Bulletproof Barista by Cleo Coyle

Available: November 14, 2023

Rating: 4 espressos

The Village Blend has become the set for a hit streaming show, Only Murders in Gotham. Clare's employees are all getting the opportunity to perform. When a scene goes wrong and Tucker is shot with a real bullet, Clare knows that all these "accidents" that have been happening on set during the filming of the second season are not really accidents at all. Who wants to sabotage the show? And why?

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series, despite some things that drive me up the wall. The coffeeshop is cozy and filled with eclectic characters that feel so authentic to New York City. The different adventures Clare has had throughout the series have introduced the readers to so many different locations and social circles and festivities around the city, it's been like a mini behind-the-scenes tour. In this book we get a glimpse of a film set and how people respond to filming in an area that's generally crawling with people. It was a nice unique twist on the same familiar setting. I think this series is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, particularly for those who enjoy a city setting and/or like coffee.

[Stepping up on soapbox.]

Here's what drives me bonkers about this series, perhaps even more so in this book than in previous books. Clare has an ex-husband named Matteo, or Matt. She has a fiancé named Mike. Every time she sees Mike (once or twice per book) she gets all hot and bothered, she cooks for him or brings him something to eat and they have some sort of physical interaction (spanning from making out to.... well, you know.) As soon as his hungers have been satisfied, Mike's gone. Matt is always there for Clare, listening to her problems, giving her advice, watching her back, backing her up, rescuing her (or someone else). He's her rock.

See my problem? Mike is just using Clare for a warm bed and a hot meal (innuendos intended). They do NOT have a real relationship, they hardly know each other. Mike doesn't give two hoots for Clare. If she stopped feeding him or having sex with him, she would never see him again. And Clare doesn't give two hoots for Mike. She lusts after him and respects his dedication to his chosen profession. That's it. She's throwing herself at him because she likes the way he looks and he's catching because, well, a man has to eat. The situation makes Clare look so pathetic it's almost unbearably sad.

In previous books, when Clare needed someone, she immediately called Matt. She didn't even consider calling Mike. Why bother? He doesn't have time for her. In this book she actually did try to call Mike. Guess what? He didn't respond. But Matt did. In this book there was some bickering between Clare and Matt, which felt completely manufactured. There seemed to be some attempt at bringing Mike into the story more, which failed miserably because he is who he is. I feel like the authors have heard from people who share my opinion about this and they're trying to turn the boat around. It didn't work. The character development has been so strong in this series, any attempt to bring Mike in and muscle Matt out is going to feel false.

I can't stress enough how strongly I dislike Mike Quinn's character and how much I wish Clare and Matt would get back together. Yes, in the bad old days Matt was not a good guy and he hurt Clare in a lot of ways. But he's not the same person he was. He's proven that time and again. Yes, he's dating around again after his second divorce, but to me that feels like he is still in love with Clare and he's trying to fill the void. He's been everything a good partner should be for Clare, even supporting her while she fawns over another man who is using her and neglecting her and making a fool out of her.

[Stepping off of soapbox.]

If you haven't tried this series yet, it's definitely worth a read!

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.