Saturday, November 21, 2015

Death Before Decaf


Happy Saturday!  It is World Hello Day!  It is supposed to help promote world peace (wouldn't that be wonderful).  Make sure to say hello to people if you are out and about today.  It is also False Confession Day! Be careful what you confess to though.  They suggest you avoid confessing to any major crimes (no one wants to do jail time), do not make any false calls to 911 (you can get into trouble for this), or to kissing your dog on the lips!

Death Before Decaf by Caroline Fardig is A Java Jive Mystery novel.  Juliet Langley is turning thirty years old and is returning home to Nashville.  Juliet is a lovely singer, but unable to perform because of severe stage fright.  Juliet was running a café of her own until her scum bag (pardon my language) fiancé cleaned out her accounts, apartment, and left town with the café’s best waitress.  Juliet has gotten a job as manager of the Java Jive where she worked while she was in college.  On her first day Juliet has a run in with the chef, Dave (who likes to violate the health codes).  The next thing you know Dave is dead behind Java Jive.  Juliet is told by Detective Cromwell (of the MNPD) that she is a person of interest.  Juliet sets out to prove her innocence (no matter what the consequences).  Pete Bennett (who owns the Java Jive) who is Juliet’s best friend helps her clear her name.  Juliet also gets help from Seth Davis, a professor from the college, who has been hanging out at Java Jive.  Pete distrusts Seth (he has good instincts), but Juliet refuses to listen (especially since she cannot stand Pete’s girlfriend who is her arch nemesis).  Will Juliet be able to clear her name and find the culprit (and stay alive)?

I liked the mystery in Death Before Decaf.  It was not as easy to solve as I thought it would be.  It was more complicated which I enjoyed (I like difficult puzzles).  I did not enjoy the foul language or the sex in the book.  I like to read cozy mysteries because they do not contain bad language (there are many creative alternatives) or overt sex (I am not a prude.  I just get tired of it being shoved in our faces).  I give Death Before Decaf  3 out of 5 stars.  A good start to a new series.  I am hoping the next book will be much better (I am trying to be optimistic).


The next book in A Java Jive Mystery series is Mug Shot.  It will be released on April 19, 2016 (which can change).  I received a complimentary copy of Death Before Decaf from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you are out today and it is raining in your area, please be careful. I hope you have a nice and relaxing Saturday.  If you enjoy Christmas movies, NorthPole 2 will be on tonight (the Hallmark channel).  I am currently reading Murder on the Last Frontier by Cathy Pegau.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris
The Avid Reader

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