(Poll Ballot) On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

[Ellen]

The neighborhood coffee shop "The Blend" has been a popular eatery for many years. One time manager Clare Cosi has been lured back to the shop by the owner and Clare's former mother-in-law. As Clare enters the shop one morning she finds her assistant manager, Annabelle, lying at the bottom of the stairs, barely breathing. What appears to the police to be a tragic accident feels like much more to Clare. She is convinced that Annabelle was pushed and she is determined to find out who is behind the crime. Clare is assisted by her former husband Matteo, who is thrust into Clare's life by the aforementioned mother-in-law. Although Clare is reluctant to be partnered up with Matteo, the two follow flimsy leads and clues to avenge Annabelle and save "The Blend".


This is a nice cozy mystery with a very likable lead character. I'm not sure I was engaged enough to continue the series but it was a nice change of pace.