Mint Tea and a Midsummer Murder

Waterwheel Cafe #5

by Victoria Tait

A British Cozy Murder Mystery with A Female Sleuth

A solstice sunrise reveals a mysterious death at Cotswold’s standing stones. Can a rural police officer illuminate the truth before darkness falls?

Passionate and hard-working community cop and café owner, Sergeant Keya Varma, serves up lattes and law in equal measure. Yet her dedication to her dual duties is tested when a festive midsummer gathering turns deadly at an ancient ring of stones.

Aided by her fellow officers, this dedicated detective delves into the puzzling demise of a vibrant young woman. With no apparent cause of death and the community united in grief, Keya wonders if the whispers of murder are only echoes of her own intuition?

Tragedy strikes closer to home when Keya is suddenly stricken and rushed to hospital. As she battles her mysterious condition, can the doctors discover what is ailing her before she too becomes as cold as stone?

Enjoy the spirit of midsummer, as Keya Varma summons up scrumptious dishes at her Waterwheel Café while keeping the Cotswold’s safe. If you like hard-working sleuths, a cast of colourful characters and a twist of romance, you’ll be entranced by Victoria Tait’s charming whodunit.

Quench your thirst for mystery and buy Mint Tea and A Midsummer Murder today!

Genres: Mystery

208 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 19, 2024

About the author

Hi, would you like to download Hour is Come, the FREE prequel to my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series?

If so visit https://bookfunnel.victoriatait.com/s... or visit my website https://www.victoriatait.com

I was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. I've drawn on my life’s experiences of following my military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries.

My determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and my settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Reviews

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mint Tea and a Midsummer Murder is a fascinating character study in this awesome series. I was totally wrapped up in this seemingly senseless murder. I liked getting more personal information about Keya. I am impatiently waiting for the next book to see how Keya sorts out her priorities to community, cafe and Sujin.This well plotted book is a fascinating look at the small british town life.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sergeant Keya Verma is called when Daisy Bentham is killed found at the Rollright standing stones. Keya goes about trying to find evidence even though she is in danger. A intriguing read.  I received this ARC copy and leave a honest review. I recommend this book to other readers.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steeped in British history and always with a cuppa tea . The female sleuth who loves a mystery . Sergeant Keya Varma has the best of both worlds with her Waterwheel Cafe and her community cop position , it’s not an imposition for her taking on a case …A solstice sunrise reveals a mysterious death at the Rollright standing stones when a festive midsummer gathering reveals the deadly demise.A vibrant young woman with no obvious cause of death , and while their shocked community come together in their grief . Keya does some delving for clues and thus finds herself stricken and facing her own fate …As she battles to keep from feeling bereft. With no time lately of her personal life much to Sujin’s chagrin and of course what of Dotty her best bud who she’s not seen very much of lately either…Is it a simple case of food poisoning or something rather more sinister. With her reliant on her staff more and more while she’s stood at death’s door , perhaps she’ll reflect of her love interest and her neglect. At least she’s going nowhere soon so if it wasn’t for the danger Sujin would be over the moon…they do become closer though so it’s not all bad. Just solving this mystery that’s as tricky as they come but she’s faced more cryptic puzzles so not as sad , she’s surely going to beat this before it beats her. Awesome reading , the writing of Victoria Tate’s pen has me toing and froing and wearing a frown as I follow the clues and try solving the case it’s a good job I’m not in Keya’s shoes is all I can say as I’d have needed more time and there was no time to delay anyway….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keya’s police duties seem to be taking her away from her cafe. Busy investigating the mysterious death of a young baker and the appearance of crop circles in the Cotswold countryside, she doesn’t have much time left for other things. That includes delving into her feelings for coworker, Sujin. When she’s sidelined with a sudden acute illness, she starts to realize that she might need to revisit her priorities. Is her malady connected to Daisy’s death? Even stuck in the hospital, Keya’s not giving up on the search for the truth.

The Waterwheel Cafe series just keeps getting better and better. Keya gets quite a bit of character development this time around. Juggling her roles as a hardworking and dedicated police officer and small business owner is clearly taking a toll on her even before her illness. But both roles are vital to her personality and it will be interesting to see how she navigates post illness. The supporting cast is also stellar with both the police department and her friends at the antique center/cafe rallying around her. And the slow blooming romance with Sujin looks very promising.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable read. I think this is my favourite of the series, so far. The focus is more on a specific investigation, this time, but it enabled the author to develop her key characters, which had me more invested in what happened to them. Keya cares so much about her police work and her cafe; she is such a likeable character. Along with the investigation into Daisy’s death, Keya’s life is also put at risk and she, even, ends up in hospital, being the victim of a potentially fatal food poisoning. Victoria Tait kept me reading - it was a case of “just another chapter”. I was, also, delighted to see Keya, finally, cc’ing the possibility of a relationship with Sujin. The necessity for her having to take a period of recuperation; a new relationship and a rethink of her working priorities makes me, impatiently, anticipate the next in the series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dave Measner · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very busy Sergeant Varma
Summer is nearing and many things are on Keya's plate. Her duties as rural engagement officer are taking too much of her time from running her cafe. She is forced to rely on her staff more than she planned. She has no time for a personal life at all, even though Sujin seems like he would like to be more thana work partner, and she hardly gets to see her good friend Dotty at all. When a likeable young woman turns up dead at the summer solstice event, a massive amount of time goes into investigating how she died. when Keya herself becomes ill and is hospitalized even she realizes that some changes must be made in her hectic life. A delightful mystery in this series and the ongoing development of the characters in this series makes you want to continue getting to know them better. Combined with a top notch mystery you can't go wrong with this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

One unkind thought - Keya not only investigates a crime in this addition, but is also a victim. A single thought of unkindness will change so many people's lives for the worse. A person will perish, leaving her loved ones to mourn her loss and Keya will require an extended hospital stay, with her ailment possibly having long-lasting effects. It wasn't supposed to happen, but one misstep sets off a series of unfortunate events that leads to the demise of a beloved villager. On the bright side, she is dipping her toes into the dating pool with a certain violin-playing forensic crime scene investigator. Love is in the air. Another great read from Ms. Tait, with Keya's family, friends and co-workers rallying around her in her time of need, even as she diligently works to ensure justice is served.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midsummer madness. Is it murder? Running the Waterwheel Cafe may be her passion, but Sergeant Keya Varma is also experienced investigating murder, so she is suspicious of the tragic death of a young woman. Uncovering the truth is made complicated by her own mysterious ailment.

I am a cozy mystery fan, and Victoria Tait is a master at creating endearing and realistic characters, relationships, and situations to make me a big fan. Her writing is entertaining, the murder mystery is intriguing, and the road blocks and red herrings kept me guessing. This fifth book continues to provide delightful details and insights into our heroine Keya Varma as well as her personal relationships and family which keeps me invested. Definitely a favorite series spun off another favorite series, the Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery. Loved it!

Disclosure: I received an advanced reader copy, but the opinions, insights, and comments are mine alone.

[Phillip Albright · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the same room as MC Beaton and traditional British mysteries, there in the corner is this one. The language is really British. It took some time to get into. The murder took a while to play out. The quaint setting of the Cotswolds is neat. The main character has a lot on her plate with her 2 jobs. Being an inspector of sorts ,and a cafe co owner just seemed too much. The family dynamics are great. The "medium" in the opening kind of helps set the mood of the relationships in the little village. The aspect of "smaller" stone circle was interesting, makes me think of other locations and fairy circles. All together if you can wriggle through the traditional British writing its
a well rounded and a decent book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are looking for a British cozy mystery, you can’t find one any better than Mint Tea and A Midsummer Murder (A Waterwheel Cafe Mystery Book 5) by Victoria Tait. I so enjoy the police work that Sergeant Keya Varma does as well as the café that she operates along with other family. Speaking of family, they are enjoyable without being overwhelming too. In this case, the dead victim’s family are the overwhelming ones with more than one friend or family who could be guilty. That was such a surprise since the victim is one sweet young lady that is kind to all.

This story was particularly interesting since the Keya is also struck by the same thing as the victim, become dangerously ill. The final outcome was such a surprise. Now I am eager to see the next book in the series.

[Joyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

With the arrival of the summer solstice, tragedy strikes in the Cotswold's and Keya finds herself with her hands full yet again. Between her role as a community officer and cafe owner, she is kept busy but when she finds herself mysteriously ill herself, she realizes she may lose both. Although my instinct picked up something was wrong at the source of that illness even before it happened, the ending was surprising even for a mystery buff like myself.

The support she received from Sujin during this rough patch shows he would be there for her through the good times as well as bad so look forward to that relationship developing further.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mint Tea and A Midsummer Murder: A British Cozy Murder Mystery with A Female Sleuth is book #5 in the A Waterwheel Cafe Mystery series by Victoria Tait.

It’s a summer solstice celebration that turns deadly. Sergeant Keya Varma is spending more time on her rural police duties than at her dream café. This was a nice visit with old friends. I’m happy to have Dotty back to support her friend and I like that Keya is getting a romantic interest. The mystery kept me guessing since the victim was so well liked. It definitely took a twist that I wasn’t expecting. I look forward to seeing how things play out for Keya.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Ruth McDaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love the Dotty Sayers books, so I figured I'd try out one of the Keya Varma books. I really enjoyed this story. I found the characters to be relatable and very human. The friendships are also well done, and you could almost feel as though any one of the people in the book could be your friend too. The settings were quite well described and give one the sense of actually being there. This is the joy of a good book, is it's ability to transport one to another place. The mystery was nicely done, and the conclusion was not what I'd even expected. If you want a good read that doesn't take a lot of time, you'll like this book.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Kellie Whittam · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always nice to escape into Keya's world for a while. It was interesting to have Dotty as an incidental character this time.
As usual, the characters are so well written, they are a joy to read about. It's nice that there is a little romance for Keya - finally!
It will be interesting to see what happens next for Keya and if she needs to give up her cafe or some of the police work.
I don't usually read cosy mysteries but all that I have read by this author are an exception. Each can be read as a standalone book but I have enjoyed the characters evolving and growing through each series.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A senseless tragedy

I was so happy to see the team all together again with Inspector Evans back. The replacement guy was a bit green or he was just the square peg that did not fit the round hole. The case the team works on is complex yet perplexing and the resolution is so tragic and sad. I very much enjoyed the developments in Keya and Sujin’s relationship. While what happened to Keya during the course of the investigation was awful I’m intrigued to see what changes it will bring to her life and career. A truly lovely read.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turmoil at the solstice!

Sargent Keya Varma enjoys working on major cases more than investigating crop circles but they take a lot of time and she feels out of touch with her restaurant. When a young woman dies at a summer solstice celebration the police are determined to find the cause of death. The restaurant will have to wait.

This book has a twisty plot. It was fun trying to guess what the ending would be. The budding relationship between Keya and Sujin adds a nice depth to the storyline. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Janie Graybeal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overdue on this review, but when I could read this book, I couldn’t put it down! Victoria Tait knows exactly how to pull her readers in with the mysterious writing.

Was Daisy intentionally murdered? Was it the fairies everyone talks about from the summer solstice evening? Or was it her new love, jealous friend who was in love with her, her mother, or…my initial guess…Aurora?
Read more to find out who or even what killed Daisy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone liked Daisy, or so it appears but she was still found dead at the standing stones during the summer solstice. Did someone love her too much, so much so that if they could not have her, no one else should? Or was it just that not everyone loved Daisy as much as they thought?

I always enjoy a visit to Keya's cafe in the Costwolds where lots happen, exciting as well as mundane and they all add up to a colourful and fun read. More please!

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is a bit different as things gets really touch and go very close to home! What is meant to be a night of festivities turns into trying to unravel a death that has no clear evidence and a few twists.
Whilst there are plenty of suspects confirming who would do it or why has you pulling out your hair as just when you think you know you change your mind then doubt yourself lol.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

Keya, a local constable and cafe owner, has spread herself too thin with so many responsibilities. Then an inexplicable murder occurs during a local festival in Cotswold which takes even more of her time. Soon after, Keya ends up seriously ill herself, forcing her to rethink her priorities. This is an interesting, cozy mystery with a gradually growing bud of romance thrown into the mix.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so in love with Sujin. He's such a great character. I honestly thought this would turn out a little different than it did, but it was still so good. The characters in this series just grow so much on you. And the mysteries are so fun to try to figure out. I'm really enjoying this series so much. I can't wait to see what's coming next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 of A Waterwheel Cafe Mystery Series. Midsummer during the Soltis week and the stones bring a lot of visitors into town. A new bakery has opened but the owner is found dead up against the stone. What happened to her? Did it have to do with all the crop circles, accidents, and robberies? Or did she have an enemy? This is a great little book and I look forward to reading more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Bjornstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally!

You’ll understand the title of my review if you read this book. It’s probably the best Waterwheel Cafe Mystery so far. Victoria Tait explores some very human characteristics in this one — ones that made me uncomfortable because I relate to them. And one more thing: As you read the book, count the number of times the author uses the word “cream.” Fascinating — as a psychologist, I would like to delve into to that a bit more.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keya investigates a murder and falls victim to a mysterious illness. This continuation of the Waterwheel Cafe series really showed how thin Keya was being stretched between the cafe and her police work. Also, being so busy leaves little time for romance. This book can be read as a standalone. It does set up the next book in the series which I am looking forward to reading.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great mystery.

A great mystery with some interesting characters in the book. I really enjoyed this book and love the main character, Keya, and her colleagues. A surprising and interesting ending. I recommend this book and series.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this outing with Keya and friends. I love the atmosphere. The Cotswold and its quirky villages should in my opinion be another character. I liked the storyline murder on midsummer. It easy to get sucked into the story because it was very entertaining.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sad tale was different than other typical mysteries, and I really liked it for that reason. I'm worried about what will happen to Keya's future now, but I'm guessing she'll do whatever it takes to continue, even with difficulties.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightfully spooky and convoluted mysteries featuring our beloved Keya.

Tricky tangles in an intriguing setting, that once again utilizes clever friends, family and community folks.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it the relationships are moving on.

A bit worried that Keya may be taking a step away from policing but glad that Dotty is back but hopefully a bit more involved next time.

[Karin Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please remember where you put the bad sauce. You never know!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.