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Tea by the Sea Mysteries #5
Trouble Is Brewing
Lily Roberts’s Cape Cod tearoom is hosting a bridal shower—until a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor running in fear . . .
Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.
Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?
The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .
Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.
Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?
The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .
289 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2024
181 people are currently reading
4189 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
57 books1,872 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
May 7, 2024
I do enjoy my cozy mysteries, and Vicki Delany's Tea by the Sea series are an excellent collection of stories by Vicki Delany. Eastern Massachusetts coast. Feels a bit British given the protagonist's grandmother is from England. Bed and Breakfast and Tea Shoppe. Toss in a bridal party shower and the subsequent murder of one family member and you've got all the necessary ingredients for a delectable tale. In this Capulet and Montague-esque story, we learn of lost loves, affairs, failing businesses, and misguided love. Who dies, who lives? Good questions... Delany always delivers a poignant and clever story, and I have fun solving the case on my own. I picked the killer this time, and I kinda knew why but there were some other things going on. Definitely recommended!
July 18, 2024
This is the fifth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries and I have read all of them except the first. Not sure how I missed that one but I will make a note to read it when I have the opportunity.
Trouble Is Brewing opens with Lily hosting a wedding shower at her Cape Cod tea room. It is not a particularly friendly event as the happy couples' families are from very different life styles and do not get on well. An unpleasant surprise wedding gift causes the event to end suddenly. Later there is a murder at Lily's grandmother's bed and breakfast and of course Lily becomes involved in the investigations.
I enjoyed the mystery and was pleased to see Lily and Amy, the police officer in charge, sharing information. It was also nice to see Simon and Lily's romance developing steadily. Vicki Delany writes well and I enjoy her books very much, including this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Trouble Is Brewing opens with Lily hosting a wedding shower at her Cape Cod tea room. It is not a particularly friendly event as the happy couples' families are from very different life styles and do not get on well. An unpleasant surprise wedding gift causes the event to end suddenly. Later there is a murder at Lily's grandmother's bed and breakfast and of course Lily becomes involved in the investigations.
I enjoyed the mystery and was pleased to see Lily and Amy, the police officer in charge, sharing information. It was also nice to see Simon and Lily's romance developing steadily. Vicki Delany writes well and I enjoy her books very much, including this one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 28, 2024
#TroubleIsBrewing #NetGalley is another great book in this series, featuring Lily, a wonderful brewer of tea and baker.
Lily owns a little tea shop next to her grandmothers bed and breakfast, and hosting a bridal shower sounds simple enough.
Unfortunately, this group of families and friends has a lot of secrets, and when someone ends up dead, Lily works hard to identify the perpetrator.
I've really grown to love this series, the books are well written andthe recipes included always sound delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Lily owns a little tea shop next to her grandmothers bed and breakfast, and hosting a bridal shower sounds simple enough.
Unfortunately, this group of families and friends has a lot of secrets, and when someone ends up dead, Lily works hard to identify the perpetrator.
I've really grown to love this series, the books are well written andthe recipes included always sound delicious.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 10, 2024
Disclaimer: I won this book in a GoodReads Giveaway but that in no way influenced my review.
This was a pleasant sweet cozy mystery....if this is your type of story you will enjoy it. One word of caution. The recipes and foods discussed here will send you off any diet for sure. It is definitely not non-fattening. I found the book to be a lovely palette cleanser between more serious and darker mysteries.
This was a pleasant sweet cozy mystery....if this is your type of story you will enjoy it. One word of caution. The recipes and foods discussed here will send you off any diet for sure. It is definitely not non-fattening. I found the book to be a lovely palette cleanser between more serious and darker mysteries.
August 19, 2024
Tea By the Sea is happy to host private events like Hannah Hill's bridal shower but this one is turning out to be more trouble than it is worth. Hannah is a lovely bride and her mother, Jenny, seems nice enough and the happy couple seem so in love. Lily knows this shower belongs to the wealthy Sophia Reynolds, mother of the groom. Her dislike of Hannah, Jenny and everything not under her own control is obvious and it was Sophia who planned the shower to begin with, with little input from Jenny. Not only is Sophia rude and condescending, her daughter McKenzie is bored and dismissive of everything and when the men come, the groom's father just wants to get drunk. Then someone plays a terrible prank on Hannah, giving her a gift of a decapitated Raggedy Ann doll, similar to one her late father gave her just before he died. The incident upsets Hannah so much, she retreats from her own shower. Next, later that night, after Lily has closed and baked for the next day, while walking her dog, she overhears Ralph Reynolds offer his son thousands of dollars not to go through with the wedding! Lily also spies a shadow of a person come out onto the grounds but doesn't think anything of it until morning when Mr. Reynolds fails to turn up at breakfast. Upon opening his door, Lily discovers Ralph lying dead on his bed with a bottle of Scotch. The family says he had a bad heart and his mother puts the blame squarely on Sophia for not managing her husband better. When the autopsy report reveals Mr. Reynolds had been given a lethal dose of diginin, the widow is quick to point the finger at Jenny, who has a past history with Mr. Reynolds! Lily doesn't want to get involved at first but Hannah is distraught and the wedding postponed. Lily knows in her gut Jenny didn't kill anyone and since Bernie and Rose are eager to investigate, Lily jumps in too, with assistance from Simon for protection. Can they solve this one and help bring about a happily ever after for Hannah and Greg?
Even though I kind of knew who did it and why, I still couldn't put the book down. I love the tea room and if my parents had just brought me back scones and clotted cream from Virgin Atlantic airline anniversary celebration, I would be seriously craving them. Unlike Laura Childs series, this one doesn't go into detail about the tea blends or tea infused products. They don't make special meals, only tea sandwiches, scones, macarons and cookies and maybe something else upon advance request. I wish the setting was more Cape Cod specific. I like how I can read this in my head with my own educated New England accent but Mary Lou and Cheryl might speak with more of a Cape Cod Massachusetts accent. I'd like to know which small town near Boston. There aren't any really and it's such a small area we know the towns so no one says "I live in a small town near Boston" when you're visiting locally. That doesn't make sense. My other critique is sometimes the language/speech patterns sound more British English than American. For Lily that makes sense because of her grandmother but for anyone who is not Simon or Rose, it doesn't make sense. We speak New England not old England!
Wow! Talk about dysfunctional family. Yikes! If I were Hannah and Greg I would just take my bridesmaid and Jenny and elope! This wedding isn't what they wanted to begin with. It's all domineering Sophia's plans. Sophia is a horrible mother. She complains that her mother-in-law wouldn't allow her son to do anything without her approval and yet she treats her own youngest son the same way. The shower is all her too, as lovely as a tea party is, it's not so lovely when someone else plans it against the bride's wishes. Sophia is quick to snipe at her husband, point fingers at his horrible mother and complain about everything. She's a control freak and all about appearances. She has to one up the country club set, the ladies who lunch and keep up with the Kardashians (not literally but monetarily). Her sons can't please her, especially Greg. Is he strong enough to go against her wishes and follow his own path? He seems very nice and truly in love with Hannah. Greg wants to follow his dreams and become a mural artist, obviously a profession that doesn't really make any money. Now concerns are normal but Sophia just shuts him down. No. Greg is too nice to stand up to his mother. He needs to man up and take control of the situation and tell his family they WILL be nice to Hannah or they'll elope and cause a scandal.
Ralph Reynolds is nearly as bad as his wife. He's rude about everything except champagne and just wants to get drunk. That's a great way to welcome your new daughter-in-law! His can't stand up to his wife, they're always arguing and I gather he has other women in his life. They do have separate bedrooms and an excuse as to why but it's obvious they're married for money only. He's even more beastly to his son than his wife is, more overtly nasty. Sophia is a rich *itch who makes snide comments and smiles while stabbing someone in the back. Ralph is one of those drunks who makes snide comments and is generally unpleasant. His mother, Mrs. Regina Reynolds, is a battle axe. She's a tough old lady who is even worse than his wife. His wife is transparent but Regina is not. She thinks because she's old she has a right to be forthright and rude. She obviously and openly hates her daughter-in-law only marginally more than she hates her son! She resents her family situation and is awful to them all except McKenzie. Regina takes a liking to Rose though, bonding because of their age and widowhood. Rose is a hoot and blatantly lies and pretends her husband was cut from the same cloth as Ralph and his father. Regina is super fast to blame Sophia for her son's death, whether accidental or murder. She won't weep if Sophia is sent to jail. Regina is controlling and manipulative and I think she knows exactly what she's saying and doing. She is not the frail old lady the family wants to pretend she is.
Hannah's mother Jenny seems very nice and supportive of her daughter. Jenny seems exasperated by her daughter's in-laws but I don't think she'd kill one of them. THAT wouldn't make her daughter's wedding day very happy! She has a past with Ralph - big deal. Why wait this long to kill him? She had the better end of the deal even though when her husband quit working for the Reynolds family, his income was a lot less, they were happy together for the short time they were married. Isn't that what matters? Even if she discovered some new reason why her husband had to quit/was fired/pushed out (depending on who you ask), he's long dead so getting revenge won't solve anything. It will only hurt Hannah. Plus Sophia is super quick to pin the blame on Jenny. I think she's trying to take suspicion off herself!
Greg's older brother, Ivan, is supportive of his mother and not so awful. He's just an idle, rich (or not), playboy. He's not too sharp or I would suspect him of bumping off his father so he can do what he wants running the company. Dave, Greg's best man, is kind of odd. He's Greg's business partner but personally he doesn't seem to know Greg that well. I think Dave is freaked out by the murder and distancing himself from it. He's not the most supportive best man.
Hannah is such a sweet woman. She doesn't deserve any of this. I think she could do better than Greg but if he makes her happy, I wouldn't be rude about it. Her bridesmaid, Samantha, seems kind and supportive but doesn't know about Hannah's past. Greg's sister, McKenzie, is awful. She's shaping up to be like her mother. Mac was spoiled and indulged by her grandmother but overlooked when it comes to businesses. Hmm I wonder if she's messing with everyone and she's incredibly smart and could run the business but they're overlooking her. She's playing a mind game with Greg to give up Hannah? I don't know what to make of her except she's very rude, cynical, bored and awful. McKenzie is obvious about hitting on Simon who doesn't want to return her attentions. He's happy with Lily and McKenzie seems to think she can openly challenge Lily and "steal" Simon. What gives? Just because he's British? She has a boyfriend, Jack, who isn't quite as useless as her family believes. She does seem genuinely upset when she learns of her father's death though.
There's a group of bridge players staying at the inn. One player, Karen, is a nosy woman. She is carrying a mystery novel so of course she's curious about the police and how they're going about solving this crime. She's always lurking, hanging around and making excuses not to socialize with her Bridge pals. She's very weird.
I was surprised but pleased to see Detective Amy Redmond take the lead in the investigation. She's highly intelligent and trusts Lily. She's aware of Bernie and Rose's tendencies and helps keep them safe. I like her a lot. Det. Williams is still apathetic and just wants to eat. I'm surprised he isn't trying to hush this up because of the wealthy tourists involved. He's the type to pin the crime on Jenny and not look elsewhere. Bernie is still a bit annoying but listens when Lily shuts down her latest plot changes. I do think her fears about Matt are somewhat valid but why not wait and see what happens? Maybe it won't pan out the way she thinks. He's not a fiction writer. Simon is a sweet guy who cares for Lily but he's a little overprotective. Lily has learned her lesson and goes to Amy whenever she has a thought or clue. It's not Simon's job to keep Lily safe and if he doesn't want McKenzie hanging all over him, he should politely but firmly tell her he's not interested! Rose managed not to annoy me in this book. She uses her elderly lady wiles on other older ladies to get information in a logical manner. She doesn't do anything outrageous or pretend to be what she isn't.
There are recipes included if you want to eat at Tea By the Sea at home. Laura Childs's Tea Shop Mysteries have a list of tea resources if you need them!
Even though I kind of knew who did it and why, I still couldn't put the book down. I love the tea room and if my parents had just brought me back scones and clotted cream from Virgin Atlantic airline anniversary celebration, I would be seriously craving them. Unlike Laura Childs series, this one doesn't go into detail about the tea blends or tea infused products. They don't make special meals, only tea sandwiches, scones, macarons and cookies and maybe something else upon advance request. I wish the setting was more Cape Cod specific. I like how I can read this in my head with my own educated New England accent but Mary Lou and Cheryl might speak with more of a Cape Cod Massachusetts accent. I'd like to know which small town near Boston. There aren't any really and it's such a small area we know the towns so no one says "I live in a small town near Boston" when you're visiting locally. That doesn't make sense. My other critique is sometimes the language/speech patterns sound more British English than American. For Lily that makes sense because of her grandmother but for anyone who is not Simon or Rose, it doesn't make sense. We speak New England not old England!
Wow! Talk about dysfunctional family. Yikes! If I were Hannah and Greg I would just take my bridesmaid and Jenny and elope! This wedding isn't what they wanted to begin with. It's all domineering Sophia's plans. Sophia is a horrible mother. She complains that her mother-in-law wouldn't allow her son to do anything without her approval and yet she treats her own youngest son the same way. The shower is all her too, as lovely as a tea party is, it's not so lovely when someone else plans it against the bride's wishes. Sophia is quick to snipe at her husband, point fingers at his horrible mother and complain about everything. She's a control freak and all about appearances. She has to one up the country club set, the ladies who lunch and keep up with the Kardashians (not literally but monetarily). Her sons can't please her, especially Greg. Is he strong enough to go against her wishes and follow his own path? He seems very nice and truly in love with Hannah. Greg wants to follow his dreams and become a mural artist, obviously a profession that doesn't really make any money. Now concerns are normal but Sophia just shuts him down. No. Greg is too nice to stand up to his mother. He needs to man up and take control of the situation and tell his family they WILL be nice to Hannah or they'll elope and cause a scandal.
Ralph Reynolds is nearly as bad as his wife. He's rude about everything except champagne and just wants to get drunk. That's a great way to welcome your new daughter-in-law! His can't stand up to his wife, they're always arguing and I gather he has other women in his life. They do have separate bedrooms and an excuse as to why but it's obvious they're married for money only. He's even more beastly to his son than his wife is, more overtly nasty. Sophia is a rich *itch who makes snide comments and smiles while stabbing someone in the back. Ralph is one of those drunks who makes snide comments and is generally unpleasant. His mother, Mrs. Regina Reynolds, is a battle axe. She's a tough old lady who is even worse than his wife. His wife is transparent but Regina is not. She thinks because she's old she has a right to be forthright and rude. She obviously and openly hates her daughter-in-law only marginally more than she hates her son! She resents her family situation and is awful to them all except McKenzie. Regina takes a liking to Rose though, bonding because of their age and widowhood. Rose is a hoot and blatantly lies and pretends her husband was cut from the same cloth as Ralph and his father. Regina is super fast to blame Sophia for her son's death, whether accidental or murder. She won't weep if Sophia is sent to jail. Regina is controlling and manipulative and I think she knows exactly what she's saying and doing. She is not the frail old lady the family wants to pretend she is.
Hannah's mother Jenny seems very nice and supportive of her daughter. Jenny seems exasperated by her daughter's in-laws but I don't think she'd kill one of them. THAT wouldn't make her daughter's wedding day very happy! She has a past with Ralph - big deal. Why wait this long to kill him? She had the better end of the deal even though when her husband quit working for the Reynolds family, his income was a lot less, they were happy together for the short time they were married. Isn't that what matters? Even if she discovered some new reason why her husband had to quit/was fired/pushed out (depending on who you ask), he's long dead so getting revenge won't solve anything. It will only hurt Hannah. Plus Sophia is super quick to pin the blame on Jenny. I think she's trying to take suspicion off herself!
Greg's older brother, Ivan, is supportive of his mother and not so awful. He's just an idle, rich (or not), playboy. He's not too sharp or I would suspect him of bumping off his father so he can do what he wants running the company. Dave, Greg's best man, is kind of odd. He's Greg's business partner but personally he doesn't seem to know Greg that well. I think Dave is freaked out by the murder and distancing himself from it. He's not the most supportive best man.
Hannah is such a sweet woman. She doesn't deserve any of this. I think she could do better than Greg but if he makes her happy, I wouldn't be rude about it. Her bridesmaid, Samantha, seems kind and supportive but doesn't know about Hannah's past. Greg's sister, McKenzie, is awful. She's shaping up to be like her mother. Mac was spoiled and indulged by her grandmother but overlooked when it comes to businesses. Hmm I wonder if she's messing with everyone and she's incredibly smart and could run the business but they're overlooking her. She's playing a mind game with Greg to give up Hannah? I don't know what to make of her except she's very rude, cynical, bored and awful. McKenzie is obvious about hitting on Simon who doesn't want to return her attentions. He's happy with Lily and McKenzie seems to think she can openly challenge Lily and "steal" Simon. What gives? Just because he's British? She has a boyfriend, Jack, who isn't quite as useless as her family believes. She does seem genuinely upset when she learns of her father's death though.
There's a group of bridge players staying at the inn. One player, Karen, is a nosy woman. She is carrying a mystery novel so of course she's curious about the police and how they're going about solving this crime. She's always lurking, hanging around and making excuses not to socialize with her Bridge pals. She's very weird.
I was surprised but pleased to see Detective Amy Redmond take the lead in the investigation. She's highly intelligent and trusts Lily. She's aware of Bernie and Rose's tendencies and helps keep them safe. I like her a lot. Det. Williams is still apathetic and just wants to eat. I'm surprised he isn't trying to hush this up because of the wealthy tourists involved. He's the type to pin the crime on Jenny and not look elsewhere. Bernie is still a bit annoying but listens when Lily shuts down her latest plot changes. I do think her fears about Matt are somewhat valid but why not wait and see what happens? Maybe it won't pan out the way she thinks. He's not a fiction writer. Simon is a sweet guy who cares for Lily but he's a little overprotective. Lily has learned her lesson and goes to Amy whenever she has a thought or clue. It's not Simon's job to keep Lily safe and if he doesn't want McKenzie hanging all over him, he should politely but firmly tell her he's not interested! Rose managed not to annoy me in this book. She uses her elderly lady wiles on other older ladies to get information in a logical manner. She doesn't do anything outrageous or pretend to be what she isn't.
There are recipes included if you want to eat at Tea By the Sea at home. Laura Childs's Tea Shop Mysteries have a list of tea resources if you need them!
June 2, 2024
Lily Roberts is hosting a bridal shower at the b&b . The families are very different and the descriptions of the differences in the families are a little mean. The groom's side of the family is rich and the bride's family is not.
The bride Hannah opens a present that is quite horrifying for her. Lily overhears the groom's dad Ralph offer him $100k to call off the wedding. The next morning Ralph is found dead in his room. Lily decides to investigate.
I found the mystery well done. I had no idea whodunnit until the end. Overall a nice addition to this series.
The bride Hannah opens a present that is quite horrifying for her. Lily overhears the groom's dad Ralph offer him $100k to call off the wedding. The next morning Ralph is found dead in his room. Lily decides to investigate.
I found the mystery well done. I had no idea whodunnit until the end. Overall a nice addition to this series.
July 2, 2024
This is not a bad book. It's just not my favorite. I love Vicki Delany's other series quite a bit, but this one just isn't for me. The setting is wonderful, I love the Tea Shop, I think the problem is I can't get invested in the characters. All poor Lily does is work while everyone runs around doing as they will, very occasionally helping her out. It has bothered me in other books in the series that Lily doesn't stand up for herself. At least now she has Simon, who seems to care a bit about her. Her grandmother has mellowed a bit, thankfully, but Bernie is still beyond annoying and scattered. The story is not helped by the fact that the murder centers around a disfunctional and very unlikable family. If it wasn't for the poor bride and groom to be, I would say let them go at it. It's not a bad mystery, but the on again, off again, are we investigating or not is also annoying. The group doesn't do much except "observe," which is probably because Lily can't get out of the kitchens. I think a lot of folks would probably enjoy this series, but it's just not for me. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Kensingtonbooks for a chance to try again. #TroubleisBrewing, #VickiDelany, #bookreview, #bookideas, #retiredreader
June 9, 2024
A cozy little mystery to accompany your cup of tea.
I was initially drawn to the premise, as I love a good mystery/thriller. While it’s a perfect mystery for someone who wants a lighthearted read, this book was not for me.
It was hard to be attached to the characters and their storylines. There was a lot of telling rather than showing with the main character being a little too good at everything. Her incredible intuition on human nature felt like a cop out when it came to the storytelling and solving the mystery.
The story also felt like too much and not enough was happening all at once.
All in all, not the worst book I’ve read but this author’s writing style is not for me. Would recommend to friends looking for a change in genre when they’re going on vacation.
ARC read courtesy of NetGalley.
I was initially drawn to the premise, as I love a good mystery/thriller. While it’s a perfect mystery for someone who wants a lighthearted read, this book was not for me.
It was hard to be attached to the characters and their storylines. There was a lot of telling rather than showing with the main character being a little too good at everything. Her incredible intuition on human nature felt like a cop out when it came to the storytelling and solving the mystery.
The story also felt like too much and not enough was happening all at once.
All in all, not the worst book I’ve read but this author’s writing style is not for me. Would recommend to friends looking for a change in genre when they’re going on vacation.
ARC read courtesy of NetGalley.
October 5, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Delany, and Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cozies for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 13, 2025
Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily Robert's grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea for Hannah Hill's bridal shower. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll. She’s chilled to the bone. Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law hate each other, and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down. But, then Ralph is found murdered in his bedroom. Can Lily solve the murder and help the couple find their happily ever after?
This was a great cozy mystery and the reason why I love Vicki Delany's work. The characters are so fun to read about. I like how Lily worked with the police to help solve the murder instead of going behind their back. The setting of this B and B and tea shop was so lovingly described I want to visit and have a scone and tea. I thought I solved the murder halfway through the book, but was surprised in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
This was a great cozy mystery and the reason why I love Vicki Delany's work. The characters are so fun to read about. I like how Lily worked with the police to help solve the murder instead of going behind their back. The setting of this B and B and tea shop was so lovingly described I want to visit and have a scone and tea. I thought I solved the murder halfway through the book, but was surprised in the end. Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
July 21, 2024
A wedding celebration is all set to take place with the groom's family staying at the B&B and wedding shower taking place in the tearoom, but something is amiss with odd occurrences happening until finally a dead body is found. Was it natural causes or was it murder. Lily is all set to let the police do their job, but when it looks like the wrong person is going to be accused Rose, Bernie and Lily decide they may have to do a bit of discreet investigation too! The characters are so much fun as they are well crafted that you can't help, but love them and cheer them on. The relationships between the characters are exactly what you would hope to find between friends and family. Although the characters that you aren't supposed to like are also extremely well written as you definitely don't like them either! The plot is wonderfully written with many twists, turns and red herrings. I have grown to love this series so very much and absolutely can't wait to come back to visit this cast of characters again very soon!
August 4, 2024
Trouble Is Brewing is a delightful cozy mystery, which is set on Cape Cod and follows Lily and her friends as they run a charming tearoom and B&B while also solving local mysteries. In this installment, Lily is hosting a bridal shower for Hannah at Tea-by-the-Sea. The celebration is going smoothly until the bride opens a package revealing a headless doll. Unfortunately, the doll is the least of the day's problems; that night, the groom's father is discovered murdered. With the two families at each other's throats and a B&B full of guests, Lily has her hands full.
Trouble is Brewing is an excellent cozy mystery. I absolutely loved the setting. I felt as if I was there sitting on the tearoom's terrace among the gorgeous flowers with the ocean waves crashing in the background. The characters are quirky and fun. I particularly enjoyed Bernie and Rose! The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end! I cannot wait to follow Lily and friends in their next adventure! I will also be trying numerous of the recipes provided at the end of the book.
Trouble is Brewing is an excellent cozy mystery. I absolutely loved the setting. I felt as if I was there sitting on the tearoom's terrace among the gorgeous flowers with the ocean waves crashing in the background. The characters are quirky and fun. I particularly enjoyed Bernie and Rose! The mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing until the end! I cannot wait to follow Lily and friends in their next adventure! I will also be trying numerous of the recipes provided at the end of the book.
July 30, 2024
Wedding bells turn into a death knell at Tea by the Sea as someone sends the bride a creepy doll as a shower gift, and a member of the wedding party turns up dead. Lily, Rose and Bernadette are perfectly fine with letting the police handle the death investigation until the authorities set their sights on one of the nicer folks attached to the wedding.
Vicki Delany writes a lovely cozy mystery, and "Trouble is Brewing" combines all of the right elements to entice readers with a fun story that delights without disappointing.
Vicki Delany writes a lovely cozy mystery, and "Trouble is Brewing" combines all of the right elements to entice readers with a fun story that delights without disappointing.
May 24, 2024
Tea by the Sea Mystery #5
If I want a cozy mystery I know I will be well serve reading any of Ms. Delany’s stories. Her tales are simple, well written and not taxing for those like I needing a pause from action packed thrillers that take your breath away. I did not read the precious books in this series and in no ways felt lost. The author smoothly blends in every player like you have known them forever.
The story in a few words:
The Reynolds and the Hill family are gathered at Tea by the Sea for Hannah Hill bridal shower. While sipping delicious tea the families shower her with presents ...until the last unwrapped gift contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers bloodcurdling scream....Then all hell breaks loose....even a murder.....
More thoughts:
This is a delectable tall with an English flair to it. Put together a party, a murder, waves crashing on the beach, add a sleuth and toss in sweet bake goods as a bonus the result is a clever story to enjoy while sipping Earl Grey and loosing yourself in another world....
Vicki Delany has provided us with a cute cozy mystery.
I received this ARC from Kensington Books via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it
If I want a cozy mystery I know I will be well serve reading any of Ms. Delany’s stories. Her tales are simple, well written and not taxing for those like I needing a pause from action packed thrillers that take your breath away. I did not read the precious books in this series and in no ways felt lost. The author smoothly blends in every player like you have known them forever.
The story in a few words:
The Reynolds and the Hill family are gathered at Tea by the Sea for Hannah Hill bridal shower. While sipping delicious tea the families shower her with presents ...until the last unwrapped gift contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers bloodcurdling scream....Then all hell breaks loose....even a murder.....
More thoughts:
This is a delectable tall with an English flair to it. Put together a party, a murder, waves crashing on the beach, add a sleuth and toss in sweet bake goods as a bonus the result is a clever story to enjoy while sipping Earl Grey and loosing yourself in another world....
Vicki Delany has provided us with a cute cozy mystery.
I received this ARC from Kensington Books via Netgalley for my thoughts: this is the way I see it
Read
May 26, 2025I liked that Lily had more of a backbone in this one. In other books, she’s let Rose and Lily trample all over her, but in this one she was sassier and more forceful. This made everyone less annoying. I think I’ll definitely read the next one.
August 31, 2024
Thank you, Goodreads, the author and publisher for the book.Charming eventful story.
4 starts
4 starts
July 8, 2025
Latest in this cozy mystery series. Great books when I want a quick, light read.
June 5, 2024
Thrilled to be able to read a fifth book in this very cozy and comfortable mystery series.
We are back in Lily Robert’s Cape Cod tearoom, and the familiar characters are all back, and some are featured more prominently. Her grandma Rose, and her friend, the wannabe mystery writer Bernie are actually big helpers when it comes to trying to solve the murder in this book.
What a nasty family is visiting Rose’s B & B! Vicki Delany is brilliant at introducing very strong and nasty characters in her books, and she does it so very well. You learn so much about each of them, and you can pick your favorites, and take sides as you read along.
I suspected someone who had something to do with the killing, but there were also many characters that could have done it. It ended up that I was right to suspect this person, but the “why” was a total surprise…As with all of Ms. Delany’s (a/k/a Eva Gates) mysteries, the endings are very well done, and all the details are revealed in a very plausible and believable way.
I strongly recommend this book to any mystery lovers.
Thank you to Vicki Delany for writing her four mystery series, and to Net Galley and to Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book and post a personal review.
We are back in Lily Robert’s Cape Cod tearoom, and the familiar characters are all back, and some are featured more prominently. Her grandma Rose, and her friend, the wannabe mystery writer Bernie are actually big helpers when it comes to trying to solve the murder in this book.
What a nasty family is visiting Rose’s B & B! Vicki Delany is brilliant at introducing very strong and nasty characters in her books, and she does it so very well. You learn so much about each of them, and you can pick your favorites, and take sides as you read along.
I suspected someone who had something to do with the killing, but there were also many characters that could have done it. It ended up that I was right to suspect this person, but the “why” was a total surprise…As with all of Ms. Delany’s (a/k/a Eva Gates) mysteries, the endings are very well done, and all the details are revealed in a very plausible and believable way.
I strongly recommend this book to any mystery lovers.
Thank you to Vicki Delany for writing her four mystery series, and to Net Galley and to Kensington Cozies for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book and post a personal review.
July 25, 2024
What’s even worse than a bridezilla? A groom’s Momzilla, that’s what and Sophia filled that role like a champ. I didn’t care for her at all but her own mother-in-law Regina who was pretty insufferable as it was stood up to Sophia’s insults and petty comments about her. I agreed with Bernie, I kinda liked the old lady! Such is the life of B&B and tearoom owners Rose and Lily.
I’m pretty sure I’d never have the patience for doing their jobs but they were awfully good at it. And wouldn’t life be boring without a bestie like Bernie? She always cracks me up but somehow she and her total opposite Lily work out great as besties and bring out the best in each other.
I’d actually guessed the killer but not any of the reasons behind it and loved how Rose helped get a somewhat confession from the person. Nice and safe and working with Detective Amy too. I loved that Amy was taking the lead on this case since especially in the first book or two, Det. Williams was just jerk who wanted to solve a case fast and close it out. Maybe he was afraid of Amy, lol. He’s actually acting pretty decent in this book, but it was using Amy’s ideas that closed this case out.
The end brought a fun thing coming up for Rose, Simon and Lily so it’ll be interesting to see if the next book tells all about that. It’s sure got some possibilities but I won’t spoil what’s happening.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I’m pretty sure I’d never have the patience for doing their jobs but they were awfully good at it. And wouldn’t life be boring without a bestie like Bernie? She always cracks me up but somehow she and her total opposite Lily work out great as besties and bring out the best in each other.
I’d actually guessed the killer but not any of the reasons behind it and loved how Rose helped get a somewhat confession from the person. Nice and safe and working with Detective Amy too. I loved that Amy was taking the lead on this case since especially in the first book or two, Det. Williams was just jerk who wanted to solve a case fast and close it out. Maybe he was afraid of Amy, lol. He’s actually acting pretty decent in this book, but it was using Amy’s ideas that closed this case out.
The end brought a fun thing coming up for Rose, Simon and Lily so it’ll be interesting to see if the next book tells all about that. It’s sure got some possibilities but I won’t spoil what’s happening.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
July 20, 2024
"Trouble is Brewing (Tea By the Sea Mysteries #5)"
by Vicki Delany kind of picks up right after the last one. At least it all seems to be over the span of the same year so far. Well, same summer. That's a lot of murder cases for one property in such a short time. At least the characters acknowledge it a little. This time it's the sudden death of a groom's father that happens at Victoria-on-Sea.
There's some complicated family history going on between both the Bride's side and the Groom's side. I almost expected a secret love child reveal, didn't happen though. However, never ignore a busy-body. They always have something interesting up their sleeve.
by Vicki Delany kind of picks up right after the last one. At least it all seems to be over the span of the same year so far. Well, same summer. That's a lot of murder cases for one property in such a short time. At least the characters acknowledge it a little. This time it's the sudden death of a groom's father that happens at Victoria-on-Sea.
There's some complicated family history going on between both the Bride's side and the Groom's side. I almost expected a secret love child reveal, didn't happen though. However, never ignore a busy-body. They always have something interesting up their sleeve.
September 30, 2024
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Victoria-On-Sea is an elegant B & B on the waters of Cape Cod, in North Augusta, Massachusetts. Rooms are decorated as if Queen Victoria might come at any moment to visit. Rose, an Englishwoman who lived in Iowa all of her married life, purchased it and moved after her beloved husband passed away. Her granddaughter, Lily, runs Tea by the Sea on the same property, offering English style tea services. The B&B is booked for the season, and the tearoom, only in its first summer, is doing well. They have a head for business, a heart for their guests, and wisdom to help solve the occasional crime.
One set of current guests at the B&B includes a foursome of bridge players who came on a long weekend getaway. They soon realized they shared the B&B with an obnoxious family staying there for the wedding of their son. One bridge lady would hide under stairwells and out of the way corners to listen in on what she probably considered better than reality television!
The synopsis above, (from Amazon), highlights the cruel gestures that ended in murder on what should have been the best weekend of Hannah and Greg’s life! Hannah, the bride to be, and her mother, Judy, were at a hotel in town. The wedding was set for Saturday. Their families shared a past that most people were happier to not know. Greg’s parents, Ralph and Sophia, strongly disliked each other, and carried a long-time grudge against Hannah’s mother, Jenny.
Hannah’s bridal shower was held outdoors at Tea by the Sea. After most of the gifts were opened, husbands, groomsmen, and boyfriends joined them to have desserts and champagne with the ladies. There was one large package left that didn’t have a gift tag. Greg and Hannah opened it together. Inside was a decapitated Raggedy Ann doll, with both portions inside the box. Hannah was horrified and, weeping, left the shower early. Greg’s mother, Sophia, ordered them to return to the shower but Hannah was too upset.
The next morning, Ralph was found dead, lying fully clothed on top of his bed. Later, it was determined he had been poisoned by a huge overdose of one of his meds. Their suspect, thanks to Sophia, was Jenny.
When the lab confirmed that Ralph had been poisoned, the police sent techs to go through the suites his family was staying in. The bridge ladies watched from their doors to see the crime scene techs in the hallway. Karen, who one of the detectives called a crime scene groupie, kept making excuses to leave her room and listen in on the police.
Hannah and her mother Jenny were quickly brought up to date on what happened. Rose, Lily, and Bernie, Lily’s best friend, all liked Jenny and Hannah, and didn’t want Jenny arrested for something they were certain she didn’t do. Greg even contacted his family’s attorney to help when Jenny was questioned.
Lily and Bernie did all they could, and gave Amy, one of the detectives, any information they learned. Amy found them to be helpful in past murders. She didn’t want them getting hurt, but would take what they learned. Even Rose joined the investigation, as she could easily converse with others, showing genuine interest rather than being nosy.
The killer’s identity was somewhat surprising! I had been suspicious of the person several times, but did not have sufficient information for the right conclusion until almost the very end. I love the secret room in the B&B that has Rose and Lily have made good use of since the beginning! I am looking forward to the next mystery, as well as seeing the blossoming relationship between Lily and Simon. He has a job arranged in England for the winter, and for now has the joy of being the English gardener at Victoria-on-Sea, the most beautiful and visited gardens in North Augusta. I highly recommend this delightful cozy mystery with the best of an English-style B&B, gardens, and tea room.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Victoria-On-Sea is an elegant B & B on the waters of Cape Cod, in North Augusta, Massachusetts. Rooms are decorated as if Queen Victoria might come at any moment to visit. Rose, an Englishwoman who lived in Iowa all of her married life, purchased it and moved after her beloved husband passed away. Her granddaughter, Lily, runs Tea by the Sea on the same property, offering English style tea services. The B&B is booked for the season, and the tearoom, only in its first summer, is doing well. They have a head for business, a heart for their guests, and wisdom to help solve the occasional crime.
One set of current guests at the B&B includes a foursome of bridge players who came on a long weekend getaway. They soon realized they shared the B&B with an obnoxious family staying there for the wedding of their son. One bridge lady would hide under stairwells and out of the way corners to listen in on what she probably considered better than reality television!
The synopsis above, (from Amazon), highlights the cruel gestures that ended in murder on what should have been the best weekend of Hannah and Greg’s life! Hannah, the bride to be, and her mother, Judy, were at a hotel in town. The wedding was set for Saturday. Their families shared a past that most people were happier to not know. Greg’s parents, Ralph and Sophia, strongly disliked each other, and carried a long-time grudge against Hannah’s mother, Jenny.
Hannah’s bridal shower was held outdoors at Tea by the Sea. After most of the gifts were opened, husbands, groomsmen, and boyfriends joined them to have desserts and champagne with the ladies. There was one large package left that didn’t have a gift tag. Greg and Hannah opened it together. Inside was a decapitated Raggedy Ann doll, with both portions inside the box. Hannah was horrified and, weeping, left the shower early. Greg’s mother, Sophia, ordered them to return to the shower but Hannah was too upset.
The next morning, Ralph was found dead, lying fully clothed on top of his bed. Later, it was determined he had been poisoned by a huge overdose of one of his meds. Their suspect, thanks to Sophia, was Jenny.
When the lab confirmed that Ralph had been poisoned, the police sent techs to go through the suites his family was staying in. The bridge ladies watched from their doors to see the crime scene techs in the hallway. Karen, who one of the detectives called a crime scene groupie, kept making excuses to leave her room and listen in on the police.
Hannah and her mother Jenny were quickly brought up to date on what happened. Rose, Lily, and Bernie, Lily’s best friend, all liked Jenny and Hannah, and didn’t want Jenny arrested for something they were certain she didn’t do. Greg even contacted his family’s attorney to help when Jenny was questioned.
Lily and Bernie did all they could, and gave Amy, one of the detectives, any information they learned. Amy found them to be helpful in past murders. She didn’t want them getting hurt, but would take what they learned. Even Rose joined the investigation, as she could easily converse with others, showing genuine interest rather than being nosy.
The killer’s identity was somewhat surprising! I had been suspicious of the person several times, but did not have sufficient information for the right conclusion until almost the very end. I love the secret room in the B&B that has Rose and Lily have made good use of since the beginning! I am looking forward to the next mystery, as well as seeing the blossoming relationship between Lily and Simon. He has a job arranged in England for the winter, and for now has the joy of being the English gardener at Victoria-on-Sea, the most beautiful and visited gardens in North Augusta. I highly recommend this delightful cozy mystery with the best of an English-style B&B, gardens, and tea room.
May 21, 2024
This one had everything from upscale British afternoon teas and a growing romance to dysfunctional families, lying and cheating, and scorned lovers. And, oh, lots of food talk and some delicious sounding recipes at the end, all with a bit of the Tea by the Sea touch. I've grown to really like Lily, marveling at how well she keeps herself on an even keel when it surely must feel like the world is whirling around her at times. Her sleuthing buddy Bernie (Bernadette) is a hoot, albeit a bit of a a scattered one. Actually, I think Bernie is more the enthusiastic sleuth of the series than Lily although it's frequently Lily who finds herself in danger at some point. I wonder if Bernie will ever finish writing that book, even with best selling Matt trying to help. As noted, she is scattered. She's also brilliant with finances and computer searches, both of which come in handy in this installment. And, did I mention there's romance? Lily isn't quite ready to admit it but, hmm, jealous much Lily, at McKenzie's flirtation with Simon? Sounds like we'd all be lucky to have him as our gardener.
So, on to the mystery. I won't detail the plot, the blurb does an excellent job, but it centers around the murder of Ralph Reynolds, father of the groom-to-be whose family has hired Lily and her shop to host a pre-wedding party for Greg and Hannah. You'll love Hannah and Greg. Ralph? Not so much. Actually, Ralph's whole family seems to be....well.... dysfunctional, for lack of a better word, though it's simply difficult to like any of them aside from Greg, who seems to be a gem. They appear to look down on Hannah's family, for reasons you'll discover as you read. As the book notes, definite vibes of the Montague and Capulet families. So, why are they arresting Hannah's mother, well, taking her in for questioning? If nothing else, why all the police activity about grandmother's B & B, where the Reynolds' party is staying? It's definitely keeping the other guests entertained, I'll admit. Why is Simon suddenly locking the garden shed? More amazingly, why is detective Amy so willing to work with Lily, not against? That's a definitely plus in my book as there is usually more of an adversarial quality to most police/amateur sleuth relationships. Why are people so willing to trust and talk to Rose? Who... oh, enough teasers. Read the book.
Seriously, if you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong, distinct characters, a bit of romance, lovely settings (you can almost head the lovely tinkling of the tea cup chimes hanging in the trees), a fun dog, named Eclaire, and a bit of an arc of redemption at the end, this one is for you. The tea room adds a touch of Britian to the setting, too, as does Simon's accent. Ah, how many of us ladies are suckers for a British accent? Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me over for tea. I'm psyched to imagine where my next virtual invite seems to hint it'll taking us. Now I think I'll go brew up a cup of Earl Grey.
So, on to the mystery. I won't detail the plot, the blurb does an excellent job, but it centers around the murder of Ralph Reynolds, father of the groom-to-be whose family has hired Lily and her shop to host a pre-wedding party for Greg and Hannah. You'll love Hannah and Greg. Ralph? Not so much. Actually, Ralph's whole family seems to be....well.... dysfunctional, for lack of a better word, though it's simply difficult to like any of them aside from Greg, who seems to be a gem. They appear to look down on Hannah's family, for reasons you'll discover as you read. As the book notes, definite vibes of the Montague and Capulet families. So, why are they arresting Hannah's mother, well, taking her in for questioning? If nothing else, why all the police activity about grandmother's B & B, where the Reynolds' party is staying? It's definitely keeping the other guests entertained, I'll admit. Why is Simon suddenly locking the garden shed? More amazingly, why is detective Amy so willing to work with Lily, not against? That's a definitely plus in my book as there is usually more of an adversarial quality to most police/amateur sleuth relationships. Why are people so willing to trust and talk to Rose? Who... oh, enough teasers. Read the book.
Seriously, if you enjoy cozy mysteries with strong, distinct characters, a bit of romance, lovely settings (you can almost head the lovely tinkling of the tea cup chimes hanging in the trees), a fun dog, named Eclaire, and a bit of an arc of redemption at the end, this one is for you. The tea room adds a touch of Britian to the setting, too, as does Simon's accent. Ah, how many of us ladies are suckers for a British accent? Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for inviting me over for tea. I'm psyched to imagine where my next virtual invite seems to hint it'll taking us. Now I think I'll go brew up a cup of Earl Grey.
June 6, 2024
Lily Roberts owns Tea by the Sea, a teahouse in Cape Cod, which stands at the front of her grandmother's Victorian B&B, the best in their town of North Augusta. The B&B is full up of guests, most of them belonging to the Reynolds family who are there to celebrate their son Greg's marriage to Hannah Hill. Perhaps celebrate isn't the right word...
When the bridal shower is held at the tearoom, everything seems to be going splendidly until Hannah opens her last gift, which is a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll, which causes her to let out a scream. Prank or warning? At any rate, the shower is ruined, and Greg and Hannah retreat to the B&B so she can collect herself. But does that stop accusations from flowing? Not at all. It's well known that the Reynolds family does not like the Hills -- Hannah and her mother, Jenny -- but why? Finding out the reason isn't any of Lily's concern. Not until patriarch Ralph is murdered, and his mother and widow are accusing each other, and Jenny, of the crime. Not until her beloved tearoom and the B&B might get a negative reputation. Then Lily, her best friend Bernie, and grandmother Rose go into action. Hopefully, their investigation won't get any of them killed...
This is the fifth in the series and I have read them all. I also have loved them all. The idea of a teahouse near Cape Cod sounds delightful. The food and tea sounds delicious. I love that the author can pull us into the story and make us want to visit. It's a talent, to be sure. We also have the lovely descriptions of the gardens, the B&B, and, of course, the tearoom, which are pleasant to read about.
The murder, which occurs near the front of the book (gratefully) gives us plenty of time to search for suspects and rule out those who had no reason to want him dead. Those people are few and far between. It turns out that Ralph not only had skeletons in his closet, some of them were walking around causing trouble to everyone. But that doesn't make someone a killer, does it?
There are plenty of twists and turns in this mystery, and a few red herrings along the way to keep things interesting. We follow along with Lily and Rose to try and put things together, and it's a fun way to spend an afternoon. I discovered the murderer right around the same time as Lily, but I still needed the motive -- which was given admirably -- to complete the tale. This is a wonderful cozy to read, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I am looking forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
May 22, 2024
TROUBLE IS BREWING is the fifth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by Vicki Delany. From the darling cover to the opening chapter to the memorable characters and captivating plot, this newest release kept me glued to the pages. Protagonist Lily Roberts, owner of the Cape Cod tearoom Tea by the Sea, seems to have a no-nonsense air about her. She’s capable and concise with her baking and running her business, yet does everything she can to help her feisty grandmother, friends, employees, and guests. She also has a dry sense of humor that made me chuckle whenever it appeared. I also love the supporting characters, especially her grandmother, Rose, and her best friend, novel-writing Bernie (who is another great source of humor). And who can help but swoon over Lily’s love-interest, scone-baking gardener Simon with his British accent? I’ve enjoyed seeing their relationship progress, and I loved seeing more of him in this book.
What could be more picturesque than holding a bridal shower at a seaside tearoom? Lily finds herself catering the shower and assisting the bridal party who are staying at her grandmother’s B & B. Instead of hearts and kisses, it appears the groom’s family is quite dysfunctional and it doesn’t take long for their irksome behavior is turned toward the bride and her mother. The theme of the Montague and Capulet families is woven throughout and it’s no surprise when a murder occurs. Honestly, I was expecting someone else to be the victim, and I was even more intrigued to find how, why, and who. I like Lily is a reluctant amateur sleuth, and it’s Bernie and her grandmother who drag her into investigations. Once she is on board though, Lily is methodical in asking questions and digging for the truth. Bernie, with her computer expertise, helps find background information to aid in the sleuthing. As the clues are uncovered, they find more suspects than they know what to do with. Ms. Delany writes a tightly plotted mystery that builds up suspense, then delivers a worthy reveal. If you want to escape to a seaside locale with charming characters and a challenging mystery to solve, Trouble Is Brewing is the perfect book to pick up.
With Lily baking so much for both her tearoom and her grandmother’s B&B, there are lots of yummy foods mentioned throughout the story. There are a few recipes at the back of the book to satisfy your appetite, both sweet and savory.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What could be more picturesque than holding a bridal shower at a seaside tearoom? Lily finds herself catering the shower and assisting the bridal party who are staying at her grandmother’s B & B. Instead of hearts and kisses, it appears the groom’s family is quite dysfunctional and it doesn’t take long for their irksome behavior is turned toward the bride and her mother. The theme of the Montague and Capulet families is woven throughout and it’s no surprise when a murder occurs. Honestly, I was expecting someone else to be the victim, and I was even more intrigued to find how, why, and who. I like Lily is a reluctant amateur sleuth, and it’s Bernie and her grandmother who drag her into investigations. Once she is on board though, Lily is methodical in asking questions and digging for the truth. Bernie, with her computer expertise, helps find background information to aid in the sleuthing. As the clues are uncovered, they find more suspects than they know what to do with. Ms. Delany writes a tightly plotted mystery that builds up suspense, then delivers a worthy reveal. If you want to escape to a seaside locale with charming characters and a challenging mystery to solve, Trouble Is Brewing is the perfect book to pick up.
With Lily baking so much for both her tearoom and her grandmother’s B&B, there are lots of yummy foods mentioned throughout the story. There are a few recipes at the back of the book to satisfy your appetite, both sweet and savory.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 25, 2025
Book four of the tea by the sea mysteries reads like a stand-alone and set in NCNCN in a tea house with an incredible backdrop that includes a lovely BnB. The tea house is set in the sort of backdrop that would be perfect for outside events, such as weddings and bridal showers.
The bride and groom, Hannah Hill and Greg Reynolds, are a lovely couple and the mother of the bride was a hard working single mom who is doing her best to keep the peace and support her daughter. The same can not be said of the groom's parents and sister. The Reynolds, Ralph and Sophia are snooty when it comes to Hannah and her mother Jenny. It turns out that Jenny and Ralph Reynold had been involved once upon a time before she married Max Hill and had Jenny. It probably doesn't help that the older Mrs. Reynolds, Ralph's mother and the not too kind mother-in-law to Sophia still runs the family business or rather, she tells Ralph and Greg's brother, Ivan what to do and not in the kindest of ways. Greg's sister, Mackenzie, finds it entertaining to stir pots and add fuel to fires. No one is happy and it seems like this wedding is might not happen in spite of the very loving and lovely couple. All in all there are a lot of people who would make for great suspects. The drama is crazier than day time TV but the afternoon tea is full of sweet and savory treats expertly described. This cozy keeps you turning pages as emotions go up and down causing eye rolls, chuckles, hurrumphing, and indignation over the flirty machinations of a bridesmaid.
As usual I enjoy the back and forth between Rose and Edna over Edna's duties as the B & B breakfast waitress, which did not include acting the maid to Rose. Equally entertaining are the hijinks that Rose and Bernie engage in while hot on the trail of they mysteries in each book. I am a little sad that it is now time for Simon to return back across the pond to England instead of staying with but I also know that Rose needs to take a trip and that Lily will be going with her. I also take consolation in the sweet treat recipe for Maple Pecan Squares that go very well with afternoon tea which I can enjoy while waiting for the next Tea by the Sea Mystery set to release later this year.
The bride and groom, Hannah Hill and Greg Reynolds, are a lovely couple and the mother of the bride was a hard working single mom who is doing her best to keep the peace and support her daughter. The same can not be said of the groom's parents and sister. The Reynolds, Ralph and Sophia are snooty when it comes to Hannah and her mother Jenny. It turns out that Jenny and Ralph Reynold had been involved once upon a time before she married Max Hill and had Jenny. It probably doesn't help that the older Mrs. Reynolds, Ralph's mother and the not too kind mother-in-law to Sophia still runs the family business or rather, she tells Ralph and Greg's brother, Ivan what to do and not in the kindest of ways. Greg's sister, Mackenzie, finds it entertaining to stir pots and add fuel to fires. No one is happy and it seems like this wedding is might not happen in spite of the very loving and lovely couple. All in all there are a lot of people who would make for great suspects. The drama is crazier than day time TV but the afternoon tea is full of sweet and savory treats expertly described. This cozy keeps you turning pages as emotions go up and down causing eye rolls, chuckles, hurrumphing, and indignation over the flirty machinations of a bridesmaid.
As usual I enjoy the back and forth between Rose and Edna over Edna's duties as the B & B breakfast waitress, which did not include acting the maid to Rose. Equally entertaining are the hijinks that Rose and Bernie engage in while hot on the trail of they mysteries in each book. I am a little sad that it is now time for Simon to return back across the pond to England instead of staying with but I also know that Rose needs to take a trip and that Lily will be going with her. I also take consolation in the sweet treat recipe for Maple Pecan Squares that go very well with afternoon tea which I can enjoy while waiting for the next Tea by the Sea Mystery set to release later this year.
August 20, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Publishers, and Vicki Delany for gifting me a copy of Trouble is Brewing in return for my honest feedback.
3/5 stars
A wedding party has arrived at Tea by the Sea, while tea and scones are being served the bride gets a nasty surprise while opening her gifts. Some jokester has given her a Raggedy Ann doll, the same gift her father gave her right before he died, but this time someone has decided to cut its head off. Everything spirals from there with the bride and grooms families clashing at every turn leading up to the grooms father being found dead in his room. What looks like a simple heart attack turns into murder when a large dose of heart medication was added to his whisky. At least this time Lily won’t need to investigate since no one she knows is being suspected… right?
I have read the previous four titles in the Tea by the Sea series and have always enjoyed them, but this one was not as good as the previous three. I do think if I read this as a standalone I would have enjoyed it more.
One reason I believe that is this book ends in a very similar way to the last two. Lily, Bernie, and Rose have figured out who the killer is and they call up Detective Redmond with a plan. They then proceed to “wire” Rose up to talk with the culprit. Of course, the murderer confesses to Rose and the case is solved, and everyone is happy. While I enjoyed this storyline the first two times a third time was too repetitive for me.
Another issue I had with the book was there were multiple errors that should have been caught in editing. Not major errors but ones that cause you to pause in your reading flow to figure out what was going on. For example, there was one on page 178 and another on page 180. Again not enough to ruin the whole but definitely the chapter.
I will say I do enjoy Vicki Delany’s writing style and I do love the twists and turns that she always adds to her stories. I enjoyed continuing to learn about the characters as they grow, especially Lily and Simon’s relationship! The “cliff hanger” it ends off on has me excited for the next book and the crews adventures in England!
3/5 stars
A wedding party has arrived at Tea by the Sea, while tea and scones are being served the bride gets a nasty surprise while opening her gifts. Some jokester has given her a Raggedy Ann doll, the same gift her father gave her right before he died, but this time someone has decided to cut its head off. Everything spirals from there with the bride and grooms families clashing at every turn leading up to the grooms father being found dead in his room. What looks like a simple heart attack turns into murder when a large dose of heart medication was added to his whisky. At least this time Lily won’t need to investigate since no one she knows is being suspected… right?
I have read the previous four titles in the Tea by the Sea series and have always enjoyed them, but this one was not as good as the previous three. I do think if I read this as a standalone I would have enjoyed it more.
One reason I believe that is this book ends in a very similar way to the last two. Lily, Bernie, and Rose have figured out who the killer is and they call up Detective Redmond with a plan. They then proceed to “wire” Rose up to talk with the culprit. Of course, the murderer confesses to Rose and the case is solved, and everyone is happy. While I enjoyed this storyline the first two times a third time was too repetitive for me.
Another issue I had with the book was there were multiple errors that should have been caught in editing. Not major errors but ones that cause you to pause in your reading flow to figure out what was going on. For example, there was one on page 178 and another on page 180. Again not enough to ruin the whole but definitely the chapter.
I will say I do enjoy Vicki Delany’s writing style and I do love the twists and turns that she always adds to her stories. I enjoyed continuing to learn about the characters as they grow, especially Lily and Simon’s relationship! The “cliff hanger” it ends off on has me excited for the next book and the crews adventures in England!
June 21, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Vicki Delany for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Trouble Is Brewing coming out July 23, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.
Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?
The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .
This is one of my favorite writers! I love this series! The bed and breakfast and tea shop setting is a lot of fun. I love Cape Cod. It’s a beautiful place. It definitely feels cozy. There was definitely a lot of family drama with the wedding. Poisonings seem to happen a lot in cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed it though. There was some good character development for Lily. I’m excited to check out the next book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy tea mysteries!
Members of the Reynolds and Hill families are staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.
Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?
The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .
This is one of my favorite writers! I love this series! The bed and breakfast and tea shop setting is a lot of fun. I love Cape Cod. It’s a beautiful place. It definitely feels cozy. There was definitely a lot of family drama with the wedding. Poisonings seem to happen a lot in cozy mysteries. I really enjoyed it though. There was some good character development for Lily. I’m excited to check out the next book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy tea mysteries!
July 27, 2024
Trouble is Brewing by Vicki Delany is a Bakeshop Story featuring Lily and her crew at the tea shop and her grandmother, Rose, who runs the B & B up the drive. Also included are Simon, the gardener and so much more, and Bernie, Lily’s best friend who is “writing a book.” The current guests at the B & B are made up of a group of four on a Bridge retreat and a groom’s family in town for the wedding. The bridal shower had been held at the tea shop and it ended oddly with a bizarre gift: A Raggedly Anne doll with its head severed. It kind of put a pall over the party. Then the next night, the groom’s father was mysteriously dead. A natural death or a murder? Bernie and Lily swore to do only Internet research and there seemed a dearth of that. Suspicion fell on the bride’s mother, cruelly suggested by the groom’s mother. Seems the bride’s mother had been engaged to her husband years earlier and she couldn’t put it behind her. Also she was not a very nice person. Things came to a head when Rose got involved
This is a fun series. It is nice to see Lily and Simon finally connect, although he will be returning to England soon. Bernie is making no progress on her book as she changes characters, settings, and plots almost daily. The tea room and B & B are making a profit except for the whisper that it has been a murder scene once too often. Detective Redmond seems to be heading the team now, rather than the lazy Detective Williams, so that makes things easier. These are a close-knit group of central characters and they are what makes the teashop and B & B work as well as making the story work. It is always a good time, returning too Cape Cod and North Augusta. It is all set on the sea and it is so good to hear that sound as one is falling asleep. A terrific series by Vicki Delany, who is a master.
I was invited to read Trouble is Brewing by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #VickiDelany #TroubleIsBrewing
This is a fun series. It is nice to see Lily and Simon finally connect, although he will be returning to England soon. Bernie is making no progress on her book as she changes characters, settings, and plots almost daily. The tea room and B & B are making a profit except for the whisper that it has been a murder scene once too often. Detective Redmond seems to be heading the team now, rather than the lazy Detective Williams, so that makes things easier. These are a close-knit group of central characters and they are what makes the teashop and B & B work as well as making the story work. It is always a good time, returning too Cape Cod and North Augusta. It is all set on the sea and it is so good to hear that sound as one is falling asleep. A terrific series by Vicki Delany, who is a master.
I was invited to read Trouble is Brewing by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #VickiDelany #TroubleIsBrewing
August 20, 2024
There are a lot of appealing aspects to Vicki Delany’s Tea by the Sea Mystery Series, but most important is the way the various aspects (setting, characters, and plot) are integrated. They share the focus of the books as they support the mysteries, but the author allows each feature to have prominence at various times.
The setting is the backdrop of Cape Cod Bay and the Victorian-era mansion Grandma Rose purchased to transform into a B&B along with a cottage on the same property that becomes a tea room for her granddaughter Lily to operate. The gardens on the grounds are rated at the top of visitor attractions for North Augusta, and the view from the cliffs is outstanding. The reader can not miss the ambiance.
Characters, especially the investigative trio of Lilly, Rose, and Lily’s best friend Bernie draw readers into the story. Lily works hard as the owner of the tea room and the pastry chef at both the B&B and the tea room. Rose will keep you smiling with her energy, enthusiasm, and ability to use her advanced age to her advantage when necessary. Bernie, the “Warrior Princess,” is in a never-ending loop in writing her first novel because she keeps changing her plot and characters. She reminds me of a butterfly flitting from one idea to another.
In Trouble is Brewing, the characters and setting do not outdo the mystery. When Lily agrees to host a bridal shower at the tea room, she doesn’t anticipate an anonymous prank gift that upsets the bride, the death of a guest at the B&B, or the negative feuding of the two families involved in the wedding. The action keeps coming and the clues lead to a variety of suspects. I definitely didn’t see the identity of the murderer before the author revealed it.
The setting is the backdrop of Cape Cod Bay and the Victorian-era mansion Grandma Rose purchased to transform into a B&B along with a cottage on the same property that becomes a tea room for her granddaughter Lily to operate. The gardens on the grounds are rated at the top of visitor attractions for North Augusta, and the view from the cliffs is outstanding. The reader can not miss the ambiance.
Characters, especially the investigative trio of Lilly, Rose, and Lily’s best friend Bernie draw readers into the story. Lily works hard as the owner of the tea room and the pastry chef at both the B&B and the tea room. Rose will keep you smiling with her energy, enthusiasm, and ability to use her advanced age to her advantage when necessary. Bernie, the “Warrior Princess,” is in a never-ending loop in writing her first novel because she keeps changing her plot and characters. She reminds me of a butterfly flitting from one idea to another.
In Trouble is Brewing, the characters and setting do not outdo the mystery. When Lily agrees to host a bridal shower at the tea room, she doesn’t anticipate an anonymous prank gift that upsets the bride, the death of a guest at the B&B, or the negative feuding of the two families involved in the wedding. The action keeps coming and the clues lead to a variety of suspects. I definitely didn’t see the identity of the murderer before the author revealed it.
May 11, 2025
Interesting.... Change of approach to identifying the murderer. She actually announces it, rather than trying to figure it out...... different approach..... not sure I liked it.....
Lily Roberts’s Cape Cod tearoom is hosting a bridal shower—until a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor running in fear . . . Members of the Reynold's family is staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.
Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?
The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .
Lily Roberts’s Cape Cod tearoom is hosting a bridal shower—until a gruesome gift sends the guest of honor running in fear . . . Members of the Reynold's family is staying at Lily’s grandmother’s bed and breakfast, and now they’ve gathered at Tea by the Sea to sip some delicious blends while they shower bride-to-be Hannah Hill with presents. But the last package Hannah unwraps contains a beheaded Raggedy Ann doll and triggers a bloodcurdling scream. A doll like this was the last gift from her father before he died long ago, and she’s chilled to the bone.
Lily senses that the shocking anonymous gift just might be related to other tensions she’s picking up on. The mothers-in-law have been sniping at each other—and then Lily, out walking her dog, overhears the groom’s father, Ralph, offering his son a very sizable bribe to call off the wedding. She’s relieved when Greg angrily turns him down, but with so many people steamed at each other, can this event possibly go smoothly?
The answer is no. It suddenly has to be postponed—when Ralph is found dead in his bed, a bottle of whiskey beside him. When tests indicate the booze was infused with a lethal substance, it becomes a murder case, and of course, accusations are flying wildly with the guests all too willing to believe the worst about each other. Now, to find out whether all this family drama led to a fatality, Lily will have to turn up the heat . . .
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