo que va creando paulatinamente a lo largo de toda la historia, a la cual va implementando de no poca tensión. Pero siento que está parte queda, inevitablemente, opacada por lo que es la vida amorosa de Clare y su incipiente relación con Bruce. Que es verdad que ambas tramas beben la una de la otra, y sin una no se entiende la otra. Pero había momentos en que sentía que las partes relacionadas con lo que se estaba cociendo entre los dos personajes estaban ahí por estar, en ciertos momentos me dió la impresión de que no aportaba nada a la trama y se me hicieron muy bola. Además, y en el primer tomo, comenté que una de las cosas que más me gustaron fue que la protagonista fuera una mujer de 40 años y con una biografía a sus espaldas, no una mujer de despampanante y joven. Pero la verdad es que se nota demasiado el interés por mostrarnos, lo espectacular y de muy buen ver que está, y lo inteligente y sensible que es y como con eso, básicamente consigue en convertirse en el objeto de deseo de varios personajes y atraer la atención del protagonista perfecto, un héroe tan sensible, inteligente y hecho asi mismo, como ella . Hay una clara intención de colocarla en muy buena posición ante el lector, y a mí eso me quita bastante realismo al personaje (¿y ese momento en que se pone una falda a los Britney Spears y está despampanante? Seamos sinceros: ni siquiera a Britney Spears no hacía parecer menos ridícula esas faldas de cuadritos que le ponían cuando era un ídolo adolescente) . Además, por otro lado, creo que en este libro sí que notado algo que el anterior me pasó un poco más desapercibido: que son historias escritas y publicadas a principios del siglo, por los años 2000-2005. Hay ciertos comentarios y situaciones que ya han quedadomuy obsoletos y que tiene un cierto sesgo sexista que en la actualidad resulta bastante rancio y hace que el libro a ratos se sienta muy anticuado.
Creo que el gran problema que he tenido con este libro ha sido que el primero me sorprendió para bien cuando eso era lo que menos esperaba. “Un Capuchino Mortal” era y es una historia muy sencilla y básica, pero con la que de alguna forma conecte bastante bien y que por ello me sorprendió gratamente. En cierto sentido, creo que esperaba que la ecuación volviera a darse con este libro. Esto me ha pasado un poco de factura. Si hubiera venido con menos expectativas disfrutado como lo que es, un producto sencillo, de hecho para entretener. Y para animarte a beber buen café, por supuesto.
January 5, 2021
I have never written a review for a book I didn't finish before but this book really got to me. I REALLY wanted to like this series. I love cozy mysteries and I worked in specialty coffee for six years so this sounded perfect. I read the first book and was underwhelmed but willing to give this second book a shot. I tried the audiobook and stopped about two hours in because the main character has an incredibly upsetting conversation in which she is very biphobic. She basically tells a man at a singles event that he shouldn't be dating because he would just be stringing people along and actually telling him that "maybe you should [pick a team]". It was truly awful. I was shocked. The character had no indication of being so closed minded and bigoted at any point in the last book. There were a number of other odd things about this series, such as the weird need to constantly mention the main character's bra size but I couldn't deal with that incredibly rude encounter. I understand that this book was written a number of years ago and things change overtime but I can't keep reading this series. That interaction was so insensitive and upsetting. There are some things I can chalk up to differences of year but to have the main character be so rude and nasty was just much too much for me. I would never recommend this to anyone else. I will not be finishing it at any point in the future and I am sincerely glad I got it out of the library so I could return it and never look back. There are so many other books to read there is no need to read something that is this awful.
August 15, 2018
DNF at 2 hours listening time. TIRED of people diminishing bisexuality to be a person who cant decide or "pick a team". This author needs to get with the fucking times.
June 13, 2018
Some of my favorite series are the ones that won me over on book #2, after I rated the first book 1 star. It’s that that made me pick up the second coffeehouse mystery book, even after I rated the first one 1 star. But no luck this time. It’s just as bad as I remembered the first book to be.
I do not like Clare. I do not like her obsession with coffee. It’s more the author’s fault for not timing it properly, but Clare talks about the roasting process when a) having a supposedly romantic date b) when women have been murdered and the detective’s there for questioning and c) every time she apparently takes a breath. It’s just coffee. You can be passionate but there are priorities. It’s understandable if Clare is mentioned to be nervous, but she is not.
That’s actually a minor annoyance. She learns from Mike Quinn that a man she’s known all of a week has ties to not one but all three of the murdered women. Mike even says reasonably that he doesn’t have evidence that the man is a killer, but that people in his acquaintance end up getting killed, and so will she please be careful? But Clare knows everything about the guy because yay intuition and I guess hormones. Oh no he can’t be related at all! But the killer for me was that this horrible person was convinced that since Mike had a bad marriage and the hots for her, he had made up his mind about who the killer was. She repeats this to a couple of people- when what Mike had revealed about his marriage was supposed to be in confidence. Just how narcissistic and tone deaf is this lady?
Absolutely hated this. I do not care for idiots who think that killers are alright because they’re coffee snobs, I don’t want to read about shaming anyone who doesn’t fit into the hot and sexy male image (she was only turned off by the groper because he wasn’t good looking and drank decaf, and what the hell was that bitchy put down of a bisexual man?) and I really do not want to know what her cup size is. I saw a bunch of reviews of more recent books, and I see that Clare doesn’t improve. So I’m done.
I do not like Clare. I do not like her obsession with coffee. It’s more the author’s fault for not timing it properly, but Clare talks about the roasting process when a) having a supposedly romantic date b) when women have been murdered and the detective’s there for questioning and c) every time she apparently takes a breath. It’s just coffee. You can be passionate but there are priorities. It’s understandable if Clare is mentioned to be nervous, but she is not.
That’s actually a minor annoyance. She learns from Mike Quinn that a man she’s known all of a week has ties to not one but all three of the murdered women. Mike even says reasonably that he doesn’t have evidence that the man is a killer, but that people in his acquaintance end up getting killed, and so will she please be careful? But Clare knows everything about the guy because yay intuition and I guess hormones. Oh no he can’t be related at all! But the killer for me was that this horrible person was convinced that since Mike had a bad marriage and the hots for her, he had made up his mind about who the killer was. She repeats this to a couple of people- when what Mike had revealed about his marriage was supposed to be in confidence. Just how narcissistic and tone deaf is this lady?
Absolutely hated this. I do not care for idiots who think that killers are alright because they’re coffee snobs, I don’t want to read about shaming anyone who doesn’t fit into the hot and sexy male image (she was only turned off by the groper because he wasn’t good looking and drank decaf, and what the hell was that bitchy put down of a bisexual man?) and I really do not want to know what her cup size is. I saw a bunch of reviews of more recent books, and I see that Clare doesn’t improve. So I’m done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2018
This was another online book club selection and since it was only book 2 I wasn't really too worried about starting with it since I know I haven't missed much. I'm really liking what I've read so far though. My favorite characters are of course Clare and Joy but also Mike Quinn. Right away I started hoping for something between him and Clare so of course I peeked at Amazon blurbs and came away very happy!
The book read at times like a thriller but it wasn't seriously creepy. The killer was someone unknown but the reader tracks their movements at times. I read it so fast because I was so anxious to find out what finally happened. Several twists in the plot later and the killer wasn't who I had guessed at all (no surprise, I rarely guess lol) Although I was pretty darn sure who it was and didn't budge--the wow I'm wrong factor is cool though! I can really appreciate a more complex book that can fool me.
I really enjoyed the relationship that Clare and her daughter Joy had. Even though Joy's in college and she's probably tempted to give or gives her mom eye rolls a lot, it's that she's a good kid with a smart head on her shoulders as well as a very big heart. Tucker, the assistant manager was a fun character and a supportive friend and worker. Esther may have come off as a little bit jaded or as Tucker calls it down on things but I still thought her character was interesting. And Mike, well that goes without saying. I chose him for Clare right away lol. I do like the peaceful relationship Clare has with her ex-husband Matteo and his mom, affectionately known as Madame.
I'm looking forward to going back to book 1 and seeing how it all got started in this coffeehouse. The description of the building was so good I could picture it pretty clearly. There are some awesome sounding recipes at the end of the book for coffee and food lovers.
The book read at times like a thriller but it wasn't seriously creepy. The killer was someone unknown but the reader tracks their movements at times. I read it so fast because I was so anxious to find out what finally happened. Several twists in the plot later and the killer wasn't who I had guessed at all (no surprise, I rarely guess lol) Although I was pretty darn sure who it was and didn't budge--the wow I'm wrong factor is cool though! I can really appreciate a more complex book that can fool me.
I really enjoyed the relationship that Clare and her daughter Joy had. Even though Joy's in college and she's probably tempted to give or gives her mom eye rolls a lot, it's that she's a good kid with a smart head on her shoulders as well as a very big heart. Tucker, the assistant manager was a fun character and a supportive friend and worker. Esther may have come off as a little bit jaded or as Tucker calls it down on things but I still thought her character was interesting. And Mike, well that goes without saying. I chose him for Clare right away lol. I do like the peaceful relationship Clare has with her ex-husband Matteo and his mom, affectionately known as Madame.
I'm looking forward to going back to book 1 and seeing how it all got started in this coffeehouse. The description of the building was so good I could picture it pretty clearly. There are some awesome sounding recipes at the end of the book for coffee and food lovers.
April 5, 2024
ACABADOOO Y 4,5⭐️.
Me declaro fan absoluta de Clare Cosi y este cozy mystery. Estoy deseando que Alma nos traiga los siguiente porque VAYA FINAL. El drama ha sido intenso.
Por cierto, fallé al intentar acertar al asesino. Iba de chulita pensando que lo había adivinado desde el principio y no, para nada. Absolutamente para nada. No lo vi venir.
Me declaro fan absoluta de Clare Cosi y este cozy mystery. Estoy deseando que Alma nos traiga los siguiente porque VAYA FINAL. El drama ha sido intenso.
Por cierto, fallé al intentar acertar al asesino. Iba de chulita pensando que lo había adivinado desde el principio y no, para nada. Absolutamente para nada. No lo vi venir.
March 23, 2017
review to come
May 26, 2014
Clare Cosi manages The Village Blend, a century-old coffeehouse in New York’s Greenwich Village, owned by her ex-mother-in-law. She is happily settling into this new life in the City. But one of her regular customers meets her death on the subway tracks shortly after stopping at the coffeehouse. The transit authority rules the death a suicide, but Detective Mike Quinn isn’t so sure. Then another Blend customer “jumps” from her roof and Quinn begins to suspect the new man in Clare’s life.
I thought the plotting was poor, and the clues (and red herrings), heavy-handed. Clare has the makings of a likeable heroine, but her behavior is reckless and immature when she decides to investigate on her own. Detective Quinn has virtually nothing to do but appear occasionally to confirm that he doesn’t think the dead women committed suicide, and to warn Clare that her new boyfriend is the chief suspect. Including the thoughts of the killer is jarring in a cozy mystery. I was beginning to wonder if Coyle wouldn’t rather be writing a more hard-core crime novel. I didn’t like the ending at all.
So why give it two stars? It’s was a fast read and I like the back story for this cozy. Maybe I’m just feeling generous, but I also liked the recipe for coffee marinated steaks – seriously. Still, I doubt I’ll read another.
I thought the plotting was poor, and the clues (and red herrings), heavy-handed. Clare has the makings of a likeable heroine, but her behavior is reckless and immature when she decides to investigate on her own. Detective Quinn has virtually nothing to do but appear occasionally to confirm that he doesn’t think the dead women committed suicide, and to warn Clare that her new boyfriend is the chief suspect. Including the thoughts of the killer is jarring in a cozy mystery. I was beginning to wonder if Coyle wouldn’t rather be writing a more hard-core crime novel. I didn’t like the ending at all.
So why give it two stars? It’s was a fast read and I like the back story for this cozy. Maybe I’m just feeling generous, but I also liked the recipe for coffee marinated steaks – seriously. Still, I doubt I’ll read another.
October 10, 2019
Claire Cosi is doing great running her cafe and sponsoring a speed dating club on ocassion. She notices however that some of her female customers who just happen to be part of the speed dating are dying. Although they are dying by what seems like suicide, Claire is not convinced and shares this with Detective Quinn and her ex-husband Mateo. Detective Quinn seems to think Claire's new man is behind the murders and Claire decides to investigate to clear his name.
May 10, 2018
2 1/2 stars rounded up. The ending did shock me but I thought the love interest in this book was a bit off. It didn't make sense and felt rushed and unrealistic. I'll continue on in the series but so far I'm having luke warm feelings about this series- it just doesn't seem to fit in with the cozy mystery genre.
July 15, 2018
3.5 stars. Interesting mystery at the Village Blend. The guilty party was even one of my suspects and then I went along with what Clare was thinking. Good, easy to read story and lots of fun.
July 30, 2022
SOMETIMES 'GRITTY COZY' CAN ACTUALLY BE A REALLY AMAZING THING TO READ!!!!!
As I sat back in my chair and picked up my crocheting equipment, preparing myself to listen in on the second book in the coffeehouse mystery series, I couldn't help but feel extremely excited. I had read book one on walk grounds recently and it was just so fantastic. All of that coffee talk. Amazing. So it surprised me when I began this book with an unknown antagonists perspective.
In this second book, we continue to follow Clare, Very nice case book actually opens up. From the killer's perspective, which was incredibly intriguing. The killer ends up pushing someone onto a rail ray road track as a train is going by. We then jump back to the perspective of clear Clare find out that this was a regular customer who has died. Cycling needs to try and solve the case and put the killer behind bars before they strike again.
This read was so incredibly intriguing!
It definitely gave me Pretty Little Liars “A” Vibes. If you've ever seen the show, you know that they have “A” Sings where we see someone in a masked hoodie preparing for the next episode. This book definitely felt like that because we have this character who is referred to as “The genius” And we get to jump in and out of their perspective every so often, which really kept me on my feet.
Not to mention class knowledge of coffee is something that is just so incredible. I love it more and more. The more I'm reading this series.
Even the reveal was one that I really enjoyed!
I cannot give this book any lower rating than I am. Ann, I certainly cannot wait to read book #3.
5 Stars!
Xoxo.
As I sat back in my chair and picked up my crocheting equipment, preparing myself to listen in on the second book in the coffeehouse mystery series, I couldn't help but feel extremely excited. I had read book one on walk grounds recently and it was just so fantastic. All of that coffee talk. Amazing. So it surprised me when I began this book with an unknown antagonists perspective.
In this second book, we continue to follow Clare, Very nice case book actually opens up. From the killer's perspective, which was incredibly intriguing. The killer ends up pushing someone onto a rail ray road track as a train is going by. We then jump back to the perspective of clear Clare find out that this was a regular customer who has died. Cycling needs to try and solve the case and put the killer behind bars before they strike again.
This read was so incredibly intriguing!
It definitely gave me Pretty Little Liars “A” Vibes. If you've ever seen the show, you know that they have “A” Sings where we see someone in a masked hoodie preparing for the next episode. This book definitely felt like that because we have this character who is referred to as “The genius” And we get to jump in and out of their perspective every so often, which really kept me on my feet.
Not to mention class knowledge of coffee is something that is just so incredible. I love it more and more. The more I'm reading this series.
Even the reveal was one that I really enjoyed!
I cannot give this book any lower rating than I am. Ann, I certainly cannot wait to read book #3.
5 Stars!
Xoxo.
September 28, 2025
Una muy buena continuación de saga. Personajes muy bien perfilados.
October 29, 2020
I’ll admit when I first saw there is 17(?) books in the series I was a little put off. But honestly I like how cozy and nice these are to zoom through, and getting to be with the same characters with each story.
I listened to this one on audio while I did some Sunday chores, and it kept me motivated to keep going so I could keep listening to the story.
3.5/5 ⭐️
I listened to this one on audio while I did some Sunday chores, and it kept me motivated to keep going so I could keep listening to the story.
3.5/5 ⭐️
July 23, 2018
The writing was too pretentious for my taste. I thought she would have gotten out all the know-it-all coffee facts in the last one but apparently there is an abundant supply.
June 7, 2020
The MC runs a coffeeshop in NYC. Her daughter, who just broke up with her boyfriend, decides to try online dating. But the MC insists on trying out the site to vet it for her 20 year old daughter. The site they try leads to some very sleazy dates.
Meanwhile, some of the customers that come to her shop as regulars have been found dead, all women with everything to live for and all suicides.
She decides the inspector that has become her friend and regular at the shop is going down the wrong path, so she decides to step in and see what she can find out.
I found this one just a bit off. I can't quite put my finger on it but it was maybe too many characters and too much going on to really be cohesive. I will probably read on in the series because I like the MC and the side characters but this one just didn't do it for me. Probably the ending I guess. I can say I was surprised by the villain.
Meanwhile, some of the customers that come to her shop as regulars have been found dead, all women with everything to live for and all suicides.
She decides the inspector that has become her friend and regular at the shop is going down the wrong path, so she decides to step in and see what she can find out.
I found this one just a bit off. I can't quite put my finger on it but it was maybe too many characters and too much going on to really be cohesive. I will probably read on in the series because I like the MC and the side characters but this one just didn't do it for me. Probably the ending I guess. I can say I was surprised by the villain.
July 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this one!
I loved the mystery in this one and found it really fascinating. I loved how dating apps were involved.
I also love how it’s basically an ex husband and wife who play detective. It was soooo funny!! I also love the NYC setting!
My only big complaint was the problematic part about saying someone should pick a team instead of being bisexual… like wtf?
I loved the mystery in this one and found it really fascinating. I loved how dating apps were involved.
I also love how it’s basically an ex husband and wife who play detective. It was soooo funny!! I also love the NYC setting!
My only big complaint was the problematic part about saying someone should pick a team instead of being bisexual… like wtf?
April 1, 2024
A tad more suspenseful than normal for a cozy, which actually made it more enjoyable. Good characters, good dialogue, and lots of good coffee brewing tips. Being a Java junkie, I appreciate that. Quite the surprise in reveal.
Why a four and not a five? The overly repetitive use of “The genius”
Why a four and not a five? The overly repetitive use of “The genius”
March 4, 2024
Café hasta la muerte es la segunda entrega de la serie Coffee Lovers Club, una de las series de cozy mysterys publicada por alma y que estaba esperando con muchas ganas después de devorarme la primera entrega de la serie Un Capuchino Mortal.
.
Esta serie, ambientada en una cafetería muy chic de Nueva York, sigue conquistándome con sus personajes carismáticos, una ambientación de lujo, mucho café y una trama, que sin ser truculenta, ni muy elaborada, me hace siempre querer más, y me saca más de una sonrisa.
.
En esta oportunidad Clare Cosi la encantadora protagonista y gerente del Village Blend, se ve envuelta en una investigación cuando dos clientas de la cafetería aparecen muertas en lo que la policía ha declarado como suicidios. Una versión oficial, que ni Quinn (el apuesto detective amigo de Clare) ni ella misma, están muy seguros de creer.
.
Clare investigará extraoficialmente el caso cuando esas muertes se mezclan con su vida personal, que ha dado un paso adelante lejos de su exesposo Matteo. He de decir que esta sub trama, me ha gustado aún más que la propia investigación, especialmente por la reflexión que introduce la autora de cómo cambia la vida cuando los hijos crecen y buscan su propio camino. Esas nuevas preocupaciones que surgen y que, tarde o temprano, muchos de nosotros experimentaremos.
.
Mención especial el desenlace totalmente inesperado y la forma como la autora juega con el lector hasta el final, porque ese culpable, no lo vi venir ni en mil años. Lo único malo (si es que se puede decir algo) es que eché en falta el personaje de Madame, la increíble dueña del Blend, que tiende a regir un poco la vida de Clare, y que en esta novela casi no apareció, pero espero que en las próximas entregas siga teniendo protagonismo.
.
En definitiva, una historia que ha mantenido el listón tan alto como la primera, ideal para los amantes del misterio y por supuesto, de un buen café, que les recomiendo si están buscando una novela entretenida, divertida, que les haga evadirse un rato de preocupaciones. Para mi ha sido un bálsamo y estoy deseando ya la tercera entrega.
.
Esta serie, ambientada en una cafetería muy chic de Nueva York, sigue conquistándome con sus personajes carismáticos, una ambientación de lujo, mucho café y una trama, que sin ser truculenta, ni muy elaborada, me hace siempre querer más, y me saca más de una sonrisa.
.
En esta oportunidad Clare Cosi la encantadora protagonista y gerente del Village Blend, se ve envuelta en una investigación cuando dos clientas de la cafetería aparecen muertas en lo que la policía ha declarado como suicidios. Una versión oficial, que ni Quinn (el apuesto detective amigo de Clare) ni ella misma, están muy seguros de creer.
.
Clare investigará extraoficialmente el caso cuando esas muertes se mezclan con su vida personal, que ha dado un paso adelante lejos de su exesposo Matteo. He de decir que esta sub trama, me ha gustado aún más que la propia investigación, especialmente por la reflexión que introduce la autora de cómo cambia la vida cuando los hijos crecen y buscan su propio camino. Esas nuevas preocupaciones que surgen y que, tarde o temprano, muchos de nosotros experimentaremos.
.
Mención especial el desenlace totalmente inesperado y la forma como la autora juega con el lector hasta el final, porque ese culpable, no lo vi venir ni en mil años. Lo único malo (si es que se puede decir algo) es que eché en falta el personaje de Madame, la increíble dueña del Blend, que tiende a regir un poco la vida de Clare, y que en esta novela casi no apareció, pero espero que en las próximas entregas siga teniendo protagonismo.
.
En definitiva, una historia que ha mantenido el listón tan alto como la primera, ideal para los amantes del misterio y por supuesto, de un buen café, que les recomiendo si están buscando una novela entretenida, divertida, que les haga evadirse un rato de preocupaciones. Para mi ha sido un bálsamo y estoy deseando ya la tercera entrega.
April 12, 2024
¡Hola lectores!
Qué tienen estas novelas que se devoran, y es que son ideales para una tarde de lectura acompañados por un buen café.
En este caso les traigo la reseña de la segunda entrega de la serie Coffee Lovers Club, ambientada en nuestra cafetería preferida, el Village Blend en la ciudad de Nueva York. Una cafetería muy cuqui y con un estilo vintage y algo bohemio, regentada por Clare Cosi, una mujer muy espabilada y con altas dosis de deducción, que prepara unos cafés de muerte.
Pero literal, porque resulta que varias clientes habituales de la cafetería están muriendo misteriosamente.
La policía cree que se trata de suicidios, pero para el teniente Quinn no está la cosa clara, sospecha que un asesino anda suelto y que encima es un hombre que la propia Clare ha conocido en una web de citas.
Continúa esa atracción entre el frío y distante teniente Quinn y Claire, que piensa que su nuevo rollo no es ningún asesino, imposible, si es el hombre perfecto, y que son solo celos por parte del teniente. No le quedará más remedio que investigar por su cuenta y riesgo para demostrar su inocencia.
Esta es una historia que continúa con la ambientación ideal de la novela anterior y que además hace un recorrido por la historia y la cultura de la ciudad de Nueva York que resulta una delicia. Y también descubriremos nuevas curiosidades del mundo del café, así como nuevas recetas que encontraremos, al igual que en la novela anterior, al final del libro.
La relación entre Claire, su exmarido y el teniente sigue su curso y me ha gustado mucho ver cómo va evolucionando y además con este nuevo pretendiente que viene a añadir más tensión.
Una historia que es igual o más buena que la anterior y que cuenta con un giro final y un culpable que no me vi venir para nada.
Sin duda, maravillosa novela que recomiendo mucho si buscas un buen misterio y que además cuenta con buenas dosis de ironía y de humor, pero también mucho drama. Deseando leer más novelas de esta serie.
¿Nos vemos en el Village Blend?
Qué tienen estas novelas que se devoran, y es que son ideales para una tarde de lectura acompañados por un buen café.
En este caso les traigo la reseña de la segunda entrega de la serie Coffee Lovers Club, ambientada en nuestra cafetería preferida, el Village Blend en la ciudad de Nueva York. Una cafetería muy cuqui y con un estilo vintage y algo bohemio, regentada por Clare Cosi, una mujer muy espabilada y con altas dosis de deducción, que prepara unos cafés de muerte.
Pero literal, porque resulta que varias clientes habituales de la cafetería están muriendo misteriosamente.
La policía cree que se trata de suicidios, pero para el teniente Quinn no está la cosa clara, sospecha que un asesino anda suelto y que encima es un hombre que la propia Clare ha conocido en una web de citas.
Continúa esa atracción entre el frío y distante teniente Quinn y Claire, que piensa que su nuevo rollo no es ningún asesino, imposible, si es el hombre perfecto, y que son solo celos por parte del teniente. No le quedará más remedio que investigar por su cuenta y riesgo para demostrar su inocencia.
Esta es una historia que continúa con la ambientación ideal de la novela anterior y que además hace un recorrido por la historia y la cultura de la ciudad de Nueva York que resulta una delicia. Y también descubriremos nuevas curiosidades del mundo del café, así como nuevas recetas que encontraremos, al igual que en la novela anterior, al final del libro.
La relación entre Claire, su exmarido y el teniente sigue su curso y me ha gustado mucho ver cómo va evolucionando y además con este nuevo pretendiente que viene a añadir más tensión.
Una historia que es igual o más buena que la anterior y que cuenta con un giro final y un culpable que no me vi venir para nada.
Sin duda, maravillosa novela que recomiendo mucho si buscas un buen misterio y que además cuenta con buenas dosis de ironía y de humor, pero también mucho drama. Deseando leer más novelas de esta serie.
¿Nos vemos en el Village Blend?
August 7, 2016
Through the Grinder is the second book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series.
Once again, we join Clare Cosi at the Village Blend, a historic coffeehouse in NYC. Business is good as usual, until female customers of the coffeehouse start committing suicide. Detective Quinn suspects the deaths are actually murders. Things get a bit awkward when it becomes clear that the chief suspect in the killings is Clare's new love interest, Bruce Bowman. Clare knows that Bruce couldn't possibly be a cold-hearted killer, so once again she is tracking a murderer and collecting clues, hoping to prove her lover isn't involved.
I enjoy this series, despite some of the sub-plot being a bit too frou-frou for me. At times, the main character describes the furnishings and items in the apartment above the coffeehouse where she lives. The apartment is filled with very expensive furnishings, persian rugs and priceless antiques. If I lived somewhere like that, I would be afraid to sit down or even touch the china in the kitchen cupboards. Clare Cosi just lives a completely different life than my own. But, I think that's part of what makes this series interesting for me. It gives me a nice departure from reality. Just don't tell Clare I drink decaf! :)
I enjoyed this second book even more than the first. The mystery portion of the plot was engaging with several twists and turns. I didn't see the ending coming....it was a total surprise. Nice!
There are recipes at the back of the book for coffee drinks and even steak marinated with coffee, plus coffee storage tips.
I already have the next two books in the series on hold at the library!
There are 15 books in this award-winning series so far. Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi and her husband, Mark Cerasini.
Once again, we join Clare Cosi at the Village Blend, a historic coffeehouse in NYC. Business is good as usual, until female customers of the coffeehouse start committing suicide. Detective Quinn suspects the deaths are actually murders. Things get a bit awkward when it becomes clear that the chief suspect in the killings is Clare's new love interest, Bruce Bowman. Clare knows that Bruce couldn't possibly be a cold-hearted killer, so once again she is tracking a murderer and collecting clues, hoping to prove her lover isn't involved.
I enjoy this series, despite some of the sub-plot being a bit too frou-frou for me. At times, the main character describes the furnishings and items in the apartment above the coffeehouse where she lives. The apartment is filled with very expensive furnishings, persian rugs and priceless antiques. If I lived somewhere like that, I would be afraid to sit down or even touch the china in the kitchen cupboards. Clare Cosi just lives a completely different life than my own. But, I think that's part of what makes this series interesting for me. It gives me a nice departure from reality. Just don't tell Clare I drink decaf! :)
I enjoyed this second book even more than the first. The mystery portion of the plot was engaging with several twists and turns. I didn't see the ending coming....it was a total surprise. Nice!
There are recipes at the back of the book for coffee drinks and even steak marinated with coffee, plus coffee storage tips.
I already have the next two books in the series on hold at the library!
There are 15 books in this award-winning series so far. Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi and her husband, Mark Cerasini.
January 16, 2020
A 4.5 rating.
I liked book two in the coffeehouse mysteries almost as much as the first book. Almost. Clare drove the momentum with her clever usage of humor to temper the ghastly murders in this installment. Visuals painted in the prose from sights and sounds on The Village's streets and its architecture were breathtaking! As I read, I told myself, "No question; a native New Yorker wrote this."
The author used a different method to bring in the villain here. This is where I think the book fell short and I dropped the rating a tad. When sections reverted to the villain's point of view, the text moved to italics so the reader could tell quickly that another entity entered the scene. This was fine, but the entire exercise felt too much the "mustache-twirling bad guy" in spots. However, I did like the references brought out regarding "The Genius." A nice way to drop bread crumbs.
I won't give away the ending, but I had hoped things turned out differently for Clare and Mr. Bowman. My heart stopped a couple of beats from the shock. The author had guts to do that. Sigh. All in all, an entertaining, fast read! I'm off to start the third book, Latte Trouble!
I liked book two in the coffeehouse mysteries almost as much as the first book. Almost. Clare drove the momentum with her clever usage of humor to temper the ghastly murders in this installment. Visuals painted in the prose from sights and sounds on The Village's streets and its architecture were breathtaking! As I read, I told myself, "No question; a native New Yorker wrote this."
The author used a different method to bring in the villain here. This is where I think the book fell short and I dropped the rating a tad. When sections reverted to the villain's point of view, the text moved to italics so the reader could tell quickly that another entity entered the scene. This was fine, but the entire exercise felt too much the "mustache-twirling bad guy" in spots. However, I did like the references brought out regarding "The Genius." A nice way to drop bread crumbs.
I won't give away the ending, but I had hoped things turned out differently for Clare and Mr. Bowman. My heart stopped a couple of beats from the shock. The author had guts to do that. Sigh. All in all, an entertaining, fast read! I'm off to start the third book, Latte Trouble!
June 20, 2020
This was a less than stellar book in this series. I have read two or three others and have given them three star, but this one wasn't as good. As someone else wrote, some of the clues are a bit heavy handed. A serial killer (this becomes obvious very quickly) is killing women and the new man in Clare's life becomes a prime suspect (which comes as no shock even if you haven't read the blurb, which I just read now--I'm reading this for points in a reading game--because it's made extremely obvious that he is going to be a prime suspect.) I thought a few other contrivances really weak, too, such as Clare joining these dating groups because her daughter is doing this. You don't have to read book 2 in order to follow this series, so if you liked the first one, you can always read the third if you prefer. That said, if you go too far down the series there are a couple of spoilers (but these aren't huge shocks).
May 19, 2015
I am kind of surprised that I went ahead and read this 2nd book in the series, given that I hated all the coffee education she tried to give people in the first book. But I had it, so I gave it a try. I liked this one much better than the other, a lot more mystery and plot and not so much coffee crap. I am willing to try the 3rd book.
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