First off, let me say, I am NOT a coffee drinker. In fact, I can't even stand the taste or smell of the stuff. However, I adored this mystery. It was interesting to read about all of the preparations that you have to go through to make a great cup of coffee, and Cleo Coyle informed us in ON WHAT GROUNDS in a very fun way. Clare is a fun character, who is spunky and nosy, and will capture the hearts of cozy mystery lovers everywhere. Her outlook on life that coffee makes any problem better is hilarious, as are the various quotes about coffee scattered throughout the book. The bottom line: Whether you're a coffee lover or not, you'll love this story. I can't wait for the next one, THROUGH THE GRINDER. Oh, and for those who do love coffee, there are various recipes in the back of the book for different coffees and desserts.

Erika Sorocco


Been there....   February 15, 2005
 70 out of 82 found this review helpful

Gotta say, I live in Greenwich Village and used to work at St. Vincent's Hospital (where the victim in the book is sent) and I l-o-v-e-d this book. I could really relate to the details, although I can't yet figure out if/where the coffee shop is modeled after here in NY. I don't even know if we have any such places anymore now the Starbucks is here, too.

Personally, I loved the coffee-trivia even though some other reviewers complained; I like cosies where you learn something.
The plot was good, many different possibilities as the killer and some good "relationship" issues going on.

The only problem is, I've been yearning for a GOOD cuppa since I finished the book (in a day -quick read)!!


On What Grounds   April 18, 2006
 32 out of 43 found this review helpful

I picked up this book because coffee and mystery seemed such a great combo as I love them both. I was not disappointed. Our main character Clare has found herself back managing The Village Blend, an historic coffeeshop in Manhattan. What she finds upon returning, however, is an attack on an employee; her ex husband living in her apartment; and a cute detective on the case. Since the police seem to be under the impression this attack was just a workplace accident, Clare is determined to solve the case herself.

I thought this was a great little mystery with a lot of good coffee tips as well. It flowed quite nicely, and was a quick read. I look forward to continuing with this series.


Ultra-Caffeinated Cozy   May 24, 2004
 26 out of 34 found this review helpful

"I have measured out my life with coffee spoons."
T.S. Eliot, The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
With that apt quote begins Cleo Coyle's first in what appears will be a series of cute & cozy little coffee house capers. Murder most frothe. It's a fun perk through the annals of coffee and Greenwich Village, crammed with caffeine curios and cream. /TundraVision, Amazon Reviewer


A Trash Can Clue, Coffee Grounds Trail, Final Step Halted   September 5, 2005
 21 out of 31 found this review helpful

She dances in the light; a shadow stalks in the dark.

A chillingly choreographed contrast between a stalker and a dancer was used as a mesmerizing opening in this novel; the resulting effect was artistic in ambiance, rich with symbolism, and ridden with angst. That essential difference between an approaching murderer, harboring cold-blooded intent, and an unsuspecting victim, flowng through innocent routines in oblivious abandon... the contrast was heart-stopping.

From the bone-freezing effect of this short prologue, which is truly a hard act to follow, the evenly-plotted story and sensually-fleshed-out characters move beyond the eerie mood. The concluding whole is one of the best culinary mystery pilots on the market.

Ironically, coffee, in some ways for many of us, is an ultimate "food" and Coyle's Coffee how-to's are a great bonus, interspersed with just the right touch, just enough detail within the action machinations.

The novel was exquisitely executed, and within that excellence, on pages 90 - 92 of the mass market paperback lies a hidden gem of a deeply touching segment woven into a few of the facts exposing NYC citizenry's backbone of grit, and shared generosity in response to the 9/11 attack on their city.

Indeed, the spirit of this novel was like that hidden gem of tribute, rich & balsamic, yet lightened through simple strength; sensitive to depth, yet uplifting through humor's lifeline, a necessity in the worst of times.

I've setup a Listmania on this Coffee House series (including a bonus novel from a new culinary author, Claire Johnson, a pastry chef from San Francisco). I look forward to reading every novel in this series. May it perk long and prosper out of the pot.

I'm wanting to say more on this excellent novel, and to quote some of its awesome passages of prose, but possibly it's best if I leave that to lucky readers who have yet to pick up the pilot to this series.

Linda Shelnutt