Tea, Tiramisu, and Tough Guys: A Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Book 2

33940022 Penny Marks's review Sep 18, 15 · edit 5 of 5 stars Read in September, 2015 This is the first book in the Cape Bay Cafe Mysteries that I have read. I will definitely be reading book one because I loved this book two. The flow of this book was spot on with a very easy to follow plot and character development. The main character, Libby is a very strong independent woman. She owns the Antonia's Italian Cafe which she inherited from her mother who passed away.. She has grown up in this cafe and learning to make coffee since she could stand. Tea, not one of Libb's strong areas comes into play when an older English couple comes into her coffee shop and really wants a cup of tea. She brings them tea much to their dismay. It is awful compared to their English tastes and can't hide how they feel. Libby becomes obsessed with making it as good as the English. This is really a fun part of the story when she begins to get advice from the old couple on how to make it properly. She also gets a lot of help from the internet and orders every tea known to mankind. Everything in Libby's life is going ok, she is falling for her best friend Matt, her business is busy and she has great employees. What more could she need? Then walks in Mrs. D'Angelo with news of a murder. And it just so happens that it occurred in the parking lot of an old high school classmates business. So now there have been two murders in the past few months. Libby is so concerned because things like this just don't happen in Cape Bay! It is the kind of place where you don't lock your doors and now murder?? The number one suspect is a person every girl including Libby had a crush on in high school, Todd Caruthers. Libby decides she is going to help get to the bottom of this murder. But will she find the murderer before he or she finds her? What will happen to Cape Bay now that two murders have occurred in their sleepy town? The cast of characters in this book for great to get to know. I loved this book. The author has you from the first chapter through to the very end sitting on the edge of your seat. If you love Cozies with a great dog, mystery, suspense, and a little romance you will not want to miss this second book in the Cape Bay Mysteries. I received this book as an ARC as a member of a review crew. Thank you for letting me read your wonderful work Ms. Lin.

Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys by Harper Lin is a fun cozy mystery to read. It is the second book in the Cape Bay Care Mysteries. Francesca “Fran” Amaro owns Antonia’s Italian Café. She serves all types of coffees and some sweet treats. Thanks to a British customer, Fran is exploring adding tea drinks to the menu. Fran and Matt Cardosi have been spending more time together since Fran solved the murder of Matt’s father. Matt and Fran grew up together and are now neighbors. They are also exploring have a closer relationship (as a couple). Things are going along smoothly when the local gossip tells them that Joe Davis has been stabbed to death in the parking lot of Todd’s Gym. Joe is a few years younger than Fran, but her second in command, Sammy grew up with Joe. Turns out that the owner of Todd’s Gym was the guy Fran had a crush on in high school. His name is Todd Caruthers (typical sports jock). Fran decides to investigate the murder (she cannot help herself) despite warnings from Mike, the local police detective. Todd turns out to be the main suspect, but Fran is sure he is innocent (based on two conversations). Matt tries to show Fran that Todd could be guilty based on the facts. This case puts Matt and Fran at odds with each other (I think Matt is jealous of Todd). Who really killed Joe Davis? Can Fran solve the case? What will happen to the budding relationship between Matt and Fran? You will have to read Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys to find out! I found this to be an enjoyable novel to read. It provided many laughs for me. I give Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys 4.25 out of 5 stars. My one problem is the person who committed the crime was not introduced until late in the book (and then it is obvious he committed the crime). My favorite part of a cozy mystery is solving the murder and I did not get the opportunity with this book. This book can easily be read without reading the first book in the series (I did). I received a complimentary copy of Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys from the author in exchange for an honest review. The review and opinions expressed are my own.

The second offering in the Cape Bay Mysteries series continues the story of Francesca, Matteo, and Antonia's Italian Café. There is now a second murder and a reunion with Francesca's high school crush, Todd Caruthers. I enjoyed this story. Matty seems to be jealous of Todd but we are not told why. Seems he likes Franny more than he says or acts upon. As sure as Franny is that Todd is innocent, Matty is not so sure. Can it be the insecurities and jealousies of high school are rearing their ugly heads? I had fun watching Matty counter every argument Franny comes up with on Todd's innocence. Franny is also playing with adding tea to the menu. I liked her experimentation and methodical eye to detail where on coffee, tea, or murder. I like how she is right in the middle of it all. This time though she manages not to anger Mike. The mystery was good. I was totally wrong about who the murderer was until Franny figured it out and explained it to Matty. I'll never be a detective. I look forward to more lattes, caffes, and teas as this series continues.