Death by Latte

Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

Aphra Connolly lies to her dad and flies to Seattle just to see her mother, Natalie. But Natalie can't wait to get Aphra on the next plane home. Sure, she hadn't told her mom she was coming, and maybe it wasn't the best timing, but it had been four years since she'd seen her! As Natalie takes Aphra back to the airport, a phone call changes Natalie's mind and instead of being boomeranged back home, Aphra becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of Natalie's work as a covert ex-CIA agent.

While Natalie talks with her co-workers, Joe and Stuart, Aphra is isolated on the balcony of Natalie's apartment, where, soon after, she meets Ryan, Natalie's hunky neighbor, on the rooftop. But before the show more day is out Aphra's boyfriend, Seth, arrives in Seattle and demands she return his ring; she witnesses Joe's death; she is stalked by a blond man; and she ends up stranded on a mountain top with Natalie, Seth, and Stuart.

Will they be able to escape whoever is trailing them? Will Seth be able to save his dad by returning the ring? And will Aphra ever be able to connect with her mother again?

DEATH BY LATTE is the type of book that causes you to forget you have cookies in the oven, or that you need to turn out the light because it's three in the morning and you know you have to get up early. You simply won't care. You will be so engrossed in the twists and turns of the story that you won't want to stop reading, especially since Linda Gerber is a master at writing chapter endings that compel you to read on.

DEATH BY LATTE is Linda Gerber's second murder mystery/thriller, and I cannot wait to read her other titles. My thirteen-year-old daughter read this book, insisted I read it, and asked me to buy all of her books for her birthday. What better praise can an author receive than that?

I only regret that when I give Ms. Gerber's books to my daughter, I'll have to wait for her to read them first. show less

Now that Aphra knows where to find her mom, it seems inevitable that she would go seek her out. And so she tells her father that she will be visiting a friend in South Carolina, but instead Aphra boards a plane to Seattle.The reunion, is far from what Aphra expected. No sooner does she finally find her mother, and she informs her to board another plane back to the island. Even though Aphra’s mom stopped working for the CIA it seems that the drama hasn’t stopped. When her mother’s partner, Joe, ends up dead, it only confirms Aphra’s fears. She is in over her head again!Just when she thinks things can’t get worse, Seth, her Seth, shows up demanding the ring that he had given her. Why does he want to ring so badly and why does show more Aphra’s mom want her out of the picture?Full of action, suspense, and mystery, Death by Latte is a thrilling edition to the Death by series! I enjoyed the change of scenery is this novel! And is there any better way to associate Seattle than with a latte!! I enjoyed the authentic relationship dynamic between Aphra and her mother and of course the sentimental moments between Seth and Aphra. The plot twists where a plenty and they kept me guessing throughout the entire novel! Even though I really enjoyed Death by Bikini, I have to say that Death by Latte was a step up! And Death by Denim looks to continue the trend! show less

Death By Latte is a pretty quick and enjoyable read, especially if you are a fan of Gallagher Girls and anything spy-related. I admit that it would be best to start with Book 1 - Death By Bikini - but I did not get too confused as I jumped into the middle of the story. Linda Gerber gives enough detail for a confused reader like myself to catch up somewhat, but also entices me to go back and read the 1st book. I'm also itching to read the 3rd book to find out what happens next.

The characters were okay - nothing too spectacular, but quite likeable and easy-going. Aphra reminded me of a grown-up Cammie in a way, though not as well-versed in espionage. I liked how Aphra proves herself to her mother that she can be useful and keep her cool show more in times of duress. She went from being a nuisance to someone her mother could depend upon, which is always a great accomplishment! :)

What is great about Death By Latte is the length of the book. I can see this as a great one for any sort of break or waiting period, pretty short and sweet. Almost like a serial. Enough mystery to tie you over until you get your hands on the next installment! show less

Another fun installment of the series. This book continues where Death By Bikini left off but instead of on a beach resort the action takes place on the streets of Seattle and the mountains of the Pacific Northwest.

I read a lot of mysteries so it is hard to keep me guessing. I was able to figure out who was who pretty early on. However, this did not have any effect on my enjoyment of the book.

When sixteen-year-old Aphra sneaks away from the island resort where she lives with her father, and travels to Seattle to find the mother she has not seen for four years, she does not anticipate getting involved in a CIA plot that threatens not only her life, but that of her boyfriend and her mother as well.

This was definitely a fun, quick read. I should have read the first one closer to this, but even as a standalone it was great!

Sixteen-year-old girl leaves the island resort where she lives with her mother to go to Seattle to find her mother who she has not seen in four years. Once there she gets involved in a CIA mystery that involves not only her mother, but her boyfriend. Interesting twists and turns.