4.25

This was a ride! And I’m not talking about all the rushes in taxis to save various people’s lives and the Village Blend.

We start off with someone dead in the Village Blend only to then flash back a couple of weeks. Those tend to annoy me, but I persisted.

This installment is pretty elaborate and I won’t lie and say I was always sure I was prepared to pay the fare for this trip, but when I got into it, I was hopped up on the excitement like the Rwandan beans Matt just shipped home and Claire roasted in the basement.

A very old crime took place, though the information we get throughout the book doesn’t necessarily convince me that it happened anywhere near the café. The characters from back then who are alive are evasive and that does get annoying at times. There are a few frustrations and our gullibility is questioned on occasion. We all know happens when it is repeatedly announced that some important evidence is in their possession and is waved around willy-nilly. If you think it getting stolen is a spoiler and didn’t see it coming, I refer you back to book one, “On What Grounds”, since this is obvious your first mystery novel.

For you Claire and Mike fans, don’t expect much action on that front. Well, there’s a little action in front of the fire when Mike is not out of town but he is still just her status quo fiancée. One remark about getting married is rather inconsequential and their relationship status is never mentioned again.

Sub par coffee tycoon Cody “Drifter” Wood from the last book is part of the series, but mostly on the periphery. It’s kind of an interesting story but does interfere some and complicates the mystery, not always in the best way.

Overall, when the story really takes off, it’s a good result and a nice payoff for reading. I preferred it to some of the last few.

Thank you to Cleo Coyle, NetGalley, and Berkeley Publishing Group for providing me with a free advanced copy of this ebook for my unbiased review.

#NoRoastfortheWeary #NetGalley #coffee #mystery #greenwichvillage #cleocoyle

The Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle is one of my absolute favorite series, so every time there is a new book out,
I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
The latest book, No Roast for the Weary is book 21 in the series and it did not disappoint!
The story is filled with quirky characters, twists and turns, and even a little drama.
Cleo Coyle never fails to entertain! No Roast for the Weary was another fun, fast-paced mystery. Red herrings were artfully used to keep the reader guessing until the very end.
A fun cozy mystery that will keep you so entertained.

Thank You NetGalley and Berkley for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Claire's latest adventure was a more gentle ride than previous stories. The plot was excellent and the characters were spot-on as usual. The addition of visiting a writer's club from the Village Blend's past was a great move as readers tend to also be writers! However, this story was also lacking a bit of drama, as we usually see Claire herself in danger. This time her coffeehouse and baristas were under threats and this removed a bit of the thrilling suspense to which readers are accustom.

I would love to see more romance triangle between Matt/Claire/Mike again. It seems that situationship has stagnated and there isn't much there for readers to eagerly turn pages.

Finally, the mention of T***p Tower at one point took me completely out of the story and angered me. It's bad enough he's ruining the country, but bringing his name into one of my favorite series gave me the ick and I spent the rest of the book wondering why it was necessary. I would hope as authors they will simply lean into the creative empath of their profession and refuse to acknowledge the syphilis-brained rotten pumpkin again.

Overall, this is a good read for fans of the series.

No Roast for the Weary is book #21 in the Coffeehouse Mystery series by Cleo Coyle.

The series is still as fresh as when I read the first book years ago. Customer traffic hasn’t recovered from the pandemic and then with location filming blocking traffic, The Village Blend is in trouble. In order to increase business, the team brainstorms and decides to reopen the Writer’s Block Lounge. Of course, they didn’t anticipate what would happen as a result. This is another delightful entry in the series.

As the 21st book in the Coffeehouse Mysteries series, No Roast for the Weary brings readers back to the Village Blend. While Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini (the duo behind Cleo Coyle) do a solid job introducing new readers to the coffeehouse's history and its quirky found family, longtime fans might feel like they're treading familiar ground.

The story is set post-pandemic, with Clare struggling to keep the Village Blend afloat as customers stay home instead of enjoying their coffee in a third space. It’s a relatable setup for the times, but the plot stalls in its execution. There’s plenty of atmosphere—almost too much—as the pages are filled with descriptions and repetitive details that make it hard to stay engaged.

Early on, the story hints at an old unsolved murder, adds a dramatic mental break from one of the regulars, and throws in an alleyway attack for good measure. Clare, along with her flamboyant barista Esther, dives in headfirst—as always—to save the day, even rescuing a duck in the process. While these moments have their charm, they’re buried under slow pacing and excessive descriptions that drag the story down.

Thankfully, things pick up towards the end. The final chapters pull the threads together and offer a satisfying payoff that makes the effort feel worthwhile—though it’s hard to ignore how much of the book felt unnecessary. Recipes and tips in the last section are a fun bonus, but they don’t make up for the sluggish pace.

For devoted fans, No Roast for the Weary might test your patience. While the series still has its moments, the writing feels tired, and it’s hard not to wonder if the authors are as restless as the readers. If you’re new to the Coffeehouse Mysteries, On What Grounds, is a good place to start. But for longtime readers, this installment leaves you wondering if it’s time to find a new favorite series.

"When the Village Blend opens a Writer's Block Lounge, a cold case crime turns up the heat on Clare and her crew in this gripping new entry in the beloved Coffeehouse Mystery series from New York Times bestselling author Cleo Coyle.

As much as master roaster Clare Cosi adores coffee, the landmark shop she manages won't survive if she doesn't sell enough of it. So when the Village Blend's customer traffic grinds to a halt, she turns to her staff for creative ideas, and the Writer's Block Lounge is born.

Madame, the eccentric octogenarian owner of the shop, is upset by this news. Years ago, a group of accomplished writers used the shop's second-floor lounge to inspire each other, but the group disbanded when something dark occurred. Though that history is shrouded in mystery, Clare presses forward...

Soon the Village Blend tables are filled with aspiring novelists, playwrights, and poets, all happy to be coaxed, cajoled, and caffeinated by her coffeehouse crew. Clare admires the stamina of these scribes, many of them toiling at night jobs - driving taxis, tending bar, ushering for Broadway - while penning projects during the day.

Then one of their fictions turns fatal when a shocking secret leads to a deadly end. Unless Clare can untangle this mystery, uncover the truth, and stop a desperate killer, she fears more of these weary writers may be marked for eternal rest.

Includes a knockout menu of recipes!"

Oh, could a killer in the present be linked to a past darkness?

It's hard to believe this is #21 in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. I started reading them many years ago when the first title was published and I was a working librarian. I still remember recommending the series to library customers.
In the latest series entry Claire is dealing with multiple concerns - foot traffic has declined significantly in the Village Blend as an aftermath of the pandemic and the popularity of remote work. Her ex-husband Matt, who sources the coffee beans is considering a business move that she opposes. When Claire shares the bottom line with her faithful staff the group begins brainstorming idea to keep the historic shop afloat, they come up with the idea of opening a writer's workshop to draw new customers.
The workshop won't be the first in the shop's lifetime - Madame once provided space for authors and artists many year ago. To Claire's dismay she discovers that the earlier iteration ended in tragedy when one of the members was murdered. A connection is made between an old man who currently frequents the shop and has established a friendly rapport with Esther, the barista and the earlier group. Claire is determined to find out more about the unsolved murder and how it relates to Esther's octogenarian friend. Secrets are closely held but Claire doesn't let that stop her.
The series is as fresh and fun as it was years ago. The characters ae old friends and the mysteries are always interesting. I look forward to #22. Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC.

While this book could stand on its own, those who read the books in order will have a greater appreciation for the delightful characters, who, by this point, may feel like old friends. There are numerous red herrings to keep readers actively engaged. The short chapters create the perfect pace for the genre. Fans of cozy mysteries will want to add this to their TBR piles.

Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle. I was so excited for this latest book as I have read all of the other Coffeehouse Mysteries by Cleo Coyle and have loved them all. This latest installment did not disappoint! Full of intrigue, mystery, history as well as some laughs. And don’t forget the real coffee knowledge! I’ve learned most about what I know about my beloved beverage from these books. If you’ve never checked out the coffeehouse mystery series by Cleo Coyle you must give them a read. Clare & her baristas will not disappoint!

This book is well written with likeable characters. The story moves at a good pace until the end. For me, the book seemed to go on and on near the end. I like to always finish a book I start, but the ending made me want to put it down before the last page.

So often when a series hits 20+ books there is one that is just not quite as good as the others. That is NOT the case with The Coffeehouse Mysteries and definitely not with No Roast for the Weary! This book grabbed me from page one and just kept me turning the pages until I finished, then I went back for more. Clair and the crew at the Village Blend are struggling to stay afloat post-pandemic. A brainstorming session leads them to their past, when Madame was running the shop. Clair and her staff decide the Writers Lounge might be a great way to bring people back in. After a violent incident in the alley behind the Blend, Clair decides to check with Madame to find out more about what happened to the Writers Lounge in the past. She learns that after a fight between some of the writers and one of the members of the group was found dead, it was disbanded. Things get hot when one of the original members of the group, Mr. Scrib, starts coming in to share his poetry with barista/slam poet Esther, but by then the new Writer's Lounge is hopping and the Village Blend is busier than ever. After Mr. Scrib is seriously injured Clair and Esther get involved in trying to untangle his life and learn the rest of what happened in the past. And just because that isn't enough for Clair to worry about, her partner and ex-husband Matt is seen going to lunch with their business arch-rival.
I find myself wanting to tell the rest of the story, but I cannot come close to doing it justice. It is complex and intriguing, filled with red herrings and twists. I was totally surprised when I learned who the perpetrator was and even more surprised when I heard Mr. Scrib's whole story.
As always with this series, there are some tasty sounding recipes at the end as well as some great tips for your own creative life.
I am now excitedly waiting for book 22 in the series!
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. This review is completely my own thoughts and feelings about the book.

Cleo Coyle is back with another amazing installment in the series. With the last book, a lot has happened and Clare and the gang had a lot to deal with. But in an effort to brighten their spirits, a little writer’s heaven has been set up at the cafe.

Honestly, I loved this both as a reader and as a writer. This concept felt so fun and fresh, especially after all that has happened in the series. So it really was a joy to read this book.

As always, the mystery is done just right with the right amount of mystery and intrigue. As one of my favorite series, I always look forward to Coyle’ newest book because the concepts are always so different and fun.

As one of the best Cozy Mystery series out there, you really can’t go wrong with picking up this book.

One thing about a Clare Cosi book-it reads fast! And it keeps you glued to the pages until way past your bedtime. Clare and her baristas are facing losses due to people not commuting and stopping by anymore. The Village Blend reaches back in history for a possible solution only to find an old unsolved murder. Another terrific mystery!

In this well-written and fast-paced drama, this mystery comes alive when one of the Village Blend customers becomes entangled in a long-ago history that has present day consequences. There’s so much going on, from the slow customer flow to recreating the writer’s lounge to Mr. Scrib’s place and the surprise that was there to the author with a secret to the connections and finally to the murder, it was all so chaotic, and I loved it. The more I read, the more immersed I became in this action-packed tale and when it became apparent that someone was willing to harm people, Clare and her friends had to figure out who was doing what to whom and why, based on the clues that were presented. With a few misfires and some precarious situations, pieces began to fall into place, and it all came together when there was only person left standing -- the killer. There were also several laugh-out loud moments including scenes with Esther meeting Wacker and socializing at Addy’s house. Too funny.

Overall, this was one of the best books in this endearing series as well as a terrific read that showcased the local color of the village in this delightfully engaging whodunit.

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle is a fine addition to the many coffee house mysteries penned by Cleo Coyle, aka husband and wife team Marc and Alice. Having read all of these fabulous books not only for the creative mysteries and clever storylines, but also for the coffee talk which I adore, I can highly recommend this one to the new reader of this series or to the seasoned reader.

This story is fresh and new just like the way the coffee shop is trying to reinvent itself by bringing back a writer’s lounge as was done previously many years ago. Esther, one of the baristas and a larger than life character, and Mr. Scrib, a writer from the old days, start this book off with a dance off with poetry. No spoilers here! I encourage you to dive right in and discover the rest for yourself.!

Thank you to Penguin Random House, NetGalley and Alice and Marc (aka Cleo) for the opportunity to review this spectacular book.

Greenwich Village + a haunted writer's lounge + MURDER 🔪 = "No Roast for the Weary" by Cleo Coyle. Longtime fans of Clare Cosi will love this one! Coyle's writing truly transported me to Greenwich Village; I could practically smell the coffee brewing and hear the writers tapping away on their laptops. Clare is back, brewing up trouble ☕ and uncovering secrets in the Village, and this time she's joined by a fascinating cast of new characters - each with their own secrets and quirks! The mystery surrounding the writer's lounge kept me guessing until the very end, and the stakes are higher than ever for Clare in this thrilling new case! A captivating whodunit with plenty of twists and turns. Highly recommend it for fans of cozy mysteries, and the recipes in the back are amazing as usual – a must-have for any kitchen! 📖 #NoRoastForTheWeary #CleoCoyle #ClareCosi #CoffeehouseMystery #CozyMystery #NetGalley

Although I'm not much of a coffee drinker, I thoroughly enjoy this series. In fact, it was one of the ones that made a cozy mystery fan out of me. It's been way too long since I've dropped into the Village Blend but I immediately felt right at home. It was lots of fun to be there for the birth, or should I say rebirth, of The Writer's Block Lounge, too, despite its early hiccups. Boy, everyone should have a retired astronaut handy to share ideas on how to make large groups under intense pressure work best. I'd say he fully earned that Golden Ticket and Madame's attentions. It was an added plus to learn some of the back history of the coffeehouse, too, while getting a feel for life in New York City. Heck, we even get to ogle some well-known celebrities virtually although I'm not sure I'd be as disciplined as Claire and have not snapped a few photos.

New readers, don't hesitate to jump in here. While it was nice to know backstories of character relationship, it works very well as a standalone. You'll settle in quickly, enjoying characters such as the animal loving, slam-poet Esther, and the rest of those associated with the Village Blend. Claire Cosi remains the hard-working, focused, and, oh, so determined woman I remembered and, well, Madame will always be Madame to me, too. Mother of Claire's ex-husband and now friend, Matt, Madame remains a force to be reckoned with. Despite my annoyance with Matt this go-round, he remains ready to head off on his next coffee bean recon trip, trips that usually provide more than a little rush of danger. I actually wondered if, despite my annoyance with what he was contemplating, he might just be growing up a bit more and thinking of the future, at least the financial future for Claire and his mother. I'll be paying attention to that possibility next book, that's for sure.

As for the plot, it's complicated. On the surface it appears to be an investigation into who mugged a coffeehouse regular but, oh, my, there are more layers. Many more layers, in fact. Oh, and there's a duck involved. Nope. Not telling. You'll have to read the book. Lots of twists and turns, red herrings galore, missing manuscripts, coded manuscripts, hit-and-runs, and, oh, yeah, murder. And that's just the surface. I'd like to smugly say I figured it all out but who am I kidding? I didn't know for sure until the final big reveal and that wasn't even the end of the book. Lots more reveals, let's just say. Toss in celebrity sightings, taxi rides past well-known landmarks that included The Heights, publishing woes, writers woes and egos, lots of quotes and lyrics, friends and family, recipes, and, oh, so much more. Thanks #Berkley for my virtual invite to finally revisit the Village Blend and renew my acquaintance with Claire and the rest. I'm definitely looking forward to spending time in The Writer's Block Lounge next visit, especially now that they've figured out how to, make it work with such diverse, intensely creative customers.

This is very well written as usual and you don’t need to have read any of the other books in the series to understand the plot (I’ve only read a few). What I love the most about this series is the coffee knowledge and the food descriptions - there’s a surprise picnic in this that was completely mouth-watering - and I hate coffee yet I always relish the absolutely gorgeous beverage descriptions and all the information about the coffee industry and how coffee is produced.

The mystery - having to do with an eccentric customer and a writing group - wasn’t the best I thought, but the writing elevates this so much.

My endless thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for this ARC!

Business at the Village Blend is more stale than gas station coffee and if Clare doesn't get customers pouring back into the doors of the coffee shop they might lose their beans. When Clare's arch-nemesis Wood gives Matt an offer he can hardly refuse, Clare is faced with a dilemma. Sell out? Or fight her way back to the top?

I'm so invested in this series. Each of the characters is special to me for their own reasons and I love Clare most of all. But one character I can't stand is her fiancé, Mike. Mike is a turd. He comes over when he's hungry or horny and Clare satisfies his every need. What does Mike do for her? Yeah. What DOES Mike do for her? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. When Clare needs something, she turns to Matt or one of her baristas. Every once in a while Clare will call Mike, but he never even answers the phone. I get that he's a detective, he works odd hours and has to travel with little notice. That's fine. I accept that. But even the most committed detective does SOMETHING with their loved ones other than eat, screw, and sleep. As much as I love Clare, I think she needs therapy. She seems to have a pathological need to be romantically involved with men who are untouchable, unreliable, and uncommitted.

This book revolves around a beloved regular customer with a murky past, a revived writers group, and a 40+ year old cold case. As with previous books we get a lovely tour of the city and we get to meet some interesting individuals. We dive into the history of the Village Blend and the history of some people who have come a long way since the good old days. Everyone has secrets and some are willing to kill to keep them.

As with my other recent books in the series, this book is considerably longer than your average cozy but there's not a dull moment. The short chapters kept me reading well past bedtime as I thought to myself, just one more... just one more. Anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries or stories about coffee shops or all things New York City should definitely check this series out.

Thank you to Cleo Coyle, Berkley Prime Crime, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

I read the first three of the Cleo Coyle coffeehouse mystery books in this series when they were donated to the library where I worked. I had started an honor paperback collection which was (and still is) a huge success! I've been a huge fan of the coffeehouse mysteries ever since! After sharing them with my coworkers we were all ready to talk them up and share them with our customers. I ordered multiple hardcover copies for the library as well as each novel after that! Because I was on a reader's advisory committee for the library district, I was able to spread the word to all of the selectors. Each branch ordered this wonderful series. The power of the spoken word is amazing! Thank you to the authors, publisher, and the unknown reader that donated the first three books to my library! So many reader's lives have been touched. A huge thank you to Netgalley for the many kindle downloads!