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Cedar Woods Mystery #1
Arrest the Alibi
My name is Cedar Woods, and I am a recovering ostrich. I have the unfortunate habit of burying my head in the sand. Newly divorced and penniless, I am cleaning my friends’ fancy McMansions to make ends meet while lawyering up for a financial audit on my ex-husband’s tech company.
When my Aunt Coco fell and broke her hip, I hightailed back to Mirror Falls. But things took a bizarre turn when I found out my Chinese aunt thought her new corgi was her husband’s reincarnated spirit, and she took the dog’s financial advice to invest her retirement money into a tea shop. Is she losing her mind, or am I being punished by my ancestors?
To make matters worse, a rival shop owner turns up dead, and Aunt Coco becomes the prime suspect. With the help of newfound friends, I must shift through the town’s secrets to exonerate my aunt and prepare the tea shop for its grand opening. But with a vicious murderer on the loose, I might be in over my head. Can I catch the killer before someone else gets hurt? Will I find the home I spent my entire life searching for?
This humorous cozy mystery will charm readers with its endearing characters, heartwarming family relationships, and an intriguing whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the end. Don’t miss out on the fun.
When my Aunt Coco fell and broke her hip, I hightailed back to Mirror Falls. But things took a bizarre turn when I found out my Chinese aunt thought her new corgi was her husband’s reincarnated spirit, and she took the dog’s financial advice to invest her retirement money into a tea shop. Is she losing her mind, or am I being punished by my ancestors?
To make matters worse, a rival shop owner turns up dead, and Aunt Coco becomes the prime suspect. With the help of newfound friends, I must shift through the town’s secrets to exonerate my aunt and prepare the tea shop for its grand opening. But with a vicious murderer on the loose, I might be in over my head. Can I catch the killer before someone else gets hurt? Will I find the home I spent my entire life searching for?
This humorous cozy mystery will charm readers with its endearing characters, heartwarming family relationships, and an intriguing whodunit that will keep readers guessing until the end. Don’t miss out on the fun.
- GenresCozy MysteryCozy
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
14 people are currently reading
38 people want to read
About the author
Anne R. Tan
50 books158 followersAnne R. Tan is a USA Today bestselling author. She writes the Raina Sun Mystery series, the Lucy Fong Mystery series, and the Cedar Woods Mystery series. Her humorous cozy mysteries feature Chinese-American amateur sleuths dealing with love, family, and life while solving murders. Her books feature diverse characters and relationships because everyone deserves to be an armchair detective.
A Note from Anne:
My books are my legacy to my children. Unfortunately, they would not grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area like I did. Without a cultural hub to keep the language and philosophies alive, our family would lose this part of our heritage in one generation. My children are visitors to this rich culture, just like my readers. At its core, I always felt Chinese culture is about family and community. I hope you’ll enjoy your time with Raina Sun, Lucy Fong, and their large dynamic family.
Thank you for supporting my art,
Anne R. Tan
A Note from Anne:
My books are my legacy to my children. Unfortunately, they would not grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area like I did. Without a cultural hub to keep the language and philosophies alive, our family would lose this part of our heritage in one generation. My children are visitors to this rich culture, just like my readers. At its core, I always felt Chinese culture is about family and community. I hope you’ll enjoy your time with Raina Sun, Lucy Fong, and their large dynamic family.
Thank you for supporting my art,
Anne R. Tan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 21, 2025
Cedar Woods was newly divorced, broke and awaiting lawyer's advice on money from her ex-husband. When she heard her Aunt Coco was unwell, she packed up, quit her job, handed in the key to her apartment and headed back to Mirror Falls to look after her. Coco wasn't as Cedar had thought - it was a ploy - and when Cedar saw Coco had invested in a derelict tea shop that needed a lot spent on it, she was quite bemused. Coco was elderly; she should be enjoying her retirement. But the day Coco's rival in the next door shop was found deceased, things began to go downhill. Coco's arrest made Cedar angry - she would find the killer if it was the last thing she did!
Arrest the Alibi is the 1st in the Cedar Woods Mystery series by Anne R. Tan and it was light and entertaining. Coco, her dog, General, and the next door neighbour, Babcia, were fun! Recommended.
Arrest the Alibi is the 1st in the Cedar Woods Mystery series by Anne R. Tan and it was light and entertaining. Coco, her dog, General, and the next door neighbour, Babcia, were fun! Recommended.
September 1, 2023
Cedar Woods’ life has seen better days - she’s dealing with a divorce, downgrade in life and she’s returned to her home town to help her Aunt out, eating humble pie all the way.
Throw in a murder accusation, some costumes, and a dog who may or may not house her Uncle’s reincarnated spirit and nobody could accuse Cedar of now living a boring life!
Read this book if you’re a fan of family hijinks and cosy mysteries, or even if you just want a few laughs.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it, and I humbly wait in anticipation of the next in the series.
Throw in a murder accusation, some costumes, and a dog who may or may not house her Uncle’s reincarnated spirit and nobody could accuse Cedar of now living a boring life!
Read this book if you’re a fan of family hijinks and cosy mysteries, or even if you just want a few laughs.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review of it, and I humbly wait in anticipation of the next in the series.
October 18, 2025
E-book freebie at time of download. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
3.5 stars
Cedar Woods is down and out. She's going through a horrible divorce and her share of her husband's assets haven't come through yet so she's cleaning houses for her society friends. When her brother calls to tell her their Aunt Coco tripped over her new Corgi and broke her hip, Cedar rushes off to the aid of her aunt. Back home in Mirror Falls, Cedar needs to help Aunt Coco get her tea shop up and running before the contractors quit for the winter. Aunt Coco turns out to be quite well, thank you, and is seen arguing with her next door neighbor, coffee shop owner Fiona. Fiona is angry Coco may be trying to poach her baker AND because a pile of lumber has just been dumped in front of parking spaces illegally. Fiona calls the cops and retreats to her own shop. As Coco and Cedar are speaking with the police, a crash next door sends the police running only to discover Fiona's dead body lying next to a hammer last seen in Cedar's hand. Aunt Coco becomes the prime suspect and it's up to Cedar to put the clues together and free her aunt.
This is a fun short cozy mystery. It's implausible - more than most - but enjoyable for a quick, light read. I didn't guess whodunit but I sort of wondered about that person. I didn't expect the twist in the reveal at the end or some of the other wild things that happen. This story is different because it features characters of Chinese heritage. Cedar was adopted from China when she was an infant and then her parents who raised her died in a car accident when she and her brother Josh were still children. Aunt Coco and her husband took Cedar and Josh in and it was Aunt Coco, also Chinese-American, who loved and cared for Cedar more than her own sons and Josh (according to the boys). Various traditions from different Asian cultures are mentioned but are not a huge part of the plot.
I liked Cedar well enough. I can relate to being the sane, sensible one in the family. Nothing that happens to her is her fault. Aunt Coco is CRAZY! She's one of those old ladies who thinks she can get away with anything because she's old. She's wild, uninhibited, creative and free. Aunt Coco believes her new dog is the reincarnated spirit of her late husband, Gabriel. She talks to the dog as if he's her husband and believes he responds. She even convinces Cedar to start talking to Uncle Gabriel! Ok now that's not so eccentric but everything else Aunt Coco does is pretty out there. She's aided and abetted by her sidekick best friend, Babcia, who can't see, can't hear, can't drive/shouldn't drive but does anyway. Readers will either find them a hoot or super annoying. I have mixed feelings and felt a little bit of both.
The other characters are cardboard characters. Fiona, the victim, was nasty, mean, and rich. The daughter of a mob boss, she was spoiled and used to getting everything she wanted. She wants Coco to quit the tea shop because she fears Coco's tea shop will take business away from her coffee shop. They're not the same thing or the same type of customer! Fiona seemed to like to argue. She may or may not have been cheating on her husband. She did leave behind a young son and that's the only truly sad thing about her death. Her nephew, Duncan Spencer, is a police officer. He's not too bright but he's patient and deals with Coco and her shenanigans without force. Everly Blunt is the chief and Cedar's grade school enemy. The two can't seem to grow up and move on. They're stuck on thinking the worst of each other and so Chief Blunt is quick to pin the crime first on Cedar and then Coco. That makes me think she's on a power trip and ego trip and not trying to do the right thing and find the killer.
Luke Kai is Cedar's potential love interest, at least if Aunt Coco has anything to say about it. He's quiet, mysterious and seems to dislike Cedar even though they've never met or spoken. He's a loyal friend to Cedar's brother Josh and Aunt Coco so he can't be all bad. Chrissy Lane is Fiona's baker and she's exceptional. Fiona doesn't want to lose Chrissy and that's what started the fight. Chrissy seems oddly loyal to Fiona for some reason. Mary Madden, another woman of Chinese heritage, owns the costume shop. She's very eccentric and friends with Coco. Mary helps with the getaway disguises and is a really good friend. She's a member of Coco's Survivors' Club but no one seems to know who she has lost and that doesn't come out at the end. She seems a little odd to me. Like, Coco is eccentric but Mary is just odd. I'm not sure she's 100% trustworthy. Fiona's father, Malcom, wants justice for his only child's murder -justice his way. He's manipulative and scary with scarier goons at his beck and call. Fiona's husband, Juan Perez, seems like he's the complete opposite of his wife. He seems quiet, mild-mannered and grieving. Yet, his wife didn't trust him to manage their son's inheritance so there must be something about him no one knows.
This story was a pleasant way to pass a short plane ride. I didn't love it enough to want to buy it or read more right now.
3.5 stars
Cedar Woods is down and out. She's going through a horrible divorce and her share of her husband's assets haven't come through yet so she's cleaning houses for her society friends. When her brother calls to tell her their Aunt Coco tripped over her new Corgi and broke her hip, Cedar rushes off to the aid of her aunt. Back home in Mirror Falls, Cedar needs to help Aunt Coco get her tea shop up and running before the contractors quit for the winter. Aunt Coco turns out to be quite well, thank you, and is seen arguing with her next door neighbor, coffee shop owner Fiona. Fiona is angry Coco may be trying to poach her baker AND because a pile of lumber has just been dumped in front of parking spaces illegally. Fiona calls the cops and retreats to her own shop. As Coco and Cedar are speaking with the police, a crash next door sends the police running only to discover Fiona's dead body lying next to a hammer last seen in Cedar's hand. Aunt Coco becomes the prime suspect and it's up to Cedar to put the clues together and free her aunt.
This is a fun short cozy mystery. It's implausible - more than most - but enjoyable for a quick, light read. I didn't guess whodunit but I sort of wondered about that person. I didn't expect the twist in the reveal at the end or some of the other wild things that happen. This story is different because it features characters of Chinese heritage. Cedar was adopted from China when she was an infant and then her parents who raised her died in a car accident when she and her brother Josh were still children. Aunt Coco and her husband took Cedar and Josh in and it was Aunt Coco, also Chinese-American, who loved and cared for Cedar more than her own sons and Josh (according to the boys). Various traditions from different Asian cultures are mentioned but are not a huge part of the plot.
I liked Cedar well enough. I can relate to being the sane, sensible one in the family. Nothing that happens to her is her fault. Aunt Coco is CRAZY! She's one of those old ladies who thinks she can get away with anything because she's old. She's wild, uninhibited, creative and free. Aunt Coco believes her new dog is the reincarnated spirit of her late husband, Gabriel. She talks to the dog as if he's her husband and believes he responds. She even convinces Cedar to start talking to Uncle Gabriel! Ok now that's not so eccentric but everything else Aunt Coco does is pretty out there. She's aided and abetted by her sidekick best friend, Babcia, who can't see, can't hear, can't drive/shouldn't drive but does anyway. Readers will either find them a hoot or super annoying. I have mixed feelings and felt a little bit of both.
The other characters are cardboard characters. Fiona, the victim, was nasty, mean, and rich. The daughter of a mob boss, she was spoiled and used to getting everything she wanted. She wants Coco to quit the tea shop because she fears Coco's tea shop will take business away from her coffee shop. They're not the same thing or the same type of customer! Fiona seemed to like to argue. She may or may not have been cheating on her husband. She did leave behind a young son and that's the only truly sad thing about her death. Her nephew, Duncan Spencer, is a police officer. He's not too bright but he's patient and deals with Coco and her shenanigans without force. Everly Blunt is the chief and Cedar's grade school enemy. The two can't seem to grow up and move on. They're stuck on thinking the worst of each other and so Chief Blunt is quick to pin the crime first on Cedar and then Coco. That makes me think she's on a power trip and ego trip and not trying to do the right thing and find the killer.
Luke Kai is Cedar's potential love interest, at least if Aunt Coco has anything to say about it. He's quiet, mysterious and seems to dislike Cedar even though they've never met or spoken. He's a loyal friend to Cedar's brother Josh and Aunt Coco so he can't be all bad. Chrissy Lane is Fiona's baker and she's exceptional. Fiona doesn't want to lose Chrissy and that's what started the fight. Chrissy seems oddly loyal to Fiona for some reason. Mary Madden, another woman of Chinese heritage, owns the costume shop. She's very eccentric and friends with Coco. Mary helps with the getaway disguises and is a really good friend. She's a member of Coco's Survivors' Club but no one seems to know who she has lost and that doesn't come out at the end. She seems a little odd to me. Like, Coco is eccentric but Mary is just odd. I'm not sure she's 100% trustworthy. Fiona's father, Malcom, wants justice for his only child's murder -justice his way. He's manipulative and scary with scarier goons at his beck and call. Fiona's husband, Juan Perez, seems like he's the complete opposite of his wife. He seems quiet, mild-mannered and grieving. Yet, his wife didn't trust him to manage their son's inheritance so there must be something about him no one knows.
This story was a pleasant way to pass a short plane ride. I didn't love it enough to want to buy it or read more right now.
August 2, 2023
Arrest the Alibi written by Anne R Tan. This is a fun cozy mystery that includes your favorite kind of crazy… the crazy Aunt trying to make the niece come and stay for a while. Even if they have to lie… Aunt CoCo is a sneaky old gal who I would love to visit with! She seems to have a crazy story about just about every situation that gets thrown her way, and she loves to impart her wisdom on the needy! CeCe is now in town and trapped into helping to solve a murder so someone she loves isn’t going down for it. It would make a GREAT MOVIE, just saying!
September 13, 2023
Arrest the Alibi is a well written, clever mystery that held my attention! Ms. Tan always writes the most fascinating characters. I adore Aunt Coco and General, her corgi. Cedar is our plucky heroine who goes into detective mode when Aunt Coco is arrested for killing a rival shop owner. The mystery is well plotted, there are many engaging characters and this book captured and held my attention. Don't miss this great start to a new series.
September 8, 2023
Anne R. Tan has another winner with this new series. Cedar Woodls is unwittingly lured back home by her Chinese aunt when her life has hit rock bottom. Humorous, well plotted, likable quirky characters, and a corgi - what's not to like. Treat yourself to this enjoyable experience.
July 4, 2023
Love this new series! It has everything! Wacky family, pets, starting over after divorce, small town, love interest and murder! Can’t wait for the next one!
August 6, 2023
Couldn’t put it down! I loved ARREST THE ALIBI! Fast paced, interesting and logical cozy mystery with humor that laughs with people instead of at them. Great characters that I’ve fallen in love with. Cedar Woods is fascinating and Aunt Coco is a super star! I can hardly wait to read the next in series!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book with no strings attached.
September 3, 2023
Disclaimer I have loved ALL of the author's books!
Cedar Woods is going through major life changes courtesy of her ex-husband and his trophy wife. She does not yet realize what a MAJOR lifeline her quirky Aunt Coco has given her even as a dead body is soon followed by finding out that the local law is headed by her former enemy from school. She soon learns how to be an amateur sleuth and we get to laugh our sox off. Great fun. Good sleuthing. Loved it!!!
Cedar Woods is going through major life changes courtesy of her ex-husband and his trophy wife. She does not yet realize what a MAJOR lifeline her quirky Aunt Coco has given her even as a dead body is soon followed by finding out that the local law is headed by her former enemy from school. She soon learns how to be an amateur sleuth and we get to laugh our sox off. Great fun. Good sleuthing. Loved it!!!
September 1, 2023
I am going to love this series! Aunt Coco and her friend Babcia are freaking hilarious! I love the family dynamic, it is just great! I think Cedar is going to be just fine staying with her aunt. I can’t wait to read more adventures! I loved this book!
September 1, 2023
Arrest the Alibi
The mayhem in this book starts immediately, introducing you to several of the new series characters at the the same time. Everything seems to gel as you continue to read the book. Good characters. Surprise ending. I liked the book.
The mayhem in this book starts immediately, introducing you to several of the new series characters at the the same time. Everything seems to gel as you continue to read the book. Good characters. Surprise ending. I liked the book.
January 19, 2024
great new series!
Ms. Tan does it again! Awesome series begins.
Although it’s not in SF with tons of relatives, we still learn about some of the Asian things that make Ms. Tans books so wonderful.
Brand new people and place. Great character building and making them believable to boot!
Loved 🥰 it. Can’t wait for the next one! Which already sounds great due to the ending paragraph!
Ms. Tan does it again! Awesome series begins.
Although it’s not in SF with tons of relatives, we still learn about some of the Asian things that make Ms. Tans books so wonderful.
Brand new people and place. Great character building and making them believable to boot!
Loved 🥰 it. Can’t wait for the next one! Which already sounds great due to the ending paragraph!
July 10, 2025
Overview: Cedar Woods has had a horrible few months. Her marriage has fallen a part, she's working as a maid for a former friend, and her landlord needs a place for family. Good thing that her Aunt Coco has called for help. And she needs it. Under the advice of her new dog, General, Coco Woods has opened a tea shop. Too bad that Coco's rival tea shop owner was murdered, with the murder weapon being a hammer that Coco's contractor owns. Aunt Coco couldn't possibly be the killer. She couldn't be thinking that General is Cedar's Uncle Gabrial's reincarnation either, could she? And is Malcolm Spencer truly a mob boss? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Cedar's husband played fast and loose with his finances. This is why you never sign a pre-nup. When that particular contract comes with a marriage, it usually means that the party that insists upon it isn't interested in making a successful union.
Malcolm is terrifying. No wonder Fiona had no problem hurting others in the coffee and tea shop arena of Mirror Falls.
Likes: It's great to see adoption shown in a positive way. The Woods' family took Cedar in, and made her one of theirs.
Emily Blunt credited Cedar for her job. That was a great part of the story.
Babcia gave a wonderful anti-totalitarianism speech when Coco is threatened wit arrest.
Conclusion: This was a fun story. It's perfect for those who enjoy a more family centered cozy mystery. Enjoy the read.
Dislikes: Cedar's husband played fast and loose with his finances. This is why you never sign a pre-nup. When that particular contract comes with a marriage, it usually means that the party that insists upon it isn't interested in making a successful union.
Malcolm is terrifying. No wonder Fiona had no problem hurting others in the coffee and tea shop arena of Mirror Falls.
Likes: It's great to see adoption shown in a positive way. The Woods' family took Cedar in, and made her one of theirs.
Emily Blunt credited Cedar for her job. That was a great part of the story.
Babcia gave a wonderful anti-totalitarianism speech when Coco is threatened wit arrest.
Conclusion: This was a fun story. It's perfect for those who enjoy a more family centered cozy mystery. Enjoy the read.
October 15, 2023
It would be an understatement to say that things are not going well for Cedar Woods. Her husband divorced her and left her with nothing. She’s been reduced to cleaning the house of a supposed friend just to put food on the table and a roof over her head. Then she gets a call to go back to her hometown to take care of the aunt who raised her after her aunt falls and breaks her hip. Once home, life for this Chinese adoptee really gets complicated when she must jump in to save her aunt after the feisty old lady is accused of murdering a nasty tea room competitor.
Arrest the Alibi is the first book in a new series by Anne R. Tan. Fans of this cozy mystery author will enjoy this series debut with its cast of zany, but believable characters. The plot moves at a fast clip and has its share of both laugh-out-loud antics and enough red herrings to throw readers off as to who is the real murderer. The smart authors write what they know, and this author does. Tan inserts snippets of her Chinese heritage into the story giving it a good dose of authenticity. If you like a humorous cozy mystery with a dash of dim sum, Arrest the Alibi will indeed be your cup of tea.
Arrest the Alibi is the first book in a new series by Anne R. Tan. Fans of this cozy mystery author will enjoy this series debut with its cast of zany, but believable characters. The plot moves at a fast clip and has its share of both laugh-out-loud antics and enough red herrings to throw readers off as to who is the real murderer. The smart authors write what they know, and this author does. Tan inserts snippets of her Chinese heritage into the story giving it a good dose of authenticity. If you like a humorous cozy mystery with a dash of dim sum, Arrest the Alibi will indeed be your cup of tea.
July 25, 2025
This novel is a charming cozy mystery filled with wit, warmth, and a strong sense of place.
Cedar Woods, a sarcastic and resilient protagonist, returns to her hometown to care for her aunt. Then, a local rivalry turns deadly.
The plot unfolds with humour and heart as Cedar navigates gossip, grief, and growing suspicion; all while trying to clear her name.
The book’s biggest strength lies in its voice. Cedar’s dry commentary and Aunt Coco’s eccentric schemes create a vibrant dynamic that carries the narrative.
Dialogue feels natural and often hilarious.
The author sketches the small-town setting with believable detail.
Some weaknesses appear in the middle, where the pacing lags and scenes repeat. The murder mystery could use stronger clues and foreshadowing. Emotional moments sometimes rely on telling rather than showing.
Fans of cosy mysteries, quirky characters, and family-driven plots will find plenty to enjoy.
Arrest the Alibi is a light, engaging read perfect for a rainy weekend or an afternoon escape into small-town secrets.
Cedar Woods, a sarcastic and resilient protagonist, returns to her hometown to care for her aunt. Then, a local rivalry turns deadly.
The plot unfolds with humour and heart as Cedar navigates gossip, grief, and growing suspicion; all while trying to clear her name.
The book’s biggest strength lies in its voice. Cedar’s dry commentary and Aunt Coco’s eccentric schemes create a vibrant dynamic that carries the narrative.
Dialogue feels natural and often hilarious.
The author sketches the small-town setting with believable detail.
Some weaknesses appear in the middle, where the pacing lags and scenes repeat. The murder mystery could use stronger clues and foreshadowing. Emotional moments sometimes rely on telling rather than showing.
Fans of cosy mysteries, quirky characters, and family-driven plots will find plenty to enjoy.
Arrest the Alibi is a light, engaging read perfect for a rainy weekend or an afternoon escape into small-town secrets.
August 2, 2023
Absolutely loved Book 1 in this brand new series. If you are already a fan of this author’s stories, you will be surprised at how serious it begins. Give it time, this part of the story describing Cedar Wood's current breakup with her long-time husband is serious. But before you know it, Cedar is pulled back to her small home town, and the former seriousness is incorporated into the zaniness of her crime-fighting aunt, Coco, her friend, Babcia and Coco's advisor, her Corgi,General. The reader is continually bounced around between crimes, the mob, Halloween costumes, competing tea room businesses, reincarnation, kidnapping, and murder. Lots of new characters we’ve never met before who are just as enjoyable as Raina and Lucy and their crime investigating families. Looking forward to the next in the series.
August 3, 2023
What a great start to a new series.
After being married for twenty years, Cedar Woods finds herself divorced and penniless - thanks to a prenuptial agreement and a cheating husband.
Having been notified that her elderly aunt had fallen and broken her hip, she asked for time off from her job of cleaning her "friend's" mansion. The friend told her that she was fired, so she moved back to Mirror Falls, only to find that there was nothing wrong with aunt and that she was opening a tea shop. Cedar was stuck, as he had nowhere else to go. On the day she arrived the proprietor of a rival tea shop was murdered and her aunt was the prime suspect. To make matters worse, the sheriff was Everly Bunt, a school nemesis of Cedar's. Cedar had to find the real killer and prove her aunt's innocence.
After being married for twenty years, Cedar Woods finds herself divorced and penniless - thanks to a prenuptial agreement and a cheating husband.
Having been notified that her elderly aunt had fallen and broken her hip, she asked for time off from her job of cleaning her "friend's" mansion. The friend told her that she was fired, so she moved back to Mirror Falls, only to find that there was nothing wrong with aunt and that she was opening a tea shop. Cedar was stuck, as he had nowhere else to go. On the day she arrived the proprietor of a rival tea shop was murdered and her aunt was the prime suspect. To make matters worse, the sheriff was Everly Bunt, a school nemesis of Cedar's. Cedar had to find the real killer and prove her aunt's innocence.
August 6, 2023
Arrest the Alibi is the first in a new series by Anne R. Tan in which Cedar Woods comes home to help her Aunt Coco recover from a broken hip; however, the hit is not broken and the aunt immediately becomes the main suspect in a murder. In addition, her aunt’s newly acquired dog may or may not be her reincarnated uncle. The corgi has advised Aunt Coco invest in a new tea shop in their small town. As with all of her books it reflects the Chinese American culture and is delightful. Aunt Coco is a quirky character who provides a lot of fun for the reader. The book is full of fun characters, humor, great character development, a well-developed plot, and a colorful setting that is well described. I got an advanced reader copy and wanted to leave a review. I highly recommend the book.
August 20, 2025
Divorced woman gets a call from her brother that their mom has fallen and broken her hip. He is out of town on business and the other brothers are over seas so Cedar must come. So she does and arrives to find mom fighting, verbally with the store owner next door to her new tea shop. Then the lumbar for the tea shop renovation arrives and is left across 3 parking slots. The city inspector shows up in two minutes and starts writing tickets. Turns out he is the son of the next door coffee shop owner. They stand outside. Arguing and he goes into talk to his mother and finds her dead! Of course Cedars mom is the chief suspect though how she could have done the deed is a mystery. Interesting read.
September 1, 2023
I really loved this book. Cedar Woods had me chuckling all the way through the book.
She was a wonderful protagonist, an intelligent woman in her mid forties with emotional baggage and a strong sense of justice, who felt that she had to 'parent' her aunt and keep her from getting into trouble.
I loved the slightly supernatural element of a lovable dog who may or may not be the reincarnation of a dead relative.
I was also intrigued and mystified until the very end as to the identity of the murderer.
All in all, a wonderful read! I look forward to the next Cedar Woods mystery!
She was a wonderful protagonist, an intelligent woman in her mid forties with emotional baggage and a strong sense of justice, who felt that she had to 'parent' her aunt and keep her from getting into trouble.
I loved the slightly supernatural element of a lovable dog who may or may not be the reincarnation of a dead relative.
I was also intrigued and mystified until the very end as to the identity of the murderer.
All in all, a wonderful read! I look forward to the next Cedar Woods mystery!
September 10, 2023
As a Chinese adoptee, Cedar Woods was always the odd child growing up and arranged her life accordingly. Now, though, after an unexpected divorce and being called to take care of her Aunt Coco, she senses that life could be changing for her, that she could be more herself than ever before. And when Aunt Coco is arrested for a murder in the small town, Cedar finds she is no longer so much the "good girl". A light and funny read - Aunt Coco is delightfully wacky. Well written, and by the end of the book I loved all the characters.
September 2, 2023
If you are a fan of this author already, you won’t be surprised to learn that this new series if off to a banging start. Wonderful characters that will win you over, very good writing, and a good plot come together to begin this Cedar Woods series. I am looking forward to reading more in this series. I’m eager to see how the characters grow and develop. Recommended. Thanks to the author, I received a copy of this book. I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
I love the humor in Anne’s books written into a well thought out mystery. The characters are quirky and fun. The family ties add an extra layer to the story. I also enjoy the stories aren’t about the usual family nor places or situations. I’m always excited when a new book is released whether a spin-off or one of the original ones. Definitely a five star. I was given this book for my honest opinion, which I have stated above
September 7, 2025
This book was funny and was easy to read. Aunt Coco was so funny as well as her friend Babcia. Aunt Coco believes her dog General is her reincarnated husband.
Aunt Coco comes up with a scheme to get Cedar to move back home. Only the day she comes home the lady harassing her aunt is found dead and they are the prime suspects. I would recommend this book. It’s a light read that helps you to relax and enjoy it.
Aunt Coco comes up with a scheme to get Cedar to move back home. Only the day she comes home the lady harassing her aunt is found dead and they are the prime suspects. I would recommend this book. It’s a light read that helps you to relax and enjoy it.
September 2, 2023
A new, fun, clean series from Anne R. Tan! The characters come alive and work well together. Tan keeps her characters linked to their Asian history of family and community while weaving a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end. It is so exciting to have a new series to look forward to!
March 5, 2024
I loved the dynamics is this book. Cedar is a sweetheart who is tenacious and thoughtful and is the perfect foil for her Aunt Coca and her neighbour Babcia aka the Shenanigan Sisters. I laughed at numerous points and enjoyed every twist and turn of the story!
July 22, 2025
A cozy mystery that is the first in a series. Cedar's aunt wants her to move back home, so she fakes a broken hip and guilts her to returning home to care for her through her brother. Dear aunt ends up being accused of the murder of her chief business rival and the hijinks begin. A cute read.
June 27, 2024
I always enjoy Anne R. Tan's books, and this is another really good one.
July 2, 2025
I loved it and couldn't put it down. Great characters
July 28, 2025
I LOVED CEDAR, THE DOGS, AND THE SENIORS!!
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