Matcha Murder

Tea and Tarot #9

by Kirsten Weiss

Murder’s brewing...

Abigail will have to read between the leaves before she’s the next ingredient in a deadly draught.

A storm’s raging over the California coast. Abigail’s boyfriend has gone AWOL. And her most annoying acquaintance is the prime suspect in a business coach’s murder.

Abigail and her quirky Tarot-reading partner, Hyperion, will have to sift through a whirlwind of lies to crack this twisty crime. But the power’s flickering, and emotions are boiling. Can they decipher the murderer's bitter blend before it's too late, or will this be their final cup?

Join this detecting duo in unraveling the mystery of Matcha Murder.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

250 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2025

About the author

Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries. Her heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.

She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…

Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com

Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.

Reviews

[Kirsten Weiss]

Huzzah! The latest Tea and Tarot history is finally here!

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This book is so much more than a charming cosy mystery, with a big storm hitting
the California coastline, it's also a rollercoaster ride. I am normally all about the mystery but the author certainly caught my imagination with this book and the storm and mystery were so well intertwined that you couldn't tell when one stoped and the other started. The mystery was good and despite running a tea and tarot tea room while battling a storm there was still plenty of time to investigate, often with humour involved. The tarot readings doesn't play a very big part in this story, so if that is not your thing don't let it out you off reading a good book.. The loved the characters, the relationship and mayhem between them all. With so much going on in this book, this has jumped to my favourite in the series so far. It is hard to imagine how the author can top it but if there is an author that can this is the one that can. Looking forward to the next book.
With the storm of the century hitting the California coastline, Abigail greatest fear is for her tea and Tarot team room. That is until the police barges in to question one of her customers on the suspicion of murder. The business guru looks like he might have been killed by one of his clients but which one? And does Abigail really won't to prove the police's main suspect is innocent? The storm won't put Abigail and Hyperion off finding a killer, especially when a body is found in Abigail's own backyard. They might just have to battle the elements to do it.
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Ale · Rating 4 out of 5]

ITA
Non conoscevo questa autrice. Kirsten Weis ha al suo attivo 61 titoli: complimenti! La maggior parte di questi sono serie.
“Matcha Murder” è il nono volume della serie “Tea and Tarot Mysteries" con protagonista Abigail (spero ci sia sempre stato anche Hyperion), gli altri titoli della serie sono “Steeped in Murder”, “Hostage to Fortune”, “Oolong, Farewell”, “Never Say Chai”, Gingerbread Dead”, “The Sword in the Scone”, “The Mysteries of Tarot” e “Darjeeling Dead” (titoli stupendi!).
Il volume che sarà successivo a questo si chiama “Séance and Sensibility”.
La vicenda di questo libro si svolge durante un forte tornado che colpisce la California. Verbena, una delle clienti abituali (e la più fastidiosa, nelle recensioni si firma come “tea Witch”, adorabile) è accusata di aver ucciso tale Falkner Fiore di professione “Spiritual Business Coach”.
Anche se Abigail non è direttamente implicata, non si fa gli affari suoi, e, insieme a Hyperion, indaga sulla morte di questo Fiore.
Ho cominciato da questo volume per cui non conoscevo i personaggi e la prima cosa che ho trovato particolare è la scelta dei nomi, scoprendo poi che la scrittrice ha tante serie penso sia necessario.
La storia è carina, un po’ troppo stratificata a volte per i miei gusti, ma in modo non significativo per la storia in sé. Il libro non è troppo serio e ci sono personaggi e vicende estremamente divertenti: il lessico di Hyperion (a quando ho capito è un fan di Lovecraft), il fatto che è un casinista e ha il ragazzo germofobico, oppure la Amphicar che il meccanico offre a Abigail come macchina sostitutiva. Il detective Baranko (ci vuole sempre un detective) è un altro personaggio “pittoresco”.
A fine libro ci sono ricette di scones, citati più volte nella storia.
Consiglio questo libro e vi devo dire che mi piacerebbe partire dal primo libro della serie.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita di questo libro tramite Booksprout e sto volontariamente lasciando una recensione.

ENG
I was not familiar with this author. Kirsten Weis has 61 titles to her credit: congratulations! Most of these are series.
“Matcha Murder” is the ninth volume in the ”Tea and Tarot Mysteries” series starring Abigail (I hope there has always been Hyperion as well). The other titles in the series are ”Steeped in Murder,” ”Hostage to Fortune,” ”Oolong, Farewell,” ”Never Say Chai,” ”Gingerbread Dead,” ”The Sword in the Scone,” ”The Mysteries of Tarot,” and ”Darjeeling Dead” (wonderful titles!).
The volume that will follow this one is called “Séance and Sensibility.”
The story of this book takes place during a severe tornado that hits California. Verbena, one of the regulars (and the most annoying, in the reviews she signs herself as “tea Witch,” adorable), is accused of killing such a Falkner Fiore by profession “Spiritual Business Coach.”
Abigail is not directly implicated, but since she doesn't mind her own business, together with Hyperion, she investigates Fiore's death.
I started from this volume of the series, so I did not know the characters, and the first thing I found peculiar was the choice of names, finding out later that the writer has many series; I think it is necessary.
The story is cute, a little too layered at times for my taste, but in a way not significant to the story itself. The book is not too serious, and there are extremely funny characters and events: Hyperion's vocabulary (as I understand it, he is a Lovecraft fan), the fact that he is a screw-up and has the germaphobic boyfriend, or the Amphicar that the mechanic offers Abigail as a replacement car. Detective Baranko (it always takes a detective) is another “colorful” character.
At the end of the book, there are recipes for scones, mentioned several times in the story.
I recommend this book, and I must tell you that I would like to start with the first book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[A Look Inside: Reviews and Interviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kirsten Weiss serves up another delightful mystery in Matcha Murder, a charming and twist-filled addition to her cozy mystery repertoire. This installment follows tearoom owner Abigail as she finds herself embroiled in a storm—both literally and figuratively—when a murder shatters the tranquility of her small California coastal town. With her boyfriend mysteriously missing and an irritating acquaintance under suspicion, Abigail must rely on her sharp instincts and her ever-eccentric business partner, Hyperion, to brew up the truth before she becomes the next victim.

Weiss delivers a well-structured and engaging mystery, weaving a tangled web of deception, red herrings, and intrigue. The plot moves at a steady pace, balancing moments of tension with the cozy charm that fans of the genre adore. The stormy backdrop adds a layer of urgency, creating an almost gothic atmosphere that enhances the stakes. While the central murder mystery is compelling, the subplot involving Abigail’s missing boyfriend provides an additional layer of suspense, making for a multi-faceted and immersive read.

Abigail is a delightful protagonist—intelligent, resourceful, and just the right amount of skeptical. She’s the kind of amateur sleuth who feels relatable, making her struggles and triumphs all the more engaging. Hyperion, her Tarot-reading partner, is a standout character who adds humor, mysticism, and an unconventional approach to sleuthing. Their dynamic is entertaining and refreshing, with Hyperion’s eccentricities balancing Abigail’s more grounded personality. The side characters, including suspects and townsfolk, are well-drawn and add to the story’s charm, even when some of them are as suspicious as they are amusing.

Weiss has a knack for creating vivid settings, and the storm-ravaged coastal town is no exception. The sense of isolation, paired with the flickering power and heightened emotions, adds an air of suspense that sets Matcha Murder apart from lighter cozy mysteries. Fans of culinary cozies will appreciate the tea-centric setting, as well as the clever ways Weiss integrates Abigail’s tearoom into the plot.

Matcha Murder is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries who enjoy a blend of humor, quirky characters, and an atmospheric setting. Weiss strikes the perfect balance between charm and suspense, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Abigail’s adventures or new to her tearoom investigations, this book will leave you craving another cup—both of tea and of Weiss’s clever storytelling.

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

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murders Abound . . .

Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion Night, who reads tarot cards but is not psychic, will soon be lured to an investigation of a murder during a violent storm that sets the tone perfectly for the reader to shiver as we follow them. Picture shadows surrounding you, the sound of the relentless storm drowning out all other sounds, while the lights are flickering and a killer is on the loose. Absolutely perfect! The rain has been pounding the roof of Beanblossom’s Tea and Tarot for 5 days in a row. Verbena Pillbrow, an annoying tea witch, told Abigail she needed to do something about the water splashing up from cars or her tearoom would flood. Abigail rolled her eyes at the comment, and assured her more sandbags were on the way. Verbena lectured her again about tea as she deliberately waited for a refill only from Abigail instead of asking the manager waiting behind the counter right in front of her who provided the refills. Abigail’s boyfriend Brik arrived, which was the first good thing to happen today! He had been adding sandbags to the back parking lot, but it wasn’t looking much better. Since Hyperion was hiding in his office from Verbena, Brik decided to drag him out to help with the sandbags out front.

Suddenly the door flew open as Detective Baranko stroke in, leaving the door open and rain pouring in. He approached Verbena and told her he wanted her at the station to answer questions about a spiritual business coach named Falkner Fiore… but she refused, which is not an option when someone had just been murdered and you are the suspect! And when Hyperion heard what happened, he quickly talked Abigail out of wanting to pursue this mystery. She had to admit that the tearoom had a comfortable peaceful flow without Verbena’s presence. At least until Verbena phoned Abigail to demand she get her out of jail immediately! How would Abigail have guessed she was just rudely demanding a ride home! Before Abigail caught up to her, she had already seated herself in the car as Abigail had foolishly not locked the doors. Not only has she not gotten rid of her biggest annoyance, but Abigail and Hyperion really do need to go after the killer, especially when the apothecary shop owner Anna Ogawa’s dead body is found curled against a collapsing fence in the backyard of the home Abigail rents from Tomas -- with Abigail’s shovel beside her! (You will love how Baranko gets all the clues messed up…) You won’t want to miss this one!!

[Rebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve been following the Tearoom Mysteries series like I have, you’re going to love Matcha Murder! As someone who enjoys cozy mysteries with quirky characters and a dash of humor, this book hits all the right notes. In Matcha Murder, Abigail and her eccentric tarot-reading sidekick, Hyperion, are back in action, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

Right from the start, I was hooked. A storm’s raging, Abigail’s boyfriend is MIA, and her most annoying acquaintance is suddenly the prime suspect in a murder—what could go wrong? What I love about Abigail is her calm under pressure. She’s sharp, determined, and refuses to let anyone close to her get tangled up in a crime without her getting involved. But what really made this mystery stand out for me was how the dynamic between Abigail and Hyperion keeps the story light-hearted, even in the face of danger.

The mystery itself was so much fun to unravel! With a steady stream of unexpected twists, I found myself turning pages faster than I should’ve (and maybe even staying up a little too late to finish!). And, of course, there’s a whole cast of suspects that kept me guessing right until the final reveal. The whole "whodunit" was perfectly crafted, and I truly didn’t see the ending coming.

Plus, I’m a sucker for cozy settings, and Abigail’s tearoom always makes me want to grab a cup of tea and sit down for a chat with the characters. I was especially excited to see that Matcha Murder includes recipes for Cherry Lemonade, Birthday Cake, and Matcha Almond Scones. I can practically taste the deliciousness while I read!

If you love cozy mysteries that blend quirky characters, suspenseful twists, and a bit of humor, this book is definitely for you. I couldn’t help but enjoy every moment of this lighthearted yet suspenseful mystery. Can't wait to see where the next adventure takes Abigail and Hyperion!.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Storm of the Century is battering the California coast, and San Borromeo is caught in its grip. When murder rocks the spiritualism community, Abigail and Hyperion are called upon to sleuth. The main suspect, self proclaimed tea witch Verbena, may be a thorn in the side of Beanblossom’s Tea and Tarot, but she doesn’t deserve to go to jail on false accusations. Between the danger of landslides, trees falling, and rising waters, Abi and Hyperion have more than just a desperate killer to worry about. With a second murder hitting a little too close for comfort, has Abigail’s snooping become her undoing?

The backdrop of the intense storm ratchets up the intensity of this twisty mystery from Kirsten Weiss. You can practically feel the wind blowing and sea spray as you battle the elements with our heroes. With her trademark humor and puzzling plot, Ms. Weiss keeps the pages turning to find out who done it. While the 9th installment in the Tea and Tarot series, the book can be enjoyed by newcomers as well as longtime fans. With some intriguing new characters added into the mix, particularly Jude, this series continues to delight.

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

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I asked for and received a review copy from BookSprout and I also pre-ordered this book. This is one of my absolute favorite series and in the top ten [if not higher] favorite author.
The premise of a tea room along with tarot readers as a partnership and the two partners find themselves involved in investigations. This time it's during the worst torrential rain in California, so they have the shop to worry about as well as the suspicious deaths and the mysterious woman that needs assistance.
This is another series that has the best irritating characters that the main character has to put up with. When I want to reach in and smack the irritating character upside the head and hug the main character for having to put up with their antics, those are well-crafted characters.
This one was a wee bit more intense but not anxiety inducing. I love the action and the dialogue and the intricate weaving of the clues.
I can absolutely recommend this book, series and author.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s all in the leaves and murder is brewing …Abigail’s beau has gone missing and she has a case ,no not missing person’s but she is in a race because a business coach has met their demise so now it’s up to the cunning guise and wit to solve the murder ,with a bit of spilled tea they can solve any mystery. Just steep and see… Abigail and her tarot reading friend Hyperion are on track to solve before it’s too late deciphering the murderer’s bitter blend and see it through to the end.The California coastline is where this mystery is set . Abigail and her tea room .There’s a storm brewing outside as well as the tea room being steeped in suspense, when the police make a beeline for one of her patrons ,accusing them of murder….Thats why the duo step in to the fray ,to stop the dismay. Great writing and the storytelling .

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good mystery. Ok, we have a dead person and Abigal and Hyberion have to solve who did it. But with the storms and water every where things get really complicated. There is an exciting point when the pier was collapsing and a lot of folks are in the water while the ocean comes on Main street. You could feel the tension while they are holding on. Then we have another moment when Katy pops up and threatens Abigal and again still fighting with the ocean coming down the block and it gets exciting on what will happen - will Abigal surive. But another character pops up who has a lot of past problems. But in a way she comes to Abigal's rescue. This will hold your attention and have your heart pumping when things get really rough. You will enjoy it.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Santa Borromeo and much of the California coast is being battered by a lengthy storm, and rising waters are threatening to wash out or flood much of the town. Even the cemetery has suffered to the extent that a coffin rushes past Beanbottom Tea and Tarot. To make matters worse, Abigail, Hyperion, and Brit are trying to solve a murder while stacking sandbags and serving tea and scones.
So many interesting characters!
When Abbie’s car is damaged because of the storm, her mechanic gives her an amphibious vehicle as a loaner! What a fantastic and fun idea! I laughed out loud at the names Abby called the car!
As always the plot draws me in and so many possibilities leaves me racing to the end. This was a terrific story in this marvelous series!

[Valeri Sullivan (vsulvn29) · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘The odds of things going wrong were close to a hundred percent’

In the latest Tea and Tarot mystery there’s a new villain in town and it’s called rain. More accurately a storm of the century monster that’s washing away everything in it’s path. And when you think that’s bad enough, Abigail can’t suppress her inner amateur detective when the local busybody that drives her insane, is escorted out of the tea room under suspicion for murder. Throw in some harrowing trips to investigate and an unlikely hero in the end...it all adds up to an amazingly good read. Bravo!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is one of my favorites, this book is one you are not going to want to put down once you start reading it. Abigail and Hyperion at it again with their amateur detective work, this time in the middle of the storm of the century, which makes it all the more a page turner to read. There are a couple new characters I hope we might see more of, they are intriguing. Also there may be some yummy scone recipes at the end of the book I will be trying in the near future.

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

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matcha Murder: A Tearoom Murder Mystery is book 9 in the Tea and Tarot Cozy Mysteries series by Kirsten Weiss.

I really enjoyed this visit to San Borromeo and Beanblossom’s Tea and Tarot shop. It is massive storm is raging. Abigail’s boyfriend, Brik, is missing. And there’s a murder where the suspect is an annoying person, but Abigail and Hyperion still investigate. The bad weather added another level of intensity to the story. This was a wonderful escape from reality for a few hours.

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

[Michelle Cornish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful instalment in the Tea and Tarot series, Matcha Murder is filled with suspense, quirky characters, and charming wit. The story plunges readers right into the action as Hyperion and Abigail navigate a maze of deception and danger in their quest to unmask a killer. With the lights flickering and the clock ticking, the stakes never drop, ensuring that every page is brimming with intrigue. The storm that rages throughout the book added an extra level of atmospheric tension!

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cat’s Stats
Detective- Abigail Beanblossom, tearoom owner
Love Interest- Brik, a contractor
Sidekick- Hyperion Night, business partner and tarot reader
Victim- Falkner Fiore, Spiritual Business Coach
Suspect- Verbena Pillbrow, witch and local annoyance
Mewsings
I like the world building in this. The tearoom and the magical community have depth and detail. And the character names are fun.

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

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is part of a series but I didn't realize it when I picked it up. It wasn't hard to jump in on this one. I really enjoyed the mystical mixing with the normal worlds. The coffee/ tarot reading shop sounds like a cool place to go. I enjoyed the writing. I've read other things by this author I'm have not been disappointed.

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

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I feel like a dunce because I didn't realize this was book 9. I will have to go back and read the other 8 because this is a great book. I am definitely intrigued by the rest of the series. I absolutely love the characters. Although I'm surprised no one has .....gotten....Verbana. she's something else. This book has definitely jumped into a favorite category.

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

[Katherine Daugherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful book in the Tea and Tarot Mystery series. I was laughing out loud on page 2. There was a lot going on in this book with the addition of a ginormous storm; definitely raised my heart rate at times. I liked the mystery and the new characters. I think Abigail's character is sweet and relatable.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was the interesting seeing Abby confronting ghosts from her past, as she was cooung with present dangers.

The coastal storm wreaks significant impact on her sleepy village.

it's interesting to watch how a diverse bunch of folks deal with murder, mayhem and harrowing storms. romance and family issues play significant roles in this intense and fun to read drama.

[Car · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was in captivating. It kept my attention and suspense. I was kept guessing till the end. With all the tea references you could imagine, it was an absolutely steeping experience. It even includes recipes in the back.

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

[Mimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail and Hyperion are back at it again. Abigail is a tea and tarot room owner in this series and a huge storm is making its way through her town. To top it off they have a few mysterious deaths and red herrings to also deal with. The author set the book, atmosphere, and storyline very nicely and I couldn't put it down. I missed a few in this series but looking forward to reading more.

[Anteia Consorto · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books get better with each new installment. Book 9 provides twists and turns, multiple mysteries going at once, humor and delightful characters. There's a storm raging, adding to the intensity and urgency felt by the characters. Weiss's descriptions put the reader right in the middle of the action.
I couldn't put the book down and can't wait for the next book!.

[Nichole Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matcha Murder is a charming book. It has lots of action and a few nail-biting moments. It is clean mystery novel. I really enjoyed it, and looking forward to the next one!.

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

[Barbara Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Allow a day for this laugh-out-loud contemporary possibly-paranormal small-town cozy murder mystery in San Borromeo, California in January 2025.

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

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Cherry Lemonade, Birthday Cake, and Matcha Almond Scone recipes in the back of the book just makes it all that much better. Cute, charming and fun characters and plot. While suspenseful it still had portions of laugh out loud funny.

[Sophie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not like this story. The characters were interesting but the story line bored me. I could not get past three chapters.

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

[Jennifer Laird-Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail and Hyperion are on a another murder mystery amid horrible weather. Good book with interesting characters. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend it.

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

[T.I. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. I got pulled in right from the start. The characters and storyline are so good. Very entertaining. Totally worth the read.