On What Grounds

Coffeehouse Mystery #1

by Cleo Coyle

The first charming mystery in the New York Times bestselling Coffeehouse Mystery series—where caffeine and crime are always brewing... Clare Cosi used to manage New York City’s historic Village Blend coffeehouse, until she opted for quieter pastures and a more suburban life. But after ten years away she’s back in action and back to the grind, serving up steaming hot caffeine one cup at a time. With a sprawling rent-free apartment directly above the coffeehouse, her cat Java by her side, and plenty of redecorating ideas, Clare is thrilled to return to work—until she discovers the assistant manager dead in the back of the store, coffee grounds strewn everywhere. NYPD Detective Mike Quinn finds no sign of forced entry or foul play and deems the whole thing an accident. But despite the attractive investigator’s certainty, Clare isn’t convinced. Now, if she wants to get to the bottom of things she’ll have to do some sleuthing of her own—before anyone else ends up in hot water... Includes recipes and coffee-making tips!

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

292 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2003

About the author

Don't miss the newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series (with more to come), NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, a National Mystery Bestseller and triple #1 Amazon Category Bestseller. Join Cleo's Coffee Club for bonus recipes and giveaways: Click Here to Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter

CLEO COYLE is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. With more than 1 million books sold, they have gained an enthusiastic following. Cleo's "relenlessly entertaining" (Criminal Element) novels have been translated into Spanish, Japanese, and Czech. Their books have earned starred reviews from Library Journal and Kirkus, Best of Year selection honors from multiple reviewers, and have been recommended by Booklist as among the best culinary mysteries for core library mystery collections.

When not haunting coffeehouses, hunting ghosts, or wrangling their rescued stray cats, Alice and Marc are New York Times bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, Toho, and MGM. One of those projects (ghostwritten by Alice Alfonsi) was named by Entertainment Weekly as the best media tie-in book written that year.

CONNECT WITH CLEO at CleoCoyle.com and CoffeehouseMystery.com

*******

CLEO'S TWO BESTSELLING SERIES:

Cleo’s Coffeehouse Mystery series, celebrated for pioneering both the “urban cozy" and “coffee cozy” mystery genres, follows the adventures of amateur sleuth Clare Cosi, a single mom with a complicated love life who manages a Greenwich Village coffeehouse and a crew of quirky baristas who helps her solve perplexing crimes.

Cleo’s Haunted Bookshop Mystery series, hailed as a highly original and "utterly charming" (Mystery Scene) blend of cozy and hardboiled genres, features an earnest young New England widow who catches criminals with the help of a gumshoe ghost, the irrepressible spirit of a tough private detective who’d been gunned down in her bookshop decades before.

*******

LATEST BOOK NEWS:

The newest title in Cleo's long-running Coffeehouse Mystery series is NO ROAST FOR THE WEARY, on sale April 1st and already a national mystery bestseller and triple #1 Amazon category bestseller. Cleo's previous release, BULLETPROOF BARISTA, was a "wildly entertaining" (Criminal Elment) national mystery bestseller; a #1 category best seller for Amazon; and honored with 2 Best of Year list selections by reviewers. It is now availalbe in a new paperback reprint edition along with the previous bestselling book in the series, HONEY ROASTED, "A honey of a tale" (Kirkus Reviews).

Cleo's latest Haunted Bookshop Mystery releases include THE GHOST AND THE STOLEN TEARS, praised by Kirkus as "a gem of a story." And THE GHOST GOES TO THE DOGS, a #1 category best seller for Amazon, which Fresh Fiction called "amazing and unique." Cleo is now writing the next Haunted Bookshop Mystery. Subscribe to Cleo’s Free Newsletter for updates on the pub date!

Reviews

[Miranda Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

First off, such a freaking brilliant title.

Second off, I loved the concept. Coffee themed murders? Yes. Count me in.

Third off, I think I liked the title more than the actual book.

Clare Cosi, the manager of the historic Village Blend coffeehouse, is in a bit of a complicated situation.

There's all the normal stuff - she's working under her ex-mother-in-law (whom she adores) but is sharing a duplex with her husband (whom she doesn't adore) due to her ex-mother-in-law's meddling.

And then there's all the not-so-normal-stuff - like the attempted murder on her assistant manager. The cops thinks it's an accident but she knows differently - and one way or another, she will prove it.

I loved the premise - coffee, murder and mayhem.

I adore the way the characters talked about coffee.

"Coffee makes a sad man cheerful, a languorous man active, a cold man warm, a warm man glowing."

But the actual murder-sleuthing left something to be desired.

Clare's sleuthing was just so-over-the-top and painfully awkward. She abides by the whole whole blurt-out-random-questions-and-conveniently-gets-all-the-right-right-answers.

And the mayhem mostly consisted of Clare A) thinking about her "pillowy chest," B) conflicting thoughts about her hawt ex-husband is or C) day dreaming about the equally hot cop. Someone throw this woman in a cold shower.

So, it's not that the book was terrible per say...It just felt like it was trying too hard.

The Finer Books Club 2018 Reading Challenge - A book with a pun in the title

Audiobook Comments
Read by Rebecca Gibel. Much like the actual text...the audio felt like it was trying too hard. Every character had such exaggerated inflections (a pet peeve of mine). I.e. the New York Coppers were just so very Nue Yahk as they drank their cawfee and tawked abou murdahhh. *shudders*

YouTube | Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Snapchat @miranda_reads

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm sorry but these books are mochas for the mind [yes, I DID write that!] and I LOVE them for the total frothy foam brain-fluff that they are. (OK, seriously. I'm done).

[PamG · Rating 2 out of 5]

ON WHAT GROUNDS by Cleo Coyle is the first book in the Coffeehouse cozy mysteries series and takes place in New York City. Clare Cosi is back to manage the historic Village Blend Coffeehouse once again. Ten years ago, she decided to move out of the city to raise her daughter in the suburbs. This time the owner has enticed her back with the promise of a rent-free apartment above the coffeehouse and partial ownership. When returning to the Village Blend, Cleo finds the assistant manager severely injured at the bottom of the basement steps. What happened to her? Did she trip and fall or was it something more sinister?

There was some humor sprinkled throughout the book, but I did not connect with any of the characters. There is a very slow start, very little action, all kinds of information about coffee, and a weak protagonist. The characters did not always act in a plausible, realistic, or even over the top believable way. However, the last 75 or so pages are definitely better than the first 200.

Overall, this was a read that did not live up to my expectations. It was an okay read for me. 1.5 stars rounded up to 2 stars. I don’t plan on continuing the series. However, there are many reviewers that thoroughly enjoyed the book.

[Heidi (can’t retire soon enough) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

Yes… finally!! After a few years searching for a “cozy” mystery, I’ve found one that checks all my boxes.

1. Set in my favorite city— NYC
2. Heroine is at least within a decade of my age range
3. A minimum of silliness and inner angst
4. A cat that isn’t overly featured (listen I love pets of all varieties but some cozies force the pet cuteness/grumpiness too far)
5. Several potential suitors but doesn’t overwhelm the storyline
6. Interesting feature characters
7. Potential to get better!!

The only downside- there’s no way a woman about to be premenopausal (early to mid-40s) can drink that much coffee at all times of the day or night!! Just saying!!

That said, I really enjoyed this first entry — don’t tell me if they’ve already given it the Hallmark mystery series treatment… that ruined my last potential cozy series!! 😎

(Reviewed 11/5/23)

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Okay, I'm sorry, but decaf drinkers annoy me."

It's fun in a "cozy mystery" sort of way to read these books dedicated to drinks, foods, or hobbies. I'm a latte girl myself and thought a fun coffee shop series sounded delish enough to try. I can already tell by this first book that I'll be continuing with this long-running series for awhile.

Some mysteries seem focused on themes without teaching the reader much about the subject, but that's certainly not the case here. It almost was too textbookish for the first half, as the author paused from the story as the main character mentally filled in techniques, different equipment, and coffee bean jargon for the discerning learner. It's clear she has passionate opinions about the right coffee techniques and how important it is to pay attention to pretty much everything when it comes to making a stellar cup of java.

I liked the tips - really - but it was a little too much for awhile. Finally that dies down some to let the story shine over the coffee, only keeping quips to show the character's personality and tendency to overdo coffee lore to anyone who dares ask her a question or make a compliment.

Example writing of this -

"(The thing to remember when adding sugar is to use white granulated- it disolves much faster and smoother than cubes or brown sugar.)

Some of my customers even add a bit of frothed milk, but this version of espresso "stained" with a bit of milk is technically called a caffe macchiato (machia being Italian for stain, spot, or speckle."

The main lure - besides that fragrant smell of coffee described so well it makes me crave a cup myself - is the small and intimate cozy scene of the well-known coffee shop, staffed by quirky characters who come across as convincingly but enjoyably flawed and eccentric.

It came alive and flourished under the writer's technique. Cleo Coyle may write matter-of-factly when it comes to coffee bean know-how, but she puts humor convincingly in her sentences when she's whipping up comedic scenes, tension, or amateur snooping.

I'm not sure how the character can convincingly keep running into murder victims to where it makes sense and doesn't come across as too outlandish...but for this introduction book, it fit. The murder connection was realistic enough to work (for most of the book they questioned whether it was a murder at all!), and there's plenty of incentive for her to do some investigating.

The beginning is a little dry but the middle sublime with a darker ending wrap-up on the last page. Recommended for cozy fans or coffee slurpers.

The end of the book has a generous amount of recipes, food and coffee-related.

[Erin L · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yet another book that I wanted to like, but ultimately couldn't. I love cozy mysteries, but I wouldn't consider this a cozy mystery. Sure, there's a mystery buried in there somewhere. But I couldn't get past the coffee info-dump to get to the mystery. And it truly is an info-dump. As Clare is being interviewed about the accident, she's off on a tangent in her head about coffee and storing coffee and preparing coffee and waxing poetic about how she'll convert some coffee drinker to really, really good coffee because she's the coffee queen. No really. She makes Greek coffee as good as a Greek mother would, even though she's (gasp!) not Greek!

Also, in the middle of the above she tells us all about her life in suburbia, why she moved back to the coffee shop and back to New York. It seems that the Prologue (completely pointless) would've been better served giving us that information rather than telling us that the assistant manager really was murdered and it wasn't just an accident. You know, keep some of the meagre amount of mystery offered.

She also displays her amazing detecting abilities while being questioned by the homicide detective. Really? No. Really?? You've just sent your employee away in an ambulance. And all you can think about is coffee and the homicide detectives children? Who appear to be spoiled rotten if they grab at Daddy's coat pocket with chocolate covered fingers EVERY night when he gets home. Give me a break.

And finally, (oddly enough) the prologue. Pointless.

Also, the whole love triangle thing? I'm over it. There are other, better ways to create conflict. Especially when dealing with murder and mayhem.

[Jo Anne B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. I thought from the title that this would be a clever, comedic, fun, fast-paced read. Instead it tried too hard, had all the cliches, unlikeable characters, wasn't well-written, and it was insulting. The main character's initials were the same as the author's (despite that being a pen name). In the book, a dance studio owner said that when one of her dancers was nude dancing, she was debasing herself to a lower crowd of people. Hmmm, I think she could have said authors do that too when they use such self-absorbed tactics in their writing.

Clare, the main character, didn't really seem to fit her character. I attribute this to lack of character development, description, and depth due to poor writing. I feel like I have to defend the character, like it wasn't her fault. It is just hard to bond to a character when you only catch fleeting glimpses of who they really are. 

The storyline of Clare's ex- mother-in-law wanting her to take over part ownership of her coffeeshop was not believeable. Also, giving her a million dollar duplex in Manhatten to live in as part of the deal was far-fetched as well.

I also did not believe that what drove Clare to prove that her employee's accident was really a murder was because Clare had a daughter nearly the same age. Clare did not come across as motherly or loving. 

It also was not believeable that Clare and her ex-husband found out all the secrets a woman under suspicion had by reading all of her documents, emails, and chats in chat rooms on her laptop in a Hotel room within 5 minutes. 

Clare divorced her husband of 10 years in a note because he was always away from home buying coffee beans and doing who knows what. But, all of a sudden, she thinks he has changed (no proof offered or attempt to support this with any reasoning) and lapses with him. 

The author tried too hard to link everything in life and every lesson to making the perfect cup of joe. The cat's name was Java. Enough said there.

This could have been a better book. It would have been better to have skipped this and had a good cup of fresh brewed coffee. 

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ON WHAT GROUNDS is the first book in the Coffeehouse mystery series. It combines two of my favorite things……coffee and mystery! Clare Cosi has just come back to manage The Village Blend coffeehouse at the request of Madame, the wonderful, loving eccentric who just so happens to also be her ex mother-in-law. This is my first time read the writing duo, Cleo Coyle but for sure, it won’t be the last. I can’t wait to dig further into this series!! That I waited so long to finally get started, really annoys me! The mystery in this story is very interesting and kept my attention. I loved the factual information about coffee and how it should be properly prepared. Yes, apparently I don’t know how to make a proper cup of coffee!😲

When Clare arrives, it’s to find the unconscious body of her assistant manager, Annabelle, lying at the bottom of the service stairs. What the police (led by delicious and sexy Detective Quinn) assume is a tragic accident seems to clearly be foul play to Clare, and she sets out, with the help of her ex husband, Matteo, to prove it. Clare must navigate her confusing feelings with her ex husband, her growing attraction to a certain sexy detective, and follow an almost non-existent trail to find a killer. Hang on readers! It’s a wild and fun ride!!

I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I loved the information on coffee, and I really enjoyed the characters. They are all very relatable and kept me giggling! Recipes are included in the back of the book and on the author’s website. While reading ON WHAT GROUNDS, it’s clear that Clare is a coffee snob, which is kind of funny. We learn how to make a good cup of coffee, in minute detail. Coffee lovers will really love this story.

[Monica (is working the heck out of · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first thought upon finishing Cleo Coyle’s on What Grounds is, well, I guess that was OK.

I know more about coffee and high society than I ever cared to learn and have passed the last seven plus hours in a tolerable state.

I'll probably continue the series because curiosity/quarantine-induced boredom but I'm not exactly clamoring for the next installment.

For one thing, I'm not the protagonist's biggest fan and am only slightly more enthusiastic about the supporting characters.

Lies by omission and judgmental finger shaking are on my top ten list of things to hate in a book.

To continue, the repetitive, copy/pasted descriptive phrases told me immediately that I was dealing with a lazy author and an even lazier editor.

On What Grounds also suffers from a condition that is quite common among first installments, one characterized by pages upon pages of shop talk, exposition and backstory.

Something else that annoyed me was the author’s employment of mini cliffhangers.

I counted at least four times (in a book this short, four times is a lot in my opinion) where a piece of news gets delayed.

For example, Claire’s ex-husband comes in with urgent news for which we are made to wait because …reasons.

Another example is the doctor’s revelation of the victim’s condition. Again, we get to sit through pages of coffee talk and sexual tension before the secret gets revealed.

Look, I get why authors do it; this isn’t a mark of bad writing.

Still, I personally don’t like it and, when I encounter it, I either skim to the point of the revelation or check out during the suspense building period.

This is especially true if the delay is done for the sake of delaying rather than being caused by other, more important circumstances that prevent the narrator from letting us in on the news.

There are better, less irritating ways to build suspense and detangle the minor knots of a mystery; leaving me hanging mid chapter and through a time jump will almost always annoy me, especially when I have to sit through lectures on the evils of decaf drinkers, historical coffee scandals and over brewed espresso beans before finding out what was so urgent and juicy.

All in all, the best I can say for book one of the coffee shop mysteries series is that it kept me occupied, off social media and away from the news. Three stars.

[Lisa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★☆ I really enjoyed this one by a “new-2-me-author.” It was well written, fast-paced, and held my attention through-out. It conveyed the ambiance of a Greenwich Village coffee house. And I learned a few things about coffee. ☺ There is the obligatory “love interest” triangle, but it wasn’t over the top and even that had a nice twist. I’ll definitely continue the series.

P.S. It also satisfied several challenges, namely CaroB’s frustrating “double-decker” – since the author’s first and last name starts with “C” – a challenge which has to be read in alphabetical order!

[Heather G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I quit reading this after two chapters - I found it completely boring and unexciting. The language used (very dry) and the way too indepth information about brewing coffee did me in. Yuck!

[bookstories_travels🪐 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Advertencia antes de empezar a leer este libro: si te animas con esta lectura, tendrás todo el rato unas intensas y descomunales ganas de beber café. Y no solo tendrás la necesidad imperiosa de tener una taza entre tus manos, también te parecerá que lo estás oliendo todo el rato, tu boca se llenará del sabor de tu tipo de café preferido; a partir de este momento mirarás con ojo crítico el café que te ponen en tu bar de confianza durante el desayuno o el almuerzo. En serio, no es una novela para amantes del té, sino del café. Avisado quedas, luego no digas lo contrario.

Después de unos años de llevar una vida mediocre y aburrida, Clare Cosi se ha animado a volver a Nueva York y a retomar su antiguo empleo como encargada del café Blend, una histórica cafetería con más de cien años de antigüedad que tiene fama de hacer el mejor café de la ciudad, y donde la fabricación de esta bebida es una religión. Sin embargo, lo que promete ser una vuelta gloriosa se trastoca cuando Clare encuentra el cuerpo herido de Annabelle, la subencargada del negocio, a los pies de la escalera y rodeado de posos del café. Aunque a primera vista todo tiene pinta de ser un accidente laboral, el instinto de Clare le dice otra cosa. Así que tendrá que investigar el suceso y todos los trapos sucios que escondía Annabelle para descubrir la verdad y, además, salvar el Blend.

Muchísimas gracias a Babelio español , en cuya última edición de masa crítica me tocó este libro, y la editorial Alma por el envío de este ejemplar.

De lo que llevamos de año, creo que el género que está siendo un auténtico descubrimiento para mí es el cozy mistery. en enero ya había leído un libro que también había publicado la editorial Alma en su colección dedicada a este género que busca crear misterios en lugares pintorescos y entrañables; con una plantilla bastante parca de personajes que incluyen a los sospechosos y a un/a protagonista que sin tener ningún tipo de formación criminalística y valiéndose únicamente de su olfato, se lanza a la aventura de investigar; y cuyo crimen no resulte demasiado macabro o sangriento. En definitiva, obras que siguen la estela de las novelas que compuso en su momento la inolvidable abuelita Agatha Cristie, y que hasta este año práticamente era lo único que había leído de cozy mistery. El libro que tuve la oportunidad de leer de Alma (“Crimen Descatalogado”) me gustó y me enganchó bastante cuando lo leí, pero “Un Capuchino Mortal”ha sido una lectura absolutamente adictiva, que me ha tenido pegada a las páginas del libro de principio a fin y que me he leído en menos de un día. Algo que hacía muchos meses que no me ocurría. Ha sido una lectura divertida, llena de giros de guion y llevada con un excelente pulso y un muy eficaz ritmo narrativo. En la que el café es el auténtico y absoluto protagonista de la historia. No hay una página en la que no se haga mención a la bebida más consumida alrededor del mundo; a sus variedades, a su historia, a la manera de prepararlo, al significado que tiene y a lo que puede aportar a las personas,. La devoción que siente la protagonista y su familia por el café es totalmente patente de principio a fin traspasa la novela, y como ya se advertido antes, consigue que te den ganas de estar todo el rato leyendo al lado de una taza de café. se aportan muchos datos y curiosidades sobre el café, y al final del volumen aparecen incluso recetas para prepararlo, ya sea en bebida, postres o incluso en cócteles alcohólicos.

Como buen Cozy mistery, la ambientación no puede ser más entrañable y bonita. Ya la propia portada de la edición española te indica lo que vas a encontrar, siendo muy bonita. El Blend es un café centenario en el casco antiguo de la ciudad de Nueva York por cuyas paredes se han sentado diversas personalidades del mundo político y artístico neoyorkino, estadounidense e incluso internacional; testigo de lo que ha pasado en el último siglo en la propia Nueva York y un referente cultural emblemático para la ciudad . Un local con el que parecen que los años no han pasado gracias a su aura vintage, lleno de muebles antiguos, tazas de café coquetas, antiguallas relacionadas con el café y que está permanentemente inundado por su olor. En definitiva, a esta cafetería, solo le faltaría una sección de biblioteca o librería para ser el lugar ideal en el que muchos hemos soñado trabajar y vivir. Pero tengo una mala noticia: por si os interesa, aunque hay varios locales de restauración con el nombre “Blend” en Nueva York, el que aparece en esta novela es producto de la imaginación de la autora y de su marido (los dos escriben una serie de novelas ambientadas en esta cafetería bajo el nombre de “Cloe Coyle”) y no sabéis la lástima que me ha dado descubrir esto, que yo ya me veía visitando Nueva York, y dejándome caer en este lugar para saborear ese mítico café . De hecho, el nombre blend parece que viene de una mezcla de diferentes cafés cuyo resultado tiene pinta de ser exquisito. Y es que si de algo me he dado cuenta en esta lectura es que el café es algo más que una mezcla de granos a los que echar por las mañanas leche y azúcar (sí, así lo tomo yo). Hay muchísimas variedades, formas diferentes de prepararlo, circunstancias a tener en cuenta para que no se eche a perder. Yo ya sabía que entorno al café había toda una mitología y una cultura, pero en este libro he podido echar un vistazo hasta qué punto este rico y aromático mejunje es emblemático y puede ser importante para muchos.

Literariamente, el libro también me ha sorprendido mucho para bien. Me esperaba una obra rápida de leer y muy entretenida, y realmente eso es lo que he encontrado. No digo que vaya a ser una lectura que me cambie la vida, y dudo que busque ser eso. Pero me ha gustado mucho la manera en que Cloe Coyle maneja los hilos y elementos de los que dispone y crea una novela de misterios sencilla pero muy bien tejida. Ya os he dicho en algún momento que el ritmo narrativo está muy bien conseguido, la autora logra mantener en todo momento el perfecto equilibrio entre una pluma ágil, la aparición constante de personajes y descubrimientos que mantienen el interés por el misterio a lo largo de toda la novela y momentos más evocadores, que suelen aparecer, como no, entorno al café (que exagerado os decía que es el auténtico indiscutible protagonista del libro). Su pluma es sencilla y directa, pero también está plagada de momentos cálidos y humorísticos, que hacen que sea muy agradable de leer. La autora lleva muy bien el misterio, logra que en prácticamente eso iremos más adelante) se pierda el rumbo y el interés por descubrir que hay detrás de Anabel y su aparatoso “accidente”. De hecho, esta tónica se mantiene hasta prácticamente el final, con un buen giro de guion que ha agradecido bastante, porque el panorama que hasta ese momento parecía que se nos iba a quedar no me estaba gustando. la verdad es que lo que es la resolución del crimen, no me ha hecho sufrir, especialmente (qué es lo que buscan los cozy misteries) pero tampoco me he aburrido. Los caracteres que la escritora nos presenta están bastante bien esbozados, todos son muy carismáticos y tienen la suficiente individualidad para que rápidamente te des cuenta de quién es quien y pueda distinguir a unos y a otros, algo que en cualquier novela negra o de misterio considero indispensable. Quizás el gran pero que le veo es que se habla demasiado de la vida amorosa y familiar de Clare y de, como no, el café. no digo que estos elementos no sean importantes para la trama y para la ambientación, ni que sirvan para definir a la protagonista y narradora de esta lectura. Pero creo que a veces se inhibe tanto en ellos que se pierde un poco el foco en lo que debería ser la columna vertebral de la obra, el misterio resolver. en ciertos momentos, me parecido que la investigación policial que Clare por cuenta y riesgo pierde gas respecto a todo lo que la rodea. Clare me parece una protagonista relativamente bien construida y que me ha gustado mucho. Es una mujer astuta y simpática que tiene un pasado propio, que a lo largo del libro se enfrenta a pocos problemas, y que resulta muy humana. Además, valoro mucho que sea un personaje que ronde ya los cuarenta, es algo que me parece muy refrescante (y es algo que me está gustando encontrar en los cozy musteries) que el protagonista no sea un joven en las flores de la vida, sino una persona más mayor y experimentada, con sus propias dudas y bagaje personal y emocional. Pero a veces me parece muy poco creíble la forma en que Clare lleva las cosas y lo inteligente y espabilada que esta mujer resulta, tanto que se encuentra con pistas y hace conclusiones a las que la policía no ha llegado. Para mí, eso quita un poco de credibilidad a la historia, para que mentir. De todas formas, también os digo que me ha gustado mucho las pinceladas que se nos van dando a lo largo de la historia sobre la historia de Nueva York y la relación de la familia política de Clare (soy muy fan de la suegra) con la alta sociedad y la esfera más artística de la ciudad gracias a su posición social. Tengo debilidad por esos rollos de alto copete newyorkinos que parecen sacados de las obras de Edith Wharton, y creo que ayudan a dar más capaz de hacer más realista la ambientación.

En definitiva, ya tenía muy claro que el cozy mistery es un género que debo tener muy en cuenta en futuras lecturas. Pero “Un Capuchino Mortal” ha demostrado que es ideal para desconectar de la realidad, de momento en los que estes más estresada y tengas menos tiempo para dedicárselo a los libros, que es justo como me encuentro ahora mismo. El libro ha sido una lectura deliciosa, que he devorado y que me ha dejado un calor cillo muy agradable dentro cuando lo he cerrado. Espero de todo corazón que el sello, editorial Alma saque el resto de novelas de la serie Cloe Coyle ha sacado junto a su marido ambientados en el café Blend. Ya he visto que el segundo ya está disponible en español, y ojalá que no tarde en hacerme con él. Porque esta lectura me ha dejado con ganas de más, tanto de esta historia como de más misterios entrañables y fáciles de leer.

[Jennifer Wardrip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this first book in the fun cozy series. It combines two of my all-time favorite things -- coffee and mystery!

Clare Cosi has just come back to manage The Village Blend coffeehouse at the request of Madame, the wonderful, loving eccentric who just so happens to also be her ex mother-in-law.

When Clare arrives, it's to find the unconscious body of her assistant manager, Annabelle, lying at the bottom of the service stairs. What the police (led by hunky yet aloof Detective Quinn) assume is a tragic accident seems to clearly be foul play to Clare, and she sets out (with the help of her ex-husband, Matteo) to prove it.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series! I loved the information on coffee, and I really enjoyed the characters. This is a great read.

[Lamaleluna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Re lindo!! Me encantó!!

Un capuchino mortal nos introduce en una hermosa cafetería antigua que lleva siglos vendiendo el mejor café. La encargada del momento es nada menos que Clare, nuestra protagonista, que vuelve a trabajar en la cafetería después de años de haberse alejado. Pero justo cuando toma el trabajo nuevamente sucede un "accidente" que hace que una de las empleadas termine internada.
Clare, lejos de sospechar que fue un simple accidente va a intentar averiguar quién es el asesino, pero no lo va a hacer sola, porque repentinamente aparece su ex marido para ayudarla a resolver el misterio.

Fue súper divertido de leer, me atrapó un montón y me encantaron los personajes. Creo que es una historia simple pero acogedora. Si bien tiene segunda parte el libro es súper autoconclusivo. Ideal si buscan alguna novela para pasar el rato que los mantenga enganchados.

Yo leyendo un capuchino mortal: 🥺😎😜😱😌

[Laubythesea · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘Un capuchino mortal’ es el primer libro de la serie “Coffehouse mistery” ambientadas en una cafetería de NYC y que a día de hoy se conforma por ¡¡20 novelas!! @almaeditorial, tenéis trabajo para rato.
 
 En esta historia vamos a conocer a Clare Cosi, una mujer bastante obsesionada con el café, que acaba de recibir la oportunidad de convertirse en co-propietaria de la cafetería ‘Village Blend’, cosa que le emociona mucho de primeras. Digo de primeras porque… bueno, pasarán cosas inesperadas en su vida personal y también con sus trabajadores. Lo más reseñable es que una mañana al ir a abrir el establecimiento, se encuentra con que una de sus empleadas ha tenido un accidente o eso es lo que dice la policía… porque desde el primer momento Clare tendrá el pálpito de que fue atacada e iniciará su propia investigación.
 
Estamos ante una novela de ‘cozy mistery’, lo cual va a hacer que sea una trama ligera, sin grandes dramas y una protagonista que podría ser cualquiera. También, lo que decía al inicio, es el primero de una serie, lo que requiere que haya gran parte del libro donde el misterio en sí pasa a un segundo plano y se centra mucho en los personajes, sus preocupaciones personales y también, en hablar del café (tipos, preparaciones, conservación…). Yo soy una coffee-lover total, por lo que estas partes me encantaron, pero entiendo que igual si es algo que te da igual, no te encante que el avance de la trama se detenga de vez en cuando para hablar de la vida y milagros de la-mejor-bebida-del-mundo.
 
La resolución del crimen me pareció correcta y realista (aunque algunas partes de la investigación parecen sacadas de una comedia de enredos), incluso diría que el mayor misterio del libro es si hubo crimen realmente o fue accidente.   
 
Algunos detalles que no quiero dejar de mencionar: hay un par de comentarios bastante fuera de lugar, la novela es de 2003 y supongo que ahí está la explicación de ciertas cosas con las que se hacía “humor”, pero que hoy dan ganas de dejar el libro.
 
Y, por otro lado, una curiosidad, me llamó mucho la atención los detalles del accidente / crimen porque a mi el título me llevaba a pensar en un envenenamiento… por lo que busqué el título original y ¡no tiene nada que ver! Es ‘On what grounds’ que evidentemente tiene más sentido pero… difícil de traducir sin perder todos los matices. Por el contrario, el nombre del gato de la protagonista, ¡me ha gustado mucho más en la traducción “Cafelito” en vez de “Java”.
 
Mi sentimiento con estos libros suele ser siempre el mismo. No son historias que me vuelen la cabeza, con giros increíbles y misterios memorables, pero me entretienen mucho y cada vez más a menudo, mi corazón lector me pide “ahora un cozy crime”.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! Great characterizations, great setting and I loved how this is a bit more of a complex mystery and book than most cozies but still very much a cozy and not too heavy. I can't wait to read more!

[Skyler Autumn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

I preferred all the coffee jargon then everything got all murder-y and I got bored.... But it was simple read which is what I needed at the time.

Review to Come.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book was written first in 2003, this series, or at least this very first book, seems to have withstood the passage of time. Some things will seem a little dated but not enough to take away from the book's pleasure.

This book does hit a few of the genre's formulaic points that make this a tad less than pleasurable to read. For one, it does delve a bit too much into the back-story or history of coffee. It is understandable since that is where this series is taking place and is an essential aspect of the book. However, the author can get a little overly enthusiastic at times and even slightly insulting in her opinions.

Secondly, at least from the perspective of this book and none of the others, the author is jumping on the multiple romantic possibilities just like many other coy authors that deal in food or drink.

The plot was well developed, and the characters, while sometimes very annoying, are not one-dimensional and seem as if the possibility of growth exists.

I wouldn't say I like the idea of Clare’s ex-mother-in-law pushing Clare and her ex together so hard. It started grating on my nerves and was very frustrating when the ex-couple had so much bad back-story.

Only time and reading of more of this series will tell me if it will be a winner. Nevertheless, so far, so good, and I will read the next one in the series.

[KayDee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly delightful mystery, the first in a series, set in an historic coffee house in NYC. When the new manager, Clare, discovers the body of the assistant manager crumpled at the bottom of the basement stairs, the police dismiss it as a tragic accident. Clare and NYPD Detective Mike Quinn aren’t so sure and join forces. Further complications arise when Clare’s ex-husband, and the owner’s son, returns from a coffee buying trip and takes up residence in the same apartment that Clare now lives. I actually didn’t figure out who the murderer was so it’s pretty twisty. Plus, there’s a lot of information about coffee interwoven into the story.

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Cleo Coyle!

"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons."  T. S. Eliot

I LOVED this book!  I can't say it strongly enough, I REALLY loved it!  Complete with all the elements designed to hold me in its thrall, On What Grounds grabbed hold and didn't let go, till it was done!

Starting over, coffee, secrets, plots, not to forget coffee; and even a bit of romance and danger; it's all here!

Strong characters - I fell in love with Madame! - well written, gripping storyline, that willfully moved me through the pages.   I'm ecstatic to know there's a list of subsequent reads waiting for me!   A great read that I highly recommend!

[I received a copy of this book from the author, for an honest review of the book.   The opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.]

[Joe Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Went back to the first book in this excellent traditional mystery series, set in and around a venerable Greenwich Village coffee house - the Village Blend (Think Caffe Reggio but with a second floor).
The book has all the hallmarks of the novels that followed - great New York color, well drawn Village types and a few coffee-themed recipes in the back of the book.
One of the best sections takes us to a high-powered society benefit at the Waldorf Astoria where Clare Cosi and her sexy ex, Matteo, do some clever sleuthing.
The victim is a young dancer who moonlights at the Village Blend. Clare is determined to find out if the girl’s fall down the steps to the basement was an accident or a violent assault.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book 1. Pretty sophomoric writing. Way, way, way too much how to make coffee detail and over explaining of main character's feelings. HInts at romance with detective but nothing ... Want to like this series and will try next in series but . . .

Amazon:
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?

[Vanet Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting. The setting is the only place this book could be except maybe San Francisco. The characters unique, different and familiar at the same time. I figured out a couple parts of the mystery and can see my error in the murder solution. The coffee shop setting is so much fun for me. And every time they drank coffee I swear it brought up memories of fabulous tasting coffee so much so that I could almost taste the miraculous brew. Which means that this is some very good writing. Next trip to the library will be for #2 in this series. Got to go. I am craving a cup now.

[Dorie - Cats&Books :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second Coffeehouse Mystery that I have listened to and I really enjoy them. When I'm listening to an audiobook I'm usually sewing, sometimes cooking or cleaning. I need something light enough that I can do two things at once but interesting enough that it will keep me involved. These mysteries fit the bill. I'm not even a coffee drinker! But if you are you will definitely love these books as there is much discussion about types of coffee, how differently they can be brewed, etc etc., it was making me crave coffee!

Well written cozy mystery!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

AN UNEVEN BOOK. AT TIMES I LIKED IT AND FELT THE STORY WAS INTERESTING, AND AT TIMES I DISLIKED HOW SHE TALKED AT SUCH LENGTH ABOUT THE INTRICACIES OF COFFEE AND THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF DIFFERENT “TEXTURE/ATMOSPHERE” THINGS IN NEW YORK CITY AND SO ON. A LITTLE WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE, BUT I FELT LIKE A FIFTH OF THE BOOK WAS DEVOTED TO THIS EXCESSIVE DESCRIPTION (LIKE HOW VARIOUS SPECIALTY COFFEES ARE MADE) WHEN SHE SHOULD HAVE BEEN GETTING ON WITH THE STORY. I ALSO REALLY DISLIKED HOW SHE KEEPS TALKING ABOUT HOW ATTRACTIVE HER EX-HUSBAND IS AND HOW ATTRACTED SHE IS TO HIS HUNKY BODY, DESPITE THAT THEY HAVE BEEN DIVORCED FOR 10 YEARS, HE WAS A SERIAL CHEATER, AND PRETTY MUCH LET HER RAISE THEIR DAUGHTER ALONE. GIVE ME A BREAK -- BY THE TIME YOU REACH 40 YOU AREN’T SWAYED BY GOOD PECS WHEN SOMEONE DOES THAT TO YOU. AND I REALLY DISLIKED THAT THE EX-HUSBAND IS SO UPSET WHEN VARIOUS MEN PAY ATTENTION TO HER. A LITTLE JEALOUS, MAYBE, BUT NOT THE EXCESSIVE WAY HE WAS. I ALSO DIDN’T LIKE THE PLOT DEVISE THAT HER EX-MOTHER-IN-LAW (WHO OWNS THE COFFEE SHOP AND HAS ASKED CLARE TO COME BACK TO MANAGE IT AGAIN), SNEAKILY GETS HER SON AND CLARE BACK IN THE SAME CIRCLE BY PROMISING BOTH OF THEM USE OF THE APARTMENT ABOVE THE COFFEE SHOP. YES, IT’S HIGHLY POSSIBLE THAT COULD HAPPEN, BUT I STILL DON’T LIKE THAT STORY LINE. THE MURDER MYSTERY ITSELF WAS INTERESTING AND HAD GOOD TWISTS, BUT OVERALL I WOULDN'T RECOMMEND IT.

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

“‘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 I’d 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 doesn’t 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 I’ve 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

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, fun, light reading. Combines two of my loves, coffee and a good murder mystery.
There are just some books you like to reread and this book and series is one of those. Feels like coming back to my favorite coffee house and meeting up with friends. Good characters with interesting setting and a mystery that keeps you guessing and just when you think you have it figured out the truth jumps out and surprises you. Good book

[muhammedallia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the recipe themed mysteries that I've started, this one has been my favorite thus far. Maybe because I LOVE coffee. The characters are fun and dimensional and for once the main character is into a swarthy looking short man instead of tall blond and white. I wish it weren't set in New York but I loved the authentic historic business and descriptions of antique coffee pieces and bohemian furnishings. Just a neat setting for my mind and I'll surely pick up the next one.

[Danielle Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome mystery series ! Usually cozy mysteries have a cute story to them . While this story was cute in ways it also was serious crime business ! There was so many funny , sarcastic anecdotes that made me laugh plus so many fun and true facts about coffee . I learned that Tasseography is the art of reading coffee grounds as a form of fortune telling ! Love this fun fact ! Awesome read

[Dena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable mystery surrounded by coffee.