“Mug Shot” by Caroline Fardig
 
In “Death by Decaf,” the first book in the Java Jive Mystery series, we met Pete, who inherited his family’s coffee bar, The Java Jive, which he promptly handed over to his best friend, Juliet. Managing the Jive is difficult, but when a murder takes place, Juliet discovers a talent for detective work, which puts her in danger, but she manages to help catch a killer. However, her heart becomes collateral damage when Ryder, the undercover cop investigating the murder, breaks her heart.
All of that is in the rearview mirror now, as Juliet has moved on. Pete has reunited with his girlfriend, Cecilia, and Juliet is dating Stan, Cecilia’s brother. But, a mind blowing murder will put Pete behind bars and have Juliet once more putting her amateur sleuthing skills to the test. However, she does get help from an unlikely source…Ryder.
Yes, the whole gang is back in this second installment of the Java Jive series. This is another solid effort by Caroline Fardig. The humorous and witty dialogue, mixed with romantic tension, and a puzzling mystery is a fresh and unique combination.
Juliet’s first person narrative is humorous at times and poignant at others, making her a loveable character, I can’t help but cheer on. I get a kick out of her running internal monologue, which is a riot.
The mystery-suspense elements are truly tense on an emotional level this time around, with numerous suspects, various motives, and some very surprising twists and turns, that kept me guessing all the way to the bitter end.
I think cozy mystery readers will enjoy getting to know Juliet—The Redheaded She-Devil—and all her friends at the Java Jive. This series is delightful, well written, and wildly entertaining.
 
Reviewed by Julie Whiteley for Suspense Magazine