12:01 AM: I am fast asleep. Dreaming of NYPD Detective Mike Quinn. . .
3:07 AM: Romantic dreams turn to nightmares as two ships collide in the night. Trapped inside a stateroom, I feel cold water flowing around my ankles, my knees, my chin—Help! I wake cursing my ex-husband, who roped me into the crazy idea of creating a special coffee blend for the rebooted version of a sunken ocean liner. Note to self, do not watch documentaries about the SS Andrea Doria before bedtime!
4:50 AM: Did I hear gunshots?! I peer out my bedroom window and see partying teenagers on a nearby roof, setting off firecrackers. I swear, something has to be done about that abandoned building! After phoning the 6th Precinct, I pull the covers over my head.
5:45 AM: Ignoring the sheet on my face, Java and Frothy take turns kneading my cranium with their paws, cat-speak for “Breakfast! Now!” Off to the kitchen where the popping of metal cans and fishy smells bring back my nautical nightmare.
6:30 AM: I stumble downstairs to open the Village Blend and accept the bakery delivery. As I down an espresso, I ponder my first managerial decision of the day: Oatmeal Cookie Muffin or Chocolate Ricotta Muffin? Decision made, I’ll eat both.
7:30 AM: My day shift arrives: slam poetess Esther appears alert enough, while her roommate Nancy looks groggy. It seems Esther was up late composing her “coffee-themed” poetry and performing it loudly. To avoid mistakes—and possible bankruptcy—I put performance artist Esther on the register and sleepy Nancy on pastry fulfillment.
9:15 AM: NYPD Detectives Lori Soles and Sue Ellen Bass (a.k.a. “The Fish Squad”) drop by to ask me about the disturbance at the abandoned building. They take away my statement, two large Breakfast Blends, and six Cannoli Cream Cupcakes.
11:20 AM: My ex-husband, Matt Allegro, our globetrotting coffee buyer, drops in with supplies from his warehouse. “Something funny is going on,” his mother texts me. Matt’s mother is Mrs. Dreyfus Allegro Dubois (a.k.a. “Madame”) eccentric but beloved fixture of Greenwich Village and owner of the Village Blend. “Why is Matt spending so much time alone in that Red Hook warehouse,” she asks, “when he has a luxury apartment and a beautiful wife on Manhattan’s East Side?” A mystery? Sure. But not one I’m not eager to solve. My ex and I may be partners in running this shop, but his current, obnoxiously haughty wife is his business!
12:30 PM: In a parade of spandex, muscle-bound men in tights arrive along with my assistant manager Tucker, who moonlights as an actor and director. Tuck is holding a casting call on our second floor for a charity stage show featuring the “world’s greatest superheroes.” Repeated thumps above my head suggest the simulated flights are going well.
1:40 PM: I notice my boyfriend, Detective Lieutenant Mike Quinn, at a corner table, speaking privately with Matt’s mother. Now what could those two be whispering about?
2:00 PM: Madame departs and Quinn approaches the coffee bar. I grill him over a latte and two slices of my special Pumpkin Bread. He claims they were discussing his past work in Washington. (But later, Madame pretends they were talking about a fundraiser for the Police Athletic League.) These two are hiding something. But what?! Before I can press Quinn—
2:15 PM: Sergeant Franco rushes in: “Let’s go, Lieutenant, a pair of uniforms just broke up a cat fight between two pop star divas at Campana Jewelers!” I frown at Franco: “Why is that the OD Squad’s problem?” Franco grins: “During the brawl, enough prescription drugs flew out of their designer handbags to start a pharmacy.” Quinn blows me a kiss and follows Franco out the door.
3:00 PM: Nancy has disappeared! When I question Esther, she points to the ceiling. “The cape crusaders ordered cappuccinos.” I check the clock. “That was over an hour ago. Why is she still up there?” Esther smirks. “Contrary to the laws of physics, she’s attempting to pick up Superman.”
4:30 PM: The Fish Squad stops by to show me the photo of an empty Village Blend cup, found near a crime scene. They believe the perp dropped it after being served. Leaving management duties to Tuck, I follow Soles and Bass to the precinct to look at mug shots.
7:30 PM: Quinn calls, too busy with a bust to join me for dinner. Sends wishes for sweet dreams.
8:15: PM: Matt drops in, eats the rustic Chicken Cacciatorre I made for my boyfriend, and shows me yet another video on the SS Andrea Doria. He thinks it will inspire me to create that special coffee blend—the one that will land us a contract for the new version of the sunken ship. But I’m starting to get a bad feeling about this.
10:00 PM: I hit the sack early, exhausted from last night’s lack of sleep. Closing my eyes, I hear waves crashing then ear-shattering screams and the rending of metal. I’m trapped inside a stateroom with dark, cold, water rushing in. . .
Dead Cold Brew by Cleo Coyle is the 16th book in the “Coffeehouse Mystery” series. Publisher: Penguin Random House, January 2017
Free Recipe Guide: Click here for Cleo’s illustrated guide to her new culinary mystery.
Free Title Checklist of Books in Order: Click here for a free checklist of Coffeehouse Mystery titles with mini summaries of all 16 books in the bestselling series and links to more of Cleo’s Free Recipe Guides.
Cleo’s Coffeehouse Newsletter: Giveaways, book news, bonus recipes, fun facts, and videos. To sign up, simply write an e-mail that says “sign me up” and send it to CoffeehouseMystery@gmail(dot)com.
GIVEAWAY (US residents only): Cleo’s Prize Package includes an autographed copy of her beautiful new hardcover Dead Cold Brew, a set of autographed glossy recipe cards; a large, durable, canvas tote bag featuring one of Madame’s favorite sayings: “Survive everything. And do it with style,” and a pound of premium “Billionaire’s Blend” coffee from One Good Woman Coffee and Tea Co., created in honor of Cleo’s 13th Coffeehouse Mystery: Billionaire Blend. Leave a comment below for your chance to win these goodies. Giveaway ends January 23, 2017. Good luck everyone!
About the author
CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, now celebrating over ten years in print. 
Alice has worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., and New York City, and has written popular fiction for adults and children. A former magazine editor, Marc has authored espionage thrillers and nonfiction for adults and children. Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, including the national bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. Visit their website at www.coffeehousemystery.com. You can also friend Cleo on Facebook or follow on Twitter.
All comments are welcomed.
I do enjoy reading Cleo Coyle’s NYC Coffeehouse mysteries. “Dead Cold Brew” sounds like a great read. And all those extras you have included with the book giveaway are perfect.
I have not read any of her RI Haunted Bookshop mysteries, but will certainly look for them.
I love this series. Always happy to see a new one
Looking forward to reading this book The series just gets better and better
Can’t wait to read this one…I love this series!
This sounds like it is another good entry in the coffee house series. I think I am behind a couple books, but will have to catch up and get this one.😉 Thanks Dru Ann for today’s post! Thanks to the authors for the chance to win a copy and all the other great goodies! 😋 ❤
What a great series! Reading one always feels like visiting good friends, with exciting lives. Thanks for the chance to win a copy and all the goodies.
I’ve read all the previous coffeehouse series. Great mysteries and you learn a lot about coffee too!
I really like this series! Thanks for the chance! lindaherold999@gmail.com
Great series. Thanks for a chance to win a copy.
Love this series. Thanks.
What a great giveaway. I’m just sad that I first heard about this series. Looks like I have some catching up to do. Thanks for the chance
Wonderful series today Dru Ann! 16 books is quite an achievement. Congrats! I love the NYC setting for these books. I spent nearly all of my 20’s running around the city so these books are especially fun for me. Thanks for the giveaway and best of luck on future endeavors. The readers love you for your hard work and dedication to your craft.
Have loved all of the coffeehouse mysteries. Can’t wait to read the newest.
Oh yum. I tastey mystery and food too. Who wouldn’t like this story. I am amazed that there are 16 books in the series and my first one to see. I’m headed to find the first 15. LOL!
This is one of my favorite series, I especially love the audio books , the narrator is excellent ! kathambre@yahoo.com
This series is wonderful. Thanks for this great giveaway.
Me, me, please! Please! Please!
Thanks for this great giveaway. A favorite series which I enjoy greatly.
Love her books. irresistible recipes.
A most intriguing post. Nice cover. Lovely giveaway. Have yet to read this author. so hope this will be a start. Would very much like to read this. Thanks for the chance to do so sooner. Rather than later
I love Cleo’s books. Thanks for the chance to win this awesome gift bag.
I have been a faithful follower of this series since Book #1 was released. Love this series. Thanks for the chance to win the cool prize package.
Love this series, thanks for the stupendous giveaway!
Great series that never disappoints.
Cleo Coyles’ coffee house series is a great one to follow. Since coffee is the thing today how could it otherwise be anything but.
I love this series. This is one of the best giveaways ever! Yay!
This is one of my favorite series although I always drink too much coffee when I’m reading it! Very funny post.
Great series, looking forward to reading “Dead Cold Brew”. Awesome giveaway, thanks for the chance.
Great giveaway, especially with a good canvas tote bag! I think I have about two of the books in the series.
What a giveaway! I’ve been hanging on every drop of every book from the beginning.
Nice prize pack. I’m especially excited about the book itself. Thanks for the chance to win.
What a wonderful way of explaining a day in Clare Cosi’s life. Thank you Cleo for the awesome giveaway. Fingers crossed.
I haven’t read all of the books in this series yet but have nothing but high praise for those I have read! Super giveaway – thanks.
Love the Coffeehouse mysteries! Waiting for my sister to finish reading the library copy.
Wonderful series
What a delightful series!
This is a great series!!! I highly recommend it. Great characters and great stories. Thanks so much for the chance to win such a generous prize package.
Coffee and Clare Cosi book?!
I love this series, and the recipes. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds like a great read.
What a generous giveaway…..thank you & continued success!!!!
I have read all of the other books in the series. Would love to win this one.
They are really good books
Enjoy reading all that uou have in your newsletters. And books. I especially like the romance between Claire and Mike. Would enjoy this book too.
There is nothing better than snuggling up on the couch with a cup of coffee and a Coffeehouse mystery! I would love to win!
I love this series, ordered the book, and am anxiously waiting for it to arrive so I can dive in! I love the prizes! Thank you for this chance!
I love the Coffeehouse mysteries and the Haunted Bookshop mysteries. The problem is they don’t come out fast enough! I usually read each book in one day. Thanks for so much reading pleasure!
Love this series! (And like the newsletters with the recipes!) 😉
I love this series! I would highly recommend it. What a nice giveaway. Thank you for a chance to win.
Love the series. Been with you since the start. Can’t wait to read the new book!
This series is awesome. Thanks for a chance to win one of your copies.
I tried your coffee cake recipe with cherries…it was a Hit! Enjoy all your recipes.
Excited at the prospect of winning this awesome gift bag ! Love the book series!
I absolutely love this series! I have recommended it to all my friends.
LOVE this Book Series! I’m on book 5 after restarting due to a too long gap in reading overall! Thanks for the Excitement, Joy, Mystery, Intrigue etc. Clare Cosi bda Cleo Coyle
What a fun contest! And you folks put a lot of work into this post, as well! Thank you!
I just love this series! Please, keep it going. Thanks for your generous giveaways.
I absolutely love the Coffeehouse Mysteries! I’ve read every book in the series so far except for the Dead Cold Brew. I’m looking forward to reading it very soon. Thank you for such a great series.
Reading Cleo Coyle is like being in NY.
The moment the new Coffehouse Mystery arrives I immediately start reading it. Even though I try to stop reading so it lasts longer every time I kept reading till it’s finished. I love the entire series and the haunted series also. Cleo Coyle is a superb writer.
I absolutely love this series and would love to win this new book. Such a fun group of main characters – never get tired of them. Would be great to win for my birthday. Yes, when it comes to these books I am shameless about trying to get them.
Love these books and the Haunted Bookshop series! Thanks for all the happy hours of reading. I look forward to each new boom.
I’ve read this book twice now–there was just so much to process and enjoy! And the recipes…oh my…..! Cleo Coyle, my life is actually, truly better because of you. Thank you – and thank you, too, Dru. You rule.
I go back and reread the books in the series each time a new one comes out…I love this series!
I love the coffeehouse mysteries. Your day in the life of Clare is very cute. I would love to win this prize.
I would love to read this series; I’m also thrilled to read that you and your husband write children’s fiction.
Ah, spoiler alert! I’m a book behind, so I didn’t realize they were getting engaged already!
Enjoy this series. Keep checking library for new book.
I have read all the books and look forward to them and I am a recipe fanatic so that is something that draws me in. I was really excited to find this last book available on my Kindle….
I have read all of Cleo’s books and I love the recipes and now…. it gave me a good feeling to find the latest book available for my Kindle.
Just started Dead Cold Brew! Love the books and recipes!
Fab series, so my fingers are crossed for a win
I am always eager for the next book in this series. Love the characters and the action but food descriptions are killing my waistline and I’m drinking more coffee than ever.
Love, love, love it when you resurface with news of your latest offering (book that is). Just read a post from one of your readers saying your characters are so engaging. I totally agree! Come to think of it so is your web site as are your recipes. Have enjoyed several of them. (Not sure about those brownies made with black beans. Hubby is going to have to nag long and hard before l bake them).
Have loved this series since Book #1! Great writing that brings you right into the story and holds you there, spellbound! Great recipes are a wonderful, tasty perk! Thank you!!!
I absolutely, 100% love this series. It is definitely one of my favorites and I am always so excited when a new books comes out. I would love to win this prize package. Thank you for the chance to win!
I love this series and look forward to each and every new addition. Already on the waiting list to get the new book! Yeah!
Looking forward to reading your new book. Also enjoy your recipes and some have become family favorites.
Love and read all of your books. Never been able to get a give away.
This is my favorite book in the series so far. Don’t want it to end.
Your recipes = awesome.
Love your books. I am reading them in order. Started Holiday Buzz and Billionaire willl be next. Would love to have a bag of Billionaire Blend coffee to enjoy while reading. With all the great reviews I have read about Dead Cold Brew, I am looking forward to reading it.
I’ve been looking forward to reading this book, since I first saw it’s publication date. I’m thinking of talking my book club into reading it for our next adventure.
Thanks for all your good work
I just started the series & am really enjoying it!
Love the series!
Still catching up on the series, but enjoying each of them.
I always look forward to reading the latest Cleo Coyle Mystery! I enjoy your books so much!
Love this seriesww
Loved this little blog …. now I want MORE of it..like another cuppa mocha 🙂
Awesome series, I’m not a coffee drinker but I love it and all the wonderful recipes and facts at the end of each book.
I enjoyed reading what you posted I can’t wait for it! I go to the library a lot !
I enjoy this series so much! My absolute favorite! Thank you so much for the awesome giveaway.
Well, the look at 24 hours in the life of Clare has me wanting to know what a week, or month, or year of her life would be like. Note to self: Read this series asap.
Nothing could be better…then another adventure with Clare, family, & friends!!! There recipes at the end of the book are a final present to a reader! I always feel sad when each one ends…means I have to wait a whole year for the next book…can hardly wait to start reading.
I love your books . I have read all the previous ones.
Love this series! Can’t wait to read “Dead Cold Brew”
I cannot wait to read this book!! I feel like I know Clare, Mike, Matteo, Madam and the rest of the family and friends. I recommend Cleo Coyle’s Coffee House Mysteries to EVERYONE I know 💖
Love the Coffee House Mysteries. Can’t wait to read Dead Cold Brew!
What a fun, interesting look at a day in Clare’s life! Thanks for the post and the fantastic giveaway! I’m so looking forward to reading Dead Cold Brew!
I love your coffeehouse series. I feel like I know everyone in the books. I would love to go to a party with Madame, Clare, Mike and Matteo.
I can’t believe there are 16 books and I’m just discovering them now! I’d love to read them all! Thankyou for the opportunity!
Makes my decision to hold off reading Dead Cold Bree even harder!!!;-). I’m holding off reading it because the longer I wait, the sooner the next one will come out!! It works that way right? Kind of in a roundabout way?😜😜😜😜
I have enjoyed each and every book in this series and can’t wait to see what Claire and Mike (and Matt) are up to next!
Can’t wait to read the newest in your “Coffeehouse Mysteries” series! I just love Clare, Mike, Matt and Madame!
Love the series – hope for more
I love your books . Have read them all and always very happy when s new one comes out . i would live to win your giveaway . 😍
I love this type of book. Have not read any and sure would like to.
I love your books Cleo, can’t wait for the new one. Dead Cold Brew. Would love to win. On federal disability so $is tight. Start reading your books and I forget about the pain for awhile. Love you guys.
I love escaping my reality and hanging with Clare. I
wish my life was half as exciting as Clare’s!!
I wait anxiously for each of your books. Clare’s days are never dull and I enjoyed your summary of it. Thanks for the chance to win an autographed copy of Dead Cold Brew, coffee, and all of the other goodies.
Have just reading. So excited to get the scoop on Claire’s recipes. Would LOVE an autographed copy. Thank you!!
I am a fan of both series, but the Coffee House Mysteries have provided me with the perfect escape/pick-me-up when going through divorce. Thank you.
I love your books. They are lots of fun and I love coffee and I love mysteries. A great combination. And the added recipes and cooking tips are appreciated as an added bonus.
I can’t wait to read Dead Cold Brew. I have read the entire series
and always look forward to the next one coming out. I also love trying
out the recipes in the book. One of my favorite characters in the book
is Madame. She has alot of class and spunk for an older women.
I enjoy this series and recipes.
Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Dead Cold Brew!
**** WINNER ****
of an autographed copy of Dead Cold Brew, a set of autographed glossy recipe cards; a large, durable, canvas tote bag and a pound of premium “Billionaire’s Blend” coffee to Vicki Highley!
and
an autographed copy of Dead Cold Brew and a set of autographed glossy recipe cards to Lisa Gallucci!
Congratulations!