Mystic Brews & Murder

Magical Teashop Mysteries #1

by Karen McSpade

Starting over at midlife is hard. Doing it with magic—and a murder—is harder.

Eager for a fresh start after forty, midlife witch, Samara Snow, settles in the charming coastal town of Winter Haven, Maine, and opens her dream teahouse. She’s looking for peace, purpose, and a place where she belongs.

But when she discovers the body of a local knitting champion in her apartment stairwell, and the dead woman’s cat claims he’s her adopted familiar, her peaceful new life is suddenly steeped in mystery.

Her cozy new beginning is shattered when she finds murder, suspicion, and a town with dark secrets that doesn’t welcome questions…or witches.

Now she must awaken her magical powers to solve the mystery and clear her name. But who can she trust? Even the handsome fisherman she’s starting to fall for—and the one person that could break her heart—seems to be hiding something.

Samara teams up with her best friend Ruby, a nosy knitting circle, and her snarky black cat to uncover the truth. What she finds is a tangled web of long-buried secrets, a motive for murder, and a local who seems far too interested in keeping the past buried.

When a haunted past leads to murder, will this witch’s magic solve the case in time, or will her new life in Winter Haven come to a deadly end?

If you love magical mysteries with witchy heroines, talking cats, cozy vibes, quirky, witty characters, found family, closed-door romance, no cursing or violence, and a mystery that keeps you guessing, this book is your cup of tea.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Paranormal, Witches, Amazon, Fiction

216 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 23, 2026

About the author

Raised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.

As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.

Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.

When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.

Reviews

[Nancy (The Avid Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews & Murder serves as an excellent introduction to a new magical series within Karen McSpade’s Magical Teashop Mysteries. Samara Snow opens Mystic Brews, her dream teashop located in the picturesque coastal town of Winter Haven, Maine, in hopes of embarking on a fresh beginning. The duration of her stay in Winter Haven remains uncertain.

When Samara is requested to cater a knitting competition, tensions quickly escalate between two contestants. Upon returning home, she discovers a cat waiting for her. After she returns the cat to its rightful home, she stumbles upon the winner of the knitting competition lying in the stairwell, with the trophy positioned at her feet. The trophy may be the very object that led to the unfortunate demise of Mrs. Appleton.

Although Samara had no intention of assisting in the investigation of Mrs. Appleton’s death, she feels compelled to help her best friend clear her brother’s name after he is arrested. Her inquiry uncovers numerous secrets that someone is prepared to go to great lengths to conceal. The situation intensifies further when another body is discovered.

Mrs. Appleton’s talking cat, Pumpkin, chooses to adopt Samara as his new owner. Despite this, Samara has no intention of keeping Pumpkin, as she believes she is not a suitable caretaker for him.

Mystic Brews & Murder is an engaging mystery that marks a delightful beginning to this new magical series. I was captivated from the very first page to the last, with no dull moments in between. I eagerly anticipate what the next installment in the Magical Teashop Mysteries will reveal for Samara and Pumpkin.

I strongly recommend obtaining a copy of Mystic Brews & Murder today to embark on a new journey in the Magical Teashop Mysteries!

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enthused reading Mystic Brews & Murder it has all the hallmarks of Karen Mcspade’s excellent storytelling in spades . A new town and things soon spiral for our mid-life witch Samara Snow . She’s moved to Winter Haven ,a coastal town in Maine. The move was good may things remain…as she’s looking for peace and belonging and really hopes she’s staying the long haul . She’s now got a remarkable sassy cat by the name of Pumpkin ,a familiar if you will so she has her some help at least when she stumbles across a body in her apartment’s stairwell purr-taining to be the cat’s previous owner and winner of the competition that Samara held in her new Magical Tea Shop ,Mystic Brews though so she’s not best pleased ,what’s more she knows the sister of the accused ,he’s her best friend Ruby’s brother . So implored by her friend she begins investigating the death of Mrs Appleton The least of her problems as it appears that she’s in need of doing something for the deceased. Help catch the killer if you purr-lease…The woman lying skew whiff the trophy mocking her at her feat ,is the killer someone who she defeat? This gives cause to sniff about ,she was a champion knitter with some clout. And Samara herself witnessed the heated argument between the two knitters Samara Snow is no quitter thus she moves along devout with no sorry song or lament . Just a trainee witch who needs her powers and is in her element. But who to trust is a must she fears or it’ll all end in tears …for one of her own! Her friend Ruby of course is a given being the accused’s sister and all but who else ? Well there’s the knitting circle ,maybe and the law enforcement though that’s not always an endorsement. There’s no time for melancholy,cos they’ve found another body! Oh no ! Now on with the show and what a web is weaved by those who seek out to deceive and the mysteries are lying on the breeze of this new town in Maine. Samara must be insane she’s staying we shout but no it’s just that she’s got lots to shout about herself with those magic teas upon her shelves. Did they solve the mystery? Did Pumpkin find a furr-ever home? Is there a romance in the offing? Don’t you’ll start Ruby off coughing . Speaking of witch ( I know how to spell ( haha) which ,I couldn’t refuse) Is her wayward brother in the clear though she’d rather not have him near? Find out this and more as you read with greed as I just have and you’re sure in for a laugh at the gaffs too. You’ll love it ,I am telling you . Well it’s penned by our good friend Karen McSpade so a new good mystery series ? We got it made ! Well written and fun with descriptions so apt and immersing . From the very start ,this book did enthral. Now go get it y’all .

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This is a great start to what I think is going to be a fun series. I liked the characters from the talking cat who can find clues anywhere to the quirky knitting club members, all I think are going to become a big help to the main character and provide laughs along the way as the series develops. The love interest has the potential to be sweet, of course that is if they can all convince Samara to stick around. The story is mostly told by Samara as she investigates, with the occasional chapter from the perceptive of the sheriff as Samara comes under scrutiny or she find a body. This works well as you the reader get the full picture. The mystery was good and I thought it was one of the better motives for a cozy mystery, although to be honest I only worked it out the same time as Samara did. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the series develop.

As an orphan Samara isn't use to sticking in one place for very long but she finds herself buying a tea shop in Winter Haven and hoping to finally put down roots and make friends. With just days before Mystic Brews is set to open, she is asked to provide the refreshments for a knitting competition where things get heated. It's only as she returns to her apartment that she discovers how heated things got, when she discovers the winner laying dead in the stairway. When her friends brother is accused of the murder Samara sets out to clear his name. In the process she gains the help from the dead woman cat, who has a knack for finding clues and disappearing. The only problem is the discovery of another body complicates things and has Samara suspecting everybody. Can Samara find the motive behind the deaths before she becomes he next victim?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Aparna J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karen McSpade has done it again! Mystic Brews and Murder is a fantastic start to her new Magical Teashop Mysteries. As a huge fan of her Crystal Beach, Sinclair Sisters, and Piper Sandstone books, I can confidently say this new series is just as delightful and refreshing as her earlier hits.

Samara Snow arrives in the fog-draped coastal town of Winter Haven, Maine, eager to begin anew and open her magical tea shop, Mystic Brews. The town appears quaint and welcoming, but its calm hides an undercurrent of secrets waiting to surface.

Tragedy strikes when Samara discovers the lifeless body of the knitting competition’s winner. The shock cuts deeper when Ruby’s brother is arrested for the crime.

Determined to help Ruby prove her brother’s innocence, Samara begins asking questions the town would rather leave unanswered. But before the truth can come to light, another death shakes Winter Haven—a prime suspect silenced forever. Fear spreads, trust fractures, and familiar faces begin to feel dangerously deceptive.

With every secret she uncovers, the threat grows closer. Winter Haven is not as innocent as it seems, and someone is willing to kill to protect their darkness. As danger brews alongside her enchanted teas, Samara must uncover the truth before the hunter becomes the hunted.

Will she expose the killer in time—or will Mystic Brews become the setting of the town’s next tragedy?

Perfect for readers who love cozy mysteries with a magical twist, small-town secrets, and an amateur sleuth you can root for, this captivating new series opener is a must-read.

Launching on 27 January, 2026, this book is ideal for fans of atmospheric mysteries, gentle magic, and suspense that keeps you turning pages late into the night. Add it to your TBR, grab your favorite tea, and step into the secrets of Winter Haven.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samara Snow, a 40 something witch, orphaned at a young age, has never really had a home. Never one to stay in one place too long, she’s rethinking her decision to open a tea shop in Winter Haven, ME. Before she can get cold feet and run away, she’s led to her neighbor’s dead body by their cat, and her friend Ruby’s brother is the prime suspect. Samara is surprised that the cat, Pumpkin, not only has decided to adopt her, but can talk to her and wants her help to solve his former owner’s murder. But the killer is watching Samara, and has no problem killing again to keep their secrets. Will Samara give up her dreams of a tea shop or stay and fight for her new town?

Karen McSpade kicks off her newest series with a pleasant cozy steeped in small town secrets. Told in a dual point of view between Samara and the sheriff, we get an introduction to the town of Winter Haven and its quirky residents. I had difficulty warming up to Samara at first and she took some risks that definitely put her in unnecessary danger, however, Ms. McSpade’s plotting of the mystery kept me engaged. She has many good qualities and I’m eager to see how she develops in future books. Her friendship with Ruby could use more fleshing out, but I enjoyed the way they supported each other. Pumpkin made a great addition as Samara’s new familiar, and the knitting group looks to be a supportive group as well.

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

[Maria Kornysheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews & Murder felt like the perfect cozy escape with just the right balance of mystery, magic, and small-town tension. What pulled me in most was Samara’s fresh start storyline and the way the book blended midlife reinvention with supernatural elements without losing the emotional warmth underneath it all. Winter Haven had such a charming atmosphere, but there was always this lingering feeling that the town was hiding far more beneath the surface.

I especially enjoyed the mix of quirky characters, the knitting circle dynamics, and the talking cat, which added a lot of personality and humor throughout the story. The mystery itself unfolded at a steady pace and kept introducing new secrets and suspicions without feeling overwhelming. I also liked that the romance remained subtle enough to complement the investigation instead of distracting from it.

What made the story stand out to me most was how comforting and immersive it felt while still maintaining genuine suspense. It had that cozy magical energy that makes you want to curl up with tea and stay inside the world a little longer after finishing.

[DianaRaven · Rating 4 out of 5]

"MYSTIC BREWS AND MURDER" is an excellent introduction to Karen McSpade’s new magical series, "Magical Teashop Mysteries." This easy-to-read and entertaining story features Samara, a caterer, and Pumpkin, the snarky cat who adopts Samara after his human is murdered. 

When Samara dreamed of opening a teashop, she hoped for a place to put down roots and start a peaceful new beginning. Little did she know she'd be knee-deep in murder before she could even get her teashop open. A mysterious talking cat insists they need to solve the murder, and there goes her peaceful new beginning, especially after stumbling over a second body.

Join Samara and Pumpkin as they pursue a killer, aided by Ruby, Samara's new friend. They find the town is full of secrets, including those of a charming individual Samara is attracted to.

Prepare for witty remarks, as Samara's new feline companion, Pumpkin, consistently offers sarcastic observations, such as, "Perhaps a wardrobe update is in order, Samara.".

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

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic beginning to a new series by Karen Spade! Our main Character is witch, Samara Snow who moved to Winter Haven on the coast of Maine. She even opened her dream tea shop, Mystic Brews and catered a knitting championship. It didn't end well with jealousy and arguing between the winner and another contestant. When Samara returns home to her apartment, she is greeted by the dead body of the knitting contest winner, Mrs. Appleton and her cat who took to Samara and became her familiar. His name is Pumpkin and he is incredibly astute. The police suspect Jack Andrews a fisherman Samara has taken a liking to. So she feels she has to investigate and with her best friend Ruby, a nosy knitting circle, and Pumpkin her incredibly smart talking black cat they begin to investigate the murder. Then there is a second body. What is going on? What are the secrets the town refuses to disclose? What a fun first book. I can't wait to see what will happen with Samara, Pumpkin and the gang next. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Cat B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one in a new series from this author. I thought it was nicely done with some interesting players. Samara seems to be known as a witch by some people but mostly keeping this under wraps from the majority of the town. There is also a past that she is mostly keeping to herself. All we really know is that she does not stay anywhere for very long and this move is one that she might give a little more time to as she is opening a tea shop here. I am intrigued by her and I am looking forward to finding out more about her in future books. The mystery could have been fleshed out a bit more, little more backstory would have added a bit to the whole. Alot of the local characters are holding things close to the chest and finding out more on them as well should be interesting. All in all, an enjoyable read and looking forward to the next.
I received a copy of this book via the author through BookSprout and I am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

To new beginnings

Who knew setting down roots could be so dangerous? Not Samara Snow. She after roving around as an orphaned witch for most of her life has decided on a small town in Maine as her new home and place for her new business a tea shop. Unfortunately for her and everyone one else in town there’s secrets buried and they’re about to get uncovered. When one murder follows another Samara realizes that she’s not going anywhere this town is in her bones and she means to protect it. With some help from friends she gets to sleuthing and trying to find the rights clues to unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim.
Fun new series. A little bit of a slow start due to some world building which is expected in a book one. Once it gets going it really moves. Loved the secret history, the small town charm, the new bff Ruby and Samara herself. Not sure if magic is open knowledge or a secret world that’s not entirely clear but other than that a fun read!

[Marseydoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle aged witch Samura is happy to finally settle down and open a tea room in Winter Haven, Maine. She agrees to cater the town's big knitting contest days before her planned grand opening. The contest is won by Mrs. Appleton, a kindly, grandmotherly appearing woman, who is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. Her victory is heatedly contested by Carla Martin, the mayor's secretary. It is late when Samura finishes cleaning up after the contest, and she finds Pumpkin, Mrs. Appleton's cat, seemingly waiting on her outside the tearoom. When she goes to return him, the two of them find Mrs. Appleton dead on the stairs of their apartment building.
In spite of murders, this is fast paced and fun, and I really enjoyed it!
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Looking forward to the next book!

[Fredric Laurentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews and Murder starts off a little clunky, but once it settles in, it becomes an engaging and genuinely enjoyable cozy mystery. Samara, a witch trying to open a teashop, is talented in all the ways that matter but also wonderfully headstrong — she has a habit of rushing straight into danger even when she knows better. Her friendship with Ruby adds warmth, and the rescued telepathic cat is a delight.

Some readers frame this as a mid‑life crisis story, but I didn’t read it that way. Samara feels like someone who’s been repeating the same patterns for years as she tries to navigate her abilities, her impulses, and her desire to finally build something of her own.

By the end, I was invested enough in the characters that I immediately went looking for the next book in the series. A promising start, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me reading into the next day to reach the end!
Loved book one in this new series where a 40 something witch named Samara Snow has laid down roots just a few short months ago.
She is set to open her tea shop, Mystic Brews in a few days.
She has a soft intro serving teas and sweets at the annual knitting contest.
Knitting needles spark animosity amongst some of the contestants when the contest is again won by Edna Appleton for the 4th year in a row.
Words, accusations, arguments, an oversized trophy and murder have Samara and her newly acquired talking cat, Pumpkin who is not orange, but black looking into solving crimes before her grand opening.
Fun, quirky characters living in a laidback environment fill the pages of this quick read you won’t be able to put down.

[J Young · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting mystery.

Samara Snow seldom stays anywhere for long, which is why the orphan witch is surprised to find herself making friends and preparing for the grand opening of her new tea shop in Winter Haven. Her peaceful life is disrupted when she stumbles over the body of the knitting contest winner. She joins forces with her friend Ruby to solve the case. With the help of Samara’s newly adopted talking cat, they sift through clues and add suspects, unaware of the danger stalking them.

A talking cat is an extra perk in this fun cozy. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I received an advance copy, but my review is honest and voluntary.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews & Murder by Karen McSpade is a book that will keep you turning pages until the very end! It has everything, murder (at least one if not more), magic, a talking black cat, and even a romantic interest that is not the local police!

You can read the synopsis of the book yourself, so I won't repeat it, but it is well worth reading especially if you like supernatural cozy mysteries. I received an advance copy from the author and I always review every book that I read. This book will make you smile, have you trying to solve the murder, and wondering if love will happen.

I highly recommend this clean story. Enjoy!

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catering a yearly Knit-Off to showcase her new teashop has Samara Snow excited and nervous. Not known for staying in one place too long, settling down in Winter Haven, Maine and opening a shop is not normal for Samara. When Samara finds a body, she sees the person she has always thought of as kind and caring woman. What she discovers is that the victim was a person who thought winning the Knit-Off each year was always hers to win. Someone thought differently. This entertaining book is a winner, and I look forward to more books in the series. This is my honest and voluntary review of an advanced copy of this book.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samara is new to Winterhaven and is preparing to open a tea shop. She does not expect to get entangled in the murder of her neighbour and looking after her cat, Pumpkin who found the body. Then her best friend, Ruby's brother, Marcus is arrested for the murder but Samara feels he did not do it. Was the victim killed because someone was jealous of her or did she discover some hidden secret? An entertaining page turner with well defined characters and good world building. I like Pumpkin who is quite an unusual cat.

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

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samara moved to Winter Haven, Maine, to open a teahouse as she starts over as a midlife witch. Her decision to move there's quickly questioned when she discovers a body in her apartment stairwell and the dead woman's cat claims she is now Samara's familiar! Everyone around her, except her best friend Ruby, seems to be hiding something! Can she sort through all the secrets to find the killer before someone else dies? Full of mystery, magic, a touch of romance and just enough humor! That black cat is a trip too! Quirky characters with a light touch of the paranormal are all pluses! Grab a cup of tea and settle in for a treat!

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I spent most of the first eighteen years of my life in small town, rural America.

My personal experience is that the community is closely tied to their memories of shared history, and it can bring amazing amounts of drama and agita to bear over details, records, prized flowers or whatever.

I really enjoy how this series so amusingly reflects that, as well as the collision of small town drama and "history" with magic and the midlife of a woman looking to start over.

the bossy cat, and a few colorful and sometimes handsome neighbors make for fun cozy reading worth several chuckles.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystic Brews and Murder is book #1 in the Magical Teashop Mysteries series by Karen McSpade.

Samara Snow is opening a teashop in Winter Haven, Maine. After a knitting competition, she finds a body in her apartment building. She has to help her friend out and begins investigating with the help of her new companion, Pumpkin, friend Ruby, and the knitting circle. I love mysteries with magic and talking cats and this book did not disappoint. There was a twist that took this in a different direction than I expected and I really enjoyed it. I look forward to more of this series.

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

[Deborah A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samara, a witch is preparing to open her tea shop. Catering a local knitting contest is her first exposure for her shop until the winner, Edna, is found murdered with her own trophy. Samara finds her body in the stairwell of the apartment building wherever both reside. She also discover Edna's cat, Pumpkin who can talk to her. She decides that Samara needs to take care of her and together they investigate Edna's murder. This story was entertaining with an unpredictable ending. Looking forward to more books in the future.
Town secrets

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fresh beginning is more like a nightmare when Samara realizes the ideal fresh start she was hoping for is more like a mirage. As old town secrets are revealed, no one is safe. Good thing Samara is an excellent sleuth, talented witch, and has made a strong friendship with Ruby, who convinces her she belongs as they investigate. And to top it all off, there is a mysterious snarky cat who has decided Samara is the winner of the universal cat distribution center and her new slave with opposable thumbs—an enjoyable start to a new series.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

30-something witch Samara has settled in enough to open up the eponymous tea room.
Shocks and surprises come thick and fast, when one murder then another happens - and Samara finds both bodies. Aided by Pumpkin, (the talking cat) she still investigates, despite the danger for herself and her friends Ruby and Jack.

Sometimes humorous and occasionally scary, you should definitely treat yourself to a copy of Karen McSpade's enjoyable Mystic Brews And Murder
...and tell all your friends!.

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

[Northern Light · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samara never stays long in one place and lives an itinerant lifestyle. Winter Haven is different and so she decides to open a tea room. She becomes very involved in the community when disaster strikes after the annual knitting competition.

This is the first in a new series of cosy crimes. It's a quick easy read and would appeal to those who like this type of book. There's also a hint at a possibility of a future romance and Samara takes on a homeless cat who has an unusual ability.

I received this book for free and all opinions are entirely my own.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the idea of having a business in a coastal town. Of course, once Samara settles in at Winter Haven and has her teahouse, there's a murder and she becomes involved, along with the murdered person's cat, who turns into her familiar. So now Samara is trying to figure out her powers, who the murderer is and how to deal with a talking familiar which leads to old secrets and people trying to keep the secrets undercover. Good start to the series, very interested in seeing what happens next!.

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

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction; the first book in the series. Which promises to be a really good series. I hope to see Samara use more of her magic and I'm hoping it's extensive. And I'm hoping that this relationship blossoms! Having a friend like Ruby is very special and then counting on Samara as Ruby's friend is also special and will lead to many adventures. I'm sure. Pumpkin is something else and I'm sure he's gonna cause more trouble than be helpful. I look forward to reading all about it.

[Gwen Hight]

This is a good mystery and Samaria Snow has moved to Winter haven Maine for a new start and to open a tea shop called Music Brews She finds a body in her stair
well She hates to suspect a man she likes of murder There are other deaths and Samira is almost murdered herself She is a witch but does not use her magic for evil and takes pumpkin as her pet after finding the owner dead This was a free book from book sprout and my review is honest and voluntary

[Tara D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the main character, Samara Snow, from the beginning. She is a mature character and definitely has some secrets in her past. She has come to Winter Haven, Maine to open a new tea shop and, as it turns out, to solve a murder. Along with her new friends, including a group of knitters and a talking cat, they figure out who killed a knitting maven. Sparks are growing between her and Jack, a local fisherman. What will he think when he finds out she is a witch?

[Selina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for some cozy mystery styled books and this one just hit all the boxes. Magic, witches and murder yes!! I love that she is over 40 ( As am I, and sometimes reading about those 20 somethings all the time are irritating! ) I love that they are into knitting ( as am I! Literally knit while I read this book) And the dialogue is a ton of fun! This book was perfect for cuddling up with my yarn and a blanket for a cold winter's day!.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a series. Set in Winter Haven, Maine, Samara Snow is the owner of a teahouse. She decides to host a knitting competition and then murder is afoot. Will she (and her friends) be able to figure out what happened before something else happens?

I absolutely love Karen McSpade, and this book is no exception (this may be one of my favorites now)--I love her plot, characters, and writing style. Absolutely recommend this one if you like a cozy witchy mystery.