Cleo Coyle

Cleo Coyle is the pen name used by Alice Alfonsi and her husband Marc Cerasini, who collaborate to write the bestselling Coffeehouse Mystery series. The series, which began in 2003 with "On What Grounds," follows coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi as she solves murders in New York City. The writing duo has published over 20 books in the Coffeehouse Mystery series, combining detailed knowledge of coffee culture and culinary elements with traditional mystery storytelling. They also write the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries under the pen name Alice Kimberly. Beyond their fiction work, Coyle has contributed extensively to coffee culture through the recipes and coffee-making tips included in their books. The authors maintain strong connections with the coffee industry and regularly conduct research in New York's coffee scene to ensure accuracy in their writing. Alfonsi and Cerasini bring diverse writing backgrounds to their collaboration, with experience in fiction, nonfiction, and media tie-in projects. Their work under the Cleo Coyle name has earned them multiple appearances on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Readers consistently praise the detailed coffee knowledge and recipes woven through the Coffeehouse Mystery series. Many reviews highlight the authentic New York City atmosphere and relatable main character Clare Cosi. On Amazon, fans note the balance of mystery elements with culinary details: "I learn something new about coffee in every book while enjoying the puzzle." Positive reviews focus on: - Well-researched coffee industry information - Complex mysteries that avoid predictability - Strong sense of place and community - Included recipes that actually work Common criticisms mention: - Too much coffee terminology for casual readers - Relationship drama occasionally overshadowing mysteries - Later books becoming formulaic Average ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (across series) Amazon: 4.5/5 Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 Many longtime readers cite the consistency across 20+ books, though some note quality variations. As one Goodreads reviewer states: "The coffee details keep me coming back even when the plots are uneven."

Coffeehouse Mystery Series: On What Grounds - When a customer is found dead in her coffeehouse, Clare Cosi investigates the connection between the murder and her new coffee blend.

Through the Grinder - Clare Cosi looks into a series of suspicious suicides among her customers who used an online dating service.

Latte Trouble - During Fashion Week, a lethal poisoning at the Village Blend coffeehouse pulls Clare into another investigation.

Murder Most Frothy - While working as a coffee steward in the Hamptons, Clare becomes involved in solving the murder of a wealthy patron.

Decaffeinated Corpse - Clare investigates when an old friend is killed after developing a new coffee bean variety.

French Pressed - Clare's daughter becomes a suspect in the death of a competitive chef at a Manhattan restaurant.

Espresso Shot - A series of murders threatens to disrupt a high-profile wedding being catered by the Village Blend.

Holiday Grind - The murder of a charity-working Santa Claus leads Clare into a complex investigation during the Christmas season.

Roast Mortem - Clare works with fire investigators to solve a series of suspicious café fires in New York City.

Murder by Mocha - The launch of a new chocolate-coffee drink is complicated by murder and corporate intrigue.

A Brew to a Kill - Clare investigates hit-and-run accidents targeting food truck vendors in New York City.

Holiday Buzz - A baker's murder during a holiday cookie swap event leads Clare into danger.

Billionaire Blend - After an explosion at her coffeehouse, Clare becomes involved with a wealthy tech investor's murder case.

Once Upon a Grind - A murder in Central Park connects to an ancient fairy tale and rare coffee beans.

Dead to the Last Drop - Clare investigates political intrigue and murder while managing a new coffeehouse in Washington, DC.

Dead Cold Brew - Clare looks into a series of crimes connected to a historic shipwreck carrying Italian diamonds.

Shot in the Dark - Murder strikes at the Village Blend when online dating leads to deadly consequences.

Brewed Awakening - Clare must reconstruct her memories after waking up in a park with no recollection of the previous day.

Honey Roasted - Clare investigates the murder of a young woman connected to an urban beekeeping program.

Laura Childs writes tea shop mysteries featuring a female entrepreneur who solves murders in Charleston, South Carolina. Her series contains similar cozy elements to Coyle's work, including food-focused themes and small business settings.

Joanne Fluke creates culinary mysteries centered on a baker who investigates crimes while running her cookie shop in Minnesota. Her books include recipes and focus on a tight-knit small town community, similar to Coyle's coffeehouse setting.

Julie Hyzy writes the White House Chef mystery series about a culinary professional who balances her kitchen duties with solving crimes. Her protagonist shares professional cooking knowledge throughout the investigations, matching Coyle's integration of coffee expertise.

Diane Mott Davidson pens mysteries featuring a caterer who becomes involved in murder investigations while running her food business. Her series combines culinary details and recipes with murder mysteries in a way that mirrors Coyle's format.

Ellen Hart authors the Jane Lawless series about a restaurateur who solves crimes in Minneapolis. Her books explore both the food service industry and complex mysteries, comparable to how Coyle weaves coffee culture into her plots.