Title: Decaffeinated Corpse
Author: Cleo Coyle
First published July 1, 2007
262 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9780425216385 (ISBN10: 0425216381)
Rating: 3.93
Overview
As Victorian London’s East End is plagued by the appearance of corpses accompanied by notes from the infamous Mafia Black Hand, enquiry agent Cyrus Barker and his trusty assistant Thomas Llewelyn are called upon to investigate. As they delve deeper into the case, the two soon find themselves embroiled in the fierce vendettas of rival Italian syndicates.
With danger around every corner, it becomes increasingly difficult to differentiate friend from foe. Will Barker and Llewelyn be able to crack the case before it’s too late?
About the Author
If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries and delicious coffee, join Cleo’s Coffee Club for bonus recipes and giveaways by subscribing to Cleo’s free newsletter. Cleo Coyle is actually the pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi and her husband Marc Cerasini, who have sold over 1 million books and gained a loyal following.
Their “relentlessly entertaining” novels have received starred reviews and Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended as must-reads for any core library mystery collection.
When Alice and Marc aren’t enjoying coffee or rescuing cats, they are successful media tie-in writers who have worked with major companies like Lucasfilm, NBC, and Fox. In fact, one of their projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named the best media tie-in book of the year.
Cleo’s series is known for pioneering both the “coffee” and “urban cozy” genres, following the adventures of amateur sleuths and coffeehouse managers Clare Cosi and Penelope Thornton-McClure. These highly original and utterly charming blends of cozy and hardboiled genres have gained a devoted following.
If you’re looking for a new cozy mystery read, don’t miss Cleo Coyle’s latest releases, including the 19th book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, praised as “A honey of a tale.” And mark your calendars for November 2023, when Cleo’s 20th Coffeehouse title will be released. Also, be sure to check out the Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, including the 8th book, which has been called “A GEM OF A STORY.” And coming in May 2023 is the 9th Haunted Bookshop mystery, now available for pre-order.
Editoral Review
Decaffeinated Corpse by Cleo Coyle is a stylish and witty mystery novel that is sure to delight fans of the genre. Published on July 1, 2007, Coyle’s work features the charming coffeehouse owner Clare Cosi, who finds herself embroiled in a murder mystery when one of her employees is found dead outside her shop.
As Clare delves deeper into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies that threaten to tear apart her quaint community. Cleo Coyle is a pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team who have made a name for themselves in the mystery genre.
Their work is known for its intricate plots, well-developed characters, and clever dialogue. Decaffeinated Corpse is no exception, and readers will find themselves drawn into the story from the very first page.
The setting of the novel is another strong point, with Coyle creating a vivid and charming world in the heart of New York City. The coffeehouse that serves as the main location for the novel is described in loving detail, with the sights and sounds of the bustling city adding to the atmosphere.
Coyle’s writing is rich and evocative, and she does an excellent job of transporting the reader into the world that she has created. The themes of the novel are also worth mentioning, as Coyle explores issues of trust, loyalty, and betrayal.
The novel offers an insightful look into the inner workings of tight-knit communities, and the struggles that they face when secrets are revealed. The character development in Decaffeinated Corpse is top-notch, with each character feeling fully fleshed out and believable.
Clare Cosi, in particular, is a standout character, with her quick wit and sharp tongue making her a delight to read. Coyle also does an excellent job of creating a varied cast of secondary characters, each with their own distinct personalities and quirks.
The pacing of the novel is well-done, with Coyle keeping the story moving along at a brisk pace. The plot is intricate and engaging, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
However, there are times where the narrative feels overly complicated, with too many subplots and red herrings muddying the waters. There is also some criticism to be leveled at the writing itself, which can occasionally feel clunky and awkward.
Coyle’s prose is generally strong, but there are moments where her dialogue feels forced or stilted. Overall, Decaffeinated Corpse is a well-written and engaging mystery novel that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre.
While it is not without its flaws, Coyle’s work is a shining example of what makes the mystery genre so beloved. It is highly recommended for anyone looking for a charming and witty read.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
