"Death Before Decaf" - Caroline Fardig

Hello fellow bibliophiles! Finally, a book that kept my attention and was really good! Finding books lately  has been a huge issue. (Check out my reading struggles post here) Big shout out to Netgalley for the opportunity to read today's ARC! Thank you! Another cozy mystery series to add to my list.

"Perfect for fans of Janet Evanovich and Diane Mott Davidson, Caroline Fardig's captivating new mystery novel takes readers behind the counter of a seemingly run-of-the-mill coffeehouse... where murder is brewing.

After her music career crashes and burns spectacularly, Juliet Langley is forced to turn to the only other business she knows: food service. Unfortunately, bad luck strikes yet again when her two-timing fiance robs her blind and runs off with her best waitress. Flushing what's left of her beloved cafe down the toilet with her failed engagement, Juliet packs up and moves back to her college stomping grounds in Nashville to manage an old friend's coffeehouse. At first glance, it seems as though nothing's changed at Java Jive. What could possibly go wrong? Only that the place is hemorrhaging money, the staff is in open revolt, and Juliet finds one unlucky employee dead in a dumpster out back before her first day is even over. 

The corpse just so happens to belong to the cook who'd locked horns with Juliet over the finer points of the health code. Unimpressed with her management style, the other disgruntled employees are only too eager to spill the beans about her fiery temper to the detective on the case. Add to the mix a hunky stranger who's asking way too many questions, and suddenly Juliet finds herself in some very hot water. If she can't simmer down and sleuth her way to the real killer, she's going to get burned."

This book was the perfect mix of all things cozy. Bumbling main character constantly finding herself in the wrong place at the wrong time, witty side characters, mystery, intrigue, a hunky secretive man, and romantic tension, not to mention a coffeehouse! I loved it. I was kept guessing from start to end about what the actual crime was and who committed it. I liked the dynamic between main characters, Juliet, and her partner/friend, Pete. Great cozy mystery book. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series. I'm really interested to see where the story goes from here! Thanks again Netgalley for the ARC! As always, feel free to share any comments, suggestions, or recommendations. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Happy reading fools :)