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Coffeehouse Mystery #19
Honey Roasted
Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend in this all-new mystery in the beloved New York Times bestselling Coffeehouse series by Cleo Coyle.
While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD Detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop's new latte. Produced by Madame's old friend Queen Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea's rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.
One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend's chimney, and Clare discovers Bea's unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide. But Clare doesn't believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary startups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?
While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD Detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop's new latte. Produced by Madame's old friend Queen Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea's rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.
One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend's chimney, and Clare discovers Bea's unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide. But Clare doesn't believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary startups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 25, 2022
164 people are currently reading
2108 people want to read
About the author
Cleo Coyle
52 books3,554 followersDon'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!
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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 340 reviews
February 5, 2022
Honey Roasted is the 19th book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. There are about 3 cozy mystery series that are long-time favorites of mine. And this is one of them. I grab each book as soon as it comes out and savor each one....just like a steaming hot cup of a favorite coffee.
In this newest book in the series. Clare is planning her honeymoon and cooking up a new drink for the shop -- Honey Cinnamon Latte -- made with prize-winning top notch honey. Things become a bit less sweet when the beekeeper is found dead. Clare is on the case to catch a killer once again!
Loved this newest book. It's always so nice to revisit Village Blend and the characters I have come to know well over the years. I enjoyed Honey Roasted and sipped some lovely Honey Tipica coffee while reading. The mystery moved along at a nice pace....there were plenty of suspects and interesting twists/turns. Loved it! (As usual....no surprise that I loved this book) :)
Great new story! And I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
In this newest book in the series. Clare is planning her honeymoon and cooking up a new drink for the shop -- Honey Cinnamon Latte -- made with prize-winning top notch honey. Things become a bit less sweet when the beekeeper is found dead. Clare is on the case to catch a killer once again!
Loved this newest book. It's always so nice to revisit Village Blend and the characters I have come to know well over the years. I enjoyed Honey Roasted and sipped some lovely Honey Tipica coffee while reading. The mystery moved along at a nice pace....there were plenty of suspects and interesting twists/turns. Loved it! (As usual....no surprise that I loved this book) :)
Great new story! And I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
February 6, 2022
Cleo Coyle did it again! Another great installment to this wonderful ongoing series. Honey Roasted had me reading non-stop with a cup of coffee. Wish I had her Honey Cinnamon latte she wants to serve at her wedding.
January 17, 2022
Clare, along with her ex-husband Matt, runs a coffee shop in New York's Greenwich Village. Her staff is shocked when a swarm of bees descends on the shop, and they call the NYPD beekeeping squad. (Turns out truth is stranger than fiction in this case--this squad really exists.) The bees are tracked to a location where Clare and Matt are just in time to see the elderly beekeeper falling from her balcony. Clare knows the woman, and doesn't buy the police explanation of attempted suicide, so she decides to investigate, all the while trying to figure out why her fiance Mike, a city cop, has become so distant. In addition to a well-plotted mystery and likable characters, the authors (a husband and wife team, according to the bio) have done some research on honey and beekeeping, much more than I usually expect from a cozy mystery, and have included recipes as well. This is the 19th in the series, but my first--it worked fine as a stand-alone. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
February 12, 2022
I knew when I started Honey Roasted that I would need three things - coffee, pastries, a cozy throw and a block of time that I could devote to the adventures of Clare and the wonderful world of the Village Blend. So, when Clare and Matt find the body of Bea, a well-known beekeeper and a long-time friend of Madame almost dead, on a balcony, and several hives of Bea's hybrid "lost bee souls" invading the Village Blend for warmth, I was hooked! Not only does Clare have to solve the mystery, but her long awaited wedding to Mike is in jeopardy.
I love everything about the book -the relatable and likable Clare Cosi who has grown through the series into a formidable businesswoman and a impressive sleuth, Esther, Nancy, Tucker and all the "characters" at Village Blend who bring humor and fun, Clare's relationship with her mentor and confidant Madame, and her ex-husband, Matt who I have grown to like. Of course, there's Det. Mike Quinn, Clare's fiance who brings the romance.
In this mystery, Clare shows her sleuthing skills and her reluctance to run headfirst into danger. I loved the way the mystery pieces fit together in the end and the "side" stories bring a level of believability to the book that was refreshing. Clare is written so "real" that it would seem like she jumps off the page and brings the reader along on her "cases". The beekeeping information was fascinating and made the book flow. I loved the recipes in the book and I enjoyed the short chapters which, to me, makes the book come alive.
Another mystery solved by Clare and the Village Blend and as soon as I closed the book, I was wanting book 20! Enjoy!
I received an ARC from the author and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love everything about the book -the relatable and likable Clare Cosi who has grown through the series into a formidable businesswoman and a impressive sleuth, Esther, Nancy, Tucker and all the "characters" at Village Blend who bring humor and fun, Clare's relationship with her mentor and confidant Madame, and her ex-husband, Matt who I have grown to like. Of course, there's Det. Mike Quinn, Clare's fiance who brings the romance.
In this mystery, Clare shows her sleuthing skills and her reluctance to run headfirst into danger. I loved the way the mystery pieces fit together in the end and the "side" stories bring a level of believability to the book that was refreshing. Clare is written so "real" that it would seem like she jumps off the page and brings the reader along on her "cases". The beekeeping information was fascinating and made the book flow. I loved the recipes in the book and I enjoyed the short chapters which, to me, makes the book come alive.
Another mystery solved by Clare and the Village Blend and as soon as I closed the book, I was wanting book 20! Enjoy!
I received an ARC from the author and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 27, 2022
A swarm (or 3) of bees has invaded the Village Blend. Clare seems to think it has something to do with her new coffee flavor of Honey- Cinnamon latte. Later that night, Clare finds Bea Hastings, a friend of Madame's and the person who gave Clare the honey she used, unconscious after having taken a fall from her high-rise rooftop. I liked that we saw more of Clare and Matteo teaming up to solve the case. They have come a long way from the beginning of the series. I also I love the Clare and Mike and the way they help each other. The mystery was great. I love the characters. They have become like a second family throughout the series. I can't wait to read more.
November 8, 2021
I've been a fan of this series for years, and I'm always excited to read a new book, so I can catch up with Clare, Mike, Matteo, and of course, Madam.
In this book, Clare is caught in the middle of an investigation when she finds a dear friend, unconscious and barely alive. Her life is consumed by bees, worrying about her friend, and of course, trying to plan her wedding to her handsome detective, Mike Quinn.
This story is very well told and the honey bee process was quite interesting to read about.
I am happy to recommend this book as well as the entire series, to anyone who likes a mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HoneyRoasted #NetGalley.
In this book, Clare is caught in the middle of an investigation when she finds a dear friend, unconscious and barely alive. Her life is consumed by bees, worrying about her friend, and of course, trying to plan her wedding to her handsome detective, Mike Quinn.
This story is very well told and the honey bee process was quite interesting to read about.
I am happy to recommend this book as well as the entire series, to anyone who likes a mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HoneyRoasted #NetGalley.
October 31, 2021
As Clare Cosi and Mike Quinn's wedding gets closer, their relationship seems to be falling apart. It seems a lot of it has to do with Mike's work.
To complicate things further, Madame's old friend Bea (whom raises bees) ends up in the hospital after a fall from her rooftop beehive to her balcony below. Seen as an accident, and possibly a suicide, Clare ends up investigating what really took place that night.
This was a honey of a read (sorry) and this series still happens to be one of my favorites. It hasn't gotten stale, only better with age.
To complicate things further, Madame's old friend Bea (whom raises bees) ends up in the hospital after a fall from her rooftop beehive to her balcony below. Seen as an accident, and possibly a suicide, Clare ends up investigating what really took place that night.
This was a honey of a read (sorry) and this series still happens to be one of my favorites. It hasn't gotten stale, only better with age.
February 5, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Village Blend is buzzing literally when several hives of bees take up residence in the busy coffeehouse. After calling the NYPD’S Beekeeping Unit to relocate the swarm Clare realizes she knows who the bees belong to and rushes to see the local “Queen Bee”. Bea Hastings is an old friend of Madame and has an amazing rooftop hive set up. The woman definitely wouldn’t allow her bees to escape so Clare knows something is wrong. Upon arrival, she finds Bea has apparently fallen from the roof to her balcony. The police decide it was a failed suicide attempt after finding some iffy evidence. Clare doesn’t believe that for an instant. Bea was so proud of her unique prize-winning nectar and had big plans to grow the production and earn top dollar for it. To believe she would try to kill herself is absolutely ludicrous. Now she just needs to prove it and put a nice sting on the person who tried to kill the Queen Bee of Manhatten.
Again Cleo Coyle fills her pages with excitement on many different levels. First, Clare and Mike are struggling with their relationship when they should be blissfully happy about their upcoming nuptials. Part of the problem is the second subplot. Mike is on a harrowing case that has bodies piling up as he tries to catch the elusive killer. Then there is the mystery Clare is trying to solve. Who has it in for the local beekeeper? Add to all that she has beans to roast and a coffeehouse to manage. Madame is off on a trip but her ex Matt is around to help at Village Blend and makes a heck of a sleuthing partner too. He goes above and beyond in one heroic event too. All of Ms. Coyle’s characters just leap off the pages and readers quickly become joyfully entangled in everything that’s happening.
The honey/bee theme was so interesting, Who knew New York has a beekeeping unit as part of the police force? In fact, this story was based on an actual event. That really grabbed my attention but I would have been freaking out like one of the Blend’s employees, not calm and measured like Clare and Matt. I enjoyed the twist the employee took later in the story, very brave. Bea’s rooftop setup was really extraordinary too.
Using this event as inspiration this author team plotted out and wrote a fantastic mystery with great twists and drama that truly made this book impossible to put down. There were also a few scenes that gave me a good giggle. With the long wait between this book and the last one I had planned to take my time and really savor this coffeehouse mystery but the authors made that virtually impossible. We trekked all over the city, to some really undesirable places and to Bea’s fabulous penthouse apartment, and of course to Village Blend and the pages were just flying. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I was all in after reading the Author’s Note until the final page. When the book hit the floor for the third time due to me dozing off, I had to stop to sleep. I couldn’t wait to finish it the next day and cut my work hours short to do so.
I anxiously await each new installment of this series. I am invested in the lives of these wonderful characters and can’t wait to see what the authors have in store for them next. Honey Roasted is the 19th book in the series but readers new to Cleo Coyle should not hesitate to pick it up today. I can predict you will want to read more when you finish it. Fans of the series will be delighted in this latest installment. To borrow an old expression Honey Roasted is the “bee knees”, and a real honey of a story. It will hold a space on my best reads list for this year. I LOVED IT!
Village Blend is buzzing literally when several hives of bees take up residence in the busy coffeehouse. After calling the NYPD’S Beekeeping Unit to relocate the swarm Clare realizes she knows who the bees belong to and rushes to see the local “Queen Bee”. Bea Hastings is an old friend of Madame and has an amazing rooftop hive set up. The woman definitely wouldn’t allow her bees to escape so Clare knows something is wrong. Upon arrival, she finds Bea has apparently fallen from the roof to her balcony. The police decide it was a failed suicide attempt after finding some iffy evidence. Clare doesn’t believe that for an instant. Bea was so proud of her unique prize-winning nectar and had big plans to grow the production and earn top dollar for it. To believe she would try to kill herself is absolutely ludicrous. Now she just needs to prove it and put a nice sting on the person who tried to kill the Queen Bee of Manhatten.
Again Cleo Coyle fills her pages with excitement on many different levels. First, Clare and Mike are struggling with their relationship when they should be blissfully happy about their upcoming nuptials. Part of the problem is the second subplot. Mike is on a harrowing case that has bodies piling up as he tries to catch the elusive killer. Then there is the mystery Clare is trying to solve. Who has it in for the local beekeeper? Add to all that she has beans to roast and a coffeehouse to manage. Madame is off on a trip but her ex Matt is around to help at Village Blend and makes a heck of a sleuthing partner too. He goes above and beyond in one heroic event too. All of Ms. Coyle’s characters just leap off the pages and readers quickly become joyfully entangled in everything that’s happening.
The honey/bee theme was so interesting, Who knew New York has a beekeeping unit as part of the police force? In fact, this story was based on an actual event. That really grabbed my attention but I would have been freaking out like one of the Blend’s employees, not calm and measured like Clare and Matt. I enjoyed the twist the employee took later in the story, very brave. Bea’s rooftop setup was really extraordinary too.
Using this event as inspiration this author team plotted out and wrote a fantastic mystery with great twists and drama that truly made this book impossible to put down. There were also a few scenes that gave me a good giggle. With the long wait between this book and the last one I had planned to take my time and really savor this coffeehouse mystery but the authors made that virtually impossible. We trekked all over the city, to some really undesirable places and to Bea’s fabulous penthouse apartment, and of course to Village Blend and the pages were just flying. I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I was all in after reading the Author’s Note until the final page. When the book hit the floor for the third time due to me dozing off, I had to stop to sleep. I couldn’t wait to finish it the next day and cut my work hours short to do so.
I anxiously await each new installment of this series. I am invested in the lives of these wonderful characters and can’t wait to see what the authors have in store for them next. Honey Roasted is the 19th book in the series but readers new to Cleo Coyle should not hesitate to pick it up today. I can predict you will want to read more when you finish it. Fans of the series will be delighted in this latest installment. To borrow an old expression Honey Roasted is the “bee knees”, and a real honey of a story. It will hold a space on my best reads list for this year. I LOVED IT!
January 8, 2022
“Honey Roast” by Cleo Coyle the 19th instalment in the "A Coffeehouse Mystery" series. I have only read a few in the series and not in order, so can be read as a stand alone. But with that said I really wish I had read in order from the beginning cause they are so good..
Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises, I did not suspect the killer at all.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I loved the friendship between Clare and her ex-Matt as well as her mentor Madame. The inclusion of the bees and how they are kept in New York and the Bee Squad was really interesting to.
We can’t forget all the mouth watering food and drinks throughout the book which we are lucky to have the recipes for in the back of the book.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Berkley and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises, I did not suspect the killer at all.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I loved the friendship between Clare and her ex-Matt as well as her mentor Madame. The inclusion of the bees and how they are kept in New York and the Bee Squad was really interesting to.
We can’t forget all the mouth watering food and drinks throughout the book which we are lucky to have the recipes for in the back of the book.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Berkley and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
November 9, 2021
I've been a fan of this series for years, and I'm always excited to read a new book, so I can catch up with Clare, Mike, Matteo, and of course, Madam.
In this book, Clare is caught in the middle of an investigation when she finds a dear friend, unconscious and barely alive. Her life is consumed by bees, worrying about her friend, and of course, trying to plan her wedding to her handsome detective, Mike Quinn.
This story is very well told and the honey bee process was quite interesting to read about.
I am happy to recommend this book as well as the entire series, to anyone who likes a mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HoneyRoasted #NetGalley.
In this book, Clare is caught in the middle of an investigation when she finds a dear friend, unconscious and barely alive. Her life is consumed by bees, worrying about her friend, and of course, trying to plan her wedding to her handsome detective, Mike Quinn.
This story is very well told and the honey bee process was quite interesting to read about.
I am happy to recommend this book as well as the entire series, to anyone who likes a mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HoneyRoasted #NetGalley.
March 6, 2022
A multi-layered mystery to delight and intrigue! I absolutely love this series, but the author has taken this book even further into great storytelling! Realistic and loveable characters who deal with everyday life issues of running a coffeehouse, roasting beans, interacting with friends, loved ones and clients and solving a mystery or two along the way! If you haven't started the series yet, you really should. This is the 19th book in the series and it is outstanding. The narrator also does an amazing job of bringing the books to life and I have enjoyed listening to not only this book, but most of the books in the series! I can't wait to see how the author tops this story as it is absolutely outstanding!
February 11, 2022
Possibly the best one yet
this could possibly be the best coffeehouse mystery get! There is danger, romance, excitement, and heart stopping thrill. I always love these books and look forward to the next book to see if it gets better.
this could possibly be the best coffeehouse mystery get! There is danger, romance, excitement, and heart stopping thrill. I always love these books and look forward to the next book to see if it gets better.
February 5, 2022
3 1/2 stars
March 4, 2022
You don’t have to be a coffee lover to love Cleo Coyle’s Coffee House Mystery series. I’m new to the series and found it delightful - and I don’t even drink coffee (but I do love how it smells). Anyway, I really enjoyed this cozy mystery, the 19th in the series (How have I missed this long-running series until now?), set in a city I know and love, New York City. In addition to an interesting mystery that had a lot of twists and turns, I enjoyed the main characters (and the side characters too) and the great descriptions of various NYC neighborhoods, including the new Hudson Yards area. I’ve climbed The Vessel and I knew exactly how Clare was feeling on that climb! There are lots of descriptions of food, coffee and wine along the way. In this story, bees, urban beekeeping and honey are front and center. I learned a lot while I read this entertaining mystery. And don’t miss the large collection of recipes at the end of the book, from honey cookies to bourbon-glazed barbecue chicken.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2022
You would think that, after nineteen books, a series might start to lag a little. Not so with Cleo Coyle’s Coffeehouse Mysteries! If you’ll pardon the coffee-related pun, they’re good to the last drop…er, page.
The mystery here isn’t a murder, but a near-murder. A swarm of bees has shown up on the Village Blend’s chimney, and Clare thinks they may belong to Madame’s old friend, Bea. When she arrives at Bea’s apartment, she finds that Bea fell from her rooftop greenhouse. Police on the scene thought it was a suicide attempt, and now Bea lies in ICU in a coma. Clare and Madame both know Bea wasn’t the type to kill herself, so they get to digging.
There's action, and suspense, and romance, and recipes. What's not to like?
Check out my full review at https://theplainspokenpen.com/book-re....
The mystery here isn’t a murder, but a near-murder. A swarm of bees has shown up on the Village Blend’s chimney, and Clare thinks they may belong to Madame’s old friend, Bea. When she arrives at Bea’s apartment, she finds that Bea fell from her rooftop greenhouse. Police on the scene thought it was a suicide attempt, and now Bea lies in ICU in a coma. Clare and Madame both know Bea wasn’t the type to kill herself, so they get to digging.
There's action, and suspense, and romance, and recipes. What's not to like?
Check out my full review at https://theplainspokenpen.com/book-re....
February 19, 2022
Loved, loved, loved this book. It was amazing! I can't wait until the next one.
November 22, 2023
It is interesting to pick up a series after a 3 year wait [this book came out last year, but I was waiting for the PB that came out this year] - it can really change your perspective to have that big of a gap and you find that the characters you use to love [or at least like] were enough to cover some of the bad writing, bad character development etc etc. All of the things that I have never liked about this series are front and center in this book and it made it nearly impossible to read.
1. I knew the "baddie" as soon as they arrive on the page. I mean, HOW could you not know?
2. IF I wanted a book about relationships and what to do and NOT do, I'd have read a book on that subject. I don't need it in my mystery book. I don't mind some stuff because clearly Mike and Claire are in a relationship, but when it feels like that is more in the forefront of the book rather than the mystery, it becomes problematic. And the "romance" stuff really was kind of icky. I have always had an issue with how the author writes the romance scenes and this was amplified in this one.
3. MORE. COFFEE. INFORMATION. PLEASE. Geesh.
4. I did love all the stuff about the bees. That was very cool. Having lived in NY, I CANNOT imagine having enough money to own a building AND to convert the roof into a greenhouse and that whole part of the story was very cool. It was one of the parts that I really enjoyed.
5.
Unfortunately, #4 -5 were the ONLY good things for me in this book [If Claire said that Matt was her ex ONE MORE TIME I might have thrown my book. We are aware he is your ex; you don't need to announce it every time you talk about his or reference him etc etc. We the readers are not morons, please stop treating us that way. Good grief] and I could not wait for this book to be done. NOT exactly what one is hoping for after a three year absence. I am very disappointed and I am not sure that I will continue with this series.
1. I knew the "baddie" as soon as they arrive on the page. I mean, HOW could you not know?
2. IF I wanted a book about relationships and what to do and NOT do, I'd have read a book on that subject. I don't need it in my mystery book. I don't mind some stuff because clearly Mike and Claire are in a relationship, but when it feels like that is more in the forefront of the book rather than the mystery, it becomes problematic. And the "romance" stuff really was kind of icky. I have always had an issue with how the author writes the romance scenes and this was amplified in this one.
3. MORE. COFFEE. INFORMATION. PLEASE. Geesh.
4. I did love all the stuff about the bees. That was very cool. Having lived in NY, I CANNOT imagine having enough money to own a building AND to convert the roof into a greenhouse and that whole part of the story was very cool. It was one of the parts that I really enjoyed.
5.
Unfortunately, #4 -5 were the ONLY good things for me in this book [If Claire said that Matt was her ex ONE MORE TIME I might have thrown my book. We are aware he is your ex; you don't need to announce it every time you talk about his or reference him etc etc. We the readers are not morons, please stop treating us that way. Good grief] and I could not wait for this book to be done. NOT exactly what one is hoping for after a three year absence. I am very disappointed and I am not sure that I will continue with this series.
February 10, 2022
I’ve been a long time fan of the Coffee House Mystery Series. The authors always do so much research and include so many details about NYC, that I’ve found the books are a great guidebook for visiting the city!
This series has also revolutionized my coffee drinking habits! Like many cozy mystery series, the authors include *fantastic* recipes at the end, and plenty of them!
Also, the heroine sleuth, Clare Cosi is in her 40s. You know I love me some middle aged heroines! She’s been with her fiancé, Mike, for a while now, and in this installment, the two deal with issues in their relationship. So while this is technically a mystery, there are still elements of over 40 romance! 🤗🤗🤗 And the issues are realistic issues, no angst or stupid misunderstandings. Clare and Mike’s relationship is definitely one to learn from.
This series has also revolutionized my coffee drinking habits! Like many cozy mystery series, the authors include *fantastic* recipes at the end, and plenty of them!
Also, the heroine sleuth, Clare Cosi is in her 40s. You know I love me some middle aged heroines! She’s been with her fiancé, Mike, for a while now, and in this installment, the two deal with issues in their relationship. So while this is technically a mystery, there are still elements of over 40 romance! 🤗🤗🤗 And the issues are realistic issues, no angst or stupid misunderstandings. Clare and Mike’s relationship is definitely one to learn from.
March 28, 2022
Well, this is the 19th book in the series. And much to my happiness, Matt is featured a lot in this book. Yes, I am on team Matt, so the fact that Clare and Mike are having some trouble in their relationship really did not bother me much. And, in full disclosure, while I don't mind reading the books, I have never, not from the beginning, liked Clare. We would never make it as friends. The rest of the characters are great. This book starts with a swarm of bees descending on the Coffeehouse, and it turns out they belong to an old friend of Madam's. When Clare and Matt rush to her penthouse to tell her what happened, they find her badly injured. While trying to figure out what happened, they investigate other beekeepers, a group of drug dealers and a fake urban growing business before all is well once more.
February 8, 2022
Coffee and honey goodness
These coffeehouse mysteries are one of my favorite series by far. We always see our friends we've grown to love throughout the books and get a chance to meet new ones. I'm honestly waiting for the book when Claire and Mike finally get hitched. Great read which kept me guessing at the who done it person was.
These coffeehouse mysteries are one of my favorite series by far. We always see our friends we've grown to love throughout the books and get a chance to meet new ones. I'm honestly waiting for the book when Claire and Mike finally get hitched. Great read which kept me guessing at the who done it person was.
July 13, 2023
This series never gets old, even if it’s already the 19th book
. Though Coffeehouse Mysteries is what I’d consider a cozy mystery series, it’s never overdone or precious. This one was especially good, the plot was tight and there was enough action to keep me invested.
. Though Coffeehouse Mysteries is what I’d consider a cozy mystery series, it’s never overdone or precious. This one was especially good, the plot was tight and there was enough action to keep me invested.
February 6, 2022
As satisfying as a good cup of coffee. Another successful installment in Cleo Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery series, which over the years has become one of my favorites.
March 15, 2022
Loved this one! The series is great - this one was just the right length and so much fun.
February 17, 2025
Another fun mystery from the coffee house team
I enjoy the main characters and the family created and continuing in the Village Blend series. The scenes in New York City show the complexities of Urban Life. The main character, Cleo, tries to run a coffee shop, deal with an ex (Matt) and plan for her upcoming wedding to her beau, a NYC police detective. Along the way, she tries to solve how a friend was injured and her bees went missing while her detective tries to find the dealer for fatal street drugs targeting homeless men. I have read several books in this series and also enjoy the recipes included at the end. A light cozy read to enjoy.
I enjoy the main characters and the family created and continuing in the Village Blend series. The scenes in New York City show the complexities of Urban Life. The main character, Cleo, tries to run a coffee shop, deal with an ex (Matt) and plan for her upcoming wedding to her beau, a NYC police detective. Along the way, she tries to solve how a friend was injured and her bees went missing while her detective tries to find the dealer for fatal street drugs targeting homeless men. I have read several books in this series and also enjoy the recipes included at the end. A light cozy read to enjoy.
February 9, 2022
Over the years, I have read many cozy mystery series and this is the one that I have stuck with. It's hard to believe this is the nineteenth installment since it's fresh, smart, and utterly delightful. There are 302 lively pages of narrative, followed by over forty pages of educational information about honey and mouth-watering recipes, many incorporating honey - honey coffee, honey cupcakes, and honey-glazed baby carrots to name just a few.
Part of what keeps the series so interesting is each book has something unique about it that distinguishes it from all the ones that came before. This time, the emphasis is on urban honey farming. Someone in Clare's circle of acquaintances is found injured after a fall from her rooftop - the rooftop being where she kept her bees who produced magnificent and expensive honey. Not only is she severely injured, but the hives have been damaged as well. There are several subplots that wind in and around the pursuit of finding out exactly what happened that night and all add to the intrigue.
As is typical with a Cleo Coyle mystery, nothing is straightforward and easy to figure out, but the journey to conclusion is a huge amount of fun. I also learn something from each book and find myself doing additional research on a wide variety of topics prompted by these stories. This time I was fascinated with a neighborhood called the Hole in NYC that has a very prominent place in the narrative and enjoyed a large chunk of time looking into it. The tidbits about coffee, honey, NYC locales all create a smart, enjoyable, engaging read.
While in an ideal world it would be best to go back to the first one and read the series in order, by the time there are nineteen books, that might be daunting to a prospective reader. However, this particular book would stand on its own very well and I have no qualms encouraging an interested reader to just dive in right here for sampling cozy writing at its best.
Another winner in a fabulous series.
Part of what keeps the series so interesting is each book has something unique about it that distinguishes it from all the ones that came before. This time, the emphasis is on urban honey farming. Someone in Clare's circle of acquaintances is found injured after a fall from her rooftop - the rooftop being where she kept her bees who produced magnificent and expensive honey. Not only is she severely injured, but the hives have been damaged as well. There are several subplots that wind in and around the pursuit of finding out exactly what happened that night and all add to the intrigue.
As is typical with a Cleo Coyle mystery, nothing is straightforward and easy to figure out, but the journey to conclusion is a huge amount of fun. I also learn something from each book and find myself doing additional research on a wide variety of topics prompted by these stories. This time I was fascinated with a neighborhood called the Hole in NYC that has a very prominent place in the narrative and enjoyed a large chunk of time looking into it. The tidbits about coffee, honey, NYC locales all create a smart, enjoyable, engaging read.
While in an ideal world it would be best to go back to the first one and read the series in order, by the time there are nineteen books, that might be daunting to a prospective reader. However, this particular book would stand on its own very well and I have no qualms encouraging an interested reader to just dive in right here for sampling cozy writing at its best.
Another winner in a fabulous series.
November 11, 2022
Honey Roasted is the 19th entry in Cleo Coyle’s long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series, and it’s a good one. For long-term readers of the series and first-time readers alike, it’s great fun to visit the Village Blend coffeehouse in Greenwich Village and see manager and amateur sleuth Clare Cosi get entangled in a cleverly plotted mystery.
The mystery in Honey Roasted, as you might suspect from the title, involves honey and bees. The honey and the bees take center stage (along with numerous bee puns). But not to fear, coffee lovers, the book, like the others in the series, also contains a generous helping of coffee talk that will satisfy even the most devoted aficionado of the caffeinated bean.
Although the book’s mystery plot benefits from its share of coincidences, I found it to be fast-moving, exciting, and fun. Clare is a clever sleuth indeed, with an envious ability to analyze a situation and draw conclusions that advance an investigation—always fueled by coffee.
Like the previous books in the series, Honey Roasted is enlivened by an interesting mix of characters, some fascinating little-known New York settings, and the continuing romantic relationship between Clare and NYPD detective Mike Quinn. There are actually two mysteries to keep Clare (and the reader) guessing. It’s a fun read.
For a longer summary (no spoilers) and review of Honey Roasted, see my website CoffeeCrossroads.com.
The mystery in Honey Roasted, as you might suspect from the title, involves honey and bees. The honey and the bees take center stage (along with numerous bee puns). But not to fear, coffee lovers, the book, like the others in the series, also contains a generous helping of coffee talk that will satisfy even the most devoted aficionado of the caffeinated bean.
Although the book’s mystery plot benefits from its share of coincidences, I found it to be fast-moving, exciting, and fun. Clare is a clever sleuth indeed, with an envious ability to analyze a situation and draw conclusions that advance an investigation—always fueled by coffee.
Like the previous books in the series, Honey Roasted is enlivened by an interesting mix of characters, some fascinating little-known New York settings, and the continuing romantic relationship between Clare and NYPD detective Mike Quinn. There are actually two mysteries to keep Clare (and the reader) guessing. It’s a fun read.
For a longer summary (no spoilers) and review of Honey Roasted, see my website CoffeeCrossroads.com.
February 2, 2022
HONEY ROASTED by Cleo Coyle
The Nineteenth Coffeehouse Mystery
The swarm of bees descending upon the Village Blend is like something our of a horror film. The truly scary thing is Clare and Matt's discovery of the bees actual home. Their hives have been destroyed and their keeper, a good friend of Madame's, is sprawled on the balcony below. Not believing the police's assumption that this was a suicide attempt, Clare decides to figure out what she can while entrusted with the bees care. Will she be able to sort out the mystery of the bees as well as her issues with her fiance?
I love bees so having a mystery featuring these beneficial guys is the bees knees! I also love learning and the nineteenth Coffeehouse mystery doesn't disappoint. Bee police? Who knew?! Cowboys in NYC? And the recipes included at the back of the book? There are so many delicious sounding delights included it's almost as if you're getting a free cookbook along with your mystery. And make no mistake, there's a great mystery here.
The nineteenth Coffeehouse Mystery if filled with characters we know, but who still manage to surprise us. There are twists and turns in this inventive plot with both the mystery and the relationship issues keeping me on high alert. Ultimately, HONEY ROASTED teaches us that appearances can be deceiving and communication is vital.
A highly caffeinated mystery, HONEY ROASTED proves to be a honey of a tale.
The Nineteenth Coffeehouse Mystery
The swarm of bees descending upon the Village Blend is like something our of a horror film. The truly scary thing is Clare and Matt's discovery of the bees actual home. Their hives have been destroyed and their keeper, a good friend of Madame's, is sprawled on the balcony below. Not believing the police's assumption that this was a suicide attempt, Clare decides to figure out what she can while entrusted with the bees care. Will she be able to sort out the mystery of the bees as well as her issues with her fiance?
I love bees so having a mystery featuring these beneficial guys is the bees knees! I also love learning and the nineteenth Coffeehouse mystery doesn't disappoint. Bee police? Who knew?! Cowboys in NYC? And the recipes included at the back of the book? There are so many delicious sounding delights included it's almost as if you're getting a free cookbook along with your mystery. And make no mistake, there's a great mystery here.
The nineteenth Coffeehouse Mystery if filled with characters we know, but who still manage to surprise us. There are twists and turns in this inventive plot with both the mystery and the relationship issues keeping me on high alert. Ultimately, HONEY ROASTED teaches us that appearances can be deceiving and communication is vital.
A highly caffeinated mystery, HONEY ROASTED proves to be a honey of a tale.
December 31, 2021
"Honey Roasted" by Cleo Coyle is sweet, funny, and a "real honey" of a book! 🐝
The background is set in a "Greenwich Village" neighborhood in Manhattan, New York, where Claire and her ex-husband Matt run the "Village Blend" coffee house. They specialize in unique blends of honey coffee and pastries. Bea Hastings is a family friend that has helped mentor the family and provides the rare honey for the recipes. Claire and Matt go to Bea's home and find her in critical condition on her balcony from what police rule as an accident. But Clare and Matt are not convinced. They fear Bea may be in danger from someone far "less sweet" than what they appear. But who is it?
This is my first book to read by the husband/wife team of Marc Cerasini and Alice Alfonsi who write under the name Cleo Coyle. I loved so much about this book. It was delightful to read, well written, and the research provided by the authors on beekeeping/honey is incredible. I absolutely adore the fact that the "Village Blend" recipes are included in the back of the book. What a treasure to top off a great book!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this excellent e-book. "Honey Roasted" will be published February 1, 2022.
The background is set in a "Greenwich Village" neighborhood in Manhattan, New York, where Claire and her ex-husband Matt run the "Village Blend" coffee house. They specialize in unique blends of honey coffee and pastries. Bea Hastings is a family friend that has helped mentor the family and provides the rare honey for the recipes. Claire and Matt go to Bea's home and find her in critical condition on her balcony from what police rule as an accident. But Clare and Matt are not convinced. They fear Bea may be in danger from someone far "less sweet" than what they appear. But who is it?
This is my first book to read by the husband/wife team of Marc Cerasini and Alice Alfonsi who write under the name Cleo Coyle. I loved so much about this book. It was delightful to read, well written, and the research provided by the authors on beekeeping/honey is incredible. I absolutely adore the fact that the "Village Blend" recipes are included in the back of the book. What a treasure to top off a great book!
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this excellent e-book. "Honey Roasted" will be published February 1, 2022.
November 12, 2023
Clare Cosi, manager of The village Blend coffeehouse, is trying to find a place to go for her honeymoon. She's not having much luck trying to find something both romantic and within budget. With her fiancé, a police detective, busy at work and having no time to discuss plans she turns her attention to her newest coffee offering, a honey infused coffee. When the cafe is swarmed by bees one night she finds out that the woman who raises the bees has been attacked and is in the hospital. Who would want to hurt her? What is so special about these bees? With many suspects and motives Clare does her own investigating. The characters are wonderful! Each one different in his or her own way. The mystery is well written and had me turning the pages! As an added bonus there are several delicious recipes included. Definitely recommend!
March 25, 2022
The latest in the 19 book series was a while in coming but well worth the wait. I have been a long time fan of the series and this one is the best yet. Clare Cosi is planning her honeymoon when a swarm of bees overtakes the Village Blend coffee shop. Once the bees are safely recovered this leads Clare to the conclusion that the bees came from her mother-in-law’s friend. When #he can not G3’s in touch with her she and her ex husband walk over to her house only to find the rooftop greenhouse damaged and the bee hives toppled. The police call it a suicide attempt and close the investigation. Clare refuses to believe that and dives into finding the truth. A well written story that is a fun read.
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