The Cozy Mystery List Blog

Cozy Mystery (and Other Favorite) Books, Movies, and TV

Cleo Coyle: Coffeehouse Mystery Series

Next on my list of the most popular & recommended Cozy Mystery series is the Coffeehouse Mystery Series by Cleo Coyle. This very popular series is a New York Times Bestselling series for a reason! I probably should mention that Cleo Coyle is actually a husband and wife writing team, but I think it will be easier to  just refer to the author as “her” in this entry. The duo also writes the Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series as Alice Kimberly.

On What Grounds is the first book in this very popular series, and it introduces us to Clare Cosi, an almost 40 year old manager of a historic New York coffeehouse, the Village Blend. As the book begins Clare is just about to finish moving into the apartment above the coffeehouse, having just returned to manage the Blend after a 10 year hiatus to raise her daughter in the New Jersey suburbs. She has returned as manager >>> lured by the promise of “Madame” (the aging owner) that she would get an ownership stake in the shop. Madame has also made a similar deal with her son (Clare’s ex-husband Matt). So Clare and her ex will be living in the same rooms above the shop, at least during a week or so every month when Matt, a coffee buyer, will be in town. (As an aside, why do most all good things come with at least one not-so-good?)

As Clare is arriving early one morning with the final things in her car from her move, she discovers that her assistant, Annabelle, has not opened the shop. When she takes a look around she finds Annabelle’s nearly lifeless body at the bottom of the stairs leading to the basement storeroom. I doubt I give too much away when I say that (of course!) Annabelle was not the victim of a tragic accident. Clare suspects foul play – and she won’t stop until she finds the culprit.

The detective in charge of determining whether Annabelle fell or was pushed is Detective Quinn. (Hmmm… As this is the first book in the series, the reader may wonder if Detective Quinn and Clare’s ex-husband Matt provide a romantic rivalry in the series? No spoilers here, but I will say I certainly hope so!) Also in Clare’s life is her daughter, Joy, who is also Matt’s daughter. Joy is attending culinary school in the city, which is one of the reasons that Clare was willing to come back to the Blend.

There are a lot of Cozy Mystery theme books that just provide the barest of background information related to the books’ theme. This book isn’t like those series. The making and drinking of coffee is woven throughout the book. You will no doubt learn what goes into buying coffee beans and even proper techniques to make a great cup. Also, the book contains many coffee recipes and tips. (I know I’m only discussing the first book in the series, but I want to interject that all of the Coffeehouse mysteries have recipes in them.)

Cleo Coyle’s Coffeehouse series takes place in New York City, but the author is able to provide a small community in the midst of NYC by making the coffeehouse into a small community. On What Grounds is a great start to the series with just the right combination of character introduction and sleuthing. The mystery is difficult enough to solve that I did not guess the ending >>> but looking back on it I think I should have! There were plenty of clues, I just missed them! Although there is a lot of discussion about coffee, the theme does not become overwhelming, and I would guess that even non-coffee lovers would still enjoy the book.

This is a Cozy Mystery series I’ve followed since its beginning, and I’m looking forward to the next one, which is scheduled to be published in January 2017. (Even though I haven’t caught up with it, I always like to hear there’s another on the way!)

As always, if you’re interested in seeing more highlights of some of the most recommended or popular Cozy Mystery authors/series, visit the Most Popular & Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on my site.

Comments

  1. Love, love, love The Coffeehouse Mysteries! I get them as soon as they come out. I even got my vote-worker hooked on them!

    Reply

    • Linda, it’s great that you got the word out about how good Cleo Coyle’s Coffeehouse mysteries are. I hope some of the Cozy Mystery readers who haven’t tried this series give it a try. They’ll probably end up hooked, too!

      Reply

  3. Hello, are there any cozys that you know of written by African American authors?

    Also want to let you know how much I enjoy your blog.

    Regards,
    Lea

    Reply

    • Hi, Lea.
      There is one series I read that I know is by an AA author, Grace F. Edwards. There are only four books, the last came in 2000 so I don’t hold out hope for new ones. I read the series years ago and wish there were more. The protagonist, Mali Anderson, formerly of the NYPD–lawsuit pending–is studying for her Masters in Sociology. The other main characters in the novels are her jazz musician father, her orphaned nephew, and Harlem itself. I can still remember the vibe of the books. Edwards did a fantastic job of providing a feel of Harlem and jazz. You get mini history lessons of both while dealing with the bittersweet reality of the neighborhood as Mali works on solving the murders she gets involved with. I also liked that Mali was a strong, independent woman. I don’t consider them hard boiled mysteries, but I can’t really say they’re cozy cozy either.
      * If I Should Die (1997)
      * A Toast before Dying (1998)
      * No Time To Die (1999)
      * Do or Die (2000)

      Reply

    • I have enjoyed the first book in Abby Vandiver’s series : Bed and Breakfast Bedlam, A Logan Dickenson Cozy Mystery. I have the second one on my TBR. Check out her page on Amazon.

      Reply

  4. This is indeed a wonderful series! I worked in NYC for 30+ years which helps me love the series, but even for non-NY’ers it’s a great series.

    Reply

  5. I, too, love this series. One of the things that I find most striking is the ongoing quality of it. Every installment is fresh and entertaining. My favorite cozy by far!

    Reply

  7. I love love love the Coffehouse Mysteries, too, and have read them all. I don’t think there’s a regular character in the books that I don’t like. Plus, I enjoy following their lives as much as I enjoy the mysteries. This is one of those series whose books I devour ASAP upon release. I don’t mind learning coffee history, etc. and I love the recipes. So so good!

    Reply

  9. Since I love a great cup of coffee; I can’t think of a better book to sit down to read with my coffee. Looking forward to reading this series.

    Reply

  10. Though not a coffee drinker, I am a big fan of this series and also the Maggy Thorsen coffee shop mysteries by Sandra Balzo.

    Reply

    • Lenora, I enjoy the Maggy Thorsen series, too. The latest book in this series is supposed to be out at the end of this month. It’s been a long time since a book has been released in this series so I’m looking forward to reading this new one.

      Reply

      • Linda, thanks for the heads up on the new Maggy Thorsen coffee house book! It has been awhile since the last book in that series and I am excited to learn there is another one due out soon.

        Reply

  11. One of my favorite series (and another one to get caught up in)! The characters work great together.

    Reply

  12. I also enjoy this series. The mysteries are a bit more intense, sometimes with an international flavor. So I have to be in the ‘mood’ for a bit of heavier reading. It’s always an intelligent read with smart/savvy characters. The plots take many twists making it difficult to put the book down.

    This is an author (actually authors since it’s a husband/wife writing team) who often sends boyfriend/detective ‘away’. I MUCH prefer the interaction between Clare and Mike on a daily basis working together. So, note to authors: PLEASE use creativity/ingenuity to keep Mike an active part of each story and NOT just an occasional phone conversation. The last book (set in DC) was terrific!

    Reply

  13. This series is always well-written and entertaining. I have to agree with MJ. I, too, enjoy the interaction between Mike and Clare. I definitely wasn’t happy when the authors sent Mike to work out of state. I also like that Clare is an intelligent protagonist. I haven’t read the latest–it’s in my ever-growing TBR pile. After reading this post, I think I will move it up to the top.

    Reply

    • Linda MH, Just the basics…………

      Clare goes to DC to help open a coffee shop. She and Mike work together to solve the crime(s). Very good intricate story.

      Reply

  14. I love this series. I was disappointed that the latest book was delayed until 2017. It was originally due in May 2016. Love Cleo Coyle and love your newsletter!!!!

    Reply

  15. Whenever I read a Coffeehouse Mystery (and I’ve read them all), I can just smell the coffee being brewed! The mysteries are well-constructed and highly entertaining. Once I start reading, I usually find it difficult to put the book aside to do my mundane chores.

    Reply

    • Luisa, I’m with you about mundane chores. I just put a meatloaf in the oven, and good grief, there are many things I would have rather been doing. However, I made sure it was a double recipe so we can have lots of left-overs, saving me from even more mundane chores!

      Reply

  16. I just recommended the book series to my 15-year-old niece last night. She hasn’t read in a while (life in the way), so I think Coyle is a nice stopgap for the future baker. She loves to cook, is always looking for new recipes, and the series is easy enough as stand alones. There’s no pressure in reading out-of-order. Which is essential when using a library card.

    But what I really like is the fact Clare is assertive and willing to investigate. A good combo for a niece looking to establish her own voice. I try and pick women protags for that reason. I’ve been devouring the Coffeehouse series for the same reason. There’s a lot of heart in the ragtag Cosi family. Never a bad thing. If some of the plots may seem thin, I can forgive those moments based on the family dynamic. I’ve always been in a character over plot reader anyway.

    Reply

  19. I started reading this series in the middle and of course had to go back and read them all. I know a series is good when I wish I could be a part of the community in the books.
    I have always been a coffee drinker, but these books would make me into one if I weren’t already.
    I love the characters, the stories, the setting, everything. I love the fact that so much of the theme is incorporated into the story. Books that are informative as well as entertaining are a plus!

    Reply

  20. I finished reading Cleo Coyle’s Shot in the Dark and I found it most enjoyable; I was very surprised that I like it lots and lots. I could not put my nook down; I kept on reading and looked forward to it. I don’t read series one after the other but I am sure that I will try to read another one of their books again. Thank you for suggesting her books to this reader of your newsletter.

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Please don't tell us about Cozy Mystery authors or books you don't enjoy.

Please use a nickname or your first name and last initial (unless you are an author and want your full name to appear).

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

MENU