A review by katreader
Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle

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.