Reviews

It was fine. I think I like the first one the best of the three. I didn't guess the murderer this time but I feel like it's because I was more bored with this one and I got distracted. I'm tired of hearing about coffee and how Sage is just so perfect. I need some more conflict or something. She's so unbothered by murder at this point that it's kind of getting a tad ridiculous.

andrea2384's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

2.75

kimdavishb's review

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5.0

FLAT WHITE FATALITY is the third book in the Ground Rules Mysteries by Emmeline Duncan. While I haven’t read the second book in the series (and I’ll soon be remedying that), I found it easy enough to immerse myself in the characters and follow the story. The author provides just enough backstory without bogging down the plot. Sage Caplin, owner of the Ground Rules roastery and coffee cart, is a smart and hardworking business woman. The addition of her marketing pitches, along with bits and pieces about coffee throughout the book, lends a credibility to her expertise in the field of coffee roasting and coffee creations. Yet, she has a playful side, and I greatly enjoyed her involvement in Bax’s (her boyfriend) video gaming company—named Grumpy Sasquatch Studio. Ms. Duncan interjects some lighthearted humor when Bax’s company sets up a team building scavenger hunt with the employees dressed in duck onesies as they traverse the downtown streets of Portland. The event also provides a means for immersing the reader in the setting and bringing the city to life, along with showcasing the author’s humor with her clever and punny-named businesses.

However, the event turns tragic when one of the employees is found murdered inside Sage’s locked Ground Rules roastery. The victim, who was known for pranking the other employees in the company, turns out to have had a secretive life and past. Sage, with the help of Bax and his storyboard to keep track of the facts of the crime and suspects, is meticulous in trying to find the truth. There were several twists I didn’t see coming, and the reveal brought all the threads of the story together. And, with the final chapter, I’ll just hint that new changes may be in store for Sage, that will be sure to bring happiness to readers!

Sage prepares all sorts of drinks and treats throughout the book, so be prepared to by hungry while reading! Fortunately, Ms. Duncan has included several recipes at the back of the book for the readers to try… and they all sound fantastic.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

jaymeleigh's review

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

s0apysam's review

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5.0

Precious perfect little mystery! As a cafe manager of a sw Washington based roastery this was too charming and spot on for the scene. Can't wait to read more.b

areneereads's review against another edition

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

hphil721's review

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mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

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