Teacups and Tequila

Antiques and Drinks #1.5

by K.C. Bellinger

Police officer, Dawn Julio, takes her job seriously even though she’s dead. Dedicated to her badge, she has sworn to serve and protect. So, when her living partner, Tom Collins, requests her help, she agrees to babysit his girlfriend’s apparition, the ghost of Chester Shirley. He begs Dawn to walk through her unsolved homicide case. Can the two put the pieces together, or will her death remain a Halloween murder mystery? This story is also available in Kindle Vella.

Genres: Fantasy

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2024

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working Together . . .

Let me start by saying the book cover is absolutely adorable, especially as we head toward Halloween! Our main character is Dawn Julio, a deceased police officer who sticks around the Manhattan Police Station to help her human partner, Tom Collins. Tom is able to see ghosts, which is very helpful. Dawn had always taken her job very seriously and continues to honor her badge even in death. When Tom asks her to work with another ghost, the annoying Chester Shirley who died in the 1940’s, it definitely is not fun for Dawn. Chester is anything but “serious”, dancing on top of the desk and twirling in crazy circles, draining energy from the building to power himself up, and encouraging her to join him. When she finally got him to stop, he turned to ask her who had killed her. She didn’t know, and until she took care of her “unfinished business”, she would not be moving on and would remain earthbound. Will Dawn be able to work with Chester to solve the murder? Or will his antics force her to walk away as his crazy behavior keeps draining her own power and causing the lights in the building to burst?

There is plenty of humor in this storyline, but Chester drove me crazy too! He sort of grates on my nerves very quickly. But if you’re curious where this story takes them, grab a copy, paste a smile on your face, and see if you make it to the end!

[Nashville Book Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read that gives some back story to the characters introduced in the previous book (which I haven't read). Knowing the previous story would have enhanced the book, but didn't take away from the fun interactions between the ghosts in this story. I definitely would go back to read more from this author.

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

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a favor to her partner, Tom, Dawn agrees to watch over mischievous Chester for a night. A serious by the book police officer, Dawn has little patience for the irrepressible Chester. To pass the time, Dawn tells Chester about an unsolved mystery in her past. Will walking through the case again lead to new answers? And will those answers change Dawn’s situation?

This quick read is a side story in KC Bellinger’s Antiques and Drinks series, featuring two ghost characters. Readers of the previous books are well acquainted with these two and will appreciate the added insight into Dawn’s history. However, you need not be familiar with the series to enjoy this story. Both Dawn and Chester are fully formed characters and are endearing and relatable despite being dead. Opposites in demeanor and personality, the relationship between these two rings true with Dawn exasperated with Chester throughout. The story is both funny and tragic, as Dawn comes to the truth about her death.

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

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. Of course, I was drawn to the cover with the pumpkins and it being spooky season! But I feel like starting chapter one felt like I missed a few chapters of the book. I usually go into books and even if they are part of a series and I didn't know it, it doesn't make me feel lost. But I feel like you have to with this book. I mean it feels like it is part of a series. The author put the long list of characters and who they are at the beginning and it is a bit overwhelming. I didn't feel attached to any of the characters. I feel like all of them are lacking character development. I don't know I just guess this one is not for me.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so awesome learning the truth behind Dawn’s death. I've read the first two books in the series and she's one of my faves because she can still help Tom on cases. I loved this little behind the scenes peek at what happened when Annie left her resident ghost behind for a quick trip she'd made. Chester's so hilarious and Dawn’s the perfect serious foil for him, but sometimes I could tell she wanted to crack up too!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I am glad that I chose this book. It is a fun and quick read. The characters were easy to enjoy. I loved the relationship between Tom Collins and Dawn Julio. Both had been partners on the police force. Even with Dawn having died, she is still working with her partner as a ghost. Good think that he can see ghosts. This is fun book. The book is written well and is easy to read. I look forward to more books by this author.

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

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a decade since Dawn died, and thanks to Chester's persistent urging, she finally understands how she ended up at the bottom of a set of stairs. When her partner, Tom, asks Dawn if she wishes to move on now that she knows the truth about her death, her response is a resounding no. This quick read is fun in some ways but also sad in others and ends with what could be a cliffhanger but not a HEA. Very highly recommended.

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

[Cottage_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is definitely a good, quick-read cozy mystery for Halloween.

Two quirky ghosts solving a mystery in a small town. The writing style flows and the pacing is quick, so I definitely enjoyed this short story.

The ending felt a little anticlimactic, but it is a sweet story that I would recommend if you are not looking for a heavy read this spooky season.

Thank you Booksprout for the ARC.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacups and Tequila is a short story that is a spinoff from the Antiques and Drinks series series by KC Bellinger.

This story explains how police officer, Dawn Julio, died and became Tom’s ghost partner. Dawn is watching ghost Chester and he has her explain her death, which was unsolved. I wasn’t expecting the ending. This was a fun, quick read.

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

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Teacups and Tequila part of the Antiques and Drinks series. A great short story to add for the Halloween season. Details of what happened to the cop. The story starts 10 years ago explaining the details with Chester. A great story to have a break from the long stories. I smiled and giggled a lot. I like Chester.

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

[isa ˚₊‧꒰ა ☆ ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ✨
Short and sweet novella of a cop ghost discovering who brought her to the afterlife.
It’s an interesting and funny premise. I’d love to read a whole series dedicated to something similar! The ending was not as predictable as I’d expected it to be for such a short novella. Screw Tom though. If I were murdered and someone had any details about it, I’d hate not to hear them. Just think of the tea-spilling session they could’ve had…
I’d definitely recommend reading, especially because it’s so short — you really can’t go wrong with it!.

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

[Marsha Asquith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broken teacup and George

A call to report a break in at an antique shop gets this story started. Officer Julio is ghost sitting Chester. He is in a talking mood and asked her how she died. She recounts the day from morning to the time of her death and still didn't know who killed her. She did however remember things she hadn't before. The suspense wasgood but not overly creepy. The twist did catch me off guard and was a surprise. Quick read with a good mystery.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teacups and Tequila is a cute, quick read with several eccentric characters that keep you entertained as you read. The storytelling web and working out the mystery of who (or what) killed Officer Julio was well-written and engaging. I thoroughly enjoyed this story!.

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

[Tanvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book. Short and sweet, but filled with mystery, and good characters.

The writing was great, and it was a page turner.

Definitely looking forward to other books in the series.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margarita Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julio and Tom are on a case where an antique store owner has some robbery and breaking and entry. Julio shares how she died after telling Chester about the case. A nice read.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked the retelling of Dawn's death and Tom revealing the cause of her death to her. It is good that they are still partners no matter what.

[Carla Zanghellini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helping ghosts! Very entertaining to read and relaxing. I love the author's writing style and how he lets you participate in the stories. It is definitely better to have read the first part first. If you like cozy crime novels, this is definitely a read and a pleasure

[Vanessa Sylvia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this short novella of the death of Julio, who is a ghost and friend to the crew. It was fun to read and left me ready for the next murder mystery.

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

[Margery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stand alone great read, even though it is in a series. An enjoyable page turner with unexpected twists and insight to the great characters. It pulls the reader into the story. An entertaining easy read.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 5 out of 5]

Case closed - Dawn tells overly excitable Chester about the day she died and finally gains peace in deducing the truth. A good shorty that is ten years in the making for Dawn.

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

[Sherry Priddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not big on short stories, but this is a spinoff from one that I enjoy. I am glad I went for it. Love the ghost.

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

[adeela_books ❁ཻུ۪۪ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I haven't read the other books in this series but it wasn't hard to follow or keep up with. it was cozy paranormal mystery novella that's perfect for the Autumn or Halloween season.
It was interesting and Chester brought the comedy aspect. So all in all a good enough novella.

[Mark Menard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tricks and Treats
Police officer, Dawn Julio, takes her job seriously even though she’s dead. Dedicated to her badge, she has sworn to serve and protect. So, when her living partner, Tom Collins, requests her help, she agrees to babysit his girlfriend’s apparition, the ghost of Chester Shirley. He begs Dawn to walk through her unsolved homicide case. Can the two put the pieces together, or will her death remain a Halloween murder mystery?
This was a fun story with lots of laughs from Chester. I enjoyed the concept of ghosts working with the police to solve crimes. A quick and enjoyable read perfect for a gloomy afternoon.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Krys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really really loved this Halloween paranormal book! I ended up binge reading this book I loved it so much ! Definitely recommend this gem!

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick and easy read. A short story spinoff. Partners in life and beyond. What a fun ghost story!.