Double Shot Death

A Ground Rules Mystery #2

by Emmeline Duncan

Sage Caplin is taking her Portland coffee cart on the road to a sustainable music festival, but murder is an unwanted special guest . . .

At Campathon, an annual eco-friendly festival held on a farm outside of Portland, fans celebrate the Pacific Northwest’s music scene in quintessential PDX style—with gourmet food carts, reusable utensils . . . and lots of coffee. How else to get through three days of nonstop entertainment? Sage has scored a coveted place for her Ground Rules coffee cart thanks to her new-ish boyfriend, Bax, who’s friendly with Maya, one of the musicians performing.

The festivities begin with a stream of customers, friends, and acquaintances stopping by for Ground Rules’ world-class blends, expertly brewed by Sage and her newest barista. But there are tensions between Maya and her former bandmates, who are on the cusp of making it big, and with Ian, the band’s manager. When Sage stumbles upon Ian’s dead body in the nearby woods—his hand still clutching one of her coffee mugs—it’s clear that someone’s grudge boiled over into murder. Can Sage work out who’s responsible before another innocent life fades out, and the curtain falls on Campathon, and maybe her own future, for good?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2022

About the author

Emmeline Duncan is a mystery writer based out of Portland, Oregon. Her novels include the Ground Rules series, including Fresh Brewed Murder, Double Shot Death, Flat White Fatality, and Death Unfiltered, which comes out in the spring of 2024. She's also the author of Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop, a Halloween-themed mystery that will come out in August 2024.

Reviews

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the second book in A Ground Rules Mystery series. I have read and reviewed the first book in this book series before picking up this book. I do not think you need to read the first book before reading this book. I really liked this book. The characters are so much fun and developed. The mystery was fun and kept me thinking, and I really enjoyed trying to figured the mystery in this book. In this book the coffee cart is at a music festival, and I found the setting fun, and I love that the setting is different then the first book. This series is a really good cozy mystery series that I will keeping reading. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Cozies) or author (Emmeline Duncan) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The setting for this one was very interesting. The main character, Sage, operates a coffee cart which for the purposes of Double Shot Death is based at a three day music festival. Of course she discovers dead bodies, is a police suspect, and solves the murders herself. That is de rigueur for a cosy!

The story was good, the characters were fine and the murderer was not obvious. All good. However the coffee theme was played a little too hard. I ended up wishing at least one customer would order a plain cappuccino. The VIP customer who keeps coming back for more and more complicated drinks would not only have been zinging on caffeine but also enormously fat by the end of the festival.

Still definitely worth reading and following up with the next book.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed Fresh Brewed Murder, the first book in the Ground Rules Mysteries by Emmeling Duncan, Double Shot Death was not as enjoyable for me. I think the biggest reason was the characters and how little I connected with them…. Because most of them were new.

Cozy mystery readers usually keep coming back to a series because the characters end up feeling like friends and we want to find out what they are up to. Duncan went from creating great characters into the first book, to giving so many new ones in the second one because the main character, Sage, took her coffee truck to a festival. Now I love when main characters take a vacation and the book is set in a new location, so I think this has a lot of potential having Sage going to new locations, but I feel like Duncan needed to establish her core group more first. Maybe waiting until book four to venture out may have worked better. I can see this putting a lot of cozy readers off the series.

While I really enjoyed learning about coffee in the first book and in this one too, it started to feel like a coffee meme very quickly. I can’t live without coffee! Coffee is life! I would kill for a coffee!

If Duncan would have spent more time on developing the new secondary characters, and Saga a bit more instead of her obsessing about her boyfriend and thinking he was cheating one her, I know I would have enjoyed Double Shot Death a lot more than I did.

I will most likely read the third book in the series, but if it doesn’t get a lot better that will be the last one for me in this series since there are so many other fantastic cozy mystery series out there.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Shot Death is the second book in this new series, and I found it to be even better than the first.
Sage and her boyfriend Bax are at Campathon, selling Sage's wonderful selection of coffees and teas.
There's a lot going on in this story, and as I read this book, I could picture every scene in my mind, from the adorable coffee truck, to the scenery, and the little orange kitty who melted my heart.
I was totally wrong about whodunit, I never saw that coming, and was shocked.
I'm looking forward to see what happens next in this fun series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DoubleShotDeath #NetGalley

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Sage Caplin is thrilled to receive a prime spot for her Ground Rules coffee cart at Campathon, an annual eco-friendly music festival just outside of Portland. It is her chance to show they made the right decision buying the second cart as they wait for their brick-and-mortar shop to open. She is also looking forward to spending her downtime with her boyfriend Bax listening to the bands, who just happens to know one of the musicians performing.

While Sage is selling a lot of coffee in all varieties there is an undercurrent of tension between some of the performers. Bax’s friend Maya has started a new group of her own after splitting with another one. Band manager Ian does his best to keep civil control between all of his clients but he must have pushed someone too far. Sage finds his dead body at the edge of the nearby woods. Things get personal because he is holding one of her coffee mugs and the detective on the case decides that and her discovery of the body puts Sage at the top of the suspect list. One other vendor tries to use that information to their advantage by spreading that news to anyone that will listen.

Will Sage be able to clear her name and a profit before everybody packs up and goes home? Or will the killer strike again? even taking aim at Sage? She’s going to need a double shot or two as she chases the clues and pours the coffee. Hopefully, the next death won’t be her own.

I really enjoyed the music festival setting for this second Ground Rules Mystery. It draws in a wide variety of people like one woman who was going to get everything out of her VIP pass by drinking as much coffee as possible. Coming back every hour to try something different. We also meet a pushy blogger/podcaster that is willing to do almost anything to get a scoop. Then of course there are the singers, musicians, camp staff, and other vendors. Most end up visiting Sage’s coffee cart, many more than once.

And our protagonist Sage Caplin knows how to keep her eyes and ears open. While she does need to leave the cart to follow some of the clues she quickly realizes that she can learn a lot by doing what she does best, serving her customers. I really enjoyed her multitasking and keen observations. I also loved that Bax was there to support her. Their relationship is comfortable for the most part. Our amateur sleuth read some signals completely wrong and I was happy to see that the whole thing was straightened out quickly and wasn’t drawn out over several chapters. I also liked that her brother was at the festival trying to keep her safe while throwing in his own two cents whenever he could.

The mystery ended up having several suspects due to the sheer amount of people at the festival and another death adds even more twists. Detective Adams seemed hyperfocused on Sage but Sage just worked harder to give her other options. I will say I had a revolving group of my own suspects until all was revealed. I was in awe of the way Sage pulled everything together and loved the way the reveal played out. I was riveted like I was right there witnessing in person.

Double Shot Death was a captivating read. Sage is a very engaging protagonist and I appreciated the way she interacted with everyone. The dialogues were very well-written. I was sorry that Harley, Sage’s business partner, was working the other cart and only mentioned a few times in the story. Sage’s dad and Uncle Jimmy were also only involved through phone calls and text messages. I wish all three were more featured but it truly didn’t take away how much I was entertained by this story. I just hope they are all back in book three.

Pour yourself a nice cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy this latest story from Emmeline Duncan. I am excited to see where she takes her characters next!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful pour from the author of Fresh Brewed Murder. Sage is now the co-owner of a second coffee cart, perfect for events like the annual Campathon music festival on a farm outside Portland. She plans to focus on coffee, music, and her boyfriend, but when she finds the manager of a popular band dead in the woods near her tent, carrying a custom cup from her cart, questions flow. Fun recipes, too -- I can hardly wait to brew up a coffee mint soda!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Sage set up her coffee cart at the Campathon Music Festival she was hoping for a busy weekend but what she did not plan on was finding a dead body. She did not intend to become involved in the situation, but not only did Sage feel like she was being treated as a suspect, but she kept hearing important things.

I found the details of the coffee cart interesting even though I don't drink coffee. Furthermore, I especially liked how the story had a realistic touch to it where what happens seems like something a person would think or do. Thanks to Kensington for ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

That reveal was on point. Really enjoyable characters. My one complaint being the location. Book 1's location felt like more of a character and there were more places for the characters to be. And i thought that dragged this one down a tiny bit.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Shot Death features Sage Caplin (I love the name) from Portland who I met in book 1, Fresh Brewed Murder. Sage has a coffee van that she runs with her business partner, Harley. In this story, Sage is on her way to a sustainable music festival and her boyfriend, Bax, has helped her get a good position for her Ground Rules coffee cart thanks to Maya, one of the musicians he knows. However there is some disharmony and Ian, Maya's band manager winds up dead.

The reader follows Sage through her life and especially Bax's. I really enjoy Emmeline Duncan's writing style. She tells the story in a way that brings the reader right into each scene, from learning about the coffee culture as well as the Portland vibe and food scene. I loved the interactions between the characters and the conversations they had seemed realistic. The witty repartee had me frequently chuckling and was a delight to observe. I liked Sage a great deal; she demonstrated that she has a soft spot for people, especially those in need of some help.

The pace throughout the book is even and Emmeline Duncan sprinkles clues here and there so the hip story remains fresh whilst the reader follows along. Double Shot Death will be of interest to many cozy readers, especially coffee connoisseurs, and I’m all agog to see what Sage will be up to next in book three of this excellent series.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this coffee cart theme at a music festival cozy mystery. The characters were appealing, and the author kept me guessing all the way as to who the killer was. I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful sequel to one of my favorite books. I love the setting change in the second book and with enough familiar faces to not be lost in the new place. Definitely check this book/series out if you enjoy coffee, cozy mysteries, or just a wonderful book in general.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mystery and the clues to whodunnit were fantastic and kept me on my toes the whole book. Sage is a fantastic MC.

[Dana · Rating 2 out of 5]

I so wanted to enjoy this quick read as I often do while reading this genre of what I refer to as quick little murder mysteries with a food,knitting, home improvement or bed and breakfast type theme. I will always finish them in one sitting and derive much pleasure from the little respite they provide from life's daily stressors. This story took 6 days to complete, it felt more like a chore to finish it,than pleasure. Not having read the first one might have put me at a disadvantage however a well written book read out of order will still hold the readers attention and actively engage with the reader. I found Double Shot Death to be at first a bit confusing as there were many characters thrown at you within the first few pages, I found myself having to go back and figure out who they were in relation to each other. I liked Sage's character but found that many of the other ones were very hollow and bearly fleshed out. It was annoying to have so many coffee cart characters described so vaguely yet we were supposed to be able recognize them when they returned later for more coffee. I found myself in one of those "wait who is that" moments quite often. I think some of the main characters were interesting, the interaction between Bax , Bax's ex ,his son and Sage flowed quite well but, the rest of the story just felt stunted and hopscotch like. The author threw in the animosity displayed by another cart owner and never really explained it. Also the nasty bloggers dislike of Sage was similarly contentious but also not fleshed out. For me a very disappointing read, that would have been so much better if the actual writing had been better. The characters, theme ,location all have so much potential ! I hope the author perseveres and improves her writing techniques because this could become a really entertaining series. For example Sarah Graves Home Repair series or Diane Mott Davidson Food Catering series.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like other people have said, I feel like this one is missing something because it's taking place at a music festival and the cart collective is it's own character in the first book. Some of what was charming about the first book isn't being revisited here just because the setting is different. But if this gets us an orange cat, I'll take it. I also personally have something against music festivals, but I was glad to see that the festival is very much in the background.

Disclosure: I know the author. So, you know, if you're curious why I'm weirdly super into one cozy series and no other cozy series, that is partly why. But even if I didn't know Emmeline, she has nailed exactly what I would look for in a cozy (coffee, obvs) so if I was looking to pick up a cozy this would be the one I would immediately gravitate toward. I mean look at it. I am the target demo. The next book has video games and the murder victim is a programmer. Are you kidding me? Yes please.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Double Shot Death is the second book in the “A Ground Rules Mystery” series. The story is easy to follow, fun to read, and who doesn’t like a good cup of coffee? Add in a music festival with egos and old grudges, throw in three days of camping under the stars, and you have a scenario made for murder.

Sage is taking Ground Rules to the public in an all-new way. Her cart will serve up incredible blends of coffee to the music-loving camping fans for the next three days. It sounds like a blast until someone decides it's the perfect time to commit murder. Sage is found standing over the body, and some of the other cart vendors are pointing their fingers directly at her. But it doesn’t take long for the police to figure out that Sage doesn’t have a motive to kill a stranger, but that doesn’t stop them from keeping her on the suspect list. Suddenly making coffee, listening to music, and camping isn’t as fun as she thought it would be. It doesn’t take long for the killer to strike again. Could someone she knows be the culprit, or are these murders about rivalry and jealousy?

The characters in this series are fun; they are young and full of ideas. I would have liked to see more of Sage’s business partner, Harley in this story, she seems to play too small of a part in the series to matter, but hopefully, that will change. Suspects are sprinkled throughout, and all have a possible motive. Evidence is there, but readers may have to dig a bit to uncover the more interesting clues. The music festival is entertaining but has been done quite a bit in other cozy series, as has the coffee angle. What sets this series apart, however, is the coffee cart idea, and for this book, the camping gives readers an unusual location.

The victim has secrets, and few of the music festival goer’s even notice his passing. The killer will come as a surprise to most readers. Although I knew early on who the killer was, the motive eluded me until all the pieces to the puzzle were presented. Readers will be delighted with the resolution of the investigation. I don’t think I want to go camping any time soon; this story reminded me of what I dislike most about camping and why I don’t do it anymore! Overall, I enjoyed Double Shot Death and anticipate that this series will continue to grow with each new book.

[Caitlin C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in the Ground Rules mysteries. In this installment, Sage Caplin is taking her coffee cart to Campathon, an eco-friendly music festival in Portland. I love the Portland area and know there is no shortage of quirks to love when it comes to Portland. Everything at the festival is eco-friendly and reusable. I really enjoyed getting to know the new characters, as well as visiting with the continuing characters. Sage's knowledge of coffee is profound and I enjoyed reading about the different brewing methods and types of coffee.

During the festival, Sage gets to know the organizer and some of the musicians, including her boyfriend Bax's friend, Maya, who is in one of the bands. Sage seems to have the most unfortunate luck when it comes to stumbling upon dead bodies, and manages to come across the body of Ian, Maya's band's manager. The detective takes an interest in Sage and continues to frequent her coffee cart, to look for answers. Lucky for Sage, her brother, Jackson is there to step in as her attorney.

I appreciated the relationship growths between Sage and Bax, as well as for Jackson and the coffee carts/shop. I did miss the interactions between Sage and her dad as I find his job as a cold case detective to be fascinating. I am looking forward to this series continuing. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Karen]

Owning up to a passel of cozies I’ve been falling asleep to for most of this year. If you have trouble sleeping, I swear there’s nothing better than a gentle cozy mystery, preferably involving baking or bookshops, which you get from the library on your phone and play at about .85 or .90 speed, possibly at minimum volume from beneath your pillow if you’re trying not to wake up your co-sleeper. I’ve heard multiple books this way this year, so many times and in such a patchwork way, that I’m going to claim them even if I don’t recall every detail about whodunnit. Also, this insomniac tip is free and should be shared. ❤️

Adding that I really like this author’s setting, voice, and tone—and that the coffee shop/cart series is a good time for any Portlander or Portlander-at-heart who wants a hit of PDX love.

[Doreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

5/17/2022 3.5 stars. That chia pudding recipe is legit. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

My local Indie bookstore had this on the shelf and the employee actually raved about the book. That made me realize I read the first one so I had to get this book and glad I did. It's an easy read, short chapters and I enjoy the characters in this book series. Thanks, Emmeline Duncan, for writing this coffee truck mystery series. I look forward to reading the 3rd book in the series next year.
I didn't round up but would give this a solid 3.5 stars.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sage managed to score a lucrative spot at a music festival and soon found out she had to deal with a murder on the grounds as well as her food cart neighbor staring daggers at her all weekend. That breakfast cart lady had serious issues with fear of competition, so it wasn't like Sage in particular did anything to deserve the stares. Add a very pesky, intrusive podcaster into that mix, and I don't think I'd be enjoying myself there very much lol.

Bax and Sage are so cute together, and he's incredibly helpful when it comes to doing anything she needs. When he started hanging out with one of the women musicians who'd performed the score for a video game he did, Sage got a little jealous but found out later her fears were for nothing.

The showdown was pretty exciting with Sage thinking on her feet as she lured the person into false security. Once the killer was hauled away, the rest of the weekend was peaceful. Podcaster Grace got a surprise scoop, and Bax went home with a new cat. Like Sage, I'm curious as to what her future holds and am eager to read the next in series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Campathon Music Festival weekend. Amateur sleuth Sage Caplan got a lucky break and scored a spot for her traveling coffee cart there. It didn't take long for her to find a dead body. I enjoyed this storyline as Sage got involved whether she wanted to or not it seems. This book flowed well with a steady pace that kept me interested throughout. The characters are very likable and well-developed. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Destiny 4everbooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great murder mystery novel that apparently I could never guess right! I did find myself getting lost with the huge number of characters and their roles in this book so definitely something you should keep track of by maybe writing in your Goodreads notes throughout the book to reflect on like I did.

A woman named Sage co-owns a coffee company and takes one of their mobile coffee shops to be one of many vendors at a music festival! Sage and her boyfriend Bax planned on enjoying their time outdoors with music and good vibes but what happens when Sage stumbles upon a body? How can she prove herself as innocent when a detective has her assumptions? This again was a great read, and kept the surprises coming from character relationships, to who the murderer actually is…. Can you guess? 👀

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gets 3.5 stars from me overall, rounded up to 4 since Goodreads has yet to give us a half star option. I really like the premise of this series and its quirky vibes. The characters are likable and fit the quirkiness of the series. I liked the plot of this one with the music festival being a fun storyline. The mystery is good, although I didn't like the turns it took at the end. I actually felt a lot like the characters in the book when they are dealing with how the mystery is solved etc. This one left me sad at the end of the read. Still a solid series and I look forward to more mysteries with Sage and her friends.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice book, and probably a nice series. (this is the first one I read in this series)

Our heroine runs a coffee kiosk/mobile store and is working a music festival when a murder occurs. She is interesting enough but add in a boyfriend, the heroine's family, interesting characters, and a good setting and you have a nice mystery series.

Anyone who enjoys cozies and coffee should love it-plenty of coffee information.
I'd also aim this at the under 35 reader as that is about the age level of the characters.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a solid mystery and kept my interest. However, there was just something missing, or I wasn't connecting with the characters and the story the same way I did the first one. It could be the setting, which was neat, but didn't really give me a feel for much of anything except how much I don't want to camp at a music festival. I like Sage and I loved her VIP customer who ordered coffee every hour but there was nothing that really stood out on this one for me. I will still continue with the series and hope I connect more when it's back in town.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Shot Death is the second installment of the A Ground Rules Mystery series and it was such an enjoyable read!

The main character and amateur sleuth is Sage, a coffee-loving entrepreneur who co-owns Ground Rules. And we accompany her and her new coffee trailer to a music festival where a murder happens where Sage stumbles across the body, and as a result is involved in the investigation as being one of the suspects.

I really enjoyed the unique setting of the story and that most of the clues into the investigation actually came to her as many treat a barista as a counsellor.

The relationship with Sage’s boyfriend, Bax is already established in this story but I really was intrigued with Sage’s childhood and unique upbringing. All the characters were well developed but I’m really looking forward to learning more about the secondary characters. Especially about Sage’s lawyer brother and where his personal life takes him.

Overall, a perfect cozy mystery for coffee lovers and lovers of the Oregon setting.

Thank you Kensington Books for the advanced reader’s copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Megan W. (pnwbookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great sequel to the first book in the series. I found myself enjoying this one even more than the first. The setting was fun, I love the characters and the mystery certainly kept me guessing!

[Star Gater · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF Second of five books in the Ground Rules Mystery series. I did enjoy the first book. However, after trying to read on my Kindle and making no progress, I tried the audio to no avail. I couldn't connect to the story or the narrator.

I wish you success.

#SeriesSeptember
#ShortySeptember

[Taylor Fenner · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 / 5 Stars!

[BLD · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it seemed overly complicated with a few too many characters and red herrings.