12:01 AM: I am fast asleep. Dreaming of NYPD Detective Mike Quinn…
5:00 AM: Wake up to inexplicable ringing. Alarm? No. Madame is calling—the octogenarian owner of the coffeehouse I manage. “Did I wake you, dear?” she asks. I mumble into pillow: “No, I was re-calibrating the espresso machine.” She tells me about an “idea” for our shop. Something about feng shui. I drift back asleep.
6:08 AM: Awaken to Java and Frothy sitting on face. Must have turned off alarm when Madame called. I shower fast, throw on jeans and a Henley; feed my furry girls. No time for me to eat!
6:25 AM: Unlock shop for pastry delivery. First managerial decision of day—take “quality control” sample (or two) of warm Chocolate Muffins. Set aside a few for Quinn to enjoy on his AM break.
7:30 AM: Morning crush! A pair of baristas arrive to help: NYU grad student Esther (half-asleep) and former farm girl Nancy (wide awake). I save us from going bankrupt on incorrect change by putting sleepy Esther on pastry fulfillment; Nancy on register.
10:18 AM: Matt Allegro calls from Indonesia. Matt is the shop’s globetrotting coffee hunter. He’s also Madame’s son, my ex-husband, and the father of our daughter Joy. “Stuck in Jakarta!” He shouts over wind. “Trying to get these amazing coffee cherries on a boat before the typhoon hits, and I was wondering—” Call cuts off. My attempts to reach him go to voicemail. I stress-eat two Blueberry Blondies with my double espresso.
10:45 AM: Cheered by the sight of Detective Mike Quinn at my coffee bar. I make him my special Snow White Chocolate Mocha. Take first break of day.
11:18 AM: Quinn’s police radio crackles—body of a young heiress found in Chumley’s famous courtyard, flamingo feather in one hand, Village Blend cup in other. “That’s odd,” I say. “Even for Greenwich Village.” Quinn says he’ll tell me more later. Invites me to dinner at my favorite bistro. Leaves one of his Chocolate Muffins uneaten. (Can’t let it go to waste!)
12:30 PM: Lunch rush. My assistant manager Tucker calls with apologies. He’s in the middle of taping a video for rookie actors on How to Audition for a Broadway Show. I skip lunch to cover for him.
1:00 PM: Dante arrives for barista shift, paint stains on jeans. Rolls up sleeves to show off tattoos. Co-eds rush counter.
2:40 PM: Daughter Joy, chef in training, texts from Paris with canale recipe. She’s “copied” me on self-portrait Instagram to street-wise detective Emmanuel Franco. I find Joy’s photo far too flirty and her décolletage way too low! Matt would flip if he knew Joy was sending anything to “that mook flatfoot,” let alone this! Fortunately she didn’t copy her father, who I pray is still alive. More stress-snacking…
3:15 PM: Matt calls again. (Thank goodness!) “Clare!” (Wind in background now sounds like freight train.) “The typhoon beat me to the harbor. Flooding and high winds, but the cherries are safe. Listen, this is important—” Call cuts off. Oh for the love of…
3:30 PM: Matt’s mother phones from high tea at the Plaza’s Palm Court, asks if I’ve acted on her suggestion. Must finesse this because I don’t remember her suggestion! She sounds happy. Feel it best not to mention her only son is riding out a typhoon.
3:55 PM: Detective Franco appears with ginormous take-out serving of Honey-Soy Chicken. Taking pity on lunch-less me, he shares. Two bites in, he asks about daughter’s next trip home. (After that photo, I’m not surprised.)
5:05 PM: Barista Gardner Evans starts his shift with the best playlist of day, including his jazz ensemble Four on the Floor.
5:30 PM: Another call from Matt. “Storm’s over. Let’s talk coffee roasts…”
6:30 PM: Madame drops in before dinner and theater with gallery owner boyfriend. She’s changed her mind about the feng shui. “Otto points out that long, silk curtains on our open French doors could blow into our fireplace and burn down the shop. Let’s forget about those curtains…” (Easy because I didn’t remember in the first place.) Time for another espresso—and giant cookie.
7:45 PM: Upstairs lounge opens for Esther’s Slam Poetry session.
7:50 PM: Mike Quinn arrives looking troubled. Current case a puzzler. After years apprehending career criminals, my narcotics expert boyfriend is used to going for usual suspects. But not all crimes are usual and “out of the box” is my specialty—and not just the pastry box.
I suggest we talk over dinner. Unfortunately, I add: “I haven’t sat down for a meal all day, but I’m stuffed!” Mike takes my hand. “Then have a glass of wine, and afterwards maybe we can share…dessert?” I nod emphatically and we head off.
11:59 PM: I am fast asleep. Dreaming of Mike…
Join Clare Cosi for a double-shot of danger in her latest case, Once Upon A Grind. Cleo Coyle’s 14th Coffeehouse Mystery is an RT Book Reviews “Top Pick” of the month; a Mystery Guild Featured Alternate Selection; and an audiobook from Blackstone Audio (AudioGo – BBC America Audiobooks).
Are you ready to enter a storybook New York that you’ve never seen before? Join coffeehouse manager turned amateur sleuth Clare Cosi as she opens secret doors (uptown and down), dodges a deadly predator, and investigates a cold case murder that’s been unsolved since the Cold War.
It all begins when Clare discovers the body of a young model in Central Park’s woods. The police dismiss “sleeping beauty” as the tragic victim of a drug overdose. But Clare uncovers evidence that points to a list of suspects—from a New York Giant to a wolf of Wall Street and quite a few wicked witches. Now Clare is really in the woods with a dangerous predator on her heels and an investigation that leads from a secret Prince Charming Club right back to her own NYPD detective boyfriend.
This clever, fast-paced culinary mystery delivers a page-turning story with suspense, romance, humor, and heart—all in a fabulous New York setting with an appendix of delicious recipes, including Black Forest Brownies and the most amazing Silver Dollar Chocolate Chip Cookies!
See the official book trailer for the Coffeehouse Mystery series below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmgZXq8Gqjs&w=420&h=315]
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 6 p.m. eastern on December 18 for the chance to win an autographed hardcover first edition of ONCE UPON A GRIND And a “Gimme Coffee” latte cup and saucer (made in Italy). The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Meet the Authors
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. 
They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, including the nationally bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries. When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or rescuing stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. To find out more about Alice and Marc and the books they write, visit their online coffeehouse at www.coffeehousemystery.com.
Friend Cleo Coyle on Facebook
Follow on Twitter
Sign up for the free Coffeehouse Mystery newsletter, which always includes recipes, by sending an e-mail that says “sign me up” to this address: CoffeehouseMystery(at)gmail(dot)com.
Wow what a great giveaway – a signed, hardback book. I love the Coffeehouse mysteries and this would be wonderful to have.
Just when I was in the mood for a fairytale (but not Frozen) you delivered. Another wonderful read. I can’t wait for more. And more. And more!
Great series. I am eager to read the latest.
I would love to win this…I have been wanting to read a Cleo Coyle book..
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I love this series even though I am not a coffee fan. Congrats on the new one.
Ready for another trip to New York. Count me in.
Sounds wonderful. Thank you for the chance!
Holy Moly! What a busy schedule! I’m exhausted just reading about it. The coffeehouse mysteries have me sitting on the edge of the chair with a cup of coffee in my hand! What’s next in Claire’s life! Inquiring minds want to know thank you for this amazing giveaway! ☕️ ☕️ ☕️ ☕️ ☕️
I felt stuffed by the time I was done reading this! Nice way to end each day – dreaming of Mike. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love these books! Have read most. Can’t wait to read this one! Thanks!
I love this series. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a fun read..and the cup looks good, too 🙂
I love this series and can’t wait to read the latest adventure. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love Cleo’s books. Would love to own this one!
This series is one of my all-time faves!! It’s probably my most favorite. I’ve followed this series since the very first book release. Thanks so much for the giveaway!!!
Sounds great and love the cup 🙂
I really need to read this series– I always hear good things about these books!!
I’ve wanted to start this series for a while now. I heard it’s very good! Thank you for such a great giveaway!
Need to read read this series, thank you for the chance )
These characters sound like so much fun!
Love this series. Thanks for the chance to win.
Just got my hands on Billionaire Blend (#13). Am enjoying it. Would love to continue with this one. Thanks for all the great book suggestions.
I absolutely love the coffee shop mysteries! So well written and intriguing. I would so love to win! Love coffee also ☕
Thanks, Dru & Clare/Cleo.
Fabulous story!
Love this series. Always anxious for the next one to come out.
thanks for a chance to win a copy now.
I haven’t read any books in this series but from everyone’s enthusiastic responses I would love to win this book . Thanks so much!!
Would love love love an autographed copy of this book!
One of most favorite series!!!! Always love reading about Clare and Madam…..
I LOOOOOOVE this series, started reading it when it first came out. Such great coffee details, and Clare’s life is what I wish I could do… eat and be skinny. ;-D Great collaboration, kudos to Alice and Marc!
Books and coffee, my two favorite things! What a dream to write. Please enter my name for the drawing. Thanks!
I think a book with Clare and a fairy tale sounds like great fun. Please throw my name in the hat.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Cleo Coyle’s books are one of my favorite series. ( I do tend to lean toward favoring her hunky ex husband though). I am also a coffee devotee so a cup would be great.
Wow, nice giveaway. I love this series although I admit that I have a little catching up to do…I better get reading.
Great book trailer!
What a generous contest! The book sounds great and I love the coffee cup and coffee!! Thank you for the giveaway!
Awesome giveaway! I LOVE this series. It has even enticed me to try coffee last year at the age of 45. Would love to win! 🙂
I’m all ABUZZ for this book 🙂
Caffeinated greetings, everyone! Dropping in for a small wave and a big THANK YOU to Dru’s excellent Book Musings for hosting Clare Cosi’s 24-hour Day. I’m also delighted to share the news that ONCE UPON A GRIND became an official hardcover bestseller today with its debut on the Baker & Taylor list, woo-hoo!
Thanks for all of your kind comments. Marc and I are loving them. The drawing for the latte cup and autographed book won’t take place until next Thursday evening (12/18), so…like the Terminator, “I’ll be back.” (Okay, so I don’t have Arnold’s deep voice or muscles…but I DO terminate people in my books! :))
See you here again,
~ Cleo Coyle, author of The Coffeehouse Mysteries
Coffeehouse Mystery.com
“Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
Cleo Coyle on Twitter
http://www.CleoCoyleRecipes.com
This series sounds awesome, and I would love to read this book. Thanks for having the giveaway.
I love this series and look forward to each installment.
I love this series and am always thrilled to see a new book out by one of my favorite authors. Thanks for the chance to win.
Love to read
Wish you were here. We would share some coffee and a chat. I have already commented above about being hungry.
I love this series and can’t wait to read each new entry.
this is a really good series and I would love to win the giveaway.
Fingers crossed … sounds like a cozilicious kinda read.
This is one of my favorite series! I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance.
Love this series! Thanks for the chance to win.
Sounds like a really good read.
I would like to win a copy of the book and I’m excited about the Gimme cup and saucer. I hadn’t realized that you were a husband and wife writing team. Cool Thank you
This is a favorite series and an awesome giveaway. Thanks!
What a day–that was as much fun as reading one of the books! Thanks for the chance to win.
I absolutely love this series.
Wow! What a generous giveaway. I love Cleo’s books.
interesting day
Great giveaway! Great series! I’m always eager for the next one. Sorta like my next cup of coffee!
Need to catch up on this series!!!!
Had been trying to find time to get to enter to win this book as I LOVE all of the books in the Coffeehouse Mystery Series, but have had a LOT going on this week with much illness with our family and an extremely sick granddaughter. Hope that I was able to get my entry in on time as this is a book that I truly would love to win. I had hoped to get a list of books ordered this week and that will just need to wait until things calm down. Thank you so much for the opportunity to win Once Upon a Grind . Just reread Holiday Buzz. I always reread the previous book to the newest one out to make sure that I have not forgotten anything. Happy Holidays to all.
Cynthia
I would love to have this for my autographed mysteries collection.
Love coffee and love this series. Thank you for a chance to win.
Sounds like a good read. Thanks for the chance to win.
I love this series.
Awesome giveaway! Thanks for a chance!
I love this series. The cup is cute. Thank you.
Candace7399@aol.com
OK. I have to find these books. I love coffee and mysteries. What could be better? Thanks
I love this series! Thank you for the chance to win the new book!
OK you had me at coffee shop. What goes best with a great cozy series, a fresh strong cup of java. I am thrilled to have the latest book come out and to see what else she has gotten herself into.
I am a HUGE fan of this series and these authors. I have been able to review some of the other books in this series in the past, and would be thrilled to win a copy of this latest installment. I can honestly say this is my favorite Cozy mystery series, because the writing is exceptional and the characters feel like old friends who I want to spend time with over and over again. If you haven’t read this series, do yourself a favor and get cracking on it, whether you start with this one or go back to the first book, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed and you will be hooked!
Love it. Thanks for the chance.
Can’t wait to read
Love this series, and can’t wait to read this installment….
Would love to win, sounds like a great book. Thanks for the give away.
I would love to win a copy of this book. It sounds like a great book. Please enter me in the contest.
myrifraf(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you
Would love to win this!
Great giveaway! I think I have a few of the books in this series.
I love all your books! Thank you for this chance!
OMG! I absolutely love this series! This is awesome!!
i love mysteries and coffee. To have them both together is awesome. Love the recipes I’ve found on your site, Cloe.
It is always a highlight f my year to read the latest Coffee House Mystery…this year was no exception! It’s the perfect companion to a pit of french-press and a comfy chair by the fire…
I loved Once Upon a Grind! It would really be great to win the book and cup and saucer!
Oooooooh I can’t wait to read this !!!!!! 🙂 super-excited about it ( & that’s not just the caffiene talkin’ ) 😉
Would love to get
Please count me in too! I love the series and New York.
Please enter my name. I am trying to build a really good mystery library.
wismomworks@gmail.com
I love this book series and would love to win this contest!
I cannot wait to read The Coffee House Mysteries. Cleo Coyle is very creative!
I enjoy this series. Nice to read with a Valencia Mocha by my side.
Best series. Can’t wait for the next one. Keep them coming Cleo – can never be too many 🙂
i am sooo anxious to read this!
I love this series. Keep’em coming, Cleo.
I love this series!
One Find my favorite authors. Been reading this series since book #1. Would love to read this.
Love these books. Would love to win this one. I am keeping all of them. Please keep them coming.
Love this series… and I’m not even a coffee drinker! lol Thanks for sharing a day in the life of Clare! 🙂
I can’t wait to read this latest Clare Cosi mystery! Thank you for sharing Clare’s day and a wonderful giveaway!
This posting and its remarkable talent that is shown by the author/authors makes me hope even more that this series will go on forever. (or until I am no longer here to read, and then “whatever” but for the time I am here to read these books, please do not stop writing them. I need this JOLT of caffeine as often as possible. And I would treasure the hardcover book all signed and dated and made special with a note and drinking from my Italian cup and saucer at the same time I check out Claire and her cohorts. Thank you for being such amazing writers. Note to Claire: Are you SURE that you and Matt cannot get back together?
Absolutely LOVE this series and the recioes!
I love this series. It convinced me to drink coffee after 49 years. Love it!!!
Oh, I love to win this book. I haven’t missed one yet.
Flying out of LAX for NYC early Friday morning to enjoy the city through Monday evening. What would make our Christmas trip to THEE City absolutely perfect? If only we could stop by the Village Blend for a cup to start the day and end it over dinner at the Plaza with Alice and Marc! Our treat, of course!
Thank you to infinity and beyond for the lovely series. Hope you continue to write them forever!
Been a fan since the first book. Loved them all. Keep them coming!
I would love to win this. It would give you a review to as I review all books I read.
What better way to spend the snowy holidays than enjoying hot lattes (in new cup) and curled up on the couch with Cleo’s new book, Once Upon A Grind?!!! 🙂 What a holiday wish come true!! 🙂
Love Cleo’s books and recipes! Thanks for the chance to win.
Cleo’s books are the best. Who wouldn’t want an Autographed hardcover first edition of any of the Coffeehouse mysteries? A “Gimme Coffee” latte cup and saucer set is a perfect accompaniment to the book!
2:49 am: Wide awake reading Cleo’s book Billionaire’s Blend.
I’ve read everyone of your books! Waiting to get this one…..just spent 8 weeks in the hospital, had twins but refused to get the book till I was allowed real coffee again! Either way Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you and yours!
I love Cleo Coyle’s mysteries. I’ve read all of them except for the latest which I can’t, wait to read. When I first started reading mysteries their series was one of the first I started reading. Though I’ve read them through the library, I now have started to collect both of their series. To any one who hasn’t read the Coffeehouse mysteries. I recommend that you start reading them. The books are filled with coffee facts and recipes. Thanks to Cleo Coyle for their great books!!
I’ve been housebound caring for my ailing mother. I escaped for “24 hours”, a welcome respite. Thanks! And Merry Christmas!
Love cozy mysteries. Thanks for the chance. Merry Christmas to u and yours.
Hoping I can leave a comment here, as I can’t on other sites.
This sounds like a great give away and hope to win it.
I can’t wait to read this – I am never disappointed! Thanks for sharing with us!
Great read about the cast of the coffeehouse murders. I love this series by Cleo Coyle. Sounds like a wonderful giveawaay. Thank you and have a great day.
I love this series! I would love to win.
I love the series and all of the characters, especially Claire’s mother in law. She seems so strong but very sweet and so smart.
I am always reading cozy mysteries they are exciting.
Great giveaway. Really want to read this book, will put on my tbr list.
I am excited to try the chocolate muffins, I hope they are as good as the aphrodisiac brownies. I love that you give me a great book to enjoy and tasty recipes to try at the same time.
What a fun post! Thanks for the giveaway, too.
This is one of my favorite series. The characters are wonderful and I love the stories! Thank you for being one of my book highlights.
Truly love your series and those recipes are to die for! Literally! Thanks for putting pen to paper for us!
I love reading these mysteries, they are the best series yet!!!!! 😉
Happy Holidays 🎄🎁🎁🎅
Love this give away.
Claire is definitely a generous boss! I’d love to work for her, dedicated to the pursuit of making perfect coffee (and making people happy). 🙂
I’m definitely reading this one as soon as I can!
I’ve read several of the coffee house mysteries. What fun! I have learned a lot about coffee and the people who drink it, as well as enjoying great mysteries.
Cleo (Alice) is my favorite author and I am in love with the coffee house series!!!
great article
I just love this series! I enjoy reading cozy mysteries, but your series is by far my favorite! Clair, Mike and all the gang in the coffee shop are such “real” characters, I can’t wait to see what happens next…Love Clair’s mother-in-law also. She is just so classy and has such a neat background! Thank you for continuing with this wonderful series! I truly would love to have a hardback book with your autograph!!
I love book series. Haven’t read this one but hope to soon.
I would love to win this. The coffee house mysteries are one of my favorite series and it would be amazing to have this. Thanks!
Marc and I have THE BEST readers! Thanks to each and every one of you who stopped by to leave a comment. We are blown away by how many of you took the time to stop by. Good luck in the drawing and thanks again to Dru Ann Love for the literary love she makes possible for so many readers and writers.
Cheers to you all, happy holidays,
and happy reading!
~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
“Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
Cleo Coyle on Twitter
http://www.CleoCoyleRecipes.com
Thank you for writing wonderful characters in a great series.
the giveaway is closed. You may continue to comment.
I brought billionaire blend last year that was my first coffee house mystery I loved it so much half way thru reading it it brought all the previous issues and started reading them fom the beginning . These books are like a coffee addiction I can’t get enough caffeine. Each one is as good as the last . I am hooked and can’t wait to read the the latest, having the coffee cup would make this a dream . I would drink my cappuccino while reading these books they make you want to drink espressos/cappuccinos while indulged in the reading these mysteries and enjoying the receipes thanks and keep them coming
Everything I read a book, I learn more and more about coffee, which runs through my veins! These books are like catching up with old friends that have exciting adventures!
I love this series. Merry Christmas
How exciting– can’t wait to read it 🙂