Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Death by Latte (Death by, Bk 2)

Death by Latte (Death by, Bk 2)
Death by Latte - Death by, Bk 2
Author: Linda Gerber
ISBN-13: 9780142411186
ISBN-10: 0142411183
Publication Date: 9/4/2008
Pages: 224
Reading Level: Young Adult
Rating:
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
 13

4.5 stars, based on 13 ratings
Publisher: Puffin
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

2 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

GeniusJen avatar reviewed Death by Latte (Death by, Bk 2) on + 5322 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Reviewed by Cana Rensberger for TeensReadToo.com

Aphra Connolly lies to her dad and flies to Seattle just to see her mother, Natalie. But Natalie can't wait to get Aphra on the next plane home. Sure, she hadn't told her mom she was coming, and maybe it wasn't the best timing, but it had been four years since she'd seen her! As Natalie takes Aphra back to the airport, a phone call changes Natalie's mind and instead of being boomeranged back home, Aphra becomes embroiled in the dangerous world of Natalie's work as a covert ex-CIA agent.

While Natalie talks with her co-workers, Joe and Stuart, Aphra is isolated on the balcony of Natalie's apartment, where, soon after, she meets Ryan, Natalie's hunky neighbor, on the rooftop. But before the day is out Aphra's boyfriend, Seth, arrives in Seattle and demands she return his ring; she witnesses Joe's death; she is stalked by a blond man; and she ends up stranded on a mountain top with Natalie, Seth, and Stuart.

Will they be able to escape whoever is trailing them? Will Seth be able to save his dad by returning the ring? And will Aphra ever be able to connect with her mother again?

DEATH BY LATTE is the type of book that causes you to forget you have cookies in the oven, or that you need to turn out the light because it's three in the morning and you know you have to get up early. You simply won't care. You will be so engrossed in the twists and turns of the story that you won't want to stop reading, especially since Linda Gerber is a master at writing chapter endings that compel you to read on.

DEATH BY LATTE is Linda Gerber's second murder mystery/thriller, and I cannot wait to read her other titles. My thirteen-year-old daughter read this book, insisted I read it, and asked me to buy all of her books for her birthday. What better praise can an author receive than that?

I only regret that when I give Ms. Gerber's books to my daughter, I'll have to wait for her to read them first.
reviewed Death by Latte (Death by, Bk 2) on + 50 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Aphra now knows where her mother has been for the past four years. She knows that she must go to Seattle to seek her out before it's too late, and her mother moves on to a new city.

When Aphra shows up in the markets looking for her mom, she doesn't receive the warm welcome she was hoping for. Actually, she's told to get on a plane and go back home, and treated rudely by her mother's partner Joe.

When Joe dies suddenly, Aphra knows that things haven't changed at all with her mother. She knows that even though she isn't working for the CIA anymore, that danger is imminent. Things don't get any better once Seth shows up rudely brushing Aphra off, and demanding that she give him his father's ring back. What secret does the ring hold, and what trouble has Aphra caused by showing up in Seattle wanting to reunite with her mother?

Death by Latte is definitely ACTION packed, it almost never stops. It keeps the story moving along, but makes it difficult to get to know the characters better. The relationship between Aphra and her mother is strained at first, but mostly because her mom wants to keep her guard up for impending dangers towards Aphra. There are a few moments when you see her mom's nurturing side, and it was nice to see her support finally Aphra's decisions and ideas while trying to find their way out of the forest. Even though Seth shows up and is cold towards Aphra, they end up working really well together and sharing some gentle touching moments.

Overall I thought Death by Latte was good Young Adult book. It's a short read, and definitely has a lot going on plot wise. I recommend picking up the first book Death by Bikini, if you want to start this series.