On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first in the Coffeehouse Mysteries book series. I wish I could give half-stars as ratings because this book definitely deserves a 3.5 star rating.
Clare Cosi is the manager of a niche coffeehouse who finds her assistant manager at the bottom of the staircase. She is convinced her assistant manager was pushed, but there’s no real evidence of foul play. Along the way to solving the mystery, you meet her charming and philandering ex-husband, the owner of the coffeehouse (who happens to be her ex-mother-in-law), the homicide detective in charge of the case, and a whole host of additional characters.
This isn’t my usual type of mystery (I typically like historical mysteries the best), but the main characters are engaging, Clare is an interesting narrator, and the mystery is well crafted. And there’s plenty of information about coffee for those addicted to the substance.
This is a promising debut novel in the series, and an easy, quick, and relaxing read. I look forward to reading more about Clare’s adventures!