What do you think?
Rate this book
Tearoom Mysteries #4
Crosswords and Chamomile
When an opportunity arises for the tearoom to host a special event with famed puzzle maker Bill Markham, Jan is elated! The event brings in puzzle lovers from all over Lancaster, Maine, but at Tea for Two, mystery often lurks in unexpected places.
When Katelyn Grande begins her puzzle, she quickly realizes that it was made specifically for her—as a declaration of love!
As Jan and Elaine set out to discover who the would-be paramour might be, they quickly find the clues more challenging and cryptic—than any of Bill’s legendary puzzles. Meanwhile, when Jan’s granddaughter Avery begins practicing her cello after school at the tearoom, she confides in Elaine about problems she’s having with a friend.
Can Elaine draw on the wisdom she gained raising her own children to help the girl navigate the difficult waters of preteen angst?
When Katelyn Grande begins her puzzle, she quickly realizes that it was made specifically for her—as a declaration of love!
As Jan and Elaine set out to discover who the would-be paramour might be, they quickly find the clues more challenging and cryptic—than any of Bill’s legendary puzzles. Meanwhile, when Jan’s granddaughter Avery begins practicing her cello after school at the tearoom, she confides in Elaine about problems she’s having with a friend.
Can Elaine draw on the wisdom she gained raising her own children to help the girl navigate the difficult waters of preteen angst?
- GenresCozy Mystery
ebook
15 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Adams
8 books13 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Elizabeth Adams lives in New York City with her husband. When she’s not writing, she spends her time playing with their rambunctious daughter, cleaning up after two devious cats, and trying to find time to read mysteries.
Elizabeth Adams lives in New York City with her husband. When she’s not writing, she spends her time playing with their rambunctious daughter, cleaning up after two devious cats, and trying to find time to read mysteries.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 12, 2020
About this book:
“When an opportunity arises for the tearoom to host a special event with famed puzzle maker Bill Markham, Jan is elated! The event brings in puzzle lovers from all over Lancaster, Maine, but at Tea for Two, mystery often lurks in unexpected places.
When Katelyn Grande begins her puzzle, she quickly realizes that it was made specifically for her—as a declaration of love!
As Jan and Elaine set out to discover who the would-be paramour might be, they quickly find the clues more challenging and cryptic—than any of Bill’s legendary puzzles. Meanwhile, when Jan’s granddaughter Avery begins practicing her cello after school at the tearoom, she confides in Elaine about problems she’s having with a friend.
Can Elaine draw on the wisdom she gained raising her own children to help the girl navigate the difficult waters of preteen angst?”
Series: Book #4 in the “Tearoom Mysteries” series. Review of Book #1, Here!, #2 Here!, #3 Here!
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is read; Church going; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & talking to God; Mentions of church going, churches, Bible studies, Sunday School, hymns, & a pastor; A few mentions of a devotional & Bible reading; A few mentions of religious symbols; A couple mentions of events in the Bible; A couple mentions of Queen Mary I & her Catholic faith; A mention of missionaries; A mention of Christian romance books.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stupid’ and two ‘dumb’s; Mentions of car accidents & injuries (semi-detailed); Mentions of robberies; Mentions of school trouble, mean girls, & hatred; A few mentions of a murderer & murder investigation; A few mentions of fires; A few mentions of scams; A few mentions of vandalism; A couple mentions of executions; A mention of shocking; A mention of hunting; A mention of a cat dying (didn’t actually happen);
*Note: Mentions of books & authors; Mentions of movies, characters, & TV shows (including preteen girls watching Downton Abbey); Mentions of car brands & other brands; A few mentions of NFL teams.
Sexual Content- All about many mentions of a secret admirer & trying to find out who it is (this includes thinking it could be a much older, married man who may have a roving eye—this is not who it actually is); Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, dating, & crushes; A few mentions of flirting; A few mentions of a moony face; A few mentions of romance books & movies; A couple mentions of blushes;
*Note: A few mentions of preteens’ body changes; A mention of a young girl wearing a tight-fitting top.
-Elaine Cook
-Jan Blake
P.O.V. switches between them
281 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
I personally had a really hard time getting into this story. I didn’t really find the mystery that interesting and wasn’t overall thrilled with some hinted content towards the end (such as thinking a much older, married man was the secret admirer to a young woman and a mention of preteen’s watching a show that has questionable content), but I did like the final reveal at the very end.
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
“When an opportunity arises for the tearoom to host a special event with famed puzzle maker Bill Markham, Jan is elated! The event brings in puzzle lovers from all over Lancaster, Maine, but at Tea for Two, mystery often lurks in unexpected places.
When Katelyn Grande begins her puzzle, she quickly realizes that it was made specifically for her—as a declaration of love!
As Jan and Elaine set out to discover who the would-be paramour might be, they quickly find the clues more challenging and cryptic—than any of Bill’s legendary puzzles. Meanwhile, when Jan’s granddaughter Avery begins practicing her cello after school at the tearoom, she confides in Elaine about problems she’s having with a friend.
Can Elaine draw on the wisdom she gained raising her own children to help the girl navigate the difficult waters of preteen angst?”
Series: Book #4 in the “Tearoom Mysteries” series. Review of Book #1, Here!, #2 Here!, #3 Here!
Spiritual Content- A Scripture is read; Church going; ‘H’s are capitalized when referring to God; Mentions of God; Mentions of prayers, praying, thanking God, & talking to God; Mentions of church going, churches, Bible studies, Sunday School, hymns, & a pastor; A few mentions of a devotional & Bible reading; A few mentions of religious symbols; A couple mentions of events in the Bible; A couple mentions of Queen Mary I & her Catholic faith; A mention of missionaries; A mention of Christian romance books.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘stupid’ and two ‘dumb’s; Mentions of car accidents & injuries (semi-detailed); Mentions of robberies; Mentions of school trouble, mean girls, & hatred; A few mentions of a murderer & murder investigation; A few mentions of fires; A few mentions of scams; A few mentions of vandalism; A couple mentions of executions; A mention of shocking; A mention of hunting; A mention of a cat dying (didn’t actually happen);
*Note: Mentions of books & authors; Mentions of movies, characters, & TV shows (including preteen girls watching Downton Abbey); Mentions of car brands & other brands; A few mentions of NFL teams.
Sexual Content- All about many mentions of a secret admirer & trying to find out who it is (this includes thinking it could be a much older, married man who may have a roving eye—this is not who it actually is); Mentions of boyfriends, girlfriends, dating, & crushes; A few mentions of flirting; A few mentions of a moony face; A few mentions of romance books & movies; A couple mentions of blushes;
*Note: A few mentions of preteens’ body changes; A mention of a young girl wearing a tight-fitting top.
-Elaine Cook
-Jan Blake
P.O.V. switches between them
281 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- Two Stars
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Three Stars
My personal Rating- Two Stars
I personally had a really hard time getting into this story. I didn’t really find the mystery that interesting and wasn’t overall thrilled with some hinted content towards the end (such as thinking a much older, married man was the secret admirer to a young woman and a mention of preteen’s watching a show that has questionable content), but I did like the final reveal at the very end.
Link to review:
Coming soon.
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
March 6, 2020
Intriguing and cute mystery. Although the author did a very good job with the story and kept my interest to the end, the editing of this book was found to be lacking. I gave four stars because I didn't feel that this should reflect on the effort the writer put into the story. Besides words missing or wrong words used, there was at least two situations in the story that I caught and the editor didn't.
In chapter twenty it stated that because The Whisper art gallery was close to Tea Room for Two , Elaine and Jan walked there and enjoyed the beautiful fall colors as they went along . Then at the end of the chapter it says that as they left the art gallery they walked through the parking lot and got into their car. Did they walk or drive?
Next was the blunder on page 235 and page 248. It says that while Elaine and Jan walked down the Oakley's driveway Jan noticed a curtain fluttering in the window of the house across the street and thought she seen a face watching them before it disappeared. Page 235. Then at another time when they were actually going to that house across the street ,from the Oakleys , Jan notices the Windows only had blinds without curtains . Page 248.
The story was cute and funny. These two gals have opened a Tea Room together and they are also two sleuths that love to solve mysteries and puzzles. Jan reminds me of a younger Betty White from the Golden Girls. And Elaine one of the other actresses from that show. I can actually picture these actresses as the characters Elaine and Jan, in this series.
The two get involved again when they have a master crossword puzzle maker come to speak at their Tea Room . One of the guest gets a puzzle that seems personal. It has both her first and last name and even the color of her hair. Also the words Secret Admirer. How did this happen? Elaine and Jan set out to find out who this secret admirer really is. There's humor in the story that had me snorting and chuckling out loud again and with my husband giving me strange looks as he usually does when this happens. The farther I got in the story the harder the put the book down. The mystery did get solved and had a sweet ending. The bad editing didn't affect the plot of the story.
This book was a cozy mystery that is part of the Tea Room Mysteries. Guideposts is the publisher. If you like reading Guideposts books or series you might want to read Crosswords and Chamomile . Especially if you like tea and enjoy crossword puzzles.
I borrowed a hard cover book from my local library. A review wasn't requested. I have shared my honest opinion about how I felt about this book. .
In chapter twenty it stated that because The Whisper art gallery was close to Tea Room for Two , Elaine and Jan walked there and enjoyed the beautiful fall colors as they went along . Then at the end of the chapter it says that as they left the art gallery they walked through the parking lot and got into their car. Did they walk or drive?
Next was the blunder on page 235 and page 248. It says that while Elaine and Jan walked down the Oakley's driveway Jan noticed a curtain fluttering in the window of the house across the street and thought she seen a face watching them before it disappeared. Page 235. Then at another time when they were actually going to that house across the street ,from the Oakleys , Jan notices the Windows only had blinds without curtains . Page 248.
The story was cute and funny. These two gals have opened a Tea Room together and they are also two sleuths that love to solve mysteries and puzzles. Jan reminds me of a younger Betty White from the Golden Girls. And Elaine one of the other actresses from that show. I can actually picture these actresses as the characters Elaine and Jan, in this series.
The two get involved again when they have a master crossword puzzle maker come to speak at their Tea Room . One of the guest gets a puzzle that seems personal. It has both her first and last name and even the color of her hair. Also the words Secret Admirer. How did this happen? Elaine and Jan set out to find out who this secret admirer really is. There's humor in the story that had me snorting and chuckling out loud again and with my husband giving me strange looks as he usually does when this happens. The farther I got in the story the harder the put the book down. The mystery did get solved and had a sweet ending. The bad editing didn't affect the plot of the story.
This book was a cozy mystery that is part of the Tea Room Mysteries. Guideposts is the publisher. If you like reading Guideposts books or series you might want to read Crosswords and Chamomile . Especially if you like tea and enjoy crossword puzzles.
I borrowed a hard cover book from my local library. A review wasn't requested. I have shared my honest opinion about how I felt about this book. .
September 3, 2018
Jan is thrilled to host a famous crossword puzzle maker Bill and her teashop. Each guest is given a puzzle to work on, Katelyn finds that her puzzle is full of personal comments and is a declaration of love. Jane and Elaine get busy trying to figure out who wrote the puzzle and a couple more that show up in Katelyn’s car and on her shop door. While all this is going on Jan’s granddaughter is having trouble with friends at school.
February 22, 2017
A little more interesting than the last in this series. The two cousins have a mystery to solve about a ring. But after four books, they still haven't solve it. This story centered around a special puzzle and who made it. It was not hard to solve.
January 13, 2018
It was my least favorite of the series so far
July 14, 2020
During a crossword event at Tea for Two, Katelyn Grande receives a crossword puzzle that seems to be made for her. While trying to solve the puzzle, one of the answers is 'secret admirer'. Curious about where it came from, she enlists the help of Elaine and Jan to solve the mystery behind the puzzle. A short time later Katelyn receives not only another crossword puzzle but a bouquet of flowers...sitting in the front seat of her car.
Elaine and Jan are more determined than ever to find out who is behind the gifts. Is it truly a secret admirer or is there a more sinister intention?
I absolutely love this series. It is more on the innocent side of cozies as they are, to me anyway, inspirational mystery solving. I love the characters, the writing, and the scenery. Even though there aren't any deaths to solve I love the idea of mysteries that inspire hope and are filled with adventure. Elaine and Jan are a great mustery-solving duo and make delving into these books a lot of fun. Plus there is a recipe at the end of each book from the series. What is better than that? Well besides making them 🤣🤣
Elaine and Jan are more determined than ever to find out who is behind the gifts. Is it truly a secret admirer or is there a more sinister intention?
I absolutely love this series. It is more on the innocent side of cozies as they are, to me anyway, inspirational mystery solving. I love the characters, the writing, and the scenery. Even though there aren't any deaths to solve I love the idea of mysteries that inspire hope and are filled with adventure. Elaine and Jan are a great mustery-solving duo and make delving into these books a lot of fun. Plus there is a recipe at the end of each book from the series. What is better than that? Well besides making them 🤣🤣
October 14, 2025
This was such a cute story! I loved the romantic vibes and the secret admirer trope. So cute and fun!
My favorite part of the story, however, was the part about friends that kinda just stop talking to you for no reason and what to do about that. I have had this happen to me and it is really hard. I really appreciated reading about it in this story.
I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series!
My favorite part of the story, however, was the part about friends that kinda just stop talking to you for no reason and what to do about that. I have had this happen to me and it is really hard. I really appreciated reading about it in this story.
I'll definitely be reading the next book in the series!
August 13, 2020
Fun read. Cozy mystery!!
May 3, 2019
The cousins help the young bookstore clerk discover who is sending her crossword puzzles made specifically for her. Hilarity ensues as they tactlessly go after any man who has ever done a crossword puzzle, including several elderly and often married, men. I am growing to love these well-meaning bumblers.
September 1, 2018
This cozy mystery has many different facets. In addition to the mysteries which are the main focus, I particularly enjoyed the relationships that are being built between the main characters and their extended families and friends. This book was a pleasure to read.
October 10, 2019
I'm giving up on this series. It's lame and doesn't hold my interest any more.
April 13, 2018
OK. I'm not going to lie. I had mixed feelings while reading. I actually found Jan kind of annoying at times and Avery's friend drama was irksome because that situation hits really close in my family.
*SPOILER*
For a while I honestly believed that it was Katelyn leaving the crosswords and was kinda disappointed when it wasn't. I know, I'm weird. But that's just me.
*END SPOILER*
I noticed a different writing style altogether and it threw me for a loop. I'm aware there are different authors working on this series but it's kind of frustrating to finish a book where you loved the style, and to go to the next book with a certain expectation only to find it's not what you expected. Know what I mean? The way things were worded was kind of hard to follow with and I found myself having to reread a lot. Also I noticed a number of typos. Now do not get me wrong, as a writer I have made many, many, MANY, humiliating typos in my books. I'm not bashing Elizabeth Adams in any way. Just as my typos throw off any who read my books, these typos threw me off in her book. I'm just pointing out what I noticed.
Wow this is the longest review I've ever written. Over all I liked this book. Genuinely liked it. And I do recommend this series to all fellow mystery lovers.
*SPOILER*
For a while I honestly believed that it was Katelyn leaving the crosswords and was kinda disappointed when it wasn't. I know, I'm weird. But that's just me.
*END SPOILER*
I noticed a different writing style altogether and it threw me for a loop. I'm aware there are different authors working on this series but it's kind of frustrating to finish a book where you loved the style, and to go to the next book with a certain expectation only to find it's not what you expected. Know what I mean? The way things were worded was kind of hard to follow with and I found myself having to reread a lot. Also I noticed a number of typos. Now do not get me wrong, as a writer I have made many, many, MANY, humiliating typos in my books. I'm not bashing Elizabeth Adams in any way. Just as my typos throw off any who read my books, these typos threw me off in her book. I'm just pointing out what I noticed.
Wow this is the longest review I've ever written. Over all I liked this book. Genuinely liked it. And I do recommend this series to all fellow mystery lovers.
October 14, 2019
🍂🍂🍂🍂🍂 out of 5 🍂s
#CrosswordsAndChamomile by #ElizabethAdams
🧣
🧣
🧣
I loved this installment in the #TearoomMysteries series, it was much better than the previous book. I felt that we were definitely solidly back in the world of the first 2 books, and it was a relief.
🧣
🧣
🧣
Master crossword builder Bill Markham has come to the sleepy little #Maine town where Elaine Cook and her cousin Jan Blake have their flourishing tea room. At an event there, he passes out a stack of crosswords to the tea room crowd. However, one patron, Katelyn Grande, soon discovers that her crossword sheet is actually personalized just for her. But by whom?
🧣
🧣
🧣
Inveterate sleuths Elaine and Jan are quickly on the case, and Elaine gets several chances to break out her brand new fingerprint kit. In the midst of all the sleuthing, Jan's granddaughter Avery is having troubles with the popular crowd at her middle school.
🧣
🧣
🧣
A delightful, often laugh out loud funny, #cozymystery that is sure to please. I keep wishing that @hallmarkchannel would pick these books up!
🧣
🧣
🧣
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookishness #bookstagrammer #cozymystery #centralmaine #crosswordpuzzles #gentlefiction #gentleread
#CrosswordsAndChamomile by #ElizabethAdams
🧣
🧣
🧣
I loved this installment in the #TearoomMysteries series, it was much better than the previous book. I felt that we were definitely solidly back in the world of the first 2 books, and it was a relief.
🧣
🧣
🧣
Master crossword builder Bill Markham has come to the sleepy little #Maine town where Elaine Cook and her cousin Jan Blake have their flourishing tea room. At an event there, he passes out a stack of crosswords to the tea room crowd. However, one patron, Katelyn Grande, soon discovers that her crossword sheet is actually personalized just for her. But by whom?
🧣
🧣
🧣
Inveterate sleuths Elaine and Jan are quickly on the case, and Elaine gets several chances to break out her brand new fingerprint kit. In the midst of all the sleuthing, Jan's granddaughter Avery is having troubles with the popular crowd at her middle school.
🧣
🧣
🧣
A delightful, often laugh out loud funny, #cozymystery that is sure to please. I keep wishing that @hallmarkchannel would pick these books up!
🧣
🧣
🧣
#bookstagram #readersofinstagram #bookishness #bookstagrammer #cozymystery #centralmaine #crosswordpuzzles #gentlefiction #gentleread
July 6, 2018
Crosswords and Chamomile is Book 4 in The Tearoom Mysteries Series. Each book is written by a different author which I thought would be intriguing but I find it a bit annoying. In fact I wonder if the authors have read the prior books.
I don't know who to blame for many of my feelings with this one. Over all I enjoyed it. It had a cute mystery and some clues on the series long mystery. But I felt that this author changed Jan and Elaine just a bit too much. We have come to love them and they seemed at odds too much in this one. Not sure how much longer I will stay in Lancaster, Maine but for now I am here. This one also has several places of bad editing or wrong word being used. A normal person may not have caught them but I am a stroke survivor and reading is my therapy. At times I have to read and re-read sentences for them to make sense so the wrong word or bad editing throws me. I mean in one chapter Jan and Elaine walked to the Bookworm and then they get in the car to leave!?
All in all cute story.
I don't know who to blame for many of my feelings with this one. Over all I enjoyed it. It had a cute mystery and some clues on the series long mystery. But I felt that this author changed Jan and Elaine just a bit too much. We have come to love them and they seemed at odds too much in this one. Not sure how much longer I will stay in Lancaster, Maine but for now I am here. This one also has several places of bad editing or wrong word being used. A normal person may not have caught them but I am a stroke survivor and reading is my therapy. At times I have to read and re-read sentences for them to make sense so the wrong word or bad editing throws me. I mean in one chapter Jan and Elaine walked to the Bookworm and then they get in the car to leave!?
All in all cute story.
December 17, 2018
What a sweet story. The cousins are at it again. Another mystery solved & they are getting closer to solving the one about the ring found in their wall.
April 15, 2019
I did not like this book as much as the others. There were quite a few errors in the print book as well, making it harder to read.
May 20, 2019
I just adore this cozy mystery series 😊
August 20, 2019
I enjoy finding out the mystery along with Elaine and Jan!
October 6, 2019
very good day read im enjoying these mysteries (book of the month club)
February 17, 2020
I am reading the Tea Room mysteries in order.
This one was slow to start for me. It didn't pick up until halfway through the book.
I loved the ending.
This one was slow to start for me. It didn't pick up until halfway through the book.
I loved the ending.
May 12, 2020
A good read, and loved the big reveal of the secret admirer. Definitely hooked on this series.
February 27, 2021
Book #4 had a different slant to the mysteries and I thought it brought a welcoming turn of events.
The book was a bit sluggish in parts, probably to play out the suspense.
The book was a bit sluggish in parts, probably to play out the suspense.
October 21, 2021
Cute story each book in this series is written by a different author so it takes a whole to get into but turns out cute
September 22, 2023
This one has been my favorite one so far. Super cheesy but adorable at the same time.
October 22, 2023
First book of this series that I've read and even though I haven't read the first 3, I was still able to enjoy the story.
December 9, 2023
I found a handful of typos which drive me nuts! And I think this was a cheesy one and a bit too much romance. Haha. But still overall, sweet, simple book.
June 26, 2024
I enjoyed reading about two cousins who own a tea party place together. Jan and Elaine are happy women who enjoy sleuthing.
October 13, 2024
The story was a little draggy, but the tea shop was a delightful setting, and the plot idea was cute.
March 4, 2025
**3.5** very cute book, kept my intrigue, are a couple of typos and the side story I wasn’t interested in but played a small enough part was easy enough to keep reading through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews