Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Cleo Coyle Brews up Murder in Dead Cold Brew {+ Awesome Giveaway}


I’m thrilled to welcome author Cleo Coyle to Thoughts in Progress today to talk about the latest release in her Coffeehouse Mystery series, DEAD COLD BREW.

Cleo (the writing team of husband and wife Marc and Alice) have created a fascinating series. In celebration of this recent release, Cleo is offering visits a chance to enter an awesome giveaway – a book, a tote, and coffee - oh my! Please see the end of the post for more details.

With each new addition in the Coffeehouse Mysteries, there’s a new adventure, delicious recipes, and tidbits about coffee to learn. I’ve loved the series since the first installment and can’t wait for each new book.

Please join me in giving a warm welcome to Cleo who joins us to talk about DEAD COLD BREW. Welcome, Cleo.

First and foremost, we send caffeinated cheers to Mason Canyon for her support of our work. Mason has been reading and reviewing The Coffeehouse Mysteries since the beginning, long before Penguin moved us into hardcover or we hit the New York Times list. 

Our little coffee series that got bigger and bigger is still going strong, and today we’re here to tell new readers about our books—and longtime fans about our latest entry, Dead Cold Brew.

The setting for the Coffeehouse Mysteries is a real one, New York City, where my husband and I have lived and worked for over thirty years. Our stories are inspired by actual crimes, and our characters developed from our own experiences in this challenging town.

Clare is the central figure in our mysteries. A single mom in her forties, she manages a busy coffeehouse in the heart of Greenwich Village while mothering an oddball collection of baristas in her employ. Clare’s knowledge of her community (along with her passion for righting wrongs) has helped the NYPD solve a number of perplexing crimes.

In Dead Cold Brew, Clare finally becomes officially engaged to her boyfriend, Detective Lieutenant Mike Quinn. Unfortunately, the custom-designed ring Mike slips on Clare’s finger opens a Pandora’s box to a cold case of murder, one that occurred sixty years ago in the stateroom of the Andrea Doria. This luxurious Italian ocean liner tragically sank off the coast of Nantucket in 1956.

On board the ship was a gifted Italian artisan named Gus Campana, the jewelry designer who created Clare’s engagement ring. When she finds Gus poisoned behind his West Village workshop, she won’t rest until she uncovers who may have done it and why. Her search uncovers a family scandal, a charming thief, and a deadly adversary.

If you are new to our series, don’t hesitate to pick up DEAD COLD BREW. You can read it as a stand-alone, and if you like it, you have 15 more mysteries to enjoy. But don’t miss this latest entry. It’s embedded with twists, turns, and wonderful secrets about New York City that we’ve discovered over the years—from an exclusive room in the legendary 21 Club, to the underbelly of the city’s Diamond District, to a hidden train platform beneath the Waldorf-Astoria.

Cleo (Alice and Marc), thanks so much for visiting with us today and sharing this background on your latest release. Your mysteries not only keep me in suspense and entertained but provide me with tasty recipes and more knowledge to fuel my love of coffee.

“A fabulous diamond, blackmail, embezzlement, surprise inheritances, murder, and a decades-old family scandal…with lusciously rich recipes.” — Publishers Weekly on Dead Cold Brew


DEAD COLD BREW is also a culinary mystery, with an appendix of more than 25 recipes, including Cannoli Cream Cupcakes, Perfect Pumpkin Quick Bread, Blueberry Buckle Cake, (Meatless) Baked Ziti, Chicken Cacciatore (Red and White Versions), American Fettuccine Alfredo, Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate-Espresso Cookies, tips on how to make Cold Brew Coffee like a pro, and much more.


To see the book’s Free Recipe Guide, click here.

CLEO’S NEWSLETTER: Fun contests, bonus recipes, book news, and videos. To sign up, simply write an e-mail that says “sign me up” and send it to CoffeehouseMystery@gmail.com


FREE TITLE CHECKLIST: Get a title checklist with mini-summaries of all 16 Coffeehouse Mysteries and links to free recipe guides. To download the list as a PDF document, click here.

Alice Alfonsi and her husband, Marc Cerasini, who write as Cleo Coyle
CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the Coffeehouse Mysteries, now celebrating over ten years in print.

Alice has worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., and New York City, and has written popular fiction for adults and children. A former magazine editor, Marc has authored espionage thrillers and nonfiction for adults and children.

Alice and Marc are also bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together, including the national bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries.

Visit their website at www.coffeehousemystery.com. You can also friend Cleo on Facebook or follow on Twitter or Pinterest.

This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. only and will end at midnight (EST) on Wednesday, Jan. 18

Cleo’s Prize Package includes an autographed copy of her beautiful new hardcover DEAD COLD BREW; a set of autographed glossy recipe cards; a large, durable, canvas tote bag featuring one of Madame’s favorite sayings: “Survive everything. And do it with style,” and a pound of premium “Billionaire’s Blend” coffee from One Good Woman Coffee and Tea Co., created in honor of Cleo’s 13th Coffeehouse Mystery: Billionaire Blend.

To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient. A winner will be selected by the Rafflecopter widget and I’ll send an email with the subject line “Thoughts in Progress Giveaway.” The winner will have 72 hours to reply to the email or another winner will be selected. PLEASE be sure to check your spam folder from time to time after the giveaway ends to make sure the notification email doesn’t end up there. If you win and you’ve already won the book somewhere else or you just decided for whatever reason you don’t want to win (which is fine), once again PLEASE let me know.

Thanks so much for stopping by during Cleo’s visit. Be sure to drop back by next week (Thursday, Jan. 19) when I share my thoughts on DEAD COLD BREW. Have you read any of the Coffeehouse Mystery series? Do you enjoy books that incorporate real places and events with your favorite characters?








122 comments:

  1. It is indeed a generous giveaway. And sounds like a book to savour to the last drop.

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  2. Engaged - YAY! A great series and a great giveaway. Thanks so much for a chance to win.

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  3. Love this author and love this giveaway, thanks for the chance :)

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  4. Cleo (Alice and Marc), it's always a delight when you visit Thoughts in Progress. I enjoyed this latest adventure of Clare and the gang, and as always, I learned more about coffee. :) Already looking forward to the next installment. Wishing you much success and an endless pot of coffee.

    Hi, all. Thanks so much for stopping by!

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  5. Cool you've been following them since the beginning, Mason. Admire that the couple can write a successful series together. Dig their swag - that's always fun to offer.

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  6. I love the recipes. I like the way they've set up their marketing, too.

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  7. Great books + great coffee...that's a terrific treat for readers!!! Cleo Boyle is unique and offers so much for those who visit the website!!!

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  8. I love Ms. Coyle's work—thanks for the chance to win this amazing prize package!

    skkorman AT bellsouth DOT net

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  9. What a generous giveaway! And this is such a highly-regarded series. Thanks for spotlighting it, Mason.

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  10. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway. I enjoy this series filled with real places and realistic characters.

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  11. I haven't read any books in this series but I would love to! I do like a series filled with real places and realistic characters. I enjoy learning about places and learning how people deal with things that happen in their lives. Thank you for the giveaway!

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  12. I've seen this book around in a few places and it looks delici...um, delightful. Thanks for the chance to win a copy. I do like reading about real places as long as they are authentically portrayed.

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  13. This is one of my favorite series. I'm looking forward to Claire's new adventure.

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  14. Can't wait to read the latest book!

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  15. I have not started this series but hopefully this winter I get back to my normal reading schedule.

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  16. This my first encounter with this charmibg deadly duo! I am so glad to have come across you two.Thank you for this opportunity to win read and review your new book..

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  17. Real places and events do add enjoyment to the stories.

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  18. I just started watching the series two weeks ago and I'm addicted. I love the he characters and I'm such a coffee junkie. It's perfect for me and the amazing librarian got the whole series so I can keep going.

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  19. I would "Drop Dead" in my caffeinated tracks if I won!! Love the tote bag!! These books are wonderful and to include recipes along with coffee, well, now that is a good read. Tracy from South Carolina

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  20. I love this series. I've read all of them and can't wait to read this book! Thank you for this chance!

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  21. Just when I think they can't come up with a better plot than the last book, they do it! Love this series and have from the first. And the recipes actually taste great. Plus, they have the best and most interesting newsletter around. Bonus today, I found a new blog to follow! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  22. I LOVVVVVE that tote bag! and I need this book in my collection too! me me me me me!!

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  23. One of the very best series ever! Can't wait to see what happens next! <3 <3 <3 Clare and Mike Quinn. All of the characters are real and true to life that makes the stories that much more enjoyable. Thank you for the opportunity to win some wonderful gifts!

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  24. I have loved every book from the series that I've had a chance to read, thanks for creating such likable and relatable characters and writing with a theme that I find very important to my ability to function as a human being daily COFFEE! Good luck to all the entrants!

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  25. I listen to these books on audible- and they are excellent "listens!" I love the narrator- she really brings all the characters to life. I can't wait to hear the latest installment!

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  26. Love this author and series! One of my favorites!

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  27. I've loved all the coffeehouse mystery series and can't wait to read the newest one. At some point in time, I would love it if you would publish a cookbook with all the recipes from the series & your blog. It would be so convenient to have them all in one location. I've learned so much about coffee and am always sharing tid-bits of coffee facts with my daughter.

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  28. Can't wait to read the newest book!

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  29. Oh my gosh, I can't wait for this book! And I'd LOVE to taste that coffee!

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  30. So happy for tbeir engagement and can't wait to read about all the secrets of NYC. Love this series!

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  31. I love spending time with Clare and everyone involved at The Village Blend, and I would love to win a copy of Dead Cold Brew. Thanks so much for the very generous giveaway!

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  32. This is wonderful series, I particularly love the Audiobooks . I can't wait to read this installment , I'm excited for Clare !! kathambre@yahoo.com

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  33. NO I have not read any of the Coffeehouse Mystery series. YES I Do enjoy books that incorporate real places and events with your favorite characters. I enjoy series as long as they don't end in cliff hangers. I want an ending but a what if into the next book :) Looks like a book I'd really enjoy!

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  34. I love these books! This is a great giveaway too!

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  35. This is one of my favorite series!

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  36. I love this series and would love to win those wonderful prizes, especially the autographed copy of the book. I collect author signed copies and have them displayed (after I read them) on a VERY special shelf my husband built in our bedroom

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  37. I cannot wait to read this book!!!! Goodluck to everyone and thank you so much for the wonderful series!!!!!

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  38. Haven't read any in the series yet. Looks like a great adventure .

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  39. Holy Cannoli Cream Cupcakes!!!!!!!!! This mama wants some!!!!

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    1. I'm not sure but I think I entered using sabuetow@gmail.com and this comment is from my logged in google account cafescrapper@gmail.com Sorry for any confusion!

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  40. I have never read any of this series, but it sounds interesting. I do enjoy real life places as it makes me feel like I am really there.

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  41. I'm excited about this giveaway. So generous!

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  42. What an awesome giveaway! Good luck everyone !

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  43. Love your books! Can't wait to read this one.

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  44. I love that the series ties into real places, people, and events. So excited about the pending nuptials! Finally!

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  45. Who couldn't love such a fantastic giveaway!! Yummy and beautiful all
    In one!! Thanks for the chance to win

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  46. Love the books and the recipes. This is my favorite series.

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  47. Love this series. Can't wait to read "Dead Cold Brew". Thanks for the chance.

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  48. Like a great cup of coffee the Coffeehouse mysteries always provide stimulation and a smooth finish.

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  49. I adore this series. Just as addicted to them as to coffee.

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  50. Hot coffee and good book! Can't beat that

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  51. Awesome giveaway. My two favorite things: coffee and mystery books!

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  52. I absolutely love this series and would love to win this prize package. Thank you for the chance to do so.

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  53. Love coffee! Thanks for the chance

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  54. Can't wait to read Cleo's newest thriller! 'Dead Cold Brew'!!! Thank you for writing the best mysteries!

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  55. Got my mom hooked on your books as well. Each one makes me drool! Love them!

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  56. Cleo's books are as good as they come. Love them and need to get my "House of Clutter" organized so that I can read the rest of them (Gosh, maybe reading...is why I have clutter).

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  57. I love the tote (won from one of Cleo's other giveaways). But the book would be fantastic, ha ha! Yes, read all up to this one and love them. I've tried a few other cozy mysteries and none have captured my interest as long yet. Of course, the fact that I love coffee and food and they're incorporated into her series probably is a reason, too.

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  59. Even though I dont drink coffee I do love this series. Great contest

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  60. Love the series. I am old enough to remember when Andrea Dorian went down. Sounds very interesting. Janngrogan@yahoo.com

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  61. What an amazing giveaway. I'd love to try the Billionaire's blend!

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  62. Love this series. I would be honored if I won

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  63. I love this series, thanks for the giveaway

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  64. Truly L��VE this series. It would be great to win such a amazing giveaway.
    Thank you for the opportunity to enter for a chance to win.

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  65. A great series and would to win this great prize package. Thank you for the chance!

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  66. I love this series. Thank you for doing this. Nothing like curling up on the couch with a good book and a good cup of coffee!

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  67. Interesting post. Have not had the pleasure of reading this author and I am really looking forward to doing so. Would like to see how Clare gets on with her sleuthing and her business. A book to read and a tote to carry it in. And coffee to sip while doing so sounds like heaven. Deeply appreciated this chance to do so. deepotter@peoplepc.com

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  68. Love the series! The recipes at the end of the book is helpful to replicate some of Clare's foods/drinks. This is an awesome giveaway to all fans of the series.

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  69. I just love this series. Great blog & giveaway. Good luck to all who entered.

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  70. This is my favorite series! It feel like I Amin pins and needles waiting for the next book, I simply cannot wait! So anxious!!!

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  71. I love love love these books. They are so entertaining. I can't get enough.

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  72. What a great giveaway! Thanks for featuring the Coffeehouse Mystery series, it is one of my favorites!

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  73. Great series! And love the Haunted Bookstore series as well. Keep 'em coming!

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  74. I love this series and can't wait to read DEAD COLD BREW. Thank you for giving us something to look forward to in this cold, dark season.

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  75. I dearly love the Coffeehouse Mysteries and look forward to starting the Haunted Bookstore series as well. Caffeinated Blessings to you Alice and Marc for making so many of us happy.

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  76. I can't wait to get mt hands on all your books! I love coffee amd mysteries so this is going to be a fun ride!

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  78. These amazing adventures on audiobook keep my drive to work in suspense! Madame would be proud:)

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  79. I have read all the Coffeehouse Mysteries. Can't wait to read the new one. I will read them again before the new one. It's been awhile.

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  80. Love these books, I can't wait to read this! Thank-you for the giveaway.

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  81. I'm a huge fan of the series. I love coffee and love trying out the recipes in the back of the book. I love the characters and I now feel like they are old friends since we've been together since book one. I can't wait to read this one and read all about their new adventures.

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  82. I LOVE this series! A lot. I've listened to each and every book on Audible and just cannot get enough. I highly recommend it to anyone.

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  83. Id love to win. I love anything marc and cleo write. I cant wait to read the new book.

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  84. I love this entire series and look forward to each new edition.

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  85. Love the characters and the setting. The coffee goes without saying!

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  86. I love this series. Thanks so much for the terrific giveaway!

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  87. I love all of your books. Your characters are so interesting. Thanks for your stories and giveaways.

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  88. I LOVE THE COFFEEHOUSE MYSTERIES!! I have so many great journeys following Clare Cosi and her investigations. The books are clever, humorous, and I always learn something new about coffee. No longer a Folgers girl, I am a grind-your-own French-pressed woman!

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  89. I love this series, and the recipes.

    kaye dot killgore at comcast dot net

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  90. Great mysteries and I enjoy learning new thing about coffee.

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  91. Congrats on your series its great also I love coffee.


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  92. awesome delicious giveaway! i love my coffee and a good book together. Amy (Guillaume) Linderman

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  93. This is so awesome I love your books!!!

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  94. I love this series and can't wait to read this

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  95. I am a coffeeholic ☕️, saying it loud and PROUD! The Coffeehouse Mysteries were the perfect 👌🏻 match for me...I can see, hear, smell the Village Blend Coffeehouse....I want to live & work there plus I'm in love ❤️ with Mike! Thank you Cleo for the many hours of entertainment and look 👀 forward to many more installments (in both your series)! This is a fabulous giveaway and would make the perfect start to 2017! 😘☕️

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  96. I love this series! Tahnks for the giveaway.

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  97. I love this series and I recently caught up with the series on audio through Audible. I would love to read the latest. Thanks for the opportunity to win this wonderful package.

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  98. My favorite series and each recipe I've tried has been amazing. I wish we had a coffee shop like that. The references to actual places and happenings make you feel like you are really there. bobntoni@aol.com

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  99. Love this series and the new book sounds great. Fabulous giveaway, I would love to win!

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  100. This series is so entertaining and the recipes are so good. I had cataracts and had not read in Yeats. This series got me interested in reading again!!!! Have read them all and only series I buy in hardback!!! Oneponychick66@hotmail.com

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  101. The Coffeehouse Mysteries are my ABSOLUTE NUMBER ONE FAVORITE of ALL the books out there. They are the books I buy as gifts for friends (they too have become Clair Cosi's fans as well, waiting to see what she will be doing next)and Cleo Coyle is one of the nicest, hardest working FRIENDS I know!

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  102. I love this series and can't wait to catch up with Clare!

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  103. What a wonderful opportunity for us to feel like a part of the family! Thank you for this wonderful series!

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  104. Some of the best writing around plus an awesome giveaway- what a combo! LOL

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  105. This series is one of my very top mystery series! I love re-reading them all and always look forward to a new book. I can't wait to read Dead Cold Brew! Thanks for this post, the great Christmas music on the page, and the great giveaway!

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  106. I LOVE this series! In my mind, Clare & I are bff's. Thanks for an amazing giveaway. Fingers crossed!

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  107. I just finished reading this book and loved it as much as the earlier books in the series. I've already bookmarked several recipes I want to try! Thank you for the opportunity to win an amazing prize package.

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  108. This is my favorite series! There is something so engaging about the characters. I love the coffee tips and tricks. It's the best!

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  109. Love reading the Coffeehouse mysteries! The stories are well written, believable and hold my interest all the way through. I ❤ the recipes as well! ��

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  110. Love the giveaway and I love this series so much.

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  111. A mystery that involves the Andrea Doria! It sounds fascinating. Would love to read it.

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  113. Enjoying getting caught up on this series!

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  114. I'm happy to meet you. Looking forward to investigating your books.

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  115. Just dropping in to say THANK YOU to everyone for your kind comments. Marc and I are lucky to have so many supportive readers. For those of you new to our work, we hope you'll pick up DEAD COLD BREW and become part of our wonderful community of Coffeehouse Mystery readers.

    Finally, we send our heartfelt thanks to Mason for her longtime support of our work--and the work of so many other writers. Cheers, Mason, you're a treasure. May you always read with joy!

    ~ Cleo

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I'd love to hear your thoughts on today's post. Thanks for dropping by.