“Have You Heard?” is a column featured only on Lesa’s Book Critiques. It features many reviews of audiobooks (fiction, with a concentration in mysteries) but these reviews will include recent and past books for an interesting mixture of titles. Content is usually written by Sandie Herron. It also covers news of note and not generally available, such as ASAP publishing a limited edition for a certain author or perhaps something important out of Publisher’s Weekly. The column is published sporadically, so you’ll want to watch for it!
Latte Trouble
Coffee House Mystery #3
Written by Cleo Coyle, Narrated by Rebecca Gibel
Unabridged Audiobook, Listening Length: 8 hours and 7 minutes
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Audible.com Release Date: November 9, 2011
ASIN: B00654G23Y
The third coffee house mystery was an intriguing trip through the various facets of the fall Fashion Week in Manhattan. One of the most famous and accomplished designers literally designed her new line of jewelry based on the coffee bean while visiting the Village Blend coffee house. Lotte Harmon insisted on opening the show at the Village Blend.
The show’s debut was a huge success with patrons squeezing into every available nook. Customers out numbered staff, so a special drink was prepared with soy and destined for Lotte Harmon. It was a disaster when another thirsty customer swiped her drink from the serving tray. He took a large swig and began to turn pink, convulse, and died in rapid succession. The victim’s mate also had a sip, but CPR was begun and an ambulance called, so he never got completely oxygen deprived.
Was this a deliberate poisoning? Who was the intended victim? Lotte or the man who died? And who added the poison to the drink? Cops circled the scene and focused on Tucker, the barista who made the drink and attempted to serve it to Miss Harmon. Clare Cosi, manager of the blend doubted Tucker was guilty but had no alibi to prove his innocence. Tucker was sent to Ryker’s Island prison for safekeeping.
Clare quickly began her own investigation. She went with a disguise and the owner of The Blend to a formal reception on a business rival’s yacht all a twitter about Lotte’s return to build her line again. Clare’s ex-husband Matte ended up in a fight on the yacht, pointing out another suspect.
Clare kept believing in Tucker and continued building her case. Answers were unexpected and the ties between them also surprising. The suspects had been alluded to early in the story yet it was done so casually and slipped in so well that I easily forgot the solution right in front of me! A very enjoyable and recommended read.
Reviewed by Sandie Herron
I am so fond of this series!
Have you read the latest one, Nan? I have it, but I've been working on a project. I'm looking forward to the time to read it.