There’s something about cozy mysteries involving old movies. I was a fan of Jeffrey Cohen’s Double-Feature mysteries. I really enjoyed Margaret Dumas’ humorous cozy with paranormal elements, Murder at the Palace. Now, we can add Vickie Fee’s Cafe Cinema mysteries to that list with My Fair Latte.
Halley Greer is a broke, unemployed barista when she learns she inherited an Art Deco movie theater from her Great-Uncle Leon. She hadn’t even seen him since she was eight, due to some sort of family argument. But, she’s eager to see her property in Utopia Springs, Arkansas. The Star Movie Palace even comes with an apartment upstairs. It also needs some renovation, but Uncle Leon took care of that, too. He left a small trust fund to maintain the theater, and a small board of advisors to help. That small board turns out to be just the friends Halley needs, surrogate grandparents to hug, cook, and advise her. Along with George and Trudy, there’s a group of other welcoming shop owners. And, when Halley’s restored theater is vandalized just before opening day, they step in to help her a second time.
Kendra Williams, owner of the escape rooms across the street, suggests a musical for the grand reopening. George finds a projectionist, and Halley opens a coffee and wine bar as part of the concession stand. Opening night is grand with “My Fair Lady”, until intermission when George whispers he found a dead man at the back of the theater. Halley knows so few people in town, she doesn’t think she’s involved. However, when she sees the victim’s picture in the local newspaper, she reports to the police that she saw him staring in the windows at her the day the theater was vandalized. Now, she’s the number one suspect.
But, Halley’s new friends rally around her. George, Trudy, and Kendra team up with Halley to ask questions in town. They unearth stories of blackmail, arguments, unpaid rent, and tales of Jesse James’ treasures that might be in caverns in the area. The victim may have a few more enemies than the police suspect.
My Fair Latte is an enjoyable mystery, a charming start to a new series. The best part of the book, though, isn’t the Art Deco theater or the classic films. It’s the appealing amateur sleuth and the supportive community of friends. Here’s hoping the Cafe Cinema Mystery series has a long, successful run.
Vickie Fee’s website is www.vickiefee.com
My Fair Latte by Vickie Fee. Henery Press, 2020. ISBN 9781635115796 (paperback), 252p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.
