Book Review: Uncommon Grounds

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

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, Nov 2004, $25.95, 248 pp.

In Brookville, Wisconsin, Caron Egan, Patricia Harper, and Maggie Thorsen open up a gourmet coffee shop, UNCOMMON GROUNDS. However, on the day they are to open for business, Patricia dies in what seems like an electrocution accident caused by a faulty wired latte maker. However, Sheriff Pavlik quickly finds evidence that someone tinkered with the wiring killing the woman.

Pavlik quickly learns that the married Caron and the also married victim had affairs with the same person. He also sees possible motives involving the fact that Patricia ran for town chair in a disputed election. Meanwhile Maggie, who is about to be divorced from unfaithful Ted, unites with Patricia’s campaign manager Sarah to uncover the truth so that she can move on, but will soon wonder who to trust as corruption surfaces from every corner of her town

The story line is an engaging tale that starts off as a wonderful police procedural, but soon adds a solid parallel amateur sleuth subplot. Magnificent Maggie makes the plot percolate as she wonders if she is a suspect, how to avoid pushy reporters and finally how to clear her name. The support cast enhances either the investigation, offers insight into the victim, or a better understanding of Maggie. Though the killer comes out of nowhere and seems stretched, mystery readers will take delight sipping this caffeine cozy caper.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner