Honey Roasted by Cleo Coyle

Series Name: Coffeehouse Mystery #19
Genre: Cozy
Release: February 1, 2022

Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend in this all-new mystery in the beloved New York Times bestselling Coffeehouse series by Cleo Coyle.

While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop’s new latte. Produced by Madame’s old friend “Queen” Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea’s rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.

One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend’s chimney, and Clare discovers Bea’s unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide, but Clare does not believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary start-ups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?

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Dru’s Short Musing:
Like fine wine, this series gets better with each book written. The author knows how to keep this series fresh with intriguing storyline and this one does not disappoint where “honey” takes center stage. In the midst of planning her wedding and honeymoon (get it), Clare is introducing a new blend of honey roasted coffee and helping an ailing friend with her beehive (again, get it). How does all of this fit in this fantastic whodunit, you’ll have to pick up the book to find out.

This well-written and fast-paced drama had me completely immersed and I could not put this book down until all was said and done. The author did a great job in staging this multi-plot mystery and keeping me in suspense which led to Clare investigating her friend’s *accident* that exposed all kinds of mischief and mayhem involving an eclectic cast of suspects. This narrative was visually descriptive with engaging dialogue that put me in the middle of all the action, as the team traversed the streets of the outer boroughs. A few strategically placed plot twists enhanced my reading pleasure in this grippingly enticing foray that kept me in the game. This is one of the best books in the series and I can’t wait to see what adventures await Clare and her friends.

pps: I love this cover.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.