This collection features all six current titles in the Tea Shop Cozy Mystery seriesFifty-something widow Willow Foxglove's dream is to operate a herbal tea shop. If only she could stop tripping over dead bodies long enough to organize the business!
When murder comes to peaceful Aniseed Valley, Willow Foxglove is on the case. Believing the local sheriff to be unequal to the challenge, she pursues leads in between building a new tea shop and looking after her Maine Coon kitten, Mavis.
As each crime unfolds, she draws on the book-smarts of best friend Harmony and conspiracy-laden facts from second-best friend Reg to help untangle the evidence. And, of course, she can always rely on handy hints from her favorite TV show of all time - Miss Walsham Investigates!
This collection contains the following titles to keep you guessing and keep the murderers on their toes!
1: Pushing Up Berry Deathbed of Orange Keeping Hibiscus Homicide
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!
They contain no swearing, no gore, no cliffhangers, and no graphic scenes.
I'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.
I had never read Katherine Hayton before, but I thoroughly enjoyed The Tea Shop Cozy mystery series. The six stories were short novella-length bites that can each be read in two or three hours of leisure. The stories are "cozy" which means comfortable language, no expletives, nor violent, excessively gory content, and short, quick-paced storylines.
Willow Foxglove is the 50-year-old, British, former model, main character, amateur sleuth. She has dreamt of owning a tea shop, and after the first story climaxes, she will have the financial means to realize that hope. (All of the novellas are titled with some novelty tea titles like Hibiscus Homicide and Orange Juiced. It is the MacGuffin that ties the books together via death nomenclature and enticing flavors.)
Willow has two besties: the female (Harmony) who is a huge library, book-nerd, and the male (Reg) who harbors conspiracy suspicions and was a former public-school janitor. Interestingly, Willow watches a TV show called Miss Walsham Investigates that enriches her fantasy life and sparks her curiosity about sleuthing.
Willow is also nosy AF; not her most adorable characteristic. Still, the stories are fun to read as an inexpensive leisure activity. Great way to get lost without too much emotional investment. For that bit of mental escape from the realities of the day-to-day, I give these collectively 5 stars.
The story lines were interesting, with enough information provided that the reader could figure out the murderer without it being obvious. I enjoyed the characters, although i would have liked more development of the supporting characters.
My only criticism is that the author stresses, rather blatantly, that the action takes place in the US, but continually uses British slang. This was distracting to me, but that's just my picky brain.
I would recommend the series to people who enjoy cozy mysteries.
The main character is supposed to be fifty-something. She acts and sounds like she is substantially older. Completely out of touch with any technology. The character’s friends sound equally elderly. Willow is not overly intelligent or clever so how she solves anything is beyond me. It’s irritating. And the whole thing with the kitten, Mavis, is equally irritating. Why would you bring a kitten to public events and then act surprised when she gets away? I love cozy mysteries but expect a little more from the characters.
What to say about this book? It's basically 6 short stories about Willow and her best frieds Harmony and Greg. It starts with her kind of boyfriend being murder at her front steps and her becoming the main suspect... Something that sets her life in motion. She eventually opens up a tea shop and ends up dating someone else; Greg starts giving tours around the town (alien themed tours) and eventually Harmony joins in on the tours, adding the more historical and accurate side to them. The 3 of them are nice, sweet and brave characters and while not particularly bright or funny, they are exactly what I was looking: cozy. The murder cases themselves are a bit dull and predictable. No big surprises, and half of them aren't that interesting either. I think I liked the one where her friend disappear the most, because that one felt more urgent and mysterious. But the cases, for me, are just a way to get to know the characters and the town. Like I said, I loved the coziness of it all and now I'm craving for a warm cup of tea.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Not sure why these books have such a high rating. I downloaded the box set book 1-6 but gave up at book 4. Characters are very sketchy, to say the least, and none of the protagonists are very likeable. All we know about the main character Willow is she is tall and middle aged, likes herbal tea, and is more than just a bit weird. Also she is alternately long- or shortsighted, never wears her glasses but then all of a sudden spots minor details. She doesn't seem overly concerned after her "boyfriend" was killed in book 1, except for one weeping episode, and promply hooks up with another bloke in book 2. Her friends are an odd bunch, too. None of them seems to want to co-operate with the sheriff, who is oscillating between incompetent and helpful. Book 2 is the oddest one of the lot as it seems to stop midstream. Book 4 isn't too bad as it is more coherent. but I still gave up. Odd people, odd stories, sorry not for me.
These stories offer a good bit of escapism and we certainly need that these days. Yet the plots seemed a little bland. The setting is nice and through the six books another story emerges: the successful set up of Willow's tea shop and the business getting going. There just needs to be a little more tension.
Thoroughly enjoyed this whole series; wonderful cat/kitten and great suggestions on managing allergies. Just one quibble, could there be some explanation of terms which are less common in the US? Some of the cookies, for instance sound interesting but I haven't a clue what they are. The formation of a family which is made of close friends is a strong message for those of us who live alone and as of now are isolating due to the virus. I plan to start the Bake Shop mysteries tomorrow as I am missing the small town closeness.
Willow Foxglove has turned her conservatory into a tea shop. She grows her own herbs for the tea that she and her customers drink. Willow is also very good at figuring out who done it, mysteries. It felt like I was in the United kingdom, instead of America, and I wish the author has based her books in another country. The grammar was of the uk. Which is totally fine. Read and enjoy!
These six stories about a lady who has the right tough for the right teas plus solving murder mysteries are great. I’ve enjoyed all six novels, each easily readable in a short amount of time. I enjoyed the progress the story takes with each book. I did puzzle as to location, it might be the USA, New England maybe. Some of the descriptors made me think the author was British but now I see she is from NZ. I look forward to reading more of her cozy mysteries.
This series was my first taste of the cozy mystery genre. It certainly made me a fan!
Book 1 was a great introduction to the characters. It gave a wonderful sapling of them to help you fall in like with them, and it left you wanting to know more. This title gave us the start of the tea shop and the origins of our beloved kitten, Mavis.
Book 2 is a lovely continuation of the characters’ lives while helping the reader to become more aware of their pasts. It is a fast read with a new murder all its own. Just made me more hooked.
Book 3 gave me a cozy sense of homecoming. It frustrated me a bit with a few small inconsistencies about Hilary’s house, but overall, I loved it. With the opening of the tea shop along with another adventure, how could I not?
Book 4 brings our protagonist, Willow, face-to-face with her idol, but the actress might be a murderer. This was great because it was when I finally grasped the feel of the trope and the formulation of a cozy mystery. I also enjoyed seeing the more relaxed side of Willow.
Book 5 was the most unpredictable mystery for me. That gave it more excitement. It made me happy that the author chose not to wrap everything up cleanly. She left some details open-ended, which is how life really is, and it worked brilliantly for this tale.
Book 6 was a perfect ending for this series. This was one of my favorite mysteries, and like book 5, I felt it was unpredictable. I loved how the friendships arched through the series and their care for one another. Just well done!
I hate the series ending, but I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I enjoyed the leisurely pace of the stories and the friendship of Willow, Harmony, and Reg. As has been mentioned, although the setting is in the southern US, the slang and words are not American but seem British (or New Zealand?). I think I would have enjoyed the mysteries more had they been set in author Katherine Hayton's home town.
The main reason, however, for my giving the series four stars is that Willow is portrayed as a much older woman than someone in her mid-fifties. References to times when boys pulled girls' hair, cats were given scraps (not commercial cat food), and some of her social sensibilities remind me more of my grandmother's times than a late "Boomer" or early "Gen X'er." Additionally, her tech illiteracy--not being able to use a computer, forgetting that phones ("mobiles") have cameras, talking about VCRs--and the way Willow dresses seems more fitting for a lady in her late 80s or 90s than 50s.
I did enjoy that Willow was not written as a perfect person. Her flaws are abundant but not overly obnoxious. Her friends are quirky, and her relationship with them and the town's law enforcement develops more fully throughout the series. The mysteries themselves are not overly complicated nor too convoluted. It is a pleasant read, and if you aren't bothered by British slang, never a mention of sweet tea, or a middle-aged woman portrayed as an elderly one, I'd recommend this cozy series.
I tried really hard to finish this, but these novellas are just not speaking to me.
I listened to the first three, DNFd the fourth after a few pages, DNFd the 5th after a few chapters, and didn't bother trying on the sixth.
I thought the characters seemed much older than their ages in the books. They spoke and acted like they were in their 70s or 80s, but they were supposed to be mid 50s. The main character, Willow, also acted rather childishly in some situations that I didn't love. I also thought the kitten was cute, but only to a point - Willow went from highly allergic to bringing her around to all sorts of inappropriate situations, and it didn't do anything for me.
The mysteries themselves are pretty mediocre. They are very simple and resolved very quickly and neatly at the end. I love cozies, but overall this series just isn't for me.
I enjoyed this box set. The characters were likable and each mystery moved quickly. Even though each book was a quick read there was plenty of mystery and side stories to keep things interesting. I found myself unable to put the kindle down. This set kept me motivated on my treadmill walks. ☺️. The only downside for me was that I couldn’t tell what country we were at times. I thought it was the United States but then I thought England and then I just wasn’t sure. Some of the wording had me confused at the country we were supposed to be in. That being said, overall I enjoyed this box set. It was an interesting, clean and fun read. I’m not sure if there is more to the series but I would enjoy following their story further.
Loved the coziness of this book but took some issue with the characters lives. They are portrayed as 50ish in age but the narrator definitely used a more elderly tone for them. Their lives were as retirees. Early 50’s retirement isn’t really a thing. In one case for Willow I recall her maybe not receiving retirement so before her inheritance how did she live? I disliked the elderly words and talk because being that age myself it just didn’t seem real. I did however like all the little mysteries and the camaraderie the friends had. This was a sweet audible listen for me. Not worth 5 stars in my opinion but worth the listening to on my drive. I recommend if you enjoy a little cheesy, but cozy mystery. Happy Reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I enjoyed this series and getting to know the cast of characters. Some left a bigger impression than others. The set-up of this series was a little different than I normally see. With more "experienced" central characters in this genre, there is usually a background of investigation, specialized services, law enforcement, or just overall nosiness. This was a change as our heroine was none of these things. Being that she's been in this same small town forever she has the added experience of knowing everyone except the tourists that roll into town.
We had a side romance which never overtook the plot and played nicely (and cleanly) in the background.
This series was hard to get through. With all of the stopping/starting, the book automatically returned to the library before I could finish. I didn't bother re-borrowing it.
I struggled with the characters. It felt like the author must not know any 50 year olds because everyone came across as so much older.
Each story is short, like a novella but I still didn't make it through all 6 of them. Willow seemed like a doormat for her supposed "boyfriends". I thought Harmony was the most interesting followed by UFO hunter Reg.
I wanted to like them but found myself more indifferent than anything. Maybe I will try to finish them and update my review/thoughts...maybe
Just read these stories over the past 3 days and loved them. I'm actually scared of cats but have developed a fondness for Mavis. All the characters are believable. I especially love Charley as he's British but love the other characters too. Have enjoyed Reg on his alien sightings. Have got pictures in my head of what they all look like. The stories are easy to read and not to gruesome. Will definitely read more from this author. Great fun.
The stories are cute, but a little odd. The books are never clear on exactly where they are set, but it is implied they are in the United States. Despite the Southern accent of the narrator and the implications, such as Chicago being fairly close, everything else seems to fit much more with the UK. Perhaps New Zealand. The phrases the characters use don't fit the US or Australia. Still, the senior protagonists are quirky and fun. I enjoyed listening.
Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries, books 1-6 were delightful light reading. Interesting characters who developed over the series and of course being an animal lover, Mavis the kitten is a favourite! Recommended for lovers of cozy mysteries, without any profanity, gore or graphic scenes.
I really liked all 6 of these books. The characters are believable as are the plots. I'm not sure if they're set in the US or England because there are phrases and words from either/both places. I wish the author would explain why her husband was named "Molly". If I find more in the series, I will read them.
Cute cosy murder mysteries, a bit disappointed in the main characters. Willow takes for granted that Harmony will help her whenever needed but never pays or offers a partnership even when acknowledging Harmony has good ideas. Not liking Charlie, boyfriend number two
The series of tea shop cozy mysteries had good character interactions and each story had a truly different plot. That was a pleasing surprise from other sets which often had a similar plot. I personally think they got better and more detailed as the series goes along. Sweet and easy enjoyment.
The characters are like dear old friends very early in the series. The stories are lite and light-hearted, but full of little twists and turns to keep you reading for the next clue. I have truly enjoyed this series. Thank you Ms Hayton for sharing such delightful tales.
Covid has been difficult for all of us. Staying home can be difficult. I'm retired so I have to stay home. Katherine Hayton's books have become my much needed entertainment. These books are easy to read, lighthearted, with enough twists to keep mystery fans interested. I am glad she is a prolific writer and pray her books last me through much of the remaining days. Thank you.
Loved the characters and how they supported each other. Interesting walking through the steps of starting a business with the character. Great book to take along with me while transporting my husband to therapy.
I enjoyed the first 6 books very much. Willow and her crew of friends was enjoyable and some of the plots were very unexpected. Bringing UFOs into the mix is quite a surprise but Reg pulls off very well.
A cozy mystery series that intertwines stories with eccentric characters (and an adorable kitty) who love and support each other as best friends who are as close as family. A truly gentle, lovely series.
The book lives up to its description it’s cosy and warm. The characters are well written and come alive off the page it feels like something you would watch in the afternoons on television.
This collection of stories is wonderful. I've read the first three and they all build of each other just enough to show progress in the main characters life. Each individual story is a cozy whodunit. The stories are not surper suspenseful but perfect to wind down with possibly with a cup of tea