Murder by Mocha by Cleo Coyle

Murder by Mocha by Cleo Coyle is the 10th book in the “Coffee House” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime (Penguin), August 2011

Clare Cosi, manager and head barista of the landmark Village Blend coffeehouse, can brew a beverage to die for. But can she stir up some evidence against a bitter killer who has gone loco for mocha?

Clare’s Village Blend coffee beans are being used to create a new java love potion: a “Mocha Magic Coffee,” billed as an aphrodisiac. Clare may even try some on her boyfriend, NYPD detective Mike Quinn—when he’s off duty, of course.

The product, expected to rake in millions, will be sold exclusively on Aphrodite’s Village, one of the Web’s most popular online communities for women. But the launch party ends on a sour note when one of the Web site’s editors is found dead.

When more of the Web site’s Sisters of Aphrodite start to die, Clare is convinced someone wants the coffee’s secret formula—and is willing to kill to get it. Clare isn’t about to spill the beans, but will she be next on the hit list?

We meet Clare getting ready for the launch of a new coffee delicacy, sponsored by a friend of Madame. When Clare gets a cryptic call from Madame, things are not as they appear which leaves Clare puzzled and concerned. That is until the night of the launch party when once again, Clare finds a dead body. Clare will have to stay one step ahead of the killer before her beans are roasted. There is something about this Coffee House series that pulls you immediately in where you want to grab a mug and settle in for a delicious and savory feast. An enticing potion, a daughter’s return, secrecies and of course, murder start this exciting and intriguing tale. This well-written and plot driven mystery kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to figure out who did what to whom and why. This wonderful story boasts a brilliant cast, a great setting, tantalizing conversation and recipes that will whet your appetite. This was the best book yet in this rewarding and satisfying series that was good to the last drop.

Cleo Coyle is the pseudonym of wife-husband team Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini

FTC Full Disclosure – The author sent me a copy of this book.

** Cleo has generously offered to give away a signed copy of MURDER BY MOCHA. To enter, please leave an e-mail address in your comment. One entry per person and is open to anyone with a U.S. or Canadian mailing address. Deadline to enter is September 6th at midnight EST. The winner will be chosen using a random number generator and contacted via email for mailing instructions. **