On What Grounds

When we drink coffee, we drink its history, which is also our own history.

After recently reading the 18th book in this series, I decided to go back to the beginning again. I first read this book as a library loan in 2003, long enough back that Id forgotten the actual mystery involved so, with a set of fresh eyes, I went back to when Joy had moved out of the home Clare had worked hard to keep her safe in, and Madame Blanche DuBois had offered Clare her old job of managing The Village Blend along with the furnished duplex above and a percentage of the business.

Then, in a horrible accident, Annabelle, the night manager, is found near the rear exit of The Blend, unconscious and near death having apparently fallen on the stars. But the story doesnt ring true for Clare and thus begins her first sleuthing job as she tries to fit the puzzle together with missing pieces scattered far and wide. Past, present and a strange future come together in dis/harmony as Clare works around, as well as with Matt: her ex husband, and Lt. Quinn, the homicide cop that she is growing to respect.

After reading this a second time, I realize just how much Ive learned about coffee from these books over the years, even subconsciously. I read this in 2 sittings- normal for this type of book, revisiting why I love this series so much. Whether your first or your 31st time, come back and enjoy a cup of mystery at the Village Blend. Highly recommended 5/5

I had to put this down for awhile after not getting it finished in time for a book club discussion, but I’d been wanting to get back to it and see how the Coffeehouse mysteries started–I’d already read the second one for another book club awhile back. I think I enjoyed it more than I remembered enjoying it when I’d only read a few chapters, probably because I didn’t feel rushed to read it. I did start back at the beginning not trusting myself to remember anything, lol.

I just love Madame’s character! She’s awesome and clearly loves Clare like her own daughter. I’m not sure yet if she’s trying to get Matt and Clare back together, but after meeting the good detective, I’m definitely Team Det. Mike. Matt was okay as a character, and it was actually pretty funny when he and Clare did some sleuthing together. I hadn’t guessed the killer but had a feeling that things weren’t quite over when it seemed like they were. I’ll be moving on to book 3 sometime I know. This is a long-running series that I’m anxious to visit again.

Although I could do without the trope of Clare’s on/off relationship with her ex, this was a fun read. It was also better written than most “cozies”, with a heroine who shows not only smarts but some common sense as well. The coffee lore is expert and educational. I also appreciated that she’s not an angst-ridden “OMG I’m turning thirty and don’t have a man in my life”.

I’ll purchase the second in the series and hope it continues to be as entertaining as the first was.

Clare Cosi is the owner of a coffeehouse in New York City. After her daughter goes of to college, the thirtynine year old decides to move back into the city and manage the coffeehouse where she previously worked as an assistant manager for years. It set in the Village so you still have a small community environment of most cozy mysteries. The mystery begins one morning when Clare stops by the shop and discovers the body of her assistant manager, a girl named Annabelle. It is a great mystery and I enjoyed it.

If you like coffee and fun, not-too-violent-but-still-complex mysteries, I highly recommend this series. On What Grounds, the first in this series, got me completely hooked on Clare Cosi and her cadre of friends, family members, and employees. This is not to mention the detailed descriptions and extensive information about my favorite beverage of all time, coffee, of course! What I especially like about the series is that it isnt too breezy and cutesy; its just really well-written, with excellently constructed storylines. After reading On What Grounds, I immediately devoured book 2 and book 3 in the series, and am getting reading to start reading book 4. I can say that Ms. Coyle has managed to make each mystery interesting and different, and I learned a lot about different parts of New York, and different aspects of life as a New Yorker, especially in the village. I highly recommend this book; it is the best cozy series that I have come across in a while.

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