Status
Available
Call number
Call number
F Coy
Genres
Collection
Publication
Berkley (2006), Edition: Reprint, 272 pages
Description
Fiction. Mystery. HTML: Clare Cosi's new friend, millionaire David Mintzer, has an offer no New York barista could turn down: an all-expenses-paid summer away from the sticky city. At his Hamptons mansion, she will relax, soak up the sun, and, oh yes, train the staff of his new restaurant. So Clare packs up her daughter, her former mother-in-law, and her special recipe for iced coffee for what she hopes will be one de-latte-ful summer. Soon, Clare tends the coffee bar at her first Hamptons gala. But the festivities come to a bitter end when an employee turns up dead in David's bathroom�??a botched attempt on the millionaire's life. Thanks to the Fourth of July fireworks, no one heard any gunshots, and the police are stuck in holiday traffic. Concerned for everyone's safety, Clare begins to investigate. What she finds will keep her up at night�??and it's not the java jitters… (more)
Subjects
Original publication date
2006-08-01
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User reviews
LibraryThing member NemesisClaws
Not one of this author's better ones in the series. Frankly, I was appalled at some of the law breaking the character was doing, and how extremely lucky she was to not get hauled off to jail or worse. I was also a bit uncomfortable with her flirting with Detective Quinn, but then sleeping with
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someone else, which has sorta been the pattern so far in these novels. As for the murder itself, it was confusing and hastily summed up at the end. Hope the next one is better.... Show Less
LibraryThing member averitasm
I liked this series so far I have read all that have been published, A nice cozy mystery, with coffee tips and romance a bit. Does get slightly repetitive when you hit the middle of the series but I always learned something new about coffee and recipes in the back. I would recommend for anyone who
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likes cozy's. This is where to me it got to be same old same old. Show Less
LibraryThing member Cecilturtle
Another delightful coffeehouse mystery by Coyle and her cast of three generations of women. The characters are fun and the story lighthearted despite the thrills, twists and turns. Perfect weekend reading!
LibraryThing member Squeex
I do like how Clare gets involved in the solving of the murders that occur around her. She's taken it out of NYC this time..seems thar's murder in them thar Hamptons among the rich and big housed.
Clare takes her time and sees all varieties of suspects, all viable and up to something that could have
Clare has to deal with her headstrong daugther, headstrong ex-mother-in-law and her headstrong ex-husband along the way....as well as the headstrong rich friend she's trying to help.
I love love love this series. It makes me want to go buy a foo-foo coffee and solve a mystery.
Five foo-foo coffee beans...
Clare takes her time and sees all varieties of suspects, all viable and up to something that could have
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included committing murder. She's not always right, but that doesn't keep her from continuing on the hunt and trying to get the police to listen. Clare has to deal with her headstrong daugther, headstrong ex-mother-in-law and her headstrong ex-husband along the way....as well as the headstrong rich friend she's trying to help.
I love love love this series. It makes me want to go buy a foo-foo coffee and solve a mystery.
Five foo-foo coffee beans...
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LibraryThing member Joycepa
Fourth in the Coffeehouse Mystery series.
The scene shifts to the Hamptons, a collection of hamlets on the South Fork of Long Island and the playground of the wealthy and their wannabees.
Clare has agreed to help out a friend, Dave, with his restaurant in the Hamptons, setting up coffee and dessert
A typical Coffeehouse mystery, this is short on plot, really, and unfortunately in this case, not very long on ambience and history, two of the series’ very long suits. We do learn something about the Hamptons; the local are called Bonackers (name origin is Native American) and something about the history. We learn a lot about the wealthy --the often relatively nasty wealthy--who use the Hamptons for second homes and status symbols.
Fine, but one of the strengths of the series is the supporting cast: Tucker, the gay barista; Esther, who can be called the Shark Lady at times; Madame Dubois, Clare’s utterly charming and sophisticated former mother-in-law; Detective Mike Quinn of the Sixth Precinct, a definite love interest for Clare; and New Yorkers themselves in their diversity as they appear in the Village Blend for their caffeine fix. While Matteo and Madame Dubois appear onstage, their roles are small and the others are notable by their absence. As is New York, its history and vitality.
Coyle still has the power to evoke settings and make them utterly authentic, and she does so with the Hamptons. Equally so, she brings the wealthy part-time residents alive as well, although that’s not quite so pleasant; the rich turn out not to be terribly interesting.
Still, it’s lively, even if it isn’t the best book in the series. Recommended for Coffeehouse fans.
The scene shifts to the Hamptons, a collection of hamlets on the South Fork of Long Island and the playground of the wealthy and their wannabees.
Clare has agreed to help out a friend, Dave, with his restaurant in the Hamptons, setting up coffee and dessert
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service. In exchange, she and Joy, her daughter, will stay at Dave’s East Hampton mansion for the summer. But during a Fourth of July party at the mansion, which Clare is catering, a young waiter is shot. Clare is convinced that his death was a mistake and that the intended victim is Dave. Since she can not convince the local police of her theory, naturally Clare is “forced” to investigate on her own.A typical Coffeehouse mystery, this is short on plot, really, and unfortunately in this case, not very long on ambience and history, two of the series’ very long suits. We do learn something about the Hamptons; the local are called Bonackers (name origin is Native American) and something about the history. We learn a lot about the wealthy --the often relatively nasty wealthy--who use the Hamptons for second homes and status symbols.
Fine, but one of the strengths of the series is the supporting cast: Tucker, the gay barista; Esther, who can be called the Shark Lady at times; Madame Dubois, Clare’s utterly charming and sophisticated former mother-in-law; Detective Mike Quinn of the Sixth Precinct, a definite love interest for Clare; and New Yorkers themselves in their diversity as they appear in the Village Blend for their caffeine fix. While Matteo and Madame Dubois appear onstage, their roles are small and the others are notable by their absence. As is New York, its history and vitality.
Coyle still has the power to evoke settings and make them utterly authentic, and she does so with the Hamptons. Equally so, she brings the wealthy part-time residents alive as well, although that’s not quite so pleasant; the rich turn out not to be terribly interesting.
Still, it’s lively, even if it isn’t the best book in the series. Recommended for Coffeehouse fans.
Show Less
LibraryThing member thornton37814
Clare Cosi is spending the summer helping out at her friend David's restaurant, Cuppa J's, in the Hamptons. When a party hosted by David ends with the discovery of a body in the master bedroom, Clare is certain that David was the intended victim. Convinced that the local law enforcement officials
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are not capable of solving the crime, Clare sets out to investigate in her own way. While I missed the normal Manhattan setting, it was a nice change of venue. There were enough of the usual cast of characters present to keep it enjoyable. There's lots of coffee facts scattered thoughout the volume and a few recipes in the back. An enjoyable installment in the series. Show Less
LibraryThing member cyderry
Clare Cosi is the manager of the Village Blend Coffeehouse in Greenwich Village and because of the success she has, a friend, David Mintzer, an entrepreneur, wants her assistance in his new restaurant in the Hamptons. So Clare takes on the position of Coffee steward at David's new restaurant. While
Trying to convince David and the local police that the entrepreneur is the actual target and being unsuccessful, Clare sets out to find the killer herself. Along the way, Clare finds herself in several uncomfortable situations.
This fourth installment of the Coffeehouse series is a bit light on plot but with the familiar supporting characters ( Madame Dubois, Joy, and Matt) following Clare's adventures is still fun.
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"catering" his 4th of July party, one of the staff members appears to be accidently murdered because of his resemblance to David.Trying to convince David and the local police that the entrepreneur is the actual target and being unsuccessful, Clare sets out to find the killer herself. Along the way, Clare finds herself in several uncomfortable situations.
This fourth installment of the Coffeehouse series is a bit light on plot but with the familiar supporting characters ( Madame Dubois, Joy, and Matt) following Clare's adventures is still fun.
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LibraryThing member TheLibraryhag
In this 4th book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, Clare has escaped the summer heat of Manhattan and is working the summer at a restaurant in the Hamptons. She is also staying at the luxurious home of the restaurant owner and personal friend, David Mintzer. Things are going great until one of the
As always this books was tons of fun and made me drink too much coffee. I must say that Clare made me a bit annoyed because she takes so many chances. But she admits that she is a bit of an adrenalin junkie so I could not stay too mad at her. I liked the change of scene and the information about the Hamptons was interesting. The mystery is pretty good. I also like the continuing family drama.
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servers, a co-worker of Clare's, is killed at David's 4th of July party. Convinced that David was the real target of the killer, she investigates.As always this books was tons of fun and made me drink too much coffee. I must say that Clare made me a bit annoyed because she takes so many chances. But she admits that she is a bit of an adrenalin junkie so I could not stay too mad at her. I liked the change of scene and the information about the Hamptons was interesting. The mystery is pretty good. I also like the continuing family drama.
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LibraryThing member Beth3511
I love the descriptive detail in these mysteries. I love how each book features one or more different New York neighborhoods or institutions. I have to admit, I loved the descriptions of fancy homes and restaurants, and fancy parties in this book (though she covers some of the more mundane aspects
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of the Hamptons too). I'm not really into coffee, so could do without the detailed descriptions of coffee-making. I find Claire a little arrogant and self-absorbed. She appoints herself a detective, though she's not a private investigator or a cop, and doesn't understand understand why cops and other investigators don't welcome her help, or treat her like a fellow professional. Well, she's not! She finds herself in very odd situations, but acts surprised when other people remark on this. Sometimes she also acts as if she's the only one that is looking out for others. I like Madame, but I think she's too good to be true. Actually, I think that of Claire's life, too, sometimes! Show Less
LibraryThing member BraveNewBks
Okay. I like coffee. I like mysteries, and I don't expect them to be great works of literature except in exceptional circumstances. I like the main character of this series, and the plot was okay. BUT.
I DO expect someone to have edited these books before they're published. Even the mass-market
Why? Well... I've gathered a few examples.
Page 4 (which is the FIRST PAGE of CHAPTER ONE): "sterling-sliver serving trays overflowed with flutes of obscenely expensive champagne"
Page 9: "Out here, sterling sliver serving trays . . . overflowed with seemingly endless rounds of seafood canapes"
Gotta love how the "sliver" is consistent but the hyphenation is not. Also, apparently trays overflow. That's just what they do. Every time.
But seriously, Cleo, put "sliver" on your list of Ctrl-F's to check before publication. I do it with "pubic" and "trail" when I write legal briefs, because hey, spellcheck doesn't know that I meant "public" and "trial," but I do. And, importantly, I WOULD BE EMBARRASSED if I accidentally argued that a trail for my client would be against pubic interest. YOU ALSO SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED to have sliver serving trays in your book -- twice!
Page 17: "I believe he's been shirking work every since!"
I shirk work every since I get, too.
Page 68: "Millions of dollars and thousands of employees livelihoods are at stake."
I know it's just a missing apostrophe, but still. There's also a reference to some "ex-Masaad" agents on the same page... I think she meant "ex-Mossad," since that's how it was spelled earlier in the book. Even spellcheck should have caught that one, no?
Page 140: "I invited David here tonight . . . to wheedle an invitation to sample his dessert parings for myself."
No, David does not serve apple peels and potato skins for dessert.
Page 241 (during the big "I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!" speech): "Jim snorted. 'You give me undo credit, pal.'"
Gah. I actually snorted myself, in disbelief. Pal.
I DO expect someone to have edited these books before they're published. Even the mass-market
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paperbacks. Even the cozy mysteries. ESPECIALLY the books of a "national bestselling author" being published by a division of Penguin Publishing. PLEASE, please put 0.00001% of your profits toward hiring someone like me to read your books before you publish them. Why? Well... I've gathered a few examples.
Page 4 (which is the FIRST PAGE of CHAPTER ONE): "sterling-sliver serving trays overflowed with flutes of obscenely expensive champagne"
Page 9: "Out here, sterling sliver serving trays . . . overflowed with seemingly endless rounds of seafood canapes"
Gotta love how the "sliver" is consistent but the hyphenation is not. Also, apparently trays overflow. That's just what they do. Every time.
But seriously, Cleo, put "sliver" on your list of Ctrl-F's to check before publication. I do it with "pubic" and "trail" when I write legal briefs, because hey, spellcheck doesn't know that I meant "public" and "trial," but I do. And, importantly, I WOULD BE EMBARRASSED if I accidentally argued that a trail for my client would be against pubic interest. YOU ALSO SHOULD BE EMBARRASSED to have sliver serving trays in your book -- twice!
Page 17: "I believe he's been shirking work every since!"
I shirk work every since I get, too.
Page 68: "Millions of dollars and thousands of employees livelihoods are at stake."
I know it's just a missing apostrophe, but still. There's also a reference to some "ex-Masaad" agents on the same page... I think she meant "ex-Mossad," since that's how it was spelled earlier in the book. Even spellcheck should have caught that one, no?
Page 140: "I invited David here tonight . . . to wheedle an invitation to sample his dessert parings for myself."
No, David does not serve apple peels and potato skins for dessert.
Page 241 (during the big "I would have gotten away with it too, if it weren't for you meddling kids!" speech): "Jim snorted. 'You give me undo credit, pal.'"
Gah. I actually snorted myself, in disbelief. Pal.
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LibraryThing member StarKnits
So I love all the coffee facts in this book but find myself annoyed with parts too.... sigh
LibraryThing member BookConcierge
Digital audio read by Rebecca Gibel.
Book four in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. Clare Cosi has accepted her millionaire friend David’s offer of an all-expenses-paid summer away from the city. At his Hamptons mansion, she’ll be able to relax while training the staff of his new restaurant. But
I really like this series. The principal characters are well developed, and I really like the relationship between Clare, her ex-husband and their daughter. Madame (Clare’s mother-in-law) is a hoot and really gets involved in this case. A little excursion outside Manhattan also allows Coyle to introduce a new potential love interest. I’d certainly like to see Jim back in the picture in future episodes. Now, please excuse me while I go get a mocha frappe!
Rebecca Gibel does a fine job narrating the audiobook. I love the way she voices Madame!
Book four in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. Clare Cosi has accepted her millionaire friend David’s offer of an all-expenses-paid summer away from the city. At his Hamptons mansion, she’ll be able to relax while training the staff of his new restaurant. But
Show More
their first event is marred when one of her employees turns up dead in David’s bathroom. Thanks to the Fourth of July fireworks, no one heard the gunshot, and the police are stuck in holiday traffic, so Clare begins to investigate. I really like this series. The principal characters are well developed, and I really like the relationship between Clare, her ex-husband and their daughter. Madame (Clare’s mother-in-law) is a hoot and really gets involved in this case. A little excursion outside Manhattan also allows Coyle to introduce a new potential love interest. I’d certainly like to see Jim back in the picture in future episodes. Now, please excuse me while I go get a mocha frappe!
Rebecca Gibel does a fine job narrating the audiobook. I love the way she voices Madame!
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LibraryThing member avanders
It's like... I don't always love it and find parts of it annoying, but she always ends so well!! And then I have to read the next one....
LibraryThing member PattyLee
Talk about frothy...sort of a cozy on caffeine. Lots of coffee info throughout. Coffee addicts will love it.
Pages
272