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From the Grounds Up

A Maggy Thorsen Mystery, Book 5
By: Sandra Balzo
Narrated by: Karen Savage
Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
4.5 out of 5 stars (34 ratings)
Regular price: $18.49
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Publisher's Summary

When Maggy Thorsen's coffee house, Uncommon Grounds, is virtually obliterated by a snowstorm, she and her friend Sarah resolve to reopen - and Maggy's found the perfect spot near the train station, just in time for the opening of the new commuter route. But when Sarah's uncle dies suddenly, in the first of a series of 'accidents,' it is clear that someone doesn't want Uncommon Grounds to reopen. Maggy, however, has no intention of yielding...

©2009 Sandra Balzo (P)2013 Sandra Balzo

Critic Reviews

"Maggy Thorsen, the proprietor of Uncommon Grounds, finds that rebuilding her coffee shop in the 'Old Brookhills' section of Brookhills, Wis., can be murder in Balzo's witty, smoothly plotted fifth caffeine cozy... sassy, lighthearted whodunit..." ( Publishers Weekly)
"A witty cozy with eccentric characters and a fast-moving plot" ( Booklist)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • j
  • 03-01-17

Enjoyable small town murder mystery.

About as realistic as "Death In Paradise" but sometimes that is what you want. I like the small town setting and the characters. The narrator is great.

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Mr
  • 07-28-16

another fun story

this is my second audio adventure with the Maggie Thorson character and my fourth overall, and I must admit to still loving her style of writing and the wit it uses. I find her comparable to other favourites of mine Rex Stout and Agatha Christie.
if you are looking for a hard edged, gritty and dark story you may have to look elsewhere, but this is the sort of murder filled romp with plenty charms and twists for those after something a little lighter. it helps that it has well rounded characters who are both likable and interesting. Though I will say I did find this a slightly weaker mystery than others, working out the killer quickly, but the twists kept my interest.
The narration is excellent, easy to listen to and a perfect match for the tone of the novel. I am already looking forward to the next time I enjoy the pairing of Sandra Balzo and Karen Savage for another Maggie Thorson mystery