Murder with Cherry Tarts

Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery #4

by Karen Rose Smith

In Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson has a tea shop to run, a daughter to marry off--and a murder to solve . . .

Daisy's worried one of her employees at Daisy's Tea Garden may be in a spot of trouble. Lately Karina's been loading up on soup and second-day baked goods at the end of her shift--and while the shop's scrumptious treats may be hard to resist, Daisy suspects there's more going on, especially since Karina has been seen hanging out in a rundown part of Willow Creek.

Planning her own daughter's wedding is enough to keep her busy, but Daisy can't help feeling a protective maternal instinct--and an instinct to investigate. It turns out Karina has been helping a down-on-his luck single dad who's been making ends meet--barely--by selling antiques at a place called Pirated Treasures.

But when an employee at the antiques store is bludgeoned to death with a marble rolling pin, Karina's new friend is suspect number one. Though the motives are muddy and steeped in intrigue, Daisy is more than determined to flush the real killer out.

Includes delicious recipes!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Tea, Cooking

320 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published November 26, 2019

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 5 out of 5]

Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith is a 2019 Kensington publication.

A well-plotted, clever whodunit!

Daisy is back and life is as complicated as ever! Vi’s emotions are all over the place, Jazzi is still trying to find a place in her biological mother’s life, while Daisy is concerned about one of her employees who is suddenly asking to take home all day -old food and was spotted out in a dangerous part of town.

When Daisy and her new beau discover the truth, they rise to the occasion, helping a single father named Kevin, and his young daughter, who have fallen on hard times. However, when an antiques dealer is murdered, Kevin becomes the prime suspect. Naturally, Daisy feels compelled to investigate the situation, while helping Kevin navigate the inevitable and pointed interrogations aimed at coaxing a confession from him.

This fourth installment in the Daisy’s Tea Garden series, boasts one of the most complex plots we’ve seen to date. It’s a very clever, twisty, mystery that will keep you guessing from start to finish.

Right away, I picked up on an underlying sense of foreboding, as shady dealings and puzzling intrigue abound. Daisy’s experience with solving murders has emboldened her just a little, and she is less intimidated by official law enforcement agents, especially those with an ax to grind.

Naturally, Daisy’s personal life is almost as big of a draw as the mystery, and there’s plenty of drama to go around. Jonas was particularly funny in this book when he gets bitten by the green-eyed monster. By the book’s end, progress is made in some places, while other relationship woes still need more work and more time.

Overall, the family drama, romance, and mystery elements are very well-balanced and perfectly executed. This is one the strongest additions to the series to date!! Keep ‘em coming!



4.5 stars

[Natalia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Swanson has her hands full with planning her daughter's wedding and running her tea garden. When a homeless father is accused of murder, Daisy and her ex-detective boyfriend Jonas are determined to prove his innocence. Murder With Cherry Tarts is a delightful cozy mystery with delicious food, a wonderful cast of characters, and an intriguing murder mystery. The plot is engaging and well-paced. This was my first time reading a book in this series and I had no problem following the story. I immediately fell in love with the charming town of Willow Creek and enjoyed getting to know all the residents. As an added bonus, the author includes delicious recipes for readers to try. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

We are back in Willow Creek when a lot is happening. A wedding, a big move, a new baby soon to be delivered, an employee behaving oddly, and a new murder. Daisy is juggling a lot of teapots in the air.

Daisy’s daughter, Violet is nervous about her wedding that is just a few days away. Will she be a good wife? A good mom? Will she be able to handle it all?

Daisy’s employee, Karina has been taking leftover food to a homeless man and Daisy just can’t help but step in to help. But when the man becomes the prime suspect in a murder will Daisy be rethinking her generosity or will she go above and beyond to prove his innocence?

_______

Again the author has piled a lot of our protagonist’s shoulders but Daisy has proved she can handle it before so I knew just to hold on tight and let her go. Daisy doesn’t disappoint. She is a wise woman with great instincts and ideas and tons of patience when needed. She has raised two terrific daughters and surrounded herself with wonderful friends. Jazzi, her adopted daughter is trying to forge a relationship with her birth mom, and Daisy is so supportive. Aunt Iris is a treasure and I love the relationship she has with Daisy while her relationship with her mother is strained. Her relationship with Jonas continues to evolve. I really enjoyed the introduction of Keith Robert and his daughter, Mandy. The characters the author has created are what truly brings me back to this series again and again.

The mystery is very well-plotted and written. The author again blends work, home, and the murder investigation seamlessly. Daisy really gets involved in the life of the man police are focused on much to the dismay of Detective Zeke Willet. I really enjoyed the way the whole story played out. It had some really nice twists and turns.

Cherry Tarts are the focus of this book and I guarantee you will be craving them by the time you finish this book. Thankfully the recipe is included at the end.

Truly engaging characters and a curious mystery made Murder with Cherry Tarts a very delightful read. The book can be read on its own but I recommend you read the whole series in order for maximum enjoyment.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely lovely cozy mystery. The plot is well-paced, and the cast of characters are real and relatable. Daisy navigates her personal life and professional duties even as she becomes embroiled in attempting to prove a man’s innocence when he is accused of murder. Willow Creek is a charming setting, and the author weaves themes of family, friendship, and compassion into this mystery. An utterly delightful read, a clever mystery, and the author included a recipe for said cherry tarts.

[Patrizia · Rating 5 out of 5]

E' sempre un piacere leggere un libro di questa serie, anche perché, oltre al mistero da risolvere, c'è sempre qualcosa che accade nella vita privata della protagonista. In più, in questo caso non avevo proprio capito chi fosse il colpevole, avevo puntato altrove e la soluzione è stata una vera sorpresa.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a partner at Daisy's Tea Garden in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania, Daisy Swanson is concerned about one of their employees, Karina Post. Karina, a single mom with a toddler, has been staying with her mother, the owner of Totes and Belts, the leather shop in town. Daisy is puzzled by Karina's recent requests for soup and baked goods at the end of her shifts. On top of that, Daisy is dealing with significant changes in her daughters' lives and feeling uncertain about her relationship with Jonas Groft due to these family changes.

As I've expressed in previous reviews, "Reading a book in your favorite genre in a state you know better than any other state in the union is a delight!" Willow Creek, a fictional small town outside of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is brought to life by the author's storytelling skills. The rich descriptions and historical specifics of the area, state, and surroundings resonate and add depth and interest to the narrative.

The characters in this series represent various family dynamics and relationships. They are not just members of a family with strong bonds, but also individuals who feel closer to some family members than others, with valid reasons for their feelings. The story also explores the theme of friends who become family by choice.

Recipes for Sour Cream Cucumber Salad, Chicken Soup, and Cherry Tarts (Shells, Surprise Layer, and Filling) are available at the end of the cozy mystery.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific book in Karen Rose Smith's Daisy's Tea Garden Mysteries! I really enjoy these books.

On a side note, I was amused to see when Daisy and Jonah drove over to Gettysburg and visited the Peace Light on the Gettysburg battlefield and a Civil War memorabilia store on Baltimore Street. I live 15 minutes from Gettysburg, worked at hotels there for 12 years and spent countless hours on the Gettysburg battlefield itself. As a matter of fact, I was the night auditor at a hotel on the Gettysburg Battlefield itself for 10 years. Yes, there is not one part of the 25-square mile battlefield that I have not been on both night (don't ask) and day. Her historical knowledge of the locations mentioned was spot on. I have been studying the Battle of Gettysburg for 25 years and one of my floor to ceiling bookcases can attest to that study. In addition, Ms. Smith also mentioned Hanover, which is where I currently reside. It was a kick to read about a places I know inside and out. ;)

Can't wait for the next installment!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy is getting more comfortable in her role as the lady of the tea garden and is making more allies among the other townsfolk, most notably with her daughter's soon-to-be father-in-law. When her employee starts acting weird, taking lots of extra food home, she decides to do something (since of course Daisy never dreamed of minding her own business from the day she was born). Sneaking after her own employee, she discovers a single dad living in a van with his young daughter!

Daisy is just getting to know the new guy in town and doing what she can to help him out when a young man from the antique store winds up dead, and who else do the police suspect than the new guy in town? And what better champion can the accused man have than Daisy herself?

I really enjoyed this cozy and the small-town feel it gives, as well as seeing more of Daisy's family dynamics.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy and her aunt run a tea shop in Willow Creek, a small town in Pennsylvania's Amish country. She has befriended a widowed homeless man and his young daughter, helping them to find shelter and a job for him. But a cloud of suspicion hangs over him throughout the book for the murder of the nephew of a local antique shop owner. Daisy is also busy planning her oldest daughter's wedding and continuing her dating relationship with retired detective Jonas. Her teenage daughter Jazzi is also facing some personal challenges. And it seems that everyone loves Daisy's cherry tarts--the author kindly includes their recipe at the conclusion of the book.

The cozy was well-written and enjoyable. Although I hadn't read the prior three books in the series, it was easy for me to follow the story. The characters' depth really appealed to me. Daisy isn't afraid to pursue a murder investigation, yet she still has deep insecurities about her relationship with her mother. Jazzi appears to be a confident teenager but is facing fears about acceptance into her biological family while Jonas is still dealing with fallout of his prior life as a detective in Philadelphia.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy's life is never boring and this book shows us how complicated it can be. She is planning Vi's wedding and helping her deal with all the emotions that come with pregnancy. Jazzi is still trying to have some kind of relationship with her biological mother, and Daisy is in a relatively new relationship with Jonas, an ex-detective. When Daisy meets Kevin, a homeless man, and his young daughter, Mandy she wants to help. He is surviving by reselling antiques, some to the local antique store. When an employee at the store is found dead and his fingerprints are on the murder weapon, the local detective is sure Kevin is the murderer and is bound and determined to prove it. Daisy is just as determined to prove it was someone else. Of course, Daisy is a business owner, and she still has to deal with all the issues that come with that and her relationship with her Aunt Iris, her business partner. Never a dull moment.

This is the 4th book in the Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series, and is the best one so far. I love how this series is developing. This is a well-written mystery with a complex plot, and great characters. There are not a lot of suspects, but there sure are a lot of twists that kept me guessing. I kept trying to solve this case along with Daisy, but never had the culprit on my radar. There was a great reveal that had me a bit tense, but all worked out well. Daisy's life is as much a part of this series as the mysteries are and Karen Rose Smith blends them seamlessly. Of course this is a culinary cozy and this book had me craving cherry tarts by the end and the recipe is included at the back. I recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy a good series. Of course, you can read this as a standalone, but I suggest you start at the beginning as you won't want to miss the previous character development and mysteries that Daisy helps to solve. The audiobook was narrated by C.S.E. Cooney. I am familiar with her work and enjoy her performances. Her expression and intonation are well done, adding to the story. She has become the voice of Daisy to me. The publisher gifted me with a copy of this book upon request. the rating and opinions shared are my own.

[Kati · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next in the series of Daisy Swanson, her family, and the Tea Garden she owns and runs alongside her Auntie Iris, we find Daisy taking a personal interest in a new arrival to town, reinforced after he is accused of murder and harassed by town-members for being a down-on-his-luck individual. We see the progression of Violet's relationship with Foster, and her progressing pregnancy. We see Jazzi continue in her efforts to explore a relationship with Portia and Portia's family. And we see a growing bond between Jonas and Daisy. All this, set in a plot-line focused on the buying and selling of antiques and some underhanded deal-making in the process.

All in all, a very enjoyable read! I already have the next book in the series in my TBR pile.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder with Cherry Tarts is the fourth book in Karen Rose Smith’s Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series. It’s an enjoyable read, with a great cast of characters and an interesting murder mystery. The storyline is well plotted, the characters are well developed, and the story moves at a steady pace. There’s a good mix of the importance of family, friendship, caring and compassion, romance, and mystery.

Daisy Swanson, a widow, lives in the small town of Willow Creek, Pennsylvania, with her two daughters, Jasmine, who is in high school, and Violet, who is expecting her first child and planning her wedding to one of Daisy’s employees, Foster Cranshaw. Daisy and her deceased husband, Ryan, adopted Jasmine, who is trying to build a relationship with her birth mother, Portia Smith Harding. Daisy’s been seeing Jonas Groft, a retired detective and the owner of Woods, a handcrafted furniture store. Daisy co-owns a quaint tea garden, Daisy’s Tea Garden, with her aunt, Iris Albright. Daisy becomes concerned when one of her employees, Karina Post, begins asking for containers of soup and day-old baked goods. After learning Karina was seen in a not so safe area of town, she and Jonas decide to follow her. When they see her approach a van, they move closer to make sure she’s okay, and meet Keith Rebert and his young daughter, Mandy, who has a terrible cough. Keith fell on hard times after losing his wife, and he and Mandy are living in his van. Daisy and Jonas take them under their wing, with Jonas having them move into his home and Daisy arraigning for medical care and a scholarship for daycare for Mandy. Although Daisy is busy with her business and planning Vi’s wedding, when Keith becomes the prime suspect in the murder of Barry Storm, she is determined to prove his innocence.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this new mystery by Karen Rose Smith! Included are several great elements to keep the pages turning. The mystery is challenging. The author shares some history, which I particularly like. Relationships are a highlight, especially that of mothers and daughters and helping others. There is a perfect balance between mystery and relationship.

A wedding is imminent and a baby on the way, adding to the joy and busy-ness of Daisy, her daughters Vi and Jazzi, and Aunt Iris. After Daisy’s husband died a few years ago, Daisy moved back to her hometown of Willow Creek, in Lancaster County. She and Aunt Iris opened Daisy’s Tea Garden, a popular meeting place and tourist attraction for those who enjoy her unique teas and baked goods.

Karina is a single mom and a great server at Daisy’s, so she is concerned when Karina withdraws from others and ask for leftover pastries and soup at day’s end. One day Daisy and her significant other, Jonas, a former detective, follow Karina to a van parked near the shop of one of Daisy’s customers, Pirated Treasures. She took the food to the van, and Daisy heard a little girl cough. They introduced themselves and heard the young man’s story. A widower with a 3-year old, Keith has been trying to find a job and a home for himself and his daughter. He has been buying and re-selling antiques, including Civil War items, to Otis, owner of Pirated Treasures, and his nephew, Barry, to get enough for food and fuel for the van.

Jonas and Daisy try to help others in need. Jonas did a quick verbal background check on Keith, then invited Keith and his daughter a room in his townhouse at least for the night and brainstorm to see what to do next. Keith ran into a little problem, though. Barry, nephew of the owner of Pirated Treasures, was found dead when Otis opened the shop, having been hit with a marble rolling pin. Otis, who can’t see very well, knew Keith had brought the rolling pin and other items in to sell a few days ago, and thought he was threatening Barry with it when he didn’t like the price offered. Without proof, the police can’t put Keith in jail, but he is the primary suspect in Barry’s murder, and his biggest concern is what will happen to his daughter if he is arrested.

Daisy helped solve other murders in recent months, but the detective in charge of Barry’s case threatens to arrest Jonas and her if they get in the way of his investigation. Daisy doesn’t want to risk her safety again but does get curious. Helping Keith get off the suspect list and Otis get justice for Barry is important – as is getting the real killer off the street. Then she is threatened.

This fast-paced mystery is fourth in one of my favorite series. There is a depth in Daisy’s character that is a blessing to those around her. She knows the right questions to ask in almost any situation and has an instinct and gift for helping others. The mystery is finely crafted and executed, and I was stunned to learn who really “dunit”! Plot twists and the various family situations keep the story moving. I highly recommend this to anyone who appreciates well-written cozy mysteries, tea and baking goodies (and recipes), and small-town family relationships.

From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next book of the series Daisy is starting to worry about one of her young employees. Karina has been acting a bit weird, taking extra food at the end of her shifts, being seen in the bad part of town, not quite answering questions truthfully. Daisy decides she must find out just what kind of trouble Karina is in and soon learns she isn't in trouble at all, she is just trying to help out a young father and his little girl. Daisy steps in and agrees to help the young man as much as she possible can. She has a ton of things going on; her daughter's upcoming wedding not to mention her pregnancy and getting the young couple !over into their new home. Meanwhile the son of one of her customers ends up dead and the young father she is helping looks to be the only suspect. Daisy can't let a father and child be separated so she starts looking into the murder. She soon learns the young man was cheating people out of money now she must figure out who hated him the most. With so many things going will she be able to handle everything and could it all possibly work out in the end? Follow along as Daisy tries to do just that. This is such a lovely series filled with engaging characters and a mystery that will have you looking at everyone!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder with Cherry Tarts by Karen Rose Smith is the 4th book in a Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery, and another great addition.  Daisy Swanson, a widowed mother of two daughters. Daisy along with her Aunt Iris own Daisy's Tea Garden, in Pennsylvania. Daisy is busy planning her daughters wedding and running the tea garden. When one of Daisy's employees, Karina, keeps asking for leftover food at the end of the day, Daisy wonders why and followers her, with boyfriend Jonas, who is an ex detective. When they discover Karina is helping a homeless man and his daughter, they want to help him too. When the father is accused of murder, Daisy and Jonas is on the case. I love that Daisy accepts help from Jonas, and does not put herself in dangerous situations. 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 recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

With her very popular flavor of the month and special events planned at Daisy's Tea Garden, Daisy Swanson has more on her plate than usual. Her daughter Vi is getting married to another of the tea garden's employees and moving in to a newly configured apartment over Daisy's garage. Her younger daughter, Jazzi, has been trying to adjust to finding her birth mother and discovering if there is a way she can fit into that woman's present family. Daisy finds herself in the attention spotlight more often than she is comfortable with, and discovers male friend Jonas may be showing signs of jealousy.
Together, she and Jonas have been helping a new friend, discovered living in a van, make a fresh start, when he, Keith, becomes a murder suspect in the eyes of a former rival to Jonas.
Plenty of directions to keep the readers' focus as Daisy once again dives into an investigation to clear her new friend's name.
The settings are alive with history and brought deliciously to colorful life as the action flows between the tea garden, various antique shops and wedding preparation venues. Will the mother of the bride survive to be escorted down the aisle? Can she picture herself as a bride once again?
Family dynamics and delightful food filled gatherings make this a delectable cozy read.

I did request this book from Netgalley to read and review

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder with Cherry Tarts is book four of the Daisy’s Tea Garden #cozymysteryseries by Karen Rose Smith. It was the book I chose to read for week seven of our #cozymystery #bookbingo which was read a tea themed cozy mystery.

Don’t let the cute tea treat named books fool you that this is a fluffy series. In book four we have the continued story of an unplanned pregnancy, rushed wedding planning, homelessness of a parent and child, adoption growth pains of creating a relationship with a birth parent, love after loss, and old family hurts.

I happen to really enjoy this series because it reads like a family drama you would watch weekly. The flow of the stories is fantastic. I also enjoy that it is Amish adjacent.

I listened to the audiobook as that is the only version my library has and while the narrator is great I miss not getting the extras at the end like the recipes. The food mentioned always sounds so delectable.

The tea pot pictured is one of my very favorites my mama got me as a housewarming present almost 19 years ago. It’s almost too delicate for me. 🤣

[Robin Leslie Coxon]

Murder with Cherry Tarts is the fourth book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series. You do not need to read the previous three to be able to follow this book. Daisy Swanson and her Aunt Iris are co-owners of Daisy's Tea Garden in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania. The tea garden was well known for their teas, soups and baked goods along with their formal Victoria tea and quite a tourist draw. Daisy is still working on making the tea garden and success while being a mother, daughter, niece, boss while still building her relationship with Jonas Croft, owner of Woods. Violet, Daisy's oldest daughter, is pregnant with her first child and plans are in the works for her and her fiance, Forster's wedding. As if this isn't enough for Daisy to handle, there is the finishing of the apartment above her garage for Violet and Foster, dealing with her youngest daughter, Jazzy's search for her birth mother, and now a murder. Daisy is a sleuth and searches to clear a young man with a small daughter who were living out of their van after loosing their home and also his wife. I guarantee you will enjoy the plot and the characters in this story. As always Karen Rose Smith provides us with a well written story and characters that are believable and loved.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Swanson’s and her family run Daisy’s Tea Garden in Pennsylvania Dutch country. As the family prepare’s for Daisy’s oldest daughter, Vi, to marry, Daisy finds herself helping a homeless single father and his daughter. When the young father is accused of murdering a business associate, Daisy does her best to help the father and child out.

Coming from a Pennsylvania Dutch family, this book was like comfort food for my soul. It make me feel closer to my grandmothers who are both gone. A solid whodunit that kept me guessing until the very end. I was shocked when the killer was revealed, but going back and connecting the dots, it was easy to see the trail had been laid. This was the first book in the series that I have read and it reads fine as a standalone. I can’t wait to read the first three in this series!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute, cozy mystery read. I liked this book; despite having not read the prior novels in this series. Yet, this book can be read as a stand alone novel. Daisy is sweet. All of her treats sounded so yummy.

I would like to get to know the rest of the characters better. They seemed like people that I would want to hang out with. However, as much as I did find everyone enjoyable; there was a bit of a barrier where I felt like I was not able to fully embrace them as closely as I would have liked.

The overall story was fine. It seemed to move slowly with Daisy helping to solve the case. The last several chapters of the story is where it all came together and the pacing did pick up. Cozy mystery readers might want to check out this book.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of exciting things happening and I, for one, am loving it! Vi’s wedding is getting close and everyone is rushing around trying to get ready. At the same time, Daisy gets involved in trying to solve another murder. I have to admit I solved this case at the same time Daisy figures it out. The author is so good at hiding the real killer. I enjoyed this book so much that I was up all night reading it!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the series and I’ve only read it and he first one, but definitely going back to get the other two I missed. It felt like coming home again with Daisy, her daughters, and the tea shop she runs with her Aunt. For me it is one of the few cozy mystery’s with an integrated storyline that doesn’t leave you feeling like there is no earthly connection between the main characters and why they are involved in this mystery.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books in this series. I enjoy the characters and the style of writing by the author.
Daisy has a lot on her plate and when she discovers one of her employees is helping a father and daughter who are down on their luck, she becomes involved and finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation.
Definitely needs to go on any cozy reader's tbr pile.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story centers around the people of Willow Creek helping a down on his luck single father. When a man is murdered this newcomer is the prime suspect. Daisy turns out to be his biggest supporter and starts asking questions to help him. Also happening at the same time is the wedding of her oldest daughter. The book was an easy read.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery + liked the author’s style of writing.

[Gale Penton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. Love the characters and their interactions. The mystery never disappoints

[Madison Bailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2. A definite improvement than the previous books in the series

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy Swanson’s life is particularly demanding at the moment, as work and personal matters are very time-consuming. Daisy’s Tea Garden is co-owned with her aunt, and she feels making certain things run smoothly is her responsibility. She is also involved in planning a wedding, could be in a relationship with a special man if things work out, and a murder has occurred that has her wanting to defend a possible suspect. As she juggles all the issues which require her attention, quite a few unexpected occurrences arise. Those related to the homicide left me contemplating the many clues cleverly scattered throughout the story. I never knew for sure if my deductions were correct or would need to be changed, as Karen Rose Smith skillfully raises a little doubt about any hints given.

With Daisy’s Tea Garden serving many customers every day in their quaint Pennsylvania town, Daisy Swanson feels positive about the outlook of the establishment which features unique food items. Her private life is mainly focused on her daughter’s upcoming wedding, but she is aware that the actions of one employee are rather odd, as Karina Post keeps requesting older yet still edible homemade goods to take when she leaves. Daisy and her good friend Jonas do a little snooping, and they discover the woman is helping out a man and his young daughter who are going through some tough times. When the homeless man is thought to have killed someone after the two argued at the business where the individual sold various artifacts, Daisy once again becomes entangled in a complicated murder investigation.

Descriptive details make MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS repeatedly entertaining, and imaginative scenarios add to the enthrallment. Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries are always engrossing with lots of unknowns plus distinctive characters, and the fourth book definitely caused me to remain intrigued during every situation that crops up. In this story, Daisy is constantly being challenged by assorted events, and I was concerned about the final outcome of each happening.

Her life away from work is often trying, as both daughters have problems that need to be handled with loving care. Through a series of circumstances, Daisy is also caught up in several incidents connected to a local murder. I like how this amateur sleuth carefully thinks out her activities by not jumping in too quickly, though her endeavors can still lead to being threatened. If danger does arrive, it is realistically depicted and sometimes even frightening. MURDER WITH CHERRY TARTS has mysteries to solve along with emotional difficulties to overcome.

I voluntarily reviewed the book, and all comments are my honest opinion

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daisy Swanson wonders if her employee Karina is OK. Karina has been taking extra soup and second-day baked goods at the end of her shift and is going out to a rundown part of Willow Creek. Following Karina, Daisy learns she has been helping homeless single dad Keith and his toddler daughter Mandy who have been living out of their van. Keith has been making money selling antiques at a place called Pirated Treasures. But when antiques shop employee Barry Storm is bludgeoned to death with a marble rolling pin, Keith is detective Zeke Willet's prime suspect. Although she is busy running her tea shop and planning her eldest daughter Vi's wedding, Daisy is determined to clear Keith and find the real killer with the help of her ex-detective beau Jonas and her family.

This was a fun read and the killer's ID was a surprise.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. I love this series so much. I like the new characters introduced in this book. I was completely wrong about who the killer was. Not at all who I expected.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.