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Roasted Love Cozy #1
A Cup of Murder
It's been a rough week for Laila Rook, the barista at Roasted Love, a community favorite indie coffeehouse that serves coffee in ceramic cups and features art from local artists on the walls.
A new upscale chain coffeehouse, Sunrise, opened across the street, and Laila's customers are leaving. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business and enjoys letting them know with his rudeness and his mean Doberman.
Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down, and he's not being too quiet about it, either.
When the owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms, is found murdered by poison in his coffee and the Jacob is the prime suspect, Laila has to decide if Jacob could be guilty and figure out how to save Roasted Love from closing - not to mention balance a cute paramedic and an orphaned Doberman.
Between Jacob's mood swings and things not adding up, the clock is ticking on the future of Roasted Love.
Book 1 of the Roasted Love Cozy Mystery Series. More Cozy Mysteries are coming. Book 2 of Roasted Love Cozy Mysteries is HOT COFFEE, ICED SANTA - part of a culinary cozy mystery series.
A new upscale chain coffeehouse, Sunrise, opened across the street, and Laila's customers are leaving. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business and enjoys letting them know with his rudeness and his mean Doberman.
Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down, and he's not being too quiet about it, either.
When the owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms, is found murdered by poison in his coffee and the Jacob is the prime suspect, Laila has to decide if Jacob could be guilty and figure out how to save Roasted Love from closing - not to mention balance a cute paramedic and an orphaned Doberman.
Between Jacob's mood swings and things not adding up, the clock is ticking on the future of Roasted Love.
Book 1 of the Roasted Love Cozy Mystery Series. More Cozy Mysteries are coming. Book 2 of Roasted Love Cozy Mysteries is HOT COFFEE, ICED SANTA - part of a culinary cozy mystery series.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2014
103 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
September 4, 2015
A Cup of Murder (A Roasted Love Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by Cam Larson
Laila Rook is the barista at Roasted Love coffeehouse. A coffeehouse chain, Sunrise, opened across the street and Roasted Love is losing business. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business. But Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down. When Michael Simms is found murdered by poison in his coffee, Jacob is the prime suspect. Laila tries to solve the crime and keep Roasted Love in business.
A fast paced cozy murder mystery. Laila is likable, and a nice person. The plot moves swift and there are many suspects. A Cup of Murder is the perfect blend for a cozy murder/mystery. Those who like this genre should enjoy this fun read.
Laila Rook is the barista at Roasted Love coffeehouse. A coffeehouse chain, Sunrise, opened across the street and Roasted Love is losing business. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business. But Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down. When Michael Simms is found murdered by poison in his coffee, Jacob is the prime suspect. Laila tries to solve the crime and keep Roasted Love in business.
A fast paced cozy murder mystery. Laila is likable, and a nice person. The plot moves swift and there are many suspects. A Cup of Murder is the perfect blend for a cozy murder/mystery. Those who like this genre should enjoy this fun read.
December 31, 2014
As cozies go, not bad for a first book but not great. Would make sure it was proofread and coffee drinks were correctly described. Picked this up as a Free Kindle book and it's a perfect "throw away" read while waiting for various appointments.
April 13, 2015
Not even a full pot...
Of coffee could keep me awake for this one. I recommend a good editor and a red pencil. Words improperly used and elementary sentence structure is the tip of the iceberg.
Of coffee could keep me awake for this one. I recommend a good editor and a red pencil. Words improperly used and elementary sentence structure is the tip of the iceberg.
July 28, 2015
Fair
The book has a decent story but the protagonist is just a little too formal. There is something about a barista that call for a more relaxed approach to life. This book is an easy read. If you are looking for a simple story with an obvious plot this is the one for you.
The book has a decent story but the protagonist is just a little too formal. There is something about a barista that call for a more relaxed approach to life. This book is an easy read. If you are looking for a simple story with an obvious plot this is the one for you.
April 29, 2018
I’ve been reading many Cozy Mysteries lately and I have come across several coffeehouse-based series. This series was unfamiliar to me and I decided to read the first book.
I’m sorry to say, I won’t be reading book 2. From the beginning, the characters did not fit the setting. Jacob seemed far outside his element, was first called the manager and then the owner, and his temper tantrums were over the top.
The Doberman was my favorite. In a book about humans, the dog should never be the favorite.
The lack of quality editing was very noticeable and because I’m unfamiliar with the publisher, I suppose they don’t provide that service. If you’re going to write a mystery, you cannot skip the editing and beta reader process.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to a friend, it was lacking in plot and just didn’t hold my interest.
I’m sorry to say, I won’t be reading book 2. From the beginning, the characters did not fit the setting. Jacob seemed far outside his element, was first called the manager and then the owner, and his temper tantrums were over the top.
The Doberman was my favorite. In a book about humans, the dog should never be the favorite.
The lack of quality editing was very noticeable and because I’m unfamiliar with the publisher, I suppose they don’t provide that service. If you’re going to write a mystery, you cannot skip the editing and beta reader process.
I wouldn’t recommend this book to a friend, it was lacking in plot and just didn’t hold my interest.
December 26, 2017
Cozy Coffee Mystery
This is one of the free books that are offered on Amazon, and to be honest, I have found a lot of really great books this way. This one is not an exception. This book was really good and I just couldn't put it down. It was so good I am going to have to look for other books in the series. The characters are wonderful and it was easy to get to know them. I love the writer's style and it was very easy to find myself wrapped up in the story. The story was unique and full of action. What I liked best of all was Thor, he was not a cute cuddly pet but was the center of attention and kind of saved the day. It was a really good read and I hope you give this book a chance.
This is one of the free books that are offered on Amazon, and to be honest, I have found a lot of really great books this way. This one is not an exception. This book was really good and I just couldn't put it down. It was so good I am going to have to look for other books in the series. The characters are wonderful and it was easy to get to know them. I love the writer's style and it was very easy to find myself wrapped up in the story. The story was unique and full of action. What I liked best of all was Thor, he was not a cute cuddly pet but was the center of attention and kind of saved the day. It was a really good read and I hope you give this book a chance.
July 6, 2018
A terrific read that is down to earth and realistic.
A great read. Very down to earth but with a plot that had numerous suspects and motives. When a competing coffee shop owner is killed and her boss arrested, she pulls on her sleuthing hat and starts looking into things further. Can she piece together the crumbs laid out for her? Very realistic characters and reactions. If you are looking for escapism then this isn't for you but if you want something that could actually happen then this meets the bill. A great melding of the past and the present with no answered questions.
A great read. Very down to earth but with a plot that had numerous suspects and motives. When a competing coffee shop owner is killed and her boss arrested, she pulls on her sleuthing hat and starts looking into things further. Can she piece together the crumbs laid out for her? Very realistic characters and reactions. If you are looking for escapism then this isn't for you but if you want something that could actually happen then this meets the bill. A great melding of the past and the present with no answered questions.
May 3, 2019
I liked A Cup of Murder by Cam Larson. Laila Rook is the head barista at Roasted Love in West River, New York. Her boss, 38 year old Jacob Weaver, is worried about business when a rival shop, Sunrise Coffee Shop, opens up nearby. But real trouble starts when the shop's owner, Michael Simms, is discovered poisoned to death and Jacob is arrested for murder. Laila goes into sleuth mode to exonerate Jacob and get things back to normal. I really liked Thor, Michael's dog who is "adopted" by Laila.
August 13, 2017
A good murder mystery. Keeps the reader guessing right through to the end. No boring moments, and the hint of a budding romance is kept within friend limits, which is what kept me reading till the end. How a team of cops had to be helped on the right scent by a coffee-house barista seemed to me a little unrealistic, but hey, this is fiction, after all, and it is otherwise written well, the mystery keeps building in layers as you go along, keeping it quite interesting... So overall I liked it.
December 14, 2017
A Cup of Murder (A Roasted Love Cozy Mystery Book 1)
I read this, Book (1) after, I read book 3 and then 2...backwards but nonetheless very good stories. I recommend these books because they don’t have bad language and the story lines are believable, which I think is a great base for any good story. If anyone would like to read good, clean Mysteries, these are for you. Whodunnit is a mystery, haha!
I read this, Book (1) after, I read book 3 and then 2...backwards but nonetheless very good stories. I recommend these books because they don’t have bad language and the story lines are believable, which I think is a great base for any good story. If anyone would like to read good, clean Mysteries, these are for you. Whodunnit is a mystery, haha!
May 6, 2018
What a Great Read!
I love cozy mysteries, and this was a good one. As barista and an amateur detective, Laila goes about trying to prove the boss and store owner is innocent of murder. With no gory details it is a good read, that holds your interest.
I love cozy mysteries, and this was a good one. As barista and an amateur detective, Laila goes about trying to prove the boss and store owner is innocent of murder. With no gory details it is a good read, that holds your interest.
December 27, 2025
Almost 3 stars. The further you get into the story, you'll find the editing is slipping quite a bit.
When the head barista's boss is arrested for the murder of his competition across the street, she's determined to sift through the suspects and clues to find the killer and release her boss.
When the head barista's boss is arrested for the murder of his competition across the street, she's determined to sift through the suspects and clues to find the killer and release her boss.
June 14, 2017
An enjoyable mystery with plenty of suspects and red herrings, but there were some editing issues
July 13, 2017
Story is decent, but more polish needed. Some awkward writing, info given as if new twice.... 3 star as good anyway
December 8, 2017
I'm a little sad that this is the first book of a three book series. I really liked this book. the writing style is nice and easy and really easy to follow throughout the book. The characters are very interesting and we got to get a feel for their relationship. The dynamic within the team at Roasted Love is interesting and almost like a family. The murder mystery in this book was different than what I've seen before. They took the standard poisoning and gave it a new twist.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the following books in the series.
I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading the following books in the series.
December 10, 2017
Good story
I liked the characters and the story was interesting. There was a nice dog. And I do love coffee :D
I liked the characters and the story was interesting. There was a nice dog. And I do love coffee :D
December 30, 2017
Entertaining read. Interesting characters.
August 12, 2018
A cup of murder
Free ebook for honest review. My first Larson book but I will be reading more. Good plot, good characters, and good clean fun. Recommend you read this one.
Free ebook for honest review. My first Larson book but I will be reading more. Good plot, good characters, and good clean fun. Recommend you read this one.
May 6, 2019
enjoyed the story, good characters, looking forward to reading the next soon
October 17, 2019
A darn good read
Loved it. Had me guessing all the way through. Good plain coffee in a china mug with a side dose of amateur sleuthing. Best combo ever. Hope there is more to come.
Loved it. Had me guessing all the way through. Good plain coffee in a china mug with a side dose of amateur sleuthing. Best combo ever. Hope there is more to come.
January 15, 2024
I enjoyed the book. Will read the second one
January 23, 2024
A CUP OF MURDER
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. All I can say is “you must read this book” and you will know what I mean!
ENJOY !
This book kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. All I can say is “you must read this book” and you will know what I mean!
ENJOY !
December 7, 2018
When I first started reading, I noticed right away that there were tons of grammar, structure, and spelling errors– it was almost laughable. Some might put the book down immediately because of this but, I kept reading since there aren’t that many pages and hey, I was curious as to who poisoned Michael! Laila, Jacob, and the coffee shop girls are like a little family. Thor is the best dog ever! He has a bigger role than some of the humans and is my favorite character out of them all. I could’ve done without the romance, I just wasn’t a fan of the guy but, I understand why it was important that he be included. I love the cafe scenery; Roasted Love sounds so cozy. I would definitely be a regular there if I lived nearby, especially to listen in on all the gossip! I would maybe even enjoy working there!
I was pretty sure I knew who the murderer was the whole time and Cam Larson does make it quite easy to guess but, she definitely throws in a few curve balls here and there that made me doubt myself. The story is fast-paced and there’s always some action going on.
Sadly, the writing was completely amateur so I was unable to find one single quote to highlight.
I was pretty sure I knew who the murderer was the whole time and Cam Larson does make it quite easy to guess but, she definitely throws in a few curve balls here and there that made me doubt myself. The story is fast-paced and there’s always some action going on.
Sadly, the writing was completely amateur so I was unable to find one single quote to highlight.
Read
January 31, 2015It's been a rough week for Laila Rook, the barista at Roasted Love, a community favorite indie coffeehouse that serves coffee in ceramic cups and features art from local artists on the walls.
A new upscale chain coffeehouse, Sunrise, opened across the street, and Laila's customers are leaving. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business and enjoys letting them know with his rudeness and his mean Doberman.
Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down, and he's not being too quiet about it, either.
When the owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms, is found murdered by poison in his coffee and the Jacob is the prime suspect, Laila has to decide if Jacob could be guilty and figure out how to save Roasted Love from closing - not to mention balance a cute paramedic and an orphaned Doberman.
Between Jacob's mood swings and things not adding up, the clock is ticking on the future of Roasted Love.
Jacob is not guilty, but the brother of the murdered man, a senator, is guilty. He got the poison from his wife, a scientist.
A new upscale chain coffeehouse, Sunrise, opened across the street, and Laila's customers are leaving. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business and enjoys letting them know with his rudeness and his mean Doberman.
Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down, and he's not being too quiet about it, either.
When the owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms, is found murdered by poison in his coffee and the Jacob is the prime suspect, Laila has to decide if Jacob could be guilty and figure out how to save Roasted Love from closing - not to mention balance a cute paramedic and an orphaned Doberman.
Between Jacob's mood swings and things not adding up, the clock is ticking on the future of Roasted Love.
Jacob is not guilty, but the brother of the murdered man, a senator, is guilty. He got the poison from his wife, a scientist.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2016
Laila Rook is head barista at Roasted Love, and she and her crew are in for some competition when Michael Simms opens Sunrise right across the street. He and her boss have words...and the Simms ends up dead. So many people hated Simms that the pile of suspects (at least in Laila's mind) is about to teeter over. No one avoids her suspicion, not even her coworkers, which is as it should be.
There were times when I thought Laila could use an espresso or some other drink she whips up for her customers, but then again, she's new to the sleuthing biz. For a change, the love interest is a paramedic, not a cop, but he's pals with a cop so Laila gets her info just like other cozy mystery sleuths in the end.
Best character? The wee Doberman. Hope he sticks around, though she needs to find something to do with him besides just leaving him in the alley behind the coffee shop!
There were times when I thought Laila could use an espresso or some other drink she whips up for her customers, but then again, she's new to the sleuthing biz. For a change, the love interest is a paramedic, not a cop, but he's pals with a cop so Laila gets her info just like other cozy mystery sleuths in the end.
Best character? The wee Doberman. Hope he sticks around, though she needs to find something to do with him besides just leaving him in the alley behind the coffee shop!
January 4, 2015
Enjoyed the story. Not the best book I've ever read, but certainly not the worst. An easy read. There are some editing / continuity issues that were a bit distracting - one in particular. A piece of information was given earlier in the story, but then given again later as if just found out; think maybe the plot point fit better later and was just forgotten to remove from earlier. But that didn't distract enough to make me not like or appreciate the story.
A CUP OF MURDER, A Roasted Love Cozy Mystery Book 1 -- by Cam Larson
...
purchased for $0.00 on Dec 27, 2014 -- Kindle copy
A CUP OF MURDER, A Roasted Love Cozy Mystery Book 1 -- by Cam Larson
...
purchased for $0.00 on Dec 27, 2014 -- Kindle copy
July 25, 2015
I found this to be a fast-paced and enjoyable read The author has created a very likable character in Laila – loyal and good-hearted – she is determined to prove that her boss is not a murderer. Laila runs the coffee shop while Jacob is in jail, and collects a lot of interesting and incriminating information about the victim’s friends and family, and in the process makes a powerful enemy. She also befriends a hot guy, adding a hint of romance to the story. This whodunnit takes twists and turns along the way, which is always fun if you like to be kept guessing. I recommend this book to lovers of cozy mysteries – culinary or not.
December 29, 2014
Picked up for free on Amazon. Tye ending left me uneasy, it did not ring true. I was oeft with linger ring doubts A bout motiv vee of James and also te reason gven the cancerthng and also suspicious of Daniel the whole way thru. What about the frtune tellers dire warning? Also the same few lines qbout cancer are mentioned at 47% then again at 83%. I looked for Vincent Twice but didnt see him standing there...
July 1, 2016
Enticing read!
This book was a very smooth read. I enjoyed the story line as well as the character development. I was able to get a mental image of each of them as they were introduced. I picked the highest rating because there are a lot of books that I have tried to read in the past that didn't draw me in, but this one did a fantastic job. It has a fair mix of mystery, love, and rivalry.
This book was a very smooth read. I enjoyed the story line as well as the character development. I was able to get a mental image of each of them as they were introduced. I picked the highest rating because there are a lot of books that I have tried to read in the past that didn't draw me in, but this one did a fantastic job. It has a fair mix of mystery, love, and rivalry.
January 1, 2016
Coffeehouse Competition
Laila Rook's boss at the Roasted Love, a coffeehouse, is arrested for killing a competing boss of another coffeehouse, Sunrise Coffee, right across the street. They have been gradually taking away a lot of their business. To get her boss, Jacob out of jail, Laila starts poking around. And in the meantime, she meets a new guy, Daniel Jenkins. Cute little novel!
Laila Rook's boss at the Roasted Love, a coffeehouse, is arrested for killing a competing boss of another coffeehouse, Sunrise Coffee, right across the street. They have been gradually taking away a lot of their business. To get her boss, Jacob out of jail, Laila starts poking around. And in the meantime, she meets a new guy, Daniel Jenkins. Cute little novel!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews