I have to admit, I’m a total sucker for cozy mysteries. There’s just something so satisfying about curling up with a light, fun whodunit set in a charming small town. And when you add a culinary twist to the mix? Consider me hooked! That’s exactly what drew me to “Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse,” the first book in Harper Lin’s Cape Bay Cafe Mystery series.
The story follows Francesca Amaro, a young woman who returns to her quaint hometown of Cape Bay, Massachusetts to take over her family’s Italian cafe after her mother’s passing. While Francesca is busy whipping up delectable cappuccinos and mouthwatering cupcakes, she unexpectedly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation when she discovers her neighbor’s body. Talk about a rough first week on the job!
I have to say, I was immediately captivated by the picturesque setting of Cape Bay. Lin does a fantastic job painting a vivid picture of this cozy coastal community, from the colorful storefronts along Main Street to the salty sea breeze that seems to waft off the pages. It felt like a place I’d love to visit (minus the dead bodies, of course). The mouthwatering descriptions of Francesca’s culinary creations didn’t hurt either – I found myself craving a cappuccino and a cupcake more than once while reading!
One of the strengths of this book is the cast of quirky, endearing characters that populate Cape Bay. From the handsome and mysterious police detective to the lovably nosy group of senior citizens known as “the Crafternoon ladies,” each character felt distinct and added something special to the story. I particularly enjoyed Francesca’s budding friendship with her employee Lilly, a shy but talented baker. Their scenes together were some of the most heartwarming in the book.
That said, I did feel that some of the supporting characters could have been fleshed out a bit more. A few felt like stereotypes rather than fully-realized people. But overall, I thought Lin did a nice job creating a cast I genuinely cared about.
Plot-wise, the mystery itself was engaging and kept me guessing until the very end. I appreciated that there were enough clues sprinkled throughout to make the reveal feel earned, but not so many that I figured it out prematurely. The pacing was spot-on too – the story moved briskly without feeling rushed.
One scene that particularly stands out to me is when Francesca confronts the killer in a tense, dramatic moment near the end of the book. Lin’s descriptions had my heart pounding as our heroine stared down the barrel of a gun, bravely demanding answers. It was a powerful scene that showcased Francesca’s growth from uncertain amateur sleuth to confident, capable woman.
Lin’s writing style is breezy and effortless, making this a quick, easy read. While it may not be the most profound prose I’ve ever encountered, it’s well-suited for the cozy genre. The tone stays light and humorous even when dealing with darker subject matter, which I appreciated. Cozy mysteries are as much about the vibes as the plot, and Lin nails those warm, comforting vibes.
Thematically, the book touches on ideas of homecoming, community, and finding your place in the world. As someone who moved away from my small hometown as soon as I could, Francesca’s reluctant return to Cape Bay resonated with me. Watching her slowly rediscover her roots, build a found family, and come into her own as a business owner and amateur detective was surprisingly poignant. It left me contemplating my own relationship with the idea of “home.”
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with “Cappuccinos, Cupcakes, and a Corpse.” It checked all my cozy mystery boxes – charming setting, quirky characters, intriguing mystery, and bonus recipes – while also providing some surprisingly touching moments of depth. It’s the kind of book I’d eagerly recommend to any friends looking for a fun, light read to escape into. And I fully intend to visit Cape Bay again as I continue with the series – preferably with a cappuccino and cupcake in hand!