Grounds for Murder: A Pawprints and Pour-Over Mystery

by Hailey Hartley

When beloved customer Dorothy Fletcher vanishes after her usual Tuesday morning visit to the Whisker & Bean coffee shop, owner Sadie Parker tries not to worry. But when Dorothy's body is discovered days later in an abandoned greenhouse on the outskirts of town, Sadie knows something isn't right. Dorothy was careful, methodical, and terrified of abandoned buildings—so why would she go to such a dangerous place? With the local police quickly writing off the death as a tragic accident, Sadie teams up with her quick-witted barista Jules to uncover what really happened to the sweet woman who always ordered vanilla lattes with extra foam.

Armed with cryptic clues from Dorothy's last conversation and hindered by Sadie's mischievous orange tabby Biscotti—who has a talent for knocking over evidence at the worst possible moments—the unlikely duo discovers that Dorothy had been investigating secrets that went back decades. As they dig deeper into property records, family feuds, and small-town grudges, Sadie and Jules realize that someone in Maplewood Springs has been hiding a devastating betrayal. But asking the wrong questions could put them directly in a killer's path, and time is running out to prove that Dorothy's death was anything but accidental.

Full of warmth, humor, and the perfect blend of amateur sleuthing, Grounds for Murder is a cozy mystery that celebrates friendship, justice, and the kind of small-town coffee shop where everybody knows your name—and your usual order. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for a mystery where the stakes are high, the suspects are close to home, and the truth is worth fighting for, even when it breaks your heart.

97 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The disappearance of a sweet coffee patron!

Sadie and Jules own the Whisker and Bean coffee shop. When one of the patrons, Dorothy Fletcher disappears and no one seems concerned, or to be looking for her, Sadie and Jules start looking. When she is discovered dead, they take it upon themselves to figure out what happened and why! A fascinating murder mystery to enjoy reading.

[Larry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy murder mystery very much. New interesting characters, an orange cat much like my own Ginger, Red, a plot that is straightforward, and a premise of giving truth and justice to a person the two baristas liked very much. The answers were convoluted and a bit sad, because of who the murderer actually turned out to be. I definitely highly recommend this book.

[Rachelle Bachiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story that shows how people care for each other regardless of your profession. Treating each other with kindness, listening ear and missing them when they are no longer in your life. That is true friendship. Will be reading more from this author.

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing beginning

I enjoyed this book. Two coffee mavens investigating the disappearance of A customer. Sounds like a normal day at the office but this one was fraught with betrayal and dishonesty. It definitely wasn't what I expected but isn't that what you want in a book?

[SuzanneSamuels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the characters and the community feel included in the book.I am new to the author and plan on reading more of the series. I enjoyed how they solved it and the message it left about caring even if it a small gesture.

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed it but it was too short and lacked any mystery. The crime. was pretty straightforward.