All-Butter ShortDead

Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #0

by H.Y. Hanna

Gemma ditches her high-flying job and returns to Oxford to follow her dream: opening a traditional English tearoom serving warm buttery scones with jam and clotted cream... Only problem is--murder is the first thing on the menu and Gemma is the key suspect! And the only people Gemma can turn to for help are four nosy old ladies from her local Cotswolds village - not to mention a cheeky little tabby cat named Muesli. Who was the mysterious woman Gemma met on the flight back from Australia and why was she murdered? Now Gemma must find the killer, solve the mystery and clear her name if she's to have her cake--and serve it too.

This PREQUEL to the OXFORD TEAROOM MYSTERIES includes BONUS CHAPTERS FROM "A SCONE TO DIE FOR" (BOOK 1). It is slightly shorter than the rest of the series - which are all full length novels - and can be read as a standalone, before or after any other book in the series.

THE OXFORD TEAROOM MYSTERIES:
All-Butter ShortDead (Prequel)
A Scone to Die For (Book 1)
Tea with Milk and Murder (Book 2)
Two Down, Bun To Go (Book 3)
Till Death Do Us Tart (Book 4)

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Contemporary, Adult

204 pages, ebook

First published June 30, 2016

About the author

USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.

Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.

You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com

And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gemma was finally heading back to London after working in an executive position in Sydney for the past eight years. She missed her best friend Cassie most of all – and was excited to be returning to Oxford as she was going to open her own tearoom. The loan application was with the bank; she was assured it would be ready for her signature when she arrived home, and the building was waiting for her to take it over.

But trouble was on the horizon. Gemma had chatted with the lady sitting next to her on the plane, and it was only a matter of days after their arrival at Heathrow Airport that Gemma was involved in a murder investigation – with her as chief suspect. How could this have happened? What was Gemma to do? And could the four determined old biddies actually help her out?

All Butter ShortDead is the prequel (#0.5) in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries by H.Y. Hanna and it was a quick, light and easy read which I flew through in a couple of hours. The eye-catching cover took my attention and although the story didn’t have much depth, I’ll continue with the next in the series some time soon. Recommended to cosy mystery fans.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️ = Quite Good.
Paperback.
Prequel to this series.
Just a taster of things to come in this series. I liked the setting and the storyline was simple - so might be for you if you fancy a less challenging cosy read.

[Sabine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book that I have read in this series and I liked it a lot. The prequel is a short read but a great mystery that didn't feel rushed. It introduces us to the beginnings of the tearoom and gets us to meet the very loveable and interesting characters. I especially hope to meet the Old Biddies again, they are a hoot.
I am looking forward to reading more of Gemmas' adventures.

[Jody McGrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Rose has given up her life as a high paid executive in Australia and is moving back home to open a English Tea Room in Oxford, England. On the plane ride home, she starts chatting to the woman sitting next to her. She finds out that her name is Jenn and she is traveling to visit Oxford as well. When they land, Jenn accidentally leaves her scarf behind and Gemma picks it up. They meet to exchange the scarf and get to chatting some more. The next morning Jenn is found murdered in her hotel room and Gemma is the number one suspect. How can she open a tea room if she is in prison?

This book is a prequel to the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, but it was my first foray into the series. I really enjoyed it. The characters were likable and funny and Gemma was a great lead. This book really sets up the storyline for the other books, so I am really glad I read it first. The conclusion to the mystery was a little far-fetched, but I still enjoyed the journey.

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this mystery. Gemma had her hands full trying to get her loan from the bank and also being accused of a murder! Loved the nosy little ladies and Muesli. Will definitely get the next one in this series.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

All-Butter ShortDead is a short prequel novella for the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series. As a big fan of this series I was excited to hear there would be a prequel. This prequel takes place before book 1 and tells the story of how Gemma returned to the UK and started her tearoom. I have already read the first 4 books in this series, but I thought it was fun to go back where it all started and see a glimpse of what happened before 1. But I think you can also read it before book 1, it will just be a different experience. As I knew what is going to happen in the next books, it provided some fun perspective in a few scenes and the last few lines of the story made me smile knowing what's going to happen next.

There is also a small murder mystery in this book, I thought it wasn't as good as in the full length books simply because things happened a bit faster and there was less slow build-up, wading through clues and red herrings. It all just happened a bit faster, but with how short it was the author still did a great job making it a fun mystery. And I liked the plot twist at the end. I had guessed someone else as the murderer. So overall it was still an interesting mystery that kept my attention. Although it also made me a bit sad about who died and why.

I enjoyed seeing Gemma adapt to the British weather and life when she returned and how nostalgic Oxford was for her. I enjoyed seeing this piece of her history. We also see most of the characters we got to know in the series like the Old Biddies, Gemma her mom, Gemma her friend Cassie and Muesli ofcourse. There was a fun scene where Gemma meet Muesli for the first time.

To summarize: this is a fun prequel novella, that shows how Gemma started her tearoom and returned to Oxford. We see how Gemma meets Muesli and the old Biddies, gemma her mom and Cassie play a role as well. I liked getting this extra piece of Gemma her story and there was a short and fun murder mystery as well. It was a bit less intricate than the mysteries in the full length novels, but it kept my attention and I there was a good plot twist at the end. Overall a fun read for fans of the series or for those new to the series to start the series here.

[Tari · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel to the Oxford Tearoom series. It's been a couple of years since I read the first book, so I might even give it a reread before continuing on. This was a fairly quick read and easily wrapped up mystery--but I still hadn't guessed the killer. At first I thought the old ladies known as the Old Biddies were just annoying, but as Gemma found out, they did come in handy when she needed to prove her innocence. Gemma is smart and figured most of it out on her own by sleuthing. I did get a kick out of the ladies rifling through papers in the office though. They at least gave Gemma the idea that if she wanted to be cleared of the murder, she'd better sleuth it out herself, because the inspector was looking a retirement and simply wanted things wrapped up quickly. Great characters and a picturesque setting!

[Les · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a book I read a few weeks ago. When I finished that book I wondered how the author could create a prequel when one of the main characters is a murderer? Well she did. We see her returning from Australia, settling in at home, buying a bike, stumbling into and being accused of murder. The solution is very convoluted and the murderer a shock.

The story itself ends at 70% on my Kindle the remaining 30% being samples, a glossary (it would be really helpful if there were footnotes or a link to the glossary

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Butter Short Dead by H.Y. Hanna is the prequel to the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series. Gemma returns home to Oxford, England after working in Australia with plans to open a tea room. When her travelling companian is murdered, her plans are put on hold when she becomes prime suspect. This is one of my favourite series and it was interestintg to read of the start of Gemma's adventures. A quick mystery with not as many descriptions of Oxford as in the coming books which make them stand out. Short and sweet.

[Plethora · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 stars. This was a quick start to the series, which is to be expected. I read book one before, mostly by mistake, I didn't realize this existed at the time. It does give you a brief outline of how the characterset and tea shop come together with a quick n murder mystery.

[ElaineY · Rating 4 out of 5]

REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; MARCH 29, 2021
Narrator: Pearl Hewitt

I was pleasantly surprised by this. It's a prequel, 3 and half hours long but felt like a full novel. Most prequels I've read are rather flimsy and should have been worked into the first book, but hey, why not squeeze another book out of it and get a few more bucks in.

Gemma is back in town - village, rather, and has decided to ditch her high-flying job to open an English teahouse in the village. Not just any village, mind you, but one in the Cotswolds. Before she can get the loan to purchase the property, there is a murder and, of course, she gets mixed up in it.

A simple cozy murder mystery like any other except, so far, I find Gemma much more likeable than any of the other cozy mystery protagonists from the US. Plan to follow this series.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars mostly because I never really felt like the heroine, who is narrating, seemed to be a character. She simply seemed to be a mouthpiece more than anything else. I also didn't quite by the solve the mystery reveal (in fairness, there is acknowledgement of the far outness of the plot).

However, there were a few things here I liked. Even while feeling wooden, the character does grow. Furthermore, the heroine is not jealous of her best friend - they are best friends for real. I like the baker. I have book 1, and will give it a try.

[FangirlNation · Rating 5 out of 5]

In All-Butter Shortdead, the prequel to the Oxford Tea Room Mysteries by H.Y. Hanna, Gemma Rose has decided to give up her high-power job in Australia to move back to Oxford, where she grew up. Her plan is to start a tea room, and the bank has assured her that she will have no trouble getting approved for the loan to purchase the tea room. On the airplane, Gemma sits next to a woman who shows a really strong fear of flying and drinks heavily, ostensibly to ease her fears. With 20 hours sitting next to each other, the pair get to know each other, with Gemma's learning that the woman is named Jenn Murray and will be staying close to Gemma's home with her parents in Oxford.

Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this short story introduction to Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. I am definitely ordering more!

Gemma Rose has left he career in Australia to return to Oxford England to fulfill her dream of owning a tearoom. With support and encouragement from her BFF Cassie, a building in Oxfordshire looks like the perfect place.

On the 20 hour light, Gemma's seatmate Jenny Murray became a friend. When Gemma returns a scarf Jenny left on the plane seh ends up helping Jenny back to her hotel room which makes Gemma the # 1 suspect when Jenny's body is found he next morning, bludgeoned to death. With they help of her Mom's friends "the Old Biddies" Gemma confronts the murderer.

Likable characters I look forward to having more adventures with.

[Sally906 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the prequel to Book 1 in the Oxford Teashop Mystery series. Gemma had been living in Australia for a few years and is returning to England to start up a teashop business in Oxford. On the flight she sits next to a woman who is also travelling to Oxford. A few days later Gemma is under suspension for the Woman's Murder. A group of 4 old biddies help Gemma with the investigation as she fights to prove her innocence.

A quick and easy read as the author sets the reader up for the rest of the series

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this prequel.
Gemma is coming back to England to start a tea room. When she meets a woman on a plane who turns up dead leaving Gemma as the main suspect, her world is turned upside down. Enter the "old biddies" who turn out to be quite humorous, you end up with a fun read. The mystery was good, I thought that I had it figured out but was thrown a twist at the end. I will continue on with this story.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading.

The prequel quite surprised me because it explains, for the most part, why Gemma Rose came back to England.

While on the plane flying from Sydney to England Gemma chats with her seat mate Jenn Murray.
After leaving the plane Gemma finds a scarf left behind by Jenn and remembers where she is staying a drops it off. The next morning Jenn is found dead and Gemma is the prime suspect.
It turns out Jenn is not who she claims to be and the murderer isn't someone I thought of till a slight slip of the tongue. And the motive, one I never would have thought of.

Even though I had read book 1 it was fun to go back and see how Gemma returned home and purchased her tea room.
It didn't give a complete introduction to the characters and I still think there is more to Gemma coming home, yet the description of the town and the colleges in Oxford are Inspector Morse worthy.

H.Y Hanna also gives a glossary of terms in case someone isn't familiar with British terms.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great beginning to this cozy mystery series. Love the Oxford setting -- I can picture everything thanks to previous binge-watching of British dramas Inspector Morse and Endeavour.

Gemma's back home in Oxford to follow her dream of opening her own tearoom...if she isn't arrested first. It's a classic case of wrong place, wrong time that propels Gemma into her first ever murder investigation. And she has a posse of opinionated old ladies to help her out. Love the way Hanna weaves humour throughout. And there's a cat! We don't see a lot of Muesli this time round but this author knows how to write felines with plenty of cattitude!

I listened to the audible edition narrated by Pearl Hewitt who has become one of my favourite narrators. She also does a mean 'meow' which gives her extra bonus points. Already downloading the next book.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is very colourful and cute, and attracted my attention. The large eyed kitten, fancy teapot, cup of tea with lemon, fancy sweets and books evoke happy memories.

I enjoyed reading this prequel to The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series by H Y Hanna. It is a short stand alone story about Gemma Rose moving back to Oxford, England from Australia with plans to follow her dream and open a traditional English tearoom.

"You only get one life and I'm going to take the chance to follow a dream."

There is humour and mystery and several red herrings. I guessed who was the guilty one, but
as this is the first time I have read anything by H Y Hanna and it was a 'fun read', I will read other books in this series.

Gemma is accused of a horrible crime and may never see her dream come true.

Who is the guilty one?

Will Inspector Glenn solve the mystery?

Can Gemma prove her innocence? Will she be able to make her dream come true?

3.5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley, CrushStar Multimedia LLC and H Y Hanna for the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rumeur · Rating 1 out of 5]

This prequel in the Oxford tea shop cozy mystery series was...well...guess uh sometimes get only what you pay for. In this case it was a free download from Amazon.
It is a prequel,so I'm hoping others in the series are longer as this book reminded me of , not even in the category as The Hardy Boys & Nancy Drew mysteries I read as a young girl. This is a bit too cozy as it practically put me to sleep, I was that cozy, & not really with the book, but my surroundings

Gemma ( main character) is excited to open up an Oxford English tea room. She has a cat named Muesli. Some sort of mystery took place ( this is about time I started my cozy snoozing) & not much longer later, the mystery solved. Can only hope the series in full length is much, much more interesting than this snoozy mystery prequel zzzz *yawn.....zzzzzzzz ( deep sleep, dreaming of better books need reading/reviewing) AWAKE--darn, wasn't just dream, I really read this book. Mad at self now for wasting time!

Downloaded as freebie from Amazon

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the cover of this book! That is what originally caught my eye.

This was a prequel to the series and was a quick enjoyable read. It looks as if this will be a fun series to read. The prequel introduces you to the main characters and how the tea room/bakery got started. And of course, there is a murder involved!

This has potential to be a cozy mystery series I'd like to read. Now, I've got some catching up to do. 😃

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! I had this prequel as part of a box set on Audible. The narrator made all the difference- very enjoyable read/listen.

[SciFiOne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2019 grade C-

An origin story novelette with a lot of faults. It is written in first person which requires a very good story to maintain my interest. The protagonist is the main suspect in the murder with the police seeming to not investigating farther. The news media blows everything out of proportion. The bank refuses the protagonists loan because of it all. That's all been done before many times and I got so bored that I almost abandoned the book. Instead I jumped ahead to the investigation which does not start until 70% of the way through the story. I don't plan to read any more of these stories.

[Tien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of prequels so I don't read many of them and I wasn't particularly interested in reading this one but I'm having a withdrawal as I binged this series last year and no news on next instalment yet! Overall, I enjoyed this prequel especially meeting The Old Biddies. Despite missing Devlin, I really think The Old Biddies is the cornerstone of this series; best sidekicks ever! The mystery was just as interesting and just as complex as per the rest of the series although the plot & time it took to solve it is shortened due to nature of this prequel novella. An enjoyable introductory to the series.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this as part of The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Box Set Collection I. It's pretty adorable so far. :)

I enjoyed this a fair amount. It hit all the spots for a cozy: cute, small town atmosphere, a spunky and kind heroine, elderly, well-meaning biddies, and a not-too-complicated mystery. I hope the trend continues with the next installment.

[terpkristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought the combined audiobook of the prequel, book 1, and book 2 of The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. This was the prequel. I actually picked up on the hint that lead the protagonist to the murderer, so...yay? It was light and continues to be something I need as nothing is really grabbing me right now.

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery - with herself as the main suspect in the case!

Having read all of the English Cottage Garden Mysteries, I decided to tuck into this one. Unlike the former these are written in the first person, but that just gives it a different flavour. For my first of these books I've rather enjoyed it.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have actually read book 1 (I didn’t realise there was a book 0) so this was probably not as good because I knew some of the things that were going to happen, but I still like the characters and the story and will continue reading the series. A fun cozy mystery.

[Vesper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars and 1/2.
Three for the mistery and four for the setting and the characters.

[Neene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the old biddies.