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The Bush Tea Murder
Not yet published
Expected 21 Apr 26Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native St. Thomas.
The first in a new cozy mystery series set in the US Virgin Islands, this charming amateur sleuth will enrapture readers of Joanne Fluke and Carrie Doyle.
Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn’t expect a side of murder with her passion fruit juice. But when her return to St. Thomas heralds a series of troubling cases, ranging from petty theft to cold-blooded murder which threaten her tight-knit community, that is exactly the kind of unsavory treat she must sink her teeth into.
Luckily for her neighbors, Naomi is as deft at solving puzzles as rolling johnnycake dough–a good thing since her island community, though small, keeps serving up plenty of trouble. With the help of her friends and her crush, Mateo, Naomi must navigate the tumultuous turquoise waters of life in the Caribbean, all as her beloved father battles an illness that keeps tugging her back to her island amid her rising career stateside.
Rich with mouthwatering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun, Naomi Spills the Bush Tea has all the ingredients to make up the perfect beach read.
The first in a new cozy mystery series set in the US Virgin Islands, this charming amateur sleuth will enrapture readers of Joanne Fluke and Carrie Doyle.
Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn’t expect a side of murder with her passion fruit juice. But when her return to St. Thomas heralds a series of troubling cases, ranging from petty theft to cold-blooded murder which threaten her tight-knit community, that is exactly the kind of unsavory treat she must sink her teeth into.
Luckily for her neighbors, Naomi is as deft at solving puzzles as rolling johnnycake dough–a good thing since her island community, though small, keeps serving up plenty of trouble. With the help of her friends and her crush, Mateo, Naomi must navigate the tumultuous turquoise waters of life in the Caribbean, all as her beloved father battles an illness that keeps tugging her back to her island amid her rising career stateside.
Rich with mouthwatering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun, Naomi Spills the Bush Tea has all the ingredients to make up the perfect beach read.
336 pages, Paperback
Expected publication April 21, 2026
4104 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was first drawn to The Bush Tea Murder because of its stunning cover. The lush, atmospheric Caribbean setting pulled me in as protagonist Naomi solves multiple mysteries within the mystery. As each story unfolds, we're given glimpses into island life at pace that feels relaxed, yet full of suspense. Well-drawn characters bring emotional depth to this compelling mystery, making this the perfect beachy escape as I wait for winter to end.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC. All thoughts are my own.
My sincere thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an eARC. All thoughts are my own.
January 14, 2026
"The Bush Tea Murder" by Ashley-Ruth Bernier is a bit different than your average cozy mystery. Naomi Sinclair is a tv culture and food host based in North Carolina. Her discussion with her bosses over a potential next segment narrates around the various mysteries she finds herself solving when visiting her US Virgin Island home. At first this seemed disruptive but then it really started to flow together.
Naomi solves everything from petty theft to murder. Some cold cases and some cases happening right in front of her as a kid pukes in the middle of a class she helps teach. There's some triggering topics too, but they're a bit tamer than the Lucy Stone books can sometimes get to.
Naomi solves everything from petty theft to murder. Some cold cases and some cases happening right in front of her as a kid pukes in the middle of a class she helps teach. There's some triggering topics too, but they're a bit tamer than the Lucy Stone books can sometimes get to.
January 26, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.
I enjoyed this new book in a new series. What I particularly liked was the focus on the food culture and its related story to the characters and the US Virgin Islands.
I enjoyed this new book in a new series. What I particularly liked was the focus on the food culture and its related story to the characters and the US Virgin Islands.
November 25, 2025
This was a first time read of this author. I was attracted to the concept, several stories within a story with Virgin Island food roots.
The characters were interesting, diverse and engaging.
The intertwined stories were good but I felt at one point that I didn’t care as much for the primary mystery of who killed Ursula Merchant. I felt that the ending though appropriate was a little abrupt.
I look forward to reading more by this author.
Thank you #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the opportunity to read and share my thoughts on this book.
Happy Reading!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
📱📖 Read on Kindle
📃 336 pages
⏱ 5 hours read time
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Expected Publication: April 21, 2026
Read as an ARC received from NetGalley
You know that feeling when a book's atmosphere is so vivid you start tasting the salty air? That's exactly what happened to me with The Bush Tea Murder. Ashley-Ruth Bernier writes the Caribbean the way only someone who loves it can, with rhythm, affection, and that familiar ease of community.
What stood out most for me was how authentically Caribbean the storytelling felt, from its language to its lush sensory moments. The dialogue flows like island music, and the relationships between characters are heartfelt and real. While the mystery itself unfolds at a gentle pace, it’s the worldbuilding that keeps you hooked. I loved the subtle dance between Naomi’s stateside ambitions and her love for her island roots, that tension gives this cozy more depth than most in the genre.
Naomi Sinclair is such a standout protagonist as confident but human, smart but not omniscient, and carrying the kind of real-world emotional weight that grounds a cozy mystery. Her relationship with her father added a beautiful warmth without overwhelming the mystery; her community connections added texture; and her subtle chemistry with Mateo? Just the lift the story needed. The plot flows beautifully too in a steady, flavorful, and engaging way, with a mystery that unfurls like slow-simmered stew rather than a frantic sprint.
I can already tell this story will be even more alive in audiobook form. You can practically hear the rhythm and warmth of the speech, and I can’t wait to immerse myself again when it releases in April 2026. Ashley-Ruth Bernier has brewed the perfect blend of character, culture, and cozy intrigue here.
Would I recommend it?
If you’re craving sunshine, spice, and a touch of mystery, The Bush Tea Murder is the cup of comfort you need. Add Naomi Spills the Bush Tea to your TBR today; your future vacation-self will thank you.
Spill the Bush Tea. What do you think?
Would you travel for a mystery? Or better yet, have you ever read a book so atmospheric that you felt transported? Drop your Caribbean daydreams (or any cozy mystery favorites) in the comments!
📃 336 pages
⏱ 5 hours read time
🏷️ Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
📅 Expected Publication: April 21, 2026
Read as an ARC received from NetGalley
You know that feeling when a book's atmosphere is so vivid you start tasting the salty air? That's exactly what happened to me with The Bush Tea Murder. Ashley-Ruth Bernier writes the Caribbean the way only someone who loves it can, with rhythm, affection, and that familiar ease of community.
What stood out most for me was how authentically Caribbean the storytelling felt, from its language to its lush sensory moments. The dialogue flows like island music, and the relationships between characters are heartfelt and real. While the mystery itself unfolds at a gentle pace, it’s the worldbuilding that keeps you hooked. I loved the subtle dance between Naomi’s stateside ambitions and her love for her island roots, that tension gives this cozy more depth than most in the genre.
Naomi Sinclair is such a standout protagonist as confident but human, smart but not omniscient, and carrying the kind of real-world emotional weight that grounds a cozy mystery. Her relationship with her father added a beautiful warmth without overwhelming the mystery; her community connections added texture; and her subtle chemistry with Mateo? Just the lift the story needed. The plot flows beautifully too in a steady, flavorful, and engaging way, with a mystery that unfurls like slow-simmered stew rather than a frantic sprint.
I can already tell this story will be even more alive in audiobook form. You can practically hear the rhythm and warmth of the speech, and I can’t wait to immerse myself again when it releases in April 2026. Ashley-Ruth Bernier has brewed the perfect blend of character, culture, and cozy intrigue here.
Would I recommend it?
If you’re craving sunshine, spice, and a touch of mystery, The Bush Tea Murder is the cup of comfort you need. Add Naomi Spills the Bush Tea to your TBR today; your future vacation-self will thank you.
Spill the Bush Tea. What do you think?
Would you travel for a mystery? Or better yet, have you ever read a book so atmospheric that you felt transported? Drop your Caribbean daydreams (or any cozy mystery favorites) in the comments!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Bush Tea Murder is a contemporary mystery following Naomi Sinclair, a culinary journalist who intends to solve a murder in her hometown of Saint Thomas. While there, she solves a myriad of other mysteries which all connect to the murder of Ursula Merchant.
I was very excited going into this book as I enjoy Joanne Fluke’s stories. This book does a wonderful job of bringing you to the Virgin Islands with the dialect and the coastal descriptions. I enjoyed feeling like I was at the beach while being snuggled up at home. I loved the way the characters were written. It felt like every character had thought put into them and I can see how each character may continue to grow during the series.
I found the book a little predictable, which is not necessarily a bad thing but it did make the ending less exciting. Naomi is also a very good journalist but I felt like she always had her “a-ha!” moments right in the nick of time. I wish there were more times she either figured out the correct answer right away or took her a little longer to find the answer. I found it hard to believe that she always remembered exactly what she needed to remember at the perfect time.
I did love how each small mystery she solved connected to the larger mystery of Ursula Merchant. Watching those connections form was one of my favorite parts of the book. Although I guessed the ending about halfway through the book, it was enjoyable to see everything come together and show how and why everything happened the way it did.
I am looking forward to continuing the series!
Thank you Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I was very excited going into this book as I enjoy Joanne Fluke’s stories. This book does a wonderful job of bringing you to the Virgin Islands with the dialect and the coastal descriptions. I enjoyed feeling like I was at the beach while being snuggled up at home. I loved the way the characters were written. It felt like every character had thought put into them and I can see how each character may continue to grow during the series.
I found the book a little predictable, which is not necessarily a bad thing but it did make the ending less exciting. Naomi is also a very good journalist but I felt like she always had her “a-ha!” moments right in the nick of time. I wish there were more times she either figured out the correct answer right away or took her a little longer to find the answer. I found it hard to believe that she always remembered exactly what she needed to remember at the perfect time.
I did love how each small mystery she solved connected to the larger mystery of Ursula Merchant. Watching those connections form was one of my favorite parts of the book. Although I guessed the ending about halfway through the book, it was enjoyable to see everything come together and show how and why everything happened the way it did.
I am looking forward to continuing the series!
Thank you Crooked Lane Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2025
✨ Book Review: The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth Bernier ✨
The Bush Tea Murder is a deliciously cozy blend of Caribbean charm, small-town intrigue, and a mystery that simmers perfectly from start to finish. Ashley-Ruth Bernier creates a world so vivid you can practically smell the bush tea brewing and feel the island sunshine warming the pages.
The story’s strength lies not only in its clever mystery but in its heart. The characters are lovingly drawn—full of quirks, warmth, and personality—and their relationships give the novel a beautiful emotional depth. You don’t just follow the investigation; you become part of the community, sharing their laughter, worries, and secrets.
Bernier’s writing is lush and inviting, mixing gentle humor with moments of real tension. Every chapter feels like a cozy chat with a friend who has a really good story to tell. And when the twists arrive, they do so with just the right blend of surprise and satisfaction.
If you enjoy mysteries that feel comforting yet compelling, with a strong sense of place and a cast you’ll want to revisit, The Bush Tea Murder is an absolute treat. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling even after the last page is turned.
A charming, heartwarming mystery—perfect with a cup of tea. 🍵✨
The Bush Tea Murder is a deliciously cozy blend of Caribbean charm, small-town intrigue, and a mystery that simmers perfectly from start to finish. Ashley-Ruth Bernier creates a world so vivid you can practically smell the bush tea brewing and feel the island sunshine warming the pages.
The story’s strength lies not only in its clever mystery but in its heart. The characters are lovingly drawn—full of quirks, warmth, and personality—and their relationships give the novel a beautiful emotional depth. You don’t just follow the investigation; you become part of the community, sharing their laughter, worries, and secrets.
Bernier’s writing is lush and inviting, mixing gentle humor with moments of real tension. Every chapter feels like a cozy chat with a friend who has a really good story to tell. And when the twists arrive, they do so with just the right blend of surprise and satisfaction.
If you enjoy mysteries that feel comforting yet compelling, with a strong sense of place and a cast you’ll want to revisit, The Bush Tea Murder is an absolute treat. It’s the kind of book that leaves you smiling even after the last page is turned.
A charming, heartwarming mystery—perfect with a cup of tea. 🍵✨
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I picked this up thinking it would be a basic cozy mystery, but it was so much more than that! It was in that sweet spot for me between your standard cozy mystery (which I do enjoy) and a more "hard-bitten" mystery (like a police procedural). The storytelling was fantastic, and Bernier utilized the shifts between the Present, where Naomi is telling the story, to the past sections where you get these mini-mysteries that all lead up to the grand reveal of the big mystery at the end.
I think the balance between Naomi's personal life with Mateo and her parents with her talking and interviewing her friends and islanders to figure out the mystery was perfect. Her characters really came alive on the pages. I'm not usually one to highlight sections or sentences, but the writing in some spots was too good not to. Bernier has a lot of talent, and I'm really hoping to see more books from her.
I think the balance between Naomi's personal life with Mateo and her parents with her talking and interviewing her friends and islanders to figure out the mystery was perfect. Her characters really came alive on the pages. I'm not usually one to highlight sections or sentences, but the writing in some spots was too good not to. Bernier has a lot of talent, and I'm really hoping to see more books from her.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Naomi, a native of the Virgin Islands currently based in North Carolina, hosts a popular food show. Her producer wants to introduce some "true crime" elements to a new program, so she's tasked with finding something to show her superiors. There's an unsolved murder in her hometown, so she flies back, but finds numerous complications and contradictions both with the case and with her job. There is a new romance with the handsome EMT and a host of friends and neighbors who bring a friendly vibe to this book. I hope this will be the start of a series--I would like to visit this island and its citizens again. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 5, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! The setting felt fresh and immersive, making it easy to get lost in the story. The characters were engaging — I found myself rooting for them and curious about what would happen next. The pacing kept me turning pages, and the mystery kept enough twists to stay interesting without getting overly complicated. Overall, it was a fun, satisfying read, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy yet compelling mystery.
November 26, 2025
In this cozy mystery, Naomi finds herself unraveling a long-cold case set against an atmospheric island backdrop. The story offers twists and has well-developed characters that keep the investigation enjoyable to follow. Though the book runs a bit longer than I thjnk was necessary it remains an overall fine a read.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
I received an advance review copy via NetGalley/Crooked Lane Books and I'm leaving a voluntary and honest review.
December 11, 2025
I enjoyed this book. It's fast paced, interesting story and has great characters. Would recommend. Thank you to Ashley-Ruth Bernier, Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc of this book
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fun cozy mystery with some great plotting and fantastic characters. it's woven together really well and works quite solidly. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
February 14, 2026
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ashley-Ruth Bernier for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Bush Tea Murder coming out April 21, 2026. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I really love cozy mysteries! This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I normally love these stories. This one wasn’t as cozy for me. I wanted a little more. I would check out more books by this author.
I really love cozy mysteries! This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I normally love these stories. This one wasn’t as cozy for me. I wanted a little more. I would check out more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews