Scene of the Grind by Tonya Kappes
1st of the Killer Coffee mystery series. Cozy mystery.
Roxie moves back home to Honey Springs, KY and opens a coffee shop. The rebuilt boardwalk is going to bring business back but murder may put a crimp in the plan. Throw in family, a tricky oven, a former beau and a favorite pet and going home gets very complicated.

A cozy with a bit of romance and a cute dog. Plus recipes sprinkled at the end of various chapters. There is actually a lot of world building in the first part of the book. The body, or mystery, is almost mid way through rather than closer to the beginning. A good bit of relationship rebuilding on the romance side.
An enjoyable read. ( )

I have recently gotten on a cozy mystery kick. Tonya Kappes is a queen in this genre. She writes characters who feel as though they are long time friends or family members. She places them in charming towns. Sprinkles in some romance and adds in a furry pet or two, lulling you into a delightful story. Then bam! Dead body! And The who did fun begins.
Scene of the Grind follows this successful route. We meet Roxy, a smart lawyer who has returned to her Aunt's home. She left behind a divorce and her practice determined to successfully operate a coffee shop. The dead body doesn't even slow her down!
I had a fun time with this book. Fun is why I choose to read cozy mysteries. They have a down home feel combined with a generous sprinkling of comedy and a bit of colorful language, no not adult language. The country sayings that bring a smile to your face. The mystery is almost a secondary, minor, player for me. Though Ms Kappes did throw me off the scent a time or two, horrifying me with one suspect.
The book is a clean read, one you can feel good about sharing with anyone. I am looking forward to more adventures with Roxy and the gang in Honey Springs, Kentucky. ( )

cozy-mystery, contemporary-romance

Roxie spent many memorable summers in her aunt's hometown, but now she's skipped out of her law practice and is the proud owner of a coffee house that will really thrive come tourist season. But when the bookstore owner is found murdered and the sheriff seems more inclined to accuse Aunt Maxi instead of investigating, Roxie steps in. Lots of twists and red herrings abound, but there's lots more to this story.
Madeline Mrozek is the remarkable narrator here who keeps her voices straight and makes a good read even better! ( )

Scene of the Grind by Tonya Kappes is the first book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series. Roxanne “Roxy” Bloom has recently moved to Honey Springs, Kentucky after her divorce. Roxy has decided to pursue her passion and open The Bean Hive (a coffeehouse) on the newly renovated boardwalk. The opening of the shops on the boardwalk coincides with the annual Honey Festival. Roxy can thank Aunt Maxi for making this happen. She has many fond summer memories of spending time with her aunt and uncle (before he passed away) and enjoyable hours at Crooked Cat Bookstore. Alexis Roarke owns the bookstore, but is unhappy with Aunt Maxi who is raising the rent on the building. Early one morning, Roxy decides to take coffee and a treat over to Alexis (cute scary music). The door to the shop is unlocked, the lights are on, and the banned book section is in a disarray. Roxy’s dog, Pepper goes through a private door, and Roxy follows to find Alexis dead on the floor. Someone murdered Alexis and Aunt Maxi is at the top of the police’s suspect list (there was also a very public argument). Roxy sets out to prove her aunt’s innocence and find Alexis’ killer. Alexis’ contentious daughter, Leslie does not help matters by causing public scenes and insisting that Aunt Maxi be arrested. Roxy has assistance in her quest from Patrick Cane. Patrick and Roxy dated in high school until a misunderstanding separated them. This is a second chance for their relationship if Roxy is willing to grab it. But first she has to get Alexis’ murderer behind bars!

Scene of the Grind is a light cozy mystery. It is nicely written and easy to read. Scene of the Grind is just the right length for the storyline. Thanks to Tonya Kappes descriptive writing, I could visualize the town and the boardwalk with all its new shops in my head. In this first book in A Killer Coffee Mystery series, we are provided the background details on Roxy and what ruined her relationship with Patrick. As the series progresses, I am sure the characters will flesh out more. We are introduced to quite a few characters and businesses in the beginning (which is confusing), but it then levels out as the book progresses (thank heavens). I give Scene of the Grind 3.5 out of 5 stars. The mystery was not at the forefront of this book. It kept getting eclipsed by Roxy’s attraction to Patrick and her flirting with Spencer Shepard (in charge of the murder investigation). I hope in the next novel that the mystery will be more complex (i.e.—hard to solve) and prevalent. I wanted more sleuthing and less drooling over Patrick. I appreciated the cute animals in the story. Animals always enhance a story. The ending was sweet and romantic. ( )