Scan barcode
annemarie246's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
book_concierge's review
3.0
From the book jacket To Clare Cosi’s surprise, this fall’s hottest fashion trend is anything caffeinated – because designer Lottie Harmon, a loyal coffeehouse customer, has just created an ingenious collection of coffee- inspired fashion accessories. So naturally, Lottie chooses the Village Blend as the perfect backdrop for fall Fashion Week insiders to view her new line of “Java Jewelry.” When barista Tucker unwittingly serves a poisonous latte to a prominent figure on the fashion scene, Clare suspects that the real target may have been Lottie. Now she much protect her business from negative publicity, Lottie from further danger, and Tucker from murder charges.
My reactions
Book three in the Coffee House series is fast, entertaining, and enjoyable. I figured out the culprit way before Clare (or the police), but it was still fun watching them work through the clues. As always, Coyle includes some interesting tidbits about coffee, which I liked (even though these segues detracted from the plot).
What I didn’t like so much was the on-again-off-again relationship with Clare’s ex, Matteo. I’m sure Coyle included it to add some sexual tension, but I thought it was totally unnecessary.
Still, on the whole this is a quick, fun, cozy mystery.
My reactions
Book three in the Coffee House series is fast, entertaining, and enjoyable. I figured out the culprit way before Clare (or the police), but it was still fun watching them work through the clues. As always, Coyle includes some interesting tidbits about coffee, which I liked (even though these segues detracted from the plot).
What I didn’t like so much was the on-again-off-again relationship with Clare’s ex, Matteo. I’m sure Coyle included it to add some sexual tension, but I thought it was totally unnecessary.
Still, on the whole this is a quick, fun, cozy mystery.
saturnblack's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.25
kberry513's review against another edition
5.0
Apart from disliking the way the narrator pronounces suit, which I hadn't noticed in the previous books, but due to the Fashion Week setting, in this one it was a popular word, I felt like this book was a much more solid mystery than the first two. For one thing, there wasn't an abundance of scenes from the murderer's perspective, which I had found distracting in the last one. But I also felt like the story itself was well rounded without being overly complicated.
As for the mystery itself and how slow/fast Claire picked up on things, I remembered from the beginning that Moira was the killer and that she was Lottie's niece but that Lottie was actually Harriet. Knowing that from the beginning made it a different experience, as it is with most books when you read them more than once. But in this case, it didn't detract from my enjoyment.
What I had forgotten was that Claire and her husband hook up and instead of telling him right away that it was a mistake and not going to happen again, she kind of strings him along. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but I was yelling at her to stop being so dumb. I really don't like him, although I suppose that's the mark of a well thought out character.
As for the mystery itself and how slow/fast Claire picked up on things, I remembered from the beginning that Moira was the killer and that she was Lottie's niece but that Lottie was actually Harriet. Knowing that from the beginning made it a different experience, as it is with most books when you read them more than once. But in this case, it didn't detract from my enjoyment.
What I had forgotten was that Claire and her husband hook up and instead of telling him right away that it was a mistake and not going to happen again, she kind of strings him along. Not that he doesn't deserve it, but I was yelling at her to stop being so dumb. I really don't like him, although I suppose that's the mark of a well thought out character.
holly_keimig's review
4.0
Coffee and fashion week collide while Clare tries to solve a murder before everything falls apart. Another great installment in the series!
callmecat's review
4.0
It's fun to have the right suspect all along sometimes, that happened this time. But the book wasn't boring. It played out believably with the other suspects so that I feel proud of myself for getting it straight off not frustrated that no one else saw it. And there were some big surprises!
karinlib's review
4.0
Of course I love this series since there is a lot about coffee in this series (and recipes).
hunkydory's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0