Reviews

Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle

jkjoy_books's review

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4.0

I recently finished reading Bulletproof Barista, and I must say, it was a well-written and delightful book. The book's engaging mystery, well-developed characters, and vivid New York City setting all added to its allure.

Although this is the first book in the series that I've read, I still found it to be a very entertaining read.

You're in for a treat with this short, entertaining mystery that will keep you guessing. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend giving this book a read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this book.

mcaitlinbarrett's review against another edition

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

kristins911's review

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

southernbibliomom's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.5

The most current installment of the coffeehouse mystery series doesn’t disappoint. A good cozy mystery whose newest story draws from the hit show Only Murders in the Building. In this version, the star of Only Murders in Gotham uses the iconic Village Blend Coffeehouse to shoot his new season. However, as accident after tragic and deadly accident happen, Claire Cosi begins her snooping to discover what is behind it all. Is the production cursed? Is it a stalker fan of the star desperate for his attention? Is it a former friend turned nemesis out for revenge? With this eclectic mix of baristas, one dashing ex-husband, and a current NYPD detective fiancée, Claire discovers who the culprit is while giving us more glimpses into the lives of these lively and lovable characters. And at the end there are several of Claire’s recipes to bring it all from fiction to reality. I really love this series and can’t wait for the next one!

katreader's review

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5.0

BULLETPROOF BARISTA by Cleo Coyle
The Twentieth Coffeehouse Mystery

The Village Blend has seen its share of celebrities, but Clare Cosi is star struck when comedian Jerry Sullivan decides to film at the coffeeshop. The excitement quickly fades, however, when Driftwood Coffee sets up shop right outside their doors. Then Clare becomes aware of "accidents" plaguing the show. While Jerry brushes off the incidents, Clare is ready to believe that someone is sabotaging the production. But who? Clare will have to keep her baristas safe and the cast and crew caffeinated as she tries to uncover the culprit.

I've enjoyed the Coffeehouse mysteries for almost two decades but this, the twentieth novel, knocked it out of the park. Like the Village Blend pastries, nothing is stale. The mystery is fresh with apparent insider knowledge of show business and filming. There are clues mixed in with red herrings, action laced with humor, and character depth and development...along with depravity. The dirty dealings of Driftwood made me grit my teeth and grrrr. That's just one instance indicating how invested I am in these characters.

I loved the storyline with its aging comedian and young pop star odd couple filming a television series that ultimately is a story of redemption...at least for some characters. The plot was reality based, at least the reality that is show business, and kept me intrigued, not only by wondering what the Player would do next, but what the endgame really was.

Smart sleuthing and perfect pacing with scenes that will give you an adrenalin rush BULLETPROOF BARISTA is a stellar mystery full of caffeinated goodness that will keep you quickly turning the pages.

heathers_reading_space's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

suzydemric's review

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3.0

A fun cozy mystery, from a series I hadn't previously read. Interesting characters, and I might go back to read earlier ones.

It features a tv series that is clearly a spoof of Only Murders in the Building, but I actually found that kind of off putting. Would have preferred a totally made up tv series, since I kept thinking of the actual one and the stars in it. Perhaps others found that a plus, but it didn't work for me.

Still, they mystery of who was sabotaging the filming worked for the most part.

pussreboots's review

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mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

jeo224's review against another edition

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.75

Another great entry in this cozy mystery series set in a coffeehouse in New York. All of my favorite characters are back and the story is fun.

justkeyreads's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0