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. The Ground Rules Espresso Brownies tempted me and they lived up to my high expectations. I especially liked that they were created as dairy-free, which meant my husband could enjoy without me needing to tweak the recipe first. Rich… oh-so-rich… and chocolaty, the added espresso raises the deliciousness factor and magnifies the yummy taste of chocolate. I think I’ll need to bake a double batch the next time I make these!

 

 

Amazon Synopsis

To top off her coffee business, Sage is now helping out with her boyfriend Bax’s gaming company. Conveniently for Sage, it’s located next door to her Ground Rules Roastery. That makes it easy for her to pitch in with Bax’s employee team-building event. The plan is to boost morale with a scavenger hunt. And it seems to be going well—until Robbie, a programmer known for being a prankster, turns up dead in Sage’s roastery . . .

There are two suspects so far: Sage, who has no idea how the victim ended up in her space; and Bax, who was allegedly spotted arguing with Robbie the day before. But could it be a disgruntled employee? After all, Robbie’s sense of humor was known to have rubbed some coworkers the wrong way. Now, it’s up to Sage to find the culprit—before another life grinds to a halt.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A special thanks to Kensington Publishing for providing a print ARC copy of FLAT WHITE FATALITY and to Emmeline Duncan for providing some awesome swag too! Contest ends June 11, 2023 at 11:59 pm PST and is limited to U.S. residents only. Please use the Rafflecopter box located below to enter. The winner will be announced on this page and on Cinnamon & Sugar’s Facebook page, as well as notified by email (so check your spam folder!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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