On What Grounds

By: Cleo Coyle

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

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

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

LOTS of coffee.

I know this book was set in a coffee house, but couldn't believe the amount of time dedicated to coffee. How to brew it correctly, this way or that way - turkish, espresso, etc. How normal people store their coffee incorrectly, the HORROR. It was very repetitive to me. The story wasn't horrible, but I won't be buying any more books in this series. The book seemed more about coffee to me than the murder/mystery.

Good clean murder mystery

I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about coffe and craved it all the time while I listened to this book. I did not like the introduction of the ex husband into the plot. That just felt awkward. But I loved all the rest. Rebecca Gibel did a nice job narrating. She wasn't the greatest at male voices, but I guess that's hard to pull off when you're a woman. I do think it's a mistake narrators typically make. Women try to over-narrate men (by making them sound kind of dumb) and men try to use high pitched voices that make female characters sound like cartoons. It wasn't the worst male-voice impression I've ever heard. In fact, Gibell is one of the better narrators.

Fun Listening

This book was a fun and interesting listen, it also added some good tidbits about the history of coffee. All in all it was an easy listen fireside book. I will continue with the series.

Gibel brings Coyle's story to life!

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

Top favorite audiobook! Rebecca Gibel's performance kept be drawn into the story. I read it in two sittings! Fantastic job!

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love the main character, Clare, but honestly kept flip flopping between her two possible romantic interests.

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

I haven't yet, but plan on continuing with Coyle's Coffeehouse Mystery series.

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

Coffee and Murder, two scandalous indulgences that don't belong together.

Great story!

What made the experience of listening to On What Grounds the most enjoyable?

Absolutely LOVE the narrator! She really gets in to the many voices of the characters. I can almost see their faces from the voices she uses.

What did you like best about this story?

Good clean story. Fun listening to.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Claire first met Quinn - the subtly of the sparks.

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

Not really, just loved the whole thing.

Any additional comments?

Can't wait to listen to the rest of the series!