Cam Larson

This is the second in the Roasted Love Cozy Series. The protagonist, Laila, works as a Barista in a Coffee Shop called Roasted Love. When Laila and her boyfriend Daniel go out for dinner at the restaurant of an old friend of Daniel's, they do not get to finish their meal. Hearing screams from the kitchen, Laila and Daniel rush into the kitchen to find a dead and frozen Santa in the walk in freezer. When his friend is suspected of the deed, Daniel asks Laila to help clear him. Daniel heads off to his family's home for Christmas and leaves Laila to work with the local police to find the culprit. I found the mystery interesting but the rest of the story was hard to take. First, the police were far to generous with sharing information with the amateur sleuth, second the sleezy behaviour of the friend left a bad taste in my mouth and was just left with no resolution and third, the murderer wanted to kill Laila, but all he does is tell her to give up her snooping? Not strong writing in my book. It was okay, but I probably will not go out of my way to read another in this series.
… (meer)

A Cup of Murder (A Roasted Love Cozy Mystery, Book 1) by Cam Larson


Laila Rook is the barista at Roasted Love coffeehouse. A coffeehouse chain, Sunrise, opened across the street and Roasted Love is losing business. The owner of Sunrise, Michael Simms wants to put Roasted Love out of business. But Jacob Weaver, the owner of Roasted Love won't back down. When Michael Simms is found murdered by poison in his coffee, Jacob is the prime suspect. Laila tries to solve the crime and keep Roasted Love in business.

A fast paced cozy murder mystery. Laila is likable, and a nice person. The plot moves swift and there are many suspects. A Cup of Murder is the perfect blend for a cozy murder/mystery. Those who like this genre should enjoy this fun read.… (meer)