Play Book Tag discussion

Another cozy mystery - read purely for entertainment value


Latte Trouble – Cleo Coyle
3**

From the book jacket To Clare Cosi’s surprise, this fall’s hottest fashion trend is anything caffeinated – because designer Lottie Harmon, a loyal coffeehouse customer, has just created an ingenious collection of coffee- inspired fashion accessories. So naturally, Lottie chooses the Village Blend as the perfect backdrop for fall Fashion Week insiders to view her new line of “Java Jewelry.” When barista Tucker unwittingly serves a poisonous latte to a prominent figure on the fashion scene, Clare suspects that the real target may have been Lottie. Now she much protest her business from negative publicity, Lottie from further danger, and Tucker from murder charges.

My reactions
Book three in the Coffee House series is fast, entertaining, and enjoyable. I figured out the culprit way before Clare (or the police), but it was still fun watching them work through the clues. As always, Coyle includes some interesting tidbits about coffee, which I liked (even though these segues detracted from the plot).

What I didn’t like so much was the on-again-off-again relationship with Clare’s ex, Matteo. I’m sure Coyle included it to add some sexual tension, but I thought it was totally unnecessary.

Still, on the whole this is a quick, fun, cozy mystery.