Fresh Brewed Murder (A Ground Rules Mystery #1) by Emmeline Duncan, Kelly Garrett

 

Fresh Brewed Murder

(A Ground Rules Mystery #1)

by Emmeline Duncan, Kelly Garrett

Paperback, 240 pages

Expected publication: March 30th 2021 by Kensington Publishing Corporation

Goodreads synopsis: 

Portland is famous for its rain, hipsters, craft beers . . . and coffee. Sage Caplin has high hopes for her coffee cart, Ground Rules, which she runs with her business partner, Harley—a genius at roasting beans and devising new blends. That’s essential in a city where locals have intensely strong opinions about cappuccino versus macchiato—especially in the case of one of Sage’s very first customers. . . .

Sage finds the man’s body in front of her cart, a fatal slash across his neck. There’s been plenty of anger in the air, from longtime vendors annoyed at Ground Rules taking a coveted spot in the food truck lot, to protesters demonstrating against a new high-rise. But who was mad enough to commit murder? Sage is already fending off trouble in the form of her estranged, con-artist mother, who’s trying to trickle back into her life. But when Sage’s very own box cutter is discovered to be the murder weapon, she needs to focus on finding the killer fast—before her business, and her life, come to a bitter end. . . .

***

4.5 stars

This is the first book in the A Ground Rules mystery by Emmeline Duncan and Kelly Garrett.

I really liked the ambiance and setting in this. Having Sage’s mother have such a sordid past was really unique. I feel like she might be Murdock to Sage’s MacGyver. Murdock is the character that always causes trouble dies in the end and some how manages to come back to life to bother him again in another episode.

Loved the entire backstory of the characters and how unique the food truck lot and its inhabitants were. This is definitely a series I want to see more of. I am intrigued. 

The book was well written, the plot intense and complex as well as a complete page turner! Cozy mystery loves will totally dig into this caffeinated confection of goodness.

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.