Dead to the Last Drop

Coffeehouse Mystery #15

by Cleo Coyle

From Cleo Coyle, the  New York Times  bestselling author of  Once Upon a Grind , comes an exciting new installment in the "highly satisfying"* Coffeehouse Mystery series. ( *Publishers Weekly)
  
When the White House asks coffeehouse manager and master roaster Clare Cosi to consult on a Rose Garden Wedding, she uncovers long-simmering secrets that threaten to boil over...
 
Clare's Washington visit is off to a graceful start, when she lands a housesitting job in a Georgetown mansion and is invited to work on the Smithsonian's salute to coffee in America. Unfortunately, her new Village Blend DC is struggling--until its second floor Jazz Space attracts a high-profile fan in the daughter of the President. But as Clare's stock rises, she learns a stark lesson: Washington can be murder.
 
First a State Department employee suspiciously collapses in her coffeehouse. Then the President's daughter goes missing. After another deadly twist, Clare is on the run with her NYPD detective boyfriend. Branded an enemy of the state, she must uncover the truth before her life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness come to a bitter end.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy, Romance, Murder Mystery

464 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 1, 2015

About the author

Don't miss the newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series (with more to come), NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, a National Mystery Bestseller and triple #1 Amazon Category Bestseller. Join Cleo's Coffee Club for bonus recipes and giveaways: Click Here to Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter

CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.

When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.

CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com

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CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:

Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.

Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.

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LATEST BOOK NEWS:

The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).

Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!

Reviews

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book of the Coffeehouse Mystery series that I have listened to. It was very easy to listen to as I was doing other chores, it's pretty much a cozy mystery which was exactly what I was looking for. You will find all of the characters that you loved in the other books. Clare the manager oft the new Village Blend DC, her boyfriend Mike Quinn, police detective.

Here is a sample of this fun book:

"First a stylish State Department employee suspiciously collapses in her coffeehouse. Then the President’s daughter goes missing. Is she a runaway bride or is something more sinister in play? After another deadly twist, Clare is on the run with her NYPD detective boyfriend. Branded an enemy of the state, she must piece together clues and uncover the truth before her life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness come to a bitter end."

I think this is my favorite of the series so far. The plot was more complicated and having the President's daughter one of the main characters added to more complications, twists and turns.

I would recommend this as a great mystery to listen to!

[Lily (Night Owl Book Cafe) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo Coyle strikes again as she brings a new exciting release in her Coffeehouse Mystery Dead to the Last Drop. Clare Cosi has taken a major step by moving to DC to be closer to her boyfriend Mike Quinn. In DC she is managing a new location of Village Blend, DC opened by her owner. Things aren’t going so great for Clare. The opening day was a bust and her Chef with his ironclad contract is causing Clare lots of problems. The problems start to seem minor when the First Daughter, going by the musician's name on Abby Lane shows up at the coffee house to perform with Gardener and his band mates. Suddenly Clare gets more than what she was willing to bargain for. People who work for the government dying, and the violent kidnapping of the First Daughter has Clare wanted and on the run. Not to mention Mike Quinn, Clare’s boyfriend is having his own share of troubles with his boss and as the two find themselves on the run from special agents, they must find not only the person who committed the crime but also how Quinn’s boss might be connected to it.

Wow! This book literally started out in the middle of the action, hooked me and did NOT let me go. It was fun, it was entertaining, and for book 15 of the series, it was NOT boring.

Somehow Clare moving to DC has opened up like a new chapter not only in Clare’s life but also in the series. It definitely felt like a small revamp, but it was also oh so good.

Coyle really knows how to bring it, with well fleshed out characters that keep you smiling. Her writing has become so familiar, it's like coming home with each new book, and catching up with old friends.

Clare and her employees are as spunky as ever. Clare and Mike are as wonderful as ever and fear not long time lovers of the Coffeehouse mysteries because Coyle has found and clever way to enfold the old characters into the new book and the new scene. So not only does Matt make an appearance in the book, but the banter between him and Clare is as easy, familiar, and funny as ever.

I loved the writing style. It was fast paced and the chapters are short which is great for a mom like me that absolutely hates putting the book down in the middle of a chapter. There is a lot going on, there is a bit of action, a mystery, and I enjoyed the scenes of Clare and Mike on the run as Clare is retelling Mike the events that happen prior to the kidnapping as they are trying to find who did it before Clare is brought in by the agents.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and have not yet read this series, I strongly suggest you give this one a shot. What are you waiting for?


This review was originally posted on Night Owl Book Café

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding read!!

Cleo Cloyle has done it again!! Dead to the Last Drop is her best yet!! It was a full of mystery, romance, intrigue, and full of fascinating facts about the history of coffee and the Whitehouse. Claire and staff have opened up another Village Blend in Washington, D.C. A very good mystery, involving several law enforcement agencies, keep Claire and her hunky man, on the run to clear Claire of murder , among other charges. I highly recommend this book and the entire Coffeehouse series!!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

This book is amazing to the last word!

Clare Cosi, Master Roaster Extraordinaire, has come to Washington D.C. to get Village Blend DC up on it’s feet. She struggles to get control of the kitchen from a chef with a very high opinion of himself and tries to find a way for the jazz club portion to make a profit. Enter a college student who plays like a dream. When Clare finds out the young lady is the daughter of the President she knows there may be an issue with her continuing to play at Village Blend but she never imagined the way things would spiral out of her control.

Brew a full pot of coffee and be prepared for an all-nighter when you start reading Dead to the Last Drop. Cleo Coyle has written her best book yet and that is saying a lot because every story in this series is excellent.

Clare takes us all over DC, The White House, The Smithsonian, a beautiful mansion in Georgetown. She also travels around some less noteworthy parts of the area as she tries to solve the mysteries that have surrounded her.

This story is jam-packed with drama, action, and mayhem. It all happens at a pretty fast pace too. Intermixed with all the havoc is wonderful food and music. I could almost hear the band, smell the coffee and taste the glorious food.

Clare’s boyfriend, Detective Mike Quinn, is still working with the FBI in Washington. This is a good thing because they both need each other as things start to get crazy. Employees from New York come down to help with a major event and that includes Clare’s ex, Matt. We also meet some Washington elite, the First Family, and some of the White House staff. Again these characters leap off the pages.

If you are new to the series it is not too late to jump in, each story contains enough detail that will get you up to speed in no time. If you are already a fan you are probably waiting very impatiently for your pre-ordered copy to arrive. December 1 will be here soon. I will also add a book is a great holiday gift idea, coffee/cozy mystery buffs will love this story.

This story has earned my Paradise rating. Its contents are truly off the charts!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review/Giveaway
September 14
http://acozygirlreads.blogspot.ca/

Dead to the last drop made me regret not reading a book from the Coffeehouse Mysteries sooner. It had political secrets, being a fan of White House mysteries , it was reminiscent of Julie Hyzy's White House Chef Mystery Series that I'm a fan of. Edge of your seat thrills, romance, murder and best of all coffee for the coffee fan, just because I don't drink coffee didn't sway my opinion in the least and food for the foodie among us.

Clare Cosi manages The Village Blend and JazzSpace, having moved to Washington DC. The president's daughter has a big secret she is singing under an assumed name at Jazzspace escaping the clutches of The Secret Service, a demanding mother, and a fiance who's political asperations are stronger than his love for his soon to be bride.

There are shady goings-on with Chef Hopkins in The Village Blends kitchen. Claire soon becomes a "wanted woman" when there is a conspiracy to kidnap The Presidents Daughter when her identity is revealed and a State Department Employee turns up dead as finger prints put the heat on Claire.

NYPD Boyfriend, Mike Quinn helps Claire evade the police and goes along with her for the ride even though her partner at The Village Blend is her ex-husband and The owner is her ex-mother-in-law.

I could almost hear the President's daughter, Abby crooning jazz favorites, naming the selections she sang, it was a memorable part of the story. Lies, intrigue and family secrets, and scandal pulled me in from the first page. One of the best parts for me it was longer than a typical cozy mystery and brilliantly written. Dead to the Last Drop will make you wake up and smell the coffee.

FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.

[David Freas · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is one of the better stories in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. Short chapters (113 plus an epilogue in 399 pages) keep the tension high and the story moving.

But the book has one big problem. There’s too much:
1/ Description of everything – places, clothes, coffee varieties. Do we really need a paragraph-long description of a piano? Or everything Clare wears? Or the difference between Sumatra and Sulawesi beans?
2/ Info dumping (What a friend calls, “Well, as you know, Jim…” dialog). Raise your hand if you don’t know what the Freedom of Information Act is. Evidently Coyle feels readers don’t.
3/ Jumping around in time. One chapter is set in the present, the next in the past, the next in the past but one page in moves to the present. In one chapter the characters talk about a character being dead but many more chapters pass before the characters say he died.
4/ Plotlines. Trying to keep three (or was it four? or five?) straight was enough to give me a headache.

The descriptions and info dumps slow the story down. Jumping around in time makes the reader ‘reorient’ himself every time the shift occurs. And the many plotlines only confuse the reader.

This book is almost 480 pages long but only 399 of those pages are story. The remaining almost 100 pages are recipes, coffee and the presidents lore, and other filler.

Dead To The Last Drop would have been a much better story had Coyle told it linearly, kept the story to one or at most two main plotlines, and cut 50 – 70% of her descriptions. And that cost it one star.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series, and have the next two waiting in line. I like most of the characters. The one I don't like, and have not since the beginning is the main character, Clare. She just strikes me as a pushy, nosy, know it all. It's her way or no way. In this book she and Mike are on the run because she has been accused not only of murder, but of being one of a group of people who kidnapped the President's daughter. Mike is also being sexually harassed by his boss, and somehow the two things are connected.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claire Cosi is in Washington, DC busy setting up the Village Blend in Georgetown and now living closer to her boyfriend Mike Quinn.
As well as the coffeehouse, there is a jazz club which seems to be taking off better than the Blend.
This book has suspense and romantic problems.
I really like the Jazz story within the mystery as well as the culture of Jazz. This all comes from our seeing Abby the presidents daughter and her musical talent.
This book had me hooked from the start and kept me wanting to keep turning those pages.

[Larraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the second time I've put this author 's book aside after reading partway through. If I wanted to read fantasy, I would do so. I have enjoyed the books before. I think the author is getting bored.

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best in this series, but not the worst either. However, I'll be reading the next one. Still recommend this.

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clare Cosi goes to Washington, DC in order to be with her supercop paramour. She's also working on a salute to coffee in the Smithsonian, and trying to get a second coffee shop going in new territory.

Then, the President's daughter starts showing up for a jazz band appearing at the new shop. There's a bunch intrigue, a murder, and the daughter disappears, and we get a lot of intrigue.

A real departure for the series. I guess the writers wanted to stretch some different muscles.

[Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an author can make you feel the emotions of their characters, then they have truly captured your imagination.

Author Cleo Coyle does an excellent job of this in her Coffeehouse Mystery series. Her latest release, DEAD TO THE LAST DROP, is a prime example.

In this 15th entry of the series, the author takes protagonist Clare Cosi out of her New York coffeehouse and puts her in Washington D.C. Master roaster Clare has her hands full trying to get the new Village Blend, DC, shop up and running. Struggling to earn a profit, Clare tries to get her volatile chef to change his menu to no avail. The only peace she enjoys is from the coffeehouse’s second floor jazz club. But that’s short-lived when a jazz piano genius turns out to be the President’s daughter bringing problems of her own to the club.

When a State Department staff member bursts into the coffeehouse late one night and collapses, Clare’s troubles escalate. Clare’s boyfriend, NYPD Detective Mike Quinn, is on special assignment in DC for the Justice Department, but is dealing with problems of his own. His boss, Acting Director Katherina Lacey, has her sights set on him, but Mike’s interest in her has to do with proving she is corrupt.

When the President’s daughter goes missing and the State Department staffer dies, Clare finds herself a wanted woman by the FBI. On the run with Mike, Clare has to blend the elements together to discover who wants her behind bars or worse.

The author begins the story with an adrenaline rush and doesn’t let up until the end. Combining a historical setting with intrigue, Coyle infuses the story with a touch of romance, political intrigue and fascinating history. The mystery takes twists and turns to keep you guessing.

The characters are well-developed and extremely likable. Clare is a strong and determined protagonist with a soft side readers can relate to. The friendship and loyalty among the core group of characters gives depth to the story.

Readers don’t have to have a love of coffee to enjoy this series even though bits of coffee knowledge is woven throughout the story. Political conspiracy, fascinating characters, amazing settings and a murder mystery will hold you spellbound.

DEAD TO THE LAST DROP can be read on its own with new readers having no problems following the plot and characters. Returning fans will delight in the new directions of their favorite characters. In addition, there are recipes, tips, a jazz playlist, and an interesting list pertaining to Coffee and the Presidency to tantalize you.

Coyle keeps the story fresh and the intrigue high as she takes readers on a roller coaster ride through the streets of D.C. and surrounding area. With a glimpse inside the White House and a taste of jazz, the author blends her magic for another enthralling mystery.

FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the author. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.

[Lora Cimino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again I was pleasantly sucked right into Cleo Coyle's latest offering and I could not have been happier. This time Clair was in Washington DC setting up a new coffee house with a twist. A jazz club is also on the menu. An anonymous piano player shows and wows the jazz scene and from there the mystery adventure begins. A different setting, a different type of crime; it doesn't matter, it is still the brilliant Claire and the sexy detective Mike at their best. Bring it on White House, they will take the mystery to task.
I would also like to mention that I read this book while in the low end of major depression. I did not want to do anything, not even read. But as soon as I had this book in my hands I couldn't help myself. I had to read it. The wonderful rich story and the return to familiar characters made the lows a bit brighter. Because I can never resist the rich stories of this author; it brought reading back to me and after I read it, I read another book and then another. It returned one of my favorite joys to me. Thank you Cleo.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this is #15 in the series, it is the first book of the series I have read. Our protagonist owns a coffee house in D.C., where she serves her master blends of coffee and some pretty tasty casual dining fare. When the daughter of the US President shows up to sing at her coffeehouse incognito things quickly start to happen. Soon Clare is on the run, trying - with the help of her boyfriend Mike Quinn - to solve a murder before she is arrested.

I found it to be action packed, (mostly) believable, very detailed and it held my interest. I tired somewhat of the lengthy listings of delicious menu items, but the story was strong. I recommend it to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.

[dessertcomes1st · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do love me a good cozy mystery, especially the food kind. I’ve been reading this series since it began: the stories are hit or miss, and sometimes Clare is annoying, but the recipes at the back are always terrific.
I like reading this series whenever I need a breather from my hard core thrillers.

[Diane Vallere · Rating 5 out of 5]

Particularly loved this one because it felt very fresh (after 14 books in a series, that's no small accomplishment).

[Karin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clare Cosi is visiting Washington and working in the struggling new Village Blend and is house sitting a mansion. There are problems with the egotistical chef, but once the Jazz Space ends up with a high profile performer, things pick up at the cafe. However, all is not well. First, someone dies under suspicious circumstances and also someone goes missing. We know things are amok from the beginning of the book when Mike comes to get Clare to leave ASAP without her phone. Most of the story is told in flashbacks as she fills Mike in on details he doesn't know.

I have only read this one and the very first one, but I was able to pick things up after a chapter or two.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable book. I’m impressed by the research the author does to make her descriptions of the setting believable. From foods served to coffee. This book had impressive descriptions of Washington DC’s history of the Underground Railroad. Cleo Coyle never fails to surprise me on the extent of her imagination to cleverly unravel a mystery.

[Doralynn Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 🌟

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

With another book comes another theme and boy, does Cleo Coyle come up with something unique and creative every time. There’s no question that the Coffeehouse Mystery series is the series to beat when it comes to foodie mysteries. Cleo Coyle is always able to deliver a fast-paced story that takes you away and has your mind buzzing as you try to figure out the mystery before it’s revealed.

Each book in this series is highly engaging and I would recommend this to anyone who likes complex storylines and fun characters. There’s quite a lot going on in these books and that’s what I love about them.

For this particular book, we have a red, white and blue theme with the presence of the president’s daughter. I have never read a book like this already and when you throw in the jazz music and also the fact that it’s set in Washington as opposed to New York, it really brings new life to this series and since this is the 15th book in the series, sometimes a series needs that.

This book blew me away with its imagination and creativity. I think in terms of originality, this book is probably the standout star of the series. There are so many amazing secondary characters and I also liked the fact that there’s space for Mike to come in and be a part of everything. There’s no doubt that this series continues to get better with each book. I’m just surprised that Cleo Coyle is still able to come up with things that no one has ever done before!

Read my alternate review at Fresh Fiction

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many cups of coffee are bad for you, but there is no such thing as too many Coffeehouse Mysteries, as proven by this 15th book in the series!

If you have kept yourself from reading this series because you’re not a coffee drinker, don’t you dare wait another minute to start! I’m not a coffee drinker at all, and I adore this series. Sure, coffee plays s major role, however, the characters is this series are delightful, and the writing is first rate.

With the presidential elections here in the US quickly approaching, it couldn’t be a more perfect time for a Washington DC based mystery. But then, anytime is a great time for author Cleo Coyle’s Coffeehouse Mysteries.

Protagonist Clare Cosi is in DC to open her second Village Blend coffeehouse. It should have been just the normal worries and problems that occur when opening a new business. Come now, you didn’t think Cleo Coyle was going to let that happen did you? No way! With skilled and intelligent writing, the author takes us on an exciting journey as Clare is on the run to stay free while she tries to solve a mountain of problems that affects the presidential family itself!

A full body blend of mystery and suspense/thriller, DEAD TO THE LAST DROP reads like a cozy mystery amped-up on espresso! This thrilling read is one of the best in the series, and had my excitement percolating with every turn of the page.

When you read your own copy, make sure to keep reading after the main story is done, or you’ll miss 65 pages of extras including, but not limited to, over 15 recipes!

[Westminster Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fifteenth book in this great coffeehouse mystery series is based in Washington DC rather than New York. The main character, Clare Cosi, leads a cast of unique characters. The interaction between the family and friends makes this series a fun read that includes great action. Clare's caring attitude drives the story. Uniquely with this book, the author starts the book with an exciting scene near the end of the story and then, returns to the back story. For readers interested in recipes, they will find them at the end of each book.

Dead to the Last Drop find at Westminster Public Library.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleo Coyle and her Coffeehouse Mystery series is one that I think you all should definitely try out. I have enjoyed all I have read so far.

This story is about the President’s daughter singing the blues/jazz in the Washington Coffeehouse Clare is trying to help bring more business. She has a lot to deal with in this story besides jus solving the murder. If it isn’t one thing it is another. But the overwhelming amount of story shoved into this book doesn’t make the reading of it overwhelming. It is as smooth as one of Clare’s gourmet coffee drinks.

At some point in the book… Clare is on the run… the prez daughter disappears… the head cook sabotages the coffeehouse when he gets fired…. a man dies in the coffeehouse kitchen… I mean, really a LOT of good stuff in this title.

I don’t want to give anything away so just go out and buy it. You won’t be disappointed.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though this is #15 in the series this is the first one that I read. Luckily each one really can for the most part be read on it's one. Each book wraps up nicely. The only thing that you would not be caught up on is her relationship with Mike. I did enjoy this story. I thought it moved along quickly. I didn't know who was involved before the end. I have already read the next one in this series and liked it too. I just hope the others before there are just as good. Since I plan to go back and read them.

[Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cleo Coyle continues to deliver on her bistro series. This book was a bit confusing in the beginning but quickly fell into a great flow.

Claire Cosi and her boyfriend, Mike Quinn continue to thrill us with their collaborations and thirst for justice.

Quite a thriller and of course, fabulous recipes. Well done!

[Carol Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just about par for the series. Some interesting plot points, though the writing is a bit rocky. I really want to try the recipe for Mocha Whoopie Pies.....

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I had a lovely new copy of this book [which is rare because I have been buying all my books used and a new copy is a rare and fun thing for me now] and I was all raring to go. The book starts out fast and just keeps going; I enjoyed how they told this story in flashbacks and I really enjoyed learning about Clare's time in Washington D.C. [as I LOVE that city myself].
So imagine my shock when as I was reading along and had got to a very pivotal scene and I turned the page and THERE WERE NO WORDS ON THE PAGE. None. Nada. Zilch. And as I moved forward, there ended up being TWELVE pages that were either completely blank OR the print was so faded you could barely see it. Now I understand a page or two that might be missed by quality control, but TWELVE??? So while I ranted and raved to my best friend [who found the website I needed to send a complaint letter to, which I did along with TWELVE photos. ERGH!], I also went directly to OverDrive and prayed that Carnegie Library both had this book and that it was available. My prayers were answered and voila, in 5 seconds the book was downloaded to my kindle and I was able to resume reading. I was only momentarily derailed, but it has taught me a very valuable lesson - skim through the new books I buy. Make sure all the pages are there and that all the print is there [as much as you can tell when you are skimming]. This was an experience I do not want to have to repeat anytime soon!!

This was a good read [minus the drama] and I enjoyed it very much. I love these characters and how they work together and how often you don't know right up until the last moment if everything is going to work out or not. This remains one of my all-time favorite cozy series.

[Ashley Nikole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dead to the Last Drop had such a multi-faceted plot--it was really quite clever. I'd love to see something like this make it into movie form.
I felt the emphasis was more on the plot than the characters, if that makes sense? Yes, the characters were all fine and good, but I didn't feel like, as a reader, we ever got one of those "reader-character" connections, ya know? So, to me the emphasis was on the complex plot, rather than on meaningful character interactions or romance. Which is fine.

The one thing that irked me about Dead to the Last Drop, is that most of the story was told in retrospect, in the retelling of certain events.
For instance, Clare is fleeing the law with her agent boyfriend Quinn, and instead of progressing with the story in real time, Clare tells Quinn--like thirty stories!--about how they've come to the situation they are currently in. Then another question, and do we move forward with the plot? Nope. We get ANOTHER backstory. I just don't get down with that style of storytelling, personally, as I like to see things unfold as they unfold, and not hear about them later, as a memory.

But all in all--a truly brilliant, layered plot.

[Mr Francy Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

WHO KNEW THAT ***I*** WOULD LOVE SUCH A MYSTERY-HEAVY COZY MYSTERY! BUT BOY DID I EVER!!!!

SERIES PREMISE: We follow Claire Cosy who works at a cafe called the Village Blend. Every book is filled with coffee tips, tricks & knowledge along-side the mystery of the book.
BOOK PREMISE: In this one Claire meets the President's Daughter who has come to perform at the Village Blend under a different name. This leads Claire to get to know the Presidential-Family. They seem like nice people. But is there more going on than initially meets the eye?

THOUGHTS: Honestly, this one is mystery-heavy, so just go in knowing that. I am not a fan of cozies that are mystery-leaning/heavy, but this one had me intrigued literally from the first page!
We start off in the present time with Claire and her partner having a very important discussion. This then leads us to the past to see the events that unfolded and led to where we were at the beginning of the book! It was truly fascinating (and I can not say that highly enough) FASCINATING seeing Claire go through everything she did with this mystery! I was on the edge of my seat all the way through!

High Praise to Cleo Coyle!

5 Stars!
xoxo.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very good installment in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. It scares one oftentimes to 'see' the manipulations, intrigues and underhanded dealings within government; this book deals with that in a realistic manner without completely losing the coziness that has earmarked this series. Admittedly we do not get any time with Clare's cool ex-mother-law/friend or her flamboyant ex-husband, but, hopefully, that will be remedied in the next issue.