Espresso Shot

Digital audiobook read by Rebecca Gibel

Coffeehouse Mystery series book # 7 finds Clare Cosi in the uncomfortable position of catering a wedding reception for her ex-husband and his intended. The bride-to-be is a Trend magazine’s editor – wealthy, beautiful, sophisticated and a known tastemaker. But when people connected to the event begin to die, Clare’s radar goes into high gear and she starts investigating.

I like this series. It’s populated with a nice cast of recurring characters and Clare’s romance with detective Mike Quinn is heating up nicely. There are plenty of suspects and some twists and turns to keep the reader (and Clare) guessing. I find all the references to foodie culture and explorations of different cuisines, show more desserts and beverages (including various coffees) entertaining. Recipes are included at the end, and I’m really tempted to try the Lomo Saltado included in this volume.

Rebecca Gibel does a fine job narrating the audio book. I especially like the way she voices Madame, Clare’s ex-mother-in-law. show less

While this book didn't have near the coffee facts in it (although there were some), I found this book just as good. In fact, the mystery in this one had me baffled.

Claire's ex-husband is getting married to the beautiful Breanne Sommers who publishes Trend magazine. Breanne is turning into Bridezilla with a Capital B. Someone is trying to sabotage the upcoming wedding. Enter Claire to figure out the mystery.

Seventh in the Coffeehouse Mystery series.

Matt has given up the idea--finally--that he and Claire are going to get back together. So, he has proposed to Breanne Summour, beautiful (and predatory) editor-in-chief of Trend magazine, a style-setting publication. Matt’s mother, Madame Dubois, is dead-set against the idea and has performed a number of not-so-subtle and unsuccessful actions to try to get the wedding called off. But someone else seems averse to the marriage--so much so that he or she is trying to kill Breanne before the wedding.

Thus the plot of this solid amateur sleuth/police procedural; it has some nice twists. While her plotting gets better, book by book, the real strength of the series is in the cast of characters and show more the depth of the characterizations. Madame Dubois, Claire herself, and the fabulous baristas of The Village Blend Coffeehouse--Taylor, Esther, Graham and others--really give muscle to the books. Esther in particular has certainly come into her own with her Russian rapper BB Gun, but all the gang are here and performing to the high standards of the Blend.

For me, an extremely pleasant surprise was the mention of Hacienda Esmeralda’s prize coffee, from accidentally discovered geisha trees on a small part of the plantation, which are highly sought after in the premium coffee market. Since the Peterson farms are here in Panama, in the province where I live (Chiriquí), it was an unlooked-for bonus in the book.

As usual, the reader gets a bit of New York history, especially of the West Village. The famous White Horse tavern, which opened in 1880, is featured this time--the haunt of dylan Thomas, Norman Mailer, and other literary and artistic figures. The old Sixth Precinct headquarters on Charles Street gets its moment in the sun as does restoration in mid-town Manhattan of old buildings by the likes of Cartier and Versace. Teh denouement of the book takes place in one of my favorite Manhattan locales, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

For those, like me, who eagerly await new recipes, Espresso Shot doesn’t disappoint. Wonderful cookie recipes and a paella as well as coffee tips and recipes fill up a solid appendix.

The series continues to be a multi-level treat. Highly recommended. show less

As with all Coffeehouse books, there are too many adjectives in this book. BUT she doesn't describe nearly as many coffee processes, drinks, etc as in previous books, so that's a plus. I like the characters and their interactions which is why I read the books. But a little editing would be good.

Listened for Fun (Libray Book)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: I am totally reading these out of order but they are each so much fun!

Story Thoughts: Fun, Spunky, Engaging, and a little sexy are words that I would use to describe The Coffeehouse Mysteries. I just flat out have a fun time while listening to them. This one wasn't my favorite in the series (not a huge fan of M) but it was still a fun mystery to crack.

Character Thoughts: Clare is really a fun leading lady. She is a bit of a spitfire and quite the amateur sleuth. She also realizes that she is not a cop and that makes me like her more. Her group of people are also quite a show more hoot!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Rebecca Gibel / Length: 11 hrs and 29 mins

Rebecca Gibel did an excellent job with narration, pacing, and characterization. She is perfect for this little cozy mystery.

Final Thoughts: I have really enjoyed the ones of this series that I have read! No need to read them in order because each mystery stands alone. show less

Clare is preparing a coffee and dessert bar for a wedding at the Metropolitan Museum. Having it at the museum is special but what makes it really special is the wedding is for her ex-husband and his socialite finance, Breanne Summour. Clare is OK with Breanne's bridezilla attacks but when someone starts attacking the people around Breanne, she is convinced that it is actually Breanne who is the target.

As usual, this book was lots of fun. Clare and her family are always in interesting situations. Matt, her ex, and his intended add to the mystery. For instance, why ARE they getting married? There is always fun information about New York, (or wherever, Clare is) and the surrounding area. And it would not be a Coffeehouse Mystery without show more lots and lots of premium coffee. show less

Cute, fun, and light with enough plot to keep it interesting. The audiobook I listened to was well done. I will search out more in this series.