Book Review: Uncommon Grounds

Reviewed By: Pat Reid - RAM

Uncommon Grounds     Amazon US PB Amazon US HC Amazon Canada PB Amazon Canada HC
Sandra Balzo
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Cozy   Woman Main Character   Amateur Sleuth
Series: Maggy Thorsen # 1
Five Star, 2004, 247 pps.

Maggy Thorsen has gone through many recent changes and is learning to live a different lifestyle. A former public relations executive she is now one-third owner of Uncommon Grounds, a coffee house in Brookhills, Wisconsin where she is acquainted with most of the residents of this small community. Maggy is divorced and her son has left for college. Maggy has moved from the larger residence where she resided with her husband to a smaller house with her son’s large sheepdog, Frank

Opening day at Uncommon Grounds is not at all what Maggy expects. She enters the new coffee shop to find her partner Patricia on the floor dead and her other partner Caron in shock. Patricia has been electrocuted by the espresso machine.

Sandra Balzo makes you feel as though you can picture the residents of the town. The characters are realistic and maybe you have a neighbor like one of Maggy’s friend or acquaintances.

Cozies aren’t normally my pick of reading material but I liked this one very much and hope I have the opportunity to read more Balzo mysteries.

Pat Reid - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Pat Reid - RAM