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A Coffee Lover's Mystery #2
Cold Brew Corpse
Espresso bar owner Lana Lewis returns in Tara Lush's second Coffee Lover's mystery, a stimulating read that fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs will savor to the last drop.
It's a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil's Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante's Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio's owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana's dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah's relationship--and Lana's life--in very hot coffee.
It's a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil's Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante's Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio's owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana's dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah's relationship--and Lana's life--in very hot coffee.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 7, 2021
41 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Tara Lush
27 books582 followersTara Lush is a RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.
She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush. For many years, she was a journalist with The Associated Press.
Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and Shih Tzu.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
December 16, 2021
Perkatory, Lana Lewis’ coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, Florida, was popular with tourists and locals alike. When the cold brew that it was famous for was getting negative comments, Lana tried it – dishwater would have tasted better! Her determination to discover the reason behind the cold brew’s bad taste was overturned by a missing person – Raina Rose, the owner of Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio beside Perkatory. Within a matter of days, the Raina’s body was found, and Chief Noah Garcia and the local police team’s search turned to finding a killer.
Lana was an ex-journalist out of Miami before she returned to Devil’s Beach and her dad, and when Mike from the local paper asked her to do a story, Lana was all over it. She was sure she’d find the answers and the killer – but could she? There were many suspects and as she whittled them down, her focus remained. Lana and Noah were at the beginning of a relationship – would Lana’s sleuthing anger the Chief enough to stop the relationship in its tracks?
Cold Brew Corpse is the 2nd in A Coffee Lover’s Mystery by Tara Lush, and I found it a little drawn out. But there were laugh out loud moments – yoga on the beach – a good mystery, and a conclusion which I didn’t see coming! I’ll happily look out for #3 in the series to catch up with Lara and the gang once again. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Lana was an ex-journalist out of Miami before she returned to Devil’s Beach and her dad, and when Mike from the local paper asked her to do a story, Lana was all over it. She was sure she’d find the answers and the killer – but could she? There were many suspects and as she whittled them down, her focus remained. Lana and Noah were at the beginning of a relationship – would Lana’s sleuthing anger the Chief enough to stop the relationship in its tracks?
Cold Brew Corpse is the 2nd in A Coffee Lover’s Mystery by Tara Lush, and I found it a little drawn out. But there were laugh out loud moments – yoga on the beach – a good mystery, and a conclusion which I didn’t see coming! I’ll happily look out for #3 in the series to catch up with Lara and the gang once again. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2021
Grounds for Murder and Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush are the first and second book respectively in the cozy A Coffee Lover’s Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries each book in this series has it’s own mystery that will be fully solved so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There will be character development that carries over from book to book though for those that follow the series from the beginning.
Lana Lewis has returned to Devil’s Beach, Florida and started a new career after leaving her journalist job. Lana is now in charge of her family’s coffee shop, Perkatory, which is a whole new world for Lana. In the first book of the series, Grounds for Murder, Lana is just about to enter the Sunshine State Barista Championship when her best employee quits on her. When Fabrizio “Fab” Bellucci is found murdered right after leaving Perkatory of course Lana ends up a suspect and needs to do everything to clear her name.
Cold Brew Corpse finds Lana back in action at Perkatory when the neighboring business owner is found murdered. With things heating up at the Dante’s Inferno yoga studio next door Lana finds herself balancing her coffee shop and also taking a job part time for the local newspaper covering the murder. Lana discovers that the owner of Dante’s Inferno has more than her share of enemies so even after her initial story is turned in Lana can’t help but keep rooting out new suspects in hopes of finding her second murderer.
When I first spotted the A Coffee Lover’s Mystery series I was torn on whether to give this one a try or not. First I love beachy settings and with this one being in Florida I was drawn to the covers and wanted to dive right in. However, I’m not a coffee lover so this one seemed like I may not be the reader since sometimes cozies can dive really deep into their themes but thankfully this one wasn’t too overpowering to be a turn off for me. When finished with the first book I had it at three and a half stars enjoying the characters, setting and mystery enough to want to return. Now having read the second I am enjoying the series even more as it really showed the main characters journalistic side. There’s also a budding romance with the detective involved and I like when the law enforcement side is involved and not made out to be useless. So now after two books of this series I definitely call myself a fan and will return for more in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Lana Lewis has returned to Devil’s Beach, Florida and started a new career after leaving her journalist job. Lana is now in charge of her family’s coffee shop, Perkatory, which is a whole new world for Lana. In the first book of the series, Grounds for Murder, Lana is just about to enter the Sunshine State Barista Championship when her best employee quits on her. When Fabrizio “Fab” Bellucci is found murdered right after leaving Perkatory of course Lana ends up a suspect and needs to do everything to clear her name.
Cold Brew Corpse finds Lana back in action at Perkatory when the neighboring business owner is found murdered. With things heating up at the Dante’s Inferno yoga studio next door Lana finds herself balancing her coffee shop and also taking a job part time for the local newspaper covering the murder. Lana discovers that the owner of Dante’s Inferno has more than her share of enemies so even after her initial story is turned in Lana can’t help but keep rooting out new suspects in hopes of finding her second murderer.
When I first spotted the A Coffee Lover’s Mystery series I was torn on whether to give this one a try or not. First I love beachy settings and with this one being in Florida I was drawn to the covers and wanted to dive right in. However, I’m not a coffee lover so this one seemed like I may not be the reader since sometimes cozies can dive really deep into their themes but thankfully this one wasn’t too overpowering to be a turn off for me. When finished with the first book I had it at three and a half stars enjoying the characters, setting and mystery enough to want to return. Now having read the second I am enjoying the series even more as it really showed the main characters journalistic side. There’s also a budding romance with the detective involved and I like when the law enforcement side is involved and not made out to be useless. So now after two books of this series I definitely call myself a fan and will return for more in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 10, 2021
Cold Brew Corpse is a great addition to the Coffee Lover's Mystery series set on Devil's Beach, an island in southwest Florida, near Tampa. Filled with interesting and funny characters, some old hippies, new age and yoga enthusiasts, this is an entertaining read. Lana Lewis is back in town from Miami after her marriage failed. She is running her family's coffee shop, Perkatory, and doing a little freelance reporting on the side. Her old job was as a reporter for a newspaper in Miami and now she does an occasional article for the local paper. When Raina, the owner of the hot yoga studio, Dante's Inferno, next to Perkatory, goes missing, Lana is asked to write an article for the local paper. She finds some interesting things once she starts investigating. Some yoga staff and students have differing views of the yoga star than they show in public. Raina and her boyfriend have some rocky times too. Filled with lots of suspects, politics, jealousy, humor, and a little romance between Lana and the police chief, this is another winner for new author, Tara Lush.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
January 2, 2023
Great cozy mystery! awesome characters. Intriguing Murder mystery. I highly recommend.
December 15, 2021
First of all, I'm a huge coffee drinker but have never indulged in cold brew. That, however, could change after reading this book! It's not the reason I enjoyed the book so much, but it's given me an education in the cold brew process. Of course, the book itself is about a coffee shop owner, Lana Lewis, who becomes embroiled in a murder and, of course, she wants to figure out who did it. However, the police officer in charge does not want her anywhere near the murder. Guess who wins?
There are lots of interesting characters, a dog or two, and an interesting locale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
There are lots of interesting characters, a dog or two, and an interesting locale.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
December 4, 2021
When a yoga instructor goes missing Lana is excited to be going back to her journalist roots to write a story about the missing woman. She quickly discovers things are not always as they seem. In addition, she is walking a fine line trying to get information and not cross the line with her sort of boyfriend and chief of police.
This story gives you a lot of puzzles to unravel from coffee problems to murder and I enjoyed the blooming romance between Lana and Police Chief Garcia. My favorite part was the humor with actual laugh-out-loud moments. Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for an advanced review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
This story gives you a lot of puzzles to unravel from coffee problems to murder and I enjoyed the blooming romance between Lana and Police Chief Garcia. My favorite part was the humor with actual laugh-out-loud moments. Thanks to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for an advanced review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
January 6, 2022
Cold Brew Corpse is the second book in the “A Coffee Lover's Mystery” series. Lana’s coffee shop, Perkatory, is doing a brisk business. Her relationship with Noah is moving along nicely, and the urge to be a reporter again is partially satisfied by her old boss when she is hired to write a news story. Unfortunately, the murder of a yoga instructor and Lana’s (business) next-door neighbor adds fuel to her insatiable curiosity.
I did not read the first book in this series, so I do not know how the characters interacted previously. Unfortunately, I did not care very much for Lana. She appears to be very immature and judgemental and had what I term a holier than thou attitude. Her reporting style would be more in line with a hard-hitting exposé journalist. The coffee shop, Perkatory, sounds like a fun place to grab a good cup of coffee, yet I feel that the story revolved too much around the cold brew that Lana makes, especially as it has somehow gotten contaminated. It was a bit unbelievable that Lana would put a story above her real work or running the coffee shop. After all, the news story doesn’t pay the bills. I liked the small part that Lana’s father and Noah played in the story; they seem to be interesting. The yoga instructor was not at all likable. It was a foregone conclusion that she was not what she appeared. Her past became a large part of the investigation, and with good reason.
There are far too many suspects and red herrings in Cold Brew Corpse; they bog down the story. In addition, the killer was unremarkable and predictable. All of this said this was a good book. Any new series needs time to mature with characters growth, and hopefully, these characters will become more fun and entertaining with the next installment. In book three, I also hope to see less yoga and more coffee action at Perkatory.
I did not read the first book in this series, so I do not know how the characters interacted previously. Unfortunately, I did not care very much for Lana. She appears to be very immature and judgemental and had what I term a holier than thou attitude. Her reporting style would be more in line with a hard-hitting exposé journalist. The coffee shop, Perkatory, sounds like a fun place to grab a good cup of coffee, yet I feel that the story revolved too much around the cold brew that Lana makes, especially as it has somehow gotten contaminated. It was a bit unbelievable that Lana would put a story above her real work or running the coffee shop. After all, the news story doesn’t pay the bills. I liked the small part that Lana’s father and Noah played in the story; they seem to be interesting. The yoga instructor was not at all likable. It was a foregone conclusion that she was not what she appeared. Her past became a large part of the investigation, and with good reason.
There are far too many suspects and red herrings in Cold Brew Corpse; they bog down the story. In addition, the killer was unremarkable and predictable. All of this said this was a good book. Any new series needs time to mature with characters growth, and hopefully, these characters will become more fun and entertaining with the next installment. In book three, I also hope to see less yoga and more coffee action at Perkatory.
July 26, 2021
I loved this book! It’s rare that a second book in a series is better than the first, and I hardly ever read more than one book in a series for review, but cozy mystery Cold Brew Corpse became the exception in both–dare I say?–cases. I had to find out if Lana and Sheriff Hunk ever get together, how the coffee business in Perkatory is brewing, and if Lana and Chief Garcia solve another crime in Devil’s Beach, Florida.
Cold Brew Corpse is laugh out loud funny. Lana is quirky, but charming, and whip smart. The supporting characters are varied and give the reader lots of suspects to choose from. The storyline is unique and had me turning the pages instead of watching Netflix or playing games on my phone.
Tara Lush has penned a winner with her new series! Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC for an honest review. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*
Cold Brew Corpse is laugh out loud funny. Lana is quirky, but charming, and whip smart. The supporting characters are varied and give the reader lots of suspects to choose from. The storyline is unique and had me turning the pages instead of watching Netflix or playing games on my phone.
Tara Lush has penned a winner with her new series! Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC for an honest review. *NetGalley Top Reviewer*
September 21, 2024
Well it was about time I finally read a cozy mystery, and one labeled "A Coffee Lovers Mystery" with cold brew in the title.... I mean, how could I resist?!
☕ The story was told in the first person and I liked the narrator's voice: she was funny and spunky and occasionally humorously self-deprecating. Some of her inner thoughts made me laugh out loud, like the one about kombucha tasting like feet dipped in vinegar, or her thoughts about yoga and the Florida heat.
☕ I did not see the whodunnit in advance... More attentive people than I may have, but I definitely got distracted by the red herrings.
☕ The humor was a little crass and there was one total cringe scene that I could definitely have done without. I mean, technically, it's clean, but it really toes that line.
☕ I felt like our main character was taking advantage of her police chief boyfriend to get information. At one point she justified it because"justice" but I didn't love that. And again, it was clean, but there were definitely innuendos and sly comments throughout.
☕ The story was told in the first person and I liked the narrator's voice: she was funny and spunky and occasionally humorously self-deprecating. Some of her inner thoughts made me laugh out loud, like the one about kombucha tasting like feet dipped in vinegar, or her thoughts about yoga and the Florida heat.
☕ I did not see the whodunnit in advance... More attentive people than I may have, but I definitely got distracted by the red herrings.
☕ The humor was a little crass and there was one total cringe scene that I could definitely have done without. I mean, technically, it's clean, but it really toes that line.
☕ I felt like our main character was taking advantage of her police chief boyfriend to get information. At one point she justified it because"justice" but I didn't love that. And again, it was clean, but there were definitely innuendos and sly comments throughout.
December 3, 2021
Cold Brew Corpse is the second book in the Coffee Lover's Mystery series and the events and mystery of this book immediately follows the barista competition on which the first book ended with the disappearance and discovery of the body of Raina Rose, a yoga master and resident of Devil's Beach. I felt the characters were fleshed out more and I guess that is why I enjoyed this book more than the first one. There is also a soft introduction to an event in Lana's past which led her to become a journalist and I am interested to see how this plotline will be further developed in future books. Things are heating up on the romance front between Lana and police chief Noah Garcia, her pet adopted dog Stanley keeps her entertained and on her feet with his quirky antics and cuteness and she still has hopes for reviving her journalist career by trying to solve the murder mystery while successfully managing her parents' coffee shop. Lana Lewis is definitely a busy woman!
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Tara Lush for the e-Arc of the book.
Publication date is 7th December, 2021.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Tara Lush for the e-Arc of the book.
Publication date is 7th December, 2021.
April 1, 2022
Really loving this series! Great characters, wonderful plots with intriguing twists to keep you guessing and fabulous setting! Who wouldn't want to pal around with a coffee house owner/journalist who sleuths to find the truth whether she is getting paid for the story or not!?! I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book! The narrator on the audiobook does an outstanding job of helping to breathe life into the characters and story as well so if you are an audio fan, this series needs to be on your listening list!
September 21, 2021
With this, her second cozy mystery set on Devil's Island, author Tara Lush further establishes her fictional Florida beach town as a great setting for homicide. She really gives readers a strong sense of place as well as the sense that in Florida, anything can happen.
She also manages to come up with someething brand new (I think) in the mystery scene. I've never read any mysteries involving yoga, but this one has yoga galore. The victim is a charismatic but manipulative yoga teacher, and most of the suspects are involved in yoga too, either as students or competitors.
My one complaint is that the solution to the mystery felt a little like a letdown. But I liked that her heroine, ex-reporter turned coffee shop owner Lana Lewis, was the one who solved it and managed to fight off the killer trying to add her to the list of victims. I eagerly await the next book in this series, and hope that it includes more monkeys.
She also manages to come up with someething brand new (I think) in the mystery scene. I've never read any mysteries involving yoga, but this one has yoga galore. The victim is a charismatic but manipulative yoga teacher, and most of the suspects are involved in yoga too, either as students or competitors.
My one complaint is that the solution to the mystery felt a little like a letdown. But I liked that her heroine, ex-reporter turned coffee shop owner Lana Lewis, was the one who solved it and managed to fight off the killer trying to add her to the list of victims. I eagerly await the next book in this series, and hope that it includes more monkeys.
January 15, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
While Lana Lewis serves up her Cold Brew her neighbor at Dante’s Inferno takes her clients through the movements of Hot Yoga. That is until the yogi goes missing and is later found dead floating in a nearby swamp.
Lana is swamped herself with managing Perkatory and training her new puppy Stanley but when the editor of the local paper asks her to get the scoop on the woman’s murder and write about it for the paper Lana can’t say no. This story could be the big break she needs to get her journalism career back on track.
With her connection to the police chief, she is right on the scene when the body is removed from its watery grave. Then with a little bit of old-fashioned legwork and her trusty investigation skills, she learns Raina Rose had quite a checkered past. This opens up the suspect pool she will have to brew through as she tries to steam out the killer while not becoming a victim herself or ruining her relationship with Chief Noah.
I was very happy to visit these characters again. Lana has grown more comfortable in her barista skills but does have an issue with her new Cold Brew that she can’t seem to remedy. She doesn’t lose her cool though, and she doesn’t give up, even when another murder investigation takes over a majority of her time. Thankfully she has Erika and her dad to take up the slack at Perkatory. She and Erika are much more comfortable with each other and make a great team. Her dad is great too, stepping in when needed. I really love the calm he can bring to a situation. I wish he played a larger role in this story. He is a definite fave for me.
I was thrilled to see the relationship between Noah and Lana growing but there are a couple of obstacles in their way. Lana does make a mistake that could blow them miles apart and I enjoyed the way this played out quickly without being drawn out for pages and pages or even into the next book. All the characters have noticeable growth and continue to pull me into their lives very easily.
The mystery was a real conundrum. Following each clue along with Lana was very captivating. The suspects were pretty clear until WHAM! Twist! Turn! I was totally flabbergasted! Oh, Miss Lush, you got me good! Lana too!
There was a subplot that I felt was important that was left open from Lana’s past. I hope that it will develop and Lana is allowed to get to the bottom of it in a future story.
I just have to share that little Stanley is so adorable even when his training has a hiccup or two or three. Also, there is a hilarious moment between Lana and Noah. I almost snorted soda all over my Kindle.
Cold Brew Corpse was a Perfect Escape. It tested me, surprised me, and tickled my funny bone. I am looking forward to my next visit to Devil’s Beach and catching up for a coffee or two with everyone at Perkatory.
While Lana Lewis serves up her Cold Brew her neighbor at Dante’s Inferno takes her clients through the movements of Hot Yoga. That is until the yogi goes missing and is later found dead floating in a nearby swamp.
Lana is swamped herself with managing Perkatory and training her new puppy Stanley but when the editor of the local paper asks her to get the scoop on the woman’s murder and write about it for the paper Lana can’t say no. This story could be the big break she needs to get her journalism career back on track.
With her connection to the police chief, she is right on the scene when the body is removed from its watery grave. Then with a little bit of old-fashioned legwork and her trusty investigation skills, she learns Raina Rose had quite a checkered past. This opens up the suspect pool she will have to brew through as she tries to steam out the killer while not becoming a victim herself or ruining her relationship with Chief Noah.
I was very happy to visit these characters again. Lana has grown more comfortable in her barista skills but does have an issue with her new Cold Brew that she can’t seem to remedy. She doesn’t lose her cool though, and she doesn’t give up, even when another murder investigation takes over a majority of her time. Thankfully she has Erika and her dad to take up the slack at Perkatory. She and Erika are much more comfortable with each other and make a great team. Her dad is great too, stepping in when needed. I really love the calm he can bring to a situation. I wish he played a larger role in this story. He is a definite fave for me.
I was thrilled to see the relationship between Noah and Lana growing but there are a couple of obstacles in their way. Lana does make a mistake that could blow them miles apart and I enjoyed the way this played out quickly without being drawn out for pages and pages or even into the next book. All the characters have noticeable growth and continue to pull me into their lives very easily.
The mystery was a real conundrum. Following each clue along with Lana was very captivating. The suspects were pretty clear until WHAM! Twist! Turn! I was totally flabbergasted! Oh, Miss Lush, you got me good! Lana too!
There was a subplot that I felt was important that was left open from Lana’s past. I hope that it will develop and Lana is allowed to get to the bottom of it in a future story.
I just have to share that little Stanley is so adorable even when his training has a hiccup or two or three. Also, there is a hilarious moment between Lana and Noah. I almost snorted soda all over my Kindle.
Cold Brew Corpse was a Perfect Escape. It tested me, surprised me, and tickled my funny bone. I am looking forward to my next visit to Devil’s Beach and catching up for a coffee or two with everyone at Perkatory.
December 10, 2021
Cold Brew Corpse is a terrific follow-up to last year’s Grounds for Murder, the second book in a cozy mystery series set on an island off Florida’s Gulf Coast (possibly modeled after Sanibel). The main character, Lana, has a journalism background which makes for a believable sleuth, even though she’s now running a coffee shop in her home town, after having been laid off from a big Miami paper. The population of Devil’s Beach is quite a mixture of people: some she’s known all her life and some newcomers. I enjoyed revisiting the people who look like they’ll be series regulars, including Lana’s aging hippie dad, and of course, the local police chief, Noah Garcia, who is Lana’s love interest. Another recurring “character” is Lana’s puppy Stanley This definitely works as a standalone, but of course, as with any series, if you read them in order, you get more backstory.
This time there are two mysteries: the main one (who killed the local yoga instructor and spiritual guru, Raina Rose); and a smaller one (why is Lana’s wonderful cold brew coffee suddenly tasting horrible). There’s a fair amount of coffee talk (understandable!) and some lovely descriptions of the local scenery. I love Florida’s Gulf Coast, so that’s another plus for this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This time there are two mysteries: the main one (who killed the local yoga instructor and spiritual guru, Raina Rose); and a smaller one (why is Lana’s wonderful cold brew coffee suddenly tasting horrible). There’s a fair amount of coffee talk (understandable!) and some lovely descriptions of the local scenery. I love Florida’s Gulf Coast, so that’s another plus for this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 30, 2021
In Cold Brew Corpse, the second book in the Coffee Lover's Mystery series by Tara Lush main character Lana Lewis is settling in comfortably back in her hometown of Devil's Beach in Florida. She returned home after going through a divorce and losing her journalism job in Miami. Luckily she has her childhood house to live in and a job at the family coffee house, Perkatory.
In Cold Brew Corpse the only thing that Lana should be worrying about is making sure the cold brew recipe is perfect.....unfortunately when Raina, the owner of the yoga studio next door, Dante's Inferno, is reported missing, her journalism senses kick in.
No matter what Lana does she cannot get it out of her head to look into Raina's case and when her body is found and ruled a homicide, she really wants to dig in....unfortunately writing for the local paper is out seeing as their budget doesn't have the funds to pay her freelancing. And when she tells her sort of boyfriend Police Chief Noah Garcia what she has uncovered, he is unable to do anything with the information because the case was taken from him by the higher ups.
Things will not deter Lana from continuing to look into Raina's case and when someone is arrested for the murder she doesn't feel like the right person is behind bars but she is unclear as to what she can do about it......
Readers will fall in love with this series and lucky for you if you haven't read these books, it's not too late to catch up. There is so much to like and you will want to go to Perkatory and Devil's Beach as soon as you can pack a bag.......
In Cold Brew Corpse the only thing that Lana should be worrying about is making sure the cold brew recipe is perfect.....unfortunately when Raina, the owner of the yoga studio next door, Dante's Inferno, is reported missing, her journalism senses kick in.
No matter what Lana does she cannot get it out of her head to look into Raina's case and when her body is found and ruled a homicide, she really wants to dig in....unfortunately writing for the local paper is out seeing as their budget doesn't have the funds to pay her freelancing. And when she tells her sort of boyfriend Police Chief Noah Garcia what she has uncovered, he is unable to do anything with the information because the case was taken from him by the higher ups.
Things will not deter Lana from continuing to look into Raina's case and when someone is arrested for the murder she doesn't feel like the right person is behind bars but she is unclear as to what she can do about it......
Readers will fall in love with this series and lucky for you if you haven't read these books, it's not too late to catch up. There is so much to like and you will want to go to Perkatory and Devil's Beach as soon as you can pack a bag.......
July 8, 2021
Lana Lewis is back in this second installment of this fun, easy to read series by Tara Lush.
Managing Perkatory, the family coffee shop, keeps Lana busy, but deep down she’s a reporter at heart. When she’s asked to cover the murder of a local business woman, Lana soon uncovers clues that lead right to the suspect.
I enjoy the characters in this series and it’s very easy to get lost in the story.
I had no idea who the suspect was, so it definitely left me saying wow!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ColdBrewCorpse #NetGalley
Managing Perkatory, the family coffee shop, keeps Lana busy, but deep down she’s a reporter at heart. When she’s asked to cover the murder of a local business woman, Lana soon uncovers clues that lead right to the suspect.
I enjoy the characters in this series and it’s very easy to get lost in the story.
I had no idea who the suspect was, so it definitely left me saying wow!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ColdBrewCorpse #NetGalley
September 11, 2021
Cold Brew Corpse is the second installment in the Coffee Lover's Mystery series. In this one the owner of a yoga studio goes missing. I was looking forward to reading this sequel as I really enjoyed the first one but after the first couple of pages things began to go downhill.
Frankly I'm surprised at all of the positive reviews. So many things I loved about Grounds For Murder were absent from the story. There was no quirky humor. Yes there were a few situations that were meant to be funny but they didn't come off well and the overall tone throughout was darker.
Lana's Dad is one of my favorite characters. Whenever he is on the page the scene is immediately livened up but he wasn't around much this time. That left way more time for Lana alone. Reporting was Lana's focus this time and it takes too much away from the coffee shop and is less interesting. I also didn't really believe in her as a reporter. It's no wonder she lost her job in Miami with the way she interviews people.
There was a new side to Lana that I didn't care for. She seems very judgmental of anyone and anything she personally doesn't like or understand. She comes across as a bit of a mean girl in her thoughts at least.
The majority of the story moves too slowly. When things finally pick up it feels kind of rushed and slightly unbelievable. Also the writing itself was lacking making this a less than an enjoyable and cozy read. I was really disappointed and wish I could write a more positive review but just can't.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read.
Frankly I'm surprised at all of the positive reviews. So many things I loved about Grounds For Murder were absent from the story. There was no quirky humor. Yes there were a few situations that were meant to be funny but they didn't come off well and the overall tone throughout was darker.
Lana's Dad is one of my favorite characters. Whenever he is on the page the scene is immediately livened up but he wasn't around much this time. That left way more time for Lana alone. Reporting was Lana's focus this time and it takes too much away from the coffee shop and is less interesting. I also didn't really believe in her as a reporter. It's no wonder she lost her job in Miami with the way she interviews people.
There was a new side to Lana that I didn't care for. She seems very judgmental of anyone and anything she personally doesn't like or understand. She comes across as a bit of a mean girl in her thoughts at least.
The majority of the story moves too slowly. When things finally pick up it feels kind of rushed and slightly unbelievable. Also the writing itself was lacking making this a less than an enjoyable and cozy read. I was really disappointed and wish I could write a more positive review but just can't.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the chance to read.
December 7, 2021
I was really looking forward to the 2nd book in this series after having enjoyed the first book so much. This book had a different feel than the first. I missed the witty dialogue that was woven throughout the first book. I also felt like I didn't enjoy Lana as much in this book either. She came off as more judgemental than I recalled. I also missed her dad. He wasn't as large of a presence and I found I missed his hippie vibe. I am an experienced ARC reader so I understand that these are uncorrected proofs and typically that is not a problem. However, I feel like some of my enjoyment in this book might have been dimmed by the poor quality of this ARC. It was almost like the editor headed the letters f and i because they were missing from many words on the page. As I read this book, there were at least five instances on a page where words were missing letters and as a result, I had to "fill in the blanks" so to speak. Because of this, my concentration was less on the book and more on trying to make sure I interpreted the correct words. I will probably try to re-read this when it's released and in my library. Hopefully, my enjoyment might increase.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
March 1, 2022
This was a wonderful follow-up with twists and turns that I didn't expect. I was completely in the dark as to the murderer. I was happy to see the relationship between Lana, the journalist heroine, and Noah, the very sexy local police chief, Noah. Having a romantic relationship in a cozy mystery is such a treat because the heightened suspense requires a bit of a relief with the flirting, dating, sweet intimacy of a hug--and these two knew when the other needed a good hug.
I enjoyed reading Lana's exploits as she tried to write an article about the recent murder, trying to solve the crime. Her long-held trauma over losing her best friend to a crime makes Lana hyperaware of clues, often following them even when they're seemingly viable but usually red-herrings.
The usual cast of characters--her father, Stanley the pup, and her barista friend Erica, along with dreamy Chief Noah--round out the team that helps her tackle these vicious murders, which are off the page but no less frightening. I even want to visit Devil's Beach for how picturesque and quaint it sounds. And while the cold-brews weren't working out for Lana, I would love to get one of the many treats she sells. The only issue I take with Perkatory is all the free drinks Lana hands out, but quid pro quo--she's trying to get the scoop to solve the murder.
I appreciate the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this cozy mystery in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more in the series.
I enjoyed reading Lana's exploits as she tried to write an article about the recent murder, trying to solve the crime. Her long-held trauma over losing her best friend to a crime makes Lana hyperaware of clues, often following them even when they're seemingly viable but usually red-herrings.
The usual cast of characters--her father, Stanley the pup, and her barista friend Erica, along with dreamy Chief Noah--round out the team that helps her tackle these vicious murders, which are off the page but no less frightening. I even want to visit Devil's Beach for how picturesque and quaint it sounds. And while the cold-brews weren't working out for Lana, I would love to get one of the many treats she sells. The only issue I take with Perkatory is all the free drinks Lana hands out, but quid pro quo--she's trying to get the scoop to solve the murder.
I appreciate the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this cozy mystery in exchange for an honest review. I look forward to reading more in the series.
May 3, 2022
To be honest, when I first started this book I wasn't sure I was going to continue reading it. I didn't care that much for Lana. I found her a little too snarky for my taste. It seemed like she always had a sarcastic retort of some kind. I felt it was a little over-the-top. But I was very intrigue by the mystery so I decided to continue. I am glad I did! As the story went on, Lana seemed to tone it down a bit and I soon found myself impressed with her sleuthing skills. Her sense of humor(the candlelight yoga scene had me literally "lol"! ) and I enjoyed the interactions in the blooming romance between her and police chief Noah. Really cute couple. I love how they banter! So cute! And I adore her loveable furry sidekick Stanley. The mystery was very interesting and held my attention. Didn't really have the perp. figured out. Came as a bit of a shock to me. I am looking forward to reading more in this series!
December 30, 2021
A frothy blend of a cozy mystery. As a Type-A millennial Floridian, I found the narrator very relatable. I also enjoyed the descriptions of Devil’s Beach, the quirky cast of characters, and the whodunit plot that kept me guessing till the end. A great light beach read. Now I will have to go back and read the first in the series!
January 10, 2022
I'm not one for coffee (actually, can't stand the stuff), but I really enjoy this series. As much as it's about the coffee shop, it's also about Lana and her love for two different things...owning her own business and journalism. It's very relatable. A little unrealistic at times that she always had someone there to cover when she was out tracking down a story, but that didn't tamper my enjoyment of the story. Very excited to see what's next for Lana.
July 26, 2021
Lana Lewis, coffee shop owner/reporter/amateur sleuth, is back with the Perkatory gang, handsome police chief Noah and a murderer who is determined to win at any cost. When a sexy yoga studio owner is murdered - suspects are everywhere, Stanley the Shih Tzu puppy is into everything and Lana has to follow the clues that are leading her into danger!
I enjoy this series because Lana is a relatable and likable character. She doesn't have all the answers but give her time and she will. The supporting characters provide much of the humor and of course, Stanley is a little tornado with fur! There is romance, but just enough to keep things interesting without overshadowing the story. I loved the last chapters where the puzzle pieces began to fit and the mystery comes together!
I'm going to get a cold brew in honor of the book and I'm impatiently waiting for the next mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I enjoy this series because Lana is a relatable and likable character. She doesn't have all the answers but give her time and she will. The supporting characters provide much of the humor and of course, Stanley is a little tornado with fur! There is romance, but just enough to keep things interesting without overshadowing the story. I loved the last chapters where the puzzle pieces began to fit and the mystery comes together!
I'm going to get a cold brew in honor of the book and I'm impatiently waiting for the next mystery!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 12, 2022
3.75.
I really loved that this book was set on the beach in Florida, a welcome departure from the cold weather we have been having this winter.
⭐️ Would have like to have had more time spent discussing cozy themes like her pup and coffee.
⭐️ Love interest is fairly balanced with talk of mature, healthy topics like boundaries.
⭐️Enjoyed that it's not completely obvious who the killer is, but there were a lot of red herrings.
⭐️Enjoyable read! I had fun and would like to read more of this series in the future.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved that this book was set on the beach in Florida, a welcome departure from the cold weather we have been having this winter.
⭐️ Would have like to have had more time spent discussing cozy themes like her pup and coffee.
⭐️ Love interest is fairly balanced with talk of mature, healthy topics like boundaries.
⭐️Enjoyed that it's not completely obvious who the killer is, but there were a lot of red herrings.
⭐️Enjoyable read! I had fun and would like to read more of this series in the future.
Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2021
COLD BREW CORPSE is the second book in the Coffee Lover’s Mystery series by Tara Lush. With the backdrop of the mouth-watering coffee shop, Perkatory, in Devil’s Beach, Florida, the protagonist, Lana Lewis, has her hands full running the busy shop and pining for her past life as a newspaper crime reporter. Lana is witty and can be just a bit snarky at times, yet she’s loyal to her friends, dad, and her adorable dog, Stanley. The characters surrounding Lana are equally fleshed out, and I especially love her hippie dad. He doesn’t frequent the pages as much as I’d like, but when he does, he steals the scene. And then there’s Noah… sigh… the tantalizing chief of police and Lana’s love interest if their schedules ever line up. Ms. Lush knows how to draw out the suspense not only of the crime, but of the romantic aspect as well. The descriptive voice of the author brings the setting to life, from the hot humidity of Florida, to the tantalizing fragrance of fresh-brewed coffee, to the inviting views of sand and sea, making me feel like I’m right there. Adding to all of that is the tidbits of humor interjected, thanks to the author’s active imagination, which kept me chuckling as I turned the pages.
I found it intriguing that the victim of the murderer was that of a yogi, Raina Rose, who’d set up her hot yoga studio, Dante’s Inferno, next to Perkatory. (The cleverly named shops in town are all quite entertaining on their own!) I, for one, don’t associate violence with yoga, yet the author does an admirable job in weaving the crime into the relaxing practice. Early on, Raina seemed to embody the attributes of yogi but as Lana digs deeper into Raina’s life, not all is as serene as she’d appeared. Combining her natural curiosity with the opportunity to write an article for the local newspaper on the case, Lana begins asking questions around town, hunting for answers on who might have wanted the yogi dead. As the clues come together, Lana and the hot chief might be at odds on who will solve the case first. But with the final suspenseful conclusion, all is revealed and the reader is enticed into waiting on pins and needles for the next installment in this delicious series!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I found it intriguing that the victim of the murderer was that of a yogi, Raina Rose, who’d set up her hot yoga studio, Dante’s Inferno, next to Perkatory. (The cleverly named shops in town are all quite entertaining on their own!) I, for one, don’t associate violence with yoga, yet the author does an admirable job in weaving the crime into the relaxing practice. Early on, Raina seemed to embody the attributes of yogi but as Lana digs deeper into Raina’s life, not all is as serene as she’d appeared. Combining her natural curiosity with the opportunity to write an article for the local newspaper on the case, Lana begins asking questions around town, hunting for answers on who might have wanted the yogi dead. As the clues come together, Lana and the hot chief might be at odds on who will solve the case first. But with the final suspenseful conclusion, all is revealed and the reader is enticed into waiting on pins and needles for the next installment in this delicious series!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
For a reporter, she’s dumb. Seriously, why would you leave a bar full full of people to……. Ughhhhhh I was disappointed in this second book. MC came across at times as whiny, judgmental, and an idiot. The mystery was a good one, I suspected the killer pretty early on, but there enough twists and red herrings to second guess if I was right.
Lana investigated the death of the local yoga teacher and finds that for someone who preached love and light, Reina had a lot of enemies. Lana is wanting to get back into journalism and finds herself taking a lot of time away from the coffee shop. Her romance with Chief Garcia is growing but rocky at times as they have to put up boundaries between their professional and personal lives. Overall it’s not a bad book but I wish it were better.
Lana investigated the death of the local yoga teacher and finds that for someone who preached love and light, Reina had a lot of enemies. Lana is wanting to get back into journalism and finds herself taking a lot of time away from the coffee shop. Her romance with Chief Garcia is growing but rocky at times as they have to put up boundaries between their professional and personal lives. Overall it’s not a bad book but I wish it were better.
May 3, 2022
Unfortunately this book did not work for me. I did read about 100 pages but the plot was too slow.
December 29, 2021
This is the second book in the Coffee Lovers series. This book takes place immediately after book one. Lana goes to work at her coffee shop to discover police activity at the yoga studio next door. The yoga instructor, Raina, has disappeared. Lana starts investigating her disappearance hoping to write a freelance story on Raina's disappearance,
I love the setting of Devil's Beach. The characters are so fun. Lana's father is my absolute favorite. I laugh in every scene he is in. I like how Noah and Lana's relationship grew throughout the book. The mystery was good. I did not expect who the killer was. I love Lana as a character. I can't wait to see what adventures Lana gets into in the next book. I received this book from crooked lane books and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love the setting of Devil's Beach. The characters are so fun. Lana's father is my absolute favorite. I laugh in every scene he is in. I like how Noah and Lana's relationship grew throughout the book. The mystery was good. I did not expect who the killer was. I love Lana as a character. I can't wait to see what adventures Lana gets into in the next book. I received this book from crooked lane books and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2025
Although it is not my favorite cozy mystery story, it's a light story that was entertaining enough to hold my attention. There were many suspects for the murder, but a few of them looked very suspicious! I am interested in reading book #3, which is the final book of the series, because I want to know what happens with the romantic relationships that are developing. Of course, I also look forward to another mystery, too!
July 27, 2022
This is an entertaining second book in the series. The character development from book one is coming along well. The main character Lana Lewis is adjusting nicely to her new career as a barista and manager of a coffee house. The relationships between Lana and the secondary characters, especially Noah, are developing beautifully. The mystery is well-plotted and moves at a steady pace with plenty of surprises along the journey to the big reveal. I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
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