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Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #5
Americanos, Apple Pies, and Art Thieves
It’s almost Thanksgiving, and Fran is baking her family’s famous apple pies for the café. While pie fever spreads through Cape Bay, a world-famous artist holds a special art show in the town’s modest museum in honor of his late mother, who grew up there.
Louis Cliffton’s paintings are encrusted with valuable gems and gold. At the opening night, the centerpiece of the show is stolen. When Fran investigates the case, she receives threats, and someone follows her home and vandalizes her café.
What kind of thief would do this? A crazy outsider—or someone from her very own town?
Includes two recipes!
Louis Cliffton’s paintings are encrusted with valuable gems and gold. At the opening night, the centerpiece of the show is stolen. When Fran investigates the case, she receives threats, and someone follows her home and vandalizes her café.
What kind of thief would do this? A crazy outsider—or someone from her very own town?
Includes two recipes!
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2017
151 people are currently reading
626 people want to read
About the author
Harper Lin
92 books935 followersHarper Lin is the 3x USA Today Bestselling Author of several popular cozy mystery series—8 and counting!
When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family.
Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR
www.harperlin.com
When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family.
Be the first to hear about early bird discounts and new book releases by signing up for Harper's Newsletter: https://goo.gl/R7XmFR
www.harperlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
July 21, 2017
This was was the best of the series, and there wasn't even a
I do hope the author writes another in this series and longer would be better!
I do hope the author writes another in this series and longer would be better!
June 10, 2024
3.5 rounded up
Nice change of pace from murder. I also enjoyed learning more about Fran's employees snd neighbors.
Nice change of pace from murder. I also enjoyed learning more about Fran's employees snd neighbors.
March 13, 2023
Fran, Fran, Fran, nosy, nosy, nosy. No reason for her to be “investigating”but there she goes poking her nose in. And after being followed and scared at night and her restaurant vandalized, Fran is sooooo brave, she just can’t accept her friends help to stay with her at closing so she’s not alone and stay at a friends home so she’s not at home alone 🙄🙄🙄🙄 ridiculous
November 10, 2019
At last, a murder-free mystery in Cape Bay! Instead, it’s a robbery of precious art, as a total asshole of a modern artist disdainfully gives a show in the small town for flimsy reasons. Fran solves all, of course. (Sorry, Mike the Disgruntled Cop. Be better at your job and Fran won’t have to get so involved!)
More important than the mystery this time out is the doings at the cafe, because apparently Thanksgiving — which fast approaches in this world — is apple pie season at Antonia’s, and the apple pie sounds so delectable that is all I can really think about now, hours after finishing this book.
In fact, I’m going to go eat some now.
More important than the mystery this time out is the doings at the cafe, because apparently Thanksgiving — which fast approaches in this world — is apple pie season at Antonia’s, and the apple pie sounds so delectable that is all I can really think about now, hours after finishing this book.
In fact, I’m going to go eat some now.
July 30, 2019
No murder- what?? This was my favorite book of the series because of the close friendships and relationships Fran has. She's still comes across as a tad judge-y (whether that comes from city living or small town living) and her imperfectly perfect life (devoted boyfriend, cute dog, proud owner of super popular family cafe shop, everyone loves her) is a bit eyeroll-worthy, but it's still a fun read. I'll say that it took me awhile to make the connections to the art thief, and I love how the perps were handled.
November 28, 2018
Francesca Amaro is busy preparing Antonia's Cafe for the fall pumpkin spice season. She's come up with a new and amazing recipe for a pumpkin spice latte that everyone loves. Also on the agenda is visiting the local art museum to see a brand new art exhibition by a world famous artist, Louis Cliffton, who apparently has connections to Cape Bay. While Matt doesn't quite understand the unique art, Fran is quite taken with a special portrait of the artist's mother. She makes a mental note to revisit the exhibit to see it again. The painting brings up her own feelings of loss after her mother's untimely death. Before Fran can see the painting again, it is stolen from the museum! Fran is shocked. Mike has a grand larceny theft to investigate and he warns Fran to stay out. Fran has learned her lesson... but it wouldn't hurt to ask a few questions now would it?
This is a different mystery that doesn't follow the usual pattern of the previous books in the series. The mystery centers around the theft and not a murder. At first it seemed like it took a really long time to set up the mystery. I kept waiting for someone to turn up dead. Then I realized the story started quickly because it was all about Louis Cliffton's art theft and Fran's investigation. Fran asks some pretty dumb questions of people she thinks may be killers and nearly pays the ultimate price. The plot moves pretty quickly once the painting is stolen and I couldn't put it down.
I still love Fran, my fictional sort of alter ego. She's pretty naive and doesn't seem to know how to use technology much yet but she is so likable that it's hard not to be sympathetic when bad things happen to her. I love her dedication to preserving her grandparents' cafe in a way that's true to her heritage but also modern and appealing to tourists as well as locals. Matt is the most swoony boyfriend! Aside from his obsession with the New England Patriots football team (at least he refrained from rhapsodizing over Tom Brady), he's perfect. Matt is just so cute when he tries to speak in Italian. He loves Fran so much I won't be surprised if wedding bells are in the future. Perhaps even Matteo, Jr. and Antonia soon too.
Sammy is as sweet and sunny as ever. She and Ryan are just so adorable. They're not official, apparently, but obviously are crazy about each other. Ryan seems like a good guy but maybe not the sharpest cop on the squad. As always Mike Stanton is the cop with a soft spot for his old pal Fran and of course his family. He knows how to do is job and he doesn't want Fran to get hurt so he appears more gruff than he is. There really isn't much character development for these regulars. The books can be read as standalones without much trouble. My only major problem with this story is that there's not enough Latte!
The new characters here are all suspects in Fran's investigation. There's Louis Cliffton's disgruntled, novel writing assistant, Brad- a pompous jerk if there ever was one in this series. Brad is definitely a shifty character if you ask me. Maybe he's only guilty of being full of himself. There's also the art museum owner, who doesn't have enough money or interest to keep the museum going. I also suspect him of being shady. I don't appreciate people who don't care enough to do what it takes to run a museum properly. Fran didn't ask what happened to the priceless works of art and why there appears to be paint-by-number kit paintings on the walls. I would have put a reporter on to him or the nosy gossipy woman. The security guards he hired for the gallery opening seem subpar and maybe kind of not that intelligent or maybe deliberately obtuse?
Not quite on Fran's list but maybe... is Honey, a warm, kind-hearted B&B owner on the outskirts of town. She sounds like a wonderful, grandmotherly lady but rather nosy and gossipy. Does she know something about the theft? Not at all on Fran's radar is John, a kind older man who used to frequent Antonia's 60 years ago when Fran's grandparents first opened it. Where has he been the last 60 years? He hasn't been to Cape Bay in all that time? Fran needs to learn how to Google someone. I would have been on my phone to make sure he was the art professor he claimed to be! She trusts him because he knew her grandparents! This mystery kept me guessing almost to the end as to who the thief was.
Marguerite Gavin narrates this book as she does the others. She briefly changed to pronunciation of Antonia's to the more correct Anton-NEE-as for the first time but then changed back to the English pronunciation. I wish she would pick one. Her voice doesn't suit my image of Fran but her gravelly Mike Stanton is perfect for a coffee slugging cop. I do like her voice though and I will for sure listen to more books as soon as she hurries up and reads the newest one in the series and the library gets it for me.
This is a different mystery that doesn't follow the usual pattern of the previous books in the series. The mystery centers around the theft and not a murder. At first it seemed like it took a really long time to set up the mystery. I kept waiting for someone to turn up dead. Then I realized the story started quickly because it was all about Louis Cliffton's art theft and Fran's investigation. Fran asks some pretty dumb questions of people she thinks may be killers and nearly pays the ultimate price. The plot moves pretty quickly once the painting is stolen and I couldn't put it down.
I still love Fran, my fictional sort of alter ego. She's pretty naive and doesn't seem to know how to use technology much yet but she is so likable that it's hard not to be sympathetic when bad things happen to her. I love her dedication to preserving her grandparents' cafe in a way that's true to her heritage but also modern and appealing to tourists as well as locals. Matt is the most swoony boyfriend! Aside from his obsession with the New England Patriots football team (at least he refrained from rhapsodizing over Tom Brady), he's perfect. Matt is just so cute when he tries to speak in Italian. He loves Fran so much I won't be surprised if wedding bells are in the future. Perhaps even Matteo, Jr. and Antonia soon too.
Sammy is as sweet and sunny as ever. She and Ryan are just so adorable. They're not official, apparently, but obviously are crazy about each other. Ryan seems like a good guy but maybe not the sharpest cop on the squad. As always Mike Stanton is the cop with a soft spot for his old pal Fran and of course his family. He knows how to do is job and he doesn't want Fran to get hurt so he appears more gruff than he is. There really isn't much character development for these regulars. The books can be read as standalones without much trouble. My only major problem with this story is that there's not enough Latte!
The new characters here are all suspects in Fran's investigation. There's Louis Cliffton's disgruntled, novel writing assistant, Brad- a pompous jerk if there ever was one in this series. Brad is definitely a shifty character if you ask me. Maybe he's only guilty of being full of himself. There's also the art museum owner, who doesn't have enough money or interest to keep the museum going. I also suspect him of being shady. I don't appreciate people who don't care enough to do what it takes to run a museum properly. Fran didn't ask what happened to the priceless works of art and why there appears to be paint-by-number kit paintings on the walls. I would have put a reporter on to him or the nosy gossipy woman. The security guards he hired for the gallery opening seem subpar and maybe kind of not that intelligent or maybe deliberately obtuse?
Not quite on Fran's list but maybe... is Honey, a warm, kind-hearted B&B owner on the outskirts of town. She sounds like a wonderful, grandmotherly lady but rather nosy and gossipy. Does she know something about the theft? Not at all on Fran's radar is John, a kind older man who used to frequent Antonia's 60 years ago when Fran's grandparents first opened it. Where has he been the last 60 years? He hasn't been to Cape Bay in all that time? Fran needs to learn how to Google someone. I would have been on my phone to make sure he was the art professor he claimed to be! She trusts him because he knew her grandparents! This mystery kept me guessing almost to the end as to who the thief was.
Marguerite Gavin narrates this book as she does the others. She briefly changed to pronunciation of Antonia's to the more correct Anton-NEE-as for the first time but then changed back to the English pronunciation. I wish she would pick one. Her voice doesn't suit my image of Fran but her gravelly Mike Stanton is perfect for a coffee slugging cop. I do like her voice though and I will for sure listen to more books as soon as she hurries up and reads the newest one in the series and the library gets it for me.
March 10, 2017
When Sammy tells Fran that the artist/painter Louis Cliffton is coming to Cape Bay to show his lastest paintings at the Museum of Art, Fran is surprised. Why would a famous painter bring his art work to the little tourist town of Cape Bay? Francesca gets an invitiation to the special event set up for business owners only. There she sees the painting that Louis did for his mother who had passed away. Frannie is deeply moved by this painting and can't explain why. The next day she hears of a robbery at the Museum and that very painting was taken! Frannie tries very hard to stay out of this investigation, but a series of events drags her in on it. Who is threatening Fran and why? Does it have anything to do with the missing painting? Read the story for the surprising answers. I received an ARC of this book. I have voluntarily reviewed it.
March 22, 2017
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. No one does a better cosy mystery series than Harper Lin. I am really loving this Cape Bay series! In this book, fall is approaching and Pumpkin everything is getting added to the menu and an art show is coming to town. When one of the paintings is stolen, Fran decides to find out what happened to it. Great, fast-paced read. Highly recommend!
July 26, 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.
Famous artist Louis Cliffton is having an art show in the town because that's where his mother was from. In fact, she had worked at Fran's café years ago when her grandparents had owned it. The first night of the show the splendid painting of his mother was stolen. Fran was so taken with the painting (it brought back feelings of missing her mother) that she's determined to find out who stole the painting.
This is the fifth in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series (I've read the first four) by this author. It is written in first person perspective in Fran's voice. The "whodunnit" and ending came together really quickly and I was okay with this one. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. I find the writing of Fran and Matty's relationship unbelievable. They are both in their mid thirties yet at one point she "soaked up enough of his love" that she felt she could get through the new few minutes without burying her face in his chest again. I kid you not!
There are recipes at the end.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/07...
Famous artist Louis Cliffton is having an art show in the town because that's where his mother was from. In fact, she had worked at Fran's café years ago when her grandparents had owned it. The first night of the show the splendid painting of his mother was stolen. Fran was so taken with the painting (it brought back feelings of missing her mother) that she's determined to find out who stole the painting.
This is the fifth in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series (I've read the first four) by this author. It is written in first person perspective in Fran's voice. The "whodunnit" and ending came together really quickly and I was okay with this one. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. I find the writing of Fran and Matty's relationship unbelievable. They are both in their mid thirties yet at one point she "soaked up enough of his love" that she felt she could get through the new few minutes without burying her face in his chest again. I kid you not!
There are recipes at the end.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/07...
January 12, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
This series is entertaining, and I always enjoy returning to Cape Bay to see what adventures await Fran and the rest. Because of her art background, I frequently learn a bit about the art world while reading these books, which is a field I’m not familiar with, despite having a daughter who’s an artist :)
I like Fran’s staff and her friends, but I wish Fran herself would stop promising to stay out of police investigations and then breaking that promise in very short order. She obviously can’t stop investigating or the series would have to end, but everyone knows that, so why keep making an empty promise? At least she doesn’t knowingly put herself into dangerous situations with the “I’m just going to ask a few questions” rationale, which is a point in her favor.
I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was, although I wasn’t certain, which bumped my rating up by half a star. The motive wasn’t all that surprising, but I didn’t quite have that nailed down either. I’ll continue with the series, if only to see what happens next with some of the recurring characters.
This series is entertaining, and I always enjoy returning to Cape Bay to see what adventures await Fran and the rest. Because of her art background, I frequently learn a bit about the art world while reading these books, which is a field I’m not familiar with, despite having a daughter who’s an artist :)
I like Fran’s staff and her friends, but I wish Fran herself would stop promising to stay out of police investigations and then breaking that promise in very short order. She obviously can’t stop investigating or the series would have to end, but everyone knows that, so why keep making an empty promise? At least she doesn’t knowingly put herself into dangerous situations with the “I’m just going to ask a few questions” rationale, which is a point in her favor.
I was pretty sure I knew who the culprit was, although I wasn’t certain, which bumped my rating up by half a star. The motive wasn’t all that surprising, but I didn’t quite have that nailed down either. I’ll continue with the series, if only to see what happens next with some of the recurring characters.
May 7, 2021
Love this quick mystery in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series - they're longer than a novella but shorter than a novel. The more I read, the more I'm pulled into their world.
This is my favorite yet, I love the art theft element. Franny is getting ready for Thanksgiving, sort of. She's invited everyone over but hasn't planned a thing. She's feeling very emotional about the loss of her mother and the first holiday without her. She's drawn to a painting about the artist's mother only to have it stolen after the show. Due to her draw to the painting, she has to find it. Her life is in danger and her shop is vandalized, Latte is running loose but we get quite an unexpected ending.
This is my favorite yet, I love the art theft element. Franny is getting ready for Thanksgiving, sort of. She's invited everyone over but hasn't planned a thing. She's feeling very emotional about the loss of her mother and the first holiday without her. She's drawn to a painting about the artist's mother only to have it stolen after the show. Due to her draw to the painting, she has to find it. Her life is in danger and her shop is vandalized, Latte is running loose but we get quite an unexpected ending.
July 1, 2024
This cozy series is a lot of fun for the setting, the characters and the food and drink! I want to reach in and taste the baked goods and wonderful coffees that Fran whips up, all while investigating crimes that find her most of the time!
In this book, it's not a murder but a stolen painting that has caught her attention. Having met the artist and appreciated both the artistry and the sentiment of his valuable creation which includes a lot of gold and precious stones, Fran is shocked when it's stolen from the gallery.
More than the mystery itself it's her interactions with the police chief and her good friend Mike that are fun to read. Love Latte the dog as usual!
In this book, it's not a murder but a stolen painting that has caught her attention. Having met the artist and appreciated both the artistry and the sentiment of his valuable creation which includes a lot of gold and precious stones, Fran is shocked when it's stolen from the gallery.
More than the mystery itself it's her interactions with the police chief and her good friend Mike that are fun to read. Love Latte the dog as usual!
July 22, 2025
Platform: E-Book
Whew, Fran involved in another crime but it isn’t a murder - bring on the art heist! As the series continues, the books evolve and so does the plot. It is definitely one of the better ones and still maintains the cozy mystery genre.
Whew, Fran involved in another crime but it isn’t a murder - bring on the art heist! As the series continues, the books evolve and so does the plot. It is definitely one of the better ones and still maintains the cozy mystery genre.
February 11, 2019
These books never disappoint! I love everything about them.
January 16, 2020
Still enjoying this fun series...
January 11, 2022
Stand by the fact. I love this series. The audio is perfect for listening while working.
October 4, 2024
All I’m going to say is that this is most definitely my favorite one so far. 10/10 would listen to it again
October 4, 2024
Cute fall read 🍂🍁🍂
July 17, 2019
Y’all know I love me some cozy mysteries! I’m absolutely loving this series. Great character development through the series and each mystery is captivating, unique and well thought out!
July 21, 2021
Fran is delighted to learn that art museum in her small town of Cape Bay will be hosting an exhibit by a prominent artist. When Fran's favorite portrait is stolen, she begins asking questions. Meanwhile in the café, Fran is busy baking apple pie's using her mother's favorite recipe. When Fran is publicly threatened, we think that she must be close to solving the mystery of the missing painting.
Eventually the clues click into place for Fran and she discovers the thief. This is one of those unusual cozy mysteries without a murder. Personally, I like the variation.
Eventually the clues click into place for Fran and she discovers the thief. This is one of those unusual cozy mysteries without a murder. Personally, I like the variation.
March 12, 2017
This is the 5th book in the Cape Bay Café Mystery series. Fran and Matty have just gotten back from their trip to Italy, and from the initial pages we know it was a success. But now on to business and the soon approaching holidays. Fran has a sleepless night and gets up and starts baking apple pies using her mom's recipe. By the time the third one was made, perfection was achieved, and the next day she brings it to the café to share with her workers. Only she finds out from Sammy that her mom made apple pies every fall and took orders for them for Thanksgiving as well. Nobody told Fran and she didn't remember this, so this happy coincidence is the start of a popular pie season at the café. In fact between that and the pumpkin spice lattes they are making, business is brisk.
Meanwhile there is a very special art show coming to Cape Bay. The artist who is known by both Fran and Sammy is bringing his show there to honor his mother who lived in Cape Bay and died in the past few months. Fran and Matt go to the art show and Fran absolutely is stunned by the artists paintings that are literally dripping in gold and precious gems. One in particular is of a woman who's portrait is described as a smiling Mona Lisa style. A brief conversation with the artist exposes the truth, that is his mother. He poured all his remaining gold and gems on that last picture. Truly a priceless work of art. Of course although small and somewhat shabby, the art gallery has guards and security. In fact the artist has an assistant who was in charge of that detail as well as many other facets of the man's business.
When the unthinkable happens-the painting is stolen-Fran is determined to find out what happened. However other people have different ideas, and a series of escalating makes her bow out and leave the crime solving to the police. Except the threats don't stop. When her dog Latte is let out of her house to roam the town and risk getting hit and killed, Fran gets so angry that it is game on to find the person and bring them to justice.
I have to say there were many twists in this story that I didn't see coming! Some characters that were very loveable and some not so likeable. One funny one is Honey who owns and operates Honey Bee Bed and Breakfast. Her house is decorated in honey comb patterns and bees. She offers treats with honey. And of course, she raises bees! I was pleasantly surprised at the way the story shifted and resolved. It is quite different from other books in the series!
I have to recommend reading all the books in the series in order for the biggest appreciation of this current selection. It makes what Fran does and doesn't do more interesting. A fun cozy mystery that won't offend anyone, however it may leave you wanting pumpkin spiced beverages and apple pie! I think I'll go use up those apples I have in the refrigerator...
Meanwhile there is a very special art show coming to Cape Bay. The artist who is known by both Fran and Sammy is bringing his show there to honor his mother who lived in Cape Bay and died in the past few months. Fran and Matt go to the art show and Fran absolutely is stunned by the artists paintings that are literally dripping in gold and precious gems. One in particular is of a woman who's portrait is described as a smiling Mona Lisa style. A brief conversation with the artist exposes the truth, that is his mother. He poured all his remaining gold and gems on that last picture. Truly a priceless work of art. Of course although small and somewhat shabby, the art gallery has guards and security. In fact the artist has an assistant who was in charge of that detail as well as many other facets of the man's business.
When the unthinkable happens-the painting is stolen-Fran is determined to find out what happened. However other people have different ideas, and a series of escalating makes her bow out and leave the crime solving to the police. Except the threats don't stop. When her dog Latte is let out of her house to roam the town and risk getting hit and killed, Fran gets so angry that it is game on to find the person and bring them to justice.
I have to say there were many twists in this story that I didn't see coming! Some characters that were very loveable and some not so likeable. One funny one is Honey who owns and operates Honey Bee Bed and Breakfast. Her house is decorated in honey comb patterns and bees. She offers treats with honey. And of course, she raises bees! I was pleasantly surprised at the way the story shifted and resolved. It is quite different from other books in the series!
I have to recommend reading all the books in the series in order for the biggest appreciation of this current selection. It makes what Fran does and doesn't do more interesting. A fun cozy mystery that won't offend anyone, however it may leave you wanting pumpkin spiced beverages and apple pie! I think I'll go use up those apples I have in the refrigerator...
August 18, 2017
Fran is feeling some nostalgia about her mom. She decides to try to create her mom's Apple pie and its a hit at the cafe. Orders start to come in especially for Thanksgiving. She receives an invite to the new art show at the museum, and falls in love with a painting. It a remake of The Mona Lisa encrusted with jewels and gold. It reminds her of her mom.
The painting is stolen the same night. She feels she must investigate. She starts to get threats to her business, her home and herself. She decides to quit until Latte, her dog is threatened. Now she must solve it.
I felt the story was a. little slower than the other books. It was still a good book. It wasn't easy to figure the mystery out.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
The painting is stolen the same night. She feels she must investigate. She starts to get threats to her business, her home and herself. She decides to quit until Latte, her dog is threatened. Now she must solve it.
I felt the story was a. little slower than the other books. It was still a good book. It wasn't easy to figure the mystery out.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
October 10, 2021
Harper's books never fail to entertain me. This one was right up my alley...an Americano and an art show. Fran and Matt have developed the cutest little relationship, mischief happens and Fran is right there in the middle of it all. As usual, there are extra characters you like, you don't like and some you hate and just when you think you know where the story is going....there's a twist!
Ms. Lin's characters have really grown over the course of this series and I really like all of them. If you haven't read this series, pick up book one and get started! It would be a wonderful day to spend a rainy afternoon, a day at the beach or commute time.
Ms. Lin's characters have really grown over the course of this series and I really like all of them. If you haven't read this series, pick up book one and get started! It would be a wonderful day to spend a rainy afternoon, a day at the beach or commute time.
March 9, 2017
The story starts out with Fran and Sammy in the kitchen brainstorming for new fall treats and a pumpkin flavor latte. A famous painter is coming to town to show off his work but one of his pieces get stolen right after the Gallery opens, and as you know Fran being alittle to curious for her own good,someone is trying to scare her to stop investigating? I really liked this book, I sensed foul play but had no idea.
An Advanced copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own
An Advanced copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own
March 10, 2017
Fran is back and getting ready for the Fall season. Pumpkin Spice is in the air, or is supposed to be. Planning a Thanksgiving dinner and keep the shop running smoothly seems to take all her time. An invite to the local museum for an art show sounds exciting. When a painting is stolen Fran is devastated. It was her favorite. Trying not to investigate just seems to cause more trouble for Fran. Who could the thief be? The mystery keeps you turning the pages. It's another hit! I received an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 10, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. It didn't have a murder but there was an art heist of a very valuable painting and even though Fran says she isn't going to look into the theft she does. This is a refreshing change from the murder and mayhem of other cozy mysteries. There is more than one plot in this book going on and both have surprising outcomes. I loved the fact that the art heist leads to a long held secret and has a very happy ending. The other plot doesn't end so well for the other person. Thoroughly enjoyable read.
August 19, 2017
Matt and Francesca don't give very much information about their trip to Italy. I'm curious why. I also wonder how many art theft books I've read.
Although she really tries to stay out of the investigation this time; Fran is drawn into the intrigue again. A famous artist decides to exhibit his newest creation at the museum of a very small beach town, Cape Bay, Massachusetts. His mother has just died and this is her childhood village and the artist was born there. What could go wrong?
Although she really tries to stay out of the investigation this time; Fran is drawn into the intrigue again. A famous artist decides to exhibit his newest creation at the museum of a very small beach town, Cape Bay, Massachusetts. His mother has just died and this is her childhood village and the artist was born there. What could go wrong?
March 9, 2018
Another great book in this series. A famous artist is coming to the small tourist town of Cape Bay. Fran and her boyfriend Matt attend the artists showcase at the local museum. While they are there, Fran falls in love with one of the paintings and hopes to be able to go back to see it a few more times while it is in town. The same night there is a robbery at the museum and the painting that she admired most was the one that was taken. Fran can't help but get involved to help solve the mystery.
March 10, 2017
This is terrific addition to the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series. The story quickly drew me in and had me craving more. I really like these characters and enjoy visiting with them. The mystery was well done, it kept me guessing throughout. I hope there will be more books in this series.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
I received a copy of this manuscript from the author, my review has been voluntarily submitted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews