Fresh Fiction Blog | Cleo Coyle | Fresh Brewed Murder

How do you keep things fresh? An important question for any author writing a long-running series.

A BREW TO A KILL is our 11th Coffeehouse Mystery, and Holiday Buzz, releasing in December, will make it an even dozen. Fresh inspiration is the key to keeping stories crackling, and my husband and I continually go to a well that never runs dry—the city where we live.

New York is also where the Coffeehouse Mysteries are set, in a quaint, landmark coffee shop that's been a part of the colorful fabric of picturesque Greenwich Village for over a century.

Our amateur sleuth, Clare Cosi, manages the place. She's a single mom, in her forties, and though her daughter is grown, she often acts as a surrogate mom to the oddball collection of young baristas in her employ.

For any author of crime fiction, New York is definitely a city that keeps on giving. Having lived here for three decades, I can tell you that it's filled with quirky people as well as criminal minds. What Marc and I see and hear on the streets of our neighborhood often inspires the twists and turns in the Coffeehouse plotlines.

The people of our city are also inspiring—from our local firefighters, who served up a powerful plot idea in ROAST MORTEM to Manhattan's culinary professionals who provided background for the gourmet restaurant scenes of FRENCH PRESSED.

The men and women of the NYPD are probably the most inspiring to us of all, which is why I'm giving away an NYPD coffee mug today, along with a beautiful, signed hardcover copy of my new Coffeehouse Mystery.

New York cops are tough guys (and gals) with larger-than-life personalities and dry, often dark senses of humor. They've seen it all and heard it all, dealing with traumas and terrors that few citizens ever experience, which is why these dedicated men and women have become models for some of the most beloved characters in our books (or so our readers tell us).

In A BREW TO A KILL, you'll meet a brand new cop, a detective from the New York City Police Department Highway Patrol division named "Mad Max" Buckman. Max works for AIS, the Accident Investigation Squad, and he becomes the biggest annoyance and the greatest ally of our amateur sleuth as she works to solve the crime of a brutal hit-and-run that takes place just outside her coffeehouse.

Publishing today, along with A BREW TO A KILL, is the brand new paperback edition of our bestselling hardcover from last year, MURDER BY MOCHA. And if you'd like to know what inspired that book, it was a trip to Brooklyn where a local chocolatier makes bean-to-bar chocolates. Observations at the shop led us to the idea of "Mocha Magic," a coffee drink that carries a little extra zip in the form of an aphrodisiac—which leads to some sexy situations as well as murder.

MURDER BY MOCHA made four year-end best mystery lists last year, and if you've been waiting for the paperback release, we hope you'll enjoy the ride—and the chocolate recipes!

Of course, our unofficial motto is "Leave the gun, take the cannoli," which means our mayhem is never complete without unmasking the bad guy and unveiling a fantastic menu. There are over 20 delicious recipes awaiting you in A BREW TO A KILL. For a sneak peek at some of them, click here.

FREE RECIPE - You can download a free, illustrated PDF of one of my recipes right now by clicking here. My (lowfat) Strawberry Shortcake Muffins are just perfect for a summer breakfast treat or coffee break snack. May you eat them with joy!

Win free coffee!

To get more of Cleo's recipes; sign up for her newsletter; enter to win free coffee from her; or learn about her books, visit her official website She runs it as an online coffeehouse.

Contest watch

Be sure to sign up for Cleo's $75 Gift Card Giveaway! Check it out on the upcoming Dog Days of Summer Fresh Fiction contest page.

Watch the Coffeehouse Mystery Trailer here

Praise for A BREW TO A KILL

4-1/2 Stars "Completely entertaining!" —Romantic Times

"A foodie's delight...and satisfyingly rich mystery." —Kirkus Reviews

"Fans of the Coffee House series will savor another serving of Clare's pluck..." —Booklist

"Coyle lavishly details an ethnically diverse New York in her lively 11th mystery." —Publishers Weekly

Comments

Happy Release Day. Looking forward to reading "A Brew to a Kill."
(Jane Cheung 3:23am August 7, 2012)

Congrats on the new release! I have enjoyed your books and love browsing the recipes.
(G. Bisbjerg 3:33am August 7, 2012)

Congrats on the new release, and I simply can't wait to read this book. I thoroughly enjoyed your other books.
Paula Guthertz
(Paula Guthertz 6:08am August 7, 2012)

My favorite combination...coffee and books!!!!
(Renee Pajda 6:27am August 7, 2012)

I would love to read the book. The recipe looks really good, I can't wait to try it.
(Debbie Penny 7:03am August 7, 2012)

That's interesting about Murder by Mocha - really good book by the way. I enjoyed it! Looking forward to the latest.
(Karen Gervasi 8:17am August 7, 2012)

Congratulations on your new book. Hope you have great sales. Thank you for a chance to win your book.
(Kathleen Bianchi 8:31am August 7, 2012)

Can't wait to read this latest release. Your stories are so entertaining. And the recipes are such an added "treat". Thanks for the hours of enjoyment.
(Stephanie Strausberger 8:32am August 7, 2012)

I just printed off your recipe for Strawberry Shortcake Muffins and can't wait to make them. I can't wait to read you newest book either :).
(Robin McKay 8:53am August 7, 2012)

I love your books...thanks so much for a chance to win this one!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 8:53am August 7, 2012)

thanks for the awesome offer to win. love your stuff!
(Nan Millen 9:23am August 7, 2012)

Looking forward to following Clare as she solves another mystery---and trying some of your recipes, too.
(Sue Farrell 9:31am August 7, 2012)

Congrats on the book. Can't wait to get my hands on it!
(Judith Juhl 9:32am August 7, 2012)

Thank you for another release. Can't wait to get my hands on it. Love this series! And your recipes!
(Beverly Beltz 9:38am August 7, 2012)

Super excited to get back to the Blend and all it's inhabitants!
(Shannon Eckley 9:44am August 7, 2012)

I'll definitely give those Strawberry Shortcake Muffins a try!
(Michelle Donaldson 9:47am August 7, 2012)

I love all your books - and would LOVE to win a copy of your newest. Best of luck with this one - and all that you do. Thanks for them all.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:49am August 7, 2012)

I am so looking forward to reading this book. I love coffee (LOL) and nothing goes better with coffee than a good mystery with a handsome detective to boot!! Thanks so much for all your good books!
(Teresa Sullivan 10:42am August 7, 2012)

I will try the recipe looks great! Congrats on the book! I
would love to win a copy :)
(Brandy Bosquez 10:46am August 7, 2012)

I love your trailer-that's great idea. Sounds interesting.
(Kathleen Conner 10:56am August 7, 2012)

Looks great!! Happy release day and best of luck!!
(Monica Tillery 10:58am August 7, 2012)

It sounds like it was worth the wait, but honestly, we all knew it would be!
(Claudia Muncy 11:20am August 7, 2012)

I was just introduced to your books this summer and I have read through the first 8 already. Honestly...I cant put them down. Thank you so much for writing these amazing and unique books. I Love the added coffee knowledge I am developing thanks to you!!! Keep writing!!!
(Jill Mason 11:27am August 7, 2012)

fisr i seen you book over the net and congrats on them and then i hope you have more to come i like the coffee up and would go good with my 9 11 bear i have ilove to read and blog on books
(Desiree Reilly 11:31am August 7, 2012)

Love your blog, and all the great recipes that you post. Fun
giveaway.
(Gayle Cochrane 11:36am August 7, 2012)

Your recipes have helped me put together quite a few meals. Thanks for that and the characters that are fun to follow.
(Leni Kaye 11:36am August 7, 2012)

This looks like a great read. I would love to win your book!
(Lori Yost 11:43am August 7, 2012)

Congrats on #11 (my favorite number) Cleo! I can not wait to read this newest book! Not to mention drinking coffee from the great mug! THANKS!
(Christine Arcidiacono 11:47am August 7, 2012)

I suppose that, having well established the "country" of your books in the coffee shop, immigrants and visitors from the provinces are important for just-roasted freshness....
(Mary Ann Dimand 12:02pm August 7, 2012)

Congrats and Best wishes on your new release! I am a new fan, and I love your writing style. Your characters are very 'real' and I feel like I am right there at the Blend.
(Margie Cioci 12:13pm August 7, 2012)

The Strawberry Shortcake Muffins look delicious!
(Diana Leigh 1:55pm August 7, 2012)

Is Max going to be a new love interest (wanted or unwanted) for Clare or her daughter? I really enjoy the series and have learned a lot about coffee, but not enough to actually drink it or enjoy it personally.
(Anne Muller 2:01pm August 7, 2012)

Love cops. I come from a long line of cops. Love coffee, too. Dee
(Deanna Stillings 2:25pm August 7, 2012)

Can't wait to get the new book. I have it pre-ordered so it should be here soon! Love the whole series, and the Haunted Bookshop series too! Thanks for all you write!
(Jeanni Wilson 2:31pm August 7, 2012)

Looking forward to the new book and that NY Coffee Mug is amazing. I need it.
(Joy Taylor 2:44pm August 7, 2012)

Congratulations on your new release. Can't wait to read it.
Coffee and recipes, love them.
(Paula Adams 2:44pm August 7, 2012)

congrats on the new release and thanks for a fun post :)
(Erin Fender 3:06pm August 7, 2012)

This sounds like a great read and that is one snazzy cofee mug.
(Heather Arnould 3:07pm August 7, 2012)

I just got your new book and I can't wait to read it. I connect with your
characters on so many levels of both your Coffeehouse Mysteries and your
Haunted Bookshop Mysteries!!! Please keep writing them!
(Teresa Cross 3:36pm August 7, 2012)

Wowzer! I'm impressed and am looking forward to reading while
drinking from this mug.
(Susan Jeffers 3:36pm August 7, 2012)

I have already ordered your new book for my library & looking forward to reading it first. LOL
(Linda Riffe 3:47pm August 7, 2012)

For some reason I can't get enough of these books that combine mysteries and recipes. I am such a foodie.
(Pam Howell 4:01pm August 7, 2012)

sounds good; looks like I found me a new author to read. thanks for the draw!
(Barbara Studer 4:10pm August 7, 2012)

Cleo, congrats on your new release! I adore your books! Love Clare. And I really
enjoyed how you incorporated the "freshness" of the city into this post. Great
information for readers as well as authors. :) Avery aka Daryl
(Daryl Wood Gerber 4:55pm August 7, 2012)

PS Loved your trailer! Lots of great images! ~ Avery
(Daryl Wood Gerber 4:59pm August 7, 2012)

I cannot wait to read this latest edition and see what Clare and friends are up to now!
(Alicia Farage 5:10pm August 7, 2012)

Like the book on Amazon! Ordered the book! Can't wait to read the book and leave a review.
(Gail Meredith 5:17pm August 7, 2012)

Wow! What a wonderful treat! To keep things fresh, I freeze the coffee or keep it in the fridge --- not sure characters would last that way though!
(Lynn Demsky 5:23pm August 7, 2012)

Finally! Something to look forward to this weekend - reading Fresh Brewed Murder and drinking a favorite brew (Dancing Goats). Life doesn't get much better!
(Brenda Martinez 5:40pm August 7, 2012)

What a great prize! I cant wait to read A Brew to A Kill--it looks fabulous!!
(Leah Anderson 5:43pm August 7, 2012)

I absolutely love your books. They rank right up there with coffee and
choclolate. And I love your recipes, too. The Strawberry Shortcake
Muffins were a hit with my picky eater (he's a 15 year old boy - you wouldn't
think he would be picky). Thanks for always giving me a good escape
when I need one.
(Beverly Archer 5:45pm August 7, 2012)

The Strawberry Shortcake Muffins look terrific--thanks so much for the recipe...can't wait to make them! CONGRATS on your latest release. Can't wait to read it! Great giveaway!!
(Linda Luinstra 6:08pm August 7, 2012)

Dropping in for a quick THANK YOU to everyone for leaving
such kind comments. And if you bought my book already (hard
or E-book) an even bigger THANK YOU because A BREW TO A KILL
is already appearing on bestseller lists along with
(incredibly) pre-orders for the next Coffeehouse Mystery,
HOLIDAY BUZZ, which won't be out until December 4th!

I'll drop back soon to answer specific questions, but I
wanted to check in and tell you all how much I'm enjoying
your comments today. Good luck to all of you on winning the
signed book and NYPD mug, and be assured I'll be having many
more fun giveaways all through the month of August!

Cops and coffee - they just go together, don't they?

~ Cleo Coyle
Coffeehouse Mystery.com
“Where coffee and crime are always brewing…”
Cleo Coyle on
Twitter
(Cleo Coyle 6:13pm August 7, 2012)

I love this series. Can't wait to read the adventure.
The recipe looks delicious. Going to have to make
them tonight. Thanks for the giveaway. Fingers
crossed :)
[email protected]
(Stacie Amelotte 6:21pm August 7, 2012)

Love your book and the recipes are a great bonus. Also enjoy following you on facebook. Already ordered your newest book (have all the others in the series). Wouldn't mind winning an extra copy and a mug. Would share the extra copy with my mom and sisters who are all big fans of your Coffeehouse Mystery series.
(Shari Santella 6:21pm August 7, 2012)

Looks like I have some reading catching up to do with your Coffeehouse Mystery series. It's great that A BREW TO KILL is appearing on bestseller lists. KUDOS! I sure would love to win this and the cool mug (great prize)!
(Rich Cook 6:33pm August 7, 2012)

I can't wait to read the latest book. I love them all!
(Nancy L Gessner 6:45pm August 7, 2012)

I'm not a coffee drinker, but i do love these mysteries!
(Nancy Gallagher 7:26pm August 7, 2012)

Yay!! looking forward to reading another coffee house mystery. This is a fab prize!! Coffee mug and coffeee house mystery=bliss :0)
(Edel Waugh 7:29pm August 7, 2012)

Enjoyed reading your blog. New book sounds like a great read.
(Sheila True 7:46pm August 7, 2012)

So glad I found your blog! Thanks for writing your wonderful books and for all the hours of enjoyment they offer.
(Whit Patella 8:15pm August 7, 2012)

A good cozy is just what the doctor ordered. Thank you for sharing your stories with us. I am looking forward to reading this book.
(Deb Baker 8:20pm August 7, 2012)

I am enjoying this series. Keep up the good work
(Angela Holland 8:31pm August 7, 2012)

Congratulations on your new release - love the Coffeehouse Mystery series!
(Mary C 8:32pm August 7, 2012)

This book is right up my alley!! My Husband always tells me I have a morbid sense of humor!! Congratulations on your 12th book. Now it's time for a baker's dozen!! Just kidding - I wouldn't want to put any pressure on you, although it sounds like you have a lot of material out there to work with. Anyway, I have to make a note to read your books!! Every story has peaked my interest, and I forget to write it down!! This time you are going to be on my TBR list one way or the other!! I'm hoping that if I win, I know this book will be one I'll be able to pass on to my Husband to read, too!! Again, congratulations on your latest book. Each cover you do is a winner, and I promise to read the other 11!!
(Peggy Roberson 8:36pm August 7, 2012)

I love your Coffeehouse Series! Coffee and cozy mysteries are two of my favorite things. Congrats on the newest release!
(Janel Gradowski 8:46pm August 7, 2012)

Hi Cleo, I'm new to your Coffeehouse Series, but I'm sure they will be my favorite in no time. I absolutely love the play on words in the titles and it's true that the name on the cover draws a person's interest in picking up that book to buy. I'm sure you already realize that since you have been so successful with your books. So put my name in the sugar bowl and maybe I'll be lucky enough to be scooped up.
(Rosemary Simm 9:00pm August 7, 2012)

I have read all of the coffeehouse series and can't wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
(Teresa Ward 9:18pm August 7, 2012)

Such a good series...and I love the titles of these books! Thanks, Cleo.
(G S Moch 9:48pm August 7, 2012)

sounds like a series i need to read!!!!!!!!!!!
(Jennifer Beck 10:34pm August 7, 2012)

Congratulations on your new release. It looks amazing.
(Mary Preston 11:19pm August 7, 2012)

I'm a new convert to the series (and relatively new to coffee drinking, so I love learning about it), looking forward to reading the latest!
(Rachel Bussel 12:05pm August 8, 2012)

Looking forward to another great cozy. Enjoy your posts and receipes. Great coffee mug or tea mug.
(Brenda Hill 12:45pm August 8, 2012)

I particularly enjoyed the Decaffeinated Corpse instalment of the series, because it was interesting to read about the cultivation of coffee plants. I'm sure the new book will be just as good.
(Clare O'Beara 8:45am August 8, 2012)

I work as a barista in a cafe, and I often have a "trying" day as I deal with the customers and their special coffee drink requests, and quirky moods. It's always a treat to come home after a long day, (especially when my feet and back are yapping) and just settle in to read about Claire and her crew and all of their adventures. The Coffeehouse mysteries have been a lifesaver, and I'm looking forward to losing myself in the next installment!
(Pink Rose 4:41pm August 8, 2012)

I read A Brew to a Kill in less than a day - How am I going to be able to wait until December for the next book?????
(Susan Roberts 7:16pm August 8, 2012)

Congrats on your new release. I can't wait to read it.
(Rita Wray 7:55pm August 8, 2012)

Can't wait to read it while sipping from that large mug
(Jim Roberts 9:00pm August 8, 2012)

Fantastic! I'm looking forward to reading A Brew to Kill!
(Robyn Hussey 9:03pm August 8, 2012)

Pre ordered for my NOOK and got it Tuesday! Early birthday present for me, I will be 48 Monday the 13th! My Dad was on the police force in Texas 37 years so I LOVE GOOD mysteries! From the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew, to your downright delicious books, I just love to read. Thank you for keeping us all waiting for the next book!! ps, my family really enjoyed the cherry coffee cake w/the yeast!
(Lori Rheiner 9:06pm August 8, 2012)

Can't wait to read this book! Love the series, and thanks for the chance to
win!
(Kim Jones 9:47pm August 8, 2012)

Highlight of my summer to hear the book is
available!Can't wait to read and start trying the
recipes!
(Elizabeth Mayfield 9:53pm August 8, 2012)

So excited for Clare's new adventure! Congratulations!
(Kristi Tanner 9:56pm August 8, 2012)

Thanks for the contest...love the mug, but most importantly
love Cleo's books!
(Gina Borkowski 10:05pm August 8, 2012)

One of my absolute favorite series. I feel like I know them all, and are apart of their lives.
(Tonya Hundley 10:09pm August 8, 2012)

Awedome!! I now have a few days vacation. I plan to fix a
big pot o' coffee in the morning and read...a Cleo Coyle book!
(Marsha Peterson 10:14pm August 8, 2012)

I have been hooked on your books since day one. Always
waiting for the next one. Have tried some of your recipes -
awesome- and improved my espresso on the stove. Please keep
the books coming!
(Antonette Nyman 10:18pm August 8, 2012)

Can't wait to read this one! Ordered some coffee and it will be here tomorrow!
(Carole Millsaps 10:29pm August 8, 2012)

So can't wait to read this one! I LOVE the series! Plus, working at a coffee roaster, I'm learning more about coffee as I enjoy a great read! Thanks so much!
(jENN Douglas 10:54pm August 8, 2012)

I am looking forward to reading your next book. I have read all of your
books. I also enjoy reading with a nice cup of coffee.
(Leslie Lewis 11:15pm August 8, 2012)

I am so addicted to all of your amazing books!
(Krista Venetti 11:28pm August 8, 2012)

Good luck on the new book. Coffee and books--what could be better. The coffee mug is amazing. Thanks for the give away opportunity.
(Darlene Peterson 12:10pm August 9, 2012)

Totally stoked about the new book!! Can't wait to sit down
with it and a good cup o' joe.
(Dott Campo 12:31pm August 9, 2012)

Like good coffee, your mystery series had me hooked from the very first taste. I look forward to savoring each new release! Thanks for the enjoyment they bring.
(Loralee Lillibridge 4:58am August 9, 2012)

Love the Coffeehouse series. Really looking forward to the
new book!
(Linda Kleback 7:41am August 9, 2012)

Congratulations!!! Can't wait to read it!!! Love your books!!! Coffee, good food,
hot men & fun mysteries!!!! A winning combo for sure!!!
(Lilly Rodriguez 7:58am August 9, 2012)

Coffee and books are my fave and the coffeehouse murder mystries are the best!
(Rene Szklenski 8:06am August 9, 2012)

Congrats on your 12th novels. I love this series and can't wait to read
both BrewTo A Kill and Holiday BUZZ. The recipes are so good.
(Karen Carter 9:39am August 9, 2012)

I love a good police story and it's such a comforting addition when there is a
WOMAN in the middle of it! :-) Add some delicious food and coffee and you
have a totally "warm fuzzy" novel to enjoy! Looking forward to reading this new
release. Congratulations on your continued successes. As you can see from the
popularity of this series, you are certainly doing something right!
(Connie Fischer 10:05am August 9, 2012)

I would LOVE to win - NICE cup - sounds like an interesting book!!!
(Pamela Faye Howell 10:51am August 9, 2012)

Thank you for bringing me more of what I love most....good coffee and a
good mystery in one book :)
(Susie Foster 11:55am August 9, 2012)

Love Love Love your books! I love coffee and I love murder mysteries so these books are perfect for me! I can't wait to read Brew to Kill! Would love to win the mug and signed copy!!!
(Christine Aiello 12:03pm August 9, 2012)

Cant wait to read it this weekend. Had it on preorder and recieved it already.
(Helen Weg 12:56pm August 9, 2012)

Just wanted to jump in and say THANK YOU to everyone for
leaving such kind comments! Yes, I'm reading every one and
if you have a question for me, I'll be sure to answer it
this week. Back again soon...

~ Cleo
Visit me at - www.CoffeehouseMystery.com
"Where coffee and crime are always brewing"
(Cleo Coyle 1:16pm August 9, 2012)

So hoping to read it soon! LOVE all your other books--fun to see you on Pinterest too! :) Keep up the great writing.
(Jessica Ubel 2:30am August 10, 2012)

Ahhh! My long awaited dose of Coffee a la Cosi is here! I can't wait to get
my hands on a copy! And I'll have to grab some cannolis to go with it!
Congratulations on your award nominations for Murder by Mocha—and
here's wishing you more for A Brew to a Kill!! Using your past books as an
indicator, I'm sure you'll be putting a few more plaques or statues on your
wall or shelves soon. I've missed Clare and the gang and I'm looking
forward to their next adventure! Best wishes with the next installment—
hope all goes smoothly with the writing! Will we be seeing a Clare Cosi
Cookbook in the future?? Hint, hint!! XO…and thanks for the great reads!!
(Sandy Betley 2:53am August 11, 2012)

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