On What Grounds

By: Cleo Coyle

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

Clare Cosi used to manage the historic Village Blend coffeehouse…until she opted for quieter pastures and a more suburban life. But after ten years and a little friendly cajoling from the owner (a fresh pot of Jamaican Blue Mountain was all it took), she's back to the grind. With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above the Village Blend, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of coffeehouse redecorating ideas, Clare is thrilled to return to work. Until she discovers the assistant manager unconscious in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. Police arrive on the scene to investigate. But when they find no sign of forced entry or foul play, they deem it an accident. Case closed. But Clare is not convinced. And after the police leave, there are a few things she just can't get out of her mind… Why was the trash bin in the wrong place? If this wasn't an accident, is Clare in danger? And… are all detectives this handsome?

©2003 The Berkley Publishing Group. All rights reserved. (P)2011 AudioGO

You're going to love this series!

I have listened to almost all of the books available in this series available on Audible. And, let me say, you're really going to love it! First of all, it has the perfect cast of characters: the sweet mother-in-law, the annoying ex-husband, the super loved adult daughter, a hot detective, and a hilarious group of baristas. This mystery contains just the right amount of drama and humor. It's one of those books you can't put down. If there is anything wrong with the book, I would say it's what you always see in this genre. There's definitely point when you want to scream at the main character, Clare Cosi, "Don't go! Don't do it!" But again, I think that's an innate part of the mystery genre. Other than that, I love the main character. She's witty, smart and strong, yet loving and genuine.

The narrator is perfect for this novel and the rest of the series. She does an excellent job with the various voices. She speaks clearly and is able to keep your attention.

Bonus: This is a great book for coffee lovers and foodies. If you like to try out new recipes, Clare Cosi normally describes one or two recipes in enough detail for you to try it out in your kitchen. Also visit Cleo Coyle's webpage for additional recipes.

Good Coffee Knowledge

Where does On What Grounds rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks very high, love all the coffee info. My husband and I are coffee snobs,so we have learned a lot from Claire

What other book might you compare On What Grounds to and why?

All the books by Diane Mott Davidson-her character is a caterer and she gives recipes and talks a lot about food and she also drinks an espresso to help her think, wake up and concentrate.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Claire makes the first espresso/latte and explains all that goes into the making, especially the amount of time for the grinding of beans, the time for the heating of the water, etc.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Everything you ever wanted to know about coffee and more...

Any additional comments?

My husband and I are glued to my MP3 at the dinner table listening to several chapters during dinner. We stop and discuss something that a character says or analyze where we think the story is going. We have found a new author to add to our collection of books we listen to on road trips as well.

Interesting Premise, Questionable Main Characters

I like the setting, but found this book so-so. I did not find her ex-husband at all likable and found her behavior either doormat-like or her motives were very self-serving. Either way disappointing. Many of the attitudes are old fashioned and sort of tiresome. The ending was also rushed. The author can write, but this needed to be better developed.

I thought the story started out very slow and almost gave up on it. I will try one more book as I don’t see anything better to read on the horizon, which is sort of sad.

Great book!

Fantastic!!! I didn't see that ending coming! Kept me in suspense the whole book! Great read! Will definitely download more books from this author.

Coffee and more coffee

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

No, not really compelling.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Ending was fine - brought the storyline "up" some.

Have you listened to any of Rebecca Gibel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Did On What Grounds inspire you to do anything?

No

Any additional comments?

So-so cozy, Hope you like hearing all about coffee.

Light murder mystery with an education in coffee

If you could sum up On What Grounds in three words, what would they be?

Full, modern, interesting

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked them all

What about Rebecca Gibel’s performance did you like?

She nailed the part as narrator from beginning to end

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The Charity Ball

Enjoyable, easy listening story

Any additional comments?

A fun, easy listen. The story moves easily and I found the narration matched the story. As a coffee-holic I was interested in all the tidbits of coffee lore buried in the story. It was interesting. I enjoyed the story, the mystery was intriguing. I would recommend this story to anyone looking for light listening. The author and narrator have created a good story worth listening too.

Good cozy series

I resisted starting on this series because it seemed too obvious but it is well written and I love the coffee knowledge I'm gaining. And it took me a while to figure out the killer but probably because I was actually more interested in the story than preoccupied with the killer.

Great Beach Book

What a delightful story! Very well read! Excellent light mystery for the beach;-) perfect length.

great book

very detailed & enjoyable I couldn't stop listening! I wish we had a place like this.