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A Ground Rules Mystery #1
Fresh Brewed Murder
Master barista Sage Caplin is opening a new coffee cart in Portland, Oregon, but a killer is brewing up a world of trouble....
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 . . .
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 . . .
233 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2021
156 people are currently reading
4241 people want to read
About the author
Emmeline Duncan
9 books324 followersEmmeline Duncan is a mystery writer based out of Portland, Oregon. Her novels include the Ground Rules series, including Fresh Brewed Murder, Double Shot Death, Flat White Fatality, and Death Unfiltered, which comes out in the spring of 2024. She's also the author of Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop, a Halloween-themed mystery that will come out in August 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 559 reviews
June 22, 2022
Note: I received a free copy of this book. In exchange here is my honest review:
This had a cutesy Nancy Drew kinda vibe. 😉 Not overly complex, or detailed- but enough to get the who-done-it story accomplished. 👌
This had a cutesy Nancy Drew kinda vibe. 😉 Not overly complex, or detailed- but enough to get the who-done-it story accomplished. 👌
July 26, 2022
This is a cozy mystery, and this is the first book in A Ground Rules Mystery series. I really loved the characters in this book, and this book pulled me in from the beginning. I loved the mystery part of this book. I do feel the middle the pacing was a little to slow, but overall the pacing in this book was really good. I also love that the main character also as some life issues going on. This book is well-written, and the characters are developed and fun to follow. I will be reading the second book in this series when it comes out. I am not a coffee drinker, but there is so much more then just the coffee. So, if you are not a coffee drinker I think you will still enjoy this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Kensington Publishing Corporation) or author (Emmeline Duncan) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
June 19, 2022
3,5 stars. I intend to reading the second book in this series, although the plot has dragged on in the middle. The writing wasn't extraordinary, but I liked the main characters. For me, they were likeable and relatable. And I was in need of a light reading and it fulfilled its purpose.
SYNOPSIS: "Master barista Sage Caplin is opening a new coffee cart in Portland, Oregon, but a killer is brewing up a world of trouble...
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..."
SYNOPSIS: "Master barista Sage Caplin is opening a new coffee cart in Portland, Oregon, but a killer is brewing up a world of trouble...
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..."
July 4, 2021
Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan is the first book in the new cozy A Ground Rules Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries the mystery within this first book is fully solved by the end of the story so it could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so.
Sage Caplin is happy to have finally reached her dream of owning her own business in Portland, Oregon. She has just opened her coffee truck, Ground Rules, with her business partner, Harley,in a great location. Business is going great with plenty of new customers when one day Sage arrives at the truck to find a previous customer has been murdered with Sage’s own box cutter.
Fresh Brewed Murder is definitely a cozy for coffee lover’s as it’s the type of cozy which spends a lot of time on the theme. I’m not a coffee drinker myself so the whole workings of the cart were not something I’d connect with but other than Sage’s coffee expertise I didn’t find anything else about her to draw me in either. As one who loves there to be something/someone humorous in cozy mysteries this one also seemed rather bland on that front leaving the opener at three stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Sage Caplin is happy to have finally reached her dream of owning her own business in Portland, Oregon. She has just opened her coffee truck, Ground Rules, with her business partner, Harley,in a great location. Business is going great with plenty of new customers when one day Sage arrives at the truck to find a previous customer has been murdered with Sage’s own box cutter.
Fresh Brewed Murder is definitely a cozy for coffee lover’s as it’s the type of cozy which spends a lot of time on the theme. I’m not a coffee drinker myself so the whole workings of the cart were not something I’d connect with but other than Sage’s coffee expertise I didn’t find anything else about her to draw me in either. As one who loves there to be something/someone humorous in cozy mysteries this one also seemed rather bland on that front leaving the opener at three stars for me.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
April 19, 2021
Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan is a cozy murder mystery set in Portland, which 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. Sage finds the man’s body in front of her cart, a fatal slash across his neck.
David Stevenson, the victim of murder has been murdered in front of Sage's newly opened coffee cart, so she is the one who is doubted by the investigating team. The book is definitely well written. I liked the fast paced story, however, it was quite simple and predictable in spite the different characters. So I was definitely looking forward to many more layers added to the story except for her mother's dreadful past.
Her brother, Jason, also has a quite potential to add more layers and depth to the story. So, mystery and thriller beginners, this one is the best book for you to pick up. Advance readers of this genre will find it very flat and simple.
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Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
David Stevenson, the victim of murder has been murdered in front of Sage's newly opened coffee cart, so she is the one who is doubted by the investigating team. The book is definitely well written. I liked the fast paced story, however, it was quite simple and predictable in spite the different characters. So I was definitely looking forward to many more layers added to the story except for her mother's dreadful past.
Her brother, Jason, also has a quite potential to add more layers and depth to the story. So, mystery and thriller beginners, this one is the best book for you to pick up. Advance readers of this genre will find it very flat and simple.
_____
Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
July 14, 2021
This debut cozy mystery had a hip vibe to me, which I’ve noticed in a few other cozies I’ve read. I struggled to relate to the characters, and most of them I didn’t really like. The food truck court had cultural food besides the coffee cart, and readers who like vegan and various tastes will enjoy that. The murder mystery was good, and the plot involved other revelations about the victim. It was a good cozy—it just wasn’t my taste.
April 17, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Sage Caplin and her partner Harley have opened a coffee food truck in a local lot. Sage is a people person and Harley is a master coffee bean roaster. Together they are hoping their business takes off and that they will soon move from their food cart to a brick-and-mortar store. The food truck lot is not without drama. There are protestors walking in opposition to a new high rise and some of the other food truck vendors wonder how Sage and Harley got such a coveted spot especially when other vendors lost their spots due to the proposed construction of the high rise.
After just a couple of days serving coffee savvy customers, Sage finds one of those customers dead right in front of her cart and the murder weapon appears to be the box cutter she borrowed from one of the other vendors. The detective assigned to the case believes Sage is guilty especially when he finds out who her mother is. Strange this is happening right after her mother reaches out to her after years of absence. Sage doesn’t have time to worry about her mother, she needs to find the real killer now and get the detective off her back before she ends up behind bars.
In this first Ground Rules Mystery, we meet barista Sage Caplin. She has had a very interesting life which gives her a unique perspective regarding some of the people she meets over the course of this story. I was intrigued by the way she handled the homeless population camping out nearby. She was very empathic and willing to help even volunteering to hand out hygiene and food packages to them. As this is the first book in the series I feel we have just scratched the surface of this character. We are also introduced to her partner Harley, her great uncle Jimmy, her police detective dad, her lawyer brother Jackson and her cousin Miles. Her mother makes an appearance via a phone call. All the characters are cleverly written with plenty of room left for growth.
The author sets the scene of Portland and everywhere Sage visits very well. I could easily see each location come to life. We are also given quite an education about coffee beans and their brewing. I am not much of a coffee drinker but thought I knew every way it could be brewed but I was wrong. I learned some new things from Sage. I loved the way they came up with original custom drinks, some with alcohol for one of their new customers.
This time the protagonist isn’t actively searching full boar for the killer. She keeps her eyes and ears open and has some keen observations. There are several suspects and surprising ties between the deceased and another character. I am pleased to say the guilty party was on my list of top three suspects early on in the story but I was still surprised at the big reveal as to the true motive. Ms. Duncan served up some nice twists to divert the reader’s attention but I held strong to my own theories. I was concerned about the relaxed pacing of the book and while the ending was exciting I would have liked a faster pace. I was engaged by the characters and that did keep the pages turning.
The author has set off this series to a fine start with Fresh Brewed Murder. I am looking forward to the next installment to see these characters evolve and to get to know them better. Coffee connoisseurs will love the drink descriptions and may want to brew a cup or two to enjoy while reading the book.
Sage Caplin and her partner Harley have opened a coffee food truck in a local lot. Sage is a people person and Harley is a master coffee bean roaster. Together they are hoping their business takes off and that they will soon move from their food cart to a brick-and-mortar store. The food truck lot is not without drama. There are protestors walking in opposition to a new high rise and some of the other food truck vendors wonder how Sage and Harley got such a coveted spot especially when other vendors lost their spots due to the proposed construction of the high rise.
After just a couple of days serving coffee savvy customers, Sage finds one of those customers dead right in front of her cart and the murder weapon appears to be the box cutter she borrowed from one of the other vendors. The detective assigned to the case believes Sage is guilty especially when he finds out who her mother is. Strange this is happening right after her mother reaches out to her after years of absence. Sage doesn’t have time to worry about her mother, she needs to find the real killer now and get the detective off her back before she ends up behind bars.
In this first Ground Rules Mystery, we meet barista Sage Caplin. She has had a very interesting life which gives her a unique perspective regarding some of the people she meets over the course of this story. I was intrigued by the way she handled the homeless population camping out nearby. She was very empathic and willing to help even volunteering to hand out hygiene and food packages to them. As this is the first book in the series I feel we have just scratched the surface of this character. We are also introduced to her partner Harley, her great uncle Jimmy, her police detective dad, her lawyer brother Jackson and her cousin Miles. Her mother makes an appearance via a phone call. All the characters are cleverly written with plenty of room left for growth.
The author sets the scene of Portland and everywhere Sage visits very well. I could easily see each location come to life. We are also given quite an education about coffee beans and their brewing. I am not much of a coffee drinker but thought I knew every way it could be brewed but I was wrong. I learned some new things from Sage. I loved the way they came up with original custom drinks, some with alcohol for one of their new customers.
This time the protagonist isn’t actively searching full boar for the killer. She keeps her eyes and ears open and has some keen observations. There are several suspects and surprising ties between the deceased and another character. I am pleased to say the guilty party was on my list of top three suspects early on in the story but I was still surprised at the big reveal as to the true motive. Ms. Duncan served up some nice twists to divert the reader’s attention but I held strong to my own theories. I was concerned about the relaxed pacing of the book and while the ending was exciting I would have liked a faster pace. I was engaged by the characters and that did keep the pages turning.
The author has set off this series to a fine start with Fresh Brewed Murder. I am looking forward to the next installment to see these characters evolve and to get to know them better. Coffee connoisseurs will love the drink descriptions and may want to brew a cup or two to enjoy while reading the book.
June 24, 2021
I wasn’t blown away by it but clearly I enjoyed it as I read it in one evening and I do intend to read the other books in the series as they come out.
The characters are pretty good and there’s a good balance between characters to like and dislike. The writing is fairly good too and overall the plot is good, although it does feel like the mystery part gets forgotten for a little while.
I do wish that Harley, the best friend/business partner, was a bit more fleshed out/we got to know more about her backstory. I also wasn't a huge fan of the love triangle thing and I'm hoping that gets dropped in the next book.
The characters are pretty good and there’s a good balance between characters to like and dislike. The writing is fairly good too and overall the plot is good, although it does feel like the mystery part gets forgotten for a little while.
I do wish that Harley, the best friend/business partner, was a bit more fleshed out/we got to know more about her backstory. I also wasn't a huge fan of the love triangle thing and I'm hoping that gets dropped in the next book.
December 28, 2020
A mystery with a bit of real meat on the bones is just what is needed for a read of quality entertainment! Strong characters that are well fleshed out, a multi-dimensional plot that will have you furiously turning pages to try to figure out "who done it" and real issues that we deal with daily run as an undercurrent to make the book feel more realistic! Great wit, good suspense and a great setting makes for a great read! I can't wait to read more from this author especially with these characters!
June 17, 2022
Wow, I can’t think of a more annoying character than Sage Caplin. She is so snarky and judgmental of everyone she meets - every character introduction included some passing judgment on their face or clothing. I am also LIVID that she But at the same time there was no mention of the negative sides of the foster care system and homeless charities. You can’t pretend that these groups are the solution and ignore the root problem: capitalism. I could go on but I’ll spare anyone reading this my usual capitalism rant.
There are sooo many characters in this book that I lost track of them. Sage seemed to be suspicious of everyone… except the person who actually ended up being the murderer. It was completely out of nowhere. I think their motive made sense, but
Lastly, ACAB.
There are sooo many characters in this book that I lost track of them. Sage seemed to be suspicious of everyone… except the person who actually ended up being the murderer. It was completely out of nowhere. I think their motive made sense, but
Lastly, ACAB.
March 20, 2021
3.5 STARS - This new cozy mystery centres around the food truck scene in Portland, Oregon and it is a good blend of coffee and murder with a splash of humour, a sprinkle of potential romance and the promise of intriguing future story lines.
The plot balances the murder mystery with the local coffee culture well and I appreciated how the author set her mystery within important social issues such as homelessness and gentrification. I learned more about coffee but, at times, the detailed coffee descriptions were a bit too much for this Plain Jane 'double double' coffee drinker. Sage was an okay main character, but she's a bit bland and I hope we see a bit more chutzpah from her (and her friend Harley who was pretty much ignored) in future books.
This is a cozy mystery with a social conscience that has good twists and is a java lover's dream. I think the author has set herself up with a few interesting plot options in future books - particularly Sage's Uncle Jimmy and her nefarious mother hovering in the wings. Coffee lovahs will enjoy the recipes included at the end of the book.
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to Kensington Books for my complimentary copy of this book given in exchange for my honest review.
November 7, 2020
From the bold cover, to the snippet of a description, I had a really good feeling about this book. I’m so happy to say my intuition was correct and Fresh Brewed Murder is a fantastic addition to the cozy mystery genre.
Sage and her business partner Harley, are the owners of a hip coffee truck. Pulling shots is one of the things Sage does best, but when she finds herself tangled up in a murder investigation, she needs to do all she can to prove she’s innocent.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are very likable and I always like to read a book that features coffee and baristas.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
#FreshBrewedMurder #NetGalley
Sage and her business partner Harley, are the owners of a hip coffee truck. Pulling shots is one of the things Sage does best, but when she finds herself tangled up in a murder investigation, she needs to do all she can to prove she’s innocent.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are very likable and I always like to read a book that features coffee and baristas.
I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.
#FreshBrewedMurder #NetGalley
February 13, 2021
FRESH BREWED MURDER by Emmeline Duncan is a standard cozy mystery! I was interested to read this once since I’m a coffee lover but this book takes the coffee to the extreme! The main character, Sage, owns a coffee cart in Portland and discovers a murder right by her cart. In the first three chapters the same metaphor was used three times! Most of the book was about Sage making coffee and dealing with her coffee business. The murder was barely a part of her life and her storyline. I don’t think I would read the next book in this series as I know everything about coffee now! The recipes at the end were a nice touch.
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Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
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Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for my advance review copy!
April 9, 2021
Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan is the debut of A Ground Rules Mystery series. Sage Caplin is twenty-seven with a unique childhood. She is opening a coffee cart with Harley in Portland, Oregon. Sage’s backstory is revealed slowly throughout this first book. We get to meet her friends and family. There are vivid descriptions of Portland that really brought the city alive for me. I did feel that this book was a little all over the place. The focus never stayed on the mystery for long. It felt like more time is spent discussing coffee than the whodunit. I had no idea there were so many varieties of coffee nor ways to make it. The book discusses roasting coffee beans and the flavors it brings out too. I know more about coffee than I ever wanted to know (sorry, but I do not like the beverage). Sage has family drama that dominates the story plus the book delves into the plights of runaway teens who are homeless. We follow Sage about her daily routine which is boring to read. The book needed more action which would have improved the pacing. The mystery of the dead developer is straightforward. There are several viable suspects along with misdirection. Avid cozy mystery readers will have no problem discerning the guilty party before the reveal. I could not get into Fresh Brewed Murder. A Ground Rules Mystery series is not the right fit for me. I believe it will appeal to a younger audience. There are recipes for items mentioned in the book at the end. Fresh Brewed Murder is a lighthearted cozy mystery with scrumptious coffees, a dead developer, cart chaos, a runaway teenager, a determined detective, and a parental predicament.
March 13, 2021
I really enjoyed this new cozy mystery series set in Portland Oregon. The MC in this series is Sage Caplin. She is co-owner of a coffee cart and roasting company with her friend Harley. Her mother is a griffter who is on the run, and her father is a police officer. She's spent some time on the streets when she was a youth, but is doing really well. Until someone is murdered in front of her coffee cart.
I liked the characters in this story, and loved the setting. A Rail Yard turned into a place for carts of all kinds - coffee, falafel, pies, etc. The story was unique and there were enough characters with reasons to kill the man who was murdered to keep me guessing right up until the end.
I received an e-ARC of this book by Edelweiss and the publisher Kensington Publishing Corp. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I liked the characters in this story, and loved the setting. A Rail Yard turned into a place for carts of all kinds - coffee, falafel, pies, etc. The story was unique and there were enough characters with reasons to kill the man who was murdered to keep me guessing right up until the end.
I received an e-ARC of this book by Edelweiss and the publisher Kensington Publishing Corp. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
May 10, 2022
This book had a lot of things that I love, at least in theory. I love murder mysteries, a little romance, cozy ambiance, and I even worked as a barista right out of college. However, this is one of the worst books I have read in a while. The dialogue is cringe inducing and the main character gives off a "not like other girls" vibe that I don't think was intentional, but still grated on me throughout the entire book. I found myself forgetting there was a murder involved because it got lost between the ungodly number of niche coffee references, a truly pointless love triangle, and the self righteous pseudo-political Portland commentary. The final reveal felt rushed and inconsequential like the whole murder part had been completely forgotten along the way. Maybe there is hope for the remainder of this series, but I don't think I will be sticking around for it.
Want to read
January 4, 2021Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan left me craving coffee and the next book in the series! This book is perfect for modern cozy mystery fans. Set in Portland, Oregon. Sage and her business partner Harley are opening a coffee cart in a food cart lot. Everything is going well until a local developer turns up murdered. Sage finds him which launches her to prime suspect. Faced with life behind bars and a premature coffee cart closure Sage launches her investigation. I loved seeing different parts of Portland included in this book. It was fun and felt so recent. Perfect introduction for new readers to the mystery genre or someone who wants to read something more current.
June 3, 2022
What's not to love? Coffee, alcohol, food carts, personal dramas, quirky characters, sense of community, splash of murder ... Overall I enjoyed the book and I thought Sage's past was pretty interesting. I also loved her determination to help a homeless teen who had been through a lot and really needed a friend. It is still a cozy mystery but has a bit of depth to the story and the characters. I was a bit surprised when Harley didn't have a clue about Sage's past. I know it's not something to be proud of but you'd think she would have told her best friend at some point. Harley was fairly understanding at finding out though, especially considering the way it came out.
November 9, 2020
Grab your glass pour-over carafe, put in a Kalita wave filter, grind up your coffee, add exactly 21 grams of Fair Trade single-origin beans and gently, in circular motions, pour 375 grams of 200 degrees Fahrenheit water over the beans. Wait two minutes. Pour into a reusable cup, grab Emmeline Duncan’s “Fresh Brewed Murder” and sip while you read! Sound excessive? Then you aren’t ready for the hipster Portland coffee scene. Good news - you’ve got time to brush up on your coffee knowledge as this book is to be published March 30, 2021.
Sage Caplin knows her coffee; good thing, because she’s just opened Ground Rules, a coffee cart, in Portland’s Rail Yard. She’s got her Uncle Jimmy backing her as a silent partner, Harley helping her roast the beans and the best location in her uncle’s Rail Yard. She’s made it two full days before disaster strikes. A customer, the construction manager from the site across the road, is found dead beside Ground Rules. Sage is immediately considered a person of interest as it was her box cutter that dealt the final blow. As the investigation deepens, Sage’s past starts to catch up with her. Will Saffron Jones derail Sage’s attempt at forging a new future? Will Ground Rules meet its bitter end? Just who killed David Stevens?
If your day doesn’t start until you get coffee, this book is for you. Not only will you get to learn about coffee culture, but you will also be treated to a well-written cozy mystery. I love Duncan’s writing style. She’s obviously in touch with the Portland foodie scene and familiar with the hipster vibe. In addition, it’s refreshing to see someone write about the homeless, the challenges of running a small business, gentrification, the concept of suspended coffees for those in need, and food choices for those with different health concerns; all issues millennials and generation Z readers will appreciate. You’ll find yourself giggling at some of her descriptions: “a college-aged girl with sleepy eyes and an almost terminal case of bedhead ordered a caramel mocha.” The pacing and characterization is on point. The coffee culture is secondary to the character development and the sprinkle of humour rounds out the overall flavour. This is book one of a new series and I look forward to hearing more about the customers who frequent Ground Rules.
Thank you to Emmeline Duncan, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Sage Caplin knows her coffee; good thing, because she’s just opened Ground Rules, a coffee cart, in Portland’s Rail Yard. She’s got her Uncle Jimmy backing her as a silent partner, Harley helping her roast the beans and the best location in her uncle’s Rail Yard. She’s made it two full days before disaster strikes. A customer, the construction manager from the site across the road, is found dead beside Ground Rules. Sage is immediately considered a person of interest as it was her box cutter that dealt the final blow. As the investigation deepens, Sage’s past starts to catch up with her. Will Saffron Jones derail Sage’s attempt at forging a new future? Will Ground Rules meet its bitter end? Just who killed David Stevens?
If your day doesn’t start until you get coffee, this book is for you. Not only will you get to learn about coffee culture, but you will also be treated to a well-written cozy mystery. I love Duncan’s writing style. She’s obviously in touch with the Portland foodie scene and familiar with the hipster vibe. In addition, it’s refreshing to see someone write about the homeless, the challenges of running a small business, gentrification, the concept of suspended coffees for those in need, and food choices for those with different health concerns; all issues millennials and generation Z readers will appreciate. You’ll find yourself giggling at some of her descriptions: “a college-aged girl with sleepy eyes and an almost terminal case of bedhead ordered a caramel mocha.” The pacing and characterization is on point. The coffee culture is secondary to the character development and the sprinkle of humour rounds out the overall flavour. This is book one of a new series and I look forward to hearing more about the customers who frequent Ground Rules.
Thank you to Emmeline Duncan, Kensington Books and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2021
Operating a coffee food truck requires a morning person, but Sage Caplin is not sure she is cut out for early mornings. Opening Ground Rules has been a dream come true. Along with her partner Hayley they hope to make a dent in Portland's coffee culture. But their efforts are sidetracked when Sage finds a local developer dead in front of her truck. His throat has been slashed and when the police find the weapon belongs to Sage, she struggles to prove she is innocent. I love the food truck vibe of this book and I hope for more in this series in the future. .
June 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this first in series by Emmeline Duncan. The mystery was centered around the main character's coffee cart and it was unique and really grabbed my attention from the beginning. Lots of twists and turns that had me guessing until the very end. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
February 26, 2021
I think this series has potential but this story is a very average cozy mystery and the heroine is a bit too weak for my taste.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 29, 2022
Pretty good first in a series. I listened to this one today non-stop while paying bills. Sage and her crew are an interesting set. I like the idea of a food cart area and everyone kind of building off one another. The set up with her mom is pretty promising too. I can't wait to read the next one!
May 29, 2021
This book just did not work for me. Generally I do read a few chapters however I was not able to get into this particular book. Too much jumping around in the beginning and the plot does not work.
June 27, 2021
“A Ground Rules Mystery “ is a new series by author Emmeline Duncan. Fresh Brewed Murder is the first installment in this new series. Based around the food truck industry, Sage and Harley open a coffee business in the heart of the city. People are not happy that the girls could grab one of the coveted spots in a prime location while others who have been waiting were denied. Soon after opening their truck, a murder takes place, and Sage finds herself as the prime suspect and worried that one of her upset business neighbors might be setting her up to take the blame.
The main characters in this new series are enjoyable to learn about. Sage and Harley’s coffee truck is described well, and the coffee concoctions sound delicious. Intrigue surrounds some of the other characters, and I would like to see more background on all the characters in the next book, especially Uncle Jimmy and Sage’s mother.
Suspects range from Sage to other vendors that run trucks and some of the coffee drinkers who stop by to homeless teenagers. Motives are not all that clear; however, even when they are spelled out, they don’t quite add up. The killer, once discovered, isn’t a big surprise yet somehow manages to make readers stop and think over what they have read. There may be a bit too much attention to Gen Z and Millennials in this book for some readers. The food truck industry, which at one time ruled the city streets, has made a come back recently. This makes for an original and unique spin on a cozy series. As a long-time coffee drinker who appreciates those who roast their own beans, I look forward to seeing this series and the characters grow. Fresh Brewed Murder is a good start to this series.
The main characters in this new series are enjoyable to learn about. Sage and Harley’s coffee truck is described well, and the coffee concoctions sound delicious. Intrigue surrounds some of the other characters, and I would like to see more background on all the characters in the next book, especially Uncle Jimmy and Sage’s mother.
Suspects range from Sage to other vendors that run trucks and some of the coffee drinkers who stop by to homeless teenagers. Motives are not all that clear; however, even when they are spelled out, they don’t quite add up. The killer, once discovered, isn’t a big surprise yet somehow manages to make readers stop and think over what they have read. There may be a bit too much attention to Gen Z and Millennials in this book for some readers. The food truck industry, which at one time ruled the city streets, has made a come back recently. This makes for an original and unique spin on a cozy series. As a long-time coffee drinker who appreciates those who roast their own beans, I look forward to seeing this series and the characters grow. Fresh Brewed Murder is a good start to this series.
March 30, 2021
Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan is a great start to another cozy mystery series. One of the many reasons I read is because I enjoy learning new things, and as someone who is not a coffee drinker, this book was full of interesting information… that almost makes me want to start! I love when cozies actually include the information for the hobby/place/cooking/etc… that they are using as their story hook. I’ve found some that mention it once or twice and that’s it, instead leaving it more for the cover art.
Duncan really shined in creating a small community within the coffee community with lots of characters that stand out, with her descriptions of Portland, and it’s food truck scene. We visited Portland once, about 10 years ago, and after reading Fresh Brewed Murder, I think we will be going there again in the near future since Duncan’s descriptions of the food, drinks, and town were so engaging.
Besides the great cast of food truck owners, we also get some insight into Sage’s family and business partner. Sage’s dad and brother seem like great people who’ll be there for her, the mother is a very interesting character and I can’t wait to see how she progresses and what kind of trouble she will make for Sage, and the business partner… well, let’s just say I personally would be looking for a new one. We also get a surly detective and a hunky love interest to round out the group.
Looking forward to book two in A Ground Rules Mystery series to see what happens with Sage and the gang next, as well as for more yummy food and drink descriptions and recipes.
Duncan really shined in creating a small community within the coffee community with lots of characters that stand out, with her descriptions of Portland, and it’s food truck scene. We visited Portland once, about 10 years ago, and after reading Fresh Brewed Murder, I think we will be going there again in the near future since Duncan’s descriptions of the food, drinks, and town were so engaging.
Besides the great cast of food truck owners, we also get some insight into Sage’s family and business partner. Sage’s dad and brother seem like great people who’ll be there for her, the mother is a very interesting character and I can’t wait to see how she progresses and what kind of trouble she will make for Sage, and the business partner… well, let’s just say I personally would be looking for a new one. We also get a surly detective and a hunky love interest to round out the group.
Looking forward to book two in A Ground Rules Mystery series to see what happens with Sage and the gang next, as well as for more yummy food and drink descriptions and recipes.
February 23, 2021
Sage Caplin has just opened a coffee cart in a court yard for food trucks. On the third morning she finds a dead man in front of her cart, apparently killed with a box cutter she had borrowed from one of her neighbours. The dead man has a link to her past and this makes the police quick to ask pointy finger questions.
Despite this, the story lacks urgency. There’s no “I must solve this murder or it’s my livelihood/freedom on the line”. Probably because Sage has so many irons in the fire, a murder doesn’t upset her balance. In any case, she does very little sleuthing. If she learns anything about the victim or possible suspects, it is because people come to her cart and tell her. Or she does a search on the internet, all the while keeping an eye on her business and developing new business opportunities.
Something irked me throughout this story - Sage takes speak no ill of the death to a whole new level. She keeps reminding herself (and the reader) how bad it is that a man was killed. She didn’t even know the man. Is she equally considerate of the on average 50 people a day that are killed in the USA? (That’s over 1000 more murder victims during the course of this story.) Plus, it seems this guy was a jerk in business as well as in private.
Anyway, not a story for me. Not enough mystery, too much Sage is a wonderful business woman and all round nice person content.
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
Despite this, the story lacks urgency. There’s no “I must solve this murder or it’s my livelihood/freedom on the line”. Probably because Sage has so many irons in the fire, a murder doesn’t upset her balance. In any case, she does very little sleuthing. If she learns anything about the victim or possible suspects, it is because people come to her cart and tell her. Or she does a search on the internet, all the while keeping an eye on her business and developing new business opportunities.
Something irked me throughout this story - Sage takes speak no ill of the death to a whole new level. She keeps reminding herself (and the reader) how bad it is that a man was killed. She didn’t even know the man. Is she equally considerate of the on average 50 people a day that are killed in the USA? (That’s over 1000 more murder victims during the course of this story.) Plus, it seems this guy was a jerk in business as well as in private.
Anyway, not a story for me. Not enough mystery, too much Sage is a wonderful business woman and all round nice person content.
I read an ARC through Netgalley.
April 14, 2021
This was the first book in the Ground Rules series. Sage is just opening her own coffee cart, Ground Rules. Within the first few days, she discovers a dead body beside her cart. Sage's box cutter is used as the murder weapon and she immediately becomes the number one suspect.
I really liked Sage. She was a strong lead character, and I loved the additions of her brother and cousin. I loved how we got tidbits of Sage's past but still have so much to learn about her. The side story with her mother was intriguing and I hope we get to learn more about her. The mystery was great. I thought it was well done and I felt like was investigating right along with Sage. This is definitely a series I will be continuing.
I really liked Sage. She was a strong lead character, and I loved the additions of her brother and cousin. I loved how we got tidbits of Sage's past but still have so much to learn about her. The side story with her mother was intriguing and I hope we get to learn more about her. The mystery was great. I thought it was well done and I felt like was investigating right along with Sage. This is definitely a series I will be continuing.
March 18, 2021
A fresh cozy mystery with a unique Portland setting!
Loved this cozy mystery following Sage Caplin as she opens the coffee cart of her dreams with her BFF, Harley. The relationships were complex and felt so real, my favorite being that between Sage and her brother, Jackson.
The setting was fantastic, really capturing the Portland vibe, and there was some meat to this cozy that I found refreshing.
I wish I could visit the Rail Yard and enjoy a taco or falafel from one of the food trucks, and of course enjoy a pour-over coffee from Ground Rules!
Loved this cozy mystery following Sage Caplin as she opens the coffee cart of her dreams with her BFF, Harley. The relationships were complex and felt so real, my favorite being that between Sage and her brother, Jackson.
The setting was fantastic, really capturing the Portland vibe, and there was some meat to this cozy that I found refreshing.
I wish I could visit the Rail Yard and enjoy a taco or falafel from one of the food trucks, and of course enjoy a pour-over coffee from Ground Rules!
November 9, 2020
This book came across to me as a first time author. At times it was all over the place as if the author had a hard time focusing on the action. It also felt to me as it I was reading a diary of Sage (MC) and her daily happenings. Nothing much happens in the book. About 10% of the action has to do with the murder. It felt really slow to me and I was bored most of the time.
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