Good, not great. The interpersonal relationships between Clare, Matt, Joy and Madame seemed forced and superficial in this one and there was a *lot* of backstory explanation for new readers of the series that was just plopped in rather than integrated - probably since this one took place in the Hamptons rather than NYC proper so we had to be told rather than shown. New characters were barely developed since the book was a "one off" and they are unlikely to recur. I'll be happy to see everyone back home.

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I have enjoyed the other books in this series as pleasant little time-passers, but I have to say that two days after reading this book, I could not recall a single thing about the plot, or even be certain whether I had read it. I probably will not read the next book in the series.

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Clare places herself in danger again and again in this installment. The murder investigation takes place in the Hamptons and not in Manhattan this time. Though the sleuthing is just as unbelievable as always it's still an enjoyable light read.

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Good mystery, but slowed down by more coffee and architectural information. This author needs to cut back on knowledge or put it at the end of the book instead of boring the reader. I'm liking Claire less and less, although the premise of the series and the recipes are good. I will give this series one more chance before giving up on it.
Sending in trade via PBS.

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This one moved a little slow compared to the others in the series.

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Clare goes off to the Hamptons for the summer for a job. It fits in wonderful with the coffee house theme yet got her out to some place new and different. Loved that her mother-in-law, daughter and even ex-hubby were all included. I really love this series. Very enjoyable. Makes me want to get out to the beach and meet some handsome stranger on a boat and go to a cute coffee house!

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In this one Clare takes on another position; a friend and millionaire has asked her to train the staff at a new upscale restaurant he has opened in the Hamptons. She is still able to go back and forth and run her own coffee shop as well. She stays as a guest at David's mansion, taking her daughter Joy along to be part of the kitchen staff for the summer. When a guest is murdered, Clare decides the police have made an error and feels that the intended victim was David.

She decides to investigate on her own. Madame comes for a visit and, along with an old friend she runs into, helps with the investigation.

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I was a bit disappointed that this book was set in the Hamptons instead of being centered around The Village Blend coffeehouse. And I was worried that it wasn't going to capture my attention because of that fact, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed this book the same as the previous three. Clare's daughter and mother-in-law were there with her, and even her ex-husband showed up for a short while, so most of the main characters were still weaved throughout the book.

I really enjoyed the book, and since there doesn't seem to be quite so much detailed coffee explanation as in previous books, it allowed the story to flow a bit better in my opinion. Will definitely read the next one!

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