Billionaire Blend (A Coffeehouse Mystery)
Like most amateur sleuths, coffee-shop owner Clare Cosi would seem hard pressed to keep finding murders to solve, but it’s a lot easier when car bombs go off in front of your store. This particular bomb was aimed at techno-wunderkind Eric Thorner, whose life is saved by quick-thinking Clare. Thorners’ driver, however, isn’t so lucky. Thorner thanks Clare for his life with a dream brewing machine and an opportunity to help create the world’s most expensive coffee. The project entails jetting about the world in search of the perfect bean, but, while Clare is impressed by life in the fast lane, all she really wants is to be with her cop-boyfriend, Mike. Meanwhile, she tries to determine who planted the bomb, and when further mayhem strikes, it’s clear that she’s getting closer. Imaginative recipes and fascinating coffee details surround the mystery with an appealing aroma. Foodie mystery fans will savor this one along with titles by Julie Hyzy and Laura Childs. --Amy Alessio