This and That with Karen : Honey Roast by Cleo Coyle

Jan 9, 2022

Honey Roast by Cleo Coyle

Hello my cozy friends,

Today I am reviewing “Honey Roast” by Cleo Coyle the 19th instalment in the "A Coffeehouse Mystery" series. I have only read a few in the series and not in order, so can be read as a stand alone. But with that said I really wish I had read in order from the beginning cause they are so good..

Clare Cosi is busy as a bee planning her honeymoon when murder buzzes into the Village Blend in this all-new mystery in the beloved New York Times bestselling Coffeehouse series by Cleo Coyle.

While struggling to find a romantic (and affordable) destination for her upcoming honeymoon, coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi whips up a honey of a drink made from honey-processed coffee. Clare plans to serve her outstanding new Honey-Cinnamon Latte at her spring wedding to her longtime honey, NYPD detective Mike Quinn. The culinary world is also abuzz about the amazing honey that Clare was lucky enough to source for her shop's new latte. Produced by Madame's old friend "Queen" Bea Hastings, the rare, prize-winning nectar from Bea's rooftop hives commands a premium price, and top chefs compete for a chance to use it in their signature seasonal dishes.

One night, a swarm of escaped bees blanket the Village Blend's chimney, and Clare discovers Bea's unconscious body after she seemingly fell from her high-rise rooftop-hive setup. The police want to rule it as a tragic accident or possible attempted suicide, but Clare does not believe either theory. Like Madame, she knows this Queen would never abandon her hive. To sort out this mystery, Clare investigates a world of cutthroat chefs, culinary start-ups, and competitive urban beekeepers. But can she uncover the truth without getting stung?

I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises, I did not suspect the killer at all.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I loved the friendship between Clare and her ex-Matt as well as her mentor Madame. The inclusion of the bees and how they are kept in New York and the Bee Squad was really interesting to.

We can’t forget all the mouth watering food and drinks throughout the book which we are lucky to have the recipes for in the back of the book.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.