Stands out

I started listening to "On What Grounds" with very low expectations. I was interested in exploring fiction in the mystery sub-genre where activities such as crafts or cooking propel the plot. I've read books where knitting is the focus, and jewelry making, and baking, and now this. Sadly, I have found the writing in some of the others to be lacking. In this one, however, the cafe was central to the plot and the descriptions and dialog were rich and authentic. It stands out from the others in this genre, and I plan to read more of the series.

79 people found this helpful

You're going to love this series!

I have listened to almost all of the books available in this series available on Audible. And, let me say, you're really going to love it! First of all, it has the perfect cast of characters: the sweet mother-in-law, the annoying ex-husband, the super loved adult daughter, a hot detective, and a hilarious group of baristas. This mystery contains just the right amount of drama and humor. It's one of those books you can't put down. If there is anything wrong with the book, I would say it's what you always see in this genre. There's definitely point when you want to scream at the main character, Clare Cosi, "Don't go! Don't do it!" But again, I think that's an innate part of the mystery genre. Other than that, I love the main character. She's witty, smart and strong, yet loving and genuine.

The narrator is perfect for this novel and the rest of the series. She does an excellent job with the various voices. She speaks clearly and is able to keep your attention.

Bonus: This is a great book for coffee lovers and foodies. If you like to try out new recipes, Clare Cosi normally describes one or two recipes in enough detail for you to try it out in your kitchen. Also visit Cleo Coyle's webpage for additional recipes.

51 people found this helpful

I can smell the coffee now!!

Would you consider the audio edition of On What Grounds to be better than the print version?

I did not read the book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The ex- mother-in law is a really charming character. A little meddlesome , a little pushy but always a distinguished older woman with a lot of hutzpah. The characters personality traits are well thought out and follow through all the way to the end. The story flows nicely with just enough information on the qualities and characteristics of coffee and the many different ways in which to process, roast, grind and brew it tossed in for some interest. I found myself craving a nice , warm cup on several occasions.

Which scene was your favorite?

The author does a good job of tying all the characters together with giving you enough information for you to form their personalities without droning on and on. she ties each character together in a nice, cohesive flow. The story is light and makes the read very easy to listen to.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The narration was very nicely done.

24 people found this helpful

Fun Listening

This book was a fun and interesting listen, it also added some good tidbits about the history of coffee. All in all it was an easy listen fireside book. I will continue with the series.

22 people found this helpful

Good Coffee Knowledge

Where does On What Grounds rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It ranks very high, love all the coffee info. My husband and I are coffee snobs,so we have learned a lot from Claire

What other book might you compare On What Grounds to and why?

All the books by Diane Mott Davidson-her character is a caterer and she gives recipes and talks a lot about food and she also drinks an espresso to help her think, wake up and concentrate.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Claire makes the first espresso/latte and explains all that goes into the making, especially the amount of time for the grinding of beans, the time for the heating of the water, etc.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Everything you ever wanted to know about coffee and more...

Any additional comments?

My husband and I are glued to my MP3 at the dinner table listening to several chapters during dinner. We stop and discuss something that a character says or analyze where we think the story is going. We have found a new author to add to our collection of books we listen to on road trips as well.

10 people found this helpful

LOTS of coffee.

I know this book was set in a coffee house, but couldn't believe the amount of time dedicated to coffee. How to brew it correctly, this way or that way - turkish, espresso, etc. How normal people store their coffee incorrectly, the HORROR. It was very repetitive to me. The story wasn't horrible, but I won't be buying any more books in this series. The book seemed more about coffee to me than the murder/mystery.

38 people found this helpful

Fun, Clean, Murder Mystery . . . Caffeinated!!!

First of all, I'm a coffee lover . . . and unlike many of the other reviewers, I LIKE series with a theme . . . quilting, knitting, cooking . . . I'm very family oriented. The ex-husband's involvement didn't bother me at all, as he was a part owner in the coffee house, and father to their sweet grown daughter, Joy. True, it's a light listen, but interesting and it kept me engaged until the very end.

12 people found this helpful

Good clean murder mystery

I enjoyed the story. I learned a lot about coffe and craved it all the time while I listened to this book. I did not like the introduction of the ex husband into the plot. That just felt awkward. But I loved all the rest. Rebecca Gibel did a nice job narrating. She wasn't the greatest at male voices, but I guess that's hard to pull off when you're a woman. I do think it's a mistake narrators typically make. Women try to over-narrate men (by making them sound kind of dumb) and men try to use high pitched voices that make female characters sound like cartoons. It wasn't the worst male-voice impression I've ever heard. In fact, Gibell is one of the better narrators.

29 people found this helpful

Protagonist a bit naive, loves describing coffee!

What did you like best about On What Grounds? What did you like least?

It was easy to listen to; it reminded me of a Lifetime movie. The writing was good, but at times the protagonist asks a lot of questions that don't need to be asked, and is a little verbose. The actions and words of the main character are a little unrealistic, a little too innocent, a little too nice. For example, if someone is going to try to ruin your life, you wouldn't exclaim "You bastard!" - that's probably the most foul language used in the book.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The descriptions of coffee preparation are nice, but they make it sound like a book written in a coffee house by a coffee house worker looking to move on from working in a coffee house. The least interesting aspect was the list of characters who seem stock.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't really have any favorite scenes; the book doesn't seem to have too many highs or lows - it's just a nice smooth story, like a nice cup of coffee.

Did On What Grounds inspire you to do anything?

Nope.

Any additional comments?

If you're looking for something relaxing to occupy your time, this is a good book; it won't take you to many places that will startle you or make you uncomfortable.

15 people found this helpful

Fun Series

A little detective work by a woman who owns a coffee house in lower Manhattan, has a sexy ex-husband and lots of friends and acquaintances. Light for a murder mystery, fun and easy. I've read four books of the series and although they get fluffier and a bit sillier, they are still worth reading.

9 people found this helpful