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Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #2
Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys
When Francesca’s old high school crush, Todd, is accused of murder, she is convinced he is innocent. The police don’t believe Todd’s story, and neither does Matty. During the busy summer tourist season at Cape Bay, Francesca sets out to prove Todd’s innocence. Matty, however, investigates to prove Todd is guilty. Why does Matty detest Todd so much? But what if he’s right—what if Todd is a murderer?
Includes two special recipes!
Includes two special recipes!
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2015
232 people are currently reading
1026 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.
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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 306 reviews
August 18, 2016
A very enjoyable read. I did find who did it before the end but the characters and story were very good.
May 9, 2021
Nice continuation of the series. I loved the expansion to tea and tiamisu and didn't realize that brewing tea was so involved. Looking forward to the next one.
September 14, 2015
I read an ARC of this book because I'm signed up for the author's Review Crew and newsletter. Thank you once again, Mrs. Lin!
Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys is the second book of a new cozy mystery series Cape bay Cafe Mystery. If you haven't read the first book, Cappuccinos, Cupcakes and a Corpse, you can get it on Amazon or other online stores (and you should, because I really liked that one, too! Here's a link to my review on Goodreads.) However, the book actually works well as a standalone - it isn't dependent on the first book, which shows that it's well-written.
Francesca, a 30-something cafe owner has barely had a month to rest since her last murder-case, when another one occurs in the otherwise calm and friendly tourist town that is Cape Bay. This time, the main suspect turns out to be her high-school crush, Todd, present owner of Todd's Gym, where the murder took place. Is it just simple misfortune that his alibi is flimsy? Did he have a motive to murder the victim? And why in the world does Matt, Fran's friend-maybe-even-boyfriend, hate Todd so much? That and much more you'll be able to find out once the book comes out.
I was glad to revisit Francesca, Matt, Mike, Samantha and other characters whom I liked in the first book. Each of them has something in them that makes them seem real to me - even though the book is only about 200 pages long, the characterization is really well-done.
The book isn't as action-packed as its prequel, but the mystery was solid. If you pay attention, you will probably be able to guess who the murderer is. Another thing that I liked was actually the expansion of Antonia's cafe. They now serve tea and tiramisu, just like the title promises. I enjoyed learning about tea a bit - I drink so much of it, but it'd never occurred to me to research what shape of a teabag gives off the best flavour! After finishing the book, I also had an unnatural craving for tiramisu. These cozy food mysteries will be the end of my diet.
The book was a smooth read, and I'm sure it will be even more polished once it's published and available to everyone. I, for one, know I can't wait for the next one to come out.
Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys is the second book of a new cozy mystery series Cape bay Cafe Mystery. If you haven't read the first book, Cappuccinos, Cupcakes and a Corpse, you can get it on Amazon or other online stores (and you should, because I really liked that one, too! Here's a link to my review on Goodreads.) However, the book actually works well as a standalone - it isn't dependent on the first book, which shows that it's well-written.
Francesca, a 30-something cafe owner has barely had a month to rest since her last murder-case, when another one occurs in the otherwise calm and friendly tourist town that is Cape Bay. This time, the main suspect turns out to be her high-school crush, Todd, present owner of Todd's Gym, where the murder took place. Is it just simple misfortune that his alibi is flimsy? Did he have a motive to murder the victim? And why in the world does Matt, Fran's friend-maybe-even-boyfriend, hate Todd so much? That and much more you'll be able to find out once the book comes out.
I was glad to revisit Francesca, Matt, Mike, Samantha and other characters whom I liked in the first book. Each of them has something in them that makes them seem real to me - even though the book is only about 200 pages long, the characterization is really well-done.
The book isn't as action-packed as its prequel, but the mystery was solid. If you pay attention, you will probably be able to guess who the murderer is. Another thing that I liked was actually the expansion of Antonia's cafe. They now serve tea and tiramisu, just like the title promises. I enjoyed learning about tea a bit - I drink so much of it, but it'd never occurred to me to research what shape of a teabag gives off the best flavour! After finishing the book, I also had an unnatural craving for tiramisu. These cozy food mysteries will be the end of my diet.
The book was a smooth read, and I'm sure it will be even more polished once it's published and available to everyone. I, for one, know I can't wait for the next one to come out.
February 8, 2018
I am enjoying this series and I am looking forward to the next book.
September 1, 2021
3.5 stars
February 28, 2020
This was an ok story for me. Enjoyable enough to keep my interest. Francesca believed that her high school friend was innocent of the murder that he was accused for but she wasn't sure where to start but to her surprise who actually did it.
March 9, 2022
This series has made me fall in love with a genre I have never much cared for before.. Cosy mysteries.It's just so cosy and easy to read.
A beach town, an Italian cafe, coffee art, chocolate cupcakes..idyliic.
Then there is a murder in the parking lot of a gym owned by Todd, who Fran, the owner of the cafe, went to school with. She is sure that Todd isn't a murderer though the police and her best friend and maybe more,Matt, both seem to think he is a logical suspect.
Buoyed by her earlier investigation into a murder, Fran decides she has to find out more.
She also decides to introduce tea in the cafe which leads to her experimenting with various brands and delicious descriptions of the beverages she makes as well as the tiramisu she now sells.
A true comfort read this one.
A beach town, an Italian cafe, coffee art, chocolate cupcakes..idyliic.
Then there is a murder in the parking lot of a gym owned by Todd, who Fran, the owner of the cafe, went to school with. She is sure that Todd isn't a murderer though the police and her best friend and maybe more,Matt, both seem to think he is a logical suspect.
Buoyed by her earlier investigation into a murder, Fran decides she has to find out more.
She also decides to introduce tea in the cafe which leads to her experimenting with various brands and delicious descriptions of the beverages she makes as well as the tiramisu she now sells.
A true comfort read this one.
March 7, 2017
A good, light, quick read.
July 20, 2019
This was such a great follow up to the first book! I enjoyed the second book more than the first; Matt and Francisca deepen their relationship and we get to learn more about the other inhabitants of their small town. As Fran learns more about Todd, I'm glad that she comes to appreciate what she is looking for in a relationship and stands her ground. This series is starting a pattern of female MC + male MC + murder to solve = plot. Even though it's probably inevitable that the show will be a book version of every cop show ever (I mean, it IS called the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series), I'm hoping that the author has a few more tricks up her sleeve to keep the rest of the detective work interesting and engaging.
August 31, 2016
This was a delightfully quaint murder mystery set in the quiet little tourist town of Cape Bay, where Francesca manages to not only run her cafe but also find herself in the middle of a murder investigation (something she has a habit of getting involved with it seems). While there isn't necessarily a lot of action this was a rather enjoyable read, reminding me of those Sunday afternoon Agatha Christies that were always shown with murder (well the solving of) being as much a form of entertainment as anything else. I did find Francesca a little annoying at times, particularly her more idiotic moments when the obvious was right in front of her but she couldn't see it but that could just be me, and may also add to the charm of the book somewhat. And as an avid tea drinker, her adventures with the delights of the tea world were immensely entertaining to say the least (although I bet I'd be just as confused if I tried making coffee!).
March 20, 2017
I kind of liked the first one, but this one was more of a struggle. Fran is a cross between Mrs. Marple and Alice from the diner. Even after she got hurt during her first investigation, didn't learn a thing. Jumping into folks business and surprised if they are not pleased to have her there. Saying she lived in NY like she had street smarts, as if. For someone who just moved back to town she is certainly all in. I laughed hard when she was made at the older ladies for gossiping.... honey that's your future. if you even have one considering the chances you take. We shall see if I read the next book.
July 18, 2017
I have to say that the mystery portion of the story was definitely better then in book 1, although if the author padded out the story a little more it would be better. At least the perpetrator was introduced during the narrative and didn't just arrive in the last scenes. I like the 2 main characters and am going to start on book 3 now.
April 1, 2020
I really liked this cozy mystery a lot. Francesca owns a cafe that her mother left her when she died. Todd Caruthers owns a gym. And when the two get together a lot happens. Todd finds a body on his parking lot property and he becomes the main suspect.
June 20, 2018
3.5-3.75 stars
Francesa Amaro is busy running her cafe and perfecting the art of steamed milk art when some British customers arrive asking for a cup of tea. With the results less than satisfactory Fran decides to throw herself into the world of tea brewing. Who knew there could be so many varieties of tea and so many ways of preparing it? The local gossip about town is all about the murder of Joe, a guy Fran only knew vaguely from school. The murder happened outside Todd's gym, a locally owned gym that happens to be owned by Fran's high school crush, Todd. Matt remembers Todd well as an arrogant jerk- part of the athletic crowd Matt spurns. When Fran reconnects with Todd, she finds him sweet, kind and attentive. She can't figure out why Matt hates Todd so much. She's also perplexed to discover the police have set their sights on Todd as their #1 suspect. Fran is certain Todd is innocent and sets out to prove his innocence.
At first I wasn't thrilled with the plot. First a love triangle is introduced and I HATE love triangles. I "ship" Fran and Matt (except that would be Fatt or Fratt or Man?). It's obvious he has feelings for her. I didn't like how clueless Fran was just because of her teenage obsession with Todd. I also didn't like how Fran throws herself into the investigation after she's been warned not to and starts asking the same questions the police already asked. Doesn't this guy have a lawyer who can prove his innocence? Fran kept going along and I kept thinking "You don't think the police don't have that information?" The clues Fran gets to either prove or disprove Todd's innocence (I won't tell you which) are so completely stupid. You need to suspend disbelief in this one. I suppose that's the nature of the genre.
What I love is the setting and of course Fran. Fran feels so familiar. She could almost be me if my family stayed in the restaurant business. I would probably have taken over as baker after life in the big city. I especially love Fran's devotion to her family heritage and traditions. The author REALLY nailed the Italian culture of giving food to anyone. "It's no trouble to make a little extra." My Nonnie had an extra refrigerator in the garage just for cookies and an extra oven in the basement. Because you know... making enough food for your family isn't enough. I love the interaction between Fran and Monica but if I were Fran, I'd have a contract anyway for legal purposes even if that's not the way it's done. The author does a wonderful job of connecting the food + family = love culture of Italian-Americans-something I know so well.
The mystery is difficult to figure out until all the clues are revealed. I was one tiny step ahead of Fran but I suspected something that wasn't mentioned. The motive seemed a little stupid yet I wasn't surprised.
I loved how Fran gets into tea brewing. I was very excited because the only problem I had with her shop was her coffee obsession. yuck! I need to go brew a London Fog of my own now. Even the Tiramisu sounded good and I know I don't even like it. Plus she has a cute, scruffy dog child. If you want to know what Latte looks like, picture Winn-Dixie in the movie Because of Winn-Dixie. I was surprised because I thought Latte was a terrier or small terrier mix.
I also really like the supporting characters and how friendly everyone is. Matt is adorable and I happen to like nerdy guys like Matt. Sammy is sweet, perky and kind. I don't know why she puts up with her douche bag boyfriend. I hope she finds love as the series goes on. New characters here include Todd, of Todd's gym. Matt has an unreasonable hatred towards Todd and my inner teenager agreed with Matt but as an adult I would give him a chance. I didn't like him because I already love Matt. I'm not sure how I'd feel about him otherwise. I think he is a little too slick and too fast in making a move on Fran. Joe seems like more of a meathead but the more I learned about him from different characters, the more I felt sorry for him. He didn't deserve to die.
I wasn't crazy about the reader, Marguerite Gavin. Her voice seems too old and gravely to be 30-something perky Fran. I liked how she did a Boston accent for Officer Mike except that he's the ONLY one in the whole book who has an accent which is kind of unbelievable. Her Boston accent is passable. I do like her voice and I believe I've heard another book or two she's read. I just didn't like her as Fran.
I am still enjoying this series and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Francesa Amaro is busy running her cafe and perfecting the art of steamed milk art when some British customers arrive asking for a cup of tea. With the results less than satisfactory Fran decides to throw herself into the world of tea brewing. Who knew there could be so many varieties of tea and so many ways of preparing it? The local gossip about town is all about the murder of Joe, a guy Fran only knew vaguely from school. The murder happened outside Todd's gym, a locally owned gym that happens to be owned by Fran's high school crush, Todd. Matt remembers Todd well as an arrogant jerk- part of the athletic crowd Matt spurns. When Fran reconnects with Todd, she finds him sweet, kind and attentive. She can't figure out why Matt hates Todd so much. She's also perplexed to discover the police have set their sights on Todd as their #1 suspect. Fran is certain Todd is innocent and sets out to prove his innocence.
At first I wasn't thrilled with the plot. First a love triangle is introduced and I HATE love triangles. I "ship" Fran and Matt (except that would be Fatt or Fratt or Man?). It's obvious he has feelings for her. I didn't like how clueless Fran was just because of her teenage obsession with Todd. I also didn't like how Fran throws herself into the investigation after she's been warned not to and starts asking the same questions the police already asked. Doesn't this guy have a lawyer who can prove his innocence? Fran kept going along and I kept thinking "You don't think the police don't have that information?" The clues Fran gets to either prove or disprove Todd's innocence (I won't tell you which) are so completely stupid. You need to suspend disbelief in this one. I suppose that's the nature of the genre.
What I love is the setting and of course Fran. Fran feels so familiar. She could almost be me if my family stayed in the restaurant business. I would probably have taken over as baker after life in the big city. I especially love Fran's devotion to her family heritage and traditions. The author REALLY nailed the Italian culture of giving food to anyone. "It's no trouble to make a little extra." My Nonnie had an extra refrigerator in the garage just for cookies and an extra oven in the basement. Because you know... making enough food for your family isn't enough. I love the interaction between Fran and Monica but if I were Fran, I'd have a contract anyway for legal purposes even if that's not the way it's done. The author does a wonderful job of connecting the food + family = love culture of Italian-Americans-something I know so well.
The mystery is difficult to figure out until all the clues are revealed. I was one tiny step ahead of Fran but I suspected something that wasn't mentioned. The motive seemed a little stupid yet I wasn't surprised.
I loved how Fran gets into tea brewing. I was very excited because the only problem I had with her shop was her coffee obsession. yuck! I need to go brew a London Fog of my own now. Even the Tiramisu sounded good and I know I don't even like it. Plus she has a cute, scruffy dog child. If you want to know what Latte looks like, picture Winn-Dixie in the movie Because of Winn-Dixie. I was surprised because I thought Latte was a terrier or small terrier mix.
I also really like the supporting characters and how friendly everyone is. Matt is adorable and I happen to like nerdy guys like Matt. Sammy is sweet, perky and kind. I don't know why she puts up with her douche bag boyfriend. I hope she finds love as the series goes on. New characters here include Todd, of Todd's gym. Matt has an unreasonable hatred towards Todd and my inner teenager agreed with Matt but as an adult I would give him a chance. I didn't like him because I already love Matt. I'm not sure how I'd feel about him otherwise. I think he is a little too slick and too fast in making a move on Fran. Joe seems like more of a meathead but the more I learned about him from different characters, the more I felt sorry for him. He didn't deserve to die.
I wasn't crazy about the reader, Marguerite Gavin. Her voice seems too old and gravely to be 30-something perky Fran. I liked how she did a Boston accent for Officer Mike except that he's the ONLY one in the whole book who has an accent which is kind of unbelievable. Her Boston accent is passable. I do like her voice and I believe I've heard another book or two she's read. I just didn't like her as Fran.
I am still enjoying this series and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
November 1, 2019
3 stars. This series is light and fun. The writing isn't all that great and the whodunnit's are easy to figure out before the actual reveal but these books have a certain charm to them that I can't quite put my finger on. The epitome of a cozy read. I enjoy the main character, Francesca and the rest of the cast. I'm enjoying the series so far and I think these are good if you need a palate cleanser read after reading something on the heavier side.
February 18, 2019
3.5 stars
October 28, 2022
Oops finished this last week 😂
January 28, 2023
An improvement over the first book in the series.
September 16, 2024
3.5* cozy murder strikes again. Also about time Matty
August 29, 2022
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up. Easy cosy mystery that was a little too cheesy for me.
September 18, 2015
This is the first book in the Cape Bay Cafe Mysteries that I have read. I will definitely be reading book one because I loved this book two. The flow of this book was spot on with a very easy to follow plot and character development.
The main character, Libby is a very strong independent woman. She owns the Antonia's Italian Cafe which she inherited from her mother who passed away.. She has grown up in this cafe and learning to make coffee since she could stand. Tea, not one of Libb's strong areas comes into play when an older English couple comes into her coffee shop and really wants a cup of tea. She brings them tea much to their dismay. It is awful compared to their English tastes and can't hide how they feel. Libby becomes obsessed with making it as good as the English. This is really a fun part of the story when she begins to get advice from the old couple on how to make it properly. She also gets a lot of help from the internet and orders every tea known to mankind.
Everything in Libby's life is going ok, she is falling for her best friend Matt, her business is busy and she has great employees. What more could she need? Then walks in Mrs. D'Angelo with news of a murder. And it just so happens that it occurred in the parking lot of an old high school classmates business. So now there have been two murders in the past few months. Libby is so concerned because things like this just don't happen in Cape Bay! It is the kind of place where you don't lock your doors and now murder?? The number one suspect is a person every girl including Libby had a crush on in high school, Todd Caruthers.
Libby decides she is going to help get to the bottom of this murder. But will she find the murderer before he or she finds her? What will happen to Cape Bay now that two murders have occurred in their sleepy town?
The cast of characters in this book for great to get to know. I loved this book. The author has you from the first chapter through to the very end sitting on the edge of your seat. If you love Cozies with a great dog, mystery, suspense, and a little romance you will not want to miss this second book in the Cape Bay Mysteries.
I received this book as an ARC as a member of a review crew. Thank you for letting me read your wonderful work Ms. Lin.
The main character, Libby is a very strong independent woman. She owns the Antonia's Italian Cafe which she inherited from her mother who passed away.. She has grown up in this cafe and learning to make coffee since she could stand. Tea, not one of Libb's strong areas comes into play when an older English couple comes into her coffee shop and really wants a cup of tea. She brings them tea much to their dismay. It is awful compared to their English tastes and can't hide how they feel. Libby becomes obsessed with making it as good as the English. This is really a fun part of the story when she begins to get advice from the old couple on how to make it properly. She also gets a lot of help from the internet and orders every tea known to mankind.
Everything in Libby's life is going ok, she is falling for her best friend Matt, her business is busy and she has great employees. What more could she need? Then walks in Mrs. D'Angelo with news of a murder. And it just so happens that it occurred in the parking lot of an old high school classmates business. So now there have been two murders in the past few months. Libby is so concerned because things like this just don't happen in Cape Bay! It is the kind of place where you don't lock your doors and now murder?? The number one suspect is a person every girl including Libby had a crush on in high school, Todd Caruthers.
Libby decides she is going to help get to the bottom of this murder. But will she find the murderer before he or she finds her? What will happen to Cape Bay now that two murders have occurred in their sleepy town?
The cast of characters in this book for great to get to know. I loved this book. The author has you from the first chapter through to the very end sitting on the edge of your seat. If you love Cozies with a great dog, mystery, suspense, and a little romance you will not want to miss this second book in the Cape Bay Mysteries.
I received this book as an ARC as a member of a review crew. Thank you for letting me read your wonderful work Ms. Lin.
September 21, 2015
The second offering in the Cape Bay Mysteries series continues the story of Francesca, Matteo, and Antonia's Italian Café. There is now a second murder and a reunion with Francesca's high school crush, Todd Caruthers.
I enjoyed this story. Matty seems to be jealous of Todd but we are not told why. Seems he likes Franny more than he says or acts upon. As sure as Franny is that Todd is innocent, Matty is not so sure. Can it be the insecurities and jealousies of high school are rearing their ugly heads? I had fun watching Matty counter every argument Franny comes up with on Todd's innocence.
Franny is also playing with adding tea to the menu. I liked her experimentation and methodical eye to detail whether on coffee, tea, or murder. I like how she is right in the middle of it all. This time though she manages not to anger Mike. The mystery was good. I was totally wrong about who the murderer was until Franny figured it out and explained it to Matty. I'll never be a detective.
I look forward to more lattes, caffes, and teas as this series continues.
I enjoyed this story. Matty seems to be jealous of Todd but we are not told why. Seems he likes Franny more than he says or acts upon. As sure as Franny is that Todd is innocent, Matty is not so sure. Can it be the insecurities and jealousies of high school are rearing their ugly heads? I had fun watching Matty counter every argument Franny comes up with on Todd's innocence.
Franny is also playing with adding tea to the menu. I liked her experimentation and methodical eye to detail whether on coffee, tea, or murder. I like how she is right in the middle of it all. This time though she manages not to anger Mike. The mystery was good. I was totally wrong about who the murderer was until Franny figured it out and explained it to Matty. I'll never be a detective.
I look forward to more lattes, caffes, and teas as this series continues.
April 30, 2020
Again another mystery "solved" by happenstance and coincidence. An entire investigation where the culprit never comes up and none of the other suspects seem viable at all. Also contain this witty dialogue, after SEVERAL different people have mentioned Todd's Gym:
"where is this gym? And what's it called?"
"Todd's Gym? It's out on the edge of town. Near the marina."
"But what's it called?"
"Todd's Gym."
"I don't know who Todd is, and I don't care that it's the gym he goes to. I just want to know the name of it," I exclaimed, exasperated by how hard it was to get a straight answer.
"The name of the gym is Todd's Gym. Todd owns it, and he named it after himself."
Like am I supposed to believe this woman could solve a mystery?
"where is this gym? And what's it called?"
"Todd's Gym? It's out on the edge of town. Near the marina."
"But what's it called?"
"Todd's Gym."
"I don't know who Todd is, and I don't care that it's the gym he goes to. I just want to know the name of it," I exclaimed, exasperated by how hard it was to get a straight answer.
"The name of the gym is Todd's Gym. Todd owns it, and he named it after himself."
Like am I supposed to believe this woman could solve a mystery?
April 11, 2017
Another great read in this series. Yet again I didn't know who did until the end. I really enjoy the characters in this series. They don't get carried away with all the drama. I like that since you don't get that with most books. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
April 3, 2018
Great main characters, fun setting, but the mystery is just sad.
February 4, 2024
Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series:
Book #1 - 3.4 stars
Book #2 - 3.75 stars
Once again, I read this cozy small town mystery on audiobook, once again the narrator absolutely crushed it (/positive), and once again I read this over the course of approximately two days. There is just something addictive about this series and the quick pace it creates, despite never having the highest of stakes. Perhaps the stress-free aspect is what makes me read it so quickly? It's funny, I would almost recommend this for fans of the book "Legends & Lattes" which I read last December and quite enjoyed.
I will say, I liked this book more than the previous one! The personal connection the protagonist had to this mystery was very creative and engaging, and I appreciated the different angle from the first book. Instead of trying to solve who did it, the protagonist Frannie was trying to prove who didn't do it. I just thought that was very clever on the author's part, distinguished this book from the last one in order to make it feel less repetitive, and kept me invested in what would happen next (even if the character we were trying to prove didn't do it wasn't my favorite character in the world. Not my least favorite either, mind you, but not my favorite.)
I also felt the red herrings in the book made more sense than the previous one and had me questioning things more often. I appreciated the foreshadowing in this volume as well, as the eventual solution made more sense and did not feel out of the blue or "random" like the last one did.
The hints that were sprinkled throughout were fun to follow along with and while I wasn't necessarily pulling out my Pepe Silvia red string board, I did like trying to puzzle together some of the clues as I went along. I did want a bit more resolution at the conclusion of this once again, because again it did feel like "here's who did it, aaand done!" when I would have liked to ease back into the characters' normal every day lives. That being said, this is a personal preference and I'm sure there are compliments to give out about not overstaying your welcome in a story and keeping things succinct, especially in quick mysteries like this one.
I wanted to note that I also like the setting of Cape Bay a lot, and the author does a great job of bringing it to life as thought it is its own character. It also felt very steeped in history that was introduced very naturally. I appreciate that aspect of this series and of this book. Also, Frannie was less obsessive about how other people ran their own businesses in this book, so that pet peeve of mine was eliminated, thank goodness.
Overall, this book definitely ranks above the last one for me and I am excited to soon continue my journey in Cape Bay!
Book #1 - 3.4 stars
Book #2 - 3.75 stars
Once again, I read this cozy small town mystery on audiobook, once again the narrator absolutely crushed it (/positive), and once again I read this over the course of approximately two days. There is just something addictive about this series and the quick pace it creates, despite never having the highest of stakes. Perhaps the stress-free aspect is what makes me read it so quickly? It's funny, I would almost recommend this for fans of the book "Legends & Lattes" which I read last December and quite enjoyed.
I will say, I liked this book more than the previous one! The personal connection the protagonist had to this mystery was very creative and engaging, and I appreciated the different angle from the first book. Instead of trying to solve who did it, the protagonist Frannie was trying to prove who didn't do it. I just thought that was very clever on the author's part, distinguished this book from the last one in order to make it feel less repetitive, and kept me invested in what would happen next (even if the character we were trying to prove didn't do it wasn't my favorite character in the world. Not my least favorite either, mind you, but not my favorite.)
I also felt the red herrings in the book made more sense than the previous one and had me questioning things more often. I appreciated the foreshadowing in this volume as well, as the eventual solution made more sense and did not feel out of the blue or "random" like the last one did.
The hints that were sprinkled throughout were fun to follow along with and while I wasn't necessarily pulling out my Pepe Silvia red string board, I did like trying to puzzle together some of the clues as I went along. I did want a bit more resolution at the conclusion of this once again, because again it did feel like "here's who did it, aaand done!" when I would have liked to ease back into the characters' normal every day lives. That being said, this is a personal preference and I'm sure there are compliments to give out about not overstaying your welcome in a story and keeping things succinct, especially in quick mysteries like this one.
I wanted to note that I also like the setting of Cape Bay a lot, and the author does a great job of bringing it to life as thought it is its own character. It also felt very steeped in history that was introduced very naturally. I appreciate that aspect of this series and of this book. Also, Frannie was less obsessive about how other people ran their own businesses in this book, so that pet peeve of mine was eliminated, thank goodness.
Overall, this book definitely ranks above the last one for me and I am excited to soon continue my journey in Cape Bay!
September 6, 2018
I listened to this book on audio and enjoyed the narrator as much as I did for the first one. She didn't help my impression that Francesca is in her mid-twenties rather than mid-thirties, but I enjoyed her narration nonetheless. The blurb says this series doesn't have to be read in order but you would miss a lot of the context, especially for relationships, if you didn't read the first one in the series.
In this book, Francesca goes to check out the local gym after it comes to her attention when a guy is stabbed right outside. She encounters the guy she had a crush on in high school, Todd, and finds herself drawn to him, though mostly for the strength of her old feelings than anything present. However, Todd is one of the main suspects in the murder and while Francesca is convinced he didn't do it, Matty is convinced he did.
There were several things I liked about this book. We saw more of Francesca being an ultra-competent cafe owner who is really dedicated to her business and improving it. It's always great to see heroines in these cozy mysteries actually caring about their job and putting the work in. And I really liked Francesca and Matty's relationship growing in this book, it didn't feel like silly misunderstandings getting in the way of their relationship, it felt like they had an understanding that they were gradually moving towards a romance. I also liked how Francesca had a wide group of friends and acquaintances, some of which reappear from the first book and some of which are new to this book. Francesca feels very realistic as a person, if slightly immature for her age, and I find myself almost instinctively rooting for her.
That being said, I found her continued insistence that Todd was innocent and arguments towards this supposed fact really ineffectual and, again, immature. I found myself rolling my eyes at her several times and wondered how Matty didn't get angry or short-tempered with her. I also guessed who the murderer was pretty much as soon as he was introduced, though I didn't guess the reason why completely.
This is definitely a series I will be continuing, it's a fun little audiobook. 4 stars!
In this book, Francesca goes to check out the local gym after it comes to her attention when a guy is stabbed right outside. She encounters the guy she had a crush on in high school, Todd, and finds herself drawn to him, though mostly for the strength of her old feelings than anything present. However, Todd is one of the main suspects in the murder and while Francesca is convinced he didn't do it, Matty is convinced he did.
There were several things I liked about this book. We saw more of Francesca being an ultra-competent cafe owner who is really dedicated to her business and improving it. It's always great to see heroines in these cozy mysteries actually caring about their job and putting the work in. And I really liked Francesca and Matty's relationship growing in this book, it didn't feel like silly misunderstandings getting in the way of their relationship, it felt like they had an understanding that they were gradually moving towards a romance. I also liked how Francesca had a wide group of friends and acquaintances, some of which reappear from the first book and some of which are new to this book. Francesca feels very realistic as a person, if slightly immature for her age, and I find myself almost instinctively rooting for her.
That being said, I found her continued insistence that Todd was innocent and arguments towards this supposed fact really ineffectual and, again, immature. I found myself rolling my eyes at her several times and wondered how Matty didn't get angry or short-tempered with her. I also guessed who the murderer was pretty much as soon as he was introduced, though I didn't guess the reason why completely.
This is definitely a series I will be continuing, it's a fun little audiobook. 4 stars!
July 15, 2020
Francesca is in her mid-thirties and worked in New York for many years in PR. She moved back home to run the family Italian café in a small town in Massachusetts when her mother passed away a couple months ago
A man named Joey is found murdered outside Todd's Gym. The police investigate and it seems like they are focusing on Todd, the owner of the gym, since that's where the body was found and Joey worked out at the gym. Pretty slim reason to suspect Todd, I thought. Fran had a crush on jock Todd when they were in high school more than 15 years ago and they haven't seen each other since then. All of a sudden he has a crush on her now that she's back in town and is putting the moves on her. She automatically thinks he's innocent and sets out to find out who killed Joey.
This is the second in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series (I read the first a couple weeks ago) by this author. It is written in first person perspective in Fran's voice. The "whodunnit" and ending came together really quickly. It's a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. Fran has been dating her high school friend, Matt, for a couple months and though there have been a couple hugs, I don't think they have actually kissed yet, which given their ages is unrealistic.
I found it unbelievable that café owner Fran would be proactive in investigating the murder of a stranger even though the police, who she acknowledges are competent, are on it. She's adamant that Todd didn't do it, which I found hard to believe considering she hasn't seen the guy since high school and he barely knew she existed in high school.
There are recipes at the end.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/07...
A man named Joey is found murdered outside Todd's Gym. The police investigate and it seems like they are focusing on Todd, the owner of the gym, since that's where the body was found and Joey worked out at the gym. Pretty slim reason to suspect Todd, I thought. Fran had a crush on jock Todd when they were in high school more than 15 years ago and they haven't seen each other since then. All of a sudden he has a crush on her now that she's back in town and is putting the moves on her. She automatically thinks he's innocent and sets out to find out who killed Joey.
This is the second in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series (I read the first a couple weeks ago) by this author. It is written in first person perspective in Fran's voice. The "whodunnit" and ending came together really quickly. It's a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. Fran has been dating her high school friend, Matt, for a couple months and though there have been a couple hugs, I don't think they have actually kissed yet, which given their ages is unrealistic.
I found it unbelievable that café owner Fran would be proactive in investigating the murder of a stranger even though the police, who she acknowledges are competent, are on it. She's adamant that Todd didn't do it, which I found hard to believe considering she hasn't seen the guy since high school and he barely knew she existed in high school.
There are recipes at the end.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/07...
January 17, 2021
This was a light, shut-your-brain off and listen kind of cozy mystery audiobook. It has a murder and a bit of romance, but both were blaw with more detail being put into describing various teas and how to pour coffees with fancy foam than on developing a solid murder mystery and an interesting cast.
Fran is no 'Jessica Fletcher' barista. She lacks personality and detective skills because the mystery is solved more by coincidence than Fran's competence. Readers will also have to make peace with the fact that Fran is unbelievably adamant to help clear a guy she had a crush on in high school - but hasn't seen since.
This is a 'clean' read with no swearing or gratuitous violence, but it also doesn't have a lot of oomph or mystery either. This would be the product if a Hallmark movie and a mystery had an awkward love child.
Predictable, with overly cutsie dialogue and just a splash of mystery, this is a story that is already fading from my memory. There is light mystery and then there's this. I'm done with this series.
Fran is no 'Jessica Fletcher' barista. She lacks personality and detective skills because the mystery is solved more by coincidence than Fran's competence. Readers will also have to make peace with the fact that Fran is unbelievably adamant to help clear a guy she had a crush on in high school - but hasn't seen since.
This is a 'clean' read with no swearing or gratuitous violence, but it also doesn't have a lot of oomph or mystery either. This would be the product if a Hallmark movie and a mystery had an awkward love child.
Predictable, with overly cutsie dialogue and just a splash of mystery, this is a story that is already fading from my memory. There is light mystery and then there's this. I'm done with this series.
August 9, 2022
Not as good as the first one, but not bad either.
Earl Grey... *sigh* Earl Grey is flavored tea. It's not ordinary black tea. It has bergamot oil in it. Now, if you put only a little of that thing in the tea, it enhances the flavor of tea, but most Earl Grey teas have too much of the thing in them, and it has an artificial flavor to it. I refuse to drink Earl Grey nowadays as it tastes like someone has poured a flask of perfume into my teacup.
I also didn't know iced tea isn't necessarily sweetened.
Oh, and the "how DARE you suspect me?!?!" reaction. I can't stand it. How DARE you assume you are somehow above everyone else? How DARE you get offended by being treated as a human being? How DARE you assume criminals are somehow recognizable just by looks?
And the damned argument about whether Todd was guilty or not. All Matt wanted was Franny to admit he COULD have been guilty. That she didn't KNOW he wasn't. I think her behavior was really bitchy and I resent that.
I like how Matt and Franny's relationship evolves. :-) Makes me happy :-)
Earl Grey... *sigh* Earl Grey is flavored tea. It's not ordinary black tea. It has bergamot oil in it. Now, if you put only a little of that thing in the tea, it enhances the flavor of tea, but most Earl Grey teas have too much of the thing in them, and it has an artificial flavor to it. I refuse to drink Earl Grey nowadays as it tastes like someone has poured a flask of perfume into my teacup.
I also didn't know iced tea isn't necessarily sweetened.
Oh, and the "how DARE you suspect me?!?!" reaction. I can't stand it. How DARE you assume you are somehow above everyone else? How DARE you get offended by being treated as a human being? How DARE you assume criminals are somehow recognizable just by looks?
And the damned argument about whether Todd was guilty or not. All Matt wanted was Franny to admit he COULD have been guilty. That she didn't KNOW he wasn't. I think her behavior was really bitchy and I resent that.
I like how Matt and Franny's relationship evolves. :-) Makes me happy :-)
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