A Spirited Blend

Crystals & CuriosiTEAS #3

by Lauren Elliott

For charmed tea shop owner Shay Myers, getting steeped in Bray Harbor, California’s October festivities is spookier than she ever could have bargained for—especially when a bone-chilling murder mystery spells grave danger . . .

With Halloween around the corner, Shay Myers is brewing witchy seasonal sips at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS—while simultaneously steaming over pub owner Liam Madigan’s decision to take anybody but her to the town’s Monster Mash dance. Her romantic premonitions have missed the mark since she settled into coastal Bray Harbor, opening the door to questions about whether she’s really the gifted seer her late mother imagined. It’s why she second guesses the dark vision in her tea leaves about a local citizen and their obsession with genealogy, Irish folklore, and magic . . .

But when bad omens come true, Shay doesn’t have time for self-doubt. A woman’s body has been discovered, frozen in a strange pose with an eerie black butterfly on her forehead, leading to suspicions that the victim took a conjuring ritual too far due to limited experience—or was murdered by someone with too much. As an investigation stirs up a sinister connection to a boardwalk mystic shop, Shay, guided by her knowing dog, Spirit, finds herself tracking down a shady figure from her past, navigating the sudden reappearance of her ex-husband, and chasing down a wickedly perceptive criminal who might finally be her match!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Paranormal, Halloween, Romance, Cozy, Fiction

MP3 CD

First published March 25, 2025

About the author

Lauren grew up devouring the entire Nancy Drew series and then graduated to Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, Barbara Erskine, Lynn Kurland, and Michael Crichton to name a few of her favorite authors. When it came time for post-secondary education, journalism seemed like the logical choice as she had written for as long as she could remember. Soon after graduation, while working for a small publication, she discovered that reporting wasn’t what fueled her writing passions. As someone with an additionally strong background in professional theater who had the love of storytelling and captivating and holding an audience, her fiction-writing career began to take center stage.

Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lauren Elliott writes some of my favorite cozy mysteries. I have enjoyed this series too, but I have to admit this one took me a long time to get through. The book wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t one that grabbed my attention or was difficult to put down. I was glad to see a resolution to the romantic drama as I was definitely tired of that lack of communication. Shay is struggling to keep her business afloat when she bumps into a dead body. Adding to the drama is her ex and his new partner moving to town. The direction of the bad guy was pretty clear in this one, but I still enjoyed the story. I would like to see more sleuthing/clues/suspects in future books and less focus on the relationship stuff which I am hopeful for since the relationship things felt more settled at the end of this one. This is still a good series and I am hopeful that the next one will be back on track with the level of gripping me the other books have had.

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Spirited Blend, by Lauren Elliott, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book three in the A Crystals and CuriositTEAS Mystery series. Shay Meyers is a seer, she also works at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS, brewing up fun liquids. Shay's love life is nonexistent, but when someone is murdered, Shay is to busy to worry about that. A good read.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Crystals & CriosiTEAS series, and I believe I have read them all. They are cozy mysteries and most enjoyable with the tea shop setting and some witchcraft.

Description:
For charmed tea shop owner Shay Myers, getting steeped in Bray Harbor, California’s October festivities is spookier than she ever could have bargained for—especially when a bone-chilling murder mystery spells grave danger . . .

With Halloween around the corner, Shay Myers is brewing witchy seasonal sips at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS—while simultaneously steaming over pub owner Liam Madigan’s decision to take anybody but her to the town’s Monster Mash dance. Her romantic premonitions have missed the mark since she settled into coastal Bray Harbor, opening the door to questions about whether she’s really the gifted seer her late mother imagined. It’s why she second guesses the dark vision in her tea leaves about a local citizen and their obsession with genealogy, Irish folklore, and magic . . .

But when bad omens come true, Shay doesn’t have time for self-doubt. A woman’s body has been discovered, frozen in a strange pose with an eerie black butterfly on her forehead, leading to suspicions that the victim took a conjuring ritual too far due to limited experience—or was murdered by someone with too much. As an investigation stirs up a sinister connection to a boardwalk mystic shop, Shay, guided by her knowing dog, Spirit, finds herself tracking down a shady figure from her past, navigating the sudden reappearance of her ex-husband, and chasing down a wickedly perceptive criminal who might finally be her match!

My Thoughts:
I was happy to join the sisters, Shay and Jenn, in another mystery. There are several issues going on in this book: the competition between the tea shops, Shay hiding stuff from her sister, the possibility that the dark presence who wanted her special gem might be in town stalking her, the presence of her ex-husband and what's going on with him, the situation with the Mayor's wife, and the relationship with Liam. Lots of intrigue in this one! The story is well written and enjoyable. I enjoyed the characters and the setting of the small town of Bray Harbor. This is a fun cozy series and anyone who likes cozies with a little magic will enjoy this.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies through Netgalley for an advance copy.

[Mystery, She Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 🌟

Mood/Seasonal Reading: October

I think sadly the magic from the first in this series has worn off by this point. While there were parts of this I really enjoyed, such as the cast of characters and romance, it just felt off.

I will continue the series for sure as I have faith it can find the spark it had from the first book.

[Sue Em · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked this book, I absolutely loved the first two books in the series. And the mystery posed and solved in this book, was interesting. Yet the overarching mystery from the series is being drawn out too much. And there's such a a dichotomy with the main character. In previous books I felt her strength, but here she's almost simpering at times. It's still a decent read and I will definitely read the next book in the series.Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tea isn't the only thing brewing when once again Shay stumbles across another dead body! This series is outstanding in that it brings just a tad bit of paranormal to the cozy mystery world, but brings a ton of wonderful character connections that are realistic and endearing. Not only is the mystery boiling over with intrigue, but Shay's personal world is getting a ton of spices tossed into it and not all of them are good. We all have people and events from our past that we would prefer to stay in the past, but just like in real life they don't always stay away. Often times we are forced to confront those past people and events in our current lives whether we want to or not. However, Shay may end up getting more than she bargained for as events unfurl! I do highly recommend that you read this series in order so you will be up to speed with things from Shay's past as well as get to know all the characters in the story. This isn't one that I would recommend trying to read as a standalone or you'll be a bit lost. However, you will get to enjoy hours and hours of great entertainment by starting at the beginning. In the meantime, I will be impatiently awaiting the next book in the series so I can see what happens next in Shay's world!!!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoy the series and will read more, this third book seemed like there was a bit of too much going on and was not as cohesive as the previous 2

[Heidi Prockish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series has been so good. While there are still some unanswered questions, I do like how this book ended. Some unexpected people from Shay's past move to town, and it added a little twist to the mystery. Throughout this book, Shay is learning who to trust while trying to protect her loved ones. I love the community & the characters. I am sad there will not be any more books.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Get ready for a really intense visit with Shay, Liam, Gran, Jen, and Tassi. Shay wakes with a sense of inpending doom, her rival Madam Malvina is stealing her customers putting strain on her business, Liam is parading women in front of her right and left, and her ex is moving to town to buy a winery. As the team prepares for the town's Halloween carnival, Shay is determined to come up with a special treat to bring attention back to Crystal & CuriosiTeas, but she is badgered by the Mayor's wife Cora who believes that she has discovered her Early family roots and is convinced she has the Magical blue bottle. When Shay tries to steer Cora away from danger, she turns to Madam Malvina and shortly afterward turns up dead in mysterious circumstances! With danger swirling everywhere, can Shay find answers without anyone else getting hurt? What is her ex up to Bray Harbor? What is Liam and his cousin Conor really up to? You will definitely want to take this thrilling journey with Shay and Spirit. Thanks to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for a chance to read. #ASpiritedBlend #Crystals&CuriosiTeasMysteries #LaurenElliott #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Tracy Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shay Myers, owner of Crystals and CuriosiTEAS in Bray Harbor, is getting ready for Halloween while trying to win back residents who have moved their custom to Madam Malvina's similar business. When a body is discovered that becomes her main focus alongside trying to discover why unwelcome figures from her past have descended on her home town increasing her self doubt and reducing her confidence in her newly discovered abilities both as an investigator and a seer.

Book three in Lauren Elliott's Crystals and CuriosiTEAS Mystery Series ups the adventure, excitement, and danger levels, making for a page turning story, which may very well reach its crescendo in book four! The storyline was great, and I thoroughly enjoyed the way Shay's dilemmas were laid out for the reader. Now I just need to know what happens next!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing/Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This has set everything up nicely while still being a very enjoyable read.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I will start by saying I haven’t actually read any other books in this series, but usual for a cozy that doesn’t really matter. It did matter for sure this time! I was so confused the entire time by what relationship each character had to one another and the whole magic system set up. So fair warning, going in blind is not recommended!

The actual mystery was fine, and the killer was actually who I suspected, which is always nice. It just felt a little plodding at times, and weighed down by Shay’s emotional outbursts and the unrequited love situation. I still had a good time, just not a great time. I’d still recommend this one, especially if you’ve read the rest of the series.

Three stars.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

"A Spirited Blend (A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery #3)" by Lauren Elliott has Shay getting ready to serve a special Halloween themed tea at the local Halloween festival and in a rivalry with her ex friend turned business competition. Really, can this girl not catch a break with people trying to take advantage of her. Her ex-husband and his new wife (her ex-bff) are also moving in next door to her.

So, the culprit in this one wasn't actually fully sus'd out. Yes, we got the culprit that was there with the victim but really what they gave her wasn't ultimately what killed her. Someone else gave her what really did her in. Yes, there is a really strong suspect for who that was but it wasn't fully revealed or explained why.

Also, back to Shay's ex situation. Why? Other than to add yet more drama between the books on top of her possible bio-daddy issues. There's a LOT of drama going on at once. It's a bit overstimulating and none of it really solved in this particular book. I really hope that one of the major bad dramas is over for her in the next book. She at least had a (hopefully) good drama come to a conclusion.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Spirited Blend
by Lauren Elliott is a great paranormal cozy mystery that is the the third book in the A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery series.

I’ve enjoyed this series so far, and am finally getting the vibe of Shay and her new home in Bray Harbor, California. She is still trying to find her way, her place, and sort out a lot of feelings in regard to family and new acquaintances.

A spooky Halloween theme fits well with the plot and strange murder/mystery that Shay gets roped into…and it all ends up being entertaining for sure.

Here’s to the next installment!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/25/25.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. Not. Enough. Magic. Though there WAS more than book 2, there still isn't as much as book 1 [which was a fantastic read and the best of the series so far].

2. SO. MUCH. WHINING. I often had to remind myself that Shay was an adult, a shop owner, homeowner, and NOT a silly 13-year old girl [and that is probably insulting to some 13-year old girls]. The whining, the swooning over a man [with the internal dialogue that she could not POSSIBLY ever be what he would want OR be good enough for him {<--though we DO find out why some of that occurs and so I can cut her some slack there} ]...I *thought* this was a mystery??

3. The mystery was very, very good [and fairly creepy at times]. Very well-written red herrings. I only guessed the who [though, in all honesty, I *JUST* figured out the why while writing this review. Sigh. ::FACEPALM::] just as we find out in the book and I was...surprised. the author was VERY good at making you think it is the most likely person, with the help from the shadowy bad guy and so when it is someone else, you are left with your mouth open, gaping at the reveal. *AHEM*. At least I was. LOL I also was very surprised at how lenient everyone was towards the baddie after the reveal - that was very weird and I am not sure why everyone was so...forgiving?

4. Did I mention that there was not nearly enough magic?

5. There was some very cool information about plants, poisonous plants, and fairy circles/rings. I wish there had been more of that along with more magic. Since Shay runs a tea shop [that focuses on special blends she grows herself] and all. ::SHRUG::

Overall, this was just an okay read for me; I think I will continue with this series though because I 1. have hope, and 2. I *KNOW* how amazing this series can be [book 1 proves that, along with the good parts of this book. It is clear the author knows how to write a good mystery] and I can cross my fingers that the next one will be that again.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Elliot, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Caitlin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series. The writing is great, the story line is great, the characters are great....it's just overall great. A Spirited Blend is the third in the series. The first in the series was my favoite and this one was a close second.

There are so many twist and turns. We see the re-emergence of Shay's evil ex husband. Also, Shay's tea shop may be at risk. Ever since Madame Vadivina opened her shop. There isn't too too much about tea in this one, but it was mentioned. One thing I don't understand is how Shay can manage a shop when she is always out sleuthing. Who is watching the shop? That was the only thing that bothered me. Otherwise, I was pleased with the ending and I am really looking forward to seeing what the next book brings.

Thank you to Net Galley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Lauren Elliott's book #3 in the A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series. Was it my favorite? I have to honestly say that it wasn’t. It had an interesting mystery; the characters are always fun and likable, at the ones readers care about. But in this book, I really couldn’t pin down any single character that I was excited about. I felt the wrong character was the victim, and the killer was just a little too easy to figure out. I like this series and look forward to the next book.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so easy to jump into as someone new to the series and the writing swept you into the drama and the cozy setting right away. The MC is thinking about her love life, her business, and the dramatic reveals about her past. Oh yeah and the magic! I love how her reveries gave such an easy and interesting recap for readers and really set the scene for the events in this book. The threat of the murder and Doyle hanging over Shay made me feel so bad for her as she also tries to make her tea shop succeed. With the help from her friends, the second half moves quickly with visions and clues and I enjoyed how people helped her and she opened up more to people. The ending was dramatic and had me on the edge of my seat. I hope Shay can keep some of the happiness she found (big heart eyes) into the next book!

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

[Cassandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 I listened to the audio book which I did not hate. The voice actor did a pretty good accent so that was enjoyable. I like the magical aspect quite a bit, it is very front and center which I enjoyed. The mystery was not bad either just wasn't a surprise in the end. I think i would have enjoyed this more if it wasn't the audio book, I will add this series to my tbr list but wait for the book next time.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cozy, seaside town atmosphere is, once again, missing in Shay's life. It's always fun to try and try to do your own investigation while reading the book. Thankfully she has a great support group to get her through the stressful times. There's still some unresolved issues but, most of the drama seems to be taken care of, for now.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author’s Beyond the Page series, so I was excited for this. This is my favorite in the series so far. There’s a mystery to solve but it also has a continuation of things that started in book 1. I love how it’s all connected. It was so much fun reading it while it was all unraveling. The characters are wonderful. The ending was exactly what needed to happen. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-copy in exchange for a review.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

best one yet

I so love this series. It gets better every book! Finally things are all coming together the way I hoped. Please keep them coming.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit slow to get going but that may be that I had not read the first 2 books in the series. This may also be the reason that there are some things I don't understand.

First, I appreciate that the author gave us enough clues that the reader could solve the mystery. I felt both mystery and romance were valid and not a "that would never happen" part of the story that just had to be allowed. Although, only reading this one book, I need to dig deeper to see if my thoughts of their family relations are correct.

Mystery good, story engaging.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 3 out of 5]

#ASpiritedBlend #NetGalley is another adventure in this cozy mystery series.
Shay is an interesting character and although I like this series very much, I had a difficult time getting into the book.
I'm not sure why I struggled with the story, but unfortunately it happens.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Shay Myers began her day, she didn't expect pub owner (and secret crush) Liam Madigan to come running to her for advice on his love life (again). In fact, she's so tired of it she sends him away, but he thinks she's just having a bad day and will get over it. But it's not the day that has her bothered. It's the visions she's been having. And when a local citizen steps in for a tea reading, Shay can't believe what she sees -- or hears. The woman thinks they might be related, even though Shay tells her it's not really possible. But the woman persists, and shows Shay an object she found among her mother's possessions. Not able to completely convince her, Shay sends her off, and then worries about what she's seen in the tea leaves. Asking the help of Liam's wise Irish Gram, she fears the worst.

But then her ex-husband and his new wife appear in town, telling her they've bought a local winery that was for sale. As if things couldn't get worse, she finds they do. A friend-turned-enemy has opened a rival shop, and someone else shows up, who's willing to do her harm. Now, with visions that only spell possible doom, how can she find the truth? Then someone is murdered nearby, and she's not sure if even Gram can help her with this one...

This is the third entry in this series, and I do believe it is the best one yet. While I have loved this author's other series as well, I am tending to love this one even more. I am so over tales of witches, vampires, and werewolves; but a series about a seer is indeed unique, and the story line behind all this makes it believable as well.

Shay didn't always know she was one; she discovered it after her return to Bray Harbor when her marriage and life fell apart. In this book she is beginning to understand more, not only about herself, but also having ideas, with the help of Liam, of what happened to her before (I cannot say more as it will give away too much of the book). Suffice it to say, it gives an opening for future books, and also gives us a glimpse of Shay's past, not counting her Irish heritage.

Finding a killer isn't going to be easy, especially once she learns her nemesis has arrived in town, and the fact that her now-enemy might be involved. It's good she has Spirit to protect her, she needs him more than ever. There is plenty going on here, not only with Halloween, but with Shay trying to keep her business open, trying to figure out what is going on with her ex, and, of course, trying to find a killer.

The ending is surprising, which is how it should be; the climax is stirring, but nevertheless a tad sad. Yet there is more to come, and I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

[June Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

How would you like to discover you had magical powers as a full-grown adult? Let me rephrase that. How would you like to be a witch but with no real knowledge or control over your supposed powers? That's the situation in which Shay Myers finds herself. You have powers that can change lives, yours included, but no idea how to utilize them safely. Although she has had some time over the course of the series to learn certain skills, it certainly hasn't changed her life for the better. So much for all that simple twitch of the nose and all is well stuff with Samantha in "Bewitched".

In fact, her magic has made her life, if anything, more complicated and, yes, dangerous. Like, who are these people who keep showing up claiming a possible relationship to her family? Just as troubling, why is her former husband in town? What is he up to with his new wife? Why is Shay so spooked when a woman shows up claiming kinship? Surely it isn't a good omen for Shay that the woman later turns up dead, her body arranged in a ritualistic way? What's going on with the former supposed friend now in such a nasty competition with Shay's shop? Toss in the erratic relationship Shay has with Liam, who really annoyed me most of this go-round, and Shay has a great deal to deal with. Never mind that Liam's Gran keeps reassuring her things will work out. Shay obviously isn't a super patient person, especially since Liam keeps coming to Shay asking for romantic advice for his interest in other women. Oh, grrr....

On the plus side, Gran and Shay's spirit dog, well, Spirit, have her back as does, when push comes to shove, Liam. Hang on for that cliff-hanger of a life changing event near the end. The characters, even some of those that might annoy you early on, are well-developed and seem to mesh well, making you root for Shay all the more. Despite me frequent annoyance at Liam, just way too much venting over him this go-round, hence the 4.5 stars rounded up, I fully enjoyed the read. Shay's own self-doubts make her all the more human, making it all the easier to root for her. There's even bits of good ol' fashioned Irish folklore/myth for good measure, making for an intriguing read. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing - #KensingtonCozies for the magical early virtual peek at Shay's world. I'm looking forward to seeing where that ending is going to take us next visit.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three of the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series starts with multiple mysteries including the threat of Shay’s father, Doyle, being seen in town and the machinations of the false friend, Madame Malvina, putting Shay, Liam, and his cousin Conor on the offensive. At the center of the story is Cora Sutton, the Mayor’s wife, who learns that she and Shay share an ancestor from Ireland, Biddy Early. Biddy was known as a healer and the owner of a magical blue bottle that disappeared when Biddy died. Against Shay’s advice, Cora tells anyone and everyone and her family tree, even hinting that she may even have the mysterious and mythical blue bottle. The very bottle that contains the blue diamond which is secretly hanging around Shay’s neck and acts to amplify and focus Shay’s abilities. Shay does a tea reading that shows misfortune on the horizon. Surely Doyle is responsible for the death. If not him, then Madame Malvina has to have had a hand in it.



Shay is learning to trust her abilities but alas, it did not prepare her for the new neighbors, Brad, her no good, cheating, thief of an ex-husband and his wife, Shay’s ex-friend, Angela, the assistant who stole her husband, money, and reputation. So, mystery number two causing Shay angst is trying to figure out why on earth would those two move from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Bray Harbor, California and move in right next to Shay.


The last mystery of this book is trying to figure out why and how former San Francisco detective Liam is as thick as a 4x4 plank of wood, just ask his Irish Gran. Shay is so well written that I have felt the frustration right along with her as Liam “parades” woman after woman past her and even has the numbskull nerve to ask her for dating advice. ARGGGGGGG.


Once again, Lauren Elliott has crafted a wonderful cozy that has a touch of magic, a slow burn romance, wonderful character growth, a tea house, a furry and Spirited friend, and a bit of folklore. I was captivated by the ups and downs and completely thrown off by the red herrings. Tassi seems to be developing a bit of intuition, perhaps this will be developed as well. While this is a stand-alone and part of an overall story, there is plenty of plot development and shared history. This story arc is far from over and I cannot wait to see what Ms. Elliott brings us next.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spirited Blend by Lauren Elliot is a mystery with a touch of magic. Truthfully, I have always had trouble getting into this story. Shay Myers own a teahouse, Crystals and CuriosiTEAS which she has inherited from her birth mother. She worked there with her adoptive sister, Jen as they brewed their own teas and sold baked goods made by Tassi, the daughter of a friend who had become one of Shay’s good friends. It was Halloween weekend and there was a festival, and to be honest, Shay was not looking forward to it. Madame Malvina, who had pretended to be Shay’s friend, had opened a rival teashop and things were not good between them. Amongst the things Shay had inherited from her mother was a small blue bottle with a magic blue diamond inside. Shay wore it around her neck. Lots of people wanted it, including Malvina. Liam was underfoot, asking her about yet another potential girlfriend and Shay was done with that, too, and told him to get out and not return. It all got complicated when her ex-husband and his new wife turned up, announcing they had bought a vineyard and would be moving here. There’s a lot of backstory there. Let’s just say, Shay was not happy.

Shay had a small cadre of friends to help her investigate and they are some of the high points of the novel. Her grandmother, in particular, an elderly Irish woman who never minces words is particularly entertaining. The setting is gorgeous, much of it at or near the beach, and the touch of magic is entertaining, except for how many people are after it, which always causes trouble. Shay is a good character, simply trying to move forward and learn as much as she can from her dead mother’s journals and not run her business into the ground. The woman had been an expert herbalist and brewer of teas, as well has possessing magic. The plot is good and the pacing works. I have high hopes for the future of this series.

I was invited to read A Spirited Blend by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #LaurenElliott #ASpiritedBlend

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Spirited Blend is the 3rd book in Lauren Elliott's A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery series and it is a good addition to this paranormal series. The characters are likable and although I suspected the culprit I wasn't sure. Shay Myers owns a tea shop and is a Seer with a magical blue pendant. It is almost Halloween in Bray Harbor, CA and the locals are looking forward to the festivities including the Monster Mash Dance. Shay's romantic interest Liam is taking someone else and she is upset about it. Shay does a reading for a local and there are dark visions in the tea leaves. The local ends up dead and is found in a ritual pose. Shay wonders if Madam Malvina, a local competitor and fake tea leaf reader, is involved. Shay believes someone wants her magical pendant and is willing to kill to get it. On top of all of that, her ex-husband and his new wife move to town and are causing trouble and someone from her past is in town creating havoc. There is a lot going on in this book and it starts off with several story lines (some carried forward and some new) and a quick build to pull the reader in. Shay takes a few questionable chances going places by herself or with her special dog Spirit but it is truly a cozy paranormal mystery (not too suspenseful overall). Gran, Liam, her friend Tassi, her sister Jen and Jen's husband Dean who is a Police Detective, are all wonderful characters. There are a lot of secrets and revelations. I enjoyed this paranormal cozy mystery and I am glad some of the story lines were resolved (but not all of them). I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy for free and I voluntarily leave this review.
#ASpiritedBlend #ACrystals&CuriosiTEASMystery #BlackstonePublishing #LaurenElliott

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lauren Elliott is a favorite author of mine and A Spirited Blend is a delightful read. This is the third addition to this paranormal series. Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Shay Myers is our intrepid protagonist who owns a tea shop and is a Seer. She reads tea leaves for customers. One of her quirky customers is the mayors wife who request a tea reading then goes to a fake seer in town who tricks her. She ends up murdered and Shay is on the case. Her relationship with Liam is not progressing but his Grandmother is still trying to tie them together. When her ex-husband and his new wife move to town Shay is shocked when she finds out they are involved somehow with the fake seer. Her ex husband had drugged her and destroyed her reputation when they were married so Shay is suspicious why they are back in town. She soon sees they are involved with the fake seer. As the intrigue grows Shay is involved working together with Liam trying to discover who murdered the mayors wife and what part others played in her death. The primary suspect is her possible Father who is a evil force now back in town. He wants a enchanted diamond that Shay wears and is historically magical. Her loyal dog Spirit is her devoted companion and watches over her guiding her in her investigations. The character of Liams Gran is delightful and a fun addition to this series as the person Shay goes to for advice.

This was a exciting addition with much to keep the reader turning pages. I loved the characters, the setting of the coastal village and the sleuth. Very well done mystery and great addition to this fun cozy series.