Dru’s Short Musing:
A “hit and run” incident leads to the victim being a prime suspect in a murder and it’s up to Clare to put the pieces together to save this young man’s future.
This was a fast-paced and well-written whodunit that I could not put down until I knew who was doing what to whom. The mystery was staged to perfection with a multi-plot storyline, a roomful of suspects and clues roasting for us to savor. The suspenseful nature of this drama kept me in the game as every page and/or chapter led us closer to the story’s goal, the killer’s identity and the motive and boy what a motive it was. On the other side of the coin, we had another mystery that was dear to Clare’s heart. With visually descriptive narrative, engaging dialogue and the splendor of the Village, it’s always fun to see NYC through the eyes of Clare (and I love it when I recognize the places as well).
Overall, this is an excellent read and one of the best books in the enduring and endearing series that continues to keep me entertained and I can’t wait for the next adventures with Clare and her friends.
Series: A Coffeehouse Mystery, Book 22
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: September 22, 2026
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Book Synopsis:
When the Village Blend caters a glittering rooftop party, their creative coffee concoctions are eclipsed by a shocking murder in this thrilling new Coffeehouse Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.
Years ago, when master roaster Clare Cosi was a newly divorced mom raising her daughter, Joy, Ava Welsh became Joy’s best friend. Now the painfully shy girl next door has grown into a successful New York businesswoman, and Clare is delighted to be catering Ava’s coffee-themed party, especially when her boyfriend, Ryan, confides his plan to propose that very night.
Then a scream shatters the celebration. A woman is thrown off the balcony to her death, and Ryan—who abruptly flees the party—is accused of murder. Clare vows to help Ava clear his name.
Her digging uncovers suspicious connections to a deadly event from which a teenaged Joy and Ava barely escaped with their lives. The stakes rise ever higher as a ruthless killer attempts to keep the ugly truth buried—even if it means sending Clare and her caffeinated crew six feet under.
Includes a menu of party-ready recipes!
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.