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Zion Sawyer #6
Cafe Latte
July arrives in Sequoia, bringing with it heat and long summer nights...and the Greenwood Fest. As the entire town prepares for an Earth friendly celebration of music and anti-drug messaging, Zion helps her parents settle into their new roles as residents of the sleepy tourist town. Now that everyone who is important to her is in Sequoia, Zion feels like things are finally coming together, until Tate gets a call from Los Angeles.Going home is the last thing Tate wants to do, but with Zion by his side, he figures he’ll survive it, until there’s a murder in his parents’ retirement park.And the last thing he planned to do when he went home was to solve another case, but that seems to be what he and Zion do best.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2020
54 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Hamilton
115 books424 followersML Hamilton taught high school English and journalism in Central California for 32 years.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
Teaching students to appreciate literature made her career rewarding; however, she always dreamed of publishing her own novel.
In 2010, the dream came true. Her first novel, Emerald, was published by Wild Wolf Publishing. The sequel to Emerald, The Heirs of Eldon, followed the next year.
In addition to teaching and writing, she has three sons, two daughters-in-law, two dogs, and three amazing grandbabies.
Sign up for her newsletter at www.authormlhamilton.net for free offers and the latest book information.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 1, 2020
I wish I could cut & paste all of the text conversations I have with ML Hamilton when we are recording an audiobook. It is such a pleasure to have an author I can rely on to be as thoroughly involved in the recording process as I am. And, as well, to be such a good friend. It is as one that we embark on these journeys. It is not my average experience in the audiobook business. And CAFE LATTE, Book 6 in the Zion Sawyer Cozy Mystery series, is not your average cozy mystery.
Wikipedia will tell you 'Cozy mysteries, also referred to as "cozies", are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community.' CAFE LATTE and the Zion Sawyer series certainly have all those attributes. But in my experience of recording cozy mystery, and I've done a few, Zion and company offer so much more.
CAFE LATTE gives us the opportunity to become more familiar with Zion's new found love, Tate Mercer. And also with Tate's demons. (Demons? In a cozy mystery?) ML has hinted in previous books of his nightmares, his suddenly, though rarely, explosive temper, his lack of self confidence in relationships. But in CAFE LATTE we see through his eyes death, distance, divorce and yes, demons. The kind of demons that make his future with Zion unsure.
CAFE LATTE provides scenes of pathos and despair that rival some of the work I have done onstage in the classics like Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST. The characters are complex in very identifiable ways. Hamilton's dialogue just gets better and better with each story, too.
Mothers and sons, fathers and sons, men and ex-wives, new girlfriends and ex-wives. Men and girlfriend's fathers. This is the stuff of life. The stuff that gets messy. The stuff we have all lived through and are the stronger for. And in some cases the sadder, as well. These relationships are beautifully and delicately explored in CAFE LATTE. Hamilton has a deft touch at revealing the tender underbelly of these characters. We wind up loving her, and them, for it. It's great writing plus great character development. It makes it easy to record as well.
One might ask, 'but what about the mystery? Does it get lost in all this character mishmash?' The conundrum and its subsequent resolution are every bit as intriguing, engrossing, well-developed and surprising as one could hope for in any version of a mystery.
When I completed the recording for CAFE LATTE, I texted to ML, "I was incredibly moved by Tate's entire journey. I thought your combination of his revelation regarding his father & the resolution of the disappearance was striking, unique & very fresh, as well as quite contemporary. It is excellent writing. I hope I did it justice."
ML's response?
"I don't know how this book is going to be received, but honestly I think this is some of our finest work....I actually think this is one of our finest in terms of artistic expression."
You be the judge. I am quite sure we both hope very much that you like it.
Wikipedia will tell you 'Cozy mysteries, also referred to as "cozies", are a subgenre of crime fiction in which sex and violence occur off stage, the detective is an amateur sleuth, and the crime and detection take place in a small, socially intimate community.' CAFE LATTE and the Zion Sawyer series certainly have all those attributes. But in my experience of recording cozy mystery, and I've done a few, Zion and company offer so much more.
CAFE LATTE gives us the opportunity to become more familiar with Zion's new found love, Tate Mercer. And also with Tate's demons. (Demons? In a cozy mystery?) ML has hinted in previous books of his nightmares, his suddenly, though rarely, explosive temper, his lack of self confidence in relationships. But in CAFE LATTE we see through his eyes death, distance, divorce and yes, demons. The kind of demons that make his future with Zion unsure.
CAFE LATTE provides scenes of pathos and despair that rival some of the work I have done onstage in the classics like Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST. The characters are complex in very identifiable ways. Hamilton's dialogue just gets better and better with each story, too.
Mothers and sons, fathers and sons, men and ex-wives, new girlfriends and ex-wives. Men and girlfriend's fathers. This is the stuff of life. The stuff that gets messy. The stuff we have all lived through and are the stronger for. And in some cases the sadder, as well. These relationships are beautifully and delicately explored in CAFE LATTE. Hamilton has a deft touch at revealing the tender underbelly of these characters. We wind up loving her, and them, for it. It's great writing plus great character development. It makes it easy to record as well.
One might ask, 'but what about the mystery? Does it get lost in all this character mishmash?' The conundrum and its subsequent resolution are every bit as intriguing, engrossing, well-developed and surprising as one could hope for in any version of a mystery.
When I completed the recording for CAFE LATTE, I texted to ML, "I was incredibly moved by Tate's entire journey. I thought your combination of his revelation regarding his father & the resolution of the disappearance was striking, unique & very fresh, as well as quite contemporary. It is excellent writing. I hope I did it justice."
ML's response?
"I don't know how this book is going to be received, but honestly I think this is some of our finest work....I actually think this is one of our finest in terms of artistic expression."
You be the judge. I am quite sure we both hope very much that you like it.
August 31, 2020
This is my review of the audio version as posted on Audible:
Book 6 in the series allows us to get to know Tate's history and his family relations a bit more...
There is a mystery to be solved, of course, but what happens in the personal life of Zion and Tate's seems to be more important this time, And it's not bad at all; the book is as good a mystery as all the others in the series, with an intriguing plot and a bunch of crazily funny side characters Zion has to deal with (and if I were in her shoes I'd probably strangle at least one of them right at the beginning :)). But, adding to that, the social side of the story is at least as interesting as the investigation itself. Finding out more about Tate's past, about his relations with his parents lets us understand his character, his doubts, his dilemmas and his choices so much better. To cut it short, I really enjoyed this installment in the series a lot.
So, if you've read or listened to the previous books in the series, you definitely shouldn't miss this one. If you don't know the series yet - just grab the books, you'll love Zion and her friends :)
Narration by Ms Hazen is great again, with wonderful diversification of the voices of individual characters and a perfect balance between the emotional and the narrative... I just love the series in her interpretation :)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Book 6 in the series allows us to get to know Tate's history and his family relations a bit more...
There is a mystery to be solved, of course, but what happens in the personal life of Zion and Tate's seems to be more important this time, And it's not bad at all; the book is as good a mystery as all the others in the series, with an intriguing plot and a bunch of crazily funny side characters Zion has to deal with (and if I were in her shoes I'd probably strangle at least one of them right at the beginning :)). But, adding to that, the social side of the story is at least as interesting as the investigation itself. Finding out more about Tate's past, about his relations with his parents lets us understand his character, his doubts, his dilemmas and his choices so much better. To cut it short, I really enjoyed this installment in the series a lot.
So, if you've read or listened to the previous books in the series, you definitely shouldn't miss this one. If you don't know the series yet - just grab the books, you'll love Zion and her friends :)
Narration by Ms Hazen is great again, with wonderful diversification of the voices of individual characters and a perfect balance between the emotional and the narrative... I just love the series in her interpretation :)
DISCLAIMER: I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 31, 2021
No spoilers here, but an unexpected tragedy takes Zion and Tate away from Sequoia. You’ll experience the full range of emotions in this story as they work through all of the issues. This one really tugged at my heartstrings.
It amazes me how M.L. Hamilton’s words can bring out such strong emotions. One minute I’m laughing out loud and the next I’m sobbing like a baby. What an incredible talent.
Having the right narrator will bring a story to the next level. Kelley Hazen is that narrator. She knows these characters and perfectly portrays their personalities and emotions. Fantastic!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
It amazes me how M.L. Hamilton’s words can bring out such strong emotions. One minute I’m laughing out loud and the next I’m sobbing like a baby. What an incredible talent.
Having the right narrator will bring a story to the next level. Kelley Hazen is that narrator. She knows these characters and perfectly portrays their personalities and emotions. Fantastic!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.
August 5, 2020
I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the narrator and extremely enjoyable. Life is just running to smooth for Zion and Tate, until he gets a phone call from his mother. Zion and Tate head to his mother's and find a whole new kind of craziness in the retirement community and a murder to solve. As always an awesome story with great characters that makes you laugh and cry, sometimes at the same moment. This combination of author and narrator is just pure enjoyment. Looking forward to the next book.
December 10, 2020
Cafe Latte (A Zion Sawyer Cozy Mystery Book 6) was a great read by M.L. Hamilton. It is now July in Sequoia and the Greenwood Fest is about to take place. It is an Earth friendly celebration of music and anti-drug messages. Zion's parents have just moved to the town and Zion is trying to get them settled in. Everything is falling into place for Tate and Zion, until Tate gets a call to return to Los Angeles. Zion and Tate go to Los Angeles when a murder happens at his parents retirement park. It seems like he and Zion will have to solve another murder. I can't wait to read more by the author.
July 31, 2020
Murder Mystery with a Sense of Humour
I absolutely enjoyed this book. I'm sorry it ended and am looking forward to the next one next year. This book has great characters that get into hilarious predicaments. Ms. Hamilton's books are always well written and very enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
I absolutely enjoyed this book. I'm sorry it ended and am looking forward to the next one next year. This book has great characters that get into hilarious predicaments. Ms. Hamilton's books are always well written and very enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
August 12, 2022
Crazy gals
What a great story!!! So much emotion & a lot of fun. Tate's mom & her friends are a riot. There could be a series based on their capers. This book was full of family drama that most people could relate too. I can't wait to read the next book to see what everyone gets into next.
What a great story!!! So much emotion & a lot of fun. Tate's mom & her friends are a riot. There could be a series based on their capers. This book was full of family drama that most people could relate too. I can't wait to read the next book to see what everyone gets into next.
May 23, 2024
Cafe Latte
OMG, cannot wait to read Cafe Mocha. I am so invested in this big extended family. Thank you M.L. for the fun series. I know you are working on another one but please keep them coming. I just don’t know the plan if you run out of coffee names!
OMG, cannot wait to read Cafe Mocha. I am so invested in this big extended family. Thank you M.L. for the fun series. I know you are working on another one but please keep them coming. I just don’t know the plan if you run out of coffee names!
September 4, 2024
fun and heartwarming for a mystery
Great characters. Best book in the series so far. Found myself laughing, crying, and on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next!
Great characters. Best book in the series so far. Found myself laughing, crying, and on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what was going to happen next!
July 15, 2020
Really like this series, the story went in a little different direction, but it was a story with a message we can all learn from...
March 31, 2021
I love visiting with Tate, Zion and the quirky people of Sequoia. There seemed to be a little extra humor with ladies of Antelope Valley.
April 23, 2023
Cafe Latte
This was a fun read and I laughed out loud many times! Wondering if there is a spin-off series? Enjoy!
This was a fun read and I laughed out loud many times! Wondering if there is a spin-off series? Enjoy!
July 24, 2024
very silly story line
This was simply a very silly book. The series is getting more ridiculous with each one….
the story lines are losing depth and just weak
This was simply a very silly book. The series is getting more ridiculous with each one….
the story lines are losing depth and just weak
January 5, 2021
This was so hysterical especially with the different names cherise..was calling Zion...just loved this....this was so good.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews