I really like the Java Jive mystery series. Murder Over Mochas is the fifth book in the series, all by Caroline Fardig.
The series features Juliet Langley, the manager of Java Jive coffee shop and amateur sleuth. She’s had her share of murderous misfortune (she tends to be in the wrong place at the wrong time) and there are some local police who find that to be a little too coincidental. Fortunately she’s got an ex-boyfriend (still a friend) Ryder Hamilton on the police force.
At the start of this book, a different ‘ex’ shows up at Java Jive and before he can say anything, Juliet punches him in the nose. This particular ‘ex,’ Scott, was an ex-fiance who left Juliet for another woman but took all of Juliet’s belongings (furniture, money, etc) when he left and hasn’t been back until this moment.
Once she calms down, Juliet agrees to hear Scott out and he tells her that he needs Juliet’s help to find his missing wife. But before he can say too much more, he drops dead at Juliet’s feet. Seeing as how she’s already punched him once, in front of others, she knows she’ll be accused of his murder, and so she must find out who did it.
The character of Juliet is an absolutely fun, feisty femme. She’s rough and tough and a romantic as well. She’s a musician as well as coffee barista and store manager, and a private investigator. She’s got boyfriends, former boyfriends, and wannabe boyfriends … because she’s honest and cool (and good looking).
The mystery that Fardig gives us is really quite interesting. It takes us to some unexpected places with a couple of red herrings, the way a good mystery should.
I liked this book, and I like the series, because I think that Fardig does such a good job of building a story and bringing the reader along for the ride instead of just telling us a story. I also really like the way that the relationships are handled. Juliet is a single, strong, attractive young woman and dating and sex are definitely a part of her life … but it doesn’t overpower the story. It feels very natural and even this grumpy reviewer gets a smile when I read about her positive relationships (…and there’s something to smile about in this book).
This book is very well written and highly recommended.
Looking for a good book? Murder Over Mochas by Caroline Fardig is the fifth book in the Java Jive series and should be on your ‘must read’ list.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
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Murder Over Mochas
author: Caroline Fardig
series: A Java Jive Mystery #5
publisher: Alibi
ASIN: B06XR15TRC
Kindle Edition, 235 pages
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