Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle

The provided text consists of excerpts from "Through the Grinder," a Coffeehouse Mystery novel by Cleo Coyle. This work of fiction centers around Clare Cosi, the manager of the Village Blend coffeehouse, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. The plot unfolds as Clare aids Detective Mike Quinn in investigating a string of seemingly unrelated suicides, which Quinn believes are actually murders committed by a "pusher." A major romantic subplot develops between Clare and Bruce Bowman, an architect who becomes a primary suspect, while the text also explores Clare's complex relationship with her ex-husband, Matteo, who is also the father of her daughter, Joy. Ultimately, Clare's own investigation uncovers that the killer is Bruce's ex-wife, Maxine, who possessed a "Right Woman" syndrome fueled by rage and insecurity following their divorce, culminating in a violent confrontation and Maxine's death.