LibriAmoriMiei: Review & Giveaway: Death Before Decaf by Caroline Fardig

domenica 22 novembre 2015

Review & Giveaway: Death Before Decaf by Caroline Fardig

Death Before Decaf
by Caroline Fardig

Death Before Decaf:
A Java Jive Mystery
Publisher: Alibi (November 17, 2015)
Random House LLC
ASIN: B00VOYNDKK

Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Diane Mott Davidson, Caroline Fardig’s captivating new mystery novel takes readers behind the counter of a seemingly run-of-the-mill coffeehouse . . . where murder is brewing.

After her music career crashes and burns spectacularly, Juliet Langley is forced to turn to the only other business she knows: food service. Unfortunately, bad luck strikes yet again when her two-timing fiancé robs her blind and runs off with her best waitress. Flushing what’s left of her beloved café down the toilet with her failed engagement, Juliet packs up and moves back to her college stomping grounds in Nashville to manage an old friend’s coffeehouse. At first glance, it seems as though nothing’s changed at Java Jive. What could possibly go wrong? Only that the place is hemorrhaging money, the staff is in open revolt, and Juliet finds one unlucky employee dead in the dumpster out back before her first day is even over.

The corpse just so happens to belong to the cook who’d locked horns with Juliet over the finer points of the health code. Unimpressed with her management style, the other disgruntled employees are only too eager to spill the beans about her fiery temper to the detective on the case. Add to the mix a hunky stranger who’s asking way too many questions, and suddenly Juliet finds herself in some very hot water. If she can’t simmer down and sleuth her way to the real killer, she’s going to get burned.

My Review

I loved this book and can not wait to read the next one.
Juliet Langley has hit rock bottom: after having had to abandon her music career for a strong stage fright, she has tried to run a restaurant but her boyfriend fled with all her money and her best waitress. Now she has to manage a cafe frequented mostly by students, she hates college kids. Fortunately adores her boss, her best friend Pete. Only she is able to return again great the Java Jive, the coffee of Pete's father. During her first day of work, a client is likely to die for an anaphylactic shock: it was put a piece of onion in his sandwich and he is highly allergic. Juliet scolds staff,especially Dave but a few hours later finds him died in a dumpster. She is the main suspect. Afraid to go to jail, she begins to investigate on her own ending in a lot of troubles.
The characters are likeable and very realistic. Gertie, the grandmother, is too funny and Pete is a great guy, good, sweet, very friendly. Juliet is nice, strong and determined, when provoked can become even diabolical. But sometimes she is very insecure. She loves music but no longer able to get on a stage. I love her relationship with Pete, a great friendship that perhaps hides feelings stronger.
It 's a compelling novel, with an intriguing plot, a good mystery to be solved, several twists but there are also moments sweet and romantic.
I love the style of this author, is funny, ironic, full of humor and very addictive Excellent choice to write the story in the first person: is just Juliet to tell us her unpredictable adventures.
I recommend it to those who love the genre cozy mystery.

More About This Author

Caroline Fardig is the author of Death Before Decaf and the Lizzie Hart series. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.

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