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Tea by the Sea Mysteries #6
Tea with Jam & Dread
Cape Cod tearoom owner Lily Roberts leaves New England for old England to attend a party for an aristocratic centenarian—but what goes on there is anything but noble . . .
Long ago, Lily’s grandmother Rose worked as a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle, and now Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Frockmorton, is celebrating her 100th birthday. Rose still has fond feelings for her onetime employer, so a group trip to Yorkshire is planned. It’s also an opportunity for Lily to visit her boyfriend, who’s currently working in England—and to indulge in some British tea.
Much has changed, however, and the ancestral home is now a luxury hotel, which will be closed for a week to accommodate the big bash, much to the chagrin of Elizabeth’s grandson, Julien. Lily overhears an argument among the younger generation about the fate of the family fortune. Little do they know that Elizabeth plans to sell the famous Frockmorton Sapphires out of the family for the first time in centuries . . .
The icing on the cake comes when the jewels suddenly vanish—and things really go nuts when a party guest dies from an allergic reaction to almonds that someone smuggled into Lily’s coronation chicken sandwiches. Now she’ll have to scour the property to find out who would commit murder in such a manor . . .
Long ago, Lily’s grandmother Rose worked as a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle, and now Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Frockmorton, is celebrating her 100th birthday. Rose still has fond feelings for her onetime employer, so a group trip to Yorkshire is planned. It’s also an opportunity for Lily to visit her boyfriend, who’s currently working in England—and to indulge in some British tea.
Much has changed, however, and the ancestral home is now a luxury hotel, which will be closed for a week to accommodate the big bash, much to the chagrin of Elizabeth’s grandson, Julien. Lily overhears an argument among the younger generation about the fate of the family fortune. Little do they know that Elizabeth plans to sell the famous Frockmorton Sapphires out of the family for the first time in centuries . . .
The icing on the cake comes when the jewels suddenly vanish—and things really go nuts when a party guest dies from an allergic reaction to almonds that someone smuggled into Lily’s coronation chicken sandwiches. Now she’ll have to scour the property to find out who would commit murder in such a manor . . .
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 29, 2025
66 people are currently reading
384 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
62 books1,913 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
July 18, 2025
Our main characters take a trip to the UK in the latest installment of Vicki Delany's Tea with Jam & Dread. Rose visits a former employer and friend from over 50 years ago, bringing with her several of the series regulars to talk to the Lord and Lady of a manor. But someone ends up dying, and the whodunit shenanigan kick into full drive. Which member of the sizable clan wanted to inherit the money, the stately home, and the title? As things come together, we have a grand time with all the typical English fun but we see several side stories move forward. Good story, likable characters, and I always enjoy this series.
July 23, 2025
Number six in the Tea by the Sea Mystery series.
Lily, who runs a Cape Cod tea room, takes a trip to the UK to attend a very special party. Her grandmother, Rose, used to work as a kitchen maid in an English castle many, many years ago and she is invited to the celebrations for the Dowager Countess's one hundredth birthday. What should be a fun occasion turns sour when a family member is murdered and then the family jewels are stolen.
Lily is one of the police suspects so she, Bernie and Rose begin their own investigation. There are many possible culprits and lots of red herrings. It is an entertaining mystery and I enjoyed the author's own research into English society, especially the little things she imagined American readers would not understand. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lily, who runs a Cape Cod tea room, takes a trip to the UK to attend a very special party. Her grandmother, Rose, used to work as a kitchen maid in an English castle many, many years ago and she is invited to the celebrations for the Dowager Countess's one hundredth birthday. What should be a fun occasion turns sour when a family member is murdered and then the family jewels are stolen.
Lily is one of the police suspects so she, Bernie and Rose begin their own investigation. There are many possible culprits and lots of red herrings. It is an entertaining mystery and I enjoyed the author's own research into English society, especially the little things she imagined American readers would not understand. Four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 18, 2025
I really like this mystery on their road trip to England. Fabulous characters I do think it could’ve been a bit shorter. Will definitely read some more.
August 19, 2025
Lily, her grandmother Rose and best friend Bernie are off to Yorkshire, England where Rose grew up to attend the 100th birthday party of Rose's former employer and friend, Lady Frockmorton. The castle where Rose was once a cook is now a National Trust property and the house, a later addition, a hotel. Elizabeth, Lady Frockmorton, is delighted to be reunited with Rose and shares fond memories of her days as a young bride with Rose and the former stable hand, Reggie, who was sweet on Rose. Lily is eager to observe a real English afternoon tea and volunteers to help with meal prep. Bernie is getting new ideas for her novel and has plans to meet up with Matt, who is nearby doing research. Lily, too, hopes to see Simon while she's in his home country, if he's still interested in her that is. Not everyone is having a great time at the birthday bash. Elizabeth's eldest grandson, Julien, the heir, is furious the family business is losing them money with this FREE party. Lily overhears a nefarious plot to discredit Elizabeth and let Julien inherit early. Before Julien can attempt to enact his plan, he collapses at the afternoon birthday tea and doesn't survive. The police suspect murder! Julien was allergic to tree nuts and it seems someone put almond powder in the Coronation Chicken sandwiches. Since Lily helped make them, she's a prime suspect! With the chef, Ian, and local doctor Alicia Boyle, who helped Lily with the sandwiches, under suspicion, Lily feels the need to find out who did this terrible deed. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's famous Frockmorton sapphires go missing after Elizabeth wears them for the first time in 50 years. Could the two events be connected? Lily enlists the help of Bernie, Matt and Simon to figure this out.
This was a great mystery! I loved the change of scene and the hotel setting. I never guessed who the murderer was. The reveal was a surprise and disappointing because I liked that character. It was fun learning more about Rose's past and the people she knew. I was pleasantly surprised her stories were actually true.
Rose's past was certainly interesting. Her stories about Lady Frockmorton's kindness are legendary but also true. Elizabeth knew Rose was the real cook. Everyone knew Mrs. Beans, the official cook, was a drunk and it was Rose who did all the work. Elizabeth appreciated that and enjoyed Rose's cooking. I can see where Lily gets her passion and talent from. Elizabeth mentions Rose's shortbread and how none can compare but Rose claims Lily's can. It's nice to see Rose acting like a proud grandmother. Sadly, Rose also acts like a frail old lady. She does her sleuthing from bed or inside the hotel. Seeing her old home and knowing almost everyone she knew is gone, makes her more aware of her age and mortality. Her mind is still sharp though and she demands Lily and Bernie keep her in the loop. Rose doesn't really want to get involved in this case partly because it involves a friend. Rose feels protective of Elizabeth and if Elizabeth if guilty of something, Rose won't tell the girls. Lily has finally stopped being passive and takes the lead in this case. Of course she's under suspicion and the local police talking to the idiot back home doesn't help. Lily is anxious about her relationship with Simon. They've been long distance since he returned to England after the summer season on Cape Cod ended. She's still passive enough not to discuss it with him and waits for him to take the lead. There's not much chemistry between them. I'm rooting for them anyway.
Bernie manages not to be super annoying in this book. She still changes her plot a few times but Lily reminds Bernie she agreed to stick to an outline. Matt takes charge in this investigation. As it happens, his latest research has him interviewing a retired policeman who happens to have connections to the underground network of jewel thieves and fences. For a few pints, the man will tell all. Maybe he can help figure out what happened to the Frockmorton sapphires. Matt is a good guy and I don't see what he sees in Bernie. They're total opposites. Matt is calm, methodical and patient. I like him more than Simon who is a little boring. Other than gardens and motorcycles, I don't know much about Simon. He finally reveals what HE sees in Lily. I missed Eclair. She stayed back home with the cleaning staff at Victoria-on-Sea. Too bad he's not small enough to come on vacation with his family.
Lady Frockmorton may be 100 but like Rose, she's youthful at heart and her mind is sharper than ever. Married off at a young age, the new money Elizabeth had difficulty adjusting to her new status as lady of the manor and it was Rose's kindness and friendship that helped make the new life bearable. When her husband died, Elizabeth was in charge of 4 minor children and the estate. She has handled the business admirably and proven to be sharp, wise and an excellent business woman. While monetizing the estate is sad, it's also necessary. Elizabeth lives on site at the hotel. She can be involved and not have to do any of the work keeping up the huge house. Elizabeth turned out to be a surprise. I thought for sure Rose's memories were colored or exaggerated but they were not. Lady Frockmorton, Elizabeth to her friends, was not just gracious and condescending as the lady of the manor, she was a true friend and a lovely person. I do think she has a backbone of steel and would do whatever it takes to protect the family name and property - even murder and theft. I do not, however, think she merely misplaced the jewels because she's old.
Elizabeth's grandson Tony manages the hotel. He was raised to it, no choice at all, but seems to enjoy it. He has an aptitude for business management and also the personality to be in hospitality. He's friendly and nice. Some of the cousins feel Tony is the favorite grandson. Wouldn't that be Julien, the heir? Julien was the opposite of Tony. Julien loved to be lord of the manor and longed for the day when he would be the Earl and in charge of everything. He had little interest in the hotel or monetizing the property. Yet I think he was greedy and would have liked the money AND the estate AND the title. He was whiny, rude, obnoxious and pretty much no one liked him. Trying to gaslight your grandmother who has given you everything and done all she can to ensure your future is really low and nasty. Julien was the least likable family member. He took after his mother, Annabelle. Annabelle, the Countess of Frockmorton, doesn't seem to like being second place to the dowager. She loves being Countess and longs for the old days when her mother-in-law would have been bundled off to the Dower House and the Countess would have the house and everything in it. She's absolutely dying to get her hands on those sapphires. I don't like her. I think she's nasty and snobby but I don't see any reason for her to have murdered her son. Her reaction to his death is more calm that I would expect though.
Even more calm is Julien's estranged wife Carmela. She's a real bleep. Out of mourning after a day, before her husband is even buried, she shrugs it off because they were divorcing. She's already flirting with Tony! Yikes! Yet, I did kind of feel bad for her in the end. Why would she kill her husband when they were in the process of divorcing? Maybe because she would inherit if they were still legally married upon his death? That makes her a top suspect in my mind. I also don't see why his sister Jacqueline would kill him. She is a mom to two spoiled, precocious 7-year-old twin girls. She seems to be a loving mom and wife. Her husband is a dentist. They do have twins and there's no indication Jacqueline works so maybe they need money and Julien wouldn't help? Maybe Julien threatened to disinherit the twins? Maybe she didn't want to go along with Julien's plan to make their grandmother look like she's senile? She indicated she wasn't on board with that. I like her and I don't think she's the murderer. She seems too sensible for that.
Also likable and sensible is Emma, a cousin of Julien's. Emma is a teacher and longs to be a lady. While she won't inherit anything other than maybe a token sum from her grandmother, if Julien's father dies, Emma's father becomes the new Earl of Frockmorton, making Emma a lady. All her dreams would come true. Emma is a little foolish but teachers are overworked and under paid. I don't like the attitude of how dare she dream and she's kooky because she's obsessed with the family. Her parents were divorced! Her dad moved to CANDA and she only saw him in the summer. Of course she's obsessed and fantasizes about the family she barely knows and a life she can't lead. She should be allowed to daydream, privately anyway. She also has a second motive for murder. While I really like Emma and think she should be allowed to dream, that's it. Murder is not OK! Susannah, Tony's sister, is nice too. She's a little mischievous. She adores her brother and wants to hear him praised. She's left her family behind for the weekend and is enjoying the festivities. She's quick to chat with Lily and Bernie. I don't think she killed Julien but she may know more than she realizes or is sharing.
It's a long shot and the police are grasping at straws here but Ian, the head chef, keeps tight control of his kitchen but has to answer to the family and everyone and their guests kept coming down to the kitchens nosing around. A chef would never, ever poison a client like that. If Julien took over the management of the hotel, Ian could just quit! No, not him. Also a longshot is Dr. Alicia Boyle, a GP in town and staunch anti-royalist/aristocracy. She's had a few clashes with the law before over her politics but she IS a doctor and she WAS first on the scene to try to help Julien. I can't see her committing murder unless she bumps off everyone in the family and that would be fairly obvious. The police also suspect Josh Hansen, grandson of the old stable hand Reggie. Josh has a hot temper and has had a few run-ins with Julien before but in London where they both live. I think Josh would not poison someone. He would have it out in a physical fight. He seems nice enough. He's kind of into Lily but her heart belongs to Simon just as Reggie was into Rose and her heart was captured by the GI, Eric Campbell.
DI Ravenwood is tough and eager to pin the crime on anyone NOT in Lady Frockmorton's family. That seems reasonable for the Victorian era but today? That's just lazy. He seems to want to pin the crime on Lily because she's American and her grandmother was in service to the family and because he doesn't have a clue. DS Sophia Capretti seems to loathe the nobility and isn't very professional. She dismisses Julien's title as "whatever" and is suspicious of everyone. She seems to be more reasonable in not trying to railroad someone for the crime, especially since she was raised by her grandparents and can see how close Lily and Rose are. Though Eclair is absent, there is a furry companion, Lissie, the Persian cat, who takes a liking to Rose. I'd rather have Eclair than a cat but the cat is better than the kids. I do not enjoy Zoe and Katy and that's normally my favorite age for little girls. They're still young enough to be wide eyed and eager to know everything and not old enough to be cynical and jaded yet. This pair are are spoiled by their Great Granny and are allowed to run wild through the hotel, even snatching hot biscuits from the cooling rack. That's bad parenting. The party menu has been carefully planned and the quantities of food are probably just enough. The brats need to learn to ask first.
I enjoyed this visit to Yorkshire with Lily and the gang very much and hope they'll be back on the Cape for another adventure next year.
This was a great mystery! I loved the change of scene and the hotel setting. I never guessed who the murderer was. The reveal was a surprise and disappointing because I liked that character. It was fun learning more about Rose's past and the people she knew. I was pleasantly surprised her stories were actually true.
Rose's past was certainly interesting. Her stories about Lady Frockmorton's kindness are legendary but also true. Elizabeth knew Rose was the real cook. Everyone knew Mrs. Beans, the official cook, was a drunk and it was Rose who did all the work. Elizabeth appreciated that and enjoyed Rose's cooking. I can see where Lily gets her passion and talent from. Elizabeth mentions Rose's shortbread and how none can compare but Rose claims Lily's can. It's nice to see Rose acting like a proud grandmother. Sadly, Rose also acts like a frail old lady. She does her sleuthing from bed or inside the hotel. Seeing her old home and knowing almost everyone she knew is gone, makes her more aware of her age and mortality. Her mind is still sharp though and she demands Lily and Bernie keep her in the loop. Rose doesn't really want to get involved in this case partly because it involves a friend. Rose feels protective of Elizabeth and if Elizabeth if guilty of something, Rose won't tell the girls. Lily has finally stopped being passive and takes the lead in this case. Of course she's under suspicion and the local police talking to the idiot back home doesn't help. Lily is anxious about her relationship with Simon. They've been long distance since he returned to England after the summer season on Cape Cod ended. She's still passive enough not to discuss it with him and waits for him to take the lead. There's not much chemistry between them. I'm rooting for them anyway.
Bernie manages not to be super annoying in this book. She still changes her plot a few times but Lily reminds Bernie she agreed to stick to an outline. Matt takes charge in this investigation. As it happens, his latest research has him interviewing a retired policeman who happens to have connections to the underground network of jewel thieves and fences. For a few pints, the man will tell all. Maybe he can help figure out what happened to the Frockmorton sapphires. Matt is a good guy and I don't see what he sees in Bernie. They're total opposites. Matt is calm, methodical and patient. I like him more than Simon who is a little boring. Other than gardens and motorcycles, I don't know much about Simon. He finally reveals what HE sees in Lily. I missed Eclair. She stayed back home with the cleaning staff at Victoria-on-Sea. Too bad he's not small enough to come on vacation with his family.
Lady Frockmorton may be 100 but like Rose, she's youthful at heart and her mind is sharper than ever. Married off at a young age, the new money Elizabeth had difficulty adjusting to her new status as lady of the manor and it was Rose's kindness and friendship that helped make the new life bearable. When her husband died, Elizabeth was in charge of 4 minor children and the estate. She has handled the business admirably and proven to be sharp, wise and an excellent business woman. While monetizing the estate is sad, it's also necessary. Elizabeth lives on site at the hotel. She can be involved and not have to do any of the work keeping up the huge house. Elizabeth turned out to be a surprise. I thought for sure Rose's memories were colored or exaggerated but they were not. Lady Frockmorton, Elizabeth to her friends, was not just gracious and condescending as the lady of the manor, she was a true friend and a lovely person. I do think she has a backbone of steel and would do whatever it takes to protect the family name and property - even murder and theft. I do not, however, think she merely misplaced the jewels because she's old.
Elizabeth's grandson Tony manages the hotel. He was raised to it, no choice at all, but seems to enjoy it. He has an aptitude for business management and also the personality to be in hospitality. He's friendly and nice. Some of the cousins feel Tony is the favorite grandson. Wouldn't that be Julien, the heir? Julien was the opposite of Tony. Julien loved to be lord of the manor and longed for the day when he would be the Earl and in charge of everything. He had little interest in the hotel or monetizing the property. Yet I think he was greedy and would have liked the money AND the estate AND the title. He was whiny, rude, obnoxious and pretty much no one liked him. Trying to gaslight your grandmother who has given you everything and done all she can to ensure your future is really low and nasty. Julien was the least likable family member. He took after his mother, Annabelle. Annabelle, the Countess of Frockmorton, doesn't seem to like being second place to the dowager. She loves being Countess and longs for the old days when her mother-in-law would have been bundled off to the Dower House and the Countess would have the house and everything in it. She's absolutely dying to get her hands on those sapphires. I don't like her. I think she's nasty and snobby but I don't see any reason for her to have murdered her son. Her reaction to his death is more calm that I would expect though.
Even more calm is Julien's estranged wife Carmela. She's a real bleep. Out of mourning after a day, before her husband is even buried, she shrugs it off because they were divorcing. She's already flirting with Tony! Yikes! Yet, I did kind of feel bad for her in the end. Why would she kill her husband when they were in the process of divorcing? Maybe because she would inherit if they were still legally married upon his death? That makes her a top suspect in my mind. I also don't see why his sister Jacqueline would kill him. She is a mom to two spoiled, precocious 7-year-old twin girls. She seems to be a loving mom and wife. Her husband is a dentist. They do have twins and there's no indication Jacqueline works so maybe they need money and Julien wouldn't help? Maybe Julien threatened to disinherit the twins? Maybe she didn't want to go along with Julien's plan to make their grandmother look like she's senile? She indicated she wasn't on board with that. I like her and I don't think she's the murderer. She seems too sensible for that.
Also likable and sensible is Emma, a cousin of Julien's. Emma is a teacher and longs to be a lady. While she won't inherit anything other than maybe a token sum from her grandmother, if Julien's father dies, Emma's father becomes the new Earl of Frockmorton, making Emma a lady. All her dreams would come true. Emma is a little foolish but teachers are overworked and under paid. I don't like the attitude of how dare she dream and she's kooky because she's obsessed with the family. Her parents were divorced! Her dad moved to CANDA and she only saw him in the summer. Of course she's obsessed and fantasizes about the family she barely knows and a life she can't lead. She should be allowed to daydream, privately anyway. She also has a second motive for murder. While I really like Emma and think she should be allowed to dream, that's it. Murder is not OK! Susannah, Tony's sister, is nice too. She's a little mischievous. She adores her brother and wants to hear him praised. She's left her family behind for the weekend and is enjoying the festivities. She's quick to chat with Lily and Bernie. I don't think she killed Julien but she may know more than she realizes or is sharing.
It's a long shot and the police are grasping at straws here but Ian, the head chef, keeps tight control of his kitchen but has to answer to the family and everyone and their guests kept coming down to the kitchens nosing around. A chef would never, ever poison a client like that. If Julien took over the management of the hotel, Ian could just quit! No, not him. Also a longshot is Dr. Alicia Boyle, a GP in town and staunch anti-royalist/aristocracy. She's had a few clashes with the law before over her politics but she IS a doctor and she WAS first on the scene to try to help Julien. I can't see her committing murder unless she bumps off everyone in the family and that would be fairly obvious. The police also suspect Josh Hansen, grandson of the old stable hand Reggie. Josh has a hot temper and has had a few run-ins with Julien before but in London where they both live. I think Josh would not poison someone. He would have it out in a physical fight. He seems nice enough. He's kind of into Lily but her heart belongs to Simon just as Reggie was into Rose and her heart was captured by the GI, Eric Campbell.
DI Ravenwood is tough and eager to pin the crime on anyone NOT in Lady Frockmorton's family. That seems reasonable for the Victorian era but today? That's just lazy. He seems to want to pin the crime on Lily because she's American and her grandmother was in service to the family and because he doesn't have a clue. DS Sophia Capretti seems to loathe the nobility and isn't very professional. She dismisses Julien's title as "whatever" and is suspicious of everyone. She seems to be more reasonable in not trying to railroad someone for the crime, especially since she was raised by her grandparents and can see how close Lily and Rose are. Though Eclair is absent, there is a furry companion, Lissie, the Persian cat, who takes a liking to Rose. I'd rather have Eclair than a cat but the cat is better than the kids. I do not enjoy Zoe and Katy and that's normally my favorite age for little girls. They're still young enough to be wide eyed and eager to know everything and not old enough to be cynical and jaded yet. This pair are are spoiled by their Great Granny and are allowed to run wild through the hotel, even snatching hot biscuits from the cooling rack. That's bad parenting. The party menu has been carefully planned and the quantities of food are probably just enough. The brats need to learn to ask first.
I enjoyed this visit to Yorkshire with Lily and the gang very much and hope they'll be back on the Cape for another adventure next year.
August 6, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Vicki Delany, and Kensington Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2025
Another great entry in one of my favorite cozy series. In book 6, Lily and Bernie travel to Yorkshire with Rose to celebrate the 100th birthday of Rose's former employer. Rose fondly recalls her time as a kitchen maid at Thornecroft castle and looks forward to celebrating the centennial birthday with Elizabeth, Lady Frockmorton and her family. Unfortunately there seems to be a good deal of bickering and Elizabeth's grandson is murdered. The story is good and I enjoyed the trip to Jolly Olde England. Looking forward to the next one!
June 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this road trip with Lily, Rose, and Bernie! I am not always a huge fan of road trips, but in this case, it works. Lily and Bernie accompany Rose as she returns to the estate in England, where she worked as a cook before her marriage. The Dowager Countess of Frockmorton has reached her 100th birthday and has included some of her former servants from Thornecraft Castle to come to the grand celebration at the Castle House and Hotel. I am very grateful to the author for supplying a cast of characters at the front of the book because, believe me, there are a lot of characters, family, staff, party guests, neighbors and Yorkshire police. Our party takes a wild turn when the next in line to the title , the birthday girl's grandson, gets food that he is severely allergic to and dies. The question is, who and why? Was he trying to ease his grandmother out of the picture and take over the estate? Was it his soon to be ex-wife? Was it an old feud with a neighbor? To add to all the excitement, the Frockmorton Sapphires worn by the Countess for the celebration are missing! You know Lily and company will not be able to stay out of the search for answers. It's definitely a great road trip and mystery. Thank you to #Netgally, #Kensingtonbooks, and the author for an opportunity to read. #TeawithJam&Dread #ATeabytheSeaMystery #VickiDelany #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreaders
July 29, 2025
"Tea with Jam and Dread (Tea by the Sea Mystery #6)" by Vicki Delany has Lily and pretty much the whole gang of regular characters taking a trip to Yorkshire, England. Rose was invited to return to the Manor house she was employed at before moving to the United States. Her previous employer and sort of friend is about to turn 100 years old. While at the celebratory tea a relative of the hostess collapses and Lily becomes a suspect since she helped prepare some of the food.
So, this means they all have to start investigating. There are lots of suspects since the family isn't small and money is starting to get tight. There's also a few past employees that may have a grudge against the aristocracy.
So, this means they all have to start investigating. There are lots of suspects since the family isn't small and money is starting to get tight. There's also a few past employees that may have a grudge against the aristocracy.
April 2, 2025
Cape Cod tearoom owner Lily Roberts' grandmother Rose used to work for Elizabeth the Countess of Frockmorton at Thornecroft Castle in Yorkshire and reminisces about it often! After emigrating to the US she thought that part of her life was over but Elizabeth is celebrating her one hundredth birthday and Rose has been invited to attend the celebrations at what is now known as the Thornecroft Castle House and Hotel. Closing the tearoom and b&b was a big decision but Lily and Rose are definitely going along with best friend Bernie and her boyfriend Matt while Lily will meet up with her English beau Simon after the celebrations are over.
Unfortunately, as the event is winding down, Elizabeth’s grandson is taken ill, collapsing in front of everyone. Drawn into the investigation to find out what happened, Lily, Bernie, and Rose begin asking questions, considering suspects, and, after a theft also takes place, trying to find the famous Frockmorton Sapphires. Can they discover the identity of a killer and thief before someone else dies, or are differences between the continents and investigations too great?
Vicki Delany's cosy series are some of my favourites, and the fact this is set in England made it even more enticing. It didn't disappoint in any way, and I had no clue whodunnit until the big reveal. It's clear the author did extensive research and there are even English recipes at the end.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly. More please.
Unfortunately, as the event is winding down, Elizabeth’s grandson is taken ill, collapsing in front of everyone. Drawn into the investigation to find out what happened, Lily, Bernie, and Rose begin asking questions, considering suspects, and, after a theft also takes place, trying to find the famous Frockmorton Sapphires. Can they discover the identity of a killer and thief before someone else dies, or are differences between the continents and investigations too great?
Vicki Delany's cosy series are some of my favourites, and the fact this is set in England made it even more enticing. It didn't disappoint in any way, and I had no clue whodunnit until the big reveal. It's clear the author did extensive research and there are even English recipes at the end.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly. More please.
August 24, 2025
I enjoyed suspenseful moments of this book and the idyllic setting of England. That was quite fun! However, overall, this book wasn’t for me. It was very slow in pacing and felt like not a lot happened. Plus, the ending was not my cup of tea. The murderer just gives himself up and I felt that to be a bit unrealistic. I think I may have enjoyed the book a bit more if I would have started with Book #1 instead of #6 because the characters felt a bit flat. However, I think this might be because I started in the middle of the series and not in the foundational first book. For fans of afternoon tea, slow mysteries, and England, you might enjoy this. I will certainly acknowledge that I am a tad more picky than the average reader because I minored in Writing, so I took lots of editing/writing classes. I look for certain criteria in books. Other readers may highly enjoy this!
Note: there are no spicy scenes but a non-married couple (dating) shares a room. No details, just stated as facts.
Note: there are no spicy scenes but a non-married couple (dating) shares a room. No details, just stated as facts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2025
Not Delany’s best plotted mystery, but a fun read with an interesting change of setting.
I like that Delany took Lily and the gang on a trip for this installment, and though I would have liked more York-centric atmosphere and history, the setting still works well and it provides a nice change from the series’ central location.
The mystery here isn’t Delany’s finest. She’s usually worlds better than most cozy writers when it comes to the actual mystery, but this one is just okay and also leans on the horrendously overused food allergy death that pervades cozies.
I hope the next installment is a bit more in line with Delany’s usual work in terms of quality, but it’s always enjoyable to spend time in her world and with her characters, and this book is no exception.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I like that Delany took Lily and the gang on a trip for this installment, and though I would have liked more York-centric atmosphere and history, the setting still works well and it provides a nice change from the series’ central location.
The mystery here isn’t Delany’s finest. She’s usually worlds better than most cozy writers when it comes to the actual mystery, but this one is just okay and also leans on the horrendously overused food allergy death that pervades cozies.
I hope the next installment is a bit more in line with Delany’s usual work in terms of quality, but it’s always enjoyable to spend time in her world and with her characters, and this book is no exception.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
August 26, 2025
3.5 rounded up. Another solid installment of this dependable cozy series.
November 5, 2025
Lily’s grandmother Rose used to work as a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle, and now Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Frockmorton, is celebrating her 100th birthday. So Rose, and Lily decide to visit Yorkshire. It’s also an opportunity for Lily to see her boyfriend, who’s currently working in England. The ancestral home is now a luxury hotel, which will be closed for a week to accommodate the party. Lily overhears an argument among the younger generation about the fate of the family fortune. Little do they know that Elizabeth plans to sell the famous Frockmorton Sapphires out of the family for the first time in centuries. But when the jewels vanish, and a party guest dies from an allergic reaction to almonds, Lily is on the case. She needs to find the truth before she's arrested for the murder.
This cozy mystery was very interesting. I loved how the author showed the setting of Yorkshire England. It was very atmospheric and set the tone in the scenes. I always loved these characters, and when I read about them it's like visiting old friends. The plot was very interesting, and I didn't have a clue who the culprits were until the very end. I will definitely continue to read this series, and I can't wait until the next installment is released. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley For this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
This cozy mystery was very interesting. I loved how the author showed the setting of Yorkshire England. It was very atmospheric and set the tone in the scenes. I always loved these characters, and when I read about them it's like visiting old friends. The plot was very interesting, and I didn't have a clue who the culprits were until the very end. I will definitely continue to read this series, and I can't wait until the next installment is released. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley For this advanced reader's copy. This review is my honest opinion.
February 2, 2025
This enjoyable entry in the series normally set in Cape Cod sees the usual cast of characters in England. Lily, best friend Bernie, and grandmother Rose return to the manor house where Rose worked decades ago and soon get caught up in family drama, jewelry theft, and murder. While looking into the mysteries, Lily still has time to dig out the status of her relationship with gardener Simon, who has been working in England since leaving Cape Cod months earlier. The mystery is well-plotted and moves along quickly, and it’s all good to see how the main characters’ relationships continue to develop. My only quibbles with the book were what I saw as some inconsistencies in how some characters communicated with each other and the extent to which the main characters feel compelled to put themselves in danger just to satisfy curiosity. Again, though, it’s an enjoyable entry in a good series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily
August 6, 2025
Tea with Jam and Dread is the sixth cozy mystery in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries series. Lily is in England with her grandmother, Rose, for the hundredth birthday party for Elizabeth, the dowager countess of Frockmorton and Rose’s former boss. The celebration is brought to a halt when Elizabeth’s grandson is murdered. Now, in order to clear her own name Lili jumps into the investigation ready to get to the bottom of it and go home.
I always find this to be an enjoyable series and this was another good cozy mystery installation. I liked how we got to visit England and see more of Rose’s past on this book. The mystery was fun and kept me guessing through the book. I liked Elizabeth the other new side characters in this book, but really enjoyed our course characters who all made an appearance even though this book was set over seas. I had a fun time reading this book and look forward to seeing what comes next for Lily!
I always find this to be an enjoyable series and this was another good cozy mystery installation. I liked how we got to visit England and see more of Rose’s past on this book. The mystery was fun and kept me guessing through the book. I liked Elizabeth the other new side characters in this book, but really enjoyed our course characters who all made an appearance even though this book was set over seas. I had a fun time reading this book and look forward to seeing what comes next for Lily!
August 4, 2025
Fun, lighthearted, and quick read! I enjoyed the characters and the setting was wonderful! Those are the two most important things I look for in a cozy mystery. The murder and mystery itself are also important and those worked for me in this book too! This was my first book to read by this author and in the series but I can see myself reading more in the future.
Tea with Jam & Dread is out now! Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for my e-arc!
Tea with Jam & Dread is out now! Thank you Netgalley and Kensington for my e-arc!
October 7, 2025
Amusing cozy set in Yorkshire. Recurring characters Lily, Rose and Bernie travel to England for the 100th birthday of the Dowager Countess of Frockmorten for whom Rose worked as a kitchen maid before emigrating to the US. A murder and a theft challenge the amateur sleuths during their holiday.
September 3, 2025
Frankly the murder part of this two part mystery was the flimsiest of the two. The interesting one is the disappearance of the sapphire necklace. It wasn't that hard of one to solve if one is an observant reader.
The solution also posed a better potential explanation for the man's death. In the back third of the book there is a throwaway line about a certain pair of characters enjoying a biscuit recipe that involves the tree nuts. Give how much chaos these two where causing early on in the book it would have made sense if they could have accidentally contributed to the man's
death.https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
The solution also posed a better potential explanation for the man's death. In the back third of the book there is a throwaway line about a certain pair of characters enjoying a biscuit recipe that involves the tree nuts. Give how much chaos these two where causing early on in the book it would have made sense if they could have accidentally contributed to the man's
death.https://pussreboots.com/blog/2025/com...
July 30, 2025
From all the times Rose had ever talked about working Lady Frockmorton, I wasn’t sure I’d ever like that woman. But when we actually got to meet her, she seemed even more down to earth sometimes than Rose herself did. It was more like two old friends reuniting instead of former employer/employee. Lily got to help out in the hotel kitchen and got a taste of how massive their prep was for afternoon tea at the hotel.
Of course no adventure with Lily would be complete without the requisite murder—although I’m pretty sure Lily wouldn’t agree with that statement because this time the police seemed to believe she was involved. It was sleuth or be accused. In true Lily and Bernie style, the friends did their sleuthing together, had a near miss and ended with Lily confronting the killer. It was a fairly non-eventful showdown but it could’ve gone sideways. I thought the ending was really sweet. I can’t honestly say this was one of my favorites in the series, but it was still a good mystery with some quirky and interesting characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Of course no adventure with Lily would be complete without the requisite murder—although I’m pretty sure Lily wouldn’t agree with that statement because this time the police seemed to believe she was involved. It was sleuth or be accused. In true Lily and Bernie style, the friends did their sleuthing together, had a near miss and ended with Lily confronting the killer. It was a fairly non-eventful showdown but it could’ve gone sideways. I thought the ending was really sweet. I can’t honestly say this was one of my favorites in the series, but it was still a good mystery with some quirky and interesting characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
July 29, 2025
Break out the good china and practice your polite side-eye. Tea with Jam & Dread is officially out today, and nothing says “happy 100th birthday” like secrets, scones, and someone faceplanting mid-Earl Grey. This time, Lily and her crime-solving crew leave Cape Cod for the English countryside, where the vibes are aristocratic, the manor house is murder-prone, and the jam is absolutely not the only thing getting sticky. Long live the countess. And also, maybe call a lawyer.
Lily Roberts was just trying to have a wholesome little English getaway. Tea, scones, her boyfriend Simon (who is basically a golden retriever in motorcycle boots), and her grandmother’s vibes-only reunion with a literal countess. And for about two and a half seconds, it’s cute. They’re in Yorkshire! There are sheep! There are terrifying roundabouts and casual aristocratic power plays! And then someone keels over at a fancy tea and everything goes full Downton Abbey meets Clue with a side of almond-induced mayhem.
This is Tea with Jam & Dread, the sixth book in Vicki Delany’s Tea by the Sea series, and it catapults our cozy Cape Cod queen straight into British manor house chaos. Lily, her ride-or-die best friend Bernie, and her absolutely iconic grandma Rose hop across the pond for the 100th birthday of Elizabeth, dowager countess of Frockmorton. Why? Because back in the day, Rose was a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle and apparently made such a lasting impression she’s now VIP guest list material. It’s like if Mrs. Patmore got invited back as royalty and immediately sensed something was murdery.
The vibes? Immaculate, at first. Think old-money grandeur meets lowkey tension you can cut with a butter knife. The castle has been turned into a hotel, but it’s closing for a week to host this full send-off to nobility and the family is NOT on the same page about it. Cue passive-aggressive conversations, generational grudge matches, and exactly the kind of rich people nonsense you just know is going to end in police tape and finger-pointing.
And oh yes, it does. After one very dramatic tea party, someone ends up very not alive, and Lily suddenly finds herself in the hot seat thanks to some highly unfortunate catering. Meanwhile, priceless family heirlooms mysteriously vanish, suspicions swirl like clotted cream in hot tea, and everyone at the party is giving big “I have something to hide” energy. If you guessed the plot would boil over like an oversteeped Earl Grey, congrats, you’re smarter than half the suspects.
What really works here is the fish-out-of-water tension. Lily’s a pro at sniffing out shady motives in small-town Cape Cod, but here she’s playing mystery bingo with a bunch of aristocrats she just met, on turf where she doesn’t know the rules and the cops aren’t exactly cozy. And with the stakes higher, international incident higher, she has to rely on intuition, a lifetime of tea service know-how, and her two ride-or-dies who absolutely cannot stay out of trouble even when legally advised to do so.
Simon, back from his English countryside gardening job that feels suspiciously like he was sent away to mope in cable-knit sweaters, returns in full protective mode. He broods, he drives, he provides moral support like a man whose entire personality is “don’t touch my girlfriend or the lavender.” He’s is very much a reminder that Lily is in her competent queen era, even when the locals are treating her like a sandwich with criminal intent.
Grandma Rose, bless her emotionally resilient heart, gives us the warm fuzzies AND the investigative juice. Her backstory with the countess adds real depth, and watching her walk the halls of her former workplace like a ghost who came back to stir the pot? Chef’s kiss. Bernie is pure cozy chaos as always. Doing light social espionage, interrogating dinner guests over scones, and dragging Lily deeper into the mystery with a look that says, “We could die, but it’d be fun.”
Now, fair warning: there are a lot of characters. Like, Game of Thrones at a garden party levels. And while the plot twists are engaging, the final answers come a little fast, like a polite British person suddenly yelling “MURDER!” at the end of a dinner party. It works, it’s satisfying, but it could’ve used one more chapter of tension-filled tea sipping before the boom.
This one brings the cozy drama, international flair, and character growth, even if it occasionally gets tangled in its own tea leaves. It’s sharp, funny, full of posh murder energy, and gives Lily room to shine outside her usual turf. 3.5 stars.
Whodunity Award: For Featuring the Only Birthday Party Where the Real Gift Was Multiple Felonies
Big thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. You really know how to serve murder with a side of scones. This book made me crave tea, judgmental grandmothers, and mild aristocratic scandal in that exact order.
Lily Roberts was just trying to have a wholesome little English getaway. Tea, scones, her boyfriend Simon (who is basically a golden retriever in motorcycle boots), and her grandmother’s vibes-only reunion with a literal countess. And for about two and a half seconds, it’s cute. They’re in Yorkshire! There are sheep! There are terrifying roundabouts and casual aristocratic power plays! And then someone keels over at a fancy tea and everything goes full Downton Abbey meets Clue with a side of almond-induced mayhem.
This is Tea with Jam & Dread, the sixth book in Vicki Delany’s Tea by the Sea series, and it catapults our cozy Cape Cod queen straight into British manor house chaos. Lily, her ride-or-die best friend Bernie, and her absolutely iconic grandma Rose hop across the pond for the 100th birthday of Elizabeth, dowager countess of Frockmorton. Why? Because back in the day, Rose was a kitchen maid at Thornecroft Castle and apparently made such a lasting impression she’s now VIP guest list material. It’s like if Mrs. Patmore got invited back as royalty and immediately sensed something was murdery.
The vibes? Immaculate, at first. Think old-money grandeur meets lowkey tension you can cut with a butter knife. The castle has been turned into a hotel, but it’s closing for a week to host this full send-off to nobility and the family is NOT on the same page about it. Cue passive-aggressive conversations, generational grudge matches, and exactly the kind of rich people nonsense you just know is going to end in police tape and finger-pointing.
And oh yes, it does. After one very dramatic tea party, someone ends up very not alive, and Lily suddenly finds herself in the hot seat thanks to some highly unfortunate catering. Meanwhile, priceless family heirlooms mysteriously vanish, suspicions swirl like clotted cream in hot tea, and everyone at the party is giving big “I have something to hide” energy. If you guessed the plot would boil over like an oversteeped Earl Grey, congrats, you’re smarter than half the suspects.
What really works here is the fish-out-of-water tension. Lily’s a pro at sniffing out shady motives in small-town Cape Cod, but here she’s playing mystery bingo with a bunch of aristocrats she just met, on turf where she doesn’t know the rules and the cops aren’t exactly cozy. And with the stakes higher, international incident higher, she has to rely on intuition, a lifetime of tea service know-how, and her two ride-or-dies who absolutely cannot stay out of trouble even when legally advised to do so.
Simon, back from his English countryside gardening job that feels suspiciously like he was sent away to mope in cable-knit sweaters, returns in full protective mode. He broods, he drives, he provides moral support like a man whose entire personality is “don’t touch my girlfriend or the lavender.” He’s is very much a reminder that Lily is in her competent queen era, even when the locals are treating her like a sandwich with criminal intent.
Grandma Rose, bless her emotionally resilient heart, gives us the warm fuzzies AND the investigative juice. Her backstory with the countess adds real depth, and watching her walk the halls of her former workplace like a ghost who came back to stir the pot? Chef’s kiss. Bernie is pure cozy chaos as always. Doing light social espionage, interrogating dinner guests over scones, and dragging Lily deeper into the mystery with a look that says, “We could die, but it’d be fun.”
Now, fair warning: there are a lot of characters. Like, Game of Thrones at a garden party levels. And while the plot twists are engaging, the final answers come a little fast, like a polite British person suddenly yelling “MURDER!” at the end of a dinner party. It works, it’s satisfying, but it could’ve used one more chapter of tension-filled tea sipping before the boom.
This one brings the cozy drama, international flair, and character growth, even if it occasionally gets tangled in its own tea leaves. It’s sharp, funny, full of posh murder energy, and gives Lily room to shine outside her usual turf. 3.5 stars.
Whodunity Award: For Featuring the Only Birthday Party Where the Real Gift Was Multiple Felonies
Big thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. You really know how to serve murder with a side of scones. This book made me crave tea, judgmental grandmothers, and mild aristocratic scandal in that exact order.
September 27, 2025
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This fascinating, fun, and compelling read takes us to the home of Lady Frockmorton, Elizabeth Crawford in the beauty of a Yorkshire autumn. Descriptions of the architecture and countryside enhanced my feeling of being there, and I was happy to see our regular characters. Watching Lily try to drive on the wrong side of the road was an adventure! The brief history of the castle ruins, the hotel, and the Crawford family was interesting.
Rose worked eight years for Lady Frockmorton and her late husband at Thornecroft Castle. It had changed over the decades since Rose left England to marry Eric, an American soldier she fell in love with. Rose had been the cook’s assistant. Elizabeth took a strong liking to her, and sometimes visited her in the kitchen.
Elizabeth’s husband died young in a riding accident. To keep the family home and raise their four children, she converted the home into Thornecroft Castle House and Hotel. It was, and is, a successful, luxurious hotel, complete with restaurant and bar.
Elizabeth is now celebrating her one hundredth birthday. The hotel is closed for a week, and many of her guests are staying there. Rose was invited, and brought Lily, her granddaughter, and Bernie, Lily’s best friend. After the celebration, Bernie would join her boyfriend, Matt, in York for a few days. Lily would enjoy a couple days with Simon, the summer gardener at Victoria on Sea, Rose’s B&B on Cape Cod. While Lily opened her tearoom, Tea by the Sea, she and Simon grew close. He is currently a winter gardener in England at Garfield Hall.
Elizabeth’s family were unhappy that she invited some of her favorite former staff. While at a nearby pub for dinner, Lily and Bernie overheard several of her grandchildren discuss the hotel. With Elizabeth’s gentle leading, it has been managed with excellence by her grandson Tony, with the passion for the property and its history. Julien, the grandson most likely to inherit the estate if passed by tradition, talked about having their grandmother declared incompetent so he could take charge.
Elizabeth hosted that evening’s party wearing the Frockmorton Sapphires, which had been safely stored for nearly sixty years. Elizabeth was given ownership of them through her late husband’s will. A daughter-in-law coveted them, believing she should wear the priceless set that had been in the family for generations. Elizabeth planned to sell the centuries-old treasure to make repairs and upgrades to the property for the benefit of the next generation.
The next day, Lily helped the kitchen prepare foods for the afternoon tea. Her tearoom specializes in afternoon tea, she always sought ways to improve her service. She helped prepare Coronation Chicken sandwiches that she wanted to try in her own tearoom. Much to her horror, a VIP died during the afternoon tea. He was severely allergic to tree nuts, and almond powder, was found in his and several other Coronation Chicken sandwiches. Lily knew she did not use it, however, having prepared the sandwiches made her a person of interest. Later that day, Elizabeth discovered someone had stolen the Frockmorton Sapphires. At one time, they had been valued at over ten million pounds! Was it connected to the death?
The three-dimensional characters are so well defined, it was like visiting family! I enjoyed learning more about Rose’s early life, as well as Elizabeth. She had a huge family, and I was thankful to see the helpful cast of characters. Bernie, an aspiring author, has changed her setting, characters, and plot in her first novel numerous times, based on murders they solved.
Lily and Bernie helped solved several murders at home. Simon and Matt contributed to their clues and research, as did Rose. Rose wanted to help Elizabeth through the murder and theft, and stayed at the estate with her. As long as Lily was a person of interest, she was desperate to solve the murder and to find who stole the jewels. It was devastating to learn who really killed the victim, someone I never anticipated, for a shocking reason! Recovering the jewelry was much easier in comparison. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and series for those who appreciate tearooms, Cape Cod and Yorkshire, and well-written cozy mysteries.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This fascinating, fun, and compelling read takes us to the home of Lady Frockmorton, Elizabeth Crawford in the beauty of a Yorkshire autumn. Descriptions of the architecture and countryside enhanced my feeling of being there, and I was happy to see our regular characters. Watching Lily try to drive on the wrong side of the road was an adventure! The brief history of the castle ruins, the hotel, and the Crawford family was interesting.
Rose worked eight years for Lady Frockmorton and her late husband at Thornecroft Castle. It had changed over the decades since Rose left England to marry Eric, an American soldier she fell in love with. Rose had been the cook’s assistant. Elizabeth took a strong liking to her, and sometimes visited her in the kitchen.
Elizabeth’s husband died young in a riding accident. To keep the family home and raise their four children, she converted the home into Thornecroft Castle House and Hotel. It was, and is, a successful, luxurious hotel, complete with restaurant and bar.
Elizabeth is now celebrating her one hundredth birthday. The hotel is closed for a week, and many of her guests are staying there. Rose was invited, and brought Lily, her granddaughter, and Bernie, Lily’s best friend. After the celebration, Bernie would join her boyfriend, Matt, in York for a few days. Lily would enjoy a couple days with Simon, the summer gardener at Victoria on Sea, Rose’s B&B on Cape Cod. While Lily opened her tearoom, Tea by the Sea, she and Simon grew close. He is currently a winter gardener in England at Garfield Hall.
Elizabeth’s family were unhappy that she invited some of her favorite former staff. While at a nearby pub for dinner, Lily and Bernie overheard several of her grandchildren discuss the hotel. With Elizabeth’s gentle leading, it has been managed with excellence by her grandson Tony, with the passion for the property and its history. Julien, the grandson most likely to inherit the estate if passed by tradition, talked about having their grandmother declared incompetent so he could take charge.
Elizabeth hosted that evening’s party wearing the Frockmorton Sapphires, which had been safely stored for nearly sixty years. Elizabeth was given ownership of them through her late husband’s will. A daughter-in-law coveted them, believing she should wear the priceless set that had been in the family for generations. Elizabeth planned to sell the centuries-old treasure to make repairs and upgrades to the property for the benefit of the next generation.
The next day, Lily helped the kitchen prepare foods for the afternoon tea. Her tearoom specializes in afternoon tea, she always sought ways to improve her service. She helped prepare Coronation Chicken sandwiches that she wanted to try in her own tearoom. Much to her horror, a VIP died during the afternoon tea. He was severely allergic to tree nuts, and almond powder, was found in his and several other Coronation Chicken sandwiches. Lily knew she did not use it, however, having prepared the sandwiches made her a person of interest. Later that day, Elizabeth discovered someone had stolen the Frockmorton Sapphires. At one time, they had been valued at over ten million pounds! Was it connected to the death?
The three-dimensional characters are so well defined, it was like visiting family! I enjoyed learning more about Rose’s early life, as well as Elizabeth. She had a huge family, and I was thankful to see the helpful cast of characters. Bernie, an aspiring author, has changed her setting, characters, and plot in her first novel numerous times, based on murders they solved.
Lily and Bernie helped solved several murders at home. Simon and Matt contributed to their clues and research, as did Rose. Rose wanted to help Elizabeth through the murder and theft, and stayed at the estate with her. As long as Lily was a person of interest, she was desperate to solve the murder and to find who stole the jewels. It was devastating to learn who really killed the victim, someone I never anticipated, for a shocking reason! Recovering the jewelry was much easier in comparison. I highly recommend this cozy mystery and series for those who appreciate tearooms, Cape Cod and Yorkshire, and well-written cozy mysteries.
February 23, 2025
Lily Roberts owns a tearoom on Cape Cod, and her grandmother Rose owns the neighboring B&B, which they have closed down for a week so that Rose can attend a birthday celebration in England for her old employer, Lady Elizabeth Crawford, dowager countess of Frockmorton. Along with them is Lily's best friend Bernie, who will be visiting her boyfriend Matt Goodwell, a writer who is researching his next novel in England.
At a pub, Bernie and Lily overhear a family argument, and later learn that these are Elizabeth's grandchildren, and all of them (or most) are worried about what Elizabeth is going to do with her fortune. Even though they have turned the ancestral home into a hotel, they have also closed it for the week for the birthday.
Elizabeth and Rose's reunion is a happy one, as they grew to be friends when Rose was working as a kitchen maid and Elizabeth was the countess. Despite their opposite statuses, they grew close and are still so to this day. When Elizabeth arrives at the party wearing the Frockmorton Sapphires, everyone is in awe. Beautiful, ostentatious, but still overwhelming. And when Elizabeth wants to show Bernie, Lily, and Rose the sapphires privately, they discover them missing.
But even more disturbing is when one of the party guests collapses at tea, and is later declared dead. But the worst part is it seems it was the chicken coronation sandwich that they ate -- and was prepared by Lily herself. Now she's a suspect in the murder, along with a several others. Calling her boyfriend Simon, who is working nearby but has taken a holiday, he arrives to help her find the person who committed the crime.
Even if the local police ask her to stay away, they seem to know that she won't, having investigated her past and discovering that she's involved herself in other murders. Yet Lily has an innate curiosity that won't let go, even as she's worried about a killer in hotel, her relationship with Simon, and who stole the sapphires. Will she discover the truth, or will she be put on ice forever?...
This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all. I do try to write reviews without giving away any spoilers, and this one is no different. Lily is lost in England, mostly by the different driving methods, but still...and she doesn't know how to go about asking questions without it seeming like a true inquiry to the murder. Yet she wants to clear her name, and it won't be easy as she doesn't know these people, and many of them are related to Elizabeth, whom she herself has grown fond of in the short time she's known her.
But Lily does what she does best, and with the help of others around her, she perseveres until she gets to the truth. And the truth isn't what anyone would expect, nor want to know in the long run. Yet sometimes truth is strange, and sometimes killers aren't what you expect them to be. But in the end, Lily finds out a bit more about herself, and has something to look forward to when she returns to the states.
I urge you not to have a peek at the ending, as you will enjoy this book more if you read it straight through. The final clue comes and should you find it, you will find the murderer as well. I loved this book and look forward to 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.
At a pub, Bernie and Lily overhear a family argument, and later learn that these are Elizabeth's grandchildren, and all of them (or most) are worried about what Elizabeth is going to do with her fortune. Even though they have turned the ancestral home into a hotel, they have also closed it for the week for the birthday.
Elizabeth and Rose's reunion is a happy one, as they grew to be friends when Rose was working as a kitchen maid and Elizabeth was the countess. Despite their opposite statuses, they grew close and are still so to this day. When Elizabeth arrives at the party wearing the Frockmorton Sapphires, everyone is in awe. Beautiful, ostentatious, but still overwhelming. And when Elizabeth wants to show Bernie, Lily, and Rose the sapphires privately, they discover them missing.
But even more disturbing is when one of the party guests collapses at tea, and is later declared dead. But the worst part is it seems it was the chicken coronation sandwich that they ate -- and was prepared by Lily herself. Now she's a suspect in the murder, along with a several others. Calling her boyfriend Simon, who is working nearby but has taken a holiday, he arrives to help her find the person who committed the crime.
Even if the local police ask her to stay away, they seem to know that she won't, having investigated her past and discovering that she's involved herself in other murders. Yet Lily has an innate curiosity that won't let go, even as she's worried about a killer in hotel, her relationship with Simon, and who stole the sapphires. Will she discover the truth, or will she be put on ice forever?...
This is the sixth book in the series and I have read them all. I do try to write reviews without giving away any spoilers, and this one is no different. Lily is lost in England, mostly by the different driving methods, but still...and she doesn't know how to go about asking questions without it seeming like a true inquiry to the murder. Yet she wants to clear her name, and it won't be easy as she doesn't know these people, and many of them are related to Elizabeth, whom she herself has grown fond of in the short time she's known her.
But Lily does what she does best, and with the help of others around her, she perseveres until she gets to the truth. And the truth isn't what anyone would expect, nor want to know in the long run. Yet sometimes truth is strange, and sometimes killers aren't what you expect them to be. But in the end, Lily finds out a bit more about herself, and has something to look forward to when she returns to the states.
I urge you not to have a peek at the ending, as you will enjoy this book more if you read it straight through. The final clue comes and should you find it, you will find the murderer as well. I loved this book and look forward to 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.
May 21, 2025
We're off to jolly ol' England in this installment of the series. Well, not so jolly. Not only is Elizabeth, a countess nearing 100 years-old, who has opened up the Thornecroft Castle estate as a luxury hotel, dealing with family drama, but there's a murder. Needless to say, long time readers won't be surprised to discover Lily Roberts in the middle of it. There with her grandmother Rose, a former kitchen maid at the estate who'd become Elizabeth's friend, and best friend Bernie/Bernadette, she offers to help out in the kitchen. While a kind offer, it puts her on the suspect list. To complicate matters, priceless family jewelry goes missing. Are the crimes connected?
I won't detail the plot but will note that I very much appreciated the cast of characters included at the front (and British recipes at the end). This one has a large cast and, quite frankly, even after finishing I'm not quite sure I have the family connections quite straight. As a result, the pace seemed leisurely at times as the various characters were introduced, many basically just passing through while others played a more active role. It was interesting that one character was part of a movement to do away with the nobility and status ranking, so to speak, as we heard others talk of the role such things had played in their lives and, yes, the personality of the victim. The usual cast, Rose, Bernie, and Lily were joined by Matt Goodwell, Bernie's boyfriend, a writer doing research in England, and master gardener Simon McCracken, Lily's romantic partner. .
Bottom line, I like these characters and it seemed like Lily was taking a bit more of the lead in the investigation this go-usual this round rather than following and being prodded by Rose and Bernie. For long time readers, enjoy getting a glimpse of the England Rose so fondly remembers, not to mention enjoy Lily's panic over not just roundabouts but driving on the, to her American mind, the wrong side of the road. Fortunately Simon eventually takes on the driver role or we might have gotten some insight into British hospital care. Lots of family drama and angst, spurned romances, and lively children running about. While the final reveal seemed to just happen, it was satisfactory and wrapped up the case nicely. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing- #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this early peek at the goings-on in Lily's life. How delightful to get this glimpse of Rose's past, in particular, and the aristocratic life of some in England, not to mention their police procedures. The quick glimpse of the barn activity was a bonus. Long nail file, indeed. Grin.
I won't detail the plot but will note that I very much appreciated the cast of characters included at the front (and British recipes at the end). This one has a large cast and, quite frankly, even after finishing I'm not quite sure I have the family connections quite straight. As a result, the pace seemed leisurely at times as the various characters were introduced, many basically just passing through while others played a more active role. It was interesting that one character was part of a movement to do away with the nobility and status ranking, so to speak, as we heard others talk of the role such things had played in their lives and, yes, the personality of the victim. The usual cast, Rose, Bernie, and Lily were joined by Matt Goodwell, Bernie's boyfriend, a writer doing research in England, and master gardener Simon McCracken, Lily's romantic partner. .
Bottom line, I like these characters and it seemed like Lily was taking a bit more of the lead in the investigation this go-usual this round rather than following and being prodded by Rose and Bernie. For long time readers, enjoy getting a glimpse of the England Rose so fondly remembers, not to mention enjoy Lily's panic over not just roundabouts but driving on the, to her American mind, the wrong side of the road. Fortunately Simon eventually takes on the driver role or we might have gotten some insight into British hospital care. Lots of family drama and angst, spurned romances, and lively children running about. While the final reveal seemed to just happen, it was satisfactory and wrapped up the case nicely. Thanks #KensingtonPublishing- #KensingtonCozies for allowing me this early peek at the goings-on in Lily's life. How delightful to get this glimpse of Rose's past, in particular, and the aristocratic life of some in England, not to mention their police procedures. The quick glimpse of the barn activity was a bonus. Long nail file, indeed. Grin.
July 21, 2025
TEA WITH JAM & DREAD is the sixth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by Vicki Delany. Protagonist Lily Roberts, her grandmother, Rose, and pals land in England for another misadventure in this newest release. Invited to the dowager countess of Frockmorton’s 100th birthday party, Rose insists they attend so she can visit with her long-ago employer/friend. The author does an admirable job in making the reader feel like they’re right there (with humor thrown in) from driving on the “wrong” side of the road, to getting trapped in terrifying roundabouts with cars swerving to miss you, to the beautiful countryside, and Thornecroft Castle turned hotel. Her strong descriptive language makes it all come alive. I enjoyed seeing more of Rose and learning about her backstory and her friendship with the countess. With everyone descending upon the castle for the birthday celebration, there are a lot of characters, some mentioned in passing, and some integral to the plot. But the core characters take center stage and are just as endearing as they’ve always been in previous books.
Lily, not one to sit around and remain idle, volunteers to help in the kitchen to prepare food for the upcoming birthday tea. She’s curious about the English tea and wonders if she can find new recipes to use in her tearoom back in Cape Cod. But maybe Lily should have stayed out of the kitchen because a guest dies after eating the Coronation chicken sandwiches prepared by her. Suddenly a suspect, and with the countess’s family pointing a finger at Lily (some are very condescending about class standing) Lily and her friends must band together and find the culprit. Adding to the mayhem is the dowager countess’s famous sapphires, now missing. The author crafted a tightly plotted story, with family drama increasing the tension. There were twists and turns to keep me engaged and, with so many guests roaming the castle, suspects galore. Being in a foreign country and not knowing any of the suspects makes it more difficult for Lily to suss out motivations. Still, Lily’s levelheaded determination narrows down the culprit, and it was all made clear in a highly satisfactory manner.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lily, not one to sit around and remain idle, volunteers to help in the kitchen to prepare food for the upcoming birthday tea. She’s curious about the English tea and wonders if she can find new recipes to use in her tearoom back in Cape Cod. But maybe Lily should have stayed out of the kitchen because a guest dies after eating the Coronation chicken sandwiches prepared by her. Suddenly a suspect, and with the countess’s family pointing a finger at Lily (some are very condescending about class standing) Lily and her friends must band together and find the culprit. Adding to the mayhem is the dowager countess’s famous sapphires, now missing. The author crafted a tightly plotted story, with family drama increasing the tension. There were twists and turns to keep me engaged and, with so many guests roaming the castle, suspects galore. Being in a foreign country and not knowing any of the suspects makes it more difficult for Lily to suss out motivations. Still, Lily’s levelheaded determination narrows down the culprit, and it was all made clear in a highly satisfactory manner.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 25, 2025
5/5 stars: This is the sixth entry in Delany's Tea by the Sea Mysteries series, which is a Culinary Cozy Mystery and follows a Massachusetts tearoom owner who travels to England with her grandmother and best friend to attend an aristocratic centenarian's birthday party only to find herself turning sleuth after the woman's family jewels go missing and the lady's grandson dies from an allergic reaction that someone smuggled into the coronation chicken sandwiches she helped make. She'll have to work fast to discover who stole the jewels and unmask the killer before it's time for her to return home. With plenty of twists and turns, Delany has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Delany's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Lily's great and it's a joy to catch up with her friends and family. I especially got a kick out of her best friend, Bernie, who's a definite character and has been hilariously been “writing” a novel for several books. I also really liked seeing Lily sleuthing in a new setting, the Yorkshire, England mansion-turned-hotel where her grandmother Rose worked as a young woman. Additionally, it's great to see Lily's relationship with her gardener paramour, Simon, progressing. Oh and you won't want to miss all of the absolutely delicious sounding recipes included. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Tea & Treachery.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
July 31, 2025
Tea With Jam and Dread by Vicki Delany finds Rose, Bernie, and Lily in England far from the teashop and B&B back in Cape Cod. They were here at the invitation of the Dowager Countess of Frockmorton in whose home Rose had worked so many years ago as a maid. Now they were at Thornecroft Castle and Hotel to celebrate her 100th birthday. She apparently remembered Rose fondly and both were somewhat of an age at which many of their contemporaries were gone. What they found was a well-run hotel, the manager being the grandson of Elizabeth, the dowager and a plethora of other family members, some of whom were likable, some of whom were not. Lily overheard a conversation between another pair of grandchildren to the effect that they wanted to have Elizabeth declared incompetent and take it all from her. There was a lot of greed and hostility brewing in this family, as well as ennui. Then, at the birthday party, the current earl, Elizabeth’s son passed out. An ambulance was called and he was taken to the hospital but it was not good. He was dead. Was this a murder? Of course, the trio felt compelled to investigate.
These ladies are all excellent characters with individual personalities of their own. They worked well together, especially Rose and Bernie, who tended to proceed without caution. There was a lot to unpack. This was a family that was land rich and cash poor. Elizabeth had one final piece of tine jewelry which she had retrieved from the bank and worn that evening. Then it was gone. Were the two “crimes” related? The plan had been for Lily to leave the hotel for a few days to see Simon who worked nearby, but she was too worried to leave her grandmother. This was a multi-pronged investigation which ended, at least partially, happily. It was a good mystery and gave us a closer look at our favorite characters in a different setting. This book is well-worth the read.
I was invited to read Tea With Jam and Dread by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #VickiDelany #TeaWithJamAndDread
These ladies are all excellent characters with individual personalities of their own. They worked well together, especially Rose and Bernie, who tended to proceed without caution. There was a lot to unpack. This was a family that was land rich and cash poor. Elizabeth had one final piece of tine jewelry which she had retrieved from the bank and worn that evening. Then it was gone. Were the two “crimes” related? The plan had been for Lily to leave the hotel for a few days to see Simon who worked nearby, but she was too worried to leave her grandmother. This was a multi-pronged investigation which ended, at least partially, happily. It was a good mystery and gave us a closer look at our favorite characters in a different setting. This book is well-worth the read.
I was invited to read Tea With Jam and Dread by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #VickiDelany #TeaWithJamAndDread
July 26, 2025
Tea with Jam & Dread is the 6th book in Vicki Delany's Tea by the Sea Mysteries and it is a good addition to the series. I really enjoy this series and in this book Lilly, Rose, and Bernadette (Bernie) go to England for Rose's friend Elizabeth, Dowager Countess of Frockmorton's 100th birthday celebration. Thornecroft Castle House is a hotel but is closed to the public for the family event. Most of Elizabeth's family is there for her birthday weekend and are all staying at Thornecroft as well as Rose, Lilly and Bernie. There are a lot of people to keep track of but there is a Character List at the beginning which helps and the author periodically reminds the reader who the people are. There is rivalry and personality conflicts among the family members. Lilly wants to help out with Elizabeth's Afternoon Tea so she can get ideas for her own Tea Room. One of the family members ends up dead and Lilly is a suspect. Lilly was supposed to visit her boyfriend Simon who is working at an estate garden near Thornecroft for the winter. Bernie's boyfriend Matt is an author and is doing research for a book and they are supposed to meet up after the birthday celebration. With the death and some missing valuable family jewelry, Lilly and Bernie decide they need to stay at Thornecroft with Rose so Simon and Matt arrive. It is nice to see Lilly and Simon's relationship progress. I enjoyed the two couples and Rose investigating and there is very little peril which is an added bonus. I guessed fairly early on about the missing jewelry but wasn't sure about the culprit for the murder. It is difficult to take a series to a new location with new characters and to balance the old with the new and this book hit that balance for the most part. I enjoyed this book and it was fun to visit England but the plethora of characters bogged down the story. I look forward to the next book and I really enjoy this series. #TeaWithJam&Dread #TeaByTheSeaMysteries #KensingtonCozies
July 16, 2025
I usually don't enjoy cozies that are away from their usual primary setting, but this one proved to be quite fun and enjoyable. In this book, we are whisked away to Thornecroft Castle, where Lily's grandmother, Rose, spent time as a kitchen maid before moving to America to marry Lily's grandfather. They are celebrating the Countess of Frockmorton, Rose's former employer, and her 100th birthday.
Upon arrival to the castle, there is clear family strife with petty squabbles about what will happen to the estate once the Countess (Elizabeth) passes on, though she does not appear in imminent danger of doing so. There are two sides of the family, those who still care about titles and stature and those who do not. The fights are between those who want to flaunt their wealth, despite the fact that there is little of it.
During the birthday tea, the current hoity-toity viscount is murdered and suspects are all over the place. When it is later discovered that the precious Frockmorton sapphires are also missing, Lily wonders if the two are connected.
While the English setting is quaint, we don't get too much exploration outside Thornecroft or its immediate surroundings. However, the mystery was intriguing, especially since Lily does not have her usual in with the local constables and knows nothing of the parties involved other than what she has observed.
I did not figure out whodunit, which always makes me happy, because if it is too obvious I am disappointed. Despite having 58 books to her credit, Ms. Delaney never fails to surprise and entertain. I look forward to more books in this series and her others.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
Upon arrival to the castle, there is clear family strife with petty squabbles about what will happen to the estate once the Countess (Elizabeth) passes on, though she does not appear in imminent danger of doing so. There are two sides of the family, those who still care about titles and stature and those who do not. The fights are between those who want to flaunt their wealth, despite the fact that there is little of it.
During the birthday tea, the current hoity-toity viscount is murdered and suspects are all over the place. When it is later discovered that the precious Frockmorton sapphires are also missing, Lily wonders if the two are connected.
While the English setting is quaint, we don't get too much exploration outside Thornecroft or its immediate surroundings. However, the mystery was intriguing, especially since Lily does not have her usual in with the local constables and knows nothing of the parties involved other than what she has observed.
I did not figure out whodunit, which always makes me happy, because if it is too obvious I am disappointed. Despite having 58 books to her credit, Ms. Delaney never fails to surprise and entertain. I look forward to more books in this series and her others.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
August 28, 2025
Normally I'm not a fan of authors taking their characters out of the usual setting, but it worked well in this case. It was fun seeing Rose back in England and being treated like an old friend by her former aristocratic employer. The double mystery was well crafted. The murder kept me guessing because there were so many good suspects. I do not understand why the constables focused on Lily for the murder when she had absolutely no motive. Due to Lady Elizabeth's advanced age, I worry about what's going to happen next. I hope there will be a follow up in a future book. There was the promise of a visit from her to the tea shop and B&B in the USA even though she had previously indicated her traveling days were over.
Of interest to nobody but me, but since I write reviews as reminders to myself and not with the intention to influence whether others should or should not read the book—after the coronation of Charles, I found a recipe for Coronation Chicken and tried it. I wasn't impressed, but then I'm not a fan of curry. The recipe I used was identical to the one in the book.
Of interest to nobody but me, but since I write reviews as reminders to myself and not with the intention to influence whether others should or should not read the book—after the coronation of Charles, I found a recipe for Coronation Chicken and tried it. I wasn't impressed, but then I'm not a fan of curry. The recipe I used was identical to the one in the book.
August 14, 2025
Tea with Jam & Dread” by Vicki Delany is the sixth installment in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries series, and sees tearoom owner Lily Roberts travel with her grandmother, Rose, and friend Bernie to Thornecroft Castle, England. Rose is there for the 100th birthday celebration of her former employer, the dowager countess of Frockmorton. What begins as a seemingly pleasant trip to England, complete with visits to her boyfriend and indulging in British tea, soon takes a dark turn.
The ancestral home, now a luxury hotel, becomes the scene of family drama and tension regarding an inheritance and the fate of the famous Frockmorton Sapphires, which the dowager countess plans to sell. Things escalate dramatically with the disappearance of the jewels and a sudden death due to an allergic reaction from almonds supposedly introduced to Lily's coronation chicken sandwiches, implicating her in the crime. Lily, determined to clear her name, launches into an investigation alongside her grandmother and friend Bernie.
The book is praised for its entertaining plot with plenty of red herrings and charming characters, including the endearing core trio of Lily, Rose, and Bernie. The English setting adds a fresh and exciting element, described vividly, immersing the reader in the atmosphere, while still maintaining the comforting familiarity of the series. Some critics found the pacing could have been quicker, and the sheer number of new characters introduced initially overwhelming. However, the book's clever plotting, engaging mystery, and focus on the main characters' evolving relationships make it a satisfying and enjoyable cozy mystery read.
The ancestral home, now a luxury hotel, becomes the scene of family drama and tension regarding an inheritance and the fate of the famous Frockmorton Sapphires, which the dowager countess plans to sell. Things escalate dramatically with the disappearance of the jewels and a sudden death due to an allergic reaction from almonds supposedly introduced to Lily's coronation chicken sandwiches, implicating her in the crime. Lily, determined to clear her name, launches into an investigation alongside her grandmother and friend Bernie.
The book is praised for its entertaining plot with plenty of red herrings and charming characters, including the endearing core trio of Lily, Rose, and Bernie. The English setting adds a fresh and exciting element, described vividly, immersing the reader in the atmosphere, while still maintaining the comforting familiarity of the series. Some critics found the pacing could have been quicker, and the sheer number of new characters introduced initially overwhelming. However, the book's clever plotting, engaging mystery, and focus on the main characters' evolving relationships make it a satisfying and enjoyable cozy mystery read.
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