Monday, December 13, 2021

Honey Roasted

Title: Honey Roasted
Author: Cleo Coyle
Published: January 25th 2022 by Berkley
Format: Kindle, Hardcover 368 pages
Genre: Foodie Cozy Mystery
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for an opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Coffeehouse Mystery #19

First Sentence: "Well, what do we have here?" Matt Allegro spied the colorful brochures I'd been frowning over.

Synopsis: While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD Detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop's new latte. Produced by Madame's old friend Queen Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea's rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.

One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend's chimney, and Clare discovers Bea's unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide. But Clare doesn't believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary startups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?

My Opinion: Whereas the previous book, Brewed Awakening, came across as two authors in need of marriage counseling, Honey Roasted imparts the shared knowledge of two who are working on their relationship and conveys the insight a therapist used to help them through their bumpy parts.

Not being a coffee aficionado, I always learn something from the coffeehouse series when it comes to the depth of the bean – the regions, the types, and the techniques, and I do appreciate the research the writing team puts into their work.

When it comes to the mystery, there is always a twist, something which was there but not obvious and kept me wondering. As for the side characters, I do hope Nancy has found her person and that we will see more of him, but one thing is for sure, honey coffee might be part of my next coffee order.

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