Grounds to Kill

by Wendy Roberts

[kimbacaffeinate]

Jen Hanby is a thirty-something Barista worker in a Seattle coffeehouse who has a few secrets. First, there is a reason she gives coffee and muffins to the homeless man hanging around the Barista and second when her palm itches it means there is a message from the beyond.

The tale opens with Jen’s palm itching and a message from beyond that her boyfriend is sleeping with her nemesis and half-sister Misty. Things get complicated when not only Jen and her father end up suspects in a murder investigation.

I liked Jen, who at times was a little flighty, but she made me giggle. I appreciated how she tried to protect those she loves and unravel the murder mystery. Good friends surround her, and her co-worker was someone I enjoyed. He was witty, and the teasing between them felt genuine and added humor. Jen’s pooch is adorable and has some good instincts regarding folks. Too bad it takes Jen so much time to figure things out.

Quick paced, with fun characters from the nosy older neighbor to the many suspects I slipped in rather easily and enjoyed this little cozy. There is a romance, but it is light and sweet. It looks like one that will develop as the series does. Of course, all the references to coffee had me drooling!

GROUNDS TO KILL was a fun beginning to this series. I enjoyed how the mystery wrapped up and while I figured out who fairly early the reveal shared the why. I thought Roberts did a great job with the red herrings and leads. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer