The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Box Set Collection I

Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #0-2

by H.Y. Hanna

"Scones, a tea shop in England, a kitty and a murder... yes, please!"Join tearoom sleuth Gemma, her naughty cat Muesli, and the nosy Old Biddies as they tackle murder, mystery and English afternoon tea! Get three hilarious, exciting cozy mysteries in one handy collection, all set in the historic city of Oxford and the beautiful Cotswolds villages.** 2 Recipes (traditional English scones & velvet cheesecake) included at the end of the collectionBooks in this box ALL-BUTTER SHORTDEAD (Prequel)Gemma ditches her high-flying job and returns to Oxford to follow her opening a traditional English tearoom serving warm buttery scones with jam and clotted cream... Only problem is--murder is the first thing on the menu and Gemma is the key suspect! And the only people Gemma can turn to for help are four nosy old ladies from her local Cotswolds village - not to mention a cheeky little tabby cat named Muesli. Who was the mysterious woman Gemma met on the flight back from Australia and why was she murdered? Now Gemma must find the killer, solve the mystery and clear her name if she's to have her cake--and serve it too!A SCONE TO DIE FOR (Book 1)When an American tourist is murdered with a scone in her quaint English tearoom, Gemma must solve the mystery with the help of the nosy Old Biddies and a mischievous little feline named Muesli. But between her bossy, matchmaking mother and the return of her old college love as a handsome CID detective, Gemma soon has her hands full and her head spinning!Murder is bad for business, especially when customers think your scones are more deadly than delicious. With the body count rising and her tearoom going bust, can Gemma find the killer before things turn to custard?TEA WITH MILK AND MURDER (Book 2)While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie's new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the meddling old ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O'Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma's quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping... and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!Too late, Gemma realises that she could be the next item on the killer's menu. Or will her little tabby cat, Muesli, save the day?These books follow British English spelling and usage.Clean no graphic violence, sex, or strong humorous culinary cozy mysteries, cat cozy mystery series / women amateur sleuth / British detective mysteryOXFORD TEAROOM MYSTERIESAll-Butter ShortDead (Prequel)A Scone To Die For (Book 1)Tea with Milk and Murder (Book 2)Two Down, Bun To Go (Book 3)Till Death Do Us Tart (Book 4)Muffins and Mourning Tea (Book 5)Four Puddings and a Funeral (Book 6)Another One Bites the Crust (Book 7)Apple Strudel Alibi (Book 8) The Dough Must Go On (Book 9)

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Romance

611 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.

Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.

You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com

And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Seems Better with an English Accent! Deliciously Fun!

H.Y. Hanna is my all-time favorite author of my all-time favorite series! I’ve enjoyed connecting with her down under and being part of her advanced reader team. It is very entertaining joining Gemma Rose and the ‘bloody’ delightful mysteries H.Y. Hanna has created. She delivers clever murder mysteries often with an entertaining British flair, fun and some quirky characters, and Gemma always seems to find some danger before the killer is brought to justice. Romance? Yes, it starts out as a big question with whom Gemma will lay her heart, but I enjoy the romantic dance of ups and downs, wading in slowly or jumping into the deep end. This series satisfies my Anglophile appetite as I learned how to make traditional scones to serve with a perfect pot of tea. Cornish or Devon? I decided I’ll have my cream tea the Devonshire way…clothed cream, first, then jam! And in the back of the book there is a Glossary of British terms and an easy to follow recipe that has a connection to that book. Which English recipe will be your favorite.

“All-Butter ShortDead” earns 5+/5 Cups of Earl Gray with Lemon!
We join Gemma Rose on her long flight having made the decision to quit her high paying job in Sydney and move back to Meadowford-on-Smythe to open a traditional English tearoom. She engages a woman in conversation to pass the time, but when the woman leaves a beautiful scarf behind, she questions whether to get involved. She should have reconsidered. Returning the scarf she is met with the woman, who had indulged in too many double vodka martinis. Gemma assists the woman back to her hotel room safely, then…is unwittingly dragged into her first murder investigation when the woman ends up dead. She is having some obstacles finalizing the details for her tearoom, but this casual friend does deserve justice. This was an excellent prequel! Since most fans have read the other full-length novels, going back in time is an entertaining look into Gemma’s first arrival home and getting ready to embark on her new venture with the tearoom. For those just starting off on the Oxford Tearoom Mystery journey, the prequel is a great place to get introductions to Gemma, her BFF Cassie, her mother (OMG, her mother!), the ‘Old Biddies” (stewed prunes and all), and the engaging style of H.Y. Hanna. The only thing missing in this book is a recipe…how do I make traditional English shortbread biscuits—rich and crumbly?

"Scone to Die For” earns 5+/5 Traditional Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam!
It is not important to start with book one, but the story moves forward with Gemma Rose opening her Little Stables Tearoom offering traditional English fare. She becomes a popular destination for tourists who desire to experience a proper English Tea, but, a nasty American causes a ‘kerfuffle’ in the tearoom and later ends up dead with a scone stuffed down his throat. The supporting characters become more developed as Gemma relies heavily on her BFF Cassie, a very bossy mother, my favorite octogenarians dubbed the “Four Ol’ Biddies,’ handsome former college flame turned detective Devilin O’Conner, and Museli her cat. Gemma’s investigation techniques consist of tracking down clues at her Oxford University alma mater, local pubs, and even finds herself fibbing a bit to get the key piece of evidence. H.Y. Hanna kept me engaged with a truly delightful story with more than a few quirky characters, provided marvelous descriptions of the village that I almost felt like an ex-pat residing alongside the locals, and gave me a bit of a lesson in Oxford University etiquette. With a few unforeseen twists and a reference to my favorite detective dramas—Morse and Midsomer Murders—I was hooked! And the recipe for the Traditional English Scones was the perfect little extra.

“Tea With Milk and Murder” earns 5+/5 Slices of Velvety Cheesecake!
The journey continues, and I'm thrilled it does. However, Gemma Rose is not thrilled about the art exhibition she is attending. BFF Cassie Jenkins is having her first exhibition courtesy of gallery owner and new boyfriend, and although Gemma is not a fan, friends will do almost anything for a friend. Her opinion of him seems validated when she overhears him plotting in the shadows, and his self-proclaimed girlfriend shows up causing a scene, flails, and collapses on the ground…dead. Gemma once again meets up with CID Detective Devilin O’Conner (sparks fly, but not sure if that's good or bad), and the "Old Biddies” add their own insights with a few covert explorations finding hidden flats, lacy thongs, and more suspicions. This ranks right at the top of my favorite list with another tantalizing story to challenge my inner ‘Sherlock.’ Gemma Rose is a strong female character delightfully clever, and even though she has some confidence issues, I find her quite entertaining. There’s a bit of a romantic triangle, cat antics, interesting mother-daughter dynamic (No, I didn’t order that!), and four octogenarians who steal the scene. The recipe in this second book is for Gemma’s mother’s Velvety Cheesecake…delicious!

Many know I've always been a fan of all things British, so I am in ‘seventh heaven' with all the references to Oxford University and the local haunts, Meadowford-on-Smythe, traditional fare for tea and treats.It is 'jolly good’ fun!

[Nola Arganbright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very British

H.Y. Hanna is one of my favorite Cozy Mystery writers. The characters of the Tearoom are such eccentric and quirky souls. The area of Oxford is dear to my heart as generations of my family have been located there. The mysteries are complicated enough to keep the reader entertained and who couldn't live dear Muscili

[Teresa Barrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

After listening to the audiobook series of Bewitched by Chocolate on Audible, I had to check out this box set of The Tearoom Mysteries and I really enjoyed it.
I loved the stories as well as the narrator. The mysteries kept me guessing up until the end of each book and I couldn't wait to find out what was happening next.
I really loved the Old Biddies, they had me cracking up, especially Mabel. Have to say Mabel is my favorite character.
I really enjoy H.Y. Hanna's work. I look forward to continuing this series as well as checking out all her books.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have already read and I believe left individual reviews for the individuals books in this set.

Gemma Rose has returned to Oxford, England after quitting her high paying job in Australia to realize her dream of opening and running a tea shop.

Along the way she reconnects with her long time best friend, and acquires a mischievous cat. These are mysteries, so of course Gemma becomes involved in a series of deaths and murders through out the series. And the lead investigator is her ex boyfriend whom she hasn't seen since graduating college and moving to Australia, while he was going off to train in the law enforcement field.

You also have her high profile mother who has very set ideas about what a lady should and should not be doing, as well as a set of lovable but interfering older ladies known as the "Old Biddies"

[Vanessa-Ann Dowsett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a compilation of three books, the first two in the series and a prequel. It was extremely good value for money especially as I can only listen to books. Must admit I fell in love with all of the characters from Gemma who has returned from Australia (where she has had a very high powered job) to Oxford where she opens a quaint tea room to Museli the cat she inherits. Four elderly ladies who seem to be able to know all about just about everything, and, everyone. Gemmas' mother is a upper middle class lady who struggles with technology who, desperately wants to marry Gemma off to 'our kind of person ' but has a heart of gold, especially, once she has solved the mystery of home shopping by buying Gemma the most peculiar items (in book two this is most prevalent, I will not spoil it for you, but her purchase for the tea room made me laugh out loud). Throw into the mix two handsome gents who wish to court Gemma, a murder or two and you have the recipe for the most enjoyable books. So much so, I have purchased the next couple in the series. Well written and well narrated.

[John Presler · Rating 5 out of 5]

All-Butter ShortDead - Prequel
After graduating from Oxford University, Gemma Rose moved to Australia to make a life for herself and cut the apron strings. Eight years later, she quit her corporate executive job and returned to England to fulfill her lifelong dream of opening an authentic English tea room with traditional English tea and foods.

On the flight home, Gemma meets Jenn Murray, who is going to England on holiday. Later, when Jenn is found murdered in her hotel room, Inspector Glenn immediately suspects Gemma of being the killer.

After a newspaper article about the investigation, the bank hesitates to loan Gemma the money to open her tea room. Inspector Glenn is retiring in a month and does not want any unsolved cases, especially a murder case. This leaves Gemma has very little time, if she hopes to prove her innocence.

Who killed Jenn Murray and why? Being the only suspect, Gemma does not think she can trust the police to find the killer! How will Gemma be able to prove her innocence?


A Scone to Die for (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, #1)
Gemma Rose is starting over again. She has returned home to England to follow her dream and open a tea room near Oxford University.

With the tea room becominging popular, Gemma couldn't be happier until a loud and rude American makes an ugly scene. When Gemma shows up the next morning, she finds the "offensive" customer dead at one of the outside tables. Things get somewhat complicated when Gemma learns that the lead detective is Devlin O'Conner. Devlin is the only man she has ever loved. After the police close the tea room for the weekend, Gemma decides to do a little investigating on her own.

When a second body is found, the American's widow jumps to the head of Gemma's suspect list. But who else might have had a motive and what is the connection, if any, between the murders?


Tea with Milk and Murder (Oxford Tearoom Mystery #2)
After a long day at her tea room, Gemma takes a break to visit an art gallery. The gallery has a show honoring her best friend, Cassie. Though the showing is also displaying many other artists, Gemma is only interested in Cassie's contributions. Gemma also learns that Cassie has a new boyfriend, Jon Kelsey, who is also the owner of the Gallery.

When an aparently drunk young lady comes in and disrupts the event, she is denied alcohol, but offered a cup of tea. While drinking the tea she goes into convulsions and dies. Gemma smelled almonds on her and jumped to the conclusion that the young lady had been poisoned with cyanide, making the bar waitress the prime suspect!

During her investigation, Gemma and Devlin O'Connor, the CID Inspector on the case, rekindle their relationship. Although Devlin does not always agree with Gemma's participation in the investigation, Gemma can't just let it go...her best friend is "involved" with the gallery owner and Gemma instinctively distrusts Jon, but cannot specifically say why. To make matters worse, Meusli, Gemma's cat, takes an immediate dislike to Jon the first time she sees him.

Gemma's investigation quickly reveals that the victim, Sarah, was a very rude and unpopular person, with no shortage of enemies. The questions involve who did it, when was she given the poison, and why? Throughout the ups and downs of Gemma's investigation, you get to learn more of the traditions of England and Oxford college.

A very enjoyable series and I look forward to many more books in this series.

[Deanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I’m not much of a contemporary cozy reader and am not sure how I ended up with this in my audio library. But I wouldn’t mind listening to another at some point if I discovered it in my library.

The storytelling is better than average, and the requisite cozy elements (sweetness, cuteness, romance, baked goods) aren’t overdone and don’t overshadow the mystery.

Unfortunately, the hapless amateur sleuth is more accidentally lucky and just-persistent-enough than investigatively clever—this isn’t Agatha Christie. And, while cozies are known for not being serious reading, there are some real eye-rollers when completely unrealistic situations are breezily presented as fait accompli.

For example, this is a not-quite-30 year old of unknown skills and training who was inexplicably recruited straight out of college to a high-flying position in Australia, where she rapidly shimmied up the executive career ladder in an undisclosed industry before tiring of it all for no apparent reason after eight years and going back home to, again inexplicably, live with mommy and daddy and open a little tea room without a plan and subsequently be mostly broke and financially unstable but still happy because—tea room!

Certainly, these are cozies and not written for stolidly serious and logical readers. But yeah, that kind of thing.

However, the atmosphere is good and the characters fairly interesting, and the writing nimble enough to pull you along for a light, loosely entertaining read. Importantly in this circumstance the narration is excellent. Overall, not a bad read for an amenable reading mood.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this new series (to me) of British mysteries. The prequel introduces Gemma Rose, a young woman recently arriving back in Oxford after eight years in Australia. She got tired of the fast pace of her job there and comes back to buy a tearoom in Oxford. Her parents are shocked, her friends a bit surprised, but Gemma is determined to succeed. Of course, she immediately becomes involved in a murder investigation headed by a former boyfriend, now an inspector with the CID. Devlin O'Connor is not the only man in Gemma's life, though. Her mother and her mother's best friend are trying to hook Gemma up with the friend's son, a successful doctor. Gemma also has her best friend, Cassie, and an old school chum, now professor, Seth. To round things out, there is little Muesli, a cat who touches the heart of everyone, even Gemma, who has never been fond of cats. And not to forget the four little old ladies, the Old Biddies, who see everything, know everything, and who love to get in a little bit of sleuthing when they can. I like the setting in Oxford, a famous college town with wonderful architecture, scenic streets, and a wonderful assortment of people. A fun read.

[Joga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely love it

Turns out the perfect English breakfast recipe is also perfect for an easy and enjoyable listening. So much to adore. Even if the heroine isn´t totally believable as an Oxford graduate, she is pretty lovely, her cat too. Her aggravating mother and the older women are probably the best part of the story, along with the Oxford theme park it has going on. Both romantic interests are pretty promising too. The best friend is also a good input to the story. Well written story, funny and absolutely adorable. Will for sure read more of this series. The only reason I am not giving 5 stars is the total lack of any proof of the heroine actually doing any rational thinking. Not that she needs too. Just can´t get myself to make it 5 stars as women as still paid less than men for the same work. Have a slight suspicion part of the reason can be seen in this story.

[Judy Moe · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is about a 29 year old woman who returns to England after 9 years in Australia. She goes home to fulfill a dream she has had for some time. She opens a quaint Tearoom near Oxford and soon she is involved in solving murder cases along with 4 old Biddies, a cat and a former boyfriend (now a detective). I did enjoy the books but I would say this series is a good and fun read for young readers. I was kept guessing whodunit but there was little depth to the overall writing. I struggle with an accurate rating as I was drawn in with the development of the mystery. I found myself skimming many paragraphs due to what I perceive as unnecessary words to fulfill a requirement for a number of words in a book

[Valerie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read these books for the ATY 2020 Reading Challenge Week 20: A book that is number 20 on my TBR list.
This is a nice book for highlighting or recreating the atmosphere of Oxford, the town and the university. There are three separate stories in the box set. H. Y. Hanna manages to contrive some original situations and murders for us to solve. Like all good cozies, it also has a love interest. While the principal characters do have a life of their own, they are mostly involved in the progress of the story. Sometimes one wonders how a town like Oxford can have murders occurring every couple of weeks, however. Enjoyable, fun, and sure to help you put on a few pounds (in weight and not sterling) if you make any of the recipes in the back.

[Karl Hakimian · Rating 4 out of 5]

These were good solid cozy mysteries. The Characters were enjoyable even if (other than Gema) they were a bit two dimensional. The mysteries themselves were reasonable and presented well.

I would suggest either skipping the prequel entirely or at least reading after reading books 1 and 2. It simply was not of the same quality and might discourage you from continuing to read the other (much better) stories.

[Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect Read for a Perfect Cup of Tea

The Tearoom Mysteries are just so much fun. They are light, relaxing reads that pair well with tea on a comfy couch. Or wine, while rocking lazily on a lovely porch.

I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the precious little kitty. This is the perfect book choice if you are looking for a lighthearted mystery, a bit of romance, and a few chuckles along the way.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well the first book had it's problems but after finishing that and continuing on with the series, I find that these are super bingeable. Gemma is starting to get some more backbone and emerge as a character that Is just as good as Poppy in the English Garden Series. After hating them in the first book I have started to like the Old Biddies. The setting is fun. The tea shop quaint. And I find myself laughing quite a bit. Last book 4 stars.

[Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

Copied from my audible review.

I liked the mysteries in these books but I have a few other problems with them. The main character Gemma is a bit of a doofus. she's a bad cat owner, always letting it run off. And she apparently stares off into space to have an internal monologue when having a conversation with a person.

And as far as the narration, I really wonder why she delivered almost all the main character's dialogue and internal monologue in a hushed whisper. Maybe it was a character choice but it becomes grating by the third book. Even when Gemma shouts it's like a stage whisper. Quite irritating.

[Lyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 to start.

H Y Hanna has a new fan, Gemma and Muesli are a fantastic pair of investigators. Muesli doesn't do much except laze around and save lives, mainly Gemma's. Gemma on the other hand often has ideas and insights into what COULD be, usually isn't, but she always ends up falling into the murderer.

[Sandra Tatum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tearoom owner chases murderer

Really liked this book. Has everything—murder, romance, conflict between long time friends and a tiny kitten with a fierce desire to save her owner. Well written, will keep you guessing until the very end. Oh and The Old Biddies are in the middle of everything!

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peculiar

I finished reading this first collection wanting to read more of the adventures of Gemma and Muesli and of the antics of the other characters, even though I was done with the series after the first story, as I couldn't stand the mother and the old biddies. I'm glad to have given the other books a go as it all improved drastically. Highly recommended.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

episode
0.5 All-Butter ShortDead
1 A Scone to Die For
2 Tea with Milk and Murder
The prequel has absolutely nothing to do with the actual book, and I actually already read and rated number one, _A Scone to Die For_. But overall, they are a charming series. They have the appropriate mystery and misleading clues, and everything is satisfyingly settled in the end, and the cat is appropriately honored and loved :-)

[Rory · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three books in one - what's not to like....

I liked the characters and storylines. Gemma's mother is great ! A real character.

I listened to these immediately in a row and look forward to the next ones.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted mystery

This is an easy read, it kept me guessing and the characters are interesting. Well written, and very enjoyable. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are fun books! I bought the box set even though I had already read book 1 ( was on sale for $.99).

The prequel and 2nd book were fun and I will keep an eye out for deals on the rest of the books!

[Donna B. Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

Very good 👍. Characters likeable warm and eccentric. Plot flowed well and had plenty of surprises. I withheld a star because of the editing. I find it very distracting when words are arranged in the sentence whereit

[Kerensa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect blend!!!

Loving this series--characters are completely relatable--just enough romance--beautiful setting, wonderful descriptions of Oxford--can't wait to continue reading the series...and she includes recipes!!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first 3 books in this series and cannot wait to read the others.

Tea, Oxford England and cozy mystery all in one. I love how the Old Biddies jump in to not only help solve the murders but help in Gemma's tea room when she is off solving crimes.

[Krista Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

I am loving the entire series. Really great reads. Can't wait for the next installments and adventures of The Oxford Mysteries.

[Connie McNeill · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are very light, but enjoyable.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fun series. Great characters and I always get a laugh at what the Old Biddies get themselves into. A little mystery and a little humor make these a delight to read!

[lena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generally entertaining. I don't love all of the characters and they can be annoying sometimes, but the mysteries are good.

[Andrea Holmen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cats are fun

I enjoyed the close friendships and relationships. And she kept me guessing. Right up to now wanting the next in the series. Oh, yes,I love Muesli ( the cat)