Death Before Decaf: A Java Jive Mystery

Caroline Fardig

Nov 2015 · Java Jive Book 1 · Sold by Alibi

About this ebook

USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Caroline Fardig’s captivating 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 fiancé robs her blind and runs off with her best waitress. Flushing what’s left of her beloved café 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 the 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.

Praise for Death Before Decaf
 
“I was hooked from the first page. I loved it!”—Dorothy Cannell, award-winning author of the Ellie Haskell mysteries

“Caroline Fardig brings a fun cast of characters to life in Death Before Decaf! Juliet had me laughing, smiling, and rooting for her from the first page to the last. I can’t wait for more!”—Gina LaManna, author of Teased to Death
 
“Caroline Fardig keeps you turning pages in this fast-paced mystery set in a Nashville coffee shop.”—Nancy J. Parra, author of Engaged in Murder

“With a fair share of twists, turns, and a murderer I did not suspect, Fardig delivers a caffeinated romp and a promising start to the Java Jive mystery series.”—Book Club Librarian
 
“A delightfully charming mystery with humor, suspense and a cast of characters to die for.”—Moonlight Rendezvous
 
“I can see this being a series to help bring a younger audience to the cozy mystery genre.”—Musings and Ramblings
 
“[Juliet’s] temper plus a good sense of humor make her a great series protagonist, someone readers would actually like to befriend.”—Mallory Heart Reviews
 
“This book had me hopping from murder to love interest and back to criminal activities.”—Storeybook Reviews

Ratings and reviews

Death Before Decaf by Caroline Fardig is A Java Jive Mystery novel. Juliet Langley is turning thirty years old and is returning home to Nashville. Juliet is a lovely singer, but unable to perform because of severe stage fright. Juliet was running a café of her own until her scum bag (pardon my language) fiancé cleaned out her accounts, apartment, and left town with the café’s best waitress. Juliet has gotten a job as manager of the Java Jive where she worked while she was in college. On her first day Juliet has a run in with the chef, Dave (who likes to violate the health codes). The next thing you know Dave is dead behind Java Jive. Juliet is told by Detective Cromwell (of the MNPD) that she is a person of interest. Juliet sets out to prove her innocence (no matter what the consequences). Pete Bennett (who owns the Java Jive) who is Juliet’s best friend helps her clear her name. Juliet also gets help from Seth Davis, a professor from the college, who has been hanging out at Java Jive. Pete distrusts Seth (he has good instincts), but Juliet refuses to listen (especially since she cannot stand Pete’s girlfriend who is her arch nemesis). Will Juliet be able to clear her name and find the culprit (and stay alive)? I liked the mystery in Death Before Decaf. It was not as easy to solve as I thought it would be. It was more complicated which I enjoyed (I like difficult puzzles). I did not enjoy the foul language or the sex in the book. I like to read cozy mysteries because they do not contain bad language (there are many creative alternatives) or overt sex (I am not a prude. I just get tired of it being shoved in our faces). I give Death Before Decaf 3 out of 5 stars. A good start to a new series. I am hoping the next book will be much better (I am trying to be optimistic). I received a complimentary copy of Death Before Decaf from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I received an ARC from Netgalley via the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in the Java Jive Mystery Series by Caroline Fardig. This is my first book by the author, but after reading this I am going to make a point of reading more from her. Juliet Langley returns to her old college town to run her best friend Pete's coffeehouse, after losing her own cafe after her no good ex-fiance ran off with her money, her belongings and her best waitress, and lands herself smack-dab in the middle of a murder. This is a great cozy mystery that has great characters, and my favorite part some zany-hilarious antics. The funeral scene was epic! Very enjoyable.

Fast paced, fun book! Lots of twists & turns. Will definitely read Mug Shot when released

About the author

Caroline Fardig is the USA Today bestselling author of the Java Jive mystery series and the Lizzie Hart mystery series. Fardig’s Bad Medicine was named one of the best books of 2015 by Suspense Magazine. She worked as a schoolteacher, church organist, insurance agent, funeral parlor associate, and stay-at-home mom before she realized that she wanted to be a writer when she grew up. Born and raised in a small town in Indiana, Fardig still lives in that same town with an understanding husband, two sweet kids, two energetic dogs, and one malevolent cat.