by Cleo Coyle
First published 2023
Clare Cosi manages the Village Blend coffeehouse in Greenwich Village, where her bulletproof coffee has earned her a catering contract with a hit streaming show. Only Murders in Gotham films its second season at the century-old shop, starring comedian Jerry Sullivan, who once performed at local comedy clubs. The eccentric shop owner Madame remembers Jerry from his early days. Clare feels thrilled about the production until strange accidents start happening on set. When someone fires a real bullet from what should be a prop gun, Clare realizes a killer walks among the cast and crew. She follows the production to different New York locations, serving coffee while secretly investigating. Jerry's past may hold the key to understanding why someone wants him dead. Clare must identify the murderer before they strike again, but the closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she faces.
Genres: mystery, crime, contemporary, adult-fiction, thriller
Vibes: atmospheric, clever, engaging, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, cozy-mystery, fish-out-of-water, hidden-killer
Setting: Village Blend, Greenwich Village, New York
Period: 21st-century, contemporary
352 pages · Hardcover · Berkley
Content warnings: murder, violence