The Big Steep - (Maggy Thorsen Mystery) by Sandra Balzo (Hardcover)

About the Book

Maggy Thorsen's new neighbours, Philip and Vivian Woodward, are forging ahead with their plans to turn Vivian's grandparents' neglected cottage into The Big Steep tea shop. But when Maggy's sheepdog arrives at Uncommon Grounds coffeehouse bearing a 'gift' he discovered in the Woodwards' compost heap, the tea shop project takes a chilling turn .

Book Synopsis

Wisconsin coffeehouse owner Maggy Thorsen attempts to solve a mystery steeped in shocking family secrets, tragedy and murder.

Maggy Thorsen's new neighbours, Philip and Vivian Woodward, are forging ahead with their plans for The Big Steep tea shop. Philip's enthusiasm to turn the neglected cottage once owned by Vivian's reclusive grandparents, the Koepplers, into a tea lover's paradise is infectious, but Vivian seems less excited. And when Maggy's sheepdog Frank arrives at Uncommon Grounds coffeehouse bearing a 'gift' he discovered in the Woodwards' compost heap, the tea shop project takes a chilling turn . . .

As the Woodwards' backyard becomes a crime scene, a deadly chain of events is set in motion. Can Maggy dig up the truth of what happened at the cottage many years ago before further tragedy strikes?

From the Back Cover

SANDRA BALZO
FLAT WHITE

Maggy Thorsen's new neighbours, Philip and Vivian Woodward, are forging ahead with their plans for The Big Steep tea shop. Philip's enthusiasm to turn the neglected cottage once owned by Vivian's reclusive grandparents, the Koepplers, into a tea lover's paradise is infectious, but Vivian seems less excited. And when Maggy's sheepdog Frank arrives at Uncommon Grounds coffeehouse bearing a 'gift' he discovered in the Woodwards' compost heap, the tea shop project takes a chilling turn . . .

As the Woodwards' backyard becomes a crime scene, a deadly chain of events is set in motion. Can Maggy dig up the truth of what happened at the cottage many years ago before further tragedy strikes?

Review Quotes

Lively, intelligent characters and Maggy's refreshingly anxiety-free relationship with her fiancé, Brookhills County Sheriff Jake Pavlik, make this stand out from the cozy pack. This is a perfect entry point for newcomers-- "Publishers Weekly"

Balzo smoothly blends eccentric characters, lively dialogue, and a fair-play plot with a touch of discreet romance. Cozy fans will happily keep turning the pages-- "Publishers Weekly on Death of a Bean Counter"

Connecting murders past and present provides a welcome challenge for coffeehouse cozy fans-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Numerous plot twists, nicely delineated characters, dry humor, and details of running a coffeehouse define this cozy. Suggest to those who enjoy Laura Childs' Tea Shop mysteries-- "Booklist on Flat White"

Plot twists, snippets of coffeehouse culture, and plenty of dogs and dog behavior are integrated nicely with the mystery. This character-rich series will appeal to readers who enjoy Laurien Berenson's Melanie Travis cozies, also featuring a host of canines-- "Booklist on Murder a la Mocha"

Readers who like their heroines on the spunky side will enjoy Maggy's company-- "Publishers Weekly on Flat White"

Sure to please series fans-- "Publishers Weekly on Murder a la Mocha"

The twisty mystery is well supported by the coffeehouse frame ... And there are also two lovable dogs! A satisfying cozy, perfect for those who enjoy Laura Childs' Tea Shop mysteries starring Theodosia Browning-- "Booklist on Death of a Bean Counter"

About the Author

Sandra Balzo built an impressive career as a public relations consultant before authoring the successful 'Maggy Thorsen' coffeehouse mysteries, the first of which, Uncommon Grounds, was published to stellar reviews and nominated for an Anthony and Macavity Award. She is also the author of the 'Main Street Murders' mystery series published by Severn House.