This year I have challenged myself to read 25 Holiday (Winter, Christmas, New Years) themed books. I am calling this my 25 Books for the Holidays personal challenge. It should be fun!
Book: Holiday Grind
Author: Cleo Coyle
Article Type: Book Review
Author
Goodreads/Library Thing
About the Book:The jolly latest in the nationally bestselling Coffeehouse mystery series, from the author of Espresso Shot
It’s Christmastime-and when manager and head barista Clare Cosi finds a red- suited body in the snow, she adds solving Santa’s slaying to her coffeehouse menu. Soon, a few clues convince her his death was something more than a mugging gone awry.
With Clare’s NYPD Detective boyfriend distracted by his own cold case, Clare discovers on her own that Santa had a list that he was checking twice- and the folks on it were not nice. But Clare had better watch out, because if she fails to stop this stone cold killer, she may just get the biggest chill of her life.
Listened for Fun! (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.50 (Not part of the overall rating)
Part of my 25 Books for the Holiday for 2012
How Holiday Grind put me in the holiday spirit: This was a great little Christmas who-done-it and the Holiday setting was perfect. It was one of those stories the was enhanced by the Holiday spirit.
What I thought of Holiday Grind’s Story/Characters: Characters are what make this story shine. I haven’t read a Coffehouse Mystery book before but I will be reading them all now. I really loved all of the characters: Clare’s family, coworkers, and friends. I was rooting for them all the way. I kinda love how they all got involved. I did think Clare was a little pushy at times (I would have told her to take a long walk off a short pier) but I loved her gumption and stubbornness. Overall this is making my cozy mysteries to read shelf (I will catch up)!
Audio Thoughts: Rebecca Gibel did an excellent job with narration, pacing, and characterization. This is going on my series to listen to on audio :)
© 2012, Geeky Bloggers Book Blog.
I have been eying this series for years now, and still have not bought the first one. Glad you enjoyed this one Felicia.
I am reading Holiday Buzz right now and it is just as fun. I have another (non) holiday one on audio to listen to after the holidays :)
COFFEE!!! Sounds fantabulous. I bet listening to the perfect Christmas Cozy Mystery really could put you in the Christmas Spirit despite our unseasonably warm weather.
She talks about coffee a lot. I am not a coffee drinker but some of her Holiday drinks sounded delicious. Did you see the weather for Monday? We get one day of cold! YEAH!
I read book one while I was pregnant with my now two year old son and loved it. I was constantly craving coffee and I just loved reading all the warm coffee descriptions and I enjoyed the antagonistic relationship between Claire and here ex husband Matteo. I have several books in this series and I plan on reading some next year. This is one of my fav Cozy series. Glad to see you enjoyed it as well.
It is a fun series. I think she is a bit nosy but I have to remind myself that it is the point–:) Nosy people make the best amateur sleuths LOL
Oh I wonder if I could get my mom into these. She loves the holiday and who-done-its. Might be a perfect combo for her!
I actually think your mom would love them :) This is a fun series!
YAY so glad you liked it. I need this audio.
The audio was fun! I am beginning to think audio is the only way to go with cozy mysteries.
Do tell, what brings you to this theory?
I loved the first book in this series. I’m glad to see that Clare and her NYPD Detective boyfriend are still together. :-)
I am reading the most recent one now and they are still together :) He is such a delight!
“I did think Clare was a little pushy at times (I would have told her to take a long walk off a short pier)”
*snort* There have been a couple characters lately that I would have liked to have told that:) Despite her pushiness though, she sounds like a solid character – I love a girl with gumption! I also love the word gumption:)
Lately, I have seriously developed a love/hate relationship with some characters. I have had to sit books down and remind myself they aren’t real LOL
Gumption is the best.word.ever! I truly believe it is why I watch The Holiday every year :)
I read the first two in this series and really enjoyed them. They were quick little reads, nothing too dramatic. Perfect cosy mysteries. I like that this one is holiday-based & might have to check it out (holiday books and movies are some of the few holiday things I can tolerate. Scrooge!).
I am halfway through the one she released this year–Holiday Buzz! It is pretty darn good to :)