Thursday, April 19, 2012

Review - Roast Mortem


Title: Roast Mortem
Authors: Cleo Coyle
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (August 3, 2010)
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Library
Series: Coffeehouse Mysteries #9

Every time I read a Coffeehouse Mystery, I ask myself if I am reading a cozy mystery or a textbook on Coffee 101. With the many ways that an espresso can be prepared to the beans and the roasting, to coffee history and coffee grinding, I am beginning to wonder what the true point to these books are.

Clare is the manager of the Village Blend, she and her ex-husband Mateo have been left the day in and day out running of the business by Madam, her ex-mother-in-law and dear friend. One afternoon they head across town to visit Enzo, another coffeehouse owner who has a piece of the Village Blend history in his basement. While Madame and Enzo are in the basement and Clare is upstairs the whoosh of an explosion sends the front window glass flying into the street and flames closing off the only accesses to Madame and her dear friend.

One explosion is tragic, but as the city is terrorized by two additional bombings, Clare shoots into action and one by one eliminates the suspected bombers. As Mike Quinn, Clare’s boyfriend, works on his own cases, it is up to Clare and Mike’s cousin Michael, the firefighter, to work out what is going on in the village. As bodies pile up and destruction rains down, Clare and Matt are scrambling to find the bomber before their beloved Village Blend is next on the bombers list.

At times, I am convinced that Cleo Coyle is in cahoots with coffeehouses since I cannot get through these books without having to run out and pick up a latte or three. Once you get past the college course on the exacting science of coffee, all you want to do is sit and savor a Cinnamon Dolce Latte and read what this bunch of barista’s are up to.

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