On What Grounds

By: Cleo Coyle

Narrated by: Rebecca Gibel

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Great coffee shop cozy mystery!

This is my first cozy mystery and I have to say I enjoyed it so much! I can’t wait to listen to the next one. I love coffee so this series really intrigued me and I felt like I learned a lot about roasting coffee as well!

Fun Listen

Being a coffee lover how could I not be interested in a series about a coffee house?!? The main character had me yelling at her to STOP at times, showing how easy it is to relate and feel apart of the story. The twist at the end got me and was well done. Looking forward to listening to other books in the series.

story good could have tapered back coffee details

the story was good the characters were believable but sometimes the explanation about the history or making a coffee went on way too long otherwise the narrator did a great job

If you love coffee and want something more ...

I read mysteries. This has a mystery buried in it. However,you have to get past all the coffee instructions and information, the flashbacks and the matchmaking intrigues to find it. I know there are romance lovers out there, and foodies and mystery buffs (like me), but trying to please them all in one story is overwhelming. This author really needs to find a genre she loves, and stick to that. This was jut too much for me. I just found myself saying, "Oh no, not more about coffee!

On the plus side the storyteller did an admirable job with what the material. She found the right blend of coffee instructor and intrigue needed for the book.

too much coffee

the narration was good and the story line was good. It was slow and discussed coffee way too much

Coffee, Coffee, coffee

This book was more an ode to coffee than a mystery. Coffee worshipers may enjoy hearing endless raptures about the proper way to buy, store, brew, and drink coffee, but I like a mystery to be primarily a mystery. I also don't like stories that "cheat" on the solution. I won't spoil it by being more specific for those who chose to listen. Narrator was great!

great book. very interesting. all of Cleo Coykea b

great read, as all of the coffeehouse mystery books are worth the listening time! entertaining!!

You're going to love this series!

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

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

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

Good Coffee Knowledge

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

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

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

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

Which scene was your favorite?

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

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

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

Any additional comments?

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

Interesting Premise, Questionable Main Characters

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

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