Barista Lana Lewis's sleuthing may land her in a latte trouble as Tara Lush launches her new Coffee Shop mysteries.
When Lana Lewis' best - and most difficult - employee abruptly quits and goes to work for the competition just days before the Sunshine State Barista Championship, her cafe's chances of winning the contest are creamed. In front of a gossipy crowd in the small Florida town of Devil's Beach, Lana's normally calm demeanor heats to a boil when she runs into the arrogant java slinger. Of course, Fabrizio "Fab" Bellucci has a slick explanation for jumping ship. But when he's found dead the next morning under a palm tree in the alley behind Lana's cafe, she becomes the prime suspect.
Even the island's handsome police chief isn't quite certain of her innocence. But Lana isn't the only one in town who was angry with Fabrizio. Jilted lovers, a shrimp boat captain, and a surfer with ties to the mob are all suspects as trouble brews on the beach.
With her stoned, hippie dad, a Shih Tzu named Stanley, and a new, curious barista sporting a punk rock aesthetic at her side, Lana's prepared to turn up the heat to catch the real killer. After all, she is a former award-winning reporter. As scandal hangs over her beachside cafe, can Lana clear her name and win the championship - or will she come to a bitter end?
About the Author
Tara Lush is a Florida-based novelist and journalist. She's an RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow and the winner of the George C. Polk award for environmental journalism. For the past decade, she's been a reporter with The Associated Press, covering crime, alligators, natural disasters and politics. She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations. Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, true crime podcasts, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf coast with her husband and two dogs.
Industry Reviews
Praise for Grounds for Murder:
"Lana's voyage of self-discovery, along with her new agey father, quirky hire Erica, and feisty puppy Stanley, portend future fun for readers."
-Publishers Weekly
"A good read for a chilly weekend indoors."
-New York Journal of Books
"A treat for all the senses...All's well that ends well, leaving a faithful audience of Coffee Mystery fans awaiting the next installment title with great anticipation."
-Midwest Book Review
"Grounds for Murder is a must for every cozy mystery fan to have on their shelves...a charming and addicting blend of humor and mystery."
-Seattle Book Review
"Tara Lush has created a main character who is smart, clever, and determined...and the mystery is well-plotted and engaging." -MyShelf
"Lush manages to braid the Florida-osity of things into a solid murder mystery...A compelling read."
-The Gabber
"A solid start to a new series."
-Red Carpet Crash
"Grounds for Murder was a delightful whodunit and has set this series off to a grand start."
-Escape with Dollycas
"The setting is written so well."
-Cozy Mystery Book Review
"A wonderful series debut that is a silky-smooth blend of humor, mystery and romance with a feisty heroine and a delicious island setting."
-Peg Cochran, USA Today bestselling author
"It doesn't matter if you like your coffee hot or cold, you'll love Grounds for Murder. Tara Lush brings the quirky town of Devil's Beach to life. You can almost smell the coffee and feel the heat. A sure winner!"
-Joyce Tremel, author of the Brewing Trouble mysteries
"A most delightful addition to your cozy mystery library."
-Harper Kincaid, author of To Kill a Mocking Girl
"Tara Lush brews a fun Florida mystery, topped with a sweet frothy romance. Enjoy this blend of sunshine and quirky characters."
-Elaine Viets, award-winning author of the Dead-End Job mysteries
