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Rosemary Mountain Mystery #4
Poison in the Tea: Fiona's Story
No choice, my mind says. But my soul knows the truth.
There’s always a choice—and the one I made will cost me everything.
Daphne Sullivan believes her investigation days are behind her—until herbalist Fiona Flanagan is accused of poisoning a client. She’s determined to clear her friend’s name, but finding the truth will require uncovering dark secrets Fiona planned to take to the grave…
It all began in 1969, when Fiona and her husband, Ian, left their seaside village to seek better opportunities in Belfast, a city on the brink of the Troubles. In a world of bombs and bullets, their bright dreams disappeared, replaced by unthinkable choices in a fight for freedom—and survival.
Half a century later, the ghosts from Fiona’s past are stirring, begging for justice. Daphne is desperate to prove her friend’s innocence. But as the evidence continues to stack up, she must confront the Fiona might be guilty after all.
Reader “Poison in the Tea” is a dual timeline mystery novel where heartbreaking history and tragic secrets are interwoven with a twisty mystery and a touch of Irish mysticism. Recommended for fans of “Echo of Old Books” and Rhys Bowen.
This book is a standalone Rosemary Mountain mystery. It is not necessary to have read the original Rosemary Mountain mystery trilogy in order to read this book.
There’s always a choice—and the one I made will cost me everything.
Daphne Sullivan believes her investigation days are behind her—until herbalist Fiona Flanagan is accused of poisoning a client. She’s determined to clear her friend’s name, but finding the truth will require uncovering dark secrets Fiona planned to take to the grave…
It all began in 1969, when Fiona and her husband, Ian, left their seaside village to seek better opportunities in Belfast, a city on the brink of the Troubles. In a world of bombs and bullets, their bright dreams disappeared, replaced by unthinkable choices in a fight for freedom—and survival.
Half a century later, the ghosts from Fiona’s past are stirring, begging for justice. Daphne is desperate to prove her friend’s innocence. But as the evidence continues to stack up, she must confront the Fiona might be guilty after all.
Reader “Poison in the Tea” is a dual timeline mystery novel where heartbreaking history and tragic secrets are interwoven with a twisty mystery and a touch of Irish mysticism. Recommended for fans of “Echo of Old Books” and Rhys Bowen.
This book is a standalone Rosemary Mountain mystery. It is not necessary to have read the original Rosemary Mountain mystery trilogy in order to read this book.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 11, 2025
59 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Gardner
10 books47 followersMystery + Romantic Suspense author. Writer of quaint towns with cozy vibes, romantic suspense, and plot twists you'll never see coming. Nicole lives in Arkansas with her husband, sons, and two dogs. If she’s not at her desk writing, you’ll probably find her in the garden or creating teas and tinctures in her kitchen.
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Connect with Nicole:
www.nicolegardnerbooks.com
Newsletter: https://nicolegardnerbooks.com/newsle...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/nicolegardnerbooks
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 3, 2026
This book will stick with me for a long time. The historical and emotional depth it provides is remarkable. It was a perfect blend mystery and historical fiction. Though it is a work of fiction, this book gives incredible insight to actual events that occurred in Ireland in the 1960s-70s. The author made it very easy to feel what each character was feeling, whether it be intense love, confusion, joy, grief, and even hate. It was a heavy read at times, but had a beautiful ending. “Poison in the Tea” is easily my favorite read of 2025, and I’m sure I’ll still be thinking of it throughout 2026. Fiona’s story is one that will have you seeing love, war, morality, and life in a new perspective. Truly an amazing read that I will never stop recommending.
December 5, 2025
Wow…I need a moment to gather my thoughts. That was a wild and unforgettable ride. The words “epic” and “sweeping” come to mind. I was not prepared for the emotional highs and lows but I loved every minute of this book! True to her style, Gardner paints vivid scenes with her beautiful words evoking cozy images of autumn, majestic turbulent storms, heartbreaking sorrow, and intense sacrificial love all with equal finesse. I felt like I was there! Fiona has always been an intriguing character and I’m so glad to finally know her back story!
January 19, 2026
What a Beautiful Story!
This book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go until the very end, and then, YOU don't want to let go. This book is a stand alone, but it does clarify some of the characters if you read the first three books first. I have just discovered this wonderful author. She weaves the story, the characters and the plot so very well you want to know these people, to live there and love them. I highly recommend!
This book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go until the very end, and then, YOU don't want to let go. This book is a stand alone, but it does clarify some of the characters if you read the first three books first. I have just discovered this wonderful author. She weaves the story, the characters and the plot so very well you want to know these people, to live there and love them. I highly recommend!
March 2, 2026
I lived through "the troubles" in Belfast during the time the author describes and she absolutely nails the fear and tension of the time. A very scary chapter in Belfast history never forgotten by children of the 50's.
December 2, 2025
Ugh, I've been waiting for Fiona's own, personal story to be written and explained!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was deep, raw and hit all of the marks I needed to make her character complete for me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story was deep, raw and hit all of the marks I needed to make her character complete for me!
December 14, 2025
Fiona
I’m hoping that Fiona is still going to be in the next books because she is the heart of this story!
I’m hoping that Fiona is still going to be in the next books because she is the heart of this story!
January 6, 2026
Another incredible book by Nicole Gardner that will stay with you long after you have finished reading. This was a bit heavier than previous books in the series. The things Fiona endured in Ireland before Rosemary Mountain will break your heart. While this is a work of fiction and has a happy ending, knowing that many of the things portrayed were actually endured by real people during this timeframe is devastating. I typically avoid any type of historical fiction just for that reason, but Gardner is one of my favorite authors who never disappoints and I knew it would be a good read. Despite the sadness of Fiona's early life, Gardner balances it out with Fiona's present day found family in Rosemary Mountain that support and love her unconditionally. Throw in a murder mystery with a few red herrings and there is something for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews