Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes

Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #1

by Karen Rose Smith

In an old Victorian in the heart of Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson and her aunt Iris serve soups, scones, and soothing teas to tourists and locals--but a murder in their garden has them in hot water . . .

Daisy, a widowed mom of two teenagers, is used to feeling protective--so when Iris started dating the wealthy and not-quite-divorced Harvey Fitz, she worried . . . especially after his bitter ex stormed in and caused a scene at the party Daisy's Tea Garden was catering. Then there was the gossip she overheard about Harvey's grown children being cut out of his will. Daisy didn't want her aunt to wind up with a broken heart--but she never expected Iris to wind up a suspect in Harvey's murder. Now the apple bread and orange pekoe is on the back burner while the cops treat the shop like a crime scene--and Daisy hopes that Jonas Groft, a former detective from Philadelphia, can help her clear her aunt's name and bag the real killer before things boil over . . .

Includes delicious recipes for Iris's Lemon Tea Cakes and more!

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

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2017

About the author

Award-winning author Karen Rose Smith was born in Pennsylvania. Although she was an only child, she remembers the bonds of an extended family. Family is a strong theme in her books and she suspects her childhood memories are the reason.

In college, Karen began writing poetry and also met her husband to be. They both began married life as teachers, but when their son was born, Karen decided to try her hand at a home-decorating business.

She returned to teaching for a while but changes in her life led her to writing relationship novels. Now she writes romances as well as mysteries full time. Her first book was published in 1992; her 110th novel will be published in 2024. A winner of New Jersey's Golden Leaf Award in Short Contemporary Romance, Colorado Romance Writers Award Of Excellence for short contemporary, as well as the Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter's Golden Quill for Traditional Romance, she has also been honored with Cataromance.com's award for Best Special Edition and Washington Romance Writers Career Achievement Award. Her romances have made both the USA TODAY list and the Amazon Romance and Contemporary Romance Bestseller lists. Her mysteries have made the USA TODAY and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists.

She has written for Meteor/Kismet, Kensington, Silhouette and Harlequin. Readers can contact Karen through her website, on Facebook (Karen Rose Smith Author) and on Twitter @ Karenrosesmith, on TIKTOK at karenrosesmithauthor and on Instagram. They can also follow her monthly e-zine IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH which has the latest news about her books, recipes and contests.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes by Karen Rose Smith is a 2017 Kensington publication.

A fantastic start to a new and refreshing cozy mystery series!

When Daisy’s Aunt Iris finds herself under investigation for the death of her boyfriend, Harvey Fitz, who was murdered right there in the garden of their lovely tea shop, Daisy must rise to the occasion and find the real killer before her aunt is arrested.

Meanwhile, Daisy is dealing with her adopted teenage daughter’s desire to meet her birth mother, and wrestling with the possibility of dating again after the death of her husband.

Although this is the first book in a new series, I felt as though Daisy and I were old friends. I immediately bonded with her and really enjoyed the tea shop setting. The tea servings and all the various flavors of tea were described so beautifully, and the shop seemed truly delightful, even if it was a crime scene- and oh my- I could almost taste those lemon tea cakes! Having all the female characters named after flowers is a nice touch, as well.

The town square is picturesque, featuring other small businesses, and the characters are all very interesting and maybe a bit quirky at times. All these elements are very important with a cozy mystery of this nature and is part of the charm. The author did a very good job setting the stage for future installments.

The murder mystery is also connected to a coin collection that Aunt Iris has inadvertently found herself involved in and is not quite sure how she should proceed, which complicates an already tense situation. The mystery was cleverly planned out, with plenty of viable suspects, which kept me guessing from start to finish.

I am very much looking forward to more adventures with Daisy and am curious to see how her love life develops, as well.

I picked this book out on a cold, wet day and it was the perfect cure for a gray, dreary day. I love the bright yellow cover, too!

This is a very solid introduction to this new series, which also includes a few of the yummy recipes featured in the book!

4 stars

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this delightful mystery. Every time I picked the book up to read more I found myself wanting tea and lemon tea cakes. I’ve never had a tea cake, but all the raving over them has me convinced they must be delicious! (There is a recipe included for Lemon Tea Cakes that I hope to make soon.)

The first half primarily describes Daisy’s Tea Garden and introduces the characters. The second half of the book focuses more on the potential suspects and provides more information on their possible motives. This formula worked really well for me; the scene was set, the characters were introduced, and now it was time to get down to solving the crime. Plus after reading all about the charming Tea Garden, I must admit I had forgotten all about some of the lesser characters. I was soon back on track, making my own prediction, and of course, totally guessing wrong.

A great start to a new series and I can see many possible storylines to be explored in future books. I'm looking forward to the next book and more delicious recipes!

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes by Karen Rose Smith is the first book in the new cozy Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series. Daisy Swanson runs Daisy’s Tea Garden with her aunt Iris where they serve specialty teas and desserts along with catering to events.

Daisy is a young widowed mother who since the passing of her husband has come to realize just how important family is to her so she can’t help but worry when her aunt Iris starts seeing Harvey Fitz. What Daisy never expected was for her aunt to find Harvey murdered just outside in the garden and then become a suspect herself in the murder.

Daisy refuses to let the police point the finger at her elderly aunt and is determined to find out just who else would want Harvey dead. The more she questions people the longer her suspect list grows but then she and her aunt find themselves in danger as they are looking for answers.

The only thing really that kept me from rating this one at a full five stars was I’d would have liked the characters to have a bit more quirkiness about them to make them stand out a bit more. My favorites cozies are the ones that the characters just pop out of the story and make themselves known and while likable enough Daisy seemed a bit too normal mom/business woman. The murder mystery within the book was one that was a good solid start to the series though so I would be interested in continuing on with these characters in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

I was captivated by this cozy from the first chapter.

Daisy Swanson’s husband Ryan, passed away about 3 years ago. She and her daughters have moved to Willow Creek so Daisy can partner with her Aunt Iris owning and operating Daisy’s Tea Garden. Daisy also purchased and renovated an old barn into an extraordinary home. Iris is dating Harvey Fitz, owner of the men’s clothing store down the street, a very wealthy man. The problem is that while he is separated he is not yet divorced making people a little uncomfortable with the arrangement. Plus his wife appears to not be giving in without a fight. Harvey may have changed his will cutting off his adult children too.

Before the divorce is final Iris finds Harvey dead on the tea garden patio and she and Daisy become the police’s prime suspects. Daisy is going to need a little help but she is going to try to find the real killer.

I love the strong family bonds in this story. They are very believable. Daisy has a very strong bond with her aunt. Iris and her sister, Daisy’s mom, have a lifelike sisterly bond on well. They have no trouble telling each other what they think. Daisy is a great mom but her daughters, Violet and Jasmine are dealing with being separated since Vi is now in college and there is something else bothering Jazzi. Daisy also has a sister Camellia. As you can see, flower names are a family tradition.

The author has set the story in the beautiful Amish Lancaster County. Iris and Daisy use fruits and vegetables from the farmers at the restaurant and the town has places for buggies as well as cars and trucks. Daisy’s home has me wishing for something just like it. The tea garden seems like a place I would want to visit every day.

The mystery was harder to solve than I initially thought it would be. I had my suspects down to two when more suspects were brought forward for consideration. A shocking twist turned my thinking completely inside out.

An inviting setting, engaging characters, and a well-plotted mystery made this a story I didn’t want to put down. Ms. Smith really intrigued with this book. I want to get to know these characters better and visit Willow Creek again soon and often.

This series is off to an excellent start.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light and relaxing read, the first book, in a new series. The characters are developed and will hold your attention
Daisy Swanson, a widow, and her Aunt Iris have open a tea shop. Daisy set into her hometown after the death of her husband and open the tea shop to order to support herself and her daughters. Aunt Iris is dating a wealthy gentleman who is not yet divorced. Aunt Iris finds her gentleman friend dead in the garden of the tea shop. Aunt Iris is the leading suspect in the murder. Daisy begins to explore the circumstances surrounding the death. Meanwhile, her youngest daughter, who was adopted is looking for her birth Mother. Will Daisy find the answers to both questions? I recommend this book. Recipes are included.

Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kennington Books through NetGalley for an honest review.I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! I’m definitely going to read a lot more in this series. It was pretty much I craved tea while reading about the delightful tea room, and I ended up drinking three mugs full while reading!! The MC, Daisy, is engaging and interesting, and the mystery was quite tricky to figure out. I’m excited to continue this series!

Super squeaky clean, suitable for young teens also.

[Books Just 4 Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cozy mystery! Great family bonds, tight relationships and a supportive community. Daisy and her Aunt Iris find themselves in the worst
possible spot when a man is murdered in their tea garden. There a nice combination of detective work, clues, family drama and a hint of romance in this mystery. I loved it and am looking forward to the next one in the series.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win an ARC of Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes from Kensington. I literally devoured this book, almost in one sitting! Karen Rose Smith has created a delightful setting - a quaint tea garden in the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, as well as truly believable characters. The family dynamics at one memorable meal were absolutely spot-on. The heroine, Daisy Swanson, is a widow with two teen aged daughters, who has come to Willow Creek, PA, to help her Aunt Iris with the tea shop. When Iris's significant other is murdered right in the tea shop's garden, Iris is a prime suspect. In the face of a stubborn police officer, Daisy must fight to clear her aunt's name.
I loved this book and can't wait to read more in the series.

[Emily Snyder · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oy this is a hard review to write. There were some repeated character traits of main characters in this book that drove me insane, so half the time I was battling eye rolls while I was reading. And the dialogue was often basic and predictable. That said, I strangely liked the story? The mystery was interesting and the culprit not nearly as predictable as the dialogue. I’ll probably continue to read the series, but I’ll definitely be taking them out of the library instead of buying them...

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome start for a brand new series. I thought it was really well-written, descriptions were just right as in not over the top descriptive and I could totally picture this little town in Pennsylvania near Amish country with all its fun shops. There were a lot of characters but I never felt overwhelmed since each one was dealt with in such a way that I felt like I knew them, even if it was someone the reader isn't really supposed to like.

Daisy and her aunt Iris had opened Daisy's Tea Garden in Willow Creek, PA a couple years ago after Daisy's husband Ryan had passed. She and her girls, Jazzi and Vi, had moved back home from FL. The tea room and garden were doing pretty well until Aunt Iris's almost-fiance was murdered in the garden. Since the police had it in their minds that Iris was guilty, Daisy knew she had to investigate and get it solved before her aunt ended up in jail.

Daisy's old friend Cade who had been her high school crush was cautious and didn't want her to investigate but her new friend Jonas who owned a nearby furniture store had been a detective in Pittsburgh and while he knew the dangers of investigating, he understood Daisy's need to do that. With two guys in her life now, each one of them being super nice, Daisy had her share of confusion although she admitted to herself that Jonas sparked a little something in her when he was around. It'll be interesting to see which one she ends up with. At this point, I don't even know which one I prefer--I like them both! Jonas did seem more attentive but he was also helping with a little side story of helping Jazzi, Daisy's adopted daughter, find out who her birth mom was.

The many fun characters weren't hard to keep separate. They were distinctive and some were quirky. Aunt Iris was very sweet and could be feisty when riled so I really enjoyed reading about her. I was sad about her fiance but knowing her, she may find someone else. I also really liked Sean, Daisy's dad who seemed to be the voice of calm and collected in the family when his wife Rose and her sister Iris didn't agree on things. It wasn't daytime drama disagreements or anything though. They were still a very close family and realized that family did indeed come first. I liked the addition of college age Foster helping in the tea room--Daisy's daughter Vi was really eyeing him up!

I had a feeling and was right about the killer but there were lots of clues sprinkled throughout early enough that even though I got distracted thinking someone else could have done it, I kept coming back to the same person. It was a great take down, equally acted on by all parties and pretty exciting. The ending was pretty sweet too!

There were some of the tea room's recipes in the back, definitely the one for the lemon tea cakes along with a little teaser excerpt for the next book which I know I've probably pre-ordered or will be getting. I am sold on this series and its delightful characters!

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daisy and her aunt Iris co-own a tea shop with delightful teas and pastries in Willow Creek, somewhere in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania area. It's a good start to a series. When the owner of a men's clothing store who has been dating Iris while divorcing his wife turns up dead on the shop's patio, suspicion turns to Iris. Daisy is determined to see her aunt's name cleared. She does that with the help of Jonas, a retired policeman who owns a nearby shop, and to whom Daisy is attracted. In another story line, Jonas helps Daisy's adopted daughter Jazzi find her birth mother. The main characters are developed pretty well and enjoyable. I figured out the guilty party fairly early, but that's not all that unusual. It did not hold my attention quite as much as some mysteries, and I'm not sure if it was because of how busy my life was or because of a flaw in the writing. I do plan to continue with the next installment, although not immediately.

[Amanda A · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Shawna Shaheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy and her 2 daughters Violet in Jazzy started a new life in Pennsylvania Amish county. Daisy husband died 3years ago. Daisy mom's dad two sisters and Aunt Iris are there. Daisy and Aunt Iris have a shop they own together. They serve tea and baked goodies Her best friend Tessa work there as a chef and some of the other employees. Aunt Iris was dating a man Harvey he was separated and Iris family did not approve. He was a rich man. There is some issues in this book that I would like to see what happens with 1of Daisy daughter in probably 2nd book.

[Alaine Keisling · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book published in 2017 that tries to appear contemporaneous, Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes is very old fashioned. It would seem much more in step with the 80s or 90s. A woman is shocked that Daisy, the main character, probably in her early to mid 40s, went inside a sports bar. Her daughter, Jazzi, 15, wants to learn about her birth mother, but there's not a whisper about DNA testing. Daisy's Aunt Iris, presumably at least mid 50s to 60s, is equally shocked that anyone might think she has done anything more than kiss the man she'd been seeing for a month. I'm not objecting that they hadn't done more, just that she can't believe anyone might have thought they did. Really?

Sometimes the book has needless detail as though the author wants to show she's familiar with a subject or a geographic area. Other things are hopelessly vague. And some story lines awkwardly drop. Daisy was having dinner with a friend, excuses herself for a phone call, and it's a new chapter without any circling back. Yep, check, that plot point's done. And for a book that talks a lot about food and includes recipes, some of the food and drink details are off kilter. Daisy keeps a bottle of wine open in the refrigerator to cook chicken, and offers it to someone to drink?

Since it's the first book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mysteries series, I wrote off inconsistencies to Smith being a new author, and wondered what the succeeding books were like. But then I read that she'd been writing and selling books since 1991. Perhaps this is one of her earlier novels and it just got published? The other possibility is that I'm not her target audience. While I like mysteries and don't generally like graphic violence, I may not be empathetic enough to the finer points of the cozy mystery genre. So take what I say with a grain of salt. In many ways it reminds me of some of the "romantic mysteries" on the Hallmark channel. If you love those, this may be precisely your cup of tea.

Read for a book club.

[Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had a really hard time keeping myself engaged in this book. There were so many instances where I found myself trying to edit for the author. We do not need every character's age. We don't need the waitress at the bar's first and last name and backstory. Likewise, it strongly felt as though an older woman was trying unsuccessfully, to write a younger character. The main character, Daisy, described herself as being 37 with a 15 year old daughter, depicts her daughters room as being a typical "millennial teenager's room." At 37, in 2017, Daisy is closer to the millennial generation than her daughter Jazzie (In 2021, the oldest millennials are 40 and the youngest are 25). As a nearly middle aged millennial myself, this is an ongoing irritation when I see this!

Daisy as a character was also hard to empathize with. She often came across as hypocritical to me. She would frequently bristle at anyone who looked down on her aunt for dating a not-quite divorced man, but judged her for the same thing herself throughout the book. She simultaneously wants to appear strong, independent and feminist (no one can "handle" her or should tell her to mind her own business instead of sticking her nose into a police investigation!), but regularly openly judges most of the other female characters for their choices. SPOILER! The whole purpose of the book was to investigate and discover who the murderer was...but rather than actually discover or learn ANYTHING of use, the murderer just finally waltzes in and literally announces themselves. It felt very anti-climactic.

I recognize this isn't intended to be high literature, and this isn't my typical genre, but this was not a fine example to encourage me to dive deeper.

[Avidreader Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I did enjoy about this book was how they talked about tea. Not too much detail but enough that if you know about tea you know the author know what they were talking about.
Had I read this a year ago I would have scanned over some of these details. Or been un aware of what they meant.
As for the story it self. It is definitely a 1st book where characters are introduced
The murderer was not expected but not a twist either.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Karen Rose Smith and the first work that I have read by this author. I thought it was a very pleasant read. I enjoyed the setting of the tea room and thought the characters were charming. Daisy is a widow raising her youngest daughter at home and trying to make a go of the tea room with her aunt. I think reader will connect with Daisy and find her to be a main character that is likable. I also enjoyed that family played an important role in this story. I always enjoy a cozy mystery that has food and family at it's center. The mystery was solid and the author wove her clues throughout the story. I think fans of this author's other series will certainly be drawn to this one as well.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher through Netgalley.

[Tea and Spite · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. No, I tried, but I just cannot with a book that insists the little old lady with multiple eyewitness alibis and no motive is the most obvious suspect in a murder. Especially when the victim has an angry ex and two potentially disinherited children. The most incompetent cop in the world could not suspect this woman. To say that any would is completely and utterly absurd. That's not getting into no cop in the world being dumb enough to tell the suspect's niece that they think she's involved in a cover-up. This is some Gomer Pyle level stupidity and I just cannot. Got 25% of the way in and gave up because there is only so much absurdity I can take in the name of genre conventions. Hoping at least the recipes will not suck (though, hate to break it to you Daisy, but you most certainly did not 'create' leek and potato soup).

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series by Karen Rose Smith and I enjoyed it. It takes place in a small town with Daisy as the main character. Daisy has returned to her hometown after the death of her husband. She and her two daughters are living in a renovated barn and she and her Aunt Ivy have started a business. Purchasing an old Victorian home, they have opened The Tea Garden. All is going well until Harvey, Ivy's boyfriend, is found dead, bludgeoned in their back garden. Of course, Ivy is a suspect and Daisy is determined to do what she can to get her aunt off the suspect list.

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Daisy is a strong, loving person who is dedicated to her family and business. She is smart and is beginning to open up to the idea of having a man in her life once again. Daisy is not the typical sleuth I have come to expect in a cozy. She does not outright investigate, but does ask poignant questions and meet people who might have information about the crime. Her family plays an important role in the story with both background, filling out her character and the main plot of the story. There are a couple of men in the story that look like romantic interests and I am looking forward to seeing where this leads in upcoming books in this series. The police detective is a crochety guy who reminds me of the television detectives who latch onto someone and will not let it go. I always enjoy a cozy mystery that has food and family as part of the story. The mystery was solid and clues were spread out through the story. There were some red herrings and I did not figure out who the killer was until it was obvious at the end of the story. throughout the story. I think fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this series. I have read other books written by Karen Rose Smith and this one did not disappoint. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into it at all

[Mburrows · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute. Will read more in series.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming start to what promises to be another delightful series from Karen Rose Smith! I loved the characters, and enjoyed sorting out all the "possibles" for the villain. All the loose ends were neatly tied up at the end, and the hint of a future romance made me smile. I'm anxious to embark on the next installment!

[A.A.B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was bored to tears. The multi-page detailed minutia of preparing every single teapot every character drank during every single day of the never-ending "investigation" was an easy way to add page count, but it was much more than I could stomach. There is cozy and there is coma inducing. This one is clearly in the later category.

I might have forgiven it the countless teapots had the story or the characters themselves offered something engaging, but alas. And oh, the repetitions - of everything! It would make for a brutal drinking game: let each participant pick a fact from the beginning of the book and drink every time the author mentions it again - by the third of the book there'll be noone left conscious.

A tea catalogue with steeping instructions offers much more of both - entertaining and educational value. Sad.

[Heidi Burkhart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smith has won many awards for her books so I am swimming against the current here. The characters felt like they were from a book set in the 1950's. I think that a very conservative female population might enjoy the story but I felt like if I had to hear one more word about favorite tea pots, hot chocolate and tea with never endings scones I would go bats. Seriously, who could eat that many?

[Erin L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not great. A standard entry in the cozy mystery genre which will always have my heart. ALWAYS.

I enjoyed the characters and the setting for this one and found the mystery to be pleasant.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes by Karen Rose Smith is the 1st book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series, and a great book. Daisy Swanson, a widowed mother of two daughters, along with her Aunt Iris open the tea garden. Iris is dating a not quite divorced man, when he is found murdered, and Iris becomes a suspect. Daisy can not let anything happen to Iris, and is determined to find the real murder.

Once I started this book I could not stop reading it. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I strongly recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy, a widowed mom of two teens, owns and runs a tea shop with her Aunt Iris. Iris is getting serious about a wealthy businessman who is not quite divorced. Daisy wonders if her aunt is rushing into something she shouldn’t, as Harvey comes with a lot of baggage: an angry almost ex-wife and two grown kids who feel entitled to everything they want. When Harvey turns up murdered in the tea garden, Iris and Daisy are prime suspects. This cozy has a lot going for it, including secondary storylines that are quite interesting in their own right. Author Karen Rose Smith has done a great job in creating a cast of interesting characters whose variety adds much enjoyment to this new series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was super cute. This is the first in a new series. The tea shop is just darling and makes me wish I could visit. Daisy is great! I love how she looks out for her Aunt Iris. Cozy mystery readers will enjoy this and getting to know Daisy. Just love these type of books!

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...

[Wilma Van putten · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice in between books story. Relaxed reading after the holidays.