When
his father dies, Pete is left trying to manage Java Jive and hold
down his regular job. Recruiting his ex-girlfriend, Juliette, as the
new manager seems like a perfect solution. Juliette had her own café
before her fiancé ran
off with her cash and forced her to close.
Juliette
is experienced, but she's not totally ready for the fact that some of
the staff, particularly the cook, just don't want her there. She's
planning to get around the staff problem when the cook turns up dead,
and she's afraid that she's the primary suspect.
The
plot is amusing and fast paced. It's fairly easy to figure out what's
happening, but there are twists that keep it amusing. The setting in
a coffeehouse is realistic and makes a good background for the
unusual characters that populate the novel.
Although
the antics are amusing, I found Juliette too adventurous and naïve.
She jumps to the conclusion that she must be the principal suspect
and drags Pete along to help her solve the mystery before the police
do. I did love Gertie, Pete's grandmother. She is a completely
delightful character who makes you glad you're reading the book.
The
book is a fast amusing read with a mystery that takes some thought to
unravel. If you enjoy the Evanovich books, you'll enjoy this novel.
I
received the book from Alibi for a review.
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