A review by kimdavishb
Dead to the Last Drop by Cleo Coyle

5.0

Cleo Coyle's latest release, DEAD TO THE LAST DROP, is terrific to the very last drop! I had high expectations for this book since Cleo's previous books have all been winners, and this one didn't disappoint...in fact, it blew right past all her others. Clare Cosi has moved to Washington, D.C., to open and manage the Village Blend's newest coffeehouse and to be with her love, Mike Quinn, who works for the Department of Justice. In addition to the shop with it's unique blends of coffee and mouth-watering pastries, the D.C. branch has started a jazz/supper club which is co-managed by Gardner. Clare expects the new coffeehouse to run efficiently with a profit like their New York location. Only it doesn't and she is determined to figure what the problem is, starting with their arrogant chef who just may be stealing from her.

Gardner is actively showcasing new jazz musicians and Abby, one of the young women who performs, turns out to be the President of the United State's daughter. It's imperative that her identity remains secret but when a very drunk man bursts into the shop in the middle of the night during a jam session, it's clear that he knows who she is. It doesn't take long for Clare's life to begin unraveling: from being "invited" to the White House to meet the First Lady who doesn't appreciate her daughter playing in a jazz club to possible trouble in her relationship with Mike when his beautiful boss and a young, gorgeous detective have him in their sights. The drunk dies and the authorities determine he's been murdered. When the President's daughter disappears, the spotlight is turned on Clare for both the crimes and she ends up on the run trying to prove her innocence and find Abby before it's too late.

In addition to an intricately woven plot that kept me on the edge of my seat and up way past my bedtime reading "just one more chapter", Cleo provides numerous delicious Americana recipes along with background information on the dishes. As Clare Cosi says, "Music, food, and coffee are universal languages," and the author brings all three together in this thrilling mystery!

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.