What do you think?
Rate this book
Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries #3
Deathbed of Roses
A dead hotel manager just triggered Willow Foxglove's worst nightmare! When a hotel manager's dead body closes the main road to Willow's new tea shop, none of her customers can get through to celebrate her opening day. On a mission to investigate the closure, she instead becomes embroiled in the case. But Willow isn't the only person to raise the local sheriff's suspicions. There's the janitor last seen fighting with the manager as he handed in his resignation. Not to mention a pair of teenage boys who might have taken a prank too far. If the investigation can't gather enough evidence to remove the body, then Willow's tea shop might never get off the ground. Even with kitten Mavis as a drawcard, there are some disasters that a widow can't claw her way back from. 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.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 21, 2018
176 people are currently reading
183 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
August 20, 2023
Deathbed of Roses by Katherine Hayton is Book 3 of the Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries series. It is one of several mysteries that are novella length stories that can be read in about 2 hours. The main character, Willow Foxglove is a 50 something former model that owns a Tea Shop Café. The story begins with her attempt at having a grand opening, but the road to her business has been closed off because a murder has occurred. Inadvertently, in attempting to find out why the road was closed, she becomes a suspect.
Where she has served to help in the previous books, she now is looked upon suspiciously. The constable's conclusions are logical. Most people don't intentionally involve themselves in things that are only important to them in an ancillary way. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
Where she has served to help in the previous books, she now is looked upon suspiciously. The constable's conclusions are logical. Most people don't intentionally involve themselves in things that are only important to them in an ancillary way. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
February 11, 2023
A cozy little series that gets better and better.
May 11, 2022
Another murder solved! Seems these murders keep getting in Willow’s way of opening her tea shop. A quick and easy read.
May 22, 2024
These books make you want to cozy up in a soft blanket with a cup of tea or coffee or a cozy cocktail.
May 4, 2021
Willow Foxglove is trying to be ready for the opening of her new tea room but, being a chronic worrier, the evening before the event she's almost a basket case, certain no one will come and the business will flop.
Her friend, Harmony suggests a calming walk. As they pass the hotel down the street they find someone (kids, they assume) up to mischief, toss things from an upstairs window. They report the incident to the desk clerk, Gary -- and witness a heated argument between the hotel Manager and the janitor.
The next morning no customers or employees come to Willow's opening because the sheriff has blocked off the whole road. The hotel Manager has fallen to his death from an upstairs window. Willow goes to check out the scene and, because she's there, the sheriff insists she stay to be interviewed too. (He comes across as none too bright in this series.)
Then, because Gary was working there the evening before and hasn't showed up this morning for work, the sheriff arrests him for what turns out to be murder rather than an accidental fall. Willow believes Gary is innocent, so who did shove the manager out the upstairs window?
This series is as much about small town life and friends helping one another as it is about finding a killer. Readers almost have to read the series in order, so they know the characters and their personalities. Book Three is another quick, mild, clean read. However, I didn't find this story as credible as the first two.
Her friend, Harmony suggests a calming walk. As they pass the hotel down the street they find someone (kids, they assume) up to mischief, toss things from an upstairs window. They report the incident to the desk clerk, Gary -- and witness a heated argument between the hotel Manager and the janitor.
The next morning no customers or employees come to Willow's opening because the sheriff has blocked off the whole road. The hotel Manager has fallen to his death from an upstairs window. Willow goes to check out the scene and, because she's there, the sheriff insists she stay to be interviewed too. (He comes across as none too bright in this series.)
Then, because Gary was working there the evening before and hasn't showed up this morning for work, the sheriff arrests him for what turns out to be murder rather than an accidental fall. Willow believes Gary is innocent, so who did shove the manager out the upstairs window?
This series is as much about small town life and friends helping one another as it is about finding a killer. Readers almost have to read the series in order, so they know the characters and their personalities. Book Three is another quick, mild, clean read. However, I didn't find this story as credible as the first two.
March 9, 2023
Puts Cozy In Mustery
Another great installment to this series. I enjoyed revisiting the characters as Willow finds yet another mischievous adventure her not-so-sleepy town. This time, we met new characters who helped us address some old prejudices and stereotypes.
I really liked that the author doesn't make things obvious. She gives plausible probabilities that could seriously lead to an answer... but is it the truth?
My only complaint was a muddled commentary about Hilary's house. An odd statement about Willow looking her address up because she "intuitively" knew they'd need it AFTER they had already been to the house. These inconsistencies drive me nuts.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that kept my interest and drew me in. I was thrilled to see how the tea room's opening took shape and how the characters have grown since book 1.
Katherine Hayton definitely puts cozy into mystery. She was my first taste in this genre, and it's because of her that I'm a fan!
Another great installment to this series. I enjoyed revisiting the characters as Willow finds yet another mischievous adventure her not-so-sleepy town. This time, we met new characters who helped us address some old prejudices and stereotypes.
I really liked that the author doesn't make things obvious. She gives plausible probabilities that could seriously lead to an answer... but is it the truth?
My only complaint was a muddled commentary about Hilary's house. An odd statement about Willow looking her address up because she "intuitively" knew they'd need it AFTER they had already been to the house. These inconsistencies drive me nuts.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read that kept my interest and drew me in. I was thrilled to see how the tea room's opening took shape and how the characters have grown since book 1.
Katherine Hayton definitely puts cozy into mystery. She was my first taste in this genre, and it's because of her that I'm a fan!
June 28, 2018
Pranks or murder
A great gentle cozy. Her tea shop is ready for opening but she is a bundle of nerves. That's why a walk with her BFF sounds like just the ticket to relax her. However as they pass the nearby hotel, an object comes down on them. Both coming and going. The next day they discover that the owner / manager was found dead by defenestration. Who killed him and why? With a long list of suspects and motives this makes a great little plot that has a nice twist at the end. The characters and the setting have vibes of St Mary Mead.
A great gentle cozy. Her tea shop is ready for opening but she is a bundle of nerves. That's why a walk with her BFF sounds like just the ticket to relax her. However as they pass the nearby hotel, an object comes down on them. Both coming and going. The next day they discover that the owner / manager was found dead by defenestration. Who killed him and why? With a long list of suspects and motives this makes a great little plot that has a nice twist at the end. The characters and the setting have vibes of St Mary Mead.
October 2, 2022
I had a lot of time to do nothing but read and this book was really small.
The tea shop is finally open and everything else was basically unimportant.
There was the usual cast of Suspects but the killer was barely given a dozen lines of page time in the book. It really felt like a cop-out.
The series is not as good as it was and at its best, it was very blah.
I have the next few books and will finish them the same way I would a Supper of Liver and onions, reluctantly and because of the promise of something better after it.
The tea shop is finally open and everything else was basically unimportant.
There was the usual cast of Suspects but the killer was barely given a dozen lines of page time in the book. It really felt like a cop-out.
The series is not as good as it was and at its best, it was very blah.
I have the next few books and will finish them the same way I would a Supper of Liver and onions, reluctantly and because of the promise of something better after it.
January 20, 2023
We’ve finally got a tea shop!
I think this book was a little nicer than the first two..maybe I’ll give this rating a 2.5! Just for the fact of getting to know Willow a tiny bit better and we get to see her at the tea shop.
But, we still know very little about the rest of the characters. We’ve introduced a romantic relationship but don’t really know a whole lot about that..so we just have to nod our heads and say sure.
Another mystery solved in an abrupt manner. This was the most interesting murder to me so far.
Still cute and short. Will continue listening to the rest
I think this book was a little nicer than the first two..maybe I’ll give this rating a 2.5! Just for the fact of getting to know Willow a tiny bit better and we get to see her at the tea shop.
But, we still know very little about the rest of the characters. We’ve introduced a romantic relationship but don’t really know a whole lot about that..so we just have to nod our heads and say sure.
Another mystery solved in an abrupt manner. This was the most interesting murder to me so far.
Still cute and short. Will continue listening to the rest
February 17, 2022
Better than #2, not quite as engaging as #1. It does end a bit abruptly as the mystery is suddenly solved and we are all back in the tea shop directly. Lots of angst over the opening of the business but Willow's friends and staff are there for her. These books are all short and go by fast on audio. Don't tune out or you will miss something. And don't do what I do: walk out of the room w/o hitting the pause button!
May 22, 2023
A cute cozy. There is nothing remarkable about this book, but it is cozy and cute and builds on the previous stories. It's small town life on the order of Miss Marple, but not as complex.
My only real problem with the audiobook (which is what I have been using) is the reader's voice is rather annoying- too sweet and feeble sounding - for the character. Willow is in her 50's but the reader makes her sound like she's in her late 80's.
My only real problem with the audiobook (which is what I have been using) is the reader's voice is rather annoying- too sweet and feeble sounding - for the character. Willow is in her 50's but the reader makes her sound like she's in her late 80's.
December 30, 2024
In this third book Willow finally opens her tea shop, though the start is a rocky one. The road to Willow's establishment is closed by the police because a body was discovered and that delayed her opening. Willow ends up getting herself involved by walking to see why it was closed and getting detained with all the other bystanders. The perpetrator was predictable, but it was fun watching Willow and her friends work it out.
August 6, 2021
Willow is much less whiny, in fact, not really at all this time around. Slightly obsessed with a mystery TV show and super excited to go watch filming when they do so in her little town and its quite amusing. While short, the story was well written and makes a person really dread a reality involving stalkers.
September 1, 2023
Rate is 2.5 stars
The plot was better but I’m definitely getting more cemented that Willows friends are better detective.
In this story we find out a little more about her dead husband and my god is he trash.
Truthfully it sounded like willow was going to have a second round of bad relationships. It leading me to believe maybe the author just sucks at romance or drawing out male characters.
The plot was better but I’m definitely getting more cemented that Willows friends are better detective.
In this story we find out a little more about her dead husband and my god is he trash.
Truthfully it sounded like willow was going to have a second round of bad relationships. It leading me to believe maybe the author just sucks at romance or drawing out male characters.
May 28, 2025
This is book 3 and I think I enjoyed this little mystery the most out of the series thus far! This is a good series for low key mystery with a woman who likes to meddle in the investigations and gets involved in ways that make the sheriff suspect her. She has a cute kitten named Mavis. What more do you need to know? Oh, she just opened her little tea shop up!
July 28, 2018
Great story.......
I enjoyed this story of adventure and intrigue. The author has done a great job of getting together a wonderful cast of characters to use to tell her story with. The mix of mystery and romance together gave a favor of a mix of reality to the story.
I enjoyed this story of adventure and intrigue. The author has done a great job of getting together a wonderful cast of characters to use to tell her story with. The mix of mystery and romance together gave a favor of a mix of reality to the story.
August 19, 2018
Love it!
I am all caught up with who is who, and I really found this book a real delight! The author has me fully engaged in this series! Got to go...don't want to miss the next in the series!
I am all caught up with who is who, and I really found this book a real delight! The author has me fully engaged in this series! Got to go...don't want to miss the next in the series!
October 28, 2018
Entertaining
An easy and entertaining read. One of a series, so reading the first book might be user for background. However it still works as a simple yet enjoyable read on its own.
An easy and entertaining read. One of a series, so reading the first book might be user for background. However it still works as a simple yet enjoyable read on its own.
February 4, 2019
Love it!
I’m enjoying getting to know Willow more and more and her friends who are in and out of her tea shop. It’s fun watching the mysteries unfold into a satisfying resolution. A good read.
I’m enjoying getting to know Willow more and more and her friends who are in and out of her tea shop. It’s fun watching the mysteries unfold into a satisfying resolution. A good read.
November 15, 2020
Willow has no filter, she says what she is thinking and then suffers the consequences.
Opening day at her tea shop is delayed by no one other than the police. But everyone is pulling for her success including Harmony and Reg.
As usual things get worse before they get better ...
Opening day at her tea shop is delayed by no one other than the police. But everyone is pulling for her success including Harmony and Reg.
As usual things get worse before they get better ...
July 5, 2021
I love to take a break from my usual genre of books with Katherine Hayton’s short mysteries. They are well written, good, clean, and some funny parts too. This one took about three - three and half hours to complete.
March 19, 2024
I liked this less than the previous two books, mostly because every suspect kept acting so entitled. It got annoying fast. I liked the part about the tea room though. The mystery part was solved so fast it felt really forgettable.
August 21, 2024
Willow is opening her tea shop only to have the street shut down and blocked so no one can get to her business. So she runs down the street to find out what's going on, only to be embroiled in a murder at the hotel. Can Willow get her business going and find a murderer?
July 7, 2018
Excellent
Really enjoy this series. Willow is quite the character amusing, kind, and of course quite the heroine! Looking forward to the next one
Really enjoy this series. Willow is quite the character amusing, kind, and of course quite the heroine! Looking forward to the next one
July 23, 2018
Another delightful cozy mystery!
I fell in love with this series on the first book. Now even more. Tea Shop Mystery is quickly becoming my favorite series!
I fell in love with this series on the first book. Now even more. Tea Shop Mystery is quickly becoming my favorite series!
September 3, 2018
enjoyed the book, looking forward to the next episode...
November 7, 2018
I love Willow and friends
Even though the ending wasn’t much of a surprise, the characters are enjoyable. It’s a nice, quick read. A good series...
Even though the ending wasn’t much of a surprise, the characters are enjoyable. It’s a nice, quick read. A good series...
December 20, 2018
Good reading!
Relaxing and keeps your interest right to the end.
Enjoy the series and keeping up with Willow and little Mavis.
Relaxing and keeps your interest right to the end.
Enjoy the series and keeping up with Willow and little Mavis.
September 9, 2020
So nice to have an older sleuth. I am really enjoying these stories.
December 31, 2020
Loved it!! Loving this series! Enjoyable cozy mystery series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews