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Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries #1
Honey Mead Murder
Get ready for a charmingly quirky romance with a twist of murder mystery in Honey Mead Murder!
Follow the heart-warming story of George Bernard Sheth, a devoted pug and bee lover, who has been secretly crushing on a local mead brewer. But when a customer dies during a mead tasting, Murphy Baird, the brewer, finds himself at the centre of a police investigation.
As the two navigate the murder mystery, they find themselves falling deeper in love, all while trying to stay alive long enough for their first date. With meddling friends and unexpected plot twists, "Honey Mead Murder" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good MM romance and a thrilling mystery.
Follow the heart-warming story of George Bernard Sheth, a devoted pug and bee lover, who has been secretly crushing on a local mead brewer. But when a customer dies during a mead tasting, Murphy Baird, the brewer, finds himself at the centre of a police investigation.
As the two navigate the murder mystery, they find themselves falling deeper in love, all while trying to stay alive long enough for their first date. With meddling friends and unexpected plot twists, "Honey Mead Murder" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good MM romance and a thrilling mystery.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2023
194 people are currently reading
540 people want to read
About the author
Dahlia Donovan
49 books778 followersDahlia Donovan wrote her first romance series after a crazy dream about shifters and damsels in distress. She prefers irreverent humour and unconventional characters. An autistic and occasional hermit, her life wouldn’t be complete without her husband and her massive collection of books and video games.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
August 25, 2025
Well, that was boring. It has potential, but it's just a string of events and slightly annoying in terms of the characters' curiosity and gossiping. It could have been really good if emotions and depth had been added. The murder mystery was boring and poorly done, and there was no trace of romance.
July 4, 2025
Definitely a cosy mystery! The relationship between Murphy and George is very slow burn and the main focus of the story is on solving the murder rather than their relationship.
It was definitely an interesting plot, but because this was so short there wasn't really much time to go into too much depth with any of the characters, and everything happened really quickly - it was like you blinked and missed it!
Not sure yet if I'm intrigued enough to read the rest of the series...
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HRCYED2: By The 100s
It was definitely an interesting plot, but because this was so short there wasn't really much time to go into too much depth with any of the characters, and everything happened really quickly - it was like you blinked and missed it!
Not sure yet if I'm intrigued enough to read the rest of the series...
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HRCYED2: By The 100s
April 25, 2024
This is short (120p) but felt very long to me. It's a murder mystery with a side of romance and failed on both accounts to me. The mystery was kind of obvious and is not solved through sleuthing/investigating but through the culprit's stupidity. As for the romance, the 2 MCs have known each other for years and have both been pinkng but too shy to act on it. They start dating here because everyone is telling them they like each other so they finally take the step. And that's it no hesitation/tension. It's as if they have been together for years. We don't really get to know them because they don't get to know each other, they are already in love. I got thel confused sometimes. Same goes for the very large cast of secondary character. I got them confused. I'll leave this series at that.
September 16, 2023
George and Murphy have known each other for years. They make mead together. Murphy uses George's honey in his mix that he sells at his pub.
At one of Murphy's Mead tasting events a murder takes place.
I would label this murder mystery but the killer was obvious from the start. I did, however, enjoy George and Murphy working together to try and solve the case.
This is book one in the series. I think it barely touches upon George and Murphy's relationship. We know they both like each other and want to date but solving the case takes front and center. Not much goes on between them just a couple kisses. Overall a solid start.
At one of Murphy's Mead tasting events a murder takes place.
I would label this murder mystery but the killer was obvious from the start. I did, however, enjoy George and Murphy working together to try and solve the case.
This is book one in the series. I think it barely touches upon George and Murphy's relationship. We know they both like each other and want to date but solving the case takes front and center. Not much goes on between them just a couple kisses. Overall a solid start.
September 24, 2023
I chose this book because recently, I realized I really liked murder mystery/cozy mystery, especially if it was mm romance, so when I read the blurb, it sounded like something I would really enjoy.
It took me a while to get into the book as it felt a bit slow as it focused more on the murder side and the romance being in the background, and honestly, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more of a couple relationship. We were told they liked each other, and that was it, but other than a few kisses, the romance was barely there.
Overall, if you want a short read with a heavy focus on the murder mystery side and don't mind a little romance, then pick this up.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book through GRR.
It took me a while to get into the book as it felt a bit slow as it focused more on the murder side and the romance being in the background, and honestly, I was a bit disappointed. I wanted more of a couple relationship. We were told they liked each other, and that was it, but other than a few kisses, the romance was barely there.
Overall, if you want a short read with a heavy focus on the murder mystery side and don't mind a little romance, then pick this up.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book through GRR.
August 21, 2023
[I received a digital copy for an honest review]
I absolutely adore Dahlia Donovan's cozy mystery books, and Honey Mead Murder was just as lovely as I expected it to be.
Honey Mead Murder follows Brewer Murphy and beekeeper George. The book starts when they finally manage to ask each other out on a long over due first date. Neither planned for that date to include murder and Murphy being a suspect. George and his cousin convince Murphy to play amateur sleuths with them to find out whose really the murder.But when they start sniffing around, will they put their own lives in jeopardy.
"A second date with a side of murder mystery?"
"I'd hate to be boring."
George and Murphy are two extremely lovable main characters. George, who loves his bee's and his elderly pug was just precious. Murphy is patient and completely tunes in to when George is overwhelmed and may need a break due to being autistic. I loved the support group they had surrounding them, from George's cousin to Murphy's best friend, it was a great cast of characters.
Honey Mead Murder checks all the boxes for what I want in a cozy mystery. Lovable MCs, amateur sleuthing, a simple mystery, adorable four legged friends, and low steam sweet romance. I look forward to more books in this series!
I absolutely adore Dahlia Donovan's cozy mystery books, and Honey Mead Murder was just as lovely as I expected it to be.
Honey Mead Murder follows Brewer Murphy and beekeeper George. The book starts when they finally manage to ask each other out on a long over due first date. Neither planned for that date to include murder and Murphy being a suspect. George and his cousin convince Murphy to play amateur sleuths with them to find out whose really the murder.But when they start sniffing around, will they put their own lives in jeopardy.
"A second date with a side of murder mystery?"
"I'd hate to be boring."
George and Murphy are two extremely lovable main characters. George, who loves his bee's and his elderly pug was just precious. Murphy is patient and completely tunes in to when George is overwhelmed and may need a break due to being autistic. I loved the support group they had surrounding them, from George's cousin to Murphy's best friend, it was a great cast of characters.
Honey Mead Murder checks all the boxes for what I want in a cozy mystery. Lovable MCs, amateur sleuthing, a simple mystery, adorable four legged friends, and low steam sweet romance. I look forward to more books in this series!
September 3, 2023
this was a super cute cozy mystery good for a rainy day and some warm tea.
I really enjoyed every aspect of this book and the depth the author brought to the characters.
Can’t wait to read more from this author, i was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed every aspect of this book and the depth the author brought to the characters.
Can’t wait to read more from this author, i was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
I really struggled to get to the end of this, even though it's only 128 pages, but having started and ditched 3 other cosies after the first 3 chapters, I was determined to finish the next one I picked up, ie this one.
Part of the problem is there's just too much going on, with too many causes crammed into one small book. As it's meant to be part of a series, these things could have been spread out, but as it was, we had lectures on 'adopting aging pugs', 'bees, beekeeping and associated flowers' and 'RTA survivors with PTSD' in just the first couple of chapters. Added to that, we had almost every colour of the LGBTQ rainbow covered, plus an ongoing neurodivergent vs neurotypical type assessment of the characters, and a couple of characters with ridiculous nicknames that meant they were called by their real name and their nickname sometimes in the same paragraph. I love representation, but this was a lot.
Another issue is that these characters come in without any build up to events, so despite the fact that George and Murphy have known each other for something like ten years, you're just told they've always fancied each other and finally at the start of the book a friend tells Murphy to ask George out, and it just happens. After ten years. And because of that shared history you don't get to see them finding things out about each other the way the way you might expect in a romance.
What I didn't like was the way that Murphy seemed to treat George like a child because he was 'an autistic'. I have never been referred to as such, and never want to be, it's a horrible phrase, but the author doesn't seem to mind being described that way (a straw poll amongst fellow dwellers on the spectrum was a hard no from all of them too). People are more than their medical diagnoses, and whilst it's good to introduce characters with neurodivergencies, there was a lot of telling about why George was doing things rather than demonstrating the effect of things on him.
The final problem was the extended cast. Dufftown is a real place, with a population of about 1,600, so it's not unexpected that many of the cast know and/or are related to each other, however the couple at the centre of the murder somehow aren't known by the main characters before the start of the mead tasting. This is kind of hard to believe given their obnoxious behaviour and the fact that they're the local landed gentry, with the husband having a feckless younger brother who's often embroiled in scandals. The rest of the cast of secondary characters was bloated, so that I was struggling to keep track of all of them and who was who.
Part of the problem is there's just too much going on, with too many causes crammed into one small book. As it's meant to be part of a series, these things could have been spread out, but as it was, we had lectures on 'adopting aging pugs', 'bees, beekeeping and associated flowers' and 'RTA survivors with PTSD' in just the first couple of chapters. Added to that, we had almost every colour of the LGBTQ rainbow covered, plus an ongoing neurodivergent vs neurotypical type assessment of the characters, and a couple of characters with ridiculous nicknames that meant they were called by their real name and their nickname sometimes in the same paragraph. I love representation, but this was a lot.
Another issue is that these characters come in without any build up to events, so despite the fact that George and Murphy have known each other for something like ten years, you're just told they've always fancied each other and finally at the start of the book a friend tells Murphy to ask George out, and it just happens. After ten years. And because of that shared history you don't get to see them finding things out about each other the way the way you might expect in a romance.
What I didn't like was the way that Murphy seemed to treat George like a child because he was 'an autistic'. I have never been referred to as such, and never want to be, it's a horrible phrase, but the author doesn't seem to mind being described that way (a straw poll amongst fellow dwellers on the spectrum was a hard no from all of them too). People are more than their medical diagnoses, and whilst it's good to introduce characters with neurodivergencies, there was a lot of telling about why George was doing things rather than demonstrating the effect of things on him.
The final problem was the extended cast. Dufftown is a real place, with a population of about 1,600, so it's not unexpected that many of the cast know and/or are related to each other, however the couple at the centre of the murder somehow aren't known by the main characters before the start of the mead tasting. This is kind of hard to believe given their obnoxious behaviour and the fact that they're the local landed gentry, with the husband having a feckless younger brother who's often embroiled in scandals. The rest of the cast of secondary characters was bloated, so that I was struggling to keep track of all of them and who was who.
September 21, 2023
Honey Mead Murder is quirky cozy MM romance with the twist of a murder mystery.
George Sheth is a local beekeeper who has a dog named Bumble and was struggling to sell his honey. Murphy Baird who owns Honey Bear Brewery gets the idea from George to experiment with family recipes and incorporate honey into his collection.
After years of friendship neither of them had the courage to ask the other out on a date. Finally, when George and Murphy decide to plan a day together (thanks to the help of Teagen), it all gets complicated with the following events chaos and murder.
George was a such a likeable character he keeps to himself because when is he around many people and noise it tends to be overwhelming for him at times. Murphy understood that and knew when to give George distance so he could relax and have a moment to himself.
It was a good short mystery and I enjoyed reading it. I didn't really get the closure of the case I would of liked though. We do get to find out who it was, but in ways it could possibly be more than one person involved?
If you're looking for a book with mystery while also giving you cozy vibes filled with two adorable dogs Bumble and Treacle (who steal the spotlight with their play dates haha) this could possibly be your next read.
George Sheth is a local beekeeper who has a dog named Bumble and was struggling to sell his honey. Murphy Baird who owns Honey Bear Brewery gets the idea from George to experiment with family recipes and incorporate honey into his collection.
After years of friendship neither of them had the courage to ask the other out on a date. Finally, when George and Murphy decide to plan a day together (thanks to the help of Teagen), it all gets complicated with the following events chaos and murder.
George was a such a likeable character he keeps to himself because when is he around many people and noise it tends to be overwhelming for him at times. Murphy understood that and knew when to give George distance so he could relax and have a moment to himself.
It was a good short mystery and I enjoyed reading it. I didn't really get the closure of the case I would of liked though. We do get to find out who it was, but in ways it could possibly be more than one person involved?
If you're looking for a book with mystery while also giving you cozy vibes filled with two adorable dogs Bumble and Treacle (who steal the spotlight with their play dates haha) this could possibly be your next read.
September 26, 2023
I do so love a cozy mystery. Nice and simple with no sex and time to focus on the mystery.
In this series, one of the MCs is autistic and I love how the others act around him.
The murder itself was ok. Who know dry ice could kill.
Enjoyable to pass an hour or so.
In this series, one of the MCs is autistic and I love how the others act around him.
The murder itself was ok. Who know dry ice could kill.
Enjoyable to pass an hour or so.
May 8, 2024
DD's works are absolute entertainers. I have read a few before, and this did not disappoint. The 'Who Done it' interspersed with humour, witty family dynamics, and mushy romance gives this story a unique vibe.
July 21, 2024
Cute little cosy mystery. Love George, Murphy, and sweet little Bumble. The mystery was fast to solve and their relationship was adorable. Loved the autistic representation and how those around George accept him without qualm. I'd love to hear more about margo and Tea.
July 11, 2024
my random TBR wheel of fate chose this book for me and it took me 6 whole days to read a 120 page book.... i guess that's all i need to say really.
September 29, 2023
I received a free copy from GRR and voluntarily reviewed it.
Honey Mead Murder was a fun start to this series. It's a diverse cozy mystery read that follows a gay couple and one of them is autistic. I liked the honey and mead theme, with George raising bees and Murphy making mead and running a small pub. During a mead tasting someone ends up dead in Murphy's pub and the two of want to figure out who has done it while growing closer.
I liked how this book blended romance with cozy mystery. The romance takes a more prominent role than in most cozies and it's told from dual point of views as well, which I thought worked well. I liked reading about George and Murphy and seeing them grow closer while solving the mystery. The mystery was relatively straightforward. It didn't have the usual longer progression of looking into different suspects as most cozies with the the pacing here being a bit faster and the book a bit shorter. I enjoyed reading about it and figuring out who had done it. I wasn't surprised with the reveal, but I liked how there was a clear motive. The ending felt a tad abrupt and I would've liked just half a chapter or so more for a slower wrap up.
I liked reading about Murphy and George, both were likable and interesting characters. And I liked their romance as well. They were both not quite ready to ask the other out, but due to circumstances it happens and they go on their first date early on the book. I liked the romance and it was low on the drama, they both clearly cared about the other and I liked seeing them take their first steps of dating. George being autistic was well written and felt realistic. There are some fun side character as well like Tea, George's cousin and ofcourse George's cute pug.
To summarize: This was a solid start to this new series. I liked the honey and mead theme and how both characters related to this with George raising bees and Murphy making mead and running a pub. The mystery was relatively straightforward, but I still enjoyed reading it and seeing who had done it. I wasn't surprised at the reveal and I had wished the wrap up had been a bit longer. I liked how the romance had a more prominent role than in most cozies. I liked reading about George and Murphy, I thought the dual point of view worked well here. Both character were interesting and likable and I thought George being autistic was well written. There were some fun side characters as well. All in all I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!
Honey Mead Murder was a fun start to this series. It's a diverse cozy mystery read that follows a gay couple and one of them is autistic. I liked the honey and mead theme, with George raising bees and Murphy making mead and running a small pub. During a mead tasting someone ends up dead in Murphy's pub and the two of want to figure out who has done it while growing closer.
I liked how this book blended romance with cozy mystery. The romance takes a more prominent role than in most cozies and it's told from dual point of views as well, which I thought worked well. I liked reading about George and Murphy and seeing them grow closer while solving the mystery. The mystery was relatively straightforward. It didn't have the usual longer progression of looking into different suspects as most cozies with the the pacing here being a bit faster and the book a bit shorter. I enjoyed reading about it and figuring out who had done it. I wasn't surprised with the reveal, but I liked how there was a clear motive. The ending felt a tad abrupt and I would've liked just half a chapter or so more for a slower wrap up.
I liked reading about Murphy and George, both were likable and interesting characters. And I liked their romance as well. They were both not quite ready to ask the other out, but due to circumstances it happens and they go on their first date early on the book. I liked the romance and it was low on the drama, they both clearly cared about the other and I liked seeing them take their first steps of dating. George being autistic was well written and felt realistic. There are some fun side character as well like Tea, George's cousin and ofcourse George's cute pug.
To summarize: This was a solid start to this new series. I liked the honey and mead theme and how both characters related to this with George raising bees and Murphy making mead and running a pub. The mystery was relatively straightforward, but I still enjoyed reading it and seeing who had done it. I wasn't surprised at the reveal and I had wished the wrap up had been a bit longer. I liked how the romance had a more prominent role than in most cozies. I liked reading about George and Murphy, I thought the dual point of view worked well here. Both character were interesting and likable and I thought George being autistic was well written. There were some fun side characters as well. All in all I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!
January 6, 2025
I decided 2025 is the year of murder mysteries! While searching Libby, I found 'Honey Mead Murder,' the first book in the Honey Bear Cozy Mysteries series by Dahlia Donovan. I'll admit that the cover is what caught my interest in this title.
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Murphy Baird owns a brewery where he makes mead to sell at the pub attached to his brewery. He has been worrking with George Bernard Sheth, a local bee lover, to use George's honey in Murphy's mead. The two are also secretly crushing on each other, well not so much a secret to their friends who constantly egg the two on to FINALLY ask the other out. When a customer dies at the most recent mead testing, Murphy finds himself at the center of the investigation. George and their friends are outraged. Murphy and George start investigating, while also falling in love. Danger lurks at every corner, pushing the two closer together as they work to stay alive and solve the murder.
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While I enjoyed this book, there were several grammatical errors and a name mix-up that pushed me out of the story. The adorableness of the dogs in this book - adopted senior pug and an elderly chihuahua, plus the fact that this is a dual narrator cozy mystery (something I've NEVER seen in a cozy mystery before), AND that there are multiple queer characters present helped make up for my being pushed out. I also loved that autism and different ways to process are presented. All in all, this is a five star book for character diversity, 3 star book for plot for this murdery romance.
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Murphy Baird owns a brewery where he makes mead to sell at the pub attached to his brewery. He has been worrking with George Bernard Sheth, a local bee lover, to use George's honey in Murphy's mead. The two are also secretly crushing on each other, well not so much a secret to their friends who constantly egg the two on to FINALLY ask the other out. When a customer dies at the most recent mead testing, Murphy finds himself at the center of the investigation. George and their friends are outraged. Murphy and George start investigating, while also falling in love. Danger lurks at every corner, pushing the two closer together as they work to stay alive and solve the murder.
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While I enjoyed this book, there were several grammatical errors and a name mix-up that pushed me out of the story. The adorableness of the dogs in this book - adopted senior pug and an elderly chihuahua, plus the fact that this is a dual narrator cozy mystery (something I've NEVER seen in a cozy mystery before), AND that there are multiple queer characters present helped make up for my being pushed out. I also loved that autism and different ways to process are presented. All in all, this is a five star book for character diversity, 3 star book for plot for this murdery romance.
October 9, 2023
This is the first book in a new series by Dahlia. George and Murphy have liked each other for a while but haven’t said anything. Murphy finally gets up the courage with some prodding by friends to ask George to attend his Mead tasting event with him the next night. Things get interesting when someone is murdered at the mead tasting and Murphy is taken away by the police for questioning. There is no doubt that Murphy had nothing to do with it. George and his cousin have some guesses at to who some suspects may be. George, Murphy, and some friends are on the case. They want to figure out who killed the man in Murphy’s pub. This was another wonderful cozy mystery by Dahlia. These characters were wonderfully funny and sweet. George is on the spectrum and loves his bees and his pug. Murphy is a giant teddy bear of a man with a sweet side. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. This is a m/m book so if that isn’t your thing you may want to skip this book. There is no sex at all in the book. Just sweet hand holding and a bit of kissing. Fantastic job Dahlia.
June 11, 2024
At Murphy Baird's brewery, a tasting is taking place. And so is a murder. A nasty, wealthy man, the victim was not without enemies. With suspicion falling on Murphy, he and George, his new paramour, set about gathering clues to prove Murphy's innocence and catch a killer.
Honey Mead Murder introduces the Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries series. Clocking in at 128 pages, it's not a long book and thus the development of characters is somewhat sparse. Though the story was cohesive, the plot didn't snare me - perhaps because more time was spent on the romance rather than the mystery.
While I wasn't hooked, people who enjoy a good love story with a side of murder might be drawn to this series. It is warm and blithe with quirky characters.
Honey Mead Murder introduces the Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries series. Clocking in at 128 pages, it's not a long book and thus the development of characters is somewhat sparse. Though the story was cohesive, the plot didn't snare me - perhaps because more time was spent on the romance rather than the mystery.
While I wasn't hooked, people who enjoy a good love story with a side of murder might be drawn to this series. It is warm and blithe with quirky characters.
September 22, 2023
While I wish it was longer with more time for us to gather evidence and try to come up with our theories, I liked this book a lot. It had the perfect setting in the small Scottish Dufftown, and the perfect set of characters like the two MCs. Murphy, a big bear of a man who owns a mead brewery and George, a beekeeper who sells him honey for his mead. The story starts with both being pining for the other for quite some time without doing anything about it, even if both knew the other's feelings and every single person knew about their crush. Luckily they do make the first step and go on a date that sadly ends in murder!!
A cosy murder mystery with two nosy characters who are starting a sweet relationship; little touches, hugs, smiles. So cute!
I loved how adorable they were and how Murphy knew how to interact with George who is autistic. They worked perfectly well and I can't wait to see how their relationship will grow. They need a date without dead bodies around! They deserve that!
A cosy murder mystery with two nosy characters who are starting a sweet relationship; little touches, hugs, smiles. So cute!
I loved how adorable they were and how Murphy knew how to interact with George who is autistic. They worked perfectly well and I can't wait to see how their relationship will grow. They need a date without dead bodies around! They deserve that!
June 14, 2025
df, they/ them
September 21, 2023
Dahlia Donovan is one of my go to authors when I'm looking for a cozy mystery and she always has amazing neurodivergent characters since she is an ownvoices author. This one was a sweet, easy, and very cozy read. The mystery wasn't hard to solve, but it was still fun watching George and Murphy figure it out, and start their relationship along the way! A lot of the actual feelings were developed prior to the start of the book, so that was missed for me, but we do get to watch them act on their feelings and it is incredibly sweet. An all around feel good storyl
June 30, 2024
Rather stereotypical and the mystery was rather confusing and odd. I also found it hard and slow to read, even though it is so slow.
May 18, 2024
Honey Mead Murder is the first book in the ‘Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries’ series. It stars Murphy Baird, a brewer, and George Sheth, a bee keeper. This is told in third person from Murphy and George’s pov.
The blurb is sort of accurate regarding the basic plot, except for Murphy and George falling deeper in love. There’s not much romance in this, the two men only get up to kissing.
I like the cover design, it fits the mystery which is set in Scotland, instead of having two men on the cover.
I don’t know what I was expecting with this book, but it wasn’t what I read. Even though this is third person, it has a distant narrator quality to it, and sometimes it felt passive so that my mind wandered. I noticed there was more dialogue than descriptions or actions. The actions were common actions, like dialing the phone, going out to eat, making coffee, driving places. Actions that felt like filler because there wasn’t much of a mystery investigation to hold the story together.
The author did have inclusive characters, unfortunately the book read as if the author was trying to make it as obvious as possible. At the beginning of the book, the author introduces a character as ‘they/them’ that Murphy is talking to. There isn’t much description of this person, so for the first chapter I had difficulty figuring out if Murphy was speaking of one person or multiple people. Not until later was the name ‘Teagan’ mentioned. In real life, I don’t have trouble with saying ‘they’ or ‘them,’ unfortunately in a book without a character’s name right off the bat, it made the introduction confusing, and that almost by itself, made me rethink reading the book.
Then there was George who was autistic. The author didn’t have George show people he was autistic, George told readers he was, and then the author had George use the term ‘neurodivergent’ when talking about himself and calling Murphy ‘neurotypical people like you.’ The author was heavy handed in portraying different characters by telling instead of showing their behavior. There was only a basic background of the characters with little depth. The relationship between Murphy and George was already a fact when the story started as the two men danced around each other for years without asking the other out. By the end of the story, they’d reached the point of holding hands and kissing. Both men were over thirty. I wish Murphy and George had more depth because the way they were written didn’t draw me in. Finally, there were also too many secondary characters introduced to keep track of, which lead to confusion.
Honey Mead Murder was an okay read. I finished it, but I won’t continue with the series unless the books are free. The writing style read as telling instead of showing, with more dialogue than action, and it made the story and characters feel distant so I didn’t feel pulled in. The author also over emphasized character differences instead of having those differences just be a natural fact of the person. I give this book, 3 Stars because I finished it.
The blurb is sort of accurate regarding the basic plot, except for Murphy and George falling deeper in love. There’s not much romance in this, the two men only get up to kissing.
I like the cover design, it fits the mystery which is set in Scotland, instead of having two men on the cover.
I don’t know what I was expecting with this book, but it wasn’t what I read. Even though this is third person, it has a distant narrator quality to it, and sometimes it felt passive so that my mind wandered. I noticed there was more dialogue than descriptions or actions. The actions were common actions, like dialing the phone, going out to eat, making coffee, driving places. Actions that felt like filler because there wasn’t much of a mystery investigation to hold the story together.
The author did have inclusive characters, unfortunately the book read as if the author was trying to make it as obvious as possible. At the beginning of the book, the author introduces a character as ‘they/them’ that Murphy is talking to. There isn’t much description of this person, so for the first chapter I had difficulty figuring out if Murphy was speaking of one person or multiple people. Not until later was the name ‘Teagan’ mentioned. In real life, I don’t have trouble with saying ‘they’ or ‘them,’ unfortunately in a book without a character’s name right off the bat, it made the introduction confusing, and that almost by itself, made me rethink reading the book.
Then there was George who was autistic. The author didn’t have George show people he was autistic, George told readers he was, and then the author had George use the term ‘neurodivergent’ when talking about himself and calling Murphy ‘neurotypical people like you.’ The author was heavy handed in portraying different characters by telling instead of showing their behavior. There was only a basic background of the characters with little depth. The relationship between Murphy and George was already a fact when the story started as the two men danced around each other for years without asking the other out. By the end of the story, they’d reached the point of holding hands and kissing. Both men were over thirty. I wish Murphy and George had more depth because the way they were written didn’t draw me in. Finally, there were also too many secondary characters introduced to keep track of, which lead to confusion.
Honey Mead Murder was an okay read. I finished it, but I won’t continue with the series unless the books are free. The writing style read as telling instead of showing, with more dialogue than action, and it made the story and characters feel distant so I didn’t feel pulled in. The author also over emphasized character differences instead of having those differences just be a natural fact of the person. I give this book, 3 Stars because I finished it.
September 22, 2023
Reviewed by Robyn for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner
I so enjoy the cosy mysteries by this talented author and Honey Mead Murder and this short story just zoomed by so fast I found it difficult to put down. I liked the sweet romance between the two lead characters, Murphy and George… oops, nearly forgot Bumble, George’s dog, but I especially liked how the investigation of the murder was up front and centre.
George is autistic but really quite a high functioning one, maybe it’s because he lives in a small village so is more comfortable, however, I totally loved his character. Bumble is his rescue pug and George literally treats him like a human, it works so well and provides some chuckles with their interactions. His second love is bees and the way Ms Donovan describes his garden truly makes you want to visit.
Murphy is a larger than life ex military man turned brewery owner and mead brewer. Having a local bee man, with lots of different honey, Murphy gets to work out all sorts of new recipes. Teagan, his assistant, finally pushes Murphy and George together and although their first date was a tad more eventful than planned it certainly resulted in them becoming even closer.
While the mystery wasn’t one of epic proportions, I don’t read these cosy mysteries for that reason. It is a feel good story that definitely leads to quite a few chuckles and a relaxing enjoyable time.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
I so enjoy the cosy mysteries by this talented author and Honey Mead Murder and this short story just zoomed by so fast I found it difficult to put down. I liked the sweet romance between the two lead characters, Murphy and George… oops, nearly forgot Bumble, George’s dog, but I especially liked how the investigation of the murder was up front and centre.
George is autistic but really quite a high functioning one, maybe it’s because he lives in a small village so is more comfortable, however, I totally loved his character. Bumble is his rescue pug and George literally treats him like a human, it works so well and provides some chuckles with their interactions. His second love is bees and the way Ms Donovan describes his garden truly makes you want to visit.
Murphy is a larger than life ex military man turned brewery owner and mead brewer. Having a local bee man, with lots of different honey, Murphy gets to work out all sorts of new recipes. Teagan, his assistant, finally pushes Murphy and George together and although their first date was a tad more eventful than planned it certainly resulted in them becoming even closer.
While the mystery wasn’t one of epic proportions, I don’t read these cosy mysteries for that reason. It is a feel good story that definitely leads to quite a few chuckles and a relaxing enjoyable time.
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*
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October 11, 2023
4.5 Stars
Honey Mead Murder written by Dahlia Donovan is book 1 of the Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries. This one is what I would call a cozy romantic murder mystery. It features two hopelessly in love men, their meddling friends, and a couple of very cute dogs.
Murphy owns and operates Honey Bear Brewery which has an attached pub. He specializes in mead which he enhances with local honey. He has a major crush on the local beekeeper, George. If he could only find the words to ask him out on a date.
George loves his life as a beekeeper. He has the cutest pug, Bumble, and a cute cabin. The only thing that might make it better is if he could find a way to date Murphy. Murphy understands George's autism and is great at supporting him when needed and backing off when it's too much.
Their mutual friend has had enough of watching all the pining and basically pushes them to ask each other out. They agree to a mead tasting the next night and dinner after. Who could have predicted their first date would include a murder?
George, Murphy, and a few friends set off to figure out who killed the man in the pub and why. Life in a small village helps them get close to the murderer. Maybe a little too close at times. They help the police find the murderer... much to their dismay.
I very much enjoyed this book. I've never read anything from this author so I'll definitely be adding them to my TBR. There are great side characters that I would love to see again. This isn't a thriller as much as a romantic murder mystery which I tend to prefer reading. I would recommend cuddling up with this book and a cup of cocoa.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
Honey Mead Murder written by Dahlia Donovan is book 1 of the Honey Bear Cosy Mysteries. This one is what I would call a cozy romantic murder mystery. It features two hopelessly in love men, their meddling friends, and a couple of very cute dogs.
Murphy owns and operates Honey Bear Brewery which has an attached pub. He specializes in mead which he enhances with local honey. He has a major crush on the local beekeeper, George. If he could only find the words to ask him out on a date.
George loves his life as a beekeeper. He has the cutest pug, Bumble, and a cute cabin. The only thing that might make it better is if he could find a way to date Murphy. Murphy understands George's autism and is great at supporting him when needed and backing off when it's too much.
Their mutual friend has had enough of watching all the pining and basically pushes them to ask each other out. They agree to a mead tasting the next night and dinner after. Who could have predicted their first date would include a murder?
George, Murphy, and a few friends set off to figure out who killed the man in the pub and why. Life in a small village helps them get close to the murderer. Maybe a little too close at times. They help the police find the murderer... much to their dismay.
I very much enjoyed this book. I've never read anything from this author so I'll definitely be adding them to my TBR. There are great side characters that I would love to see again. This isn't a thriller as much as a romantic murder mystery which I tend to prefer reading. I would recommend cuddling up with this book and a cup of cocoa.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn't a requirement. ***
September 21, 2023
I wrote this review for Saucy Reviews on Kinky Korner.
I so enjoy the cosy mysteries by this talented author and Honey Mead Murder and this short story just zoomed by so fast I found it difficult to put down. I liked the sweet romance between the two lead characters, Murphy and George… oops, nearly forgot Bumble, George’s dog, but I especially liked how the investigation of the murder was up front and centre.
George is autistic but really quite a high functioning one, maybe it’s because he lives in a small village so is more comfortable, however, I totally loved his character. Bumble is his rescue pug and George literally treats him like a human, it works so well and provides some chuckles with their interactions. His second love is bees and the way Ms Donovan describes his garden truly makes you want to visit.
Murphy is a larger than life ex military man turned brewery owner and mead brewer. Having a local bee man, with lots of different honey, Murphy gets to work out all sorts of new recipes. Teagan, his assistant, finally pushes Murphy and George together and although their first date was a tad more eventful than planned it certainly resulted in them becoming even closer.
While the mystery wasn’t one of epic proportions, I don’t read these cosy mysteries for that reason. It is a feel good story that definitely leads to quite a few chuckles and a relaxing enjoyable time.
September 22, 2023
What a great story! This was reminiscent of the books I loved in my late teens and early twenties when I first discovered mysteries. And, in my opinion, those with a hint of romance between two amateur sleuths are the best.
Cozy (or cosy in the UK) is the perfect word to describe the feelings this story evokes. Set in the countryside of a small village in Scotland, it brings an air of authenticity due to the village and its inhabitants, many of whom are quite the characters. My only negative comment is that it’s a pity none of the men sported a kilt. Hah. Just kidding.
The two main characters, Murphy and George, were well-rounded, sharp, sweet, and complemented each other’s personalities perfectly. The focus here was on the mystery more than on the romance, and yet readers can easily see these men are destined for a happy future together.
A whodunnit with the victim murdered by someone who dropped dry ice in his drink in a roomful of people that included his wife, his brother, and his attorney, this provided so much fun as I made a clumsy attempt to solve the mystery—and failed. Honestly, this story was a refreshing change from the fast-paced, guns-and-gore mysteries that seemed to dominate my reading shelves for the past few years. I will most definitely mark any future books in the series as wish list choices.
Note: a copy was provided through Rainbow Book Reviews. This is my personal and honest opinion.
Cozy (or cosy in the UK) is the perfect word to describe the feelings this story evokes. Set in the countryside of a small village in Scotland, it brings an air of authenticity due to the village and its inhabitants, many of whom are quite the characters. My only negative comment is that it’s a pity none of the men sported a kilt. Hah. Just kidding.
The two main characters, Murphy and George, were well-rounded, sharp, sweet, and complemented each other’s personalities perfectly. The focus here was on the mystery more than on the romance, and yet readers can easily see these men are destined for a happy future together.
A whodunnit with the victim murdered by someone who dropped dry ice in his drink in a roomful of people that included his wife, his brother, and his attorney, this provided so much fun as I made a clumsy attempt to solve the mystery—and failed. Honestly, this story was a refreshing change from the fast-paced, guns-and-gore mysteries that seemed to dominate my reading shelves for the past few years. I will most definitely mark any future books in the series as wish list choices.
Note: a copy was provided through Rainbow Book Reviews. This is my personal and honest opinion.
June 3, 2024
Quite literally, just not my cup of tea.
I found Honey Mead Murder on a Stuff Your Kindle Day and decided to try it out since the synopsis sounded cute and cosy. It is a shorter story (128 pages), which I do often like quick reads, but I really feel like there was so much stuffed into this short story. There is romance (brief), town drama, a murder, a very diverse set of characters (which is great), and quirks that feel so random at times, all stuffed into a few chapters at the beginning. I almost DNF'd it because of that, honestly, but kept trudging along.
**may contain spoilers here**
Overall, it reminded me of some older detective shows that my grandmother used to watch when I was little, kinda goofy but solving murders at the same time, but with modern aspects, like security cameras. The mystery itself is a bit obvious and not solved by evidence or the main characters. I was really hoping for an, "OMG, THEY did it?!" ending, but it was just more like, "Oh, yeah, duh.. makes sense..." ending. The characters were charming and easy-going at least. The romance was very brief with no tension really. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who and all of the side characters and how they were related.
All-in-all, not inclined to continue to the next in the series, personally.
I found Honey Mead Murder on a Stuff Your Kindle Day and decided to try it out since the synopsis sounded cute and cosy. It is a shorter story (128 pages), which I do often like quick reads, but I really feel like there was so much stuffed into this short story. There is romance (brief), town drama, a murder, a very diverse set of characters (which is great), and quirks that feel so random at times, all stuffed into a few chapters at the beginning. I almost DNF'd it because of that, honestly, but kept trudging along.
**may contain spoilers here**
Overall, it reminded me of some older detective shows that my grandmother used to watch when I was little, kinda goofy but solving murders at the same time, but with modern aspects, like security cameras. The mystery itself is a bit obvious and not solved by evidence or the main characters. I was really hoping for an, "OMG, THEY did it?!" ending, but it was just more like, "Oh, yeah, duh.. makes sense..." ending. The characters were charming and easy-going at least. The romance was very brief with no tension really. Sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who and all of the side characters and how they were related.
All-in-all, not inclined to continue to the next in the series, personally.
September 15, 2023
A very sweet and easy to read low angst romance with a big dash of murder mystery. George and Murphy have been friends for years, dancing around their attraction. With a little nudge from friends, they finally have a date night on a tasting night at Murphy's pub. Unfortunately, a murder occurs and Murphy is their first suspect.
George, Murphy and a couple of their friends are quick to dive in and search for answers themselves around the small town and with the local gossips. There are a few different directions that the case could possibly go and has everyone on their toes as to who the culprit may be, especially with another event or two following on after the murder.
It's fun to read the interaction between all of the locals as it's clear they've all known each other for a long time. Murphy and George have a very strong friendship that is moving to the next level and theirs are several sweet moments and Murphy's knowledge of George's social limits. It's a slow burn romance and will hopefully develop into a HEA across the series.
I really enjoyed reading this, it's like a cozy mystery, and I'm interested to see what happens next in the small town and with George and Murphy's relationship.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
George, Murphy and a couple of their friends are quick to dive in and search for answers themselves around the small town and with the local gossips. There are a few different directions that the case could possibly go and has everyone on their toes as to who the culprit may be, especially with another event or two following on after the murder.
It's fun to read the interaction between all of the locals as it's clear they've all known each other for a long time. Murphy and George have a very strong friendship that is moving to the next level and theirs are several sweet moments and Murphy's knowledge of George's social limits. It's a slow burn romance and will hopefully develop into a HEA across the series.
I really enjoyed reading this, it's like a cozy mystery, and I'm interested to see what happens next in the small town and with George and Murphy's relationship.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
September 22, 2023
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I love a small-town British murder mystery (seriously it’s pretty much all I watch on television). They always manage to be murdery while still feeling quaint and lovely. And Dahlia gives us that in the best possible way.
The Mead brewery owner and the local beekeeper and honey supplier are the cutest men around. They have both been awkwardly pinning for one another for a while now. When they finally get the shove they need to go on a date, a man is murdered at Murphy’s pub.
And like most of us who are obsessed with murder podcasts and having watched too many episodes of Miss Marple, they decide to do a little sleuthing of their own. With the help of their friend and cousin of course.
It’s a cozy mystery/romance, so expect sweetness, not heat and plenty of sleuthing dates.
This really was a little gem, and I expect I’ll be rereading it in the future.
I love a small-town British murder mystery (seriously it’s pretty much all I watch on television). They always manage to be murdery while still feeling quaint and lovely. And Dahlia gives us that in the best possible way.
The Mead brewery owner and the local beekeeper and honey supplier are the cutest men around. They have both been awkwardly pinning for one another for a while now. When they finally get the shove they need to go on a date, a man is murdered at Murphy’s pub.
And like most of us who are obsessed with murder podcasts and having watched too many episodes of Miss Marple, they decide to do a little sleuthing of their own. With the help of their friend and cousin of course.
It’s a cozy mystery/romance, so expect sweetness, not heat and plenty of sleuthing dates.
This really was a little gem, and I expect I’ll be rereading it in the future.
January 11, 2024
I can't go on!
I love Bees, dogs, cosy mysteries and mm books - this should have been perfect for me. Expectations were low, just wanted fluffy distraction.
This didn't deliver.
One character is grump antisocial runs a home brewery and bar - yeah hospitality, perfect for loners!
The other is an autistic loner. They're quite hard to tell apart. The author is autistic and possibly she's working through that in her books. It seemed the most relevant factor which to be clear isn't a bad thing, but could have been the story, a cute brewing mead rather than throwing in a murder.
The mystery is a non starter. Obvious killer, and the investigative procedures random, though every police person is a relative or friend. The murdered person is introduced as a stranger but then turns out live in the small village. Where legal representation is also a friend.
It's very simply written, but clunky with lots of random details pushed in that break the flow of the story killing any charm. It's mainly the writing I couldn't gel with, but honestly this story misses light fluff to be stupid.
I love Bees, dogs, cosy mysteries and mm books - this should have been perfect for me. Expectations were low, just wanted fluffy distraction.
This didn't deliver.
One character is grump antisocial runs a home brewery and bar - yeah hospitality, perfect for loners!
The other is an autistic loner. They're quite hard to tell apart. The author is autistic and possibly she's working through that in her books. It seemed the most relevant factor which to be clear isn't a bad thing, but could have been the story, a cute brewing mead rather than throwing in a murder.
The mystery is a non starter. Obvious killer, and the investigative procedures random, though every police person is a relative or friend. The murdered person is introduced as a stranger but then turns out live in the small village. Where legal representation is also a friend.
It's very simply written, but clunky with lots of random details pushed in that break the flow of the story killing any charm. It's mainly the writing I couldn't gel with, but honestly this story misses light fluff to be stupid.
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