On What Grounds (A Coffeehouse Murder) - Cleo Coyle

Clare Cosi used to live in New Jersey. But a proposal from Madame, her ex-mother in law, brings her back to the heaving and bustling streets of Manhattan.

Managing The Village Blend almost gives Clare a new lease of life. Almost because she arrives to unpack her things only to find a dead barista, who's a talented dancer, and an ex-husband who is also part manager. How many times must she tell Madame that Matt and her are not getting back together?

But these thoughts are pushed aside as Clare is convinced that the death of Anabelle (the dancer barista) is not accidental. In her determination to solve the case, she is unnerved by her attraction to the handsome, married, detective as well as the little sparkle between her and Matt. So much for an easy move back to Manhattan! Clare thanks God for a heavenly (and well made) coffee that will get her through all of this.

As the first in a series of 'coffeehouse' murders, Coyle's lighthearted murder-mystery is certainly an engaging read. Clare's passion for coffee is literally on every page and the detail given to make a perfect cup is executed simply. The characters met are few but all have a significance in the unraveling of the mysterious death. Dialogue keeps the flow from chapter to chapter but in a slow, sip and savor the coffee kind of way.

Whilst I enjoyed reading this novel, I found that the explanation/process to make a coffee and/or when Clare is making a cup a little repetitive. I appreciate that coffee is the underlying theme but once you've read how it's made, rest assured the reader knows Clare will make it that way each time. However, I loved the recipes to things mentioned e.g. a cappachino cheesecake and the main character's tenacity as well as the hint of lingering romance between ex-husband and wife. It's well written in effortless way and it's a series that I'm looking forward to reading more of.

A recommended read especially for those who like food themed mysteries!