Fatal Brouhaha is the fifth book in Emmeline Duncan's delightful coffee-themed Ground Rules Mysteries series set in Portland, Ore. In this installment, Sage Caplin and Harley Yamazaki, co-owners of the Ground Rules coffee empire, have just expanded their business through a canned Irish coffee collaboration with Doyle's Oregon Whiskey.
They're celebrating the launch during a makers' fair at the Doyle's distillery over the Fourth of July weekend, but the festivities are tragically interrupted by a murder. "This was a nightmare. But I was awake," Sage thinks with a shudder when she discovers the body of longtime business rival Mark Jeffries, owner of Left Coast Grinds, incriminatingly close to her own vehicle. Even worse, Harley was seen loudly arguing with Mark, who had insinuated his way into the festival. This, coupled with their long public history of bad blood, makes Harley a prime suspect.
Sage, now a seasoned investigator, sets out to prove her partner's innocence and solve the murder. She is aided by a lively and memorable group, including the Ground Rules staff and her fiancé's son, Niko. Duncan (Fresh Brewed Murder) expertly balances the intricacies of a murder mystery with strong character development. Fans of the series will appreciate the return of characters who feel like old friends. Many layered subplots, including an upcoming wedding and the appearance of a mysterious figure, drive the story forward.
With plenty of Pacific Northwest flavor, many relatable and likable characters, and several enticing coffee facts and recipes, Duncan creates a well-paced, twisty mystery that will keep readers guessing. --Grace Rajendran, freelance reviewer