Cleo Coyle is the pen name of Alice Alfonsi, who co-writes the Coffeehouse Mysteries with her husband, Marc Cerasini. The husband-and-wife team live in New York City, and their firsthand knowledge of Greenwich Village and its coffeehouse culture is evident on every page.
The Coffeehouse Mysteries are set in the Village Blend, a fictional coffeehouse that has operated in Greenwich Village for over a hundred years. The series is renowned for its detailed, accurate portrayal of coffee culture — from roasting and blending to the differences between espresso brewing methods. The Coyles are genuine coffee enthusiasts who roast their own beans.
The series is also notable for its romantic subplot, which many readers consider one of the best in the genre. Clare Cosi's relationship with NYPD detective Mike Quinn develops gradually and realistically over many books. The New York City setting gives the series a different flavor from most cozies, with urban diversity and big-city crime adding complexity to the cozy formula.
Back to all authors.