Coffee has its own culture. The inviting coffeehouse with comfy seating, mood music, and knowledgeable baristas welcomes you in. You hear about needing that morning cup of coffee, we know all about coffee breaks, and who hasn't heard of Starbucks?! It is all around us. Coffee is a part of life for millions, probably billions, of people worldwide.
I admit it, I don't like coffee. However, that doesn't stop me from loving the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle.
Clair Cosi had a job she loved and was happy with her husband and daughter. Drugs and a question of fidelity caused Clair to leave her husband and career in New York City to raise her daughter in New Jersey. Years go by and our series opens. Clair's indomitable ex-mother-in-law has hired her to run her historic coffeehouse, The Village Blend, in Greenwich Village in New York City. Since this is a mystery series, a murder soon occurs and Clair begins to investigate. On What Grounds is the book that introduces us to Clair Cosi and begins the series.
Throughout the series we learn that Madame, Clair's ex-mother-in-law and owner of the Village Blend, would like nothing better than for Clair and Matteo (her son) to get back together and has a few schemes to help them out. Thanks to the murders (it is a series, after all) Clair gets to know NYPD detective Mike Quinn...and their meetings become not entirely professional. Clair and Matteo's daughter has also grown up and is facing life decisions of her own. Through it all, coffee plays a major role; in the background, in the setting, and at times, in the mystery itself.
In addition to coffee tips, author Cleo Coyle (who is actually the husband-wife team of Marc Cerasini and Alice Alfonsi) also shares wonderful recipes in each book. After all, what's a cup of coffee without a delightful pastry to go with it!
If you're looking for a character driven series with atmosphere, you've found the right place. The Coffeehouse Mystery series welcomes you to the Village Blend, tempting you with special coffee and desserts. As you read, you find yourselves becoming friends with the characters. You want to know more about these people and as you progress through the series you learn more and become more involved. The Village Blend welcomes you and I welcome you to give this series a try.
There are currently 11 entries in the Coffeehouse series with the 12th being released this Tuesday, December 4, 2012. In honor of this latest release Cleo Coyle has graciously donated an autographed copy of Holiday Buzz (Coffeehouse Mystery #12) to a reader of Cozy Up With Kathy. Would you like to win this book? All you have to do is leave a comment on this post. You have until midnight, December 2, 2012 (that's Saturday night/Sunday morning). At that time, I'll randomly choose one winner and announce it for that day's blog.
In the meantime, grab a cup of coffee and a Coffeehouse mystery and enjoy!
To learn more about Cleo Coyle check out her website: http://coffeehousemysteries.com/
You can also find her at http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com/ on Tuesdays.
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/CleoCoyle
Twitter: @CleoCoyle (www.Twitter.com/CleoCoyle)
Pinterest: www.Pinterest.com/CleoCoyle
I've been wanting to read this series for a while. In fact I have some of the books on my bookshelf and haven't gotten around to them yet. I would love to enter this giveaway as well.
ReplyDeleteKimberlee
http://girllostinabook.blogspot.com
girllostinabook@hotmail.com
Excited about reading this series!! I love local coffeehouses-I love the cozy feel of them ;) I even like some of the fru-fru coffees. Few things better than a good book and a mocha latte!
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this series but it sounds delicious (pun intended)! Hopefully they have an e-reader version.
ReplyDeleteEDIT: This makes me unknown when signing into my Google account...don't know why.
Sonja Jones
This is one of my favorite series. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletevalleyreader(at)gmail(dot)com
Cleo Coyle's Coffehouse books are the best.... Hoping a win a copy.....
ReplyDeleteafarage(at)earthlink.net
Thanks to everyone for leaving such kind comments. FYI - Kathy and I met at the Mystery Lovers' Kitchen blog. She won a fun "NYPD Crime Scene Investigator" T-shirt and let me know that she was a former police officer--as well as a happy reader of my books, which made me very happy and proud. I'm so glad she's joining me in celebrating Holiday Buzz's release with this little giveaway. Good luck to everyone entering for the autographed book. I'll stop back again before contest's end, in the meantime...
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the holiday season!
~ Cleo Coffeehouse Mystery.com
“Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
Cleo Coyle on Twitter
I'm not a big coffee lover but I do love this series. Great characters, great stories and great recipes!
ReplyDeletekpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
I have not missed a coffeehouse book. Murder by Mocha would be my favorite if I had to pick one. I wish I had a coffee house near me so I could relax and indulge in really good coffee. Mostly I make high end coffee at home on the weekends and grab chain coffee during the work week because that's what's around. I can't wait to read Holiday Buzz!
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of Cleo Coyle aka Alice Kimberly. I have read most of the coffee house mystery books. I also have read some of The Haunted Bookstore books as well. They are both great series!
ReplyDeleteWell, I love coffee...and mystery novels...and Kathy K.!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good series! I will have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteAlways interested in a new cozy mystery series... THANKS!
ReplyDeleteI hope I don't win.
ReplyDeleteI'm commenting because I was guilted into it.
I didn't originally comment because I didn't want to take a chance away from someone who'd appreciate the prize more than I...
But I love you!
The contest is now closed. Additional comments, although appreciated, will not be eligible to win. Winner to be announced soon!
ReplyDeleteThe winning comment is #1-Kimberlee. Congratulations.
ReplyDelete