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Maggy Thorsen Mystery #9
To the Last Drop: A Coffee House Cozy Mystery
Maggy Thorsen returns in this brand-new coffeehouse mystery, where the death of her ex-husband's colleague leads to events that hit Maggy close to home - in more ways than one . . .
Maggy Thorsen's shock at finding her ex-husband Ted in a fight with William Swopes, an oral surgeon at Ted's dental practice, outside Uncommon Grounds, the Wisconsin gourmet coffeehouse she co-owns, is soon usurped by the horror of discovering a dead body outside Thorsen Dental's office block the next morning. Did he jump from the tenth-floor office window, or was he pushed?
It's not long before Maggy is uncovering disturbing family secrets, lies and betrayal. As Maggy tries to piece together the clues, her beau, Jake Pavlik, hits her with another bombshell. Can she keep her emotions in check and find out the truth about a possible murder?
Maggy Thorsen's shock at finding her ex-husband Ted in a fight with William Swopes, an oral surgeon at Ted's dental practice, outside Uncommon Grounds, the Wisconsin gourmet coffeehouse she co-owns, is soon usurped by the horror of discovering a dead body outside Thorsen Dental's office block the next morning. Did he jump from the tenth-floor office window, or was he pushed?
It's not long before Maggy is uncovering disturbing family secrets, lies and betrayal. As Maggy tries to piece together the clues, her beau, Jake Pavlik, hits her with another bombshell. Can she keep her emotions in check and find out the truth about a possible murder?
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 1, 2016
About the author
Sandra Balzo
33 books238 followersSandra Balzo is an award-winning author of crime fiction, including fourteen books in two mystery series--one set outside Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the other in the High Country of North Carolina. MURDER a la Mocha, the eleventh Maggy Thorsen Wisconsin coffeehouse mystery, will be released in January, and the series has been optioned for development as a TV series/film.
Balzo's books have garnered starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist, while being recommended to readers of Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, Joan Hess and Margaret Maron.
In addition to Twitter and her website, Sandy also hangs out at https://www.facebook.com/SandraBalzoM... and http://pinterest.com/sandrabalzo/
Balzo's books have garnered starred reviews from Kirkus and Booklist, while being recommended to readers of Janet Evanovich, Charlaine Harris, Joan Hess and Margaret Maron.
In addition to Twitter and her website, Sandy also hangs out at https://www.facebook.com/SandraBalzoM... and http://pinterest.com/sandrabalzo/
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 14, 2017
Coffee shop owner Maggy Thorsen doesn’t have the best relationship with her ex-husband, Ted. No wonder, as he dumped her for his much-younger dental hygienist. Their relationship doesn’t improve when Ted’s new partner in his dental practice ends up sailing out of his office window.
Maggy — despite her bad karma with Ted — ends up looking into the death of oral surgeon William Swope, which first appears to be a suicide. But Maggy realizes otherwise. She also realizes that her relationship with her handsome, sexy boyfriend, Sheriff Jake Pavlik, seems to be nearly as moribund as the late Dr. Swope. What’s a middle-aged single mom to do?
I adored this ninth entry in author Sandra Balzo’s coffeehouse mystery series: funny, cleverly plotted, with lots of snarky dialogue. Here’s to hoping she’s brewing lots more!
Maggy — despite her bad karma with Ted — ends up looking into the death of oral surgeon William Swope, which first appears to be a suicide. But Maggy realizes otherwise. She also realizes that her relationship with her handsome, sexy boyfriend, Sheriff Jake Pavlik, seems to be nearly as moribund as the late Dr. Swope. What’s a middle-aged single mom to do?
I adored this ninth entry in author Sandra Balzo’s coffeehouse mystery series: funny, cleverly plotted, with lots of snarky dialogue. Here’s to hoping she’s brewing lots more!
July 23, 2019
A quick read. About insurance malpractice
November 21, 2016
If snark and intelligence are among your preferences for a great mystery, To the Lost Drop will be on your must read list. I love that not only does Maggy have mental snark down to the perfection, her coffee house partner has no filter on her mouth. Sometimes what she spouts makes me cringe, but I still have to laugh and I do wish I could let it out sometimes. I can so relate to the thoughts.
While Maggy has no intention of investigating the death of her ex's new partner, she keeps getting drawn in by the man's wife and daughter, and even more she is pulled by the feeling that the police are seeing suicide where she sees murder. It is almost a wonder that a man with this many enemies survived as long as he did. A surprising new development in her relationship with Pavlik create a stumbling block that really throws her off. It is a good thing Eric is in town, and it is always great so spend time with her delightful son.
I believe that this book can work as a standalone but odds are readers will get hooked and want to read earlier books as well as all new ones.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley but the review is voluntary and the opinions are all my own. I always review books I love and I loved this one!
While Maggy has no intention of investigating the death of her ex's new partner, she keeps getting drawn in by the man's wife and daughter, and even more she is pulled by the feeling that the police are seeing suicide where she sees murder. It is almost a wonder that a man with this many enemies survived as long as he did. A surprising new development in her relationship with Pavlik create a stumbling block that really throws her off. It is a good thing Eric is in town, and it is always great so spend time with her delightful son.
I believe that this book can work as a standalone but odds are readers will get hooked and want to read earlier books as well as all new ones.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley but the review is voluntary and the opinions are all my own. I always review books I love and I loved this one!
July 4, 2017
This series remains one of the few "cozy" type mysteries that I can still read without gagging. The whole cozy formula just makes me grit my teeth for the most part, but this series has a little more of an edge with a main character who's not quite so form-fitted to the usual mold. This entry in the series did leave me cringing a bit though, as I really had to suspend my disbelief to get through it. Mostly because, while coffee shop owner Maggy Thorsen often seems to get herself involved in various murders, in this one she ends up helping people she has only met within 24 hours and doesn't even like. Usually I can put myself in Maggy's place, but this time I was sort of...baffled...as to why she didn't just butt out.
As with most cozies who have an amateur sleuth as the main character, I also always wonder why she's never charged with obstruction of justice with her nosing around and then keeping things from the police, or how on earth a small suburb can support so many murderous people. LOL Still, other than these issues, I enjoy the writing and the story and the visit with Maggy and her friends.
As with most cozies who have an amateur sleuth as the main character, I also always wonder why she's never charged with obstruction of justice with her nosing around and then keeping things from the police, or how on earth a small suburb can support so many murderous people. LOL Still, other than these issues, I enjoy the writing and the story and the visit with Maggy and her friends.
May 7, 2017
Coffee-house owner Maggy may be divorced, but she is still tied to her cheating ex-husband through their college age son Eric. So it concerns her when her husband's new partner in his dental practice exits their office through a tenth-story window. Eric is concerned that the man's college age daughter may be involved, and Ginny, the daughter, worries about her mother, who seems to want Maggy's help but who continually lies to her. It's quite a tangle, but Balzo has a least-likely suspect or two up her sleeve and the solution is surprising, though well-prepared for.
December 31, 2017
I just love this series so much.
November 6, 2017
A "cosy" mystery with several ho hum characters and a death to figure out. Suicide or homicide? Not my cup of tea, or coffee in this effort where there as many pots brewing as clues tossed about.
October 30, 2018
Shorter than usual, cute, fast flowing. This title is very humorously tied to the story line, more clearly than in many titles. Fast flowing, implausible, good conversations, as fun as usual.
November 26, 2018
Enjoyable read. Coffee shop and dentist details.
December 18, 2016
To The Last Drop by Sandra Balzo is the ninth book in A Coffee House Cozy Mystery series. Maggy Thorson owns Uncommon Grounds with her business partner and friend, Sarah Kingston in Brookhills, Wisconsin. Maggy inherited almost $50,000 from her brother and is visiting Lynne Swope, a financial advisor. Lynne is married to William who just joined Maggy’s ex-husband’s (Ted) dental practice. That evening the book club group is meeting at Uncommon Grounds. The group includes Lynne and William. Ted storms in very angry and wishes to see William. They go outside, but Maggy manages to hear a tidbit of their “discussion”. Ted tells William to pack up his office and leave. The next day Maggy is visiting Thorsen Dental when a body is found on the ground by protestor, Rita Pahlke. It turns out to be William Swope. Did William jump out his tenth-floor window or did someone give him a little help out that window? Maggy, of course, cannot help but look into the matter much to her boyfriend’s dismay. Maggy is dating Sheriff Jake Pavlik, the Brookhills County Sheriff. Maggy is soon knee deep in the secrets of the Swope family. Will Maggy be able to uncover the truth?
You will enjoy To The Last Drop if you read at least the first novel in the series first. It is really not a stand-alone book. It can be confusing trying to understand the characters, relationships and their backstories. I really did not enjoy To The Last Drop. I tried, but was not a fan of the human characters (the dog was the only one I enjoyed). The main character, Maggy Thorsen is unappealing. Maggy comes across as nosy and pesky (annoying). Maggy’s best friend, Sarah Kingston is odd (I do not see what they have in common besides the business). The author tried to make the mystery complex, but it was very simple to solve (the killer was extremely obvious—there might as well be a giant arrow pointing to the culprit). I was able to identify the killer by the time I was 25% of the way through the book. I give To The Last Drop 2.5 out of 5 stars (not for me). Some information is repeated a few times throughout the book. An example is Maggy’s divorce from Ted and why they are divorced. I was astounded that anyone would trust Lynne Swope with their money. I thought that once Maggy got to know Lynne, she would take back her $50,00 (and give it to someone more reliable). The book does have a sweet, romantic ending. This was just not the right cozy mystery for me.
To The Last Drop by Sandra Balzo is the ninth book in A Coffee House Cozy Mystery series. Maggy Thorson owns Uncommon Grounds with her business partner and friend, Sarah Kingston in Brookhills, Wisconsin. Maggy inherited almost $50,000 from her brother and is visiting Lynne Swope, a financial advisor. Lynne is married to William who just joined Maggy’s ex-husband’s (Ted) dental practice. That evening the book club group is meeting at Uncommon Grounds. The group includes Lynne and William. Ted storms in very angry and wishes to see William. They go outside, but Maggy manages to hear a tidbit of their “discussion”. Ted tells William to pack up his office and leave. The next day Maggy is visiting Thorsen Dental when a body is found on the ground by protestor, Rita Pahlke. It turns out to be William Swope. Did William jump out his tenth-floor window or did someone give him a little help out that window? Maggy, of course, cannot help but look into the matter much to her boyfriend’s dismay. Maggy is dating Sheriff Jake Pavlik, the Brookhills County Sheriff. Maggy is soon knee deep in the secrets of the Swope family. Will Maggy be able to uncover the truth?
You will enjoy To The Last Drop if you read at least the first novel in the series first. It is really not a stand-alone book. It can be confusing trying to understand the characters, relationships and their backstories. I really did not enjoy To The Last Drop. I tried, but was not a fan of the human characters (the dog was the only one I enjoyed). The main character, Maggy Thorsen is unappealing. Maggy comes across as nosy and pesky (annoying). Maggy’s best friend, Sarah Kingston is odd (I do not see what they have in common besides the business). The author tried to make the mystery complex, but it was very simple to solve (the killer was extremely obvious—there might as well be a giant arrow pointing to the culprit). I was able to identify the killer by the time I was 25% of the way through the book. I give To The Last Drop 2.5 out of 5 stars (not for me). Some information is repeated a few times throughout the book. An example is Maggy’s divorce from Ted and why they are divorced. I was astounded that anyone would trust Lynne Swope with their money. I thought that once Maggy got to know Lynne, she would take back her $50,00 (and give it to someone more reliable). The book does have a sweet, romantic ending. This was just not the right cozy mystery for me.
You will enjoy To The Last Drop if you read at least the first novel in the series first. It is really not a stand-alone book. It can be confusing trying to understand the characters, relationships and their backstories. I really did not enjoy To The Last Drop. I tried, but was not a fan of the human characters (the dog was the only one I enjoyed). The main character, Maggy Thorsen is unappealing. Maggy comes across as nosy and pesky (annoying). Maggy’s best friend, Sarah Kingston is odd (I do not see what they have in common besides the business). The author tried to make the mystery complex, but it was very simple to solve (the killer was extremely obvious—there might as well be a giant arrow pointing to the culprit). I was able to identify the killer by the time I was 25% of the way through the book. I give To The Last Drop 2.5 out of 5 stars (not for me). Some information is repeated a few times throughout the book. An example is Maggy’s divorce from Ted and why they are divorced. I was astounded that anyone would trust Lynne Swope with their money. I thought that once Maggy got to know Lynne, she would take back her $50,00 (and give it to someone more reliable). The book does have a sweet, romantic ending. This was just not the right cozy mystery for me.
To The Last Drop by Sandra Balzo is the ninth book in A Coffee House Cozy Mystery series. Maggy Thorson owns Uncommon Grounds with her business partner and friend, Sarah Kingston in Brookhills, Wisconsin. Maggy inherited almost $50,000 from her brother and is visiting Lynne Swope, a financial advisor. Lynne is married to William who just joined Maggy’s ex-husband’s (Ted) dental practice. That evening the book club group is meeting at Uncommon Grounds. The group includes Lynne and William. Ted storms in very angry and wishes to see William. They go outside, but Maggy manages to hear a tidbit of their “discussion”. Ted tells William to pack up his office and leave. The next day Maggy is visiting Thorsen Dental when a body is found on the ground by protestor, Rita Pahlke. It turns out to be William Swope. Did William jump out his tenth-floor window or did someone give him a little help out that window? Maggy, of course, cannot help but look into the matter much to her boyfriend’s dismay. Maggy is dating Sheriff Jake Pavlik, the Brookhills County Sheriff. Maggy is soon knee deep in the secrets of the Swope family. Will Maggy be able to uncover the truth?
You will enjoy To The Last Drop if you read at least the first novel in the series first. It is really not a stand-alone book. It can be confusing trying to understand the characters, relationships and their backstories. I really did not enjoy To The Last Drop. I tried, but was not a fan of the human characters (the dog was the only one I enjoyed). The main character, Maggy Thorsen is unappealing. Maggy comes across as nosy and pesky (annoying). Maggy’s best friend, Sarah Kingston is odd (I do not see what they have in common besides the business). The author tried to make the mystery complex, but it was very simple to solve (the killer was extremely obvious—there might as well be a giant arrow pointing to the culprit). I was able to identify the killer by the time I was 25% of the way through the book. I give To The Last Drop 2.5 out of 5 stars (not for me). Some information is repeated a few times throughout the book. An example is Maggy’s divorce from Ted and why they are divorced. I was astounded that anyone would trust Lynne Swope with their money. I thought that once Maggy got to know Lynne, she would take back her $50,00 (and give it to someone more reliable). The book does have a sweet, romantic ending. This was just not the right cozy mystery for me.
November 27, 2016
I have been a long time fan of this series.
From book one I have watched the story grow and change and I am happy to say that I still enjoy the story as much as I did when I read the first book in the series.
Strange things have been brewing up at Uncommon Grounds and when Maggy witnesses her ex husband having a heated discussion with the new oral surgeon at his dental office, Maggie can't help but wonder why.
When the oral surgeon, William Swopes is found dead, the possibility of suicide is questioned.
His wife asks Maggy for help and before long she is embroiled in a battle of divorce, secrets and lies.
This story will keep any cozy mystery fan reading up until the wee hours.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley
From book one I have watched the story grow and change and I am happy to say that I still enjoy the story as much as I did when I read the first book in the series.
Strange things have been brewing up at Uncommon Grounds and when Maggy witnesses her ex husband having a heated discussion with the new oral surgeon at his dental office, Maggie can't help but wonder why.
When the oral surgeon, William Swopes is found dead, the possibility of suicide is questioned.
His wife asks Maggy for help and before long she is embroiled in a battle of divorce, secrets and lies.
This story will keep any cozy mystery fan reading up until the wee hours.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley
July 17, 2016
Maggy Thorsen is back at Uncommon Grounds with her new business partner Sarah. The coffee shop is doing well and when Maggy heads home after the book club arrives she is witness to her ex husband and his new dental partner having a knock down fight. When she finds the partner dead the next morning she has a list of suspects as long as her arm including his wife and step-daughter. I liked this book with Maggie and older wiser woman sleuth with a boyfriend that is the sheriff in town. Lots of clues and finger pointing with Maggy sorting and shuffling the facts and timeline. I liked this book and the characters set in small town Wisconsin.
October 25, 2016
This is the ninth and newest book in the Maggy Thorsen Mystery series. It is a very short book - less than 200 pages. Maggy gets pulled into an investigation after being at her former husband's office building when a body is found. Maggy asks lots of questions but feels most of the people involved are failing to tell the complete truth. The book was a very quick easy read.
October 18, 2016
This book was tedious-I used goodreads to try and remind me about the characters etc....not much luck; reading this frustrated me although now that I've finished I will admit the "murder" part of the story-line was good but was bogged down by so much uncertainty about "who everyone was"
November 20, 2016
The ninth in this mystery series, the book was a quick, fun read. There was not a lot of depth to the story or the characters, but the future of Maggy and Jake's relationship continue to create interest.
January 20, 2017
I picked up this series because it is set in Wisconsin, and it's decent, but not as good as I wish every time I pick another one up. The series reminds one of Diane Mott Davidson, but not quite as well written, with slightly less well developed characters.
December 13, 2016
Nice cosy with interesting characters
February 6, 2017
Nice cozy mystery. The killer had me fooled. I'll read more of the series.
January 13, 2017
Quick light read. Full of clichés. Good for fans of this genre. I must admit I did not see who the killer was.
March 27, 2017
Let me start by saying I enjoyed this book, but I was expecting to love it. I didn't dislike Sarah as much as I have in previous books, but that could have been because I hated Lynne and her daughter. Seriously. I wanted to hit them at the best of times.
Moving on from the characters - The problems I had with this story:
The first was the $50,000. (This is not really a spoiler). It's mentioned in the first few chapters and then it's never mentioned again. What happened to it? Also, since you brought it up, why did Maggie trust Lynne with her inheritance? Lynne didn't seem the reliable type and I'm surprised Maggie didn't request her money back. I definitely would have requested my money back after all the lies and trouble she gave me.
Next problem, Pavlik. The ending just kind of dropped off.
Final problem: The culprit. I felt we weren't given enough information to even suspect this person, and it kind of came out of nowhere.
Will I read the next in the series when it comes out? Yes, because this was the only book in the series that had major disappointments for me and I feel that Sandra can come back from that.
Moving on from the characters - The problems I had with this story:
The first was the $50,000. (This is not really a spoiler). It's mentioned in the first few chapters and then it's never mentioned again. What happened to it? Also, since you brought it up, why did Maggie trust Lynne with her inheritance? Lynne didn't seem the reliable type and I'm surprised Maggie didn't request her money back. I definitely would have requested my money back after all the lies and trouble she gave me.
Next problem, Pavlik. The ending just kind of dropped off.
Final problem: The culprit. I felt we weren't given enough information to even suspect this person, and it kind of came out of nowhere.
Will I read the next in the series when it comes out? Yes, because this was the only book in the series that had major disappointments for me and I feel that Sandra can come back from that.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews