Cold Brew Corpse
A Coffee Lover’s Mystery #2
By Tara Lush
ISBN: 9781643857893
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
It’s a steamy September, and business is brisk at Perkatory, the hottest coffee shop in Devil’s Beach, FL. Much of the clientele pours in from Dante’s Inferno, the hot yoga studio next door. But the bright, sunny Gulf Coast days turn decidedly dark-roast when the body of the studio’s owner turns up in a nearby swamp.
Between running Perkatory and training Stanley, her golden Shih Tzu puppy, reporter-turned-barista Lana Lewis is too busy to go sleuthing. But when the editor of the local paper asks her to write about the murder, Lana’s dreams of getting back into journalism start to percolate.
Lana discovers that the yogi has a nefarious past and her share of mug shots, so grinding her way through the suspect list is a large task. She learns that the victim was fatally beaned by an SUV before she was dumped in the swamp. But was the killer one of her students? An envious yoga teacher? Or a local photographer who seems to know too much?
But no one tells Lana Lewis what to do. Hunting the caf-fiend who killed the yogi puts Lana and Chief Noah’s relationship–and Lana’s life–in very hot coffee. (Goodreads)
Review:
The second title in the series, Cold Brew Corpse, by Tara Lush has been a delight to read (just like book #1 – Grounds for Murder – I might add). Engaging, entertaining and kept me guessing throughout.
As Lana settles into life running Perkatory (the family coffee house business) and training her new puppy (Stanley), a cutie of a golden Shih Tzu puppy, after leaving her journalist job in Miami, she is hit with an opportunity from the local newspaper. Write a story about the missing yoga studio owner, whom was Lana’s next door work neighbour…and when she is found dead – that just adds to the story that needs to be told. This may pique Lana’s interest in potentially returning to Journalism – time will tell.
Lana’s inner amateur sleuth (though is a journalist at heart really an amateur sleuth) will be working overtime to find out who and why Raina Rose was killed. Turns out Raina is not the nicest person and thus there are a number of enemies (both past and present) for Lana to sift through in her quest for the truth about Raina’s demise. Many red herrings to keep the reader entertained, if not a wee bit annoyed!
There is a secondary mystery, which really, really needs to be solved. Why is the cold brew beverage from Perkatory tasting off? As expected, that mystery is also solved, but the road to pleasant tasting cold coffee is not as easily achieved as one would think. But thankfully, it is achieved 🙂
Had the biggest chuckle over the discussion between Erica (an employee at Perkatory) and Lana – dissing yoga:
“Is she for real? What the heck is a yogaventurer?”
I stifled a laugh. “I think that’s yoga-speak for ‘I’m bendy and look hot in yoga pants while I travel the world.’ Oh wow, are we mean? We’re disparaging a missing woman.”
“no.” Erika sucked down the last of her coffee. “Not mean. We’re allergic to bovine fecal material.”
I am enjoying the slow progression of a potential love relationship between Lana and the local police chief Noah Garcia. Can’t wait (okay – I can…but with much anticipation) to see if it leads anywhere. And another character which I felt added much to the story was Lana’s father – a quirky, but loveable individual. Their interactions provided some much needed comic relief. And he was always available for Perkatory when Lana needed his help.
Lest we forget, Stanley was adorable! Though training this little rascal was not without its ups and downs.
If I must complain about anything, it is that I find the cover art rather boring. Luckily, that is the most that I can complain about.
The story is engaging and kept my interest throughout. So if you are looking for a cozy with characters with sass and gumption, then I suggest picking up Cold Brew Corpse by Tara Lush and get reading!
