All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder

Vigilauntie Justice #2

by Elliott Hay

Murder’s never been such a drag.

In vibrant south-east London, a group of grannies stand guard. Baz, Peggy, Carole, and Madge bring new meaning to the phrase ‘femme fatale’: they knit, drink tea, and dole out death to keep their community safe.

When a distraught drag queen rattles their bones with news of a missing friend, the ladies brush off retirement for the obvious path of action: take down the so-called ‘Rainbow Ripper’. With a killer stalking the streets in search of society’s most vulnerable, the body count is on the rise – and so is the women’s thirst for justice.

But with suspects around every corner, Baz and her friends might just be stumped for the first time.

Only one thing is certain: the ladies will do whatever it takes to stop the Rainbow Ripper. Including murder … but only after the tea is finished.

All Tea, No Shade and a Bit of Murder is the second book in the Vigilauntie Justice series. This cosy(ish), noir(ish), comedic crime fiction with queer themes will delight fans of Killers of a Certain Age and An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good.

Genres: Mystery

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2024

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore everything by this author, both the dark-cozy mysteries and the SF. Keep it coming!!!

The Vigilaunties is a great concept.community minded strong women who get tired of waiting for the system to do the right thing to keep their community safe. As I get to “a certain age” I would totally sidle up to such a group to make my final years count for something. ;)

[Samantha Parker-Zillich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sequel, but I liked the first book slightly more. This story felt very timely with immigrants and queer folks being targeted by the government. Would've probably been 4.5⭐ but I'm kinda with Baz...I didn't quite catch the details of the murder, and I would've liked more explanation. 

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the whole thing, but not sure how to articulate my impressions. Definitely in a class of its own. The cast of characters in the whole series is quirky and fun. Highly recommend. I'm looking forward to a next book in the series!

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trigger warnings for All Tea, No Shade and a Bit of Murder include: immigration systems, oppression, financial crime, death, transphobia, queerphobia and queer hate.
☆
☆
I finished this book in the early hours of this morning because I just couldn't put it down.
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When the reveal happen, I was shocked. It didn't feel like that person could have done what they did, except that that's exactly what happened.
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As with every book I've read from this series, I still get surprised that these women are capable of what they do. They're all in their later years, and typically when you think of someone of that age, you think of kind natured, lovely grannies, you maybe think of them slipping money into your hand, or giving you sweets. You don't think of murder.
~
The one character I particularly want to focus on here is Madge. She's lovely. She can be a little intense, she never has bad intentions, but she sometimes puts her foot in it. In this book, when it came to the drag artists, she really had difficulty with getting the pronouns correct, which I can somewhat understand as it depends on the person, and some drag performers use the same pronouns both in and out of drag, and some use different ones. And when it came to Baz, there were a couple of moments where she didn't necessarily say the right thing, but apologised for it, and learnt from what she was told.
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Ultimately, for a series where murder is one of the forefront elements of it, I've loved every single book. And this one was no exception
•
Thank you to BookSirens for sending me an ARC copy of this book.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I simply cannot put into words how much I adore this series.

The Vigilaunties - a formidable, fabulous and thoroughly fun quartet of elderly ladies given to needlework, gossip, and the occasional bit of murder when the situation calls for it - are back, looking into the disappearance of a local drag queen on behalf of an acquaintance. In the course of their sleuthing, they uncover that a series of queer immigrants have gone missing from their south-east London neighbourhood over the past several years. With the police useless as ever, it falls to Baz, Peggy, Carole and Madge to keep their community safe - by any means necessary.

Hugely entertaining, laugh-out-loud funny, and immensely enjoyable, just like the first book. I just love everything about these books: the complex, quirky, lovable characters, the found family and queer joy feels, the strong political stance, the vibrancy of the setting... I could go on. Suffice it to say, I hope Elliott Hay is planning on writing many, many more of these - I'd happily read another 20. Or 40, for that matter. I'll take as many as I can get.

*** I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. ***

[Mary Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a terrific story. Baz and the ladies find themselves getting to knw about the world of drag when they are asked to look into the disappearance of a drag queen. It soon becomes clear that there is more going on here when they realise that several gay people have gone missing over a number of years. Being warned off by the police of course ensures they continue with their investigation.

The characters are terrific and well-written. Carole in particular is a real hoot. I must admit I didn't realise who the killer was until exactly the same time that Madge seemed to piece things together. The ending was particularly clever. Really looking forward to reading more in this very enjoyable series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carol Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery is both lighthearted and serious.Y It will make you think and also make you laugh sometimes. The characters are older people with their own problems but Still investigate mysteries involving the neighborhood. This particular book would be good for everyone to read,especially haters of race and sexual orientation to read ;to get an understanding of the unique problems of the LGBTQIA + community and the turmoil and toll that they take. But the main thing is the cozy mystery for me !!I enjoyed it immensely. I recommend this book to everyone!!! Most especially cozy mystery lovers.!!!!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an inspiring story about an older eclectic group of people fighting for the rights of those without a voice, like immigrants and low income people etc and giving them a voice and making them seen. Several people have been missing and the police don't seem to be doing their job, and are warning others off of investigating!!! This group is tenacious and continues to investigate. Their plan for the rainbow killer made me howl with laughter. I could imagine it in my mind, and it was hilarious. This was a strange but wonderful read, you must try. Try it , you'll like it. Lol. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest opinion.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and following another mystery with Baz, Peggy, Madge and Carole, four very feisty pensioners. Although I have read and loved the previous books in the series, I think this would work well as a standalone book.

I loved that this book had a political edge. I don't feel it overshadowed or got in the way of the story, but was an interesting sub plot and made you think which I enjoy in a book.

The plot moves along at a good pace, and I enjoyed the interactions between the main characters, and others who were introduced.

I hope there will be more to come in this series, I would definitely recommend this book, thanks to Booksirens for introducing me to it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I read the previous book in this series, and I enjoyed reading about these characters again. The characters are lovable, quirky and fun, and the author does an excellent job of bringing them to life on the page. The book was light enough to read in one sitting and brought a smile to my face. I think this series strays away from the traditional cosy mystery, but these books are fun to read.

Thank you to Booksirens and the author for a free copy to review.

[Lisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a read! The ladies strike again. Why won’t people let people be who they are meant to be. There were moments that sent my blood boiling. The ladies take on some unsavory people and come out shining.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fun read! A great mix of cosy mystery & light humour! I really enjoyed this story, I like all of the characters & the plot is well thought out & interesting, a few red herrings which is great & keeps you guessing! An educational LGBT read!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baz and her crew are after a serial killer and a tax evader in the second book of the series. Several people are missing and since they're all immigrants as well as queer the authorities can't seem to bring themselves to care enough to investigate. Our heroines must find the killer and mete out their particular brand of justice.This one is just as fun as the previous book.

[Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ladies are back at it again; solving crime to keep their neighbourhood safe.

Following the disappearance of several missing drag queens Baz, Carol, Madge, and Peggy are on hunt for the 'Rainbow Killer'.

Much like book one, there is a lot of tea, sleuthing, and wit. Once again, an excellent read - I would strongly recommend.

Thank you to Elliott Hay and BookSirens for this ARC.

**Disclaimer: I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mr. P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read in the Vigil Auntie series.
Relevant cosy noir that is full of sharp righteous characters standing up against the ignorant angry greedy and murderous.

[Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ITA
Secondo volume (in realtà terzo) con le storie di Peggy, Madge, Carole, Cookie e Baz. Quattro signore (Cookie è il cane di Peggy) che vengono consultate dalle persone del posto in quanto, in qualche modo, riescono dove la giustizia inciampa.
In questo volume vengono consultate per tre cose.
Aiutare delle persone Queer a ritrovare dove sono finiti i loro amici: immigrati in attesa di asilo scomparsi senza nessun valido motivo e, nonostante le denunce, non cercati dalla polizia.
Una seconda persona chiede a loro di trovare un modo per bloccare la eventuale riconversione di un parco in zona residenziale.
In ultimo viene loro chiesto di aiutare una signora che ha aperto un asilo: il nuovo locatore, nonostante l’edificio versi in cattive condizioni, vuole duplicare l’affitto senza però fare nessun rinnovamento.
Parto dai ringraziamenti dell’autrice. Perché fare politica con un romanzo? Perché no, rispondo io.
Come sempre ho un po’ di riserve con i metodi delle zie, ma è una storia per cui ci sta.
La storia mi è piaciuta: avvincente, seria quando serve, divertente quando serve.
In questo volume, in particolare, c’è meno storia dei personaggi anche se ne compaiono di nuovi, tipo l’ex marito di Madge. Personaggio preferito sempre Carole.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente

ENG
Second volume (actually third) featuring the stories of Peggy, Madge, Carole, Cookie, and Baz. The four ladies (Cookie is Peggy's dog) are consulted by local people as they, somehow, succeed where justice stumbles.
In this volume, they are consulted for three things.
Helping Queer people find where their friends ended up: immigrants awaiting asylum who disappeared for no good reason and, despite reports, were not sought by the police.
A second person asks them to find a way to block the eventual conversion of a park into a residential area.
Lastly, they are asked to help a lady who has opened a kindergarten: the new landlord, despite the fact that the building is in poor condition, wants to duplicate the rent without doing any renovations.
I start with the author's thanks. Why talk about politics in a novel? Why not? I answer.
As always, I have some reservations about aunties' methods, but it is a story, so it fits.
I liked the story: compelling, serious when needed, funny when needed.
In this volume, in particular, there were fewer characters’ stories, although new ones appear like Madge's ex-husband. Favorite character is always Carole.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. I really enjoyed this book. It was "different" for me, not my usual type of investigating heroes or heroines. The story is set in SW London, the area I grew up in; the four stars are "old" ladies who meet regularly in the same cafe and sit at the same table, knitting, doing embroidery or writing a novel. And solving crime. From what I could gather, they seem to be in their 60s - which made my 72 feel pretty good! Two of the Ladies use mobility scooters, which they put to good use! I enjoyed the author's characterisation - for me, these ladies are very true to life. Skin colour or sexual orientation isn't described as the characters are introduced but the reader picks them up in the story. A group of drag performers who form a musical theatre company have had people going missing for far longer than the police realise. When members of the group visit them at the cafe - and occasionally an odious man who sits in the usual seat of one of the ladies (a Bad thing), the ladies gather evidence, make a mistake, then in a flash of inspiration, find the murderer and deal with him, and are obliged to have people think they didn't do anything. And catching a tax dodger, saving a business and buying a building at the same time! The book is LGBTQ.+ oriented (forgive me if I left any letters out). It made me laugh out loud a few times. I will never look at a group of old ladies in a cafe the same again - Always respect old ladies!

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens and Elliott Hay for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Baz, Peggy, Carole and Madge are four old ladies in Southeast London who their local community turn to for help. From the Local Council threatening to close a nature reserve, bullying landlords raising rent for a childcare centre, or a missing drag queen, these ladies are who you call.

What I liked: Packed with humour and heart this super cute cosy mystery is a great read which had me changing my “who done it” guess a number of times! I loved the inclusivity and the political elements of the story (if you tend to vote right wing, this is possibly not for you). This is the second book in the series but it worked well as a stand alone, though I’ve now obtained the first book so I can catch up with the back story.

What didn’t work for me: Not much actually, I did find it a bit slow to start and then it galloped a bit at the end but otherwise a fun read.

Final thoughts: A gem of a modern cosy mystery novel.

Who would like it: Fans of spirited old ladies, mysteries, and drag queens.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really bloody love Elliott Hay's work. When I started the Vigilaunties series, I decided I was going to ration them - knowing I have queer cosy murder to look forward to is a very comforting thought.

Coming back for book two was just as delightful as the first one. The writing, the characterisation, the absolute resolve to write happy queer people... It really is unbeatable. Here, the author once again looks at some tough topics, but they do it with a delicate and considerate touch, and the storytelling is believable, grounded, and gently hopeful. I think I said it after book one as well, but I am obsessed with Carole. I love that there is a character who's not always cognitively aware, but she is never looked down on for it, and she is loved all the same. Elliott Hay champions people with mental and physical disabilities just as much as he cares about diverse racial representation and the queer community.

Read this book to piss off the right people, and revel in how much they'd hate it.

And if you're not sold yet, cool old-ish women kill shitty men and get away with it because they're awesome. What more do you want?!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Elliott Hay has brought forth a fabulous and exciting cozey mystery murder soo well written you'll think you're right beside the old gals playing vigilautie righting wrongs in their small world in the suburbs of London England the array of old gals are so vibrant , colorful ,quirky and full of justice. You can't help but becoming entranced with the antics and drama in their LGBTQ's life styles filled with secrets. If you enjoy enjoy a good cozy with a more mature crowd it's all here. A clean loving, politically correct and perhaps a little in correct. Once I began reading I couldn't stop until I reached its climatic ending. I laughed so hard at times I could barely catch my breath. Acquire " All Tea, No Shade and a Bit of Murder" The second book to this outrageous series for hours of intriguing and enjoyable experience. Kat

[Teresa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This group of friends has made quite an impression. Luckily, I had the prequel and the first book in the series on my Kindle when I came across this one, so I was able to get to know all the characters from the beginning, and that made this story that much more enjoyable for me. The characters are original (a group of murderous grannies/aunties who meet every day at the local coffee shop for tea and crafts, anyone?), unique, well-developed, and outright hilarious at times. I found the insight into the drag queen world very enlightening. I wish our world was more accepting of those who are different than we are. It doesn't make us right and them wrong. It makes each of us unique.

I highly recommend this series and hope it doesn't end any time soon. I received a review copy from the author via BookSirens and this is my honest opinion.

[Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The vigilaunties are who women of a certain age would love to be - unique, individual, happy in their own skin and not afraid to take justice into their own hands. Add to that the lovely Cookie, PC Peter and other locals, they make you wish that every locale had a group like this. Who knows, maybe they do. It’s a really easy and joyous read, despite the seriousness of the message. I love the fact that two of them get around on their trusty mobility scooters and they don’t let anything stop them. My favourite, if I had one, would be Baz, their latest recruit who is only just coming to love herself as she is. Can’t wait for their next outing.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love these 4 ladies and the community the author built and wrote about. They are entertaining and I adore following their adventures. I was so excited to read this sequel!

I will say compared to the first book the side characters got a bit muddled for me in this book, as there were more in general and I think a few of them were very one dimensional. So much that I got them confused with each other, which had me going back and re-reading to sort out.

I did enjoy the plot and always find it fun to try to figure out the culprit and watch the ladies' minds at work. I was happy to see Mrs. Spencer begin to start feeling a little more settled in her new life in this one.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh what fun it was to join Baz, Peggy, Carole, and Madge again in their latest investigation into the missing gay and transgender people. With some laughs, the ladies, although warned off they never listen and have the need to right wrongs in their own way. The plot was interesting in bringing in some of today's political subjects. This is such a fun and fast paced book that I had to read it in one sitting! I can't wait to see what these incredible, quirky senior lady vigilantes have in store for us next. This book can be read as a stand alone, although I highly recommend the first book in this series as well. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well developed and at times it can be confusing with the gender identity, they are relatable to people that you might meet in everyday life.

The story centers around a group of retired people who meet up to enjoy their coffee and teas, and have intertwined into each other's life. Whilst exploring the nature of their lives, including their jobs, how they identify as older people and being relevant whilst still maintaining their identity and persona.

All Tea, No Shade, and a Bit of Murder, unfolds when Baz asks the group for help in finding her friend who has gone missing. This leads the group into the world of drag, immigration, and social issues. Primarily focused on the LGBTQIA+ communities, this story doesn't push political viewpoints onto the reader. It does shed light on some of the issues that are faced in the UK in regards to immigration issues for long-term migrants and the struggles of identity.

No smut or sex in the story. It is a good clean book that is enjoyable, funny and laugh out loud at times.

There is also Carole, who you might want to avoid if you ever meet her, or she will bale you up with crazy theories and stories.

[Cavak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful adventure for the vigilaunties, one that shakes up the formula more than the previous entries. Glad to see that there's breadcrumbs of world building for the rest of the cast besides Baz. Surprised to see how their influence continues to grow and grow in their little neighborhood.

Hoping that the political issues within this book will be dated in the next twenty years. I appreciated that layer of depth to the story, as it helps ground the drag queens as actual characters rather than caricatures. Helps raise awareness, while also weaving into the actual mystery plot. That's hard to do, and it's done well here.

Looking forward to the next entry to this series!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vicki Reddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Vigilaunties series and I loved it even more than the first. I hadn't appreciated how smoothly Elliott Hay moves between Peggy's and Baz's perspective, but it's wonderful. This time I truly enjoyed seeing things through naive Baz's eyes, working out the world she finds herself in, and indignant Peggy who is too impatient to let the writing wander. I truly love these women and I have tears in my eyes from the love that they share. Yes there is murder but it was so fast and description less that I almost missed that it had already happened. If you like your Marple more murderous, this is the series for you

[Geraldine Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very engaging whodunit in which our intrepid four coffee and crafts club members set about looking for missing illegal immigrants.

All four are very colourful characters, each in a different way and with the help of their dog (belonging to one couple) take justice and the administering of it into their own hands, getting into many entertaining scrapes in the process.

This was a really enjoyable read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Farquhar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and follows the same theme as the first. It centres around a group of retired ladies who keep their area of south east London safe. They meet in a local cafe for cups of tea, to knit and to talk strategy and murder to keep the community free of crime.

This book can be read without having read the first one as it is a completely separate story even though the characters are the same.

I enjoyed reading this book and becoming re-acquantained with the strange mix of sleuths that frequent the cafe.

[Amy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I loved returning to these characters. The story didn’t quite grab me the same as last time and maybe I was a bit distracted by the subplot, but overall, I still enjoyed this story and really enjoy the style and bluntness of this indie author. Keep fighting the good fight Elliott!

Trigger warnings: immigration issues, homophobia, drag phobia (not sure if this term is correct, but you understand) and some other hateful/oppressive things, basically like the real world unfortunately🤷‍♀️