Death of a Forest Fairy

Hungarian Tea House Mystery #4

by Julia Buckley

In this fourth Hungarian Tea House mystery, Hana and her family brave a cold spring night to watch an outdoor theater presentation called "Entering the Fairy Wood." Produced by her friend Henrik Sipos and his Hungarian-American society, the event promises a series of stunning tableaus that will give life to famous Hungarian folklore. During the show, something goes wrong, and it is soon apparent that the tragic fairy tale has dissolved into a real tragedy. Hana's boyfriend, Erik Wolf, takes charge of the scene, and Hana, her mother, and her grandmother, a trio of intuitive women, are left with a sense of foreboding. Perhaps only they can bring Erik the clues he needs to solve the unexpected death of one of the performers--a young and lovely forest fairy.

Genres: Mystery

Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2025

About the author

Julia Buckley is a Chicago-area writer. She has written three mystery series with Berkley Prime Crime, including the best-selling Writer's Apprentice Series, which Mystery Scene calls "engaging, enjoyable, and surprising," while Kirkus dubs it "pleasantly old-fashioned." The Library Journal called Buckley "a writer to watch."

Buckley is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and the Chicago Writers Association. She blogs about writing and mysteries at Mysterious Musings, where she has interviewed almost 200 other mystery writers about their work.

She teaches high school English and enjoys reading, playing Words With Friends, and spending time with her husband and two sons, along with their menagerie of animals.

Reviews

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hungarian Tea House mystery series has long been a favorite, and I was thrilled to see that there was now a fourth book. I love the Hungarian folklore, supernatural touches, and the character relationships. This may not be everyone's cup of tea (pun intended) but it certainly is mine. Not an eReader person, so I read it in paperback. This may be the last in the series; if so, the author left everyone in a great place.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that there was another book in this series. I like the characters, the setting and the story was good and I loved the ending. I would love it if there were more books in this series.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another mystery starring our lovely Hana Keller. Although any of these books could be read as a stand alone, you will get the most out of this series if you read them in order, as the character development is well done. Also, the mysteries (puzzles) are nicely done as well, but there are spoilers if you read a newer book first.

In this book, we have another murder mystery. Julia puts Hana within range of the action, once again, without making her constantly stumble over bodies, which is a nice touch in a murder mystery series. Hana is a kind and heartfelt character, and her relationships with friends and family are to be envied.

I did spot the murderer before we were told whom it was - I had a feeling! And there were definitely some clues.

We get more Wolf family interaction, and more Hungarian vocabulary. The entire series, if you are not familiar, is centered around a Hungarian family who lives near Chicago, in a (fictional) suburb. My father was from Hungary, but was Jewish, so the cultural references don't reflect my childhood memories, but were lovely none the less.

I highly recommend this series by Julia Buckley (check out her other series as well!!)

[Deborah Almada · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I was so happy to see that this series was being continued by the author! A Hungarian Tea House mystery series is definitely a favorite, with a wonderful MC, a charming extended family, and supporting cast, some Hungarian history, and a touch of magic, what more can you want? Hana and Erik are at an outdoor theater event in Riverwood called "Entering the Fairy Wood," which is as enchanting as advertised until one of the Fairies fails to return on cue and is found murdered. Erik is on the case, and with Hana and her family's connections in the community, it is hard for them not to be dragged in to help find justice for the lovely victim. Hana' growing psychic ability draws her deeper and deeper into the solution. It was exciting to be drawn deep into the mystery while catching up with all our ever growing and fascinating family characters and being exposed to delicious sounding Hungarian food. This story was a delight on so many levels. Can't wait for more!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Julia Buckley writes the best cozy mysteries! I look forward to each of her series installments. Reading her books is like curling up on a couch and snuggling in with a blanket. You are relaxed and cozy with a wonderful story. She blends suspense with magical realism, making it all too plausible. Her food descriptions of Hungarian delicacies have prompted many a google search to see the delectable food she describes. Her books provide a much needed respite from reality.

[Sterre · Rating 5 out of 5]

What better way to celebrate my first stay in Hungary than reading the latest installment of the Hungarian Tea House Mystery: Death of a Forest Fairy🧚🏻‍♀️ I started reading the book yesterday on the deck of our little vacation cottage, surrounded by beautiful green hills. And finished reading it on the same deck earlier today. A real #mustread

[BookLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

No review of the book other than to say this series continues to be enjoyable and I hope there are more books!

But I had to address the cover change. It’s beautiful but is totally different than the first three books. They are some of my favourite covers and I’m really disappointed in the change. I won’t be buying a paperback for my collection because of it.

[Kristin Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thankful for another Hungarian Tea House mystery after years without one. A great whodunit with plenty of suspects to keep me guessing. Love all the side stories, characters and family love and connection. Multiple silly typos early on drove me nuts (thinking page edits were skipped) but didn’t bother me enough to stop reading. A wonderful cozy and I hope we’ll see more in the series.

[Snap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrilled to see the Hungarian Tea House mysteries continue. I wasn’t disappointed. Another fun read. Combines some Hungarian folklore with a whodunnit. Loved seeing my favorite characters return. Keep them coming!

[Liz Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy had at least three typos, which I find very distracting.

[Julie Carithers Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 4 in "A Hungarian Tea House Mystery" did not disappoint. Loved it. All of Julia Buckley's books are awesome!!

[Carla Eacret · Rating 5 out of 5]

this has been my favorite of the books so far, can't wait to see what comes next!