BOOK: Uncommon Grounds

AUTHOR: Sandra Balzo

SUMMARY: Sandy Balzo's first mystery has me hooked and waiting for another. The murder happens in the second paragraph of this book. This action grabbed my attention immediately and held it throughout this speedy read. I blame Balzo for my inactivity and the fact that I stayed up until 1:45 am to complete Uncommon Grounds. This plot-driven novel twists and turns as motive, opportunity and secrets are exposed. Maggie Thorsen, the protagonist and central character in the book, captured my heart and I found myself wanting her to solve this mystery, salvage her newly founded business, and get on with her life and a possible new love interest. This local author has set the action in Wisconsin, more specifically the greater Metro-Milwaukee area, which makes it a fun read for those of us living in this area. You will recognize many places and some Wisconsin traditions.

PLOT: Maggie Thorsen comes into open her coffee shop to find one of her partners dead in a " pool of milk on the floor in front of the expresso machine". A hot-wired expresso machine has killed Patricia Harper, the "quintessential Brook hills Barbie". We meet a cast of characters that include the sheriff, the police chief, a minister, a real estate agent, a reporter, and the victim's children. Another murder to a family member of the victim compounds the mystery. Not all is what it seems on the surface. Maggie and Sarah dig into small town politics, church groups and uncover an unsavory character or two. It is important that Maggie solve this murder mystery quickly, before she becomes the next victim. In a unique way, modern technology helps Sarah solve this crime. Balzo's sense of humor also surfaces when describing her college-age son's e-mail techniques," Higher education, wider vocabulary, worse spelling, but the message still translated to, ' Butt out Mom'."

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