On What Grounds (Coffeehouse Mysteries, No. 1)

A pretty good read. I like the way the author explains blends of coffees and how to brew a perfect cup while tracking down a killer.

I loved this book! This cozy mystery had everything from the coffee facts, to the recipes, to the great character development and even the whodunnit was a mystery until the very end. I’m definitely excited to continue this series!

Gotta say, I live in Greenwich Village and used to work at St. Vincent's Hospital (where the victim in the book is sent) and I l-o-v-e-d this book. I could really relate to the details, although I can't yet figure out if/where the coffee shop is modeled after here in NY. I don't even know if we have any such places anymore now the Starbucks is here, too. Personally, I loved the coffee-trivia even though some other reviewers complained; I like cosies where you learn something. The plot was good, many different possibilities as the killer and some good "relationship" issues going on. The only problem is, I've been yearning for a GOOD cuppa since I finished the book (in a day -quick read)!!

From the start of this book, the reader is cheering Clare on as she stumbles into a life that she left a decade before. She is intelligent and has the interesting situation of having to decide between two men- her exhusband Matt or Dect. Quinn. Not only is this a mystery that keeps you guessing, it has profound passages and reflections about life, September 11th, and living in New York. If you like coffee, make yourself a pot because this book will keep you up late reading.

Ten years ago, at the age of twenty-nine, Clare Cosi used to manage the historic Village Blend located in the heart of Greenwich Village, New York, when she left to pursue a life in suburbia where she could raise her daughter. Now, at the age of thirty-nine, she's decided that the slow pace of New Jersey is beginning to bore her, so when she gets a call from Madame (the owner of the Village Blend) to come back as manager, Clare jumps at the chance. However, as she and her cat Java make their way into the Blend, Clare is startled to find Anabelle, the Village Blend's assistant manager, sprawled on the floor, unconscious, surrounded by coffee grounds. When the police arrive, they feel that it was nothing more than an accident, as there is no sign of forced entry, or a struggle, but Clare feels differently. Now she's on the case to find out who had it in bad enough to hurt Anabelle, before the Blend is sued for everything they have.First off, let me say, I am NOT a coffee drinker. In fact, I can't even stand the taste or smell of the stuff. However, I adored this mystery. It was interesting to read about all of the preparations that you have to go through to make a great cup of coffee, and Cleo Coyle informed us in ON WHAT GROUNDS in a very fun way. Clare is a fun character, who is spunky and nosy, and will capture the hearts of cozy mystery lovers everywhere. Her outlook on life that coffee makes any problem better is hilarious, as are the various quotes about coffee scattered throughout the book. The bottom line: Whether you're a coffee lover or not, you'll love this story. I can't wait for the next one, THROUGH THE GRINDER. Oh, and for those who do love coffee, there are various recipes in the back of the book for different coffees and desserts.Erika Sorocco

Okay, I got the bad pun out of the way. Seriously, this is a really good mystery and fun. I'll admit it was the coffee stuff that got me to buy the book, but it was the story and the characters that made me like it. Hopefully this series will take off like that one about the tea shop. Why should tea drinkers have all the fun?