On What Grounds (Coffeehouse Mysteries, No. 1) (A Coffeehouse Mystery) (25 page)

New York City is full of dating mills, from singles bars to on-line matchmaking services, and Village Blend manager Clare Cosi is wary of sending her heart through those “shop-and-drop” grinders. However, at almost forty and divorced for many years, she’s ready to sign up for what appears to be a somewhat harmless mixer. “Cappuccino Connection Night” is a social gathering held once a month at her coffeehouse. A Greenwich Village church group has organized these nondenominational evenings, billing them as a way for mature adults to meet the opposite sex over a nice, civilized cup of coffee. Unfortunately, both her ex-husband, Matt, and her detective friend, Lieutenant Quinn, finally agree on one thing—“All the men who show are sure to be losers.” But Clare makes a connection with a man who is a self-made millionaire with a great personality, knightly manners, and chiseled good looks. He even loves a good espresso. Is he too good to be true? Maybe. Because Clare soon discovers that wherever this guy goes, the mysterious death of a woman follows. Coincidence? Or is this Mr. Right trying to get rid of a stream of Ms. Wrongs? And if he
is
practicing a deadly form of elimination…is Clare about to become his next girlfriend…or his next victim?