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Coffeehouse Mystery #10
Murder by Mocha
Clare's Village Blend coffee beans are being used to create a new java love potion, a "Mocha Magic Coffee," billed as an aphrodisiac. The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite's Village, one of the most popular online communities for women. But at its launch, one of the website's editors is murdered. Clare is convinced a bitter killer wants the secret formula. Can she catch who's gone loco for mocha?
9 pages, Audio CD
First published January 1, 2011
224 people are currently reading
2718 people want to read
About the author
Cleo Coyle
54 books3,577 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 399 reviews
September 27, 2011
I enjoyed this series when I started reading it, but I am starting to get tired of it - it's just not that interesting anymore. I love the coffeehouse setting but the murders are now getting pretty contrived. It was also overly long. Disappointing.
October 30, 2017
This book is definitely in the top ten for worst endings ever written. Just appalling.
I just... I hate this book so much. I hate it, guys. I am deeply disturbed by the fact that this made it through the writing, editing, publishing, and printing process with no one putting a stop to it. Money was made from this drivel. Real people paid real hard-earned cash to acquire this book and then be subjected to its contents. It's absolutely and in every way fucking inconceivable.
I gotta take a break. I'm down for the count. This book just murdered me. I gotta put em down and recover my sanity.
I just... I hate this book so much. I hate it, guys. I am deeply disturbed by the fact that this made it through the writing, editing, publishing, and printing process with no one putting a stop to it. Money was made from this drivel. Real people paid real hard-earned cash to acquire this book and then be subjected to its contents. It's absolutely and in every way fucking inconceivable.
I gotta take a break. I'm down for the count. This book just murdered me. I gotta put em down and recover my sanity.
October 31, 2016
In book ten of the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle, for once a case is pushed onto her instead of her walking into one. And I have to mentioned this up front but it doesn’t change the tone of this book a little bit. When one of Madame’s friend wakes up beside a dead man, she freaks out. All this is understandable but what isn’t is the fact that it seems like deaths are happening because of a drink, an aphrodisiac drink made by the same java that Clare sells in her Village Blend.
I thought I would like this book a lot because it has a bit of a sexier tone to it dealing with aphrodisiac but this entire book felt quite different from the others. Like I mentioned, this case is thrust upon Clare instead of her walking into it, which kind of takes her out of it a little bit. I didn’t feel like she was that connected to the case as others where the victims are friends of hers or something like that.
Additionally, the writing also feels a little different too. It’s a little more all over the place. There’s quite a lot of dialogue which I don’t mind but this is one of Clare’s more tougher cases I think and for whatever reason I wasn’t that into it as some of the other books in the series. I just felt like this one as a little more choppy than the others but still enjoyable.
So while it’s not my most favorite of the series, I have to say it’s probably the most imaginative cases from what we’ve seen from Cleo Coyle so far.
October 1, 2020
Clare Cosi, manager of the Village Blend coffee shop, has decided to team up with an old friend of Madame, Clare's ex mother-in-law, to market a new coffee billed as an aphrodisiac. The blend will be sold on a very popular website: Aphrodite's Village. At the launch party for the coffee, which definitely seems to put people in 'loving' moods, one of the web designers is found murdered. Clare, as usual, can't help but involve herself in the investigation, this time because her reputation and that of the Village Blend could be tarnished by whatever ingredients are in this magical love potion. As more members of Aphrodite's Village are targeted by a killer, Clare must also deal with a decades old mystery involving Madame and her beloved coffee house.
For some reason I had a hard time keeping the storyline straight in this one. I do like Clare very much and the supporting cast is always fun. Maybe I have just done too many of the series too close together and need to take a bit of a break.
For some reason I had a hard time keeping the storyline straight in this one. I do like Clare very much and the supporting cast is always fun. Maybe I have just done too many of the series too close together and need to take a bit of a break.
August 15, 2011
Opening the pages of MURDER BY MOCHA is like stepping inside my favorite coffeehouse with friends there waiting and a few new faces to greet. The sights, sounds and smells are brought to life by the talented writing of author Cleo Coyle.
Readers who aren’t coffee drinkers don’t need to shy away from this tantalizing book and series. While there are references to coffee and all it’s amenities; there is murder, mayhem, and suspense all wrapped up with a splash of romance, a dollop of humor and a lot of love for family and friends.
Clare Cosi is the manager and head barista of the landmark Village Blend coffeehouse in Greenwich Village. Clare’s boss, Madame Dreyfus Allegro Dubbors (who is also her former mother-in-law) has gone into partnership with an old friend. Madame has agreed to use the Village Blend coffee beans to create a new java love potion, ‘Mocha Magic Coffee,’ billed as an aphrodisiac.
The new product will be sold exclusively online at Aphrodite’s Village, a popular website community for women. At the launch party, however, one of the website’s editors is murdered. When tragedy continues to strike the website’s Sisters of Aphrodite, Clare thinks the secret formula behind the ‘Mocha Magic Coffee’ is the key and could be illegal.
Clare works to find the answers to the murders and save her beloved Village Blend’s reputation at the same time. Can she uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim? The twists and surprises will keep you guessing.
To add to her mounting problems Clare’s boyfriend, police detective Mike Quinn, is asking ‘that’ question; her daughter, Joy, is home from Paris and closer than ever to Sergeant Franco; and a cold case involving a slain police officer has surfaced that implicates Madame.
Author Cleo Coyle has created a group of multifarious characters who are intriguing and likeable. She also introduces a group of eclectic minor characters who further add dimension to the story. As Clare undertakes to solve the murders, she also maintains her determination and loyalty to keep her family safe.
MURDER BY MOCH is the 10th installment in the Coffeehouse Mystery series and each new adventure just keeps getting more captivating. Readers are able to pick up any books in this series and not feel as though they are missing half the story. There’s just enough back story to help new readers understand, while reminding returning fans of exciting past adventures.
An extra feature of the book is the coffee-making tips and recipes included at the end. The scrumptious recipes include such treats as ‘Aphrodisiac Brownies,’ and ‘Roasted Rock Cornish Game Hens with Rosemary and Lemon Butter.’
Readers who aren’t coffee drinkers don’t need to shy away from this tantalizing book and series. While there are references to coffee and all it’s amenities; there is murder, mayhem, and suspense all wrapped up with a splash of romance, a dollop of humor and a lot of love for family and friends.
Clare Cosi is the manager and head barista of the landmark Village Blend coffeehouse in Greenwich Village. Clare’s boss, Madame Dreyfus Allegro Dubbors (who is also her former mother-in-law) has gone into partnership with an old friend. Madame has agreed to use the Village Blend coffee beans to create a new java love potion, ‘Mocha Magic Coffee,’ billed as an aphrodisiac.
The new product will be sold exclusively online at Aphrodite’s Village, a popular website community for women. At the launch party, however, one of the website’s editors is murdered. When tragedy continues to strike the website’s Sisters of Aphrodite, Clare thinks the secret formula behind the ‘Mocha Magic Coffee’ is the key and could be illegal.
Clare works to find the answers to the murders and save her beloved Village Blend’s reputation at the same time. Can she uncover the killer before she becomes the next victim? The twists and surprises will keep you guessing.
To add to her mounting problems Clare’s boyfriend, police detective Mike Quinn, is asking ‘that’ question; her daughter, Joy, is home from Paris and closer than ever to Sergeant Franco; and a cold case involving a slain police officer has surfaced that implicates Madame.
Author Cleo Coyle has created a group of multifarious characters who are intriguing and likeable. She also introduces a group of eclectic minor characters who further add dimension to the story. As Clare undertakes to solve the murders, she also maintains her determination and loyalty to keep her family safe.
MURDER BY MOCH is the 10th installment in the Coffeehouse Mystery series and each new adventure just keeps getting more captivating. Readers are able to pick up any books in this series and not feel as though they are missing half the story. There’s just enough back story to help new readers understand, while reminding returning fans of exciting past adventures.
An extra feature of the book is the coffee-making tips and recipes included at the end. The scrumptious recipes include such treats as ‘Aphrodisiac Brownies,’ and ‘Roasted Rock Cornish Game Hens with Rosemary and Lemon Butter.’
March 28, 2012
Murder, Coffee, and Chocolate - what more could a mystery bookworm want?
This is the tenth installment in the Coffee House Mystery series and I enjoyed this book just as much as all the ones before it.
They say that revenge is a dish best served cold, but it can also be as bitter poorly brewed coffee. And bitter revenge is at the heart of this story. In addition to a well crafted (if slightly darker) mystery, we also get a glimpse into Madame's back story. Even if coffee is not your thing, mystery lovers will still enjoy this series and this installment in particular. Readers who find cozy mysteries to be a little too light, but are not quite ready for a true blood and guts thriller will find Murder by Mocha a nice compromise.
What I liked about this book: Personally, I like the inclusion of recipes and coffee brewing tips. However, if they are not your "cup of tea" you can easily ignore them as they are included at the end of the book rather than scattered throughout the story. I love all the regular characters. Reading about them is like having coffee with family. I also especially like that there is no "irritating, pain in the butt character." Many cozy mysteries include an annoying character as a foil for the heroine or maybe for comic relief. I'm never quite sure. Coyle's characters are well developed and in my opinion very interesting. I would love to learn more about any of them.
What I didn't like about the book: OK. The new barista, Nancy seems a little goofy. It was hard to figure out if she was truly the bumpkin she appears to be or if maybe she is hiding something. I wasn't sure why she was added to the story, but it certainly didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
If you have read any of my previous reviews of the Coffee House Mysteries you will know that I am a big fan. When I find a series I enjoy this much, I always begin to worry if the series will eventually get boring or annoying or just lose something. I'm very pleased to say that is not the case with this series. Murder by Mocha is a must read for Coyle fans and anyone who likes a mystery with a good cup of Joe.
This is the tenth installment in the Coffee House Mystery series and I enjoyed this book just as much as all the ones before it.
They say that revenge is a dish best served cold, but it can also be as bitter poorly brewed coffee. And bitter revenge is at the heart of this story. In addition to a well crafted (if slightly darker) mystery, we also get a glimpse into Madame's back story. Even if coffee is not your thing, mystery lovers will still enjoy this series and this installment in particular. Readers who find cozy mysteries to be a little too light, but are not quite ready for a true blood and guts thriller will find Murder by Mocha a nice compromise.
What I liked about this book: Personally, I like the inclusion of recipes and coffee brewing tips. However, if they are not your "cup of tea" you can easily ignore them as they are included at the end of the book rather than scattered throughout the story. I love all the regular characters. Reading about them is like having coffee with family. I also especially like that there is no "irritating, pain in the butt character." Many cozy mysteries include an annoying character as a foil for the heroine or maybe for comic relief. I'm never quite sure. Coyle's characters are well developed and in my opinion very interesting. I would love to learn more about any of them.
What I didn't like about the book: OK. The new barista, Nancy seems a little goofy. It was hard to figure out if she was truly the bumpkin she appears to be or if maybe she is hiding something. I wasn't sure why she was added to the story, but it certainly didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
If you have read any of my previous reviews of the Coffee House Mysteries you will know that I am a big fan. When I find a series I enjoy this much, I always begin to worry if the series will eventually get boring or annoying or just lose something. I'm very pleased to say that is not the case with this series. Murder by Mocha is a must read for Coyle fans and anyone who likes a mystery with a good cup of Joe.
September 24, 2021
Another murder for the Coffee Lady to try to solve. I’ve read the first 3 of Coyle’s books so there were a few characters/situations I missed. But none of that detracts from this cozy mystery. One of the drawbacks of this particular ‘brew’ was too many subplots, which made this reader get a little dizzy. But still 3 stars.
April 23, 2018
Why I read the book:
Murder by Mocha was part of a mystery book display at my local library. Since I enjoy all things coffee, I decided to give it a read. It is the tenth book in the Coffehouse Mystery series. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but I had no trouble reading Murder by Mocha as a stand alone book.
Synopsis of the book:
Clare Cosi is the manager and head barista of Village Blend, a popular coffeehouse in New York City. The Village Blend’s specially roasted coffee beans are being used in a new Mocha Magic Coffee touted as a caffeinated aphrodisiac. The company launching the product has a huge online presence as an online community especially for women. Things come screeching to a halt when one of the editors of the website is murdered. Against her will, at first, Clare finds herself drawn into the mystery. As things progress, questions are raised about the Mocha Magic Coffee, and Clare works to prove that her specially roasted coffee beans are above suspicion.
What I thought about the book:
Overall the book was good. The storyline kept me interested and guessing at who the murderer was right up to the end. Despite the excellence of the book, I am giving it a 2-star rating because the romance side of the story was far too steamy. Some of the kissing scenes were downright awkward in the way they were written, and some of the other allusions could have been left out without hurting the story in any way. If the romance hadn’t been such overkill, I would have given this book a 5-star rating, compared the author to Agatha Christi and Donald Bain, buying my own copy, and making space on my murder mystery bookshelf.
One final note:
Some of the other Goodreads reviews of this book say that Murder by Mocha is very different from the other Coffeehouse Mystery books. The general speculation seems to be that the different tone is because of the aphrodisiac product the plot centers around. Because of that, I am willing to try at least one other book in the series, rather than write it off completely. I plan to update this review after reading another book in the series.
Murder by Mocha was part of a mystery book display at my local library. Since I enjoy all things coffee, I decided to give it a read. It is the tenth book in the Coffehouse Mystery series. I haven’t read any of the other books in the series, but I had no trouble reading Murder by Mocha as a stand alone book.
Synopsis of the book:
Clare Cosi is the manager and head barista of Village Blend, a popular coffeehouse in New York City. The Village Blend’s specially roasted coffee beans are being used in a new Mocha Magic Coffee touted as a caffeinated aphrodisiac. The company launching the product has a huge online presence as an online community especially for women. Things come screeching to a halt when one of the editors of the website is murdered. Against her will, at first, Clare finds herself drawn into the mystery. As things progress, questions are raised about the Mocha Magic Coffee, and Clare works to prove that her specially roasted coffee beans are above suspicion.
What I thought about the book:
Overall the book was good. The storyline kept me interested and guessing at who the murderer was right up to the end. Despite the excellence of the book, I am giving it a 2-star rating because the romance side of the story was far too steamy. Some of the kissing scenes were downright awkward in the way they were written, and some of the other allusions could have been left out without hurting the story in any way. If the romance hadn’t been such overkill, I would have given this book a 5-star rating, compared the author to Agatha Christi and Donald Bain, buying my own copy, and making space on my murder mystery bookshelf.
One final note:
Some of the other Goodreads reviews of this book say that Murder by Mocha is very different from the other Coffeehouse Mystery books. The general speculation seems to be that the different tone is because of the aphrodisiac product the plot centers around. Because of that, I am willing to try at least one other book in the series, rather than write it off completely. I plan to update this review after reading another book in the series.
September 16, 2024
As always an entertaining read, plus coffee!
March 10, 2025
The Village Blend's coffee beans are being used in a love potion. The potion will be sold exclusively on some web site. At the launch party, there's a murder, and the investigation starts.
I felt this one wasn't quite up to par with some of the rest of the series.
I felt this one wasn't quite up to par with some of the rest of the series.
July 3, 2012
Holy Smoke and Rockets this book is twisty and the reader is going to have to pay close attention to the plotline if there is any chance of understand who is responsible and why.
I love when a well-liked series expands a character just a bit more; a character that you thought you knew, but come to find out that you only saw the tip of the iceberg. That is what happened with Madame Allegro DuBois in Murder by Mocha. I thought I knew her from the previous _____ books, but it appears that there was more to the instant love and friendship that she had with her daughter- in -law Clare. We now understand why after Clare’s divorce from Mateo, Madame still holds Claire closer than anyone one else.
As we know from the previous books, Clare is the manager of a coffee house that is owned by Madame, but there is more to Madame’s past and she had decided to help an old friend Alicia Bower who is trying to sell an aphrodisiac through an online consortium. Mocha Magic uses village blend coffee with a few other added ingredients. There is something more to these ingredients that literally leaves a person unable to control their libidos.
Mateo is concerned, Officer Mike is concerned and now there are dead bodies piling up. Not all are associated with the drink, but there is history with the woman that runs the online group and people keep dying.
That might be a bit misleading, the storyline is a tad interwoven and at the end, you really have to pay attention as to how the different characters are tied together and who is on the killers list and why.
I adore every character in the Coffeehouse mystery books. Cleo Coyle has a way of bringing out their personalities and quirks allowing the reader to differentiate between them.
New love abounds and comfortable love settles in.
I love when a well-liked series expands a character just a bit more; a character that you thought you knew, but come to find out that you only saw the tip of the iceberg. That is what happened with Madame Allegro DuBois in Murder by Mocha. I thought I knew her from the previous _____ books, but it appears that there was more to the instant love and friendship that she had with her daughter- in -law Clare. We now understand why after Clare’s divorce from Mateo, Madame still holds Claire closer than anyone one else.
As we know from the previous books, Clare is the manager of a coffee house that is owned by Madame, but there is more to Madame’s past and she had decided to help an old friend Alicia Bower who is trying to sell an aphrodisiac through an online consortium. Mocha Magic uses village blend coffee with a few other added ingredients. There is something more to these ingredients that literally leaves a person unable to control their libidos.
Mateo is concerned, Officer Mike is concerned and now there are dead bodies piling up. Not all are associated with the drink, but there is history with the woman that runs the online group and people keep dying.
That might be a bit misleading, the storyline is a tad interwoven and at the end, you really have to pay attention as to how the different characters are tied together and who is on the killers list and why.
I adore every character in the Coffeehouse mystery books. Cleo Coyle has a way of bringing out their personalities and quirks allowing the reader to differentiate between them.
New love abounds and comfortable love settles in.
February 8, 2013
I recently discovered this cozy mystery series. I have read some of the later books but would like to eventually read the whole series. All of the recurring characters are present in this book. I really like Clare (the main character) and her relationships with all the other characters, especially her lover Mike.
Clare Cosi along with her ex-husband and mother-in-law run a coffeehouse in NYC. She actually gets along with her exes. Matt (ex-hub) and Clare share a grown daughter, Joy, who is studying to be a chef in Paris. She is home for this story. Mike Quinn, a NYC police detective, and Clare have a very loving and modern relationship. Along with her day job Clare assists the police in solving murder mysteries. There are two mysteries to be solved in this book and both are intriguing.
I would highly recommend Murder by Mocha or any of the books in this series. If you enjoy reading Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries I think you would like these books. Think of Clare as a modern day, younger, Italian-American version of Miss Marple.
Clare Cosi along with her ex-husband and mother-in-law run a coffeehouse in NYC. She actually gets along with her exes. Matt (ex-hub) and Clare share a grown daughter, Joy, who is studying to be a chef in Paris. She is home for this story. Mike Quinn, a NYC police detective, and Clare have a very loving and modern relationship. Along with her day job Clare assists the police in solving murder mysteries. There are two mysteries to be solved in this book and both are intriguing.
I would highly recommend Murder by Mocha or any of the books in this series. If you enjoy reading Agatha Christie's Miss Marple mysteries I think you would like these books. Think of Clare as a modern day, younger, Italian-American version of Miss Marple.
November 19, 2019
Overall I liked this book. The killer was a little over the top. It all came back to revenge from something that happened in the past. Of course Clare is involved and like always finds herself in danger. Thankfully she has Mike to be there for her. I like him and sometimes I wonder why he stays with her.
January 12, 2024
SADLY ANOTHER 3 STARS. I REALLY HOPE THIS IS JUST A DIP AND THAT IT GETS BETTER IN THE NEXT ONE.
PREMISE: Clare’s Village Blend beans are being used to create a new java love potion: a “Mocha Magic Coffee” billed as an aphrodisiac. The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite’s Village, one of the Web’s most popular online communities for women. But the launch party ends on a sour note when one of the Website’s editors is found dead.
THOUGHTS: Sadly no real improvement on book 9. I was really hoping to love the "Mocha" moments of this book, but even that did't exactly WOW me. Again, as with book 9. I love when Madam IS there, but she's not there enough. The reveal once again was a let down. The book isn't horrible, it doesn't deserve 1 or even 2 stars. But it also wasn't amazing for me.
3 Stars.
xoxo.
PREMISE: Clare’s Village Blend beans are being used to create a new java love potion: a “Mocha Magic Coffee” billed as an aphrodisiac. The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite’s Village, one of the Web’s most popular online communities for women. But the launch party ends on a sour note when one of the Website’s editors is found dead.
THOUGHTS: Sadly no real improvement on book 9. I was really hoping to love the "Mocha" moments of this book, but even that did't exactly WOW me. Again, as with book 9. I love when Madam IS there, but she's not there enough. The reveal once again was a let down. The book isn't horrible, it doesn't deserve 1 or even 2 stars. But it also wasn't amazing for me.
3 Stars.
xoxo.
May 26, 2020
So, I've been reading/listening to these books as easy reading in the evenings. The first 9 books were pleasant. I'm no prude but it was nice to read some mysteries that were clean reading without the main characters having a sex scene in the book. Sure it has been alluded to but it wasn't necessary for the story. Well, this one completely disappointed me. It was like the author suddenly wanted to write steamy sex scenes. It turned me off right away and stopped reading the book. I'm now officially done with the series and disappointed that I invested so much time in them to only be let down at book ten.
March 6, 2018
Another entertaining murder, intrigue, corporate sabotage mixed with coffee and chocolate, what more could you want to entertain you for an afternoon!?! Claire and her cast of baristas, ex-husband, detective boyfriend and more are on the hunt to figure out multiple mysteries and each separate investigation could lead to the death of them all if they don't figure out the mystery in time. As always an entertaining mystery wrapped in humor and compassion to keep you loving the time you spend at the Village Blend!
January 21, 2018
Too many subplots spoiled this book. The main mystery involved a mocha drink, a mysterious web diva, and the murder of one of the website's organizers. The solution involves going back into the history of some of the women involved in the website. There's a subplot of corruption in the police department and another of a past love for Clare's ex-mother-in-law. And the mocha drink has a controlled substance in it.
November 19, 2019
This one involves a cold case, chocolate, instant coffee, a candy show, and an engagement. There is actually two cases which are marginally connected. It was interesting to find out what happened in the past. I was surprised that it happened the way that it did. I liked the candy show but not the reason why they were there.
April 21, 2018
Maybe this is rated higher because I have read a few subpar books lately, but it was nice to dive back into the Village Blend. The last book got a little steamy, but this one was back to charming. I like hanging out with these characters.
June 29, 2021
Fun read as usual. Good twists
July 19, 2021
I took a little break from this series but I am jumping back in. This was the perfect one to start with. Great refresher and I am looking forward to diving into the next one.
March 16, 2022
I could barely focus on it enough to really grasp what is going on. I think I’ll need a break from this series and characters.
July 28, 2022
I guess I read these out of order. But even though I read a book that follows this one, it was still a good story.
Read
October 9, 2022Comfort reading at its best. Just realized, because I am dense, that it should be called a "Cosi" mystery 🤣
January 25, 2021
This is one of my favorites in the series. It took me longer to finish just because I was busy.
This book had the normal unexpected twist and was a bit complicated but was really well put together.
This book had the normal unexpected twist and was a bit complicated but was really well put together.
June 2, 2021
I loved this installment of the series! Great story- kept guessing the whole time.
January 6, 2018
Murder by Mocha is the 10th book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series written by Cleo Coyle, the pseudonym for the husband and wife writing team of Alice and Marc Cerasini. The series first caught my eye at my local library, when I spotted book one, On What Grounds, with a delicious looking cup of coffee on the front. Since I am a huge coffee addict I was very intrigued by the promise of mystery with a side of coffee. This was actually my first real foray into the cozy mystery genre, and I’m glad to be here. What I love about the Coffee House Mystery series is that they are well written and intriguing mysteries, they are perfect for when you want to settle in with a good cozy book. Typically, I read a book from this series within a couple of days, curled up under a blanket, with a cup of coffee.
The series is set in modern day New York, revolving around the life of The Village Blend manager, Claire Cosi. This seemingly innocuous barista somehow manages to become ensconced in a variety of murder mysteries to which she is drawn like a moth to a flame. In the 10th book, Murder by Mocha, Claire finds herself entrenched within the corporate politics of a very unusual female focused corporation. As with anything that involves high levels of competition, and high stakes for those involved, tempers flare, schemes are hatched, and murder soon finds its way into Claire’s life.
The subsequent investigation leads Claire to the unraveling of a decade long grudge and gets herself caught up in the path of the killer. Not only is Claire in the crosshairs of a serious vendetta, she is also juggling personal troubles of her own. In addition to keeping her ex-husband clear of her daughter’s brewing romance with a young police officer, Claire’s own officer love, is hinting at questions of commitment If that wasn’t enough, Claire is also concerned over the involvement of her mother-in-law in a cold case that has now become a little hotter.
In the fashion that I have come to expect from a Coffeehouse Mystery, this story captured my attention while still allowing me to play along at a leisurely pace. Claire Cosi is the reluctant sleuth that one can’t help but cheer for as she stands her ground and defends those she holds dear to her heart.
The series is set in modern day New York, revolving around the life of The Village Blend manager, Claire Cosi. This seemingly innocuous barista somehow manages to become ensconced in a variety of murder mysteries to which she is drawn like a moth to a flame. In the 10th book, Murder by Mocha, Claire finds herself entrenched within the corporate politics of a very unusual female focused corporation. As with anything that involves high levels of competition, and high stakes for those involved, tempers flare, schemes are hatched, and murder soon finds its way into Claire’s life.
The subsequent investigation leads Claire to the unraveling of a decade long grudge and gets herself caught up in the path of the killer. Not only is Claire in the crosshairs of a serious vendetta, she is also juggling personal troubles of her own. In addition to keeping her ex-husband clear of her daughter’s brewing romance with a young police officer, Claire’s own officer love, is hinting at questions of commitment If that wasn’t enough, Claire is also concerned over the involvement of her mother-in-law in a cold case that has now become a little hotter.
In the fashion that I have come to expect from a Coffeehouse Mystery, this story captured my attention while still allowing me to play along at a leisurely pace. Claire Cosi is the reluctant sleuth that one can’t help but cheer for as she stands her ground and defends those she holds dear to her heart.
July 31, 2011
Murder by Mocha
By Cleo Coyle
Copyright August 2011
Publisher Berkeley
Clare's Village Blend coffee beans are being used to create a new java love potion: a "Mocha Magic Coffee," billed as an aphrodisiac. The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite's Village, one of the most popular online communities for women.
But at its launch, one of the website's editors is murdered. Clare is convinced a bitter killer wants the secret formula. Can she catch who's gone loco for mocha?
Clare is not happy about the contract with Aphrodite’s Village, not one bit. Unfortunately there’s nothing she can do about it since it was Madame who signed it. She has a feeling that this could destroy the Blend if anything goes wrong.
With the death of one of the Aphrodite “Sisters” Clare has to bring out all the big guns and find out who the actual killer is, the real motive and make sure that none of her “extended family” are hurt in the process. With the help of Matt, Mike, Franco, Madame and her staff of baristas Clare will winnow out the answers to each level of the mystery and come out smelling like a rose.
This is the tenth book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, and to my mind, the most complex storyline to date. In this book Cleo Coyle has fully shown the depth of her ability as a mystery author, not just a cozy one. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series with baited breath.
Writing as Alice Kimberly she is also the author of the “Haunted Bookshop Mysteries”. Cleo Coyle can be found hanging out at https://www.facebook.com/HelpNameMyBa... and also at http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author, who hoped I would consider if for review.
A twisting and turning plot with more up and downs then a Coney Island Roller Coaster. A must read book.
By Cleo Coyle
Copyright August 2011
Publisher Berkeley
Clare's Village Blend coffee beans are being used to create a new java love potion: a "Mocha Magic Coffee," billed as an aphrodisiac. The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite's Village, one of the most popular online communities for women.
But at its launch, one of the website's editors is murdered. Clare is convinced a bitter killer wants the secret formula. Can she catch who's gone loco for mocha?
Clare is not happy about the contract with Aphrodite’s Village, not one bit. Unfortunately there’s nothing she can do about it since it was Madame who signed it. She has a feeling that this could destroy the Blend if anything goes wrong.
With the death of one of the Aphrodite “Sisters” Clare has to bring out all the big guns and find out who the actual killer is, the real motive and make sure that none of her “extended family” are hurt in the process. With the help of Matt, Mike, Franco, Madame and her staff of baristas Clare will winnow out the answers to each level of the mystery and come out smelling like a rose.
This is the tenth book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, and to my mind, the most complex storyline to date. In this book Cleo Coyle has fully shown the depth of her ability as a mystery author, not just a cozy one. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series with baited breath.
Writing as Alice Kimberly she is also the author of the “Haunted Bookshop Mysteries”. Cleo Coyle can be found hanging out at https://www.facebook.com/HelpNameMyBa... and also at http://www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the author, who hoped I would consider if for review.
A twisting and turning plot with more up and downs then a Coney Island Roller Coaster. A must read book.
September 5, 2011
One of the main reasons that I enjoy this 'Coffeehouse Mystery' series is the complexity of every individual novel within it. This latest publication, "Murder By Mocha" is a fine example of layers upon layers of mysteries that blend a fine cup of coffee reading.
Our heros, Clare and Mike are joined in this episode by Joy and Matteo. To my continued delight is Madame and the Village Blend's crew,joined by a new member, Nancy. Finally, we have our additional cast of NYPD's finest.
Madame has entered the "Village Blend" into a new contract with a Chocolate maker and a corporation,Aphrodite to make an instant coffee that contains an aphrodisiac. Clare and Matt are shocked and dismayed as they are coffee perfectionists and can not approve of any 'instant' no matter how well made, what is Madame thinking.
This was only the second mystery inside this finely crafted book. We already knew someone has faked their own death, are the stories mixed? And, what is inside Madame's past that is considered a police cold case file that Mike is ordered to re-open?
Humor, as is to be expected is present. This book has witches, and munchkins and flying monkeys galore to keep you on your toes.
Treat yourself to some excellent writing, storytelling, and recipes! Welsh Rarebit was my personal instant favorite. I can barely wait for the next book.
Our heros, Clare and Mike are joined in this episode by Joy and Matteo. To my continued delight is Madame and the Village Blend's crew,joined by a new member, Nancy. Finally, we have our additional cast of NYPD's finest.
Madame has entered the "Village Blend" into a new contract with a Chocolate maker and a corporation,Aphrodite to make an instant coffee that contains an aphrodisiac. Clare and Matt are shocked and dismayed as they are coffee perfectionists and can not approve of any 'instant' no matter how well made, what is Madame thinking.
This was only the second mystery inside this finely crafted book. We already knew someone has faked their own death, are the stories mixed? And, what is inside Madame's past that is considered a police cold case file that Mike is ordered to re-open?
Humor, as is to be expected is present. This book has witches, and munchkins and flying monkeys galore to keep you on your toes.
Treat yourself to some excellent writing, storytelling, and recipes! Welsh Rarebit was my personal instant favorite. I can barely wait for the next book.
October 12, 2011
Cleo Coyle is the pen name for a multi-published author who collaborates with her husband to write the best-selling Coffeehouse Mysteries. In “Murder By Mocha,” the latest installment in this series, Clare Cosi, manager and head barista of the landmark Village Blend Coffee House, is expanding her business in a very enterprising way. Her Village Blend coffee beans are being used to create a new java love potion…Mocha Magic Coffee, billed as an aphrodisiac. The product, which is expected to rake in millions of dollars, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite’s Village, one of the web’s most popular on-line communities for women.
But the launch party for Mocha Magic Coffee turns sour before it can get started when the Aphrodite editor responsible for the product wakes up the morning of the party and finds a dead man in her bed. Or is he really dead?
Squaring her shoulders, Clare decides the launch party, which Village Blend is catering, must go on—a very bad idea when another Aphrodite editor is found dead. Followed shortly by another one. And what the heck is the secret ingredient in Mocha Magic anyway?
Coffee-making tips and yummy recipes are also included in this cozy, which is a delicious edition to a fun series.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
But the launch party for Mocha Magic Coffee turns sour before it can get started when the Aphrodite editor responsible for the product wakes up the morning of the party and finds a dead man in her bed. Or is he really dead?
Squaring her shoulders, Clare decides the launch party, which Village Blend is catering, must go on—a very bad idea when another Aphrodite editor is found dead. Followed shortly by another one. And what the heck is the secret ingredient in Mocha Magic anyway?
Coffee-making tips and yummy recipes are also included in this cozy, which is a delicious edition to a fun series.
Reviewed by Susan Santangelo, author of “Moving Can Be Murder” for Suspense Magazine
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