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Cape Bay Cafe Mystery #9
Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice
From 3x USA TODAY Bestselling Author Harper the popular cozy mystery series set in a charming beach town. After Fran moves back to idyllic Cape Bay to take over the family cafe, she also develops a knack for solving bizarre murders.When Matt whisks Fran away on a romantic spa weekend at the Alford Inn, she’s excited to try French macarons from Jacques de Gaulle, the inn’s famous in-house baker. But when an off-duty employee is murdered in the spa—during a mud wrap treatment no less—Fran must use the time she could’ve been relaxing to solve another murder case. A friend’s crumbling marriage depends on it!Includes macchiato and macaron recipes!
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2019
107 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
Harper Lin
91 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 117 reviews
February 12, 2023
Another enjoyable mystery from Harper Lin. This book takes place in a mountain resort instead of Cape Bay. At Matt's insistence, he and Fran go away for a romantic weekend. Matt thinks Fran is stuck on Cape Bay when she thinks he hears Mike's voice. Within the resort is the bakery run by a famous French baker. Fran and Matt are puzzled when no one is behind the counter. It is in opposition to the excellent service that the resort prides itself on. When an employee is murdered in the spa, Fran sets out to find the killer.
This mystery was much better than the last Cape Bay mystery. I never solved who committed the murder, but I did figure out how the murderer was hiding in plain sight. I can't wait for the next book to be available on Hoopla!
This mystery was much better than the last Cape Bay mystery. I never solved who committed the murder, but I did figure out how the murderer was hiding in plain sight. I can't wait for the next book to be available on Hoopla!
August 26, 2024
3 solid stars for this book.
#magicathon #triwizardathon
#magicathon #triwizardathon
September 22, 2024
This one was much better than the previous book. Looking forward to next book
December 11, 2019
Harper Lin’s Cape Bay Café cozy mystery series is one of my favorites, and this ninth installment does not disappoint. Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice is the best one yet!
Francesca Amaro, proprietress of the Cape Bay Café is immersed in budgeting for upcoming business enhancements when her boyfriend, Matt Cardosi suggests a romantic weekend at a luxury spa in the Berkshires. Despite some initial reluctance to leave the café, Fran agrees and is excited, not only to get away, but also to sample the macarons of Jacques de Gaulle, the Alford Inn’s resident baker. Fran and Matty have barely checked in before Fran hears a familiar voice at the luxurious hotel. Could it be that Mike Stanton, one of Cape Bay’s finest, has also decided to vacation at the Inn? When one of the spa employees is murdered, Fran discovers that Mike is in fact at the Inn with his estranged wife but has no jurisdiction and, for once, cannot hamper her investigation.
This book marks a departure from the prior books in the series in several ways. First, Fran and Matt are away from the familiar territory of Cape Bay and find themselves surrounded by people they don’t know whose motivations are unclear. As a result, Fran cannot rely on the natural friendliness of her hometown’s residents to reveal clues but must actively find new (and at times awkward) ways to elicit the information. And, in a dramatic reversal, not only does Mike refrain from impeding Fran’s investigative efforts, he actually encourages her to find the perpetrator. This softer, more vulnerable side of Mike is endearing to both the reader and to Fran, who has extra motivation to solve the crime. Fran’s relationship with Matt, too, takes a step forward, and it is refreshing to see them develop as a couple.
Like all the books in the Cape Bay Café series, Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice, is a delightful mystery, filled with twists, turns, and red herrings that keep you guessing until the end. Although I had my suspicions, I was not certain of the murderer until just before the resolution. I must add that, as this is the most current book in the series, I was sad to reach the end of the novel. I do hope that Ms. Lin plans to continue this charming series, and I am eagerly awaiting a return visit to Cape Bay.
Francesca Amaro, proprietress of the Cape Bay Café is immersed in budgeting for upcoming business enhancements when her boyfriend, Matt Cardosi suggests a romantic weekend at a luxury spa in the Berkshires. Despite some initial reluctance to leave the café, Fran agrees and is excited, not only to get away, but also to sample the macarons of Jacques de Gaulle, the Alford Inn’s resident baker. Fran and Matty have barely checked in before Fran hears a familiar voice at the luxurious hotel. Could it be that Mike Stanton, one of Cape Bay’s finest, has also decided to vacation at the Inn? When one of the spa employees is murdered, Fran discovers that Mike is in fact at the Inn with his estranged wife but has no jurisdiction and, for once, cannot hamper her investigation.
This book marks a departure from the prior books in the series in several ways. First, Fran and Matt are away from the familiar territory of Cape Bay and find themselves surrounded by people they don’t know whose motivations are unclear. As a result, Fran cannot rely on the natural friendliness of her hometown’s residents to reveal clues but must actively find new (and at times awkward) ways to elicit the information. And, in a dramatic reversal, not only does Mike refrain from impeding Fran’s investigative efforts, he actually encourages her to find the perpetrator. This softer, more vulnerable side of Mike is endearing to both the reader and to Fran, who has extra motivation to solve the crime. Fran’s relationship with Matt, too, takes a step forward, and it is refreshing to see them develop as a couple.
Like all the books in the Cape Bay Café series, Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice, is a delightful mystery, filled with twists, turns, and red herrings that keep you guessing until the end. Although I had my suspicions, I was not certain of the murderer until just before the resolution. I must add that, as this is the most current book in the series, I was sad to reach the end of the novel. I do hope that Ms. Lin plans to continue this charming series, and I am eagerly awaiting a return visit to Cape Bay.
January 16, 2021
I really liked the ending of the book!
July 1, 2021
I really like this series. It is nice and light for a murder mystery. In this one Fran is off on a weekend away with her boyfriend when someone gets killed.
Did not guess the killer at all!
Did not guess the killer at all!
June 27, 2022
When I need a little comfort read, especially after reading a book I didn't enjoy, I go for a cosy mystery and Harper Lin always delivers a light and fluffy read for me everytime. It's like Murder She Wrote in a book (with a coffee and cake theme!).
April 27, 2024
Like the other books in the series, a cozy, comfy read
June 13, 2020
Fran has been so busy with the cafe even while at home that she hasn't had much time for Matt or even Latte lately. Matt decides to whisk Fran away on a romantic getaway to a historic inn and spa in the western part of the state. Fran can't wait to try the French macarons by Jacques de Gaulle, the celebrity pastry chef at the inn. However, the girl who works in the bakery is nowhere to be found and when she is around, her attitude is less than helpful. Fran imagines she's seeing Mike Stanton at the inn! That's impossible, isn't it? When an off-duty employee, Gina, is murdered in the spa during a mud wrap treatment, Fran decides to stay out of it. Then Mike really does appear. He's also on a romantic getaway, trying to repair his crumbling marriage to Sandra. Mike begs Fran to investigate and solve the mystery so the spa can reopen. His marriage depends on it!
This mystery is much improved from the last few. While I missed the Cape Bay setting with Sammy, Rhonda, Latte and the cafe, the mystery is really good. I never guessed which one of the characters was a murderer and was really surprised when all was revealed. The spa setting took away from the charm of the Cape Bay setting which is a major reason I read this series. I relate a lot to Fran, being an Italian-American woman from coastal New England who once lived in the big city and once had a small, scruffy tan dog.
In this book Fran isn't being her usual nosy self and fighting with Mike. This time, he needs her to solve the murder and fast. He has more faith in Fran than the local police, who seem competent but slow. I didn't care for the chi-chi spa setting though. That's not my thing. I wanted a closer look at those historic rooms and rolled my eyes when Fran claimed she didn't know why J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller and some of the other people were famous. She worked in NYC in the business world. She certainly has to know who they were. Matt is super patient and saintly. I don't know why he puts up with Fran. They're such a mismatched couple. He's swoony and romantic but hyper focused on sports. She could care less about sports and is devoted to making her grandparents' bakery a success. She's always so distracted by murders she doesn't spend much time with Matt. I missed Latte.
The inn has a large number of unpleasant employees and only two likable ones. Whitney, in the lobby, seems like a sweetheart but her boss, Gareth, is a rude bully who always picks the worst moments to come and see what she's up to. There are other rumors floating around about Gareth too and that could be what really causes Whitney to cry. He's just awful and I was hoping he would be murdered. Sophie, the bakery counter person, is also a terrible person. She's never around when she's supposed to be and doesn't really care. She needs lessons in customer service because her attitude is so bad. With a boss like Gareth to lead by example, it's no wonder Sophie is so awful. Tommy, the bartender, is kind and friendly. He seems to hit it off with Fran and especially Matt. He knows his stuff and even gets Fran to drink something other than coffee. In contrast, Carrick, the barista, not baristO, is a brainless, sexist, stupid jerk. He's terrible with customers and condescending to women. I would not have been so polite as Fran. I would have just walked away and left a bad TripAdvisor or Yelp review. Some of the other employees seem OK. Amber is really shaken up by discovering her friend's body and worried about losing her job. There's a gossippy spa housekeeping employee I did not like but she serves the purpose of feeding Fran clues. The young employees in this place sound incredibly shallow. Jacques de Gaulle is hardly in the story and when he finally appears, he's overly effusive towards Fran. Why is he so nice? French pastry chefs have a reputation for being exacting and snobby. This one is too friendly to be believable. Does he think Fran wants to have an affair with him, is that why he's so friendly? He was quite the surprise, unless of course, he's trying to throw Fran off the trail of murder.
Mike is still gruff and tough- a man's man. We finally meet Sandra and at first I wasn't all that sympathetic towards her. Yes, Mike works a lot. He's the chief of police! Crime doesn't take a break. She knew when she married him that he was a policeman. Still, I want it to work out between them because he does love her and they have young children whom he adores. When Sandra finally reveals her reasons for wanting to end her marriage, that made sense. It's one thing to intellectually know what your husband's job entails and hope that being in a small town will keep him safe and it's another to experience it. Then I really felt bad for her. I think I would feel the same way. Sandra is very brave herself so I think they'll be Ok after this.
The audio book did not contain recipes. Not that I like macarons or coffee but I enjoy reading recipes in my novels. I really want to read more Cape Bay mysteries. I hope Harper Lin has plans for more! AT LEAST Matt needs to propose to Fran! Sexist? yes but he's the romantic in the partnership.
This mystery is much improved from the last few. While I missed the Cape Bay setting with Sammy, Rhonda, Latte and the cafe, the mystery is really good. I never guessed which one of the characters was a murderer and was really surprised when all was revealed. The spa setting took away from the charm of the Cape Bay setting which is a major reason I read this series. I relate a lot to Fran, being an Italian-American woman from coastal New England who once lived in the big city and once had a small, scruffy tan dog.
In this book Fran isn't being her usual nosy self and fighting with Mike. This time, he needs her to solve the murder and fast. He has more faith in Fran than the local police, who seem competent but slow. I didn't care for the chi-chi spa setting though. That's not my thing. I wanted a closer look at those historic rooms and rolled my eyes when Fran claimed she didn't know why J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller and some of the other people were famous. She worked in NYC in the business world. She certainly has to know who they were. Matt is super patient and saintly. I don't know why he puts up with Fran. They're such a mismatched couple. He's swoony and romantic but hyper focused on sports. She could care less about sports and is devoted to making her grandparents' bakery a success. She's always so distracted by murders she doesn't spend much time with Matt. I missed Latte.
The inn has a large number of unpleasant employees and only two likable ones. Whitney, in the lobby, seems like a sweetheart but her boss, Gareth, is a rude bully who always picks the worst moments to come and see what she's up to. There are other rumors floating around about Gareth too and that could be what really causes Whitney to cry. He's just awful and I was hoping he would be murdered. Sophie, the bakery counter person, is also a terrible person. She's never around when she's supposed to be and doesn't really care. She needs lessons in customer service because her attitude is so bad. With a boss like Gareth to lead by example, it's no wonder Sophie is so awful. Tommy, the bartender, is kind and friendly. He seems to hit it off with Fran and especially Matt. He knows his stuff and even gets Fran to drink something other than coffee. In contrast, Carrick, the barista, not baristO, is a brainless, sexist, stupid jerk. He's terrible with customers and condescending to women. I would not have been so polite as Fran. I would have just walked away and left a bad TripAdvisor or Yelp review. Some of the other employees seem OK. Amber is really shaken up by discovering her friend's body and worried about losing her job. There's a gossippy spa housekeeping employee I did not like but she serves the purpose of feeding Fran clues. The young employees in this place sound incredibly shallow. Jacques de Gaulle is hardly in the story and when he finally appears, he's overly effusive towards Fran. Why is he so nice? French pastry chefs have a reputation for being exacting and snobby. This one is too friendly to be believable. Does he think Fran wants to have an affair with him, is that why he's so friendly? He was quite the surprise, unless of course, he's trying to throw Fran off the trail of murder.
Mike is still gruff and tough- a man's man. We finally meet Sandra and at first I wasn't all that sympathetic towards her. Yes, Mike works a lot. He's the chief of police! Crime doesn't take a break. She knew when she married him that he was a policeman. Still, I want it to work out between them because he does love her and they have young children whom he adores. When Sandra finally reveals her reasons for wanting to end her marriage, that made sense. It's one thing to intellectually know what your husband's job entails and hope that being in a small town will keep him safe and it's another to experience it. Then I really felt bad for her. I think I would feel the same way. Sandra is very brave herself so I think they'll be Ok after this.
The audio book did not contain recipes. Not that I like macarons or coffee but I enjoy reading recipes in my novels. I really want to read more Cape Bay mysteries. I hope Harper Lin has plans for more! AT LEAST Matt needs to propose to Fran! Sexist? yes but he's the romantic in the partnership.
March 9, 2019
The ninth book in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series is set outside of Cape Bay for a change of pace. Matt convinces Fran she is working too hard, and whisks her off for a four day weekend at a luxury Inn four hours away from home. While it is hard for Fran to stop worrying about the cafe, she finally relaxes on the drive. When they get to the Inn she is excited to be there, for it is far more luxurious than she expected, Even the peculiar manager who interrupts their check in process can't get Fran down for long. So much to see and explore. Before long the couple are checking out the bakery, the gift shop, and the underground spa. It is during the tour of the spa when a worker finds the client she had given a mud wrap dead. Matt and Fran are rushed out of there along with everyone in the spa, and as they dawdle, Fran could swear she saw their friend/police detective from home at the crime scene. Oh well this was a vacation and they wouldn't be involved with the crime anyway. On they go to the bar where Matt opts for scotch and Fran chooses a Macchiato from the coffee bar. What to do next, Fran wonders.
I was delighted that the author "took" us on vacation with Matt and Fran. It is the first time we have been out of Cape Bay with the two of them. It was fun to see the different sides of two very responsible and structured adults. While Fran continued to get up early and seemingly have unlimited energy, Matt was another story. He plops down on the couch to watch a game on TV when they first get to their (awesome) room. Later he sleeps in hours past Fran and then is just starting to get up and at 'em at the time he told Fran he would be ready. Of course his napping, TV viewing, and sleeping in all help Fran be free to do what she does best... I'll give you a hint. It has nothing to do with coffee or baking!
This was a fun book with a surprising consequence that gave Fran license to sleuth. It was nice to see Matt good-naturedly join in and actually find out some good information. The descriptions of the Inn made me wish there were illustrations! And I also liked how Fran had a special treat involving the bakery. All together it made a book that I would enjoy reading again, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any cozy mystery lover.
I was delighted that the author "took" us on vacation with Matt and Fran. It is the first time we have been out of Cape Bay with the two of them. It was fun to see the different sides of two very responsible and structured adults. While Fran continued to get up early and seemingly have unlimited energy, Matt was another story. He plops down on the couch to watch a game on TV when they first get to their (awesome) room. Later he sleeps in hours past Fran and then is just starting to get up and at 'em at the time he told Fran he would be ready. Of course his napping, TV viewing, and sleeping in all help Fran be free to do what she does best... I'll give you a hint. It has nothing to do with coffee or baking!
This was a fun book with a surprising consequence that gave Fran license to sleuth. It was nice to see Matt good-naturedly join in and actually find out some good information. The descriptions of the Inn made me wish there were illustrations! And I also liked how Fran had a special treat involving the bakery. All together it made a book that I would enjoy reading again, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend to any cozy mystery lover.
September 5, 2024
I had such mixed feelings about this one! While I did enjoy the change of pace with the setting (a hotel murder mystery is always fun!), I wasn’t a huge fan of the mystery element itself. There was so much time and attention given to the other aspects of the story (romance, new setting, and new characters), that the murder felt extremely rushed. I think if it had been just a little bit longer of a book the mystery part could’ve played out a bit better. However, this series always hits the “cozy mystery” spot, and I do love Fran, Matt, and all the other characters. This series is definitely fun, and I’m going to be continuing to listen to the audiobooks! They’re quick little reads that always brighten my day!
May 13, 2021
This is maybe my least favorite of the series. Matty and Franny are on a romantic getaway to a resort....and Mike is also there with his estranged wife. There is of course a murder and Mike pleads with Franny to solve it. It felt like there was a change/strain to Matty and Franny that hadn't been there before and was without reason explained. The murder solving was a bit of a stretch even within the cozy genre. Franny is again in danger. It was entertaining but wasn't as good as the previous stories for me.
October 7, 2022
#overdrive
#audiobook
Love this cozy mystery series shame there aren't more of them on audio
#audiobook
Love this cozy mystery series shame there aren't more of them on audio
July 6, 2023
que sabooor
September 25, 2019
Of course Fran can't get away, even on her romantic vacation with Matt. This time, Mike encourages Fran to help solve the case, and both team up together to solve the case of the vacation murder. This book was another fun whodunnit mystery with coffee queen Fran. :)
April 10, 2020
Escape reality!
Seriously what I need right now... a lighthearted mystery that might be a little over the top... but it kept me guessing until the end!
Seriously what I need right now... a lighthearted mystery that might be a little over the top... but it kept me guessing until the end!
June 29, 2021
Re as ply enjoyed this book. The entire series is a great read. Highly recommend them
November 2, 2022
I can’t believe they ended up vacationing with Mike lol. Almost caught up on this series woo.
March 11, 2025
Wonderful refreshing bedtime read although might dream 😴 of coffee and macarons
March 4, 2021
Read in a day! Probably my favourite of the series!
October 7, 2021
The latest in a series of cozy mysteries. I need the next one now, to find out how the characters progress!
January 16, 2026
Platform: E-Book
Fran cannot escape murder, in or out of Cape Bay - starting to get a little suss ngl. Out of the series, this is by far the best one and a great turn of pace/change of scenery. Although Fran is trying to save Mike’s marriage, she needs to be careful before she loses Matt by overshadowing him to play investigator.
Fran cannot escape murder, in or out of Cape Bay - starting to get a little suss ngl. Out of the series, this is by far the best one and a great turn of pace/change of scenery. Although Fran is trying to save Mike’s marriage, she needs to be careful before she loses Matt by overshadowing him to play investigator.
March 13, 2020
So, here’s the deal, I consistently give these titles 3 stars but I don’t think it’s the author’s fault. It’s the voice of the narrator when listening to the audiobook. The unrealistic, saccharine tone of Fran... the naivety of Sammy... Matt’s unrelenting, dopey, head over heels, puppy dog act, I become very annoyed. I imagine if I read this in my own mind, the voices would be different and more tolerable.
Matt saying, “the things I do for you.” Instead of sounding like he has hearts swirling around his head would sound more laced with sarcasm. That is the risk you take with an audiobook!
Then why am I still listening to the series? You guys, I just can’t stop. The books truly are a nice slice of cozy in a world that’s anything but. Fran’s perfection, while unrealistic and annoying, makes me feel a little more organized and is oddly inspiring. She also reminds me to walk my dog more.
So here we are. Waiting now for book 10. I do love me some Cape Bay.
Matt saying, “the things I do for you.” Instead of sounding like he has hearts swirling around his head would sound more laced with sarcasm. That is the risk you take with an audiobook!
Then why am I still listening to the series? You guys, I just can’t stop. The books truly are a nice slice of cozy in a world that’s anything but. Fran’s perfection, while unrealistic and annoying, makes me feel a little more organized and is oddly inspiring. She also reminds me to walk my dog more.
So here we are. Waiting now for book 10. I do love me some Cape Bay.
November 27, 2020
These stories are not meant to make sense, or be logical or have any rational themes, I do get that. But the premise of this story was so contrived. The famous French patisserie chef at a spa resort. The combination café and bar. Idk. It was a lot.
Matty. I don't understand what happened but it's probably all of the exposure to Fran. He was so obnoxious. I'm suing.
Mike and Sandra were so boring.
The staff was more interesting than any of the main characters. Just. Wow. It was really funny how Fran is still somehow getting worse at talking to people.
Matty. I don't understand what happened but it's probably all of the exposure to Fran. He was so obnoxious. I'm suing.
Mike and Sandra were so boring.
The staff was more interesting than any of the main characters. Just. Wow. It was really funny how Fran is still somehow getting worse at talking to people.
December 22, 2024
You know what? I really need to get braver about rating these books five stars because once again I enjoyed this one a lot!
I loved the change of scenery in this one. As much as I love Cape Bay and the setting surrounding it, it was nice to take a "vacation" with Matt and Franny, who went to a spa getaway away from Cape Bay in this novel. I don't know if it's because of this change in setting, or because it's one of the more recent reads of this series for me, but it stands out as distinct and clear in my mind when I reflect on it and again the feelings I have surrounding this addition are largely positive!
I liked the stuck-up French baker character and how this mystery felt more "confined" by taking place entirely within the hotel/spa setting. Again I felt satisfaction from this reveal as opposed to disappointment, eye-rolling, etc like you will sometimes get with mysteries. It's clear in my opinion that the author does put the work and thought into this series which I greatly appreciate.
I want to give one final shoutout to audiobook narrator Marguerite Gavin, as this was her last book of the series that she narrated. Ma'am, you will never read or know this, but your narration played a large part in getting me excited to read this year and involving me deeper in this series, as well as helping me alleviate my fears of driving on my three-hour commute to work. I would get so involved in this mystery due to your reading of it and the way your voices and inflections worked, that I would forget all about my fear! I owe you a great deal and thanks for all you've done for this series and for my reading year <3
I loved the change of scenery in this one. As much as I love Cape Bay and the setting surrounding it, it was nice to take a "vacation" with Matt and Franny, who went to a spa getaway away from Cape Bay in this novel. I don't know if it's because of this change in setting, or because it's one of the more recent reads of this series for me, but it stands out as distinct and clear in my mind when I reflect on it and again the feelings I have surrounding this addition are largely positive!
I liked the stuck-up French baker character and how this mystery felt more "confined" by taking place entirely within the hotel/spa setting. Again I felt satisfaction from this reveal as opposed to disappointment, eye-rolling, etc like you will sometimes get with mysteries. It's clear in my opinion that the author does put the work and thought into this series which I greatly appreciate.
I want to give one final shoutout to audiobook narrator Marguerite Gavin, as this was her last book of the series that she narrated. Ma'am, you will never read or know this, but your narration played a large part in getting me excited to read this year and involving me deeper in this series, as well as helping me alleviate my fears of driving on my three-hour commute to work. I would get so involved in this mystery due to your reading of it and the way your voices and inflections worked, that I would forget all about my fear! I owe you a great deal and thanks for all you've done for this series and for my reading year <3
May 22, 2019
This is the tenth book in this series and while I enjoyed it, it didn't blow me away.
In this book, Matt and Fran go on a weekend away at a hotel, meant to reconnect with each other. Of course there is a murder in the spa right after they arrive and it throws Fran and Matt's weekend into chaos. Old and new faces show up as Fran tries to solve the mystery for the sake of her weekend.
What I found most hilarious for this book was that . She was so unsubtle when asking questions, though it was interesting to see her try to solve a mystery in a place where no one really knows her and instead of knowing why she was there, gave her odd looks for asking about the murdered woman.
Matt and Fran's relationship was very cute and I liked seeing how he was very supportive of Fran, even though he wished he could have a normal weekend. They were very sweet how they worked together and still had couple time together in between Fran trying to solve the mystery.
3.5 stars!
In this book, Matt and Fran go on a weekend away at a hotel, meant to reconnect with each other. Of course there is a murder in the spa right after they arrive and it throws Fran and Matt's weekend into chaos. Old and new faces show up as Fran tries to solve the mystery for the sake of her weekend.
What I found most hilarious for this book was that . She was so unsubtle when asking questions, though it was interesting to see her try to solve a mystery in a place where no one really knows her and instead of knowing why she was there, gave her odd looks for asking about the murdered woman.
Matt and Fran's relationship was very cute and I liked seeing how he was very supportive of Fran, even though he wished he could have a normal weekend. They were very sweet how they worked together and still had couple time together in between Fran trying to solve the mystery.
3.5 stars!
July 10, 2019
This was one of the best yet and it was quite the mystery. Matt decides to convince Fran to go on vacation with him. So he surprised with stay at a beautiful old hotel that has all the amenities including a spa. They were touring on the first day and Fran discovered a bakery which had a famous French baker, who made world class macarons. Then onto the spa because they were going to have a couples massage. While there the body of a massager was found. So while standing upstairs waiting on the police Fran notices Mike from home walking by with them. Come to find out he's there with his wife Sandra to try to reconcile their marriage. He ask Fran to investigate the murder for him so Sandra don't know cause he also has a couples massage schedule.
Fran gets right on investigating cause she feels for him trying to safe his marriage even though it could cause a problem between her and Matt.
Fran is great at investigating and this time is no different. It is more dangerous because the killer knows cause she's asking to many questions.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
Fran gets right on investigating cause she feels for him trying to safe his marriage even though it could cause a problem between her and Matt.
Fran is great at investigating and this time is no different. It is more dangerous because the killer knows cause she's asking to many questions.
I voluntarily agreed to review this book. My review is my own honest opinion.
March 6, 2022
What I read: Macchiatos, Macarons, and Malice by Harper Lin
Why I picked it up: Working my way through this series, which you already know!
How I read it: On audio while pulling crabgrass from my lawn. I’m about a quarter of the way through that project now and it feels tedious. Also odd to be pulling the only green things I’ve got growing right now, but alas I’m growing Bermuda not Crabgrass.
What it’s about: Matt surprises Fran with a romantic, relaxing weekend away, but murder finds her. Oh and Detective Mike is there with his wife, Sandra, trying to revive their marriage. They both get in on the murder solving action, a little too deep!
What I liked: I liked seeing my friends away from Cape Bay in a new setting!
What I disliked: Fran’s workaholicism was on full display at the beginning of this novel. I don’t like seeing that aspect of her life because I love the scenes with her and Matt so much!
Genre: Cozy Mystery, closed door.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it’s a good installment in the series!
Why I picked it up: Working my way through this series, which you already know!
How I read it: On audio while pulling crabgrass from my lawn. I’m about a quarter of the way through that project now and it feels tedious. Also odd to be pulling the only green things I’ve got growing right now, but alas I’m growing Bermuda not Crabgrass.
What it’s about: Matt surprises Fran with a romantic, relaxing weekend away, but murder finds her. Oh and Detective Mike is there with his wife, Sandra, trying to revive their marriage. They both get in on the murder solving action, a little too deep!
What I liked: I liked seeing my friends away from Cape Bay in a new setting!
What I disliked: Fran’s workaholicism was on full display at the beginning of this novel. I don’t like seeing that aspect of her life because I love the scenes with her and Matt so much!
Genre: Cozy Mystery, closed door.
Rating & Recommendation: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it’s a good installment in the series!
April 12, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, despite some gaping plot holes. I like the ongoing storyline about Fran, Matt, Mike, and Sandra.
I wasn't able to double check these plot holes because I "read" the book as an audio book, which doesn't lend itself to scanning back to review details.
We learn at the end that Sophie is is not French (or at least can speak English without a French accent) and that she only recently came to the hotel (and, I think, to the area). But I'm sure Whitney at the front desk told Fran that she'd known Sophie for years, maybe even went to school with her. Why would she have a French accent if she'd grown up in the area? Maybe I'm remembering Whitney's description of one of the other young women.
The more glaring plot hole is that Fran overhears Sophie/Sophia and Tommy/Adam when she is viewing historic guest rooms upstairs. However, at the exact same time, Tommy/Adam is chatting with Matt in the lounge. Maybe Matt mentioned Tommy not being there the whole time?
I wasn't able to double check these plot holes because I "read" the book as an audio book, which doesn't lend itself to scanning back to review details.
We learn at the end that Sophie is is not French (or at least can speak English without a French accent) and that she only recently came to the hotel (and, I think, to the area). But I'm sure Whitney at the front desk told Fran that she'd known Sophie for years, maybe even went to school with her. Why would she have a French accent if she'd grown up in the area? Maybe I'm remembering Whitney's description of one of the other young women.
The more glaring plot hole is that Fran overhears Sophie/Sophia and Tommy/Adam when she is viewing historic guest rooms upstairs. However, at the exact same time, Tommy/Adam is chatting with Matt in the lounge. Maybe Matt mentioned Tommy not being there the whole time?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2022
I am hooked on this light, frothy series! Sure, the titles sound a little trite. But Harper Lin is a really good writer who has established such likable characters that I am more than willing to write it up to whimsy rather than saccharine.
One of the things I enjoy is that she gives all kinds of nods to the perpetual problem of amateur sleuth mysteries -- how can this young woman keep falling over so many dead bodies? In this outing, she at least takes her (and a few key characters) out of fictional Cape Bay, which seems to have a body count on par with Cabot Cove. Here, she and Matt go to a fancy hotel for a spa weekend and, of course, run into a murder. It was a quick, fun read as she of course solves the murder eventually.
I wouldn't recommend starting here. All of Lin's books are light and easy reads, so I would definitely recommend anyone start at Book 1 and move through them in order. It's a worthy investment of time!
One of the things I enjoy is that she gives all kinds of nods to the perpetual problem of amateur sleuth mysteries -- how can this young woman keep falling over so many dead bodies? In this outing, she at least takes her (and a few key characters) out of fictional Cape Bay, which seems to have a body count on par with Cabot Cove. Here, she and Matt go to a fancy hotel for a spa weekend and, of course, run into a murder. It was a quick, fun read as she of course solves the murder eventually.
I wouldn't recommend starting here. All of Lin's books are light and easy reads, so I would definitely recommend anyone start at Book 1 and move through them in order. It's a worthy investment of time!
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