A review by miss__manga__
Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse: A Cape Bay Cafe Mystery by Harper Lin

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

3.0

A fun, quick listen without a huge amount of substance. Very obvious romance with lots of "it looks like we're dating but we aren't!" thrown in. The side characters were bland and forgettable. The murder and motive couldn't be guessed as everyone hated the victim and details only pop up in the last few chapters, so the rest of the book was essentially waffle.

This is a romance, not a romance mystery. The cafe part of the story is barely present, and cupcakes are only mentioned once. The character says they like mystery novels so decided to give it a shot in real life, terrifies someone, and essentially faces no consequences for it. She's also drinking half the time she comes up with these theories, so her behaviour is a bit cringe at times, considering the seriousness of the crime. I would have liked to see her and her love interest actually talk more - it's mentioned they talk, but we rarely are privy to conversations that aren't about the case.

I enjoyed the narrator, and I enjoyed having it on in the background - I borrowed this from my library via Libby. I wouldn't be buying myself a copy.
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