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Seaside Cafe Mystery #2

No Good Tea Goes Unpunished

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Don’t marry into murder...

Catering her childhood friend’s beachfront wedding was a dream come true for Everly Swan—and, with hundreds of guests in attendance, great exposure for her new iced tea shop and café. But when the well-to-do groom is found floating facedown in the surf, the locals of Charm, North Carolina turn their suspicions on his new bride. Could she have been so desperate to lay hands on his fortune that she arranged for his murder even before they set off on their honeymoon?

Everly knows her lovestruck friend couldn’t be behind the murder, but with clues pointing in several directions, she can’t decide which wedding guest is the most likely culprit. Meanwhile, the frustratingly handsome Detective Hays has made it clear that Everly should stay out of the investigation altogether. But with a killer on the loose and a feeling that someone is watching her café very closely, Everly knows that if she can’t solve this murder soon, her cake might be iced for good.

330 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published February 26, 2019

315 people are currently reading
1302 people want to read

About the author

Bree Baker

10 books658 followers
Bree Baker is a Midwestern writer, obsessed with small town high jinks, sweet tea and the sea. She's been telling stories to her family, friends and strangers for as long as she can remember, and more often than not, those stories feature a warm ocean breeze and recipe she's sure to ruin. Now, she's working on those fancy cooking skills and dreaming up adventures for the Seaside Cafe mysteries. Her debut title, Live & Let Chai releases from Sourcebooks in July 2018. Bree is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers and the Romance Writers of America. She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,369 followers
November 12, 2021
No Good Tea Goes Unpunished is the 2nd book in the Seaside Café Mysteries written by Bree Baker. I've read several other books by the author plus the first in this series. I'm hoping to finish it by the fall so I can read the newest release that's launching soon.

North Carolina. Tea shop. Beachside. Returning home after a break-up. Murders happen at a wedding. Doesn't that sound fantastic? In this clever and amusing plot, Everly plans a good friend's reception only for an important member of the bridal party to turn up dead! And then there's a supposed second body followed by a potential third one. What is happening? Who wants these people dead? And why has Everly's ex -- yep, the one who wouldn't support her in the past -- suddenly shown up? The story is great, and I found myself waffling between two killers. I picked the correct one. Even though it was a bit obvious, I loved the writing and setting, so this continually captured my attention.

I am eager to keep reading more. Especially with the new characters beginning to show up, e.g. an obnoxious but kinda memorable and adorable reporter. Toss in the crazy aunts and an upcoming mayoral race, things are looking spicy for the Swan women. Baker creates the perfect balance of ambiance and quirky fun. We know Everly is gonna investigate, and she makes it a sassy part of her relationship with a potential beau, the new policeman in town. He tells her to stop. She tells him no. He says he'll arrest her. She basically says, "Okay, I like handcuffs." I mean, really? This just makes the story even more fun! So... give it a chance and your taste buds will be craving iced tea and desserts all book long.
Profile Image for Holly  B .
950 reviews2,899 followers
April 15, 2019
4 Cozy Stars

Enjoyable cozy with a beach setting. Yep, I ended up reading out of order (again), but it worked fine. Now, I'll read the first one.

If you are looking for a new cozy series to start, this is a good one. A yummy sounding chicken recipe and of course tea.

Sun, sand, iced tea and of course a mystery.

This was a library check out that I ended up purchasing along with book #1.
Profile Image for Amanda (BookLoverAmanda).
714 reviews1,018 followers
July 5, 2024
No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker - 4 Stars
(Book 2 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series)


I love the southern charm this book series has! North Carolina setting with a tea shop on the beach!? Say less. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series. If you are looking for a good, cozy mystery series with no language and good, clean content, pick this up!

Everly is our main character and she is catering her friend's wedding when they find the groom murdered. The bride is suspicious but some serious TEA happens when someone unexpected shows up! Grady is also back from book one who makes it his mission to keep Everly safe - we love a good protective Detective! :)

Everly's aunts were also HILARIOUS and made me laugh out loud many times throughout the story. Very entertaining.

I listened to the audio of this and highly recommend them. There is a great narration that makes you just want to keep listening.
Profile Image for LORI CASWELL.
2,866 reviews327 followers
February 9, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts

Everly Swan is back and catering the wedding a wedding right outside her new tea shop on the beach. The party is off to a great start until the groom goes missing. He is found dead bobbing in the surf. The first suspect is the new bride, a childhood friend of Everly’s. The groom had a very successful business and now what was his is now hers. When his business partner is attacked she comes under greater scrutiny. Everly sees many other suspects on and off the guest list, but she soon becomes the target of the killer who is sending her clear messages to butt out or she could be next. Hunky Detective Hays begs her to leave the investigating to him as he does everything he can to keep her safe. She just can’t help herself though, it seems each glass of tea comes with a little bit of snooping until the killer gets too close.

Another fine story from Bree Baker.

We escape to Charm, North Carolina. A town that has completely charmed me with its beach, sand, sun, iced tea, a bookstore, little libraries, and delightful residents. Bree is finding her place back in town running her own business. Her aunts are right down the beach at the Blessed Bee honey shop. They have enlisted Bree’s help to make a honey education video for an online contest and they have some extreme plans for the 3-minute piece. (Seriously Laugh Out Loud Funny.) She also has a blast from her past in cowboy boots hot on her flip-flops. All that on top of the wedding reception she is in charge of already had her glass already full to the brim and now she has a murder to investigate and a killer on her tail.

This was such a fun read. I loved traveling along the beach with Everly either on a nice stroll or tooling around in her golf cart. She opens her home to her friend in her grief, but all of the wedding guests have been detained in Charm until the killer is caught. Everly’s iced tea shop becomes the place to gather which gives readers a chance to know the most important visitors better. The author does an excellent job of bringing these characters to life. I really identified with the groom’s mother as she deals with the loss of her son. Losing a child is so hard. I really liked her plans for the memorial service even though the city council would not approve them.

The story has a rapid pace and I was totally captivated from start to finish. I loved the way the story was told, mayhem and humor in the exact right amounts. Twists and turns lead to a very exciting conclusion.

Wonderful characters with great dialogue and a well-plotted mystery come together to give readers a splendid story to enjoy. Just like when I finished book 1, Live and Let Chai, I want more!! More Bree, more Aunt Clara, and Aunt Fran, more Detective Hays, and more of the charming life in Charm, North Carolina! I can’t wait for my next trip.
Profile Image for Lisa Ks Book Reviews.
842 reviews139 followers
March 27, 2019
NO GOOD TEA GOES UNPUNISHED is an entertaining brew of mystery and mayhem. A perfect cozy mystery.

Author Bree Baker has what it takes to readers enthralled in her stories. There was so much going on in NO GOOD TEA GOES UNPUNISHED! From the murder in the first chapter until the reveal in the last, this book was packed page after page with excitement. There are assaults, threats, and warnings. The killer was trying so hard to tie up loose ends. I never knew what to expect from one chapter to the next. Seriously, there were times when I didn’t realize I was holding my breath!

The scenes that aren’t harrowing are full of fun, and sweet moments. I adore every character in this series, especially Aunt Clara and Aunt Fran. Their scenes always make me at the least smile, at the most snort with laughter. The same with protagonist, Everly. Some of the things she says and thinks crack me up. Her fear of bees amuses me to no end. Not her fear itself, but the way she talks about it.

I was so excited when this book was finally released. I loved the first one so much. Now I can happily say I love NO GOOD TEA GOES UNPUNISHED as well!
Profile Image for Linda Langford.
1,601 reviews14 followers
February 2, 2019
Imagine living close to the beach in Charm, North Carolina where you can relax and sip iced tea made fresh daily in Everly Swan’s Sun, Sand & Tea Seaside Cafe. It’s as wonderful as it sounds until a beachside wedding ends in the groom’s mysterious murder and the bride’s dress soaked and bloodied. Everly wastes no time checking into the grooms past to see if she can figure out who may have had it in for him.

This exciting cozy mystery is steadily paced; the cast of characters entertaining; and the mystery engrossing. This is the second book in this series and I enjoyed it as much as I did the first one. Everly’s great aunts—Clara and Fran—provide chuckles throughout the storyline. An entertaining cozy mystery to read and relax with anytime. The author shares delicious recipes for readers to make at home.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Sourcebook Landmark. Thank you.
Profile Image for Ell.
523 reviews66 followers
December 5, 2018
This cozy mystery is light and FUN. Everly runs an ice tea shop and café on the North Carolina coast. She lives in a historic home in a seaside community so charming it’s called, Charm. She has her dream business in her lovely hometown and has been asked to cater her childhood’s friends rather large beachfront wedding. Things couldn’t be better! But the wedding doesn’t go off without a hitch. The groom never makes it down the aisle. Instead, he is found lifeless in the surf. Suspicion’s surround Everly’s friend. More than one wedding guest had motive, however. Everly needs determination and some clever sleuthing to find the real culprit and clear her friend’s name. Everly is a great protagonist and the story line kept me engaged. The mystery was well plotted. This is the second book in the Seaside Café Mystery series. Although I missed the debut book, this one stood on its own.
Profile Image for Dana-Adriana B..
768 reviews302 followers
January 19, 2019
Like all the cozy mysteries, in a small town, there are lots of suspects for the murder of the well-to-do groom, including the bride. Everly Swan the local tea shop owner is going to solve the mystery. the characters are realy cute and I enjoyed the plot.
Thank you Netgalley for this nice story.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,765 reviews137 followers
August 8, 2025
My library reading group of senior citizens, which has grown by 6, so I now have 20, gave it 4.5 stars...I really don't like cozies, so I won't rate it.
Everly Swan caters a high-profile beach wedding where the groom doesn't make it to the altar before the wedding bells ring.
It's not what I would have read on my own, but it's what my library book discussion group of senior folks wanted to read for August...so...I will describe it as a quirky fun series. The ladies loved it...you would have thought it was "the second coming". I wasn't surprised...the 7 guys...not so much, or not at all. They did enjoy poking fun at it, so not a total waste on them. I promised the guys they can pick Septembers read.

What was supposed to be a beautiful seaside wedding turns into a nightmare when a murder rakes place and makes the bride an instant widow. We are kept guessing as to who actual murderer was and we were really surprised when the killer was revealed. The story was filed with lots of fast paced action, some fun humor, and a touch of romance, which the ladies ate up and the guys just...smirked. The ladies all said they read the entire book in one day and found it hard to stop once they started. The guys had...shall we say "different" ideas about the whole thing.

Even though I don't care for cozies, I thought that the story had a somewhat magical and "Gilmore girls" feeling to it. I think that is what makes this genus so addictive to my dear ladies. The guys are still laughing and making jokes about the killer's choice of weapons.... which I also thought was a bit comical. If you are a cozy mystery fan, this one is while worth your time.
Profile Image for Tari.
3,640 reviews103 followers
March 7, 2019
What an awesome follow-up to the first book! I'm not sure when the next book is coming, but according to the characters, Christmas in Charm is pretty special, so I'm hoping for a Christmastime book.

When the groom from the wedding that Everly just catered was found floating dead down by the beach, his new bride was the first person of interest, but Everly would have no part of that, since Judy was her childhood friend. Once again, Everly's investigation got her some threats and nearly killed, but she nailed the killer. And once again, I didn't even guess who the killer was. It was fun to follow the clues, and the showdown was really awesome. Everly's cowboy ex-boyfriend showed up for the Summer Splash street fair, but it seemed fairly clear to me that Everly had her mind made up as to which guy she'd choose whenever the urge hits her to date again. And he might just have a little cowboy in him as well. ;)

I've really enjoyed spending time during these first two books in Charm, NC and can't wait to return!
Profile Image for Antonella.
4,129 reviews622 followers
June 2, 2020
* These covers are so cute!!
* I had to guess till the end!!
* will they kiss in next book or is that something that doesn't happen in the cozy mystery
* I still don't know who is the town Gossip Girl...is it one of the aunts or Emily? hmmm

3,5 stars
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,846 reviews1,436 followers
January 27, 2020
4.5 stars

The second murder mystery in the Everly Swan series. This time Everly has to deal with bride drama while her good friend’s brand-new husband gets murdered on the beach right after the wedding! That wasn’t what Everly was expecting, of course, and it makes it worse that she and her grieving friend are stuck right in the middle of the investigation and fielding jibes from the groom’s outraged family and friends.

This has a smart mystery and I like Everly as an amateur investigator just as much as I did in the first book. This is one of my favorite cozy series and I bought the next book the same day I read this one.

Thanks to the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required. Review is based on the final printed copy.
Profile Image for Amy.
492 reviews4 followers
February 26, 2019
This is a light and entertaining cozy mystery set on the upper Outer Banks of North Carolina. Everly Swan has returned home to Charm and started a restaurant focused on different types of iced tea. In this installment, she is hosting her friend's wedding when the groom vanishes shortly after their vows. When he is found murdered, the new widow is the most obvious suspect but there are others who stand to gain from his unfortunate demise. Everly must act fast to find the killer or she might end up his next victim.

The book moved along at a pleasant pace and had all of the elements I enjoy in a cozy. I didn't connect as much as I had hoped with Everly's character but that could have been because I hadn't read the first book. It was well-written and I think I will go back and read the first one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for an advance digital copy of this book. My review is voluntary.
Profile Image for Sally Lindsay-briggs.
825 reviews53 followers
April 19, 2023
I gave this all the stars because there was nothing wrong! Everly is smart, a talented cook, lovely, and she looked for a killer non-stop. This got her into difficulties because she was attacked, her golf cart was damaged, and other bad happenings. Like the groom in the wedding Everly catered, ending up murdered. Lots of suspense and activities kept this read entertaining. I really liked this author, and hope to read more of her writing. Great recipes at the conclusion of the story.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2019
This was an excellent follow up to the first book in this series. Ms. Baker is developing the characters more with each book; and it's great to read more about Aunt Fran, Aunt Clara, Amelia, Grady and Everly. A complex mystery with a quickly paced plot, plenty of suspects and a beautiful setting in Charm, North Carolina. I'm looking forward to the next one which will be out in September, 2019.
Profile Image for Piepie | The Napping Bibliophile.
2,170 reviews133 followers
August 4, 2019
I didn't feel like this 2nd book was as strong as the 1st one. For one, it felt like this mystery went on forever - with a bunch of murders and crazy stuff happening and Everly not listening to Grady (surprise, surprise) and getting herself into major trouble. I do have an arc of the 3rd book, and I'll read it, but that might be all I invest in this series.
Profile Image for Annu.
238 reviews36 followers
July 23, 2020
So much fun. Everly's grand aunts Clara and Fran are a hoot (A Bee apocalypse movie LOL :D). If not for anything, I'll definitely continue for these two amazing ladies. As usual, the mystery was great, Everly was knee-deep in sleuthing and falling into so much trouble. Amelia and Everly are a great team. The only person I didn't like in this book was her rodeo ex-boyfriend Wyatt.
Profile Image for Lynn.
536 reviews2 followers
April 23, 2022
This is book 2 of the Seaside Cafe Mysteries. I have enjoyed both 1 and 2 enough that I have to stop myself from binging on the rest, before I have nightmares!! I ill be back to them soon!!
Profile Image for Hannah | The Teacher’s TBR &#x1f4da;✨.
204 reviews158 followers
July 16, 2024
4.5 ✨

Every time Detective Hays comes on page, I’m ready to go into cardiac arrest. The cowboy boots? Say less. 🤣

The beachy vibes? Phenomenal. The creep factor? Splendid. The coziness? *chef’s kiss*
Profile Image for Patrizia.
1,945 reviews42 followers
January 13, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Bella storia con un buon cast di personaggi e un'ambientazione interessante. Trovo che manchi qualcosa per raggiungere il massimo dei voti, ma non saprei esattamente cosa, è più una sensazione che altro...
Profile Image for Brooke Blogs.
677 reviews202 followers
December 31, 2020
Everly Swan is back at Sun, Sand and Tea - and this time she is hosting a childhood friend's wedding. She certainly didn't expect to stumble upon another body. I loved the layers within this story. Everly is such a likable character and I just feel right at home in Charm. I like reading the books in this series slowly so that I can savor each moment in this wonderful coastal town. I liked the introduction of new characters and the development of relationships among characters. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves cozy mysteries.

I purchased this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest review. My review is not influenced in any way.
Profile Image for Linda.
2,322 reviews58 followers
February 1, 2021
Another great visit to Charm

I’m really liking this series. The town is awesome, I really like Everly and Grady and it’s like taking a vacation to the beach with each book. The mystery kept me guessing and the ending was exciting. Recipes were included at the end. Looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Mary Angela.
Author 7 books596 followers
July 29, 2019
I haven’t read book one in this series but had no trouble jumping in with book two. After visiting the town of Charm, book one is on my TBR list. The setting was vividly depicted, and the characters were memorable. All and all a great summer read, especially if you like beachy locations.
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,335 reviews73 followers
December 30, 2019
No Good Tea Goes Unpunished is book two in the Seaside Cafe Mysteries by Bree Baker. Everly Swan Iced Tea shop and cafe was catering for her childhood friends wedding when the groom was found dead. The new wife became the prime suspect, and Everly started to investigate to clear her name against the advice of Detective Hays. The readers of No Good Tea Shop and Cafe will continue to follow Everly to find out who killed the groom and why.

No Good Tea Goes Unpunished is lovely sweet cozy mysteries that you are unable to put down or stop laughing at some of the antics of the characters. I love the portrayal of the characters by Bree Baker and the way they intertwine with each other. No Good Tea Goes Unpunished is well written and researched by Bree Baker. I like the description of the settings by Bree Baker.

The readers of No Good Tea Goes Unpunished will learn about catering to an outdoor wedding. Also, the readers of No Good Tea Goes Unpunished will learn the problems that small business have when their reputation tarnished by gossip.


I recommend this book.




Profile Image for Patty.
1,555 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2019
No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker is the 2nd book in A Seaside Cafe Mystery Series, and another great book. This is a quick and fun read. It’s a great series and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I truly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmarks. Thank you.
568 reviews13 followers
June 30, 2021
Enjoyed this author's style of writing and the book was a good read.
Profile Image for Angustia⋆Cósmica.
347 reviews14 followers
June 16, 2024
Another great entry to Everly's adventures! We got to meet the most annoying characters in a row, I kept rolling my eyes whenever someone other than the people I already know and love showed up. I guess I'm grumpy like that.
We get to meet Wyatt, Everly's s*itty cowboy ex among a roster of new people; however, I can tell you all I already hope a bull will carry him off to the sunset, never to return.

I loved this book as well, the ending always picks up a LOT so I'm glued to the pages when the climax is on.

I enjoyed my mini summer holidays while reading this, so I thank the author for putting so much love into the ambiance of it all. It's like I was there 💖
Profile Image for Jennifer Brown.
2,806 reviews97 followers
June 13, 2022
Everly and her friends are back again. This time for a wedding where the groom is found dead in the water. I enjoyed all the back and forth with the blames and the obsession. Secrets are revealed and the killer is caught. Good addition to the series.
Profile Image for Susan Reads Cozies.
333 reviews19 followers
June 28, 2025
I am just drawn to the story. So invested in the town, the shop, the curse and of course Detective Hays. I hate that I waited so long to continue the series. On to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews

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