4.5 stars
Yes! This book just exemplified the reasons I love cozy mysteries so much. It has all the best elements - a nosy citizen with lots of skeptical, but encouraging and sweet friends and family, a distrusting lead detective, and lots of different possible suspects (even a furry friend!). I even didn't mind the love triangle, but I knew exactly who I wanted Blake to choose.
Though I hadn't read the first book in this series, I easily jumped right into this book and the Mystery Cup Café setting. Blake is smart and funny and addicted to coffee - a perfect MC in my opinion. I felt comfortable very quickly and felt a connection to the characters easily. The writing was wonderful and flowed so nicely; I didn't want to put it down (but unfortunately life kept getting in the way).
I really enjoyed the starting twist in this story - Blake sees a murder, but there is no body, weapon, or evidence found! Was it a prank?! Blake doesn't think so, but no one seems to believe her. She investigates anyway and finds a couple likely suspects along the way. I love her sister Kyle who is a police detective, but clearly values her sister's insight into the crime.
The ending was great - the romance kicks up and notch AND Blake gets closer and closer to finding the killer. It was action packed, but not drawn out or over the top.
I real love Blake and her cast of friends, family and even her enemies. I can't wait to read more!