Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle

Bulletproof Barista
by Cleo Coyle

ISBN-13: 9780593197592
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: November 14, 2023

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Only Murders in Gotham, the smash-hit streaming program, is famous for filming in authentic New York locations and using real New Yorkers as extras. For its second season, they’ve chosen to spotlight the century-old Village Blend and its quirky crew of baristas. Shop manager and master roaster Clare Cosi is beyond thrilled, especially when her superb bulletproof coffee lands her a craft services contract for the production.

Madame, the eccentric octogenarian owner of the landmark shop, reveals an old kinship with the star of the show, comedian Jerry Sullivan. Now a Hollywood legend, Jerry frequented the Blend during his early years performing in Greenwich Village comedy clubs. But the past may hold more than nostalgia for Jerry. Suspicious accidents begin plaguing his shoot. Then a real bullet is fired from a stage gun, and Clare becomes convinced something sinister is afoot. While Jerry’s production moves to exciting new locations, Clare keeps the coffee flowing—and her investigation going—even as a murderer lurks in the wings.


My Review:
Bulletproof Barista is a cozy mystery. This novel is the 20th in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous books.

Clare was the one primarily investigating the accidents since she had access to the set and the people as her company was providing the beverages and snacks. She asked good questions, and she's good at noticing things and considering possibilities. Whodunit was guessable, but the needed clues didn't come until nearly the end. Clare even managed to get full proof through her cleverness. Suspense was created from the danger to those on the set, as anyone could be a target.

There was a minor amount of bad language. There were no graphic sex scenes; any sex was fade-to-black style after they started to kiss. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.