Clare Cosi used to manage the historic Village Blend coffeehouse…until she opted for quieter pastures and a more suburban life. But after ten years and a little friendly cajoling from the owner (a fresh pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain was all it took), she's back to the grind. With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above the Village Blend, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of coffeehouse redecorating ideas, Clare is thrilled to return to work. Until she discovers the assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. Police arrive on the scene to investigate. But when they find no sign of forced entry or foul play, they deem it an accident. Case closed. But Clare is not convinced. And after the police leave, there are a few things she just can't get out of her mind… Why was the trash bin in the wrong place? If this wasn't an accident, is Clare in danger? And… are all detectives this handsome?
©2003 The Berkley Publishing Group. All rights reserved. (P)2011 AudioGO
"Good clean murder mystery"
I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about coffe and craved it all the time while I listened to this book. I did not like the introduction of the ex husband into the plot. That just felt awkward. But I loved all the rest. Rebecca Gibel did a nice job narrating. She wasn't the greatest at male voices, but I guess that's hard to pull off when you're a woman. I do think it's a mistake narrators typically make. Women try to over-narrate men (by making them sound kind of dumb) and men try to use high pitched voices that make female characters sound like cartoons. It wasn't the worst male-voice impression I've ever heard. In fact, Gibell is one of the better narrators.
"Weak Brew"
It was ok. The first time I read it I had to put it down because it was boring and I couldn't get into it. The second time I picked it up, it was a little better. The characters and plotline seemed a little more interesting. I really can't say much about the book because there isn't much to say. I won't be buying the rest in the series.
"I can smell the coffee now!!"
I did not read the book.
The ex- mother-in law is a really charming character. A little meddlesome , a little pushy but always a distinguished older woman with a lot of hutzpah. The characters personality traits are well thought out and follow through all the way to the end. The story flows nicely with just enough information on the qualities and characteristics of coffee and the many different ways in which to process, roast, grind and brew it tossed in for some interest. I found myself craving a nice , warm cup on several occasions.
The author does a good job of tying all the characters together with giving you enough information for you to form their personalities without droning on and on. she ties each character together in a nice, cohesive flow. The story is light and makes the read very easy to listen to.
The narration was very nicely done.
"Coffee and more coffee"
No, not really compelling.
Ending was fine - brought the storyline "up" some.
No
No
So-so cozy, Hope you like hearing all about coffee.
My earring has opinions... and so do I. Best audio books were discovered by following Audible reviewers. Please make reviews! Lots!
"Even with a cat and good coffee... it was not cozy"
I like cozy ... and another reviewer called it cozy. I did not find it cozy. I can't relax around people who don't trust themselves and each other- no matter how quaint the location and that there is a cat. The characters were deceiving each other and themselves, even the ones with "good intentions".
Best part? Enjoyed the tips on coffee preparation and storage.
"Great easy listening! Love the narration!!"
Depends on your taste. Personally, I enjoyed Rebecca Gibel's narration immensely!
I like that Claire is not obnoxious or overly awkward, as some leads in these types of chick lit seem to be. She's just an everyday person who is passionate about something as everyday as coffee. To me, that makes her interesting. I'm hoping to find out more about Matt, Quinn and Madame in the following books.
I practically did!
I really loved the fact that this novel wasn't all about steamy sex scenes. I'M SO OVER THAT!!! Just give me a good story! Thankfully, Cleo Coyle has done just that! I'm purchasing the entire series.
"Barrista To Be"
OK, if you want to learn the best practices for roasting, grinding, brewing, and storing coffee, then this book is for you! If you ever wanted to become a barrista, then this book is for you! And if you wanted a cute, themed mystery/crime drama, there are better out there — there have got to be. (Actually, Terri Thayer's Wild Goose Chase is a good choice, though I don't know if it's available on audio.)
I swear if Coyle had waxed philosophic one more time about coffee I was going to scream. This book was more about an author's love, no worship of, obsession with, and fixation on coffee with a teeny bit of mystery on the side.
If I wanted to learn that much about coffee, I'd work at a coffeehouse and get PAID for this! In fact, Coyle should have paid me for the reading of this book, not the other way around.
The real saving grace of the story is the last 10, maybe 20, minutes where the real meat of the story actually fell.
Queen Squared
"You're going to love this series!"
I have listened to almost all of the books available in this series available on Audible. And, let me say, you're really going to love it! First of all, it has the perfect cast of characters: the sweet mother-in-law, the annoying ex-husband, the super loved adult daughter, a hot detective, and a hilarious group of baristas. This mystery contains just the right amount of drama and humor. It's one of those books you can't put down. If there is anything wrong with the book, I would say it's what you always see in this genre. There's definitely point when you want to scream at the main character, Clare Cosi, "Don't go! Don't do it!" But again, I think that's an innate part of the mystery genre. Other than that, I love the main character. She's witty, smart and strong, yet loving and genuine.
The narrator is perfect for this novel and the rest of the series. She does an excellent job with the various voices. She speaks clearly and is able to keep your attention.
Bonus: This is a great book for coffee lovers and foodies. If you like to try out new recipes, Clare Cosi normally describes one or two recipes in enough detail for you to try it out in your kitchen. Also visit Cleo Coyle's webpage for additional recipes.
71 year old avid reader using either my eyes or ears. I make earrings that I donate to shelters and while I work, I listen to wonderful books. I also keep in mind that you have to kiss frogs to find princes - time's too short to bother with losers.
"Fun Series"
A little detective work by a woman who owns a coffee house in lower Manhattan, has a sexy ex-husband and lots of friends and acquaintances. Light for a murder mystery, fun and easy. I've read four books of the series and although they get fluffier and a bit sillier, they are still worth reading.
Happy to read mysteries, like the action too!
"Coffee & Murder - Who Knew? Great series!"
Since I have not had the oppertunity to read the hardcopy, I can not answer this but It's a fun listen.
It's a fast paced plot that kept me moving forward through the book and makes me want to listen to another.
I like that she is able to manifest so many different voices, women's and men's.
I can't say any particular one but I liked all the twists and turns this book took.
This is my third listen in her Coffeehouse series & I continue to keep buying/listening. =)