David Mintzer, millionaire entrepreneur, is a regular customer at the Village Blend. He asks Clare if she would train the barista staff at his brand new East Hampton "Cuppa J". He would not only pay her but would give her a room at his 7 million dollar East Hampton oceanfront mansion, "Leisure With Dignity" for all summer as his guest. She would also set up his coffee selections and dessert pairings menu. She cannot resist the opportunity to escape the heat of the Manhattan summer and takes with her her ex-mother-in-law, Madame, and her 20 year old daughter, Joy, who is on summer break from the Soho Culinary School.

While she is whipping up coffee concoctions for Mintzer's guests at his annual Fourth of July party, Treat Mazzelli, a Cuppa J waiter, is shot to death in Mintzer's bathroom by a sniper. Police can find no reason for Treat's death, but Clare believes that David is the real target with Treat being mistaken for him at a distance, She sets out on her own to protect David and find the killer since the small police force is overwhelmed by the holiday crowds,

This is a complicated plot with many false leads. There are many irreverent and humorous observations about the inhabitants of the Hamptons and their manners and way of life. There is information about the architectural history of the Hamptons and how new building materials are prepared to match the old and weathered homes. There are various brands of coffee mentioned. Not being a coffee aficionado I didn't realize there were so many varieties of coffee. There are tips about ways and manners of serving coffee. There are recipes.

And then there is the story: The story is entertaining and as frothy as the frappés Clare prepares. The interaction between Clare and her ex-mother-in-law is full of humor, and that between Clare and her daughter is realistic. This is a quick read: suitable for a quiet afternoon on the patio with one of Clare's coffee frappés.