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Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #1
Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse
A new culinary cozy mystery series with recipes from bestselling author Harper Lin
Francesca Amaro moves back to her hometown of Cape Bay, Massachusetts, and takes over the family business, Antonia’s Italian Café. She spends her days making delicious artisan cappuccinos, until she stumbles upon her neighbor’s dead body. When the police discover Mr. Cardosi was poisoned, Francesca becomes a suspect.
The victim’s son, Matty, happens to be Francesca’s old high school friend. Together, they uncover the secrets of the locals in order to find the killer in their idyllic beach town.
Includes two special cupcake recipes!
Francesca Amaro moves back to her hometown of Cape Bay, Massachusetts, and takes over the family business, Antonia’s Italian Café. She spends her days making delicious artisan cappuccinos, until she stumbles upon her neighbor’s dead body. When the police discover Mr. Cardosi was poisoned, Francesca becomes a suspect.
The victim’s son, Matty, happens to be Francesca’s old high school friend. Together, they uncover the secrets of the locals in order to find the killer in their idyllic beach town.
Includes two special cupcake recipes!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2015
2406 people are currently reading
4534 people want to read
About the author
Harper Lin
90 books931 followersHarper Lin is the 3x USA Today Bestselling Author of several popular cozy mystery series—8 and counting!
When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family.
Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR
www.harperlin.com
When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family.
Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR
www.harperlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,059 reviews
June 15, 2019
A sweet little cozy that sees Fran return to her hometown after the death of her mother, just to stumble across the dead body of one of her neighbours. With the help of her neighbours grandson Matt, an old school friend, Fran attempts to solve the murder. I found this book an enjoyable light read. A refreshing change from all the grim murder stories out there. I often found myself grinning at the predicaments Fran found herself in, especially when stray dogs were involved. All in all a fun read and I will be looking out for the rest of the series.
April 27, 2016
Honestly I was disappointed with this book.
Firstly it took me ages to finish it, even though it was a quite short one, but I had to force my self to pick it up and continue. At some points I was so bored, that I even thought of dnfing it.
Secondly, I quite like cozy mysteries, that are funny, fluffy and with a little bit of romance, but there were nothing interesting about this book. The mystery was poorly done, the main character Fran was 30 and something years old, but sometimes acted like she was a teenager. All the time she gave an impression, that she can do everything better, than the professionals. Also there were lack of character development overall, because I couldn't care less about any of them. Well, maybe I'm lying, actually I liked the dog and that's all. Moreover, there were nothing funny about this book and the romance between characters felt strange.
Thirdly, the ending was too rushed compared to the rest of the book, and didn't make any sense.
Do I recommend this book ? Definitely not.
Firstly it took me ages to finish it, even though it was a quite short one, but I had to force my self to pick it up and continue. At some points I was so bored, that I even thought of dnfing it.
Secondly, I quite like cozy mysteries, that are funny, fluffy and with a little bit of romance, but there were nothing interesting about this book. The mystery was poorly done, the main character Fran was 30 and something years old, but sometimes acted like she was a teenager. All the time she gave an impression, that she can do everything better, than the professionals. Also there were lack of character development overall, because I couldn't care less about any of them. Well, maybe I'm lying, actually I liked the dog and that's all. Moreover, there were nothing funny about this book and the romance between characters felt strange.
Thirdly, the ending was too rushed compared to the rest of the book, and didn't make any sense.
Do I recommend this book ? Definitely not.
September 8, 2017
Enjoyable story. The mystery was a bit weak. I enjoyed the characters and the friendship between the MC and Matt. On the upside, no cop boyfriend and no romantic triangle
February 10, 2024
cappuccinos, cupcakes and... a corpse. so you got more than what you bargained for... but 2 out of 3 is a passing grade is anyone's book...
July 9, 2022
I have discovered another cafe based cozy mystery series to do with coffee, yummy desserts and murder. With the audiobook running under 5 hours, it was a quick listen and I like the fun cover design and title of book (infact all the books in the series).
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨💫
July 22, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. Liked the characters a lot and the way it was written. Will look for more books by Harper lin. Nice cupcake recipes too!
May 23, 2016
Huh?
I thought the point of a mystery was to figure it out. Not have the author introduce a new character at the end who did it. That sucked.
I thought the point of a mystery was to figure it out. Not have the author introduce a new character at the end who did it. That sucked.
August 30, 2021
3.5 stars, better than average cozy
September 19, 2022
I picked this up hoping for a cosy murder mystery to read on a rainy day. Unfortunately, what I got was an irritating main character and an underdeveloped story.
Our main character, Fran, was a terrible “detective” who seemed to think she could do it better than the professionals, despite being 10 steps behind them at all times.
The fact that her friend, Matt (the son of the murder victim), got involved in the adventure and seemed to have a great time absolutely baffled me. Where was the grief?
Overall, my reading experience was one of irritation and bewilderment.
Our main character, Fran, was a terrible “detective” who seemed to think she could do it better than the professionals, despite being 10 steps behind them at all times.
The fact that her friend, Matt (the son of the murder victim), got involved in the adventure and seemed to have a great time absolutely baffled me. Where was the grief?
Overall, my reading experience was one of irritation and bewilderment.
May 3, 2017
More like 2-1/2 stars. I thought the story was actually a bit boring. The mystery was weak and the reason Francesca decides to start sleuthing instead of leaving it to the seemingly more than competent detective is pretty dumb. (Although oddly we don't see the detective doing any investigating. We only hear about it when Francesca talks with him once or twice.) Fran jumps to a lot of wrong conclusions proving she really doesn't know what she's doing. I know she's an amateur sleuth but she seems worse than most. Overall, it was fairly boring. At least it was short and didn't take much time to listen to. I also wasn't a huge fan of Margeurite Gavin's narration. I know a lot of listeners love her as a narrator but I don't really care for her. Her voices for the characters are excellent but her non-dialog voice, the one she uses for the regular narration, irritates me. It always sounds a little too dramatic, in my opinion. If I do decide to try book 2, it will be in print instead of audio, but I doubt I will continue with the series. It just wasn't enticing enough.
March 5, 2017
I'm a fan of Harper Lin; I feel she tells a good story, with a good flow, relatable characters, and, yes, editing that was A-OK! To top it off, this series has a great setting; who wouldn't love a cozy cafe in a seaside setting, especially one that has been in the family for seventy years? There is the added bonus of the MC reconnecting to an old male childhood friend (albeit under sad and trying circumstances), and a slow but steady rebuilding of that friendship. I also liked that the MC started investigating with the thought in mind that whatever she pulled together would be shared with the police; she didn't start out, as so many MCs unfortunately do, by thinking the authorities were just simply incompetent. I enjoyed this one and have already started the second in the series.
September 28, 2016
This was an adorable little cozy mystery.
It was such a fast read and I liked that the plot wasn't drawn out or elaborate. I love that meeting Matty was sweet and light and never got all detailed and odd.
It was such a fast read and I liked that the plot wasn't drawn out or elaborate. I love that meeting Matty was sweet and light and never got all detailed and odd.
April 11, 2021
I was expecting something different, forget the mystery, it isn't done well. I enjoyed the light romantic aspect of the story. I'll probably read book 2 to see what happens with Fran and Matty
January 21, 2018
Kindle freebie at time of download-worth paying for.
Francesca Amaro has returned to her hometown of Cape Bay, Massachusetts from big city living in New York following the death of her mother. Francesca takes great pride in running her late grandparents’ café and lives living in their old house, her childhood home, among all the family friends and neighbors. Sometimes though, the local busybodies are too much for Francesca! On her way home one day she discovers a neighbor, Mr. Cardosi slumped over his morning coffee – dead. When the autopsy reveals Mr. Cardosi did not die of natural causes, Francesca’s old classmate Mike is on the job trying to solve the mystery. Francesca is frustrated by lack of progress and wants to help her old friend Matteo solve the mystery of his father’s death.
I loved this book! There’s a strong mystery that’s impossible to solve (no clues), a bit of romance and a lot of local color. I especially liked the local color. Having spent my summers on Cape Cod, I know exactly what Cape Bay looks like and smells like and how annoying tourists can be. I was trying to figure out where Cape Bay is supposed to be and I naturally assumed Cape Cod, but it appears to be North Shore because Plymouth is the nearest town with a big box store. I also loved the coffee shop aspect. At first there was too much coffee and not enough food but once cupcakes entered the picture, I was sold. The book contains some very yummy sounding recipes I must try. However, even small New England towns can boast excellent coffee shops with authentic Italian espresso- so don’t be afraid to visit us outside the pages of a book.
I strongly identify with Francesca- Italian-American girl returning to her New England coastal hometown from big city living (check), loves cupcakes (check) and values family food traditions (check), pet lover (check). She’s smart about her investigating and uses her knowledge of the locals and their love of gossip to get answers. She doesn’t go off recklessly or try to prove anything. Her chemistry with Matt is awesome. They’re definitely more than friends and NOT brother and sister! He’s sweet and fun. It sounds like Matt is also a successful businessman and loves living in his hometown. He had a complicated relationship with his father but that doesn’t mean he’s not grieving. I like how comfortable he and Fran are together and how she knows what he needs.
Mr. Cardosi sounded so familiar! I think my great-uncle Frank WAS Mr. Cardosi, minus the murder. Mr. Cardosi was SO Italian! He was proud, temperamental and held a grudge. Yet he had a hidden softer side he didn’t often show the world. I liked him in spite of his faults probably because my dad is going to be like that when he’s a little older!
There aren’t too many other characters here besides Fran’s police officer friend Mike. He’s tough but fair and sympathetic. He gets tough when he has to be but otherwise is sensitive to the situation. There’s also Sammy, Franny’s right-hand woman in the café. She’s almost too perky and kind to be true. I’m not sure I like her. There are a couple of local figures appearing in the novel but I don’t know if they will be recurring characters. Finally, there’s Latte, my favorite character. I won’t reveal too much about him but I liked him a lot. Some of his behavior wasn’t all that normal for a pet but I liked how he was included in the story.
This series has something for everyone. My library has this series on audiobook (MP3) and I plan to download them and listen soon.
Francesca Amaro has returned to her hometown of Cape Bay, Massachusetts from big city living in New York following the death of her mother. Francesca takes great pride in running her late grandparents’ café and lives living in their old house, her childhood home, among all the family friends and neighbors. Sometimes though, the local busybodies are too much for Francesca! On her way home one day she discovers a neighbor, Mr. Cardosi slumped over his morning coffee – dead. When the autopsy reveals Mr. Cardosi did not die of natural causes, Francesca’s old classmate Mike is on the job trying to solve the mystery. Francesca is frustrated by lack of progress and wants to help her old friend Matteo solve the mystery of his father’s death.
I loved this book! There’s a strong mystery that’s impossible to solve (no clues), a bit of romance and a lot of local color. I especially liked the local color. Having spent my summers on Cape Cod, I know exactly what Cape Bay looks like and smells like and how annoying tourists can be. I was trying to figure out where Cape Bay is supposed to be and I naturally assumed Cape Cod, but it appears to be North Shore because Plymouth is the nearest town with a big box store. I also loved the coffee shop aspect. At first there was too much coffee and not enough food but once cupcakes entered the picture, I was sold. The book contains some very yummy sounding recipes I must try. However, even small New England towns can boast excellent coffee shops with authentic Italian espresso- so don’t be afraid to visit us outside the pages of a book.
I strongly identify with Francesca- Italian-American girl returning to her New England coastal hometown from big city living (check), loves cupcakes (check) and values family food traditions (check), pet lover (check). She’s smart about her investigating and uses her knowledge of the locals and their love of gossip to get answers. She doesn’t go off recklessly or try to prove anything. Her chemistry with Matt is awesome. They’re definitely more than friends and NOT brother and sister! He’s sweet and fun. It sounds like Matt is also a successful businessman and loves living in his hometown. He had a complicated relationship with his father but that doesn’t mean he’s not grieving. I like how comfortable he and Fran are together and how she knows what he needs.
Mr. Cardosi sounded so familiar! I think my great-uncle Frank WAS Mr. Cardosi, minus the murder. Mr. Cardosi was SO Italian! He was proud, temperamental and held a grudge. Yet he had a hidden softer side he didn’t often show the world. I liked him in spite of his faults probably because my dad is going to be like that when he’s a little older!
There aren’t too many other characters here besides Fran’s police officer friend Mike. He’s tough but fair and sympathetic. He gets tough when he has to be but otherwise is sensitive to the situation. There’s also Sammy, Franny’s right-hand woman in the café. She’s almost too perky and kind to be true. I’m not sure I like her. There are a couple of local figures appearing in the novel but I don’t know if they will be recurring characters. Finally, there’s Latte, my favorite character. I won’t reveal too much about him but I liked him a lot. Some of his behavior wasn’t all that normal for a pet but I liked how he was included in the story.
This series has something for everyone. My library has this series on audiobook (MP3) and I plan to download them and listen soon.
September 16, 2023
Review 9/14/23
After having read a lot more cozy mysteries, Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse just wasn't written very well.
I've read more cozy mysteries by Harper Lin as well and this wasn't one of her better ones. I didn't like Francesca, she was a very nothing character. The romance was interesting, and a former best friend one that I like to see in cozy mysteries more than the cop ones we so often get, but there was something lacking about the entire story and especially about Francesca.
I don't think I'll be following up with this series.
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Review 5/3/20
I always convince myself that I would like cozy mysteries a lot more if I actually read them. Then I pick one up and remember why I don't read them that often.
It's not that Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse was a bad story, and as the genre goes it was actually pretty well written. I think the main problem I had with it was that it was so linear. The romance was obvious from the very beginning and there was one red herring, which was exactly where and who the reader expects it to be.
Despite all that, the two main characters were strong, and strong character development always brings up my rating, because character development is a large part of the plot. I liked Francesca's headstrong attitude, and the way she jumps into the case even when Matty pretends to care less than he does.
I also like how, even though the romantic pairing was fairly obvious, it wasn't overdone, leaving a lot of room for the sequel, Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys. It's not like I'll be getting to that sequel any time soon, unless it is also free on Amazon, but it's definitely a sequel I would read.
Overall, this was a quick and easy read that helped me take my mind off things, and it was pretty good. I'll definitely keep it in mind for when I need a light reread.
After having read a lot more cozy mysteries, Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse just wasn't written very well.
I've read more cozy mysteries by Harper Lin as well and this wasn't one of her better ones. I didn't like Francesca, she was a very nothing character. The romance was interesting, and a former best friend one that I like to see in cozy mysteries more than the cop ones we so often get, but there was something lacking about the entire story and especially about Francesca.
I don't think I'll be following up with this series.
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Review 5/3/20
I always convince myself that I would like cozy mysteries a lot more if I actually read them. Then I pick one up and remember why I don't read them that often.
It's not that Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse was a bad story, and as the genre goes it was actually pretty well written. I think the main problem I had with it was that it was so linear. The romance was obvious from the very beginning and there was one red herring, which was exactly where and who the reader expects it to be.
Despite all that, the two main characters were strong, and strong character development always brings up my rating, because character development is a large part of the plot. I liked Francesca's headstrong attitude, and the way she jumps into the case even when Matty pretends to care less than he does.
I also like how, even though the romantic pairing was fairly obvious, it wasn't overdone, leaving a lot of room for the sequel, Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys. It's not like I'll be getting to that sequel any time soon, unless it is also free on Amazon, but it's definitely a sequel I would read.
Overall, this was a quick and easy read that helped me take my mind off things, and it was pretty good. I'll definitely keep it in mind for when I need a light reread.
July 17, 2017
I decided to read this because it was a Cozy Mystery Corner and as an added bonus was available today on Amazon for free.
It was a fast and fun read, I read it this afternoon in a few hours, it's only novella length what the book lacks in length and the strength mystery plot, it makes up for in extremely likeable characters. So give it a try, like I said it's FREE today on Amazon so you have nothing to lose, except for a few hours of reading time.
It was a fast and fun read, I read it this afternoon in a few hours, it's only novella length what the book lacks in length and the strength mystery plot, it makes up for in extremely likeable characters. So give it a try, like I said it's FREE today on Amazon so you have nothing to lose, except for a few hours of reading time.
April 6, 2022
I was seriously bored with this one. I turned it on to help me pass the time as I worked and when I tell you I preferred working to actually listening to this book 🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️🤦🏾♀️. The mystery was weak, weak, weak, Francesca was.. something, just bumbling her way around and instead of helping, actually I think she was on the verge of just (a) ruining the case (b) ruining other people’s lives (c) not having a clue. I mean Mike should have just considered HER a suspect and put her in jail the entire book, the mystery would have been more engaging then. 😒😒.
January 16, 2018
Absolutely horrid. I don't know why I forced myself to finish it. A small afternoon read took me a whole week to finish. The characters are flat, there was a complete and utter lack of foreshadowing, which is always an important part of a good mystery. I'm just glad I didn't pay for it.
December 25, 2019
Cute little cozy mystery!!!!
October 10, 2021
Omg if Francesca reminded us how she had a sophisticated life in NY one more time...girl we do not care. A lot about this character read like self centered and savior esque but you have to be a little in order to be an amateur slueth right 🤷🏾 The fact she assumed the killer was someone with a record gave me major pause. I'm happy Mike read her like calm down and stay in your lane. The reveal happened so fast, the only thing that didn't wrapup was Mattie. He did shoot his shot though.
Overall meh it's like 2.5 star 🤔
Overall meh it's like 2.5 star 🤔
September 28, 2016
This was a very enjoyable book. It was a fast read too. Francesca has moved back home where she is running the old family business. While out walking she stumbles across a dead body. He happens to be the father of a old high school friend. She then spends the book helping the deceased mans son Matt find the killer. The killer was a surprise but then the author really never gave many clues. With the ending the way that it was I will definitely be picking up the next book.
August 29, 2018
I enjoyed this cozy mystery.
November 25, 2018
Now i get the cover of the book. Why it is titled as Cappucionos, Cupcakes, and a corpse. The story line and the mystery is very light like the colors in the cover. I really think that if you are starting to read mystery then this series is for you.
May 1, 2016
Good start to a new series. Francesca returns to her hometown after her mom dies to take over the family business. She ends up getting in the middle of a murder investigation by finding a neighbor's body while walking home from working at her family's coffee shop. I liked the characters. I enjoyed how seriously Fran was about investigating. It was also fun to see Matt and Fran reconnect. I plan to read the rest of the series.
October 31, 2018
.
Another cozy mystery related to culinary arts. There were ample descriptions to help the reader visualize the characters and area.
However, the character's lack of communication made it appear their relationship was not growing. Yet the Hero asked the heroine out. Kind of confusing.
This was not exciting enough for me to even consider purchasing the rest of the series at the rate of $4.99 each. That is a bit steep for the genre.
Another cozy mystery related to culinary arts. There were ample descriptions to help the reader visualize the characters and area.
However, the character's lack of communication made it appear their relationship was not growing. Yet the Hero asked the heroine out. Kind of confusing.
This was not exciting enough for me to even consider purchasing the rest of the series at the rate of $4.99 each. That is a bit steep for the genre.
January 16, 2019
Absolutely terrible plot with stupid characters (as in actually unintelligent - no one would cry “murder” on circumstances and wishful thinking) and no deductive plot or legit reason to be involved with an investigation to be seen. Only listened through it bc it wracks up a point on my reading challenge.
Best things about it are the title and cover. Excuse me while I fight the urge to get an overpriced coffee drink and a gourmet cupcake.
Best things about it are the title and cover. Excuse me while I fight the urge to get an overpriced coffee drink and a gourmet cupcake.
June 25, 2021
I enjoyed this short audio “read.” I felt as if the “mystery” side of the book was a little weak but it was a
Light, fun mystery and after listening, I want to read the sequel, so it was interesting enough to want to learn more!
Light, fun mystery and after listening, I want to read the sequel, so it was interesting enough to want to learn more!
July 19, 2019
If you're looking for a gripping mystery and thriller, this isn't the book for you. If you're looking for a light romance with a bit of mystery, then this book would be your speed. Francisca is back in her small town, working at her family's cafe that she now owns. She falls for boy next door when his father is murdered, and they fall in love playing Blues Clues to find the murderer. The detective crime-solving aspect was not particularly exciting, but the romance between Matty and Francisca was a nice summer beach read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2020
Simple story and easy to listen to.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,059 reviews