Picture a dynamic duo brewing mysteries as rich as a dark roast espresso—meet Cleo Coyle, the New York Times bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi and her husband, Marc Cerasini! Known for their wildly popular Coffeehouse Mystery series, this Pittsburgh-born couple has sold over a million books, blending cozy crime, coffee culture, and vibrant New York City vibes into stories that keep readers hooked.
With their knack for crafting amateur sleuth tales, Cleo Coyle invites you into the charming Village Blend coffeehouse, where barista Clare Cosi solves murders with wit and a caffeine kick. Their work, including the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, has earned starred reviews and a devoted following, proving that coffee and crime are a match made in literary heaven.
The Making of Cleo Coyle
Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini, the real-life minds behind Cleo Coyle, hail from working-class neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alice, a Carnegie Mellon graduate, kicked off her career as a cub reporter for The New York Times, while Marc, an Ohio University alum, worked as a magazine editor and literary critic. Their paths crossed in the bustling streets of New York City, where they fell in love and tied the knot at the iconic Little Church of the West in Las Vegas. This blend of grit, romance, and creativity set the stage for their literary partnership.
Their shared Italian heritage and love for storytelling fueled their decision to write together. After successful solo careers—Alice penned children’s and YA fiction, while Marc authored thrillers—they adopted the Cleo Coyle pseudonym to launch their mystery series, drawing inspiration from their new home in Greenwich Village and their passion for coffee.
Cleo Coyle’s Unforgettable Stories
The Coffeehouse Mystery series, launched in 2003 with On What Grounds, follows Clare Cosi, a savvy coffeehouse manager who stumbles into murder mysteries in New York’s Greenwich Village. Now spanning 21 novels, including the upcoming No Roast for the Weary, the series is celebrated for its cozy yet sharp storytelling, mouthwatering recipes, and coffee-making tips woven into each plot. With over a million copies sold, it’s a staple for fans of culinary mysteries.
Equally captivating is the Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, originally written under the pseudonym Alice Kimberly. This series, featuring bookseller Penelope Thornton-McClure and her ghostly PI partner Jack Shepard, blends cozy and noir elements. Recent titles like The Ghost Goes to the Dogs have earned critical praise, with reviewers calling them 'delightful' and 'unique.' Both series showcase Cleo Coyle’s signature style: light-hearted yet suspenseful, with richly drawn characters and settings that feel like a warm coffeehouse hug.
Their standalone media tie-in projects for Lucasfilm, NBC, and Disney further highlight their versatility, but it’s their ability to keep long-running series fresh—tackling modern issues like police tensions or digital dating—that keeps readers coming back. Each book is a carefully crafted blend of humor, heart, and intrigue, served with a side of recipes that fans love to recreate.
Why Cleo Coyle Matters
Cleo Coyle has redefined the cozy mystery genre by infusing it with urban flair and culinary passion. Their Coffeehouse Mysteries have not only entertained but also built a community of readers who share recipes and coffee tips through Cleo’s newsletter and website. Translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech, their stories resonate globally, proving that a good mystery transcends borders.
Their impact extends to inspiring aspiring writers, showing how a married couple can collaborate to create bestselling magic. By championing strong, relatable heroines like Clare Cosi, they’ve carved a niche in a genre often dominated by traditional settings, making mysteries accessible and fun for all.
- Born: Alice Alfonsi and Marc Cerasini, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Key Works: Coffeehouse Mysteries, Haunted Bookshop Mysteries
- Awards: Starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, multiple Best of Year honors
- Fun Fact: They rescue stray cats and share recipes on their blog!
Ready to sip some suspense? Grab On What Grounds and dive into Cleo Coyle’s cozy, coffee-fueled mysteries today!