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Listening Length: 11 hours and 29 minutes

The latest in the steaming hot national bestselling series— now in hardcover.

Manager and head barista of the bustling New York coffeehouse The Village Blend, Clare Cosi’s been hired to create a gourmet coffee and dessert bar for a swanky wedding. Clare should be thrilled at this chance to shine, but it’s Matteo Allegro, her ex-husband and current business partner, who’s tying the knot—to Trend magazine editor Breanne Summour, who’s in full-blown bridezilla mode. Claire’s got to put her misgivings aside and focus on business, but since she’s a successful amateur sleuth, murder is Clare’s business, too. And when fatal accidents begin befalling people close to Breanne, Clare becomes suspicious. But what she unveils, amid melted chocolate and steaming mochaccinos, may just get her burned...

Audible Audio

First published September 30, 2008

177 people are currently reading
2568 people want to read

About the author

Cleo Coyle

53 books3,554 followers
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

*******

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.

*******

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!

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5 stars
1,763 (28%)
4 stars
2,741 (43%)
3 stars
1,537 (24%)
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1 star
33 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews
Profile Image for Nicole.
26 reviews
May 19, 2012
This series falls into my "mysteries I read and enjoy and don't know why" genre. I love coffee and can practically smell it the whole way through the books, yet sometimes Clare's constant bean-lectures and chastising about technique give me a serious case of the eye-rolls. Also, when it comes to her ex-husband she's kind of a shrew with her constant reminders of his infidelity and drug addiction. Clare is also a mega helicopter mom and I would have run away to France too if my mom poked into my business the way Clare does to Joy.

Still, I like the plotlines and the other characters and I love that it always comes back to the coffeehouse, which seems like a magical place (as all coffeehouses are). So I keep reading them and then feeling like Clare would totally scorn my not-spotless coffeemaker and pre-ground beans that were not hand selected by a sexy man tramping through the jungles of South America. We can't all have bean roasters in the basement, you know?
Profile Image for Suzanne.
178 reviews6 followers
December 28, 2012
Cleo Coyle's Coffee House Mysteries are among my all-time favorites in the cozy genre! I've been reading about Clare Cosi since the very first mystery came out in the early 2000's and I have never once been disappointed. Cleo's books are fast- paced and interesting, her character development is top notch and I feel as if over the years, I have really gotten to know the crew that hangs around the Village Blend...they are like old friends!

In this installment of the series, Clare's ex-husband, Matteo (Matt) is about to walk down the aisle a second time with Breanne (Bre) Summour, the editor-in-chief of Trend Magazine, and the head of New York's fashion elite. However, it soon becomes clear that someone does not want her to make it to the altar. After she is nearly run-down and a look-alike is murdered, Clare starts to look into things and is really surprised what she finds. As she starts lining up the suspects, it could be anyone -- someone from her past, someone to whom she's given a bad review, or maybe it is someone who wants to hurt Matt? You don't make it to the top of the New York fashion world without making a few enemies!

In true fashion, Clare digs a little too deep an places her life in danger more than once, but will she get to the bottom of this mystery in time to save the wedding?
Profile Image for Kim.
1,162 reviews16 followers
June 30, 2020
I enjoy reading this series. I admit I have skipped a few books, but this one is the best so far. The characters are well developed and realistic. The mystery has several twists and turns to keep you guessing. Looking forward to the next.
Profile Image for Annie .
2,506 reviews940 followers
October 21, 2016


When Clare’s ex-husband Matteo Allergro is set to be married to a prissy woman named Breanne Summour, Clare is very pleased for him despite the fact that she is sure that Breanne hates her. When it is clear that someone out there intends to kill Breanne before her wedding, Clare is forced into action, and this particular book takes her into some dangerous situations.

Matt is obviously has a big presence in this book and we actually get more of the story behind who they were before the books took place and how their marriage was before their divorce. The romance addict in me LOVES this because we get a deeper understanding of their relationship. I find their partnership to be so fascinating because although it’s clear they have their differences, I liked knowing they have a complex past. I think it adds so much depth to their characters. And while Matt is far from perfect, knowing about his flaws actually makes me like him more.

I was annoyed several times in this book but I think that’s intentional from the author. Breanne lives in world completely different than Clare. She’s high-end designer while Clare is a little more simple in her style so obviously when Clare is forced into her whole to investigate, she encounters more obnoxious, attention-seeking characters who often think only of themselves. So yeah, be prepared for some Mean Girls action as this one is a little bit different to the other books in the series. Nevertheless, it’s still killer good. I can’t get enough.
Profile Image for Book Concierge.
3,078 reviews387 followers
August 6, 2020
Digital audiobook read by Rebecca Gibel


Coffeehouse Mystery series book # 7 finds Clare Cosi in the uncomfortable position of catering a wedding reception for . The bride-to-be is a Trend magazine’s editor – wealthy, beautiful, sophisticated and a known tastemaker. But when people connected to the event begin to die, Clare’s radar goes into high gear and she starts investigating.

I like this series. It’s populated with a nice cast of recurring characters and Clare’s romance with detective Mike Quinn is heating up nicely. There are plenty of suspects and some twists and turns to keep the reader (and Clare) guessing. I find all the references to foodie culture and explorations of different cuisines, desserts and beverages (including various coffees) entertaining. Recipes are included at the end, and I’m really tempted to try the Lomo Saltado included in this volume.

Rebecca Gibel does a fine job narrating the audio book. I especially like the way she voices Madame, Clare’s ex-mother-in-law.
Profile Image for Christine.
972 reviews16 followers
January 5, 2010
I like this series a lot, but had some problems with this entry. For one thing, there was hardly any coffeehouse in it at all! And for another, the mystery was a little too complicated. It just got confusing at the end with the multi-twists. I think Breanne was also made too unlikeable in the first few books to really make us sympathize with her in any way, or to feel happy about the happy ending in this one. Still, I'm glad that Clare's with Mike and that all seems to be working out.
Profile Image for Fallon.
180 reviews62 followers
January 21, 2021
Always love getting back to The Village Blend! Such a fun cozy series! ☕️☕️☕️
Profile Image for Jammin Jenny.
1,534 reviews218 followers
September 24, 2020
I really enjoyed this installment in the Coffehouse Mystery series. Clare Cosi is an amazing woman. She's a great barrista, a great mother, and a great friend to her ex-husband and his fiance Breanne. It was so nice to see Matteo in love and with someone that loves him. This lets Clare really be more clearly with Mike Quinn, the police officer.
Profile Image for Melissa Cochrill.
76 reviews15 followers
August 3, 2019
I really enjoyed getting to know more characters in this series. I was also happy with ending! I love Claire and Mike together.
6,208 reviews80 followers
January 16, 2025
Clare Cosi is trying to run her coffeeshop, and help cater the wedding of her ex-husband. He's getting married to a woman obviously after Anna Wintour, at least The Devil Who Wears Prada version. Someone is apparently trying to kill her, and even manages to murder a stripper impersonator. Clare starts poking around, and gets to the bottom of things.

I'm not expecting a happy marriage.
Profile Image for Rina.
154 reviews
July 6, 2020
I don't know why I still listen to these. I don't like the characters, there is a lot of repetitive content that reads like the author is trying to show off about something she knows, so much reiterating that the men are hot and the narrator is voluptuous, and quite a bit of racial stereotyping. And the mystery was mediocre...
Profile Image for Cassie.
93 reviews1 follower
January 13, 2023
These books are really bad. Why do I keep doing this to myself? Alas, onto the next one 😂
Profile Image for Eva.
47 reviews
February 28, 2021
Kapku překombinované, ale pořád se čte dobře.
Profile Image for Delta.
1,242 reviews22 followers
February 15, 2017
This was an interesting take on the cozy mystery heroine - I don't think I've ever read one with a coffee shop owner as the MC. Granted, the coffee lessons scattered through the book could have been taken down a notch, but it was an interesting concept. Lots of twists and red herrings.
Profile Image for Emmalynn.
2,938 reviews29 followers
June 2, 2023
And I continue to punish myself because I have a compulsive nature, once I start something I like to see it through 😤😤🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️
Mateo 🚩🚩🚩🚩
Breanne 🚩🚩🚩🚩
Mateo and Breanne deserve each other. Claire should let them ride of into the red flags sunset unencumbered.
Madame 👃👃and way to demanding she’s annoying
Joy is still a brat.
Mike is the only sane one along with a few of the baristas.
The mystery was actually good, the characters just ruined the book b
Profile Image for SW.
779 reviews16 followers
September 7, 2025
**⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Frothy Fun with a Few Bitter Notes**

In *Espresso Shot*, Cleo Coyle serves up another round of caffeinated chaos in her Coffeehouse Mystery series. This time, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi is pulled into the high-stakes world of fashion and media as she investigates the murder of a top magazine editor. According to the description, it's a tale where "**murder is always in fashion…**" and Clare must "**stay alive—and in step—with a cunning killer.**"

It’s a fun setup, and the series continues to blend cozy mystery with over-the-top antics that somehow work. But let me tell you—I thought Joy was annoying in the last book... *Breanne* takes that to an entirely new level. Every scene with her made me grit my teeth. She’s the kind of character that makes you want to yell at the audiobook while you're folding laundry.

That said, the highlight continues to be *Madame*, Clare’s ex-mother-in-law and hands down the best character in the series. Her flair, wisdom, and subtle meddling always steal the show. And as usual, the shenanigans Clare and crew get into are ridiculous in the best way. It’s part mystery, part soap opera, part coffee-fueled fever dream—and I’m here for it.

The book leans heavily into its dramatic elements, which might not be for everyone, but if you’re in the mood for something light, slightly absurd, and filled with personality, it’s an enjoyable listen. It’s not a series I take too seriously, which is why it works great when I’m multitasking—cleaning, cooking, or just zoning out a bit.

A solid mid-series entry, even if some characters seriously test your patience.
Profile Image for Bella.
177 reviews
June 18, 2024
I stumbled upon this book years ago in a bin marked "free" outside of a used bookstore, and I finally got around to reading it. It definitely served it's purpose as a light, poolside read, but beyond that, there wasn't much substance. As I started to read, I felt like I was missing some information, and then I realized this book was number 7 in a now 20-book series. That being said, there was no issue reading this as a standalone book.

Anyway, I immediately became intrigued about the rest of the series, but now that I have finished the book, I have no desire to read more about these characters. They all fell flat to me. Also, you could really tell this book was published in 2008 given the descriptive language that was used, particularly about people's appearances and backgrounds. I felt like some of the remarks were tip-toeing the line of being offensive. Also, the sexual innuendos were so cringe.

Furthermore, the story took too many abrupt turns, and not in a fun, captivating way. About half way through, I feel like we really started to lose the plot. Overall, this was a typical whodunnit book that was very reminiscent of those old-timey detective shows where they are all on the hunt for clues and following their hunches.
Profile Image for Mr Francy Reads.
764 reviews24 followers
November 8, 2023
YAY!!!! SO FANTASTIC TO BE BACK WITH CLAIRE, MADAM, MATEO AND THE GANG ONCE MORE!

PREMISE: In this one we continue to follow Claire but this time her ex and father of her child, Mateo, is getting married and Claire has been hired to create a gormet and coffee desert bar for the wedding. All seems to be going well, even if the bride to be is not a fan of Claire's to say the least. That is until Clair and Mateo stumble into a surprise bachelor party for Mateo and a stripper comes out looking exactly like the bride to be. This imitation bride-to-be is shot down in cold blood and the question becomes - were the after the imitation or, the real thing?

THOUGHTS: Oh my goodness yay was it amazing to be back in this world! I read book 6 back in February haltering my cozies for the next 8 months. So to be back in this world 8 months later was a true joy! This time the cozy-coffee side focused on Espresso and, as with all of Claire/Cleo's coffee facts, I delighted in each and every moment.
It was great seeing Madam again and I enjoyed every cozy moment as well as the mystery. I deducted .5 stars for the reveal though. I didn't like the reveal in the last book either. But .5 stars is only .5 stars. It was still and amazing book and I can't wait to read book 8, which will be the very next book I read!!!

4.5 Stars!
xoxo.
Profile Image for Leah.
1,976 reviews
October 5, 2019
One of the better mysteries in this series, but I was disappointed by the lack of coffee in this book. It covers the lead up to the wedding. There are attacks on the bride and some others. I didn't like the bride or many of the people she knows. I was surprised by the ending. I didn't think it would happen. I also didn't expect the person who did it or why. There were a few other surprises too.
Profile Image for ☆☆Hannah☆☆.
3,182 reviews46 followers
October 5, 2019
This was a decent read. Matt who is Clare's ex husband is getting married. Unfortunately she is a real trip. Which is why when someone is trying to kill her before their wedding I'm not surprised. Clare of course tries to figure out who did it. All I can say is that I have no idea why Matt and Breanne got married. They were two messed up people.
Profile Image for Toni  (T.C.) LoTempio.
93 reviews5 followers
July 4, 2018
OMG, best so far. Each book just keeps getting better and better, and there's always a twist at the end. Really love the character develpment. I had an idea there was more to the Hazel/Breanne connection than met the eye. Breanne and Matt seem suited for one another!
Profile Image for Elizabeth Meadows.
1,987 reviews301 followers
February 19, 2020
This one was probably one of the best so far in the series. It kept moving at a fast pace. It isn't my favorite mystery series, but it does make me want to have some coffee.
Profile Image for &#x1f940;.
472 reviews11 followers
November 15, 2020
Probably one of my favorites in the series and I’m happy it’s starting to pick back up again!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
5,495 reviews48 followers
January 11, 2023
I’m so glad her ex is married maybe he’ll leave her alone now so she can for real move on and her ex MIL will stop thinking they’ll get back together. I love her but no more matchmaking please.
Profile Image for Correna Dillon.
170 reviews12 followers
November 5, 2024
This was the most convoluted entry in the series yet. However, it will all be worth it if the will-they won’t-they storyline with the ex husband is finally put to rest!

Even if Bree is a bitch, she’s beautiful,successful, rich and Matteo doesn’t deserve her. But again, if this puts an end to his constantly pushing up on Claire that makes it worth it to me.

I love Claire and she’s complex but one of her flaws is she’s SO jealous of women who made different choices than her. It’s just like the other friend they had who prioritized her degree and career, Claire is so judgey and jealous of successful women. There’s nothing wrong with prioritizing motherhood and having a “smaller” career but Claire seems very insecure about it.
Profile Image for Candace.
406 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2025
I like that this series is like coming back to your favourite cafe. You know everyone and it warms you like a nice mug of coffee. The coffee knowledge Cleo has makes my heart sing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 437 reviews

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