Cleo Cooper left ocean-dipping weekends as a psychology professor in Hawaii to sample life in the high desert of Santa Fe for her sabbatical. With her romantic relationship on the rocks in Hawaii, Cleo falls for Luc, a charming international expert in her field and is tempted to make the change permanent. She enjoys the people, the work, and the sparkling conversations, even if they come with a bite. But, when a wealthy backer of her project is killed, the snarky scientists, artists, and a Saudi ex-pat, who Cleo thought were her new friends, are now at the top of the suspect list. And with a killer on the loose, Cleo finds her life, and her love, in danger.
This novel is more of a deep dive into Cleo's life in Santa Fe than it is a murder investigation. There is a good mix of information on Santa Fe culture with Cleo's advancing relationship with Luc. The murder investigation seems to take a back seat and come forward only from time to time. There are also a couple of additional themes explored, both involving people who moved to the U.S. from oppressive countries. It seemed Cleo was not quite as intelligent in this novel as in the earlier one. The villain is eventually identified but not because of Cleo's astute work.
This is a mystery for readers who like the exploration of an interesting setting and an emphasis on the amateur sleuth's life. It is the second in a series and people from the first book are referenced in this one but are not essential to the plot, so this book reads fine on its own.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The book pulled me in from the very beginning and kept me flipping the pages. The author gives just enough background to help new readers feel caught up while keeping the mystery moving forward.
Cleo, a psychology professor on sabbatical in Santa Fe, finds herself tangled in a murder case when she’s asked to help prove a friend’s innocence. I liked that Cleo isn’t a perfect detective—she’s thoughtful and observant but sometimes uncertain, which made her feel real. Her relationship with Luc adds some warmth and complexity, though it never overshadows the main mystery.
The story was layered with different threads: the murder investigation, Cleo’s life back in Hawaii unfolding through phone calls, and themes involving immigration and identity. I appreciated the mix—it gave depth to the story while keeping things interesting. The setting in Santa Fe was beautifully described, and I could clearly picture the community and places Cleo moved through.
What I enjoyed most was how the mystery kept me guessing. The suspects were believable, each with motives that made me pause. I thought I had figured it out a few times, but the final reveal still caught me off guard.
This book had everything I love in a cozy mystery—an intelligent lead, great pacing, interesting side plots, and a surprise ending. I’m definitely curious to see where Cleo’s next adventure takes her.
This is the second book in the Cleo Cooper mystery series and I feel like we really get to know Cleo more as a character in this story. This novel is set in Santa Fe but the Hawaii feeling is still there and it’s scary to read about what is happening in Cleo’s home country. It makes me feel grateful to live in a country with no volcanoes.
Just like the first novel, Cleo finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery trying to unravel the clues whilst also navigating her new relationship with Luc and her complicated feelings for her ex boyfriend, Ben. It’s a good read and I enjoyed the variety of different characters. I couldn’t guess what was going to happen. If you enjoy mysteries this is a good series to read.
I really loved this book. The setting in Santa Fe gave it such a unique atmosphere—dusty, intellectual, a little tense—and the whole thing had this quiet, simmering suspense that worked so well. Cleo is sharp and observant, but still feels real, not over-polished like some mystery leads can be.
The story develops gradually, and I liked that it didn’t rely on over-the-top twists. It’s more thoughtful and grounded, and that actually made it more satisfying. The characters are layered and complicated, and you’re never quite sure who to trust, which kept me reading late.
It’s smart without being heavy, and the writing has this understated confidence that I really appreciated. Definitely glad I picked this up for the tour—and I’ll be looking for whatever the author writes next.
Cross-cultural psychologist Cleo Cooper has been craving a change of scenery away from her life on the Big Island. Taking a sabbatical from her comfortable but mundane job at the university and separating from her live-in boyfriend, Cleo relocates to Santa Fe, New Mexico. There, she hopes to make a real difference in the community by assisting her handsome friend Luc with immigration. But after Ginger, one of Luc’s close friends, is murdered, Cleo finds herself embroiled in the investigation. Ginger dedicated her life to helping native women who have been victimized by sexual assault and violence. Who would want to murder her? Between the detective working on the case and Cleo’s amateur sleuthing skills, they are determined to get to the bottom of the murder. Was it someone who disagreed with Ginger’s advocacy, or was it someone in her inner circle—the mooching boyfriend or the adoring friend?
Elegance and Evil: A Cleo Cooper Mystery by DK Coutant is a thrilling whodunit, teeming with mystery and intrigue. When a senseless murder rears its ugly head, Cleo Cooper begins questioning everyone in their circle. The burning question is: Who would benefit from Ginger’s death? It seems some have more to gain with her out of the picture, and Cleo is determined to whittle down the list of suspects. From death threats using a voice synthesizer to a snowboarder with an angry vendetta, it is clear the guilty party does not want Cleo or the others sniffing around.
Beyond the mysterious conundrum of the murder, Coutant has done an excellent job of building a relationship between Cleo and Luc. On the heels of her failed relationship with her boyfriend back in Hawaii, Cleo tries to be cautious and not let the stars in her eyes blind her. Still, Luc seems to offer her everything her ex could not—adventure, communication, and a searing physical attraction. But it isn’t all easy; with any new relationship, you have to take the good with the bad and decide whether it is worth the risk. Sure, Luc seems like a perfect match, but there are differences that she cannot ignore, such as conflicting plans for the future and some members of his family who are reluctant to accept her. Was love with Luc worth the gamble? I sure had fun finding out!
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery sprinkled with new romance excitement, Elegance and Evil is a worthy choice. The novel will appeal to readers who appreciate both small-town sleuthing and strong female leads. I am crossing my fingers for another Cleo Cooper Mystery!
Elegance and Evil is Book 2 in A Cleo Cooper Mystery by D K Coutant. Cleo is on sabbatical from Hawaii where had fled a murderer in book 1. (if you haven't read book 1, it is excellent). I found that the author perfectly wove the characters and storyline and I was pulled into the murder/mystery right along with the characters. I was blown away with the ending. Were you able to solve the crime before Cleo? I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
I don’t often find a mystery that balances intellectual suspense, cultural nuance, and emotion with this much skill. DK Coutant’s Elegance and Evil was such a rewarding read—not only because the mystery kept me engaged from start to finish, but because it gave me something to think about on nearly every page. It’s a book that respects the reader’s intelligence without becoming self-indulgent, and that alone makes it stand out in a genre where formula often wins out over substance.
Set against the dusty, quietly intense backdrop of Santa Fe, the novel follows Cleo Cooper, a psychology professor on sabbatical who arrives in New Mexico hoping for a fresh start. What she doesn’t expect is to become embroiled in a murder investigation—one that hits uncomfortably close to the academic and social circles she’s just stepped into. There’s something very real and grounded about Cleo. She’s not quirky-for-the-sake-of-it, nor is she a hard-nosed detective type. She’s thoughtful, observant, and a little off-balance, the way most people are when their lives are in flux.
Characterization: Smart, Subtle, and Satisfying Cleo is written with care and restraint. She’s someone you want to spend time with—not because she’s perfect or has all the answers, but because her perspective feels honest. She brings both a scientific lens and a personal vulnerability to the story, and that duality is part of what makes the narrative feel so grounded. The supporting cast is equally nuanced. I especially appreciated the way Coutant allows characters to be morally complex. There’s no cartoonish villain here—just ambition, pride, old wounds, cultural divides, and personal blind spots.
Luc, the charismatic researcher Cleo falls for, is particularly well-drawn. Their relationship isn’t there just to add romantic flavor—it’s messy, unpredictable, and reveals something important about Cleo’s emotional state. The romance never overshadows the mystery; it deepens it.
Setting as Character Santa Fe is not just a backdrop in this book—it breathes on every page. The landscape, the culture, the undercurrent of tension between old traditions and intellectual elitism—it all feeds into the story’s central question: what does it mean to belong in a place or a group? Coutant uses the setting to explore this without ever being heavy-handed. The desert’s silence, the dryness in the air, the way time seems to stretch differently there—it all mirrors Cleo’s inner world.
A Mystery That Trusts the Reader What impressed me most is the mystery. There’s no cheap bait-and-switch here. Coutant writes like someone who has deep respect for her readers. Clues are layered in thoughtfully, conversations carry weight, and the tension builds without relying on jump scares or overdone drama. The pacing is deliberate—but never slow. Instead of racing toward the finish, the plot simmers. You get the sense that you’re learning about these people, this place, and this academic world in real time, and the murder is not just a “whodunit,” but a lens through which all these dynamics are tested.
Themes: Culture, Power, and Perception This is where Elegance and Evil really shines. It isn’t just about a crime—it’s about what motivates people, what corrupts ideals, and how ambition can twist even the most well-meaning minds. The academic setting allows for exploration of cultural misunderstandings, social dynamics, and power structures without ever feeling preachy. There’s a subtle thread running through the novel about the limitations of perception—how even the most educated people can miss what’s right in front of them because of ego, habit, or assumption.
Writing Style: Elegant and Clear DK Coutant’s writing style is clean, thoughtful, and unshowy in the best way. There’s a quiet confidence in the writing that I really admired. No wasted words, no overwriting, but plenty of richness. Dialogue feels natural, and the narration gives just enough without over-explaining. Coutant’s background clearly brings authenticity to the academic setting, but she never lets jargon get in the way of story.
Final Thoughts I closed this book feeling satisfied—not just because I had answers to the mystery, but because I had spent time with characters and ideas that felt fully realized. It’s rare to find a mystery that takes its time in this way, trusting the reader to reflect, to question, and to sit with ambiguity until it’s time for clarity.
I’ll absolutely be reading more from DK Coutant, and I’ll be recommending this one to anyone who appreciates a smart, slow-burn mystery with real emotion.
This is a new mystery novel set in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It's the second in a series of Cleo Cooper mysteries but don't worry if you haven't read the first. I haven't and it didn't spoil the enjoyment of this one.
Cleo is a psychology professor and she's moved from Hawaii to Santa Fe on a six month sabbatical. There are references to friends and events in Hawaii which no doubt refer to the first book but it's cleverly built into the story so that it feels natural and gives a little background information without getting in the way of the plot.
Cleo soon falls for Luc, an international expert in her field of expertise and life seems good until the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy backer of her project, a well liked and respected woman. What at first is taken for a tragic accident is soon discovered to be murder and someone amongst Cleo's new circle of friends could be involved.
When an FBI agent turns up and takes particular interest in a friend of Luc's they ask Cleo to help out as they know she was involved in solving a murder back in Hawaii.
I thought I was getting a murder mystery with amateur sleuthing and it is, up to a point. But what it's more like is a drama about Cleo's life. There's much more time spent on relationships and romance than there is on investigating the mystery. In fact Cleo has little to do with any sleuthing for a lot of the novel. It doesn't detract from an enjoyable easy read. It's just different from what I expected and I liked the insights into Santa Fe and Hawaiian culture with particular emphasis on oppressed people and the work being done by a Women's Centre. It's a novel where the side plots take over, such as a volcano eruption in Hawaii. Cleo is very likeable but doesn't exhibit any particular skill at mystery solving and even the FBI agent appears very little. An interesting blend of genres which works well as a quick summer read.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
Elegance and Evil by DK Coutant is part of the Cleo Cooper Mystery series. Although I had not read the first book in this series, there was enough background information to keep me interested.
Cleo is front and center while on a sabbatical from her university job in Hawaii. Currently stationed in Santa Fe, New Mexico, she gets caught up in helping solve a murder along with the possibility of other crimes. The story is marked by numerous twists and turns, with multiple storylines that each contain several key details, all of which are important. She creates a new circle of friends through Luc, with whom she is working while on sabbatical.
As clues and red herrings are thrust upon us, we have to sift through them to figure out whodunnit and whether it is the same person involved in the multiple crimes. The special agent in charge appears laid-back, but he has his work cut out for him. Cleo helped solve a case in Hawaii and is relied upon by some of the others for her observations and calm demeanor. There is closure with the solving of whodunnit and why, but the story needed to go on a little longer for the romance aspect of it. There were also a few other loose ends.
Elegance and Evil is a cozy mystery with vivid descriptions, and so much to sift through. My interest was held from the first page to the last, and I would like to see Cleo in action again.
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded to 5 stars here and on other sites.
What a wonderful read! I had not read the first Cleo Cooper book, and did not need to to completely fall into Elegance and Evil. I was captured from the first page of the book as I wondered what was going to happen to the snarky and arrogant Jon, knowing that someone that obnoxious could not be a good character – but I was pleasantly surprised!
Cleo is on sabbatical from her job in Hawaii, but has not left her life in Hawaii behind as she constantly keeps in touch with, and shows concern for, her friends and housemate as a volcano erupts and lava encroaches upon them. Early in the book we meet Cleo’s colleague Luc, and Luc’s friends, as Luc has invited Cleo to join him at a dinner party. The dinner party is at the home of Ginger where we meet Kyle, Samia and her husband Matias. The group contains many interesting personalities, not all of whom like each other and all of whom become suspects when one of the crowd is murdered.
Elegance and Evil is such a great book – I read it in one setting as so many questions are posed that you cannot wait to find out the answers. It’s a book that truly makes you think! All of the characters are great, even the snarky scientists, and they all have back stories waiting to unfold. The mystery is difficult to solve – no one character was the obvious culprit as Cleo very adeptly figured out. The book does keep you guessing until the end and a what a surprise ending!
Combine the characters, with the murder, the many sub-stories, a little romance, and the beautiful setting of Santa Fe and you have a top notch read – not one to miss! Very much looking forward to reading book 1, and 3 and hopefully many more!
This was my first book by this author and while it is #2 in the series, I never felt like I was lost or missing details on the main character that may have ben paid out in the first book.
First the positives: This was a super quick read at less than 230 pages! While there were many characters in the suspect category, the end result came quickly and was a small surprise. Did I guess it....yes I did. But I've also read a lot of books in this genre so it's a hard thing to trick me. I did like how this book highlights crimes against Native American women and presents that others outside of normal avenues will do work to protect against those acts, but it also is made to be a small thing overall.
Now the slight cons: There seemed to be a lot of character development in this book and because I haven't read the first one, I'm not too sure which characters are new or old and being overly described, While we learn a lot about Cleo, I did find myself annoyed by Cleo as she plays the role of the girl who seemingly wanted and couldn't keep her hands off the new guy but also was way too attached to and always curious about the guy she dropped so easily back home. A small part of the book that comes out throughout but it's something that I guess drives me crazy and I seemingly wanted to scream at Cleo over it so I felt it worth mentioning in the dislikes, It felt unnecessary to the overall story and truly a bad character detail for Cleo - made me dislike her.
Ignoring that, overall a quick read and decent story.
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Cleo Cooper, psychology professor, is new to Santa Fe. She there temporarily on a sabbatical. But her attraction to her colleague Luc has her considering it a permanent move. Her reputation as an amateur crime-solver precedes her, though. She’s asked by one of Luc’s friends, Joe, to clear his name in a murder case.
It’s a tightknit community of colleagues, and as an outsider looking in, Cleo isn’t as convinced as Luc the man didn’t kill the victim. But she accepts. And, in all the best mystery-novel fashion, trouble ensues.
Elegance and Evil is jampacked with everything good about the genre. There’s a cast of believable, diverse characters that offer an extra dimension to the story. And everyone seems to have a motive, opportunity, or means.
Which means, as a reader, I had a fabulous time ricocheting all over the chapters, trying to detect the killer. Just for the record, I was wrong.
Her characters are all sharply written, her setting a perfect backdrop to the story, and the romance between Cleo and Luc is an added bonus.
But wait, there’s more…
The subplot of the problems her friends in Hawaii are having is original and gave the story an extra layer of tension.
Elegance and Evil is the ideal read for mystery lovers. And a great introduction to the genre for those looking to expand their reading horizons.
For some reason this is my first read by this author, yet it's the second book in the Cleo Cooper Mystery series.
No clue how I missed that, but it might have something to do with this amazing front cover image!
You may or may not know that I have a strong fear of birds, especially larger black birds, so I feel that I may have been a little distracted by the big one on this cover!
Why did I grab it??, because although I fear them, they fit perfectly into this genre of book that I absolutely love!
Now, it really didn't matter that I hadn't read the first book in this series, this story still worked just fine being a complete mystery and I didn't feel like I'd missed too much in the development of the character even though there was some mention of life before.
I really liked Cleo, a psychology professor now on sabbatical in Santa Fe.
With a new romance blossoming and a good circle of friends, it's a shock when a wealthy backer of the project is found murdered.
And one of Cleo's circle is to blame - but which one will turn out to be guilty?
Given this is sold as a mystery, I was left wondering about where much of Cleo's sleuthing abilities were.
There was a lot going on here and I did immerse myself in the storyline - and I enjoyed it!
But this was much more a drama about Cleo than a traditional murder mystery.
This is an interesting series and I certainly want to go back and read the first book before I move further forward.
Cleo's a great character to explore and I think this could become a great series to follow.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A character-driven novel with a light touch of mystery
Elegance and Evil is the second installment in the Cleo Cooper Mystery series, though the emphasis leans more toward Cleo’s personal journey than the murder at the heart of the plot. The story follows Cleo, a psychology professor on sabbatical in Santa Fe, as she navigates a new chapter in life—both professionally and romantically. While a murder does occur, it often feels secondary to Cleo’s day-to-day experiences, conversations, and burgeoning relationships.
As a mystery, the novel falls a bit short. The suspense takes a back seat to character development, and readers looking for a tightly woven, clue-driven whodunit may find themselves wanting more. That said, the final reveal was unexpected, which added a satisfying twist near the end.
Aesthetic elements like the title and cover felt slightly disconnected from the actual content—particularly if the title refers to a character like Mimi, who plays a minimal role in the narrative. Still, the writing is pleasant, and fans of leisurely, character-centric fiction set against a vibrant Santa Fe backdrop may enjoy this as a light, entertaining read.
If you're here for an engaging slice-of-life story with a touch of intrigue, Elegance and Evil delivers. But if you’re seeking a mystery that drives the plot forward, you may find it a bit lacking.
Elegance and Evil by DK Coutant is an engaging murder mystery read. DK Coutant lures readers into the fictional world with a relatable main protagonist. Cleo has a lot on her plate. Now, just when she thinks things are going her way finally, life throws not one but many lemons her way. Cleo meets a variety of characters both good and bad. Some of them I would save have a lot of suspicious behaviors and motives. Adventure and crime wait for no-one. Cleo learns that first hand. Starting what would be a grand new beginning ends in murder with a lot of suspects. Cleo reminds me of the lead female sleuth in Murder She Wrote. It is hard for not to get involved once she is.
This is another fabulously well-done whodunnit kind of murder mystery. One that digs into you and holds you captive until the last page. The ending also makes me want to more by this talented writer, DK Coutant. I love finding new writers to add to my reading lists. This book is a keeper for all crime fiction fans! Especially for those who love Agatha Christie, Anthony Horowitz, and Sandra Brown.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Thank you LBT for having me on this book review tour and for my gifted copy of my EPUB.
This is book 2 in this series. I feel like in this book we focus more on Cleo and her life. But we still have murder and Cleo is starting to look at everyone in her circle and wonder who would want to kill Ginger. I love this author. Truly I do. I really like the building of the relationship of Cleo and Luc. Cleo isn’t trusting herself all the way and Luc is basically offering her everything her ex couldn’t but I mean then you have to take the good with the bad that comes with any new relationship or potential to become serious. It’s something only Cleo can figure out and reading along was a ride for sure. This whole book was a ride for sure a ride I didn’t want to get off of. A ride I wanted to keep going on !! I definitely couldn’t figure out the crime or The Who done it every time I thought I did something else would make me think differently. The ending blew me away yep sure did. Definitely a book I highly recommend. Also grab the first one while you’re at it. These are books I’m definitely going to purchase cause I want to share with friends. Peeps run to get this !!!
This is the second book in this series; I read and very much enjoyed the first book, but this book stands alone well. Cleo is a great character, a psychology professor from Hawaii who is taking her sabbatical in Santa Fe, an interesting setting for the book. She is striking up a relationship with Luc, the only person she knows in the area. As she is meeting his friends, a variety of intellectuals and people of striking accomplishments, she’s trying to establish connections and perhaps wants to be able to make friends, but there seems to be more tension than normal amongst several of the people she’s meeting. When there’s a murder, Cleo is asked to investigate a bit, as she was instrumental in solving a murder in Hawaii the year before. The problem is, there’s a plethora of suspects and a lot underlies the surface of these people, as she digs deeper. The mystery is well-conceived and well-written; I enjoyed it very much. I can definitely recommend this book and the series and would love to read the next book. I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.
Cleo Cooper is on a sabbatical in Santa Fe. She misses her home in Hawaii but is shocked to learn that one of the volcanoes have erupted and many of her friends are affected there. Then one of her acquaintances in Santa Fe, Ginger, is found dead in the desert. The death is by heat stroke according to the police, but is it?
The suspects range from the son of a Russian spy to a Saudi Arabian woman who works with abused women in a Center run by Ginger and her. While the FBI is on the case, Cleo Cooper does her own investigation. The moment she begins to investigate, someone tries to kill her. It is not just once multiple attempts are made to kill her but why?
Zipping between Hawaii and Santa Fe, the author ensures logic drives the narrative instead of common prejudice against a particular nationality in a mystery thriller. It was refreshing to read, and I learnt in the end, the author is also a geopolitical forecaster. No wonder.
The writing is crisp, fast paced. It would be the perfect read if you wish to curl up with a book for the weekend.
Cleo is back with another mystery and I was hooked. This time she is on sabbatical in Santa Fe working with Luc. After attending a dinner party with his friends she finds herself involved in another murder investigation. One is dead, one is the leading suspect, and all of them are keeping things..I really enjoy this series and Cleo and how she incorporates psychology from her work and the culture of the area into her investigations. This time her relationships are changing as she is far from Hawaii and her supportive friends. She is also feeling the very understandable emotion of guilt at being safe as the island is in danger from the erupting volcano. There is connection and chemistry with Luc but Cleo worries if there is a future and I enjoyed watching her learn more about herself as she tried to figure it out. This book ends leaving me with questions and I can’t wait for another book.
I recommend this book to readers that enjoy cozy mysteries that weave in psychology and culture.
The second entry in the author’s Cleo Cooper mystery series is a deftly plotted and casually narrated, semi-cozy mystery sure to appeal to mystery readers. I very much enjoy the current trend of what I call “casual” narration where the dialog and description are well crafted but not overly complicated. The characters seem like real people – those I like and who could be my friend (Cleo) and those who I would immediately walk away from (Jon). This kind of narration makes the reader feel a part of the story and is not as whimsical and silly as most cozy mysteries.
Coutant uses her real life expertise to craft appealing characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing. Cleo is smart, sassy, and loyal to a fault. She wends her way through an unfamiliar environment made more complicated by a murder but still manages to outwit the bad guys. I enjoyed this one enough I’ll seek out Coutant’s first Cleo Cooper mystery and will look forward to the next one.
I was expecting a cosy murder mystery but there is so much more. Although this is book 2, it can easily be read as a standalone. I enjoyed the opening chapters especially the dinner date where we are introduced to the characters. I was drawn to some and dislike others which helps set up the story very well as i was instantly suspicious of them all. Even the ones you like, you’re thinking are they too good to be true.
I liked learning about Cleo’s life back home in Hawaii and how the events of the volcano were causing her additional conflict.
A throughly interesting and engaging story that had my mind trying to figure out who was guilty.
I did feel it a little slow at times, some repetitive information and the focus (most of the time) was on Cleo’s life in Santa Fe more than the murder investigation but I enjoyed it and will be reading book 1, Evil Alice and the Borzoi
Thank you, DK Coutant & Love Books Tours for having me on this wonderful tour.
Book 2 of the Cleo Cooper Mystery Series was a fast read.
Cleo is on sabbatical in New Mexico when her amateur sleuthing skills are requested when a wealthy philanthropist is found dead and a friend of a friend is accused.
Cleo is an interesting character with her psychology background. She continues to evolve from Book 1. The supporting cast in this one were well developed, some with serious personal flaws, you almost want them all to be guilty to get justice! They certainly keep you guessing if you like to solve the mystery with the MC.
I do like Luc and the budding romance in this suspense. I am definitely on Team Luc and hope Cleo doesn’t go back to Hawaii! But I would miss her Hawaii girlfriends if that happens.
This is an entertaining cozy series! Looking forward to Book 3.
This is Book 2 in A Cleo Cooper Mystery by D K Coutant. Cleo Cooper is a psychology professor in Hawaii who left on sabbatical for Santa Fe to work a project. There she meets Luc who is an international expert in her field. She seems to have fallen for Luc and is considering making her stay in Santa Fe permanent since she has met so many nice people. But when one of the backers of her project is murdered, the people who she thought were her friends, become her suspect list. Is this more than she bargained for? I her new life and relationship with Luc in danger? This is a fun fast paced read that keeps you engaged until the very end. I highly recommend not only this second book, but the first book as well. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Elegance and Evil by DK Coutant is book number 2 in the Cleo Cooper mystery series by the author. Cleo is our MC who is on leave from her job in Hawaii. She is currently traveling to New Mexico and trying to help solve a murder in this book. The special agent in Hawaii comes back to help solve the case in New Mexico, like in the first book where he was soling a case in Hawaii. The characters are down to earth and well written and relatable to the readers. I also enjoyed the romance between Luc and Cleo in this book. I always love a good mystery with a romance written in the pages! Cleo is also thinking of making stay in New Mexico more permanent as she really likes Luc and the nice people in the town. I love a good whodunit mystery and this was a good one folks.
In book two of the Cleo Cooper Mysteries, DK Coutant trades the tropical charm of Hawaii for the beauty of Santa Fe, delivering a richer, more layered mystery. This story deepens Cleo’s character as she navigates new professional terrain, romantic temptation, and a murder that shatters her sabbatical. The cast is a sharp and engaging mixture of scientists and artists with secrets simmering beneath their exteriors. The author’s descriptive voice brings the desert setting to life, and while the narrative occasionally slows, the plot’s momentum and suspense keep the pages turning. An enjoyable mystery with emotional stakes and a good dose of whodunit.
Elegance and Evil is the continuing story of Cleo Cooper, a psychologist from Hawaii, who is spending her sabbatical in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
In New Mexico, Cleo’s new boyfriend, Luc is part of a very eclectic and at times, intellectually snobby group of friends.
When one person in the group dies and the police suspect foul play, Cleo finds herself in the middle of a police investigation and maybe in danger herself.
This book is part of a series, but could easily be read as a standalone book. I found the characters to be mature and well-written and the storyline to be engaging. It also kept me guessing until the very end.
I couldn’t wait to dive back into book 2 of the Cleo Cooper Mysteries, I really enjoyed book 1. This book cover is so different to the brightly coloured ‘Evil Alice and the Borzoi’, but the cover of book 2 matches the darker aspects of Santa Fe. We learn more of Chloe’s relationship with Luc in this book and although it could be read as standalone you would miss out on the character background and growth. These books are a cosy mystery but are more character driven than the crime side, which is lovely as you get to know the characters and although I enjoy Chloe’s amateur sleuthing it’s not the main draw of the book. I’m looking forward to what comes next.
I read and loved the first book in the series, Evil Alice and the Borzoi earlier in the year. So naturally, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on book two. And there’s a corvid on the cover - come on! What’s not love? Anyway, let’s get to the good stuff. Book two did not disappoint. It was good to be back with Cleo, her love life and her amateur sleuthing ways. I love a good mystery and Cleo is a great protagonist. There is enough jeopardy in the plot to keep the reader hooked but the added detail of Cleo’s personal life sets it apart from a regular mystery which just focuses on the crimes. A great read. I recommend you check out this and the book that came before it.
Honestly, there's not much to complain about for this book! Felt like I was reading a game of clue since I'm not used to reading murder mysteries. The author did really well on the world building and definitely gave a bunch of information on not only the main characters but even the side ones, too. My only "issue" is that the author kept talking about Cleo's friends in Hawaii when all i wanted was to know who the killer was, but that's just a me problem. Also, I did not know it was the second book in a series since it didn't feel like I was missing anything.
Cosy crime meets budding romance for our heroine Cleo in the second novel in the series, against the luxurious and seductive backdrop of Santa Fe. Whilst a reading of book 1 isn't necessary to pick up the story, it does help with the development of Cleo. The murder feels like it takes a backseat to her character development and growing relationship with Luc. All the glamour of Santa Fe mixes with a hotpot of characters and soon it seems there is a darker side to the stunning location and its cast of characters. An entertaining read. #eleganceandevil #dkcoutant #blogtour