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Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries #2
Berry Murderous
Willow Foxglove is just trying to get her tea shop built. Instead, the workers are dropping like flies!
With her home conservatory being noisily transformed into a tea room, Willow has quite enough on her plate. The last thing she needs is for her head builder to turn up dead in the nearby river. To make matters even worse, the local sheriff is certain that Willow's conspiracy-laden friend Reg is the murderer.
Between her fears that the dream of owning her own business will now collapse and fighting to keep her friend out of jail, Willow is just about at her wit's end. Throw a gregarious British builder into the mix and this might be a case that even Miss Walsham Investigates would have trouble cracking.
When it seems that the sheriff's office has run out of suspects, Willow needs to knuckle down and solve the case herself if she's to clear Reg's name. And, of course, she must keep her Maine Coon kitten Mavis away from the worst of the murder investigation, otherwise, her pet might be scarred for life.
Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries are quick 1-2 hour reads perfect for filling in time waiting for appointments, commuting to work, or when your significant other insists on watching the show that makes you roll your eyes!
These books contain no swearing, no gore, no cliffhangers, and no graphic scenes.
With her home conservatory being noisily transformed into a tea room, Willow has quite enough on her plate. The last thing she needs is for her head builder to turn up dead in the nearby river. To make matters even worse, the local sheriff is certain that Willow's conspiracy-laden friend Reg is the murderer.
Between her fears that the dream of owning her own business will now collapse and fighting to keep her friend out of jail, Willow is just about at her wit's end. Throw a gregarious British builder into the mix and this might be a case that even Miss Walsham Investigates would have trouble cracking.
When it seems that the sheriff's office has run out of suspects, Willow needs to knuckle down and solve the case herself if she's to clear Reg's name. And, of course, she must keep her Maine Coon kitten Mavis away from the worst of the murder investigation, otherwise, her pet might be scarred for life.
Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries are quick 1-2 hour reads perfect for filling in time waiting for appointments, commuting to work, or when your significant other insists on watching the show that makes you roll your eyes!
These books contain no swearing, no gore, no cliffhangers, and no graphic scenes.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2018
219 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Hayton
64 books497 followersI'm a middle-aged woman who works in insurance, doesn't have children or pets, can't drive, has lived in Christchurch my entire life, and currently reside a two-minute walk from where I was born.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
For some reason, I've developed a rich fantasy life.
I like to write mysteries, some set in my hometown of Christchurch, others ninety minutes up the road in the beautiful township of Hanmer Springs, or in the quasi-fictional town of Pinetar. These mysteries range from hard-hitting psychological thrillers, through to police procedurals, or the lighter adventure of a cozy mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
August 15, 2023
Berry Murderous is Book 2 of the Tea Shop Cozy Mystery series penned by Katherine Hayton. The books are novella length and this one in particular is 97 pages. It is a quick 2 hour read.
Willow Foxglove is in her 50s. She is having construction done in her home to have the back conservatory transformed into a tea room. She has wanted to have her own business for a while and has finally garnered the resources and will to move forward with her plan. When the foreman in charge of the work crew turns up dead, the sheriff suspects one of her best friends, Reg, of committing the murder. She turns to her other friend to help her to clear Reg.
Good, clean, fun, murder mystery, cozy story with realistic characters, the type of friends you would wish to have if you were in a similar bind. I like these Hayton, quirky offerings.
Willow Foxglove is in her 50s. She is having construction done in her home to have the back conservatory transformed into a tea room. She has wanted to have her own business for a while and has finally garnered the resources and will to move forward with her plan. When the foreman in charge of the work crew turns up dead, the sheriff suspects one of her best friends, Reg, of committing the murder. She turns to her other friend to help her to clear Reg.
Good, clean, fun, murder mystery, cozy story with realistic characters, the type of friends you would wish to have if you were in a similar bind. I like these Hayton, quirky offerings.
February 3, 2022
Meh. These are really quick stories. The best part is the cat.
January 20, 2023
Book 2 of the Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries
I’ll give it to the author, we got to know the characters a LITTLE bit better in this book than we did in the last book. But we still don’t really know all that much about the characters we’re supposed to care about.
Again, I felt as though the mystery was present but not really focused on. I feel as though it was still rushed through.
Cozy stories can be tricky. Because they focus mainly on the average everyday life, authors can get so caught up in the simplicity of them that they forget to give their stories depth.
I’ll read the others because I need something to listen to while I work and I already bought these in a audio bundle. Still keeping our fingers crossed.
I’ll give it to the author, we got to know the characters a LITTLE bit better in this book than we did in the last book. But we still don’t really know all that much about the characters we’re supposed to care about.
Again, I felt as though the mystery was present but not really focused on. I feel as though it was still rushed through.
Cozy stories can be tricky. Because they focus mainly on the average everyday life, authors can get so caught up in the simplicity of them that they forget to give their stories depth.
I’ll read the others because I need something to listen to while I work and I already bought these in a audio bundle. Still keeping our fingers crossed.
December 30, 2024
This was a very quick read. Willow is having the renovations done on her house for the addition to start her tea shop. The main builder, Jeff, is not a pleasant man nor is he scrupulous...and he ends up murdered. There are a multitude of possible suspects and it was entertaining watching Willow help the police figure out the murderer.
As fun as it is imagining a cat behaving as Mavis does, I've never encountered it...and I've known many cats. She's written more like a puppy/dog, which always pulls me out of the story to little even though it's cute to picture.
As fun as it is imagining a cat behaving as Mavis does, I've never encountered it...and I've known many cats. She's written more like a puppy/dog, which always pulls me out of the story to little even though it's cute to picture.
November 13, 2025
2.5 stars
October 4, 2024
Quick, cute mysteries. They’re easy to read and keep me guessing. Enjoyable, but not earth-shattering.
July 19, 2021
I read Berry Murderous the second in the Tea Shop Cozy Mystery series by Katherine Hayton just to make sure I had it right after the first book and I believe I did. These are okay, but just not that catchy to me. The characters seem flat, almost one dimensional, the mystery itself is rushed and the author barely gives the reader a chance to figure it out before she's revealing the culprit and finishing up the book. I just can't seem to get into these like I do most cozies. Granted they aren't bad and I did finish it I probably won't continue on with the rest of them.
October 2, 2022
The book is not memorable at all I finished reading it on Friday and wrote the review
on Sunday and could barely remember any of the story.
The books are really good at making the victim someone people can hate so there are a lot of suspects
I felt the end came up suddenly there was very little build-up and then it was over. Especially
with charlie and Willow.
I also didn't like that there was no interaction between the extension is a dangerous mess an 'oh my God' perfectly completed so it didn't make sense.
on Sunday and could barely remember any of the story.
The books are really good at making the victim someone people can hate so there are a lot of suspects
I felt the end came up suddenly there was very little build-up and then it was over. Especially
with charlie and Willow.
I also didn't like that there was no interaction between the extension is a dangerous mess an 'oh my God' perfectly completed so it didn't make sense.
February 6, 2023
Somewhat cute, like the first book, but more fluff than even the other cozies I've read. This 50-something woman seems to have the ideas and mannerisms of someone over 80. She can't manage any form of technology, only drinks herbal tea, isn't a good judge of character, and has very few cultural references from the last few decades. I'm 65 years old, still working, deal with technology all day, and haven't turned dotty in my "old age". The only thing I have in common with this character is that I do drink tea.
May 4, 2021
The second book in this series continues the story of Willow and her friends in Aniseed Valley. These are enjoyable, low suspense, and friendly for the most part.
In the first book widow Willow Foxglove was dismayed to find her new love interest, Roger, stabbed in her garden. But he willed her a nice sum of money; in this book she's pursuing her dream of owning a tea shop. Now she's having her small conservatory renovated, but the crew isn't getting along.
Jeff Waterman, the foreman, is irritated with his crew and insults Willow's friend Reg. Willow's also hearing rumors that he's done shoddy work all over town. The next morning, out for a walk, Willow spots his body in the river. Who among his dissatisfied employees or customers would have gone that far?
The town sheriff doesn't seem overly inclined to investigate and misses vital evidence at the scene--that Willow later finds. He hauls in her friend Reg for questioning because Reg was seen sitting at the pier the evening before. Can Willow and her friend Harmony help poor Reg, a bundle of nerves now, to prove his innocence?
This series is as much about small town life and friends helping one another as it is about solving the crime. Like the Spice Town mysteries by Sheri Richey, the Aunt Bessie series, or the Happenstance series by Janice Dick, there's a lot of friendly interaction and Willow is low-key in her investigating. The language and tone are clean. An easy, quick read.
In the first book widow Willow Foxglove was dismayed to find her new love interest, Roger, stabbed in her garden. But he willed her a nice sum of money; in this book she's pursuing her dream of owning a tea shop. Now she's having her small conservatory renovated, but the crew isn't getting along.
Jeff Waterman, the foreman, is irritated with his crew and insults Willow's friend Reg. Willow's also hearing rumors that he's done shoddy work all over town. The next morning, out for a walk, Willow spots his body in the river. Who among his dissatisfied employees or customers would have gone that far?
The town sheriff doesn't seem overly inclined to investigate and misses vital evidence at the scene--that Willow later finds. He hauls in her friend Reg for questioning because Reg was seen sitting at the pier the evening before. Can Willow and her friend Harmony help poor Reg, a bundle of nerves now, to prove his innocence?
This series is as much about small town life and friends helping one another as it is about solving the crime. Like the Spice Town mysteries by Sheri Richey, the Aunt Bessie series, or the Happenstance series by Janice Dick, there's a lot of friendly interaction and Willow is low-key in her investigating. The language and tone are clean. An easy, quick read.
March 16, 2025
"Berry Murderous (Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries #2)" by Katherine Hayton has Willow midway into a renovation on her conservatory to build the Tea Shop onto the garden side of her home. However, the contractor isn't the best guy to work for and unfortunately he shows this in front of the customer too. Not to mention it turns put he did some really bad work on another lady's house that has made it so she can't really live there or move. Well, in cosy mystery world we all know what that means.
Willow has the unfortunate happenstance to find yet another body and it's the building contractor. Then, her friend Reggie and the construction worker she's becoming fond of are both accused of having motives. This ends super cozy with the culprit being apprehended after Will brings evidence of the culprit lying to the police about their alibi. No big confrontations, just an update in the paper for the confirmation of the reveal.
Willow has the unfortunate happenstance to find yet another body and it's the building contractor. Then, her friend Reggie and the construction worker she's becoming fond of are both accused of having motives. This ends super cozy with the culprit being apprehended after Will brings evidence of the culprit lying to the police about their alibi. No big confrontations, just an update in the paper for the confirmation of the reveal.
January 20, 2023
Enjoyable Read
I'm new to the genre of cozy mysteries, but thanks to Katherine Hayton, I'm a quick fan. This was an enjoyable read, which says a lot since someone died. It's also a surprising 2nd installment to the series because I wasn't sure where the take would go next. Now, I'm jazzed to jump into the 3rd.
As a catlady, obviously, Mavis is my favorite character. LOL
Reg is lovely, and I thrill that he's a UFOlogist.
Willow and Harmony are fun characters, too. I'm increasingly becoming more invested, especially as their backstories come out more. It is endearing me to them and their incredible friendships.
I recommend this book, though I won't say much about it. I don't want to give any spoilers, and as a short read mystery, that's too easy to do. Just know, it's a good series to cuddle in with - but don't forget for tea (or coffee)!
I'm new to the genre of cozy mysteries, but thanks to Katherine Hayton, I'm a quick fan. This was an enjoyable read, which says a lot since someone died. It's also a surprising 2nd installment to the series because I wasn't sure where the take would go next. Now, I'm jazzed to jump into the 3rd.
As a catlady, obviously, Mavis is my favorite character. LOL
Reg is lovely, and I thrill that he's a UFOlogist.
Willow and Harmony are fun characters, too. I'm increasingly becoming more invested, especially as their backstories come out more. It is endearing me to them and their incredible friendships.
I recommend this book, though I won't say much about it. I don't want to give any spoilers, and as a short read mystery, that's too easy to do. Just know, it's a good series to cuddle in with - but don't forget for tea (or coffee)!
September 1, 2023
Would rate this 2.5 stars
Another short story. Slightly better than the 1st. At least this time the protagonist isn’t so quick to provide evidence that can be refuted so fast.
It’s quite curious it’s not she is heavily observant it’s her empathy and luck that’s allows her to find certain pieces it does seem like her friends assist more in that aspect
I will note that In some ways I feel like her friends double on their roles. Not only are they usually the ones to provide needed information but in this book in particular they had responded on the behalf of the reader
For example when she started crying about the construction guy being arrested my first response was why were you crying and the friends asked the same
Continuing with that subject the romance/attraction sort of came out of no where it wasn’t really that developed no mentions of finding the guy charming or attractive besides his accent
Another short story. Slightly better than the 1st. At least this time the protagonist isn’t so quick to provide evidence that can be refuted so fast.
It’s quite curious it’s not she is heavily observant it’s her empathy and luck that’s allows her to find certain pieces it does seem like her friends assist more in that aspect
I will note that In some ways I feel like her friends double on their roles. Not only are they usually the ones to provide needed information but in this book in particular they had responded on the behalf of the reader
For example when she started crying about the construction guy being arrested my first response was why were you crying and the friends asked the same
Continuing with that subject the romance/attraction sort of came out of no where it wasn’t really that developed no mentions of finding the guy charming or attractive besides his accent
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2018
The pitfalls surrounding tradesmen
A easy read gentle cozy. The plot is good but it won't take you long to guess the culprit whilst the characters are really excellent. Fully developed and engaging. She has been living with the builders for weeks and the owner of the construction firm has proven time and time again to be arrogant, aggressive and belligerent. Is it any surprise that his body is found under a pile of leaves? Who killed him? His employees, someone from his personal life or is it tied to previous jobs?
A easy read gentle cozy. The plot is good but it won't take you long to guess the culprit whilst the characters are really excellent. Fully developed and engaging. She has been living with the builders for weeks and the owner of the construction firm has proven time and time again to be arrogant, aggressive and belligerent. Is it any surprise that his body is found under a pile of leaves? Who killed him? His employees, someone from his personal life or is it tied to previous jobs?
August 15, 2018
Lighthearted, but Deep!
I can say I enjoyed the overall story, but I feel it could have been held together better! I had to make an actual list of the characters, in order to follow the characters! They seemed to confuse me as to each person's characteristics! They all seemed to blend in, and so I had to refer to my list of the characters and what their main characteristics were! The descriptions of the house and the tea house were well done!
I can say I enjoyed the overall story, but I feel it could have been held together better! I had to make an actual list of the characters, in order to follow the characters! They seemed to confuse me as to each person's characteristics! They all seemed to blend in, and so I had to refer to my list of the characters and what their main characteristics were! The descriptions of the house and the tea house were well done!
November 12, 2019
Willow’s remodel to make her tea room is coming along, although the builder seems to be an arrogant jerk. He fires 2 workers one day, and Willow finds his body the next. There are no end of suspects, since he was cutting corners on jobs and treated his employees badly. The sheriff doesn’t seem to be doing much to find the killer so Willow and friends step in. I didn’t guess the killer till the end; it was a good book and now I’m on to #3 in the series.
August 6, 2021
Willow was much less whiny this time around and Harmony and Reg made it into more of the story. I loved learning how Willow & Reg met. I am sure I must have missed something though. Charlie went from worker on her Tea Shop to missing in action several times to boyfriend? Not sure how that happened... Mavis has the promise of a mischief maker that I look forward to seeing happen though.
May 27, 2025
3.5 stars. Book 2 in this series of cozy mysteries. The audio is enjoyable to listen to. The mysteries aren’t super exciting, but it’s fun to see how it gets figured out and even funnier that Willow, an older single lady with a precocious kitten, keeps finding bodies and murder weapons before the sheriff does, hence putting her on the suspect list time and time again.
June 30, 2018
Berry Murderous (Tea Shop Cozy Mystery
Very good story. Characters were so believable. Willow made me remember friends i have not thought about for years. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Very good story. Characters were so believable. Willow made me remember friends i have not thought about for years. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
July 17, 2018
Mystery
After inheriting some money she decided to change her observatory into a tea room. The contractor turns out to be a cheat and has been cheating his clients with sub-par work Turning up dead was one ex clients ' answer to the problem. Good read.
After inheriting some money she decided to change her observatory into a tea room. The contractor turns out to be a cheat and has been cheating his clients with sub-par work Turning up dead was one ex clients ' answer to the problem. Good read.
July 25, 2018
Great series.....
The author does suffers from acute silliness!! I enjoyed this story of the tea shop trio, and their ability to get caught up in a endless set of different mysteries. The author has a wonderful imagination, I enjoy her writings.
The author does suffers from acute silliness!! I enjoyed this story of the tea shop trio, and their ability to get caught up in a endless set of different mysteries. The author has a wonderful imagination, I enjoy her writings.
July 12, 2019
Enjoyable
I enjoyed “Berry Murderous”, the second book in the Tea Shop Cozy Mystery Series, more than the first book. There was more character development and I didn’t guess the murderer.
I enjoyed “Berry Murderous”, the second book in the Tea Shop Cozy Mystery Series, more than the first book. There was more character development and I didn’t guess the murderer.
November 14, 2020
Willow has a habit of speaking out of turn. She does have the ability of not speaking but it is a rare occurrence.
Willow is turning her conservatory into a tea room. But what happens on the way turns Willow and her friends into investigators.
Willow is turning her conservatory into a tea room. But what happens on the way turns Willow and her friends into investigators.
May 28, 2021
As with the first rating for what it is. The story continues with Willow transforming conservatory into a tea room. Questionable builder ends up murdered. When her friend Reg is arrested Willow steps up to find real murderer. Liked a bit better than 1st
July 30, 2021
This was a pleasant basic murder mystery. ( those words don’t usually go together….pleasant Murder) nothing graphic or gory. The storyline was simple and nice to follow.
I listened to it and the narrator did a good job at changing her voice for each character
I listened to it and the narrator did a good job at changing her voice for each character
September 20, 2022
I really enjoy listening to this series on my lunch hour. Each one so far has only been around 4hrs as an audiobook, so it's the perfect length and the mini murder mystery wraps up nicely without feeling rushed. Looking forward to #3!
January 21, 2024
Another enjoyable mystery with Willow. I feel like the main bit I am enjoying is that the mysteries have remained the main focal point of the books (sometimes the subplots will take over).
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
March 18, 2024
Enjoyed this more than the previous book. Watching Willow and Mavis interact was cute as hell, and the plot felt way less rushed than the previous book. The final chapter was great and brought a huge smile to my face. Can't wait to see where it goes from here.
August 18, 2024
Willow decides to go ahead with her plans for a tea shop in the observatory, but it needs to have some work done first. Only to find the boss is a real jerk, and DEAD. Now what does she do? Another great story of the continuing saga of Willow's life.
June 13, 2018
Enjoyable cozy mystery
This was a fast relaxing read. I am looking forward to book number three. I started with two and then bought one when I enjoyed two. shmoore
This was a fast relaxing read. I am looking forward to book number three. I started with two and then bought one when I enjoyed two. shmoore
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews