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Tea and Tarot #1
Steeped in Murder
Tea, tarot, and trouble.
Abigail’s dream of owning a tearoom in her California beach town is about to come true. She’s got the lease, the start-up funds, and the scone recipes. But she’s out of a tearoom and into hot water when her realtor turns out to be a conman… and then turns up dead.
Not even death puts an end to the conman’s mischief. He rented the same space to a tarot reader, Hyperion. Convinced his tarot room is in the cards, he’s not letting go of the building without a fight.
But this unlikely duo will have to work together… With a little help from her quirky grandfather, Hyperion and Abigail steep themselves in the murky waters of the sham realtor's double dealings. But can they unearth the truth before murder boils over again?
Abigail’s dream of owning a tearoom in her California beach town is about to come true. She’s got the lease, the start-up funds, and the scone recipes. But she’s out of a tearoom and into hot water when her realtor turns out to be a conman… and then turns up dead.
Not even death puts an end to the conman’s mischief. He rented the same space to a tarot reader, Hyperion. Convinced his tarot room is in the cards, he’s not letting go of the building without a fight.
But this unlikely duo will have to work together… With a little help from her quirky grandfather, Hyperion and Abigail steep themselves in the murky waters of the sham realtor's double dealings. But can they unearth the truth before murder boils over again?
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2019
1380 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Kirsten Weiss
110 books1,302 followersKirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries. Her heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.
She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…
Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.
She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…
Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com
Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 203 reviews
January 23, 2020
I really liked the concept for this series with the tea and tarot focus so I bought a copy of this one and finally got around to reading it. It took me a while to get into this and there were parts that didn't quite work for me, but there were also parts I liked. And by the end I am curious enough that I probably will pick up book 2. I am also hoping now that the tea and tarot shop is getting established that the next book will feature that more and will be more engaging.
I struggled a bit to get into Steeped in Murder, the story wasn't gripping me at first. The mystery wasn't engaging and I didn't really care for the main character yet. Then she was keeping something from her grandfather first and at times he emotions seemed to go from one end to another, it made her feel a bit wishy washy and uncertain and it was hard to keep up with at times. There also seemed to be a few small things that didn't quite make sense to me. Slowly it got better, and I liked her grandfather and Hyperion. The mystery however didn't improve much. I did like reading about the tea and tarot shop and seeing how that developed and am curious how that will progress throughout the series.
Let's talk about the mystery, while the set-up was intriguing it just fell flat for me. I wasn't engaged and curious. We have the murder at the start and quite a bit of investigating, but very little new information or big reveals throughout the investigation. There is a limited group of people involved and it all felt a bit static somehow. It just seemed like they were going over the same thing and not getting anywhere. At first I wasn't sure who had done it because I wasn't invested enough to try and figure it out, but when I took a bit of time to think things through I quickly figured out who did it and turns out I was correct. I wasn't 100% of the motive due to lack of clues, but even there I was thinking in the right direction. The reveal at the end also lacked impact, but I did like the epilogue about the tea and tarot shop. I was more invested in the shop than in the mystery.
At first it isn't sure how Abigail will ever get her tearoom. Her realtor was a scam artist and is dead and both she and another person have the key to the building. Who will finally get the building and what will happen to the other person? She lost a lot of money and it is unclear whether she will get it back and if she can continue with her plans. I wasn't sure what to think of this plot line at first and was annoyed they didn't just agree to stay out of the building till they settled things. But after a certain point I liked seeing how things progressed and I am interesting to see how the shop will do throughout the series.
Abigail was an okay main character, but I never fully warmed up to her. I liked her baking scones and tea, although I did wonder if she ate other food as well as she always seems to be making tea and scones. I liked how she cared about her grandfather, the scenes with her and her grandfather were great to read. And I liked that she wanted to start a store, although sometimes I failed to feel her passion behind it, especially when she wanted to give up at times. I just wanted to get a bit of a better feel for her personality. And Hyperion with his quirky personality stood out way more than Abigail in my opinion.
I ended up really liking Hyperion, he was so quirky and I thought he was interesting. It was interesting how much trust he put in his cards and I also liked when he called Abigail out on her bad behavior, he seemed to get her quickly. And I liked how they interacted, after the first few scenes ofcourse. He really sticks by her and trust in their partnership long before Abigail does. I also liked how his tarot reading is a theme that plays a role throughout the book and the way the cards connect to what's going on.
I also liked the scenes with Abigails grandfather and how he and family friend Thomas played a consistent role in the book. Peking, the duckling was also a fun addition. And Hyperion has a cat as well that is part of the story a few times. There is a hint of possible romance, but so far it's mostly Abigail thinking someone is hot. I hope there will be a bit more to their relationship if it does turn in a relationship as so far I didn't really care for it.
To summarize: Steeped in Murder was off to a rough start for me, I had some trouble getting into this book as it wasn't really gripping me. It took me some time to warm up to the main character and even by the end of the book I thought she was just okay. I liked her determination and the baking she did, but felt like she could be a bit wishy washy at times and she sometimes seemed to go from one extreme to another. The mystery also didn't really work for me, it didn't progress as much throughout the book with not many new clues popping up. After thinking it over a bit it was clear to me who the murderer was and I was correct. I was more invested in the tea and tarot store than the mystery. I ended up really liking Hyperion, I wasn't sure about him at first, but by the end of the book I really liked him. He is so quirky and interesting and I liked him. All in all this was a decent start to the new series, it didn't fully grip me, but be the end I am curious enough that I think I will continue the series.
I struggled a bit to get into Steeped in Murder, the story wasn't gripping me at first. The mystery wasn't engaging and I didn't really care for the main character yet. Then she was keeping something from her grandfather first and at times he emotions seemed to go from one end to another, it made her feel a bit wishy washy and uncertain and it was hard to keep up with at times. There also seemed to be a few small things that didn't quite make sense to me. Slowly it got better, and I liked her grandfather and Hyperion. The mystery however didn't improve much. I did like reading about the tea and tarot shop and seeing how that developed and am curious how that will progress throughout the series.
Let's talk about the mystery, while the set-up was intriguing it just fell flat for me. I wasn't engaged and curious. We have the murder at the start and quite a bit of investigating, but very little new information or big reveals throughout the investigation. There is a limited group of people involved and it all felt a bit static somehow. It just seemed like they were going over the same thing and not getting anywhere. At first I wasn't sure who had done it because I wasn't invested enough to try and figure it out, but when I took a bit of time to think things through I quickly figured out who did it and turns out I was correct. I wasn't 100% of the motive due to lack of clues, but even there I was thinking in the right direction. The reveal at the end also lacked impact, but I did like the epilogue about the tea and tarot shop. I was more invested in the shop than in the mystery.
At first it isn't sure how Abigail will ever get her tearoom. Her realtor was a scam artist and is dead and both she and another person have the key to the building. Who will finally get the building and what will happen to the other person? She lost a lot of money and it is unclear whether she will get it back and if she can continue with her plans. I wasn't sure what to think of this plot line at first and was annoyed they didn't just agree to stay out of the building till they settled things. But after a certain point I liked seeing how things progressed and I am interesting to see how the shop will do throughout the series.
Abigail was an okay main character, but I never fully warmed up to her. I liked her baking scones and tea, although I did wonder if she ate other food as well as she always seems to be making tea and scones. I liked how she cared about her grandfather, the scenes with her and her grandfather were great to read. And I liked that she wanted to start a store, although sometimes I failed to feel her passion behind it, especially when she wanted to give up at times. I just wanted to get a bit of a better feel for her personality. And Hyperion with his quirky personality stood out way more than Abigail in my opinion.
I ended up really liking Hyperion, he was so quirky and I thought he was interesting. It was interesting how much trust he put in his cards and I also liked when he called Abigail out on her bad behavior, he seemed to get her quickly. And I liked how they interacted, after the first few scenes ofcourse. He really sticks by her and trust in their partnership long before Abigail does. I also liked how his tarot reading is a theme that plays a role throughout the book and the way the cards connect to what's going on.
I also liked the scenes with Abigails grandfather and how he and family friend Thomas played a consistent role in the book. Peking, the duckling was also a fun addition. And Hyperion has a cat as well that is part of the story a few times. There is a hint of possible romance, but so far it's mostly Abigail thinking someone is hot. I hope there will be a bit more to their relationship if it does turn in a relationship as so far I didn't really care for it.
To summarize: Steeped in Murder was off to a rough start for me, I had some trouble getting into this book as it wasn't really gripping me. It took me some time to warm up to the main character and even by the end of the book I thought she was just okay. I liked her determination and the baking she did, but felt like she could be a bit wishy washy at times and she sometimes seemed to go from one extreme to another. The mystery also didn't really work for me, it didn't progress as much throughout the book with not many new clues popping up. After thinking it over a bit it was clear to me who the murderer was and I was correct. I was more invested in the tea and tarot store than the mystery. I ended up really liking Hyperion, I wasn't sure about him at first, but by the end of the book I really liked him. He is so quirky and interesting and I liked him. All in all this was a decent start to the new series, it didn't fully grip me, but be the end I am curious enough that I think I will continue the series.
April 21, 2022
Delightful! I picked this up without knowing anything about the author or the series. I've been disappointed in the last few cozy mysteries I've started. They have been silly or poorly developed the characters are often clueless. I liked the setting (California) the characters were fun and engaging, the dialog was good and funny without being over the top. Enjoyable for fans of Ellie Alexander. I will definitely pick up book 2.
February 3, 2020
Another Kirsten gem! The first book in a new cozy mystery series that I couldn't put down until it was finished. Each character is charismatic and the story includes enough backstory to understand their prejudices. The mystery had enough complexity to keep me guessing even when I believed I had it figured out.
While this cozy murder mystery is centered around the challenges of creating a tearoom, it is also about the trust that exists or develops with family, friends, old relationships and new relationships. And of course, our heroine does a little bit of baking and tea drinking. The recipes for some of the deliciously described food and teas are included at the end.
I expected Kirsten's magic when I bought this book and she delivered completely!
I can hardly wait for the next book!
While this cozy murder mystery is centered around the challenges of creating a tearoom, it is also about the trust that exists or develops with family, friends, old relationships and new relationships. And of course, our heroine does a little bit of baking and tea drinking. The recipes for some of the deliciously described food and teas are included at the end.
I expected Kirsten's magic when I bought this book and she delivered completely!
I can hardly wait for the next book!
May 28, 2020
This new series is steeped in tea, mystery, and murder.
Things are going well for Abigail when she discovers that the building she has rented for her tea room is not valid. I can't even imagine her frustration and disappointment, especially when it was doubly rented to a tarot card reader with quite an unusual name, Hyperion Night. While their relationship gets off to a rocky start, I was happy to see a friendship develop even though Hyperion is a bit eccentric. Perhaps it goes with reading tarot cards?
Abigail does have her grandfather that is behind her tearoom, along with Tomas, a retired lawyer that uses his skills to assist Abigail in a few situations. There is a hunky new neighbor, Brik, that could be a potential love interest for Abigail. The police detective on the case is a Texan that happens to be a germaphobe. A few situations with him gave me a chuckle.
There is a wide variety of characters in this book and trying to decipher who might have had cause to murder the fake real estate agent took some doing. While I suspected several of the characters, the reality wasn't too far from my grasp. While I had my suspicions about this character, the why surprised me.
I enjoyed reading this first in the series and expect it will be a fun series to follow. There is much more to learn about the various characters and the addition of Peking the pet duck was genius because it made for some cute scenes especially when Hyperion's cat because the duck's best bud.
We give this 4 paws up and have the 2nd book to read and see where things develop from there.
Things are going well for Abigail when she discovers that the building she has rented for her tea room is not valid. I can't even imagine her frustration and disappointment, especially when it was doubly rented to a tarot card reader with quite an unusual name, Hyperion Night. While their relationship gets off to a rocky start, I was happy to see a friendship develop even though Hyperion is a bit eccentric. Perhaps it goes with reading tarot cards?
Abigail does have her grandfather that is behind her tearoom, along with Tomas, a retired lawyer that uses his skills to assist Abigail in a few situations. There is a hunky new neighbor, Brik, that could be a potential love interest for Abigail. The police detective on the case is a Texan that happens to be a germaphobe. A few situations with him gave me a chuckle.
There is a wide variety of characters in this book and trying to decipher who might have had cause to murder the fake real estate agent took some doing. While I suspected several of the characters, the reality wasn't too far from my grasp. While I had my suspicions about this character, the why surprised me.
I enjoyed reading this first in the series and expect it will be a fun series to follow. There is much more to learn about the various characters and the addition of Peking the pet duck was genius because it made for some cute scenes especially when Hyperion's cat because the duck's best bud.
We give this 4 paws up and have the 2nd book to read and see where things develop from there.
July 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery! I loved getting to know the main character, and I ended up trying to drink tea because she made it sound so appetizing haha (who knew I was a tea drinker). This is the first in a series, but it still wrapped up really nicely at the end. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Going to go boil some water for tea right now. :p
September 8, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the first book in the Tea and Tarot Cozy mystery series by Kirsten Weiss.
Wow! How fun was this story? I have to admit that the story did give it a lot of stress vibes due to the loss of money for the main characters. So, if you are triggered by money issues, you might want to be aware of this fact ahead of time.
Abigail puts 6 months rent down on the building of her dreams and then realizes that the real estate agent has also taken three months rent from Hyperion Night. They have been scammed! When Abigail tries to call the agent to put a stop on her check, she hears his phone ring nearby. Then she finds the man’s body out back of the building she wanted to purchase. He’s dead!
Between her neighbor who is remodeling his house, the crazy tarot reader who wants her tearoom space and the stress of the fact that her hard earned money is gone, this debacle is putting her down for the count. Also, did I mention that she has a grandfather from whom she borrowed some of this money and she is wanting to pay him back for his generous donation to her dream.
So, obviously, Abigail and Hyperion decide to uncover the the killer and recover their money. This was fun to follow and the character base was on point. I loved the tea room and tarot concept and am kinda surprised Abby relented and accepted the co-ownership with Hyperion considering how her new-agey parents left her at the airport as a child and called her grandparents to come and get her. How heartbreaking is that!?
I enjoyed the tarot aspect of the story. It was fun and yet it didn’t overwhelm the storyline too much. This is a series well worth your while. Loving it so much!
If you want book two, go to the author’s website and join her newsletter. You can get a mobi file, pdf or epub of the book two novella.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
This is the first book in the Tea and Tarot Cozy mystery series by Kirsten Weiss.
Wow! How fun was this story? I have to admit that the story did give it a lot of stress vibes due to the loss of money for the main characters. So, if you are triggered by money issues, you might want to be aware of this fact ahead of time.
Abigail puts 6 months rent down on the building of her dreams and then realizes that the real estate agent has also taken three months rent from Hyperion Night. They have been scammed! When Abigail tries to call the agent to put a stop on her check, she hears his phone ring nearby. Then she finds the man’s body out back of the building she wanted to purchase. He’s dead!
Between her neighbor who is remodeling his house, the crazy tarot reader who wants her tearoom space and the stress of the fact that her hard earned money is gone, this debacle is putting her down for the count. Also, did I mention that she has a grandfather from whom she borrowed some of this money and she is wanting to pay him back for his generous donation to her dream.
So, obviously, Abigail and Hyperion decide to uncover the the killer and recover their money. This was fun to follow and the character base was on point. I loved the tea room and tarot concept and am kinda surprised Abby relented and accepted the co-ownership with Hyperion considering how her new-agey parents left her at the airport as a child and called her grandparents to come and get her. How heartbreaking is that!?
I enjoyed the tarot aspect of the story. It was fun and yet it didn’t overwhelm the storyline too much. This is a series well worth your while. Loving it so much!
If you want book two, go to the author’s website and join her newsletter. You can get a mobi file, pdf or epub of the book two novella.
If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
November 26, 2020
Steeped in Murder
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and was a very good who did it book. I had the wrong person at the beginning but got it right at the 56th. percent of the book. Then Kirsten ended with different recipes.
I really enjoyed this book. It made me laugh and was a very good who did it book. I had the wrong person at the beginning but got it right at the 56th. percent of the book. Then Kirsten ended with different recipes.
November 24, 2020
All in the cards
I am loving this series! Fast moving with great and some quirky characters. A strong plot and plenty of laughs to entertain the reader.
I am loving this series! Fast moving with great and some quirky characters. A strong plot and plenty of laughs to entertain the reader.
October 23, 2020
Great book. I liked the unusual setting. At the end of the book I found myself wanting to read more about the tea and tarot shop. Are they going to make a go of it?
October 13, 2020
I just could not connect with Abigail. She hit me as whiny and I just could not like her.
The writing was also not great for me. It felt disjointed and all over the place.
Also, the supporting characters felt either unlikable, or annoying.
This was just a bad fit for me. I did not finish it and won't continue with this series. Not for me
The writing was also not great for me. It felt disjointed and all over the place.
Also, the supporting characters felt either unlikable, or annoying.
This was just a bad fit for me. I did not finish it and won't continue with this series. Not for me
May 21, 2019
STEEPED IN MURDER by Kirsten Weiss
The First Tea and Tarot Mystery
Abigail Beanblossom's dream is about to come true. She paid her realtor 6 months rent in advance for the perfect building and is about to open her own tearoom. She has interior designs in mind and a business plan all set. What she didn't account for was the fact that her realtor was a con artist who had also rented the building to Hyperion Night, a tarot reader. Before matters can be straightened out they find the realtor dead behind their building, murdered. As Abigail tries to get her money back she finds herself teaming up with Hyperion. Will they get their money? Will either of them be able to get the building? Or will they find themselves victims of murder instead of just a con?
Tea and tarot are two of my favorite things, so when I discovered that Kirsten Weiss was writing a series combining the two I was elated. The first Tea and Tarot Mystery did not disappoint. I admit that some of it was a bit over the top. With main characters are named Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion Night that's to be expected! Hyperion is a bit campy and the lead detective is an overt germophobe. In fact most of the characters are a bit high on the excitable scale...the other victims of the con artist take drama to high art! But it works. They are fun, funny, yet still relatable. Deep down they are caring people facing real issues. Trust, abandonment, compromise, and the ability to have an open mind are just some of the themes dealt with here.
The author's knowledge of the tarot shines through adding depth and meaning instead of using it as a gimmick. I love Abby's tea blends and the description of scones had me drooling. I wish I could go to their shop, sip some sage and spearmint tea, nibble an almond and apricot scone, and have Hyperion give me a reading. Since I can't visit them personally, I was thrilled to find recipes included at the end! I may get that scone after all!
STEEPED IN MURDER is a fun start to a new series. Delightful characters and a complex mystery provide plenty of laughs and a good puzzle for readers to enjoy.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
The First Tea and Tarot Mystery
Abigail Beanblossom's dream is about to come true. She paid her realtor 6 months rent in advance for the perfect building and is about to open her own tearoom. She has interior designs in mind and a business plan all set. What she didn't account for was the fact that her realtor was a con artist who had also rented the building to Hyperion Night, a tarot reader. Before matters can be straightened out they find the realtor dead behind their building, murdered. As Abigail tries to get her money back she finds herself teaming up with Hyperion. Will they get their money? Will either of them be able to get the building? Or will they find themselves victims of murder instead of just a con?
Tea and tarot are two of my favorite things, so when I discovered that Kirsten Weiss was writing a series combining the two I was elated. The first Tea and Tarot Mystery did not disappoint. I admit that some of it was a bit over the top. With main characters are named Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion Night that's to be expected! Hyperion is a bit campy and the lead detective is an overt germophobe. In fact most of the characters are a bit high on the excitable scale...the other victims of the con artist take drama to high art! But it works. They are fun, funny, yet still relatable. Deep down they are caring people facing real issues. Trust, abandonment, compromise, and the ability to have an open mind are just some of the themes dealt with here.
The author's knowledge of the tarot shines through adding depth and meaning instead of using it as a gimmick. I love Abby's tea blends and the description of scones had me drooling. I wish I could go to their shop, sip some sage and spearmint tea, nibble an almond and apricot scone, and have Hyperion give me a reading. Since I can't visit them personally, I was thrilled to find recipes included at the end! I may get that scone after all!
STEEPED IN MURDER is a fun start to a new series. Delightful characters and a complex mystery provide plenty of laughs and a good puzzle for readers to enjoy.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
June 19, 2020
This was an incredibly fun read! There are some really lovable quirky characters (with the best names!) that find themselves in some very odd predicaments - throw in some tea, tarot cards, a duck, a murder, fraud - and you have a rousing good time. There are laugh out loud sections and a few moments where I was genuinely shocked at something unexpected.
I am looking forward to seeing what other adventures these folks get up to!
I am looking forward to seeing what other adventures these folks get up to!
June 14, 2020
Tea & Tarot makes for a good read!
I was in a non-reading mood when I started this book, but I am glad I gave it a chance. I really enjoyed it. It helped me escape that mood. I especially like the way Weiss makes the setting of San Borromeo seem so inviting. I am also seriously considering making some scones.
I was in a non-reading mood when I started this book, but I am glad I gave it a chance. I really enjoyed it. It helped me escape that mood. I especially like the way Weiss makes the setting of San Borromeo seem so inviting. I am also seriously considering making some scones.
August 10, 2020
Thoughts: I loved most of the characters and the relationships. I wasn't too taken with the mystery itself, it wasn't involving enough. No one really seemed to care. The tea and tarot concept was charming and I really liked how that was getting worked out..emotionally, business wise, and physically. And the carpenter's not bad either. Gramps, Tomas, and Peking were a great touch. The detective was something of a germaphobic nobody.
July 16, 2020
This is an interesting book full of murder , suspense humor and new friendships. Very fast moving I had to concentrate to keep up. Hopefully the next one will go a little more smoothly.
July 19, 2020
Fun and mildly distracting.
October 13, 2022
3.5 stars, a fun but not particularly gripping read
March 16, 2022
I didn't really care for this book. It says 800 pages, but the lines are double spaced so actually a little under 400 pages, probably less. I found the content to be extremely juvenile. Silly to put it mildly. The concept was good, the whodunit aspect was good. The characters dialog was simply too silly. It took a lot for me to stick with it. I really like to finish a book. Then, there is a matter of the names of some of the characters like Kale, Hyperion, Reince, Brik(the local contractor, ugh), too trite. Then, there is the one house rented by an artist who rips up Italian marble and Mediterranean tiles which the author totally ignores after the first mention. It's a rental. You don't tear up someone's house.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2023
DNF. The punny title lured me in, but there were just too many poor life choices in a row for me to continue. A character needs to learn from their mistakes to be likeable.
November 23, 2020
This seemed unnecessarily long. In fact, if all the references to obtaining parking spaces and getting into hot cars were removed, it would undoubtedly be considerably shorter. As to the mystery itself, it was disappointingly anti-climactic. If anything, I would merely suggest that this book “wanders” as if attempting to arrive at a particular word count.
October 17, 2022
Really good story, many possible killers and great tea and tarot.
February 23, 2023
I enjoyed this book. This book is a refreshing change to the normal cozy mysteries out there. The amount of knowledge and research the author must have done to bring two very different main characters to life and make them believable in there speciality subject really comes across. There is a lot of information on Tarot reading and tea blending but don't let that put you off because somehow in this story it works and makes the characters more interesting as they are so different but complimentary at the same time. However, it doesn't stop there, the side characters are just as quirky and interesting, even the normal pet required in a cosy is a very unusual choice but I love it and it works. The plot for the mystery was unusual but a good start to a series background story. The murder happened pretty quickly but then slowed down as the two main characters struggled over how to proceed with everything going on and a lot went on. There was a number of suspects and I was still guessing who the killer was when it was revealed. Just enjoyed the story and will be adding this series and author to my 'must read' list.
Abigail is excited to finally have saved enough money to start her dream job of owning a Tea shop, unfortunately she isn't the only one to have plans for the vacant shop. Hyperion a tarot reader also thinks he has just rented the building. Before they can sort out the misunderstanding the realtor who took both of there deposits is found dead, and they weren't the only ones the dead man conned. Out her deposit, Abigail can't afford to make her dreams a reality, unless she can learn to trust the annoying Tarot reader. That is of course if he isn't the killer. Can Abigail and Hyperion put there differences behind to catch a killer and solve who the rightful owner of the shop is?
Abigail is excited to finally have saved enough money to start her dream job of owning a Tea shop, unfortunately she isn't the only one to have plans for the vacant shop. Hyperion a tarot reader also thinks he has just rented the building. Before they can sort out the misunderstanding the realtor who took both of there deposits is found dead, and they weren't the only ones the dead man conned. Out her deposit, Abigail can't afford to make her dreams a reality, unless she can learn to trust the annoying Tarot reader. That is of course if he isn't the killer. Can Abigail and Hyperion put there differences behind to catch a killer and solve who the rightful owner of the shop is?
July 19, 2019
“In my defense, the day did not ‘seem’ that murdery.” And so begins this absolutely delightful culinary cozy mystery. I will admit that I was drawn by the series name, as I am a fan of both tea and tarot. I actually lived on the northern California coast for some years, and I think that Abigail's tearoom would have been perfect where I lived. Why didn't we have one? As a tea person, I loved all the descriptions of the teas, and I could imagine being in a little tearoom on the California coast, eating some delightful scones and drinking some of the wonderful blends that were mentioned. I will admit that I am drawn to fictional books that include tarot as a part of the story, and it was perfectly integrated here. This book is a little zany, which--of course--is a delight in a cozy mystery. The small town where this takes place, I believe in southern California by the description, is full of a cast of quirky characters that I'm sure we'll get to know and enjoy more in future books of the series. Just the names of the two main characters who were swindled by the same man tell you this book is as light as a murder mystery can be: Abigail Beanblossom (tearoom) and Hyperion Night (tarot reader). The book was long, but the author was able to maintain suspense and keep a good focus on the evolving mystery plot. The length of the novel allowed for the little tangents and red herrings that must occur in a satisfying mystery. In all, this is a perfect cozy mystery beach read, if you like bringing murder mysteries with you on vacation!
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.
March 17, 2023
Abigail Beanblossom’s dream of owning a tearoom in her California beach town may get derailed when her conman Realtor is found dead outside the location of her soon-to-be business, shortly after she learns he has double-rented the building to a tarot card reader. She has judgments about tarot readers stemming from her childhood with her hippy parents. She’s used a big chunk of her grandfather’s money to get the startup funds for her business. As much as she doesn’t like the tarot reader, she knows they will have to work together to save themselves and their fledgling businesses.
This was a fun start to a promising series. Well drawn characters, great settings, witty dialogue (the book’s opening line: “In my defense, the day didn’t seem that murdery.”), interesting plot, light hint of romance between two attractive men and Abigail, and recipes at the end - what’s not to like. I did find her last name sort of annoying, but that was the only drawback. I will read more in this series.
Weiss also writes the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mysteries (which I haven’t read yet) and the Wit’s End Cozy Mysteries (clever series about running a UFO-themed B&B in the Sierras); the Pie Town mysteries (fun read); the Doyle Witch Mysteries (excellent blend of magic, mystery, and murder); the Riga Hayworth Paranormal Mysteries (heavy on the magick, but features a great talking gargoyle) and the Sensibility Grey Steampunk Suspense historical mystery (haven’t read this either, but I do like the rest of her work).
This was a fun start to a promising series. Well drawn characters, great settings, witty dialogue (the book’s opening line: “In my defense, the day didn’t seem that murdery.”), interesting plot, light hint of romance between two attractive men and Abigail, and recipes at the end - what’s not to like. I did find her last name sort of annoying, but that was the only drawback. I will read more in this series.
Weiss also writes the Perfectly Proper Paranormal Museum Mysteries (which I haven’t read yet) and the Wit’s End Cozy Mysteries (clever series about running a UFO-themed B&B in the Sierras); the Pie Town mysteries (fun read); the Doyle Witch Mysteries (excellent blend of magic, mystery, and murder); the Riga Hayworth Paranormal Mysteries (heavy on the magick, but features a great talking gargoyle) and the Sensibility Grey Steampunk Suspense historical mystery (haven’t read this either, but I do like the rest of her work).
July 19, 2019
Abigail Beanblossom has dreamed of owning her own tea room, so when the spot she wants becomes available, she jumps at the chance to sign a lease. The last thing Abigail expects is to be working with a conman of a realtor that takes her rent and someone else’s for the same location. Before that can confront him and get their money back, he is found murdered. Now Abigail and Hyperion Night (the other renter) find themselves as the number 1 & 2 suspects by the police. Can they find the real murderer before it is too late? And will they ever get their money back? Abigail and Hyperion partner up in more ways than one to solve the mystery.
This is the first book in a new Tea and Tarot cozy mystery series. It is filled with loveable characters, a great storyline, lots of hilarious moments, madcap adventure, and a mystery with involving many twists and turns. I found the book absolutely enjoyable and can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will hold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book in a new Tea and Tarot cozy mystery series. It is filled with loveable characters, a great storyline, lots of hilarious moments, madcap adventure, and a mystery with involving many twists and turns. I found the book absolutely enjoyable and can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will hold.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 14, 2020
Great cozy mystery. Abigail is ready to open her tearoom, a dream realized. BUT then she finds out the realtor also rented the space to someone else AND the realtor ends up dead behind their building so she’s a suspect and out her big deposit.
Abigail teams up with a few different people to unravel the mystery and clear her name. Her main partner in crime ends up being the other person the realtor rented the space to, Hyperion Night. He planned to open a tarot reading business in the space.
I liked the characters though some were one dimensional and little more than props and their names a bit elementary. (Brik, Kale, the Archers, Detective Chase). A little more backstory about Abigail’s childhood would have been nice too. You got enough to understand some things about her but seems like there’s a lot more there.
However, Abigail, and Hyperion have a funny relationship and seem suited as Hyperion’s tarot cards say. I enjoyed the book and would read more of the series to see what the two of them are up to next.
Abigail teams up with a few different people to unravel the mystery and clear her name. Her main partner in crime ends up being the other person the realtor rented the space to, Hyperion Night. He planned to open a tarot reading business in the space.
I liked the characters though some were one dimensional and little more than props and their names a bit elementary. (Brik, Kale, the Archers, Detective Chase). A little more backstory about Abigail’s childhood would have been nice too. You got enough to understand some things about her but seems like there’s a lot more there.
However, Abigail, and Hyperion have a funny relationship and seem suited as Hyperion’s tarot cards say. I enjoyed the book and would read more of the series to see what the two of them are up to next.
June 22, 2020
Kirsten Weiss is a rather prolific writer with all types of genres under writing belt. And I love all of the books of hers I've read. This one is no exception. I loved my entire time with it and really look forward to the next in the series, which is already on my Nook.
Super neat premise and I love the main characters. My favorite is Abigail's partner, and the Tarot side of the series, Hyperion. I sort of rolled my eyes a bit when I first saw his name, but he is definitely a Hyperion and he is superbly fab.He believes in himself and his abilities and I enjoyed watching him with Abigail.
Abigail is funny. She loves her grandfather and she wants to stand on her own two feet to get this tearoom started. She has dreams and wants to realize them. She talks to herself and I like her side thoughts in the story.
The murder victim is who was standing in her way and Abigail is prime suspect so she starts her investigating. It was as natural as can be expected and I like that. It's key in my enjoyment that it feels natural.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
Super neat premise and I love the main characters. My favorite is Abigail's partner, and the Tarot side of the series, Hyperion. I sort of rolled my eyes a bit when I first saw his name, but he is definitely a Hyperion and he is superbly fab.He believes in himself and his abilities and I enjoyed watching him with Abigail.
Abigail is funny. She loves her grandfather and she wants to stand on her own two feet to get this tearoom started. She has dreams and wants to realize them. She talks to herself and I like her side thoughts in the story.
The murder victim is who was standing in her way and Abigail is prime suspect so she starts her investigating. It was as natural as can be expected and I like that. It's key in my enjoyment that it feels natural.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.
May 22, 2020
Good
Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion Night discover that they have both been conned out of their money to rent a building for a business, they become suspects when they discover the conman dead behind their building.
Abigail might be naïve, but she is also determined to clear her name, and hopefully get back the money she lost!
Abigail has a lifelong dream of running a tearoom, while Hyperion (NOT her gay best friend he says) is a Tarot Reader. It seems like a good idea for them to team up and so they become business partners, balancing each other- Abigail is the slow, methodical planner type, while Hyperion is dynamic and impetuous.
This quick read is another delightful addition to Weiss’ list of cozy mystery series.
The characters are interesting and rather quirky, and the recipes added at the end are intriguing.
If you’ve enjoyed Weiss’s other books, then you will enjoy this!
Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion Night discover that they have both been conned out of their money to rent a building for a business, they become suspects when they discover the conman dead behind their building.
Abigail might be naïve, but she is also determined to clear her name, and hopefully get back the money she lost!
Abigail has a lifelong dream of running a tearoom, while Hyperion (NOT her gay best friend he says) is a Tarot Reader. It seems like a good idea for them to team up and so they become business partners, balancing each other- Abigail is the slow, methodical planner type, while Hyperion is dynamic and impetuous.
This quick read is another delightful addition to Weiss’ list of cozy mystery series.
The characters are interesting and rather quirky, and the recipes added at the end are intriguing.
If you’ve enjoyed Weiss’s other books, then you will enjoy this!
April 6, 2025
Who's got the money?
Both Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion thought they each had rented the purple building, but Reince was a conman and had taken them for a total of 9 months' rent. Then Abigail found Reince's body by the dumpster behind the buildings. And that was just the beginning of trouble. Abigail wanted to open a tearoom, and Hyperion wanted the space for a Taror studio. Then Florence, the realators receptionist, was found floating near the bridge. To make matters worse, Abigail was being followed by a drone, a brick was thrown through her window, and her front steps were sabotaged, sending her grandfather to the hospital. Abigail and Hyperion decide to combine their ideas for their shops. They hire Brik, Abigail's neighbor, to make the necessary upgrades to the building. With mysterious deaths and the sabotage, will they see their dream shop open, or will one of them be the next victim?
Both Abigail Beanblossom and Hyperion thought they each had rented the purple building, but Reince was a conman and had taken them for a total of 9 months' rent. Then Abigail found Reince's body by the dumpster behind the buildings. And that was just the beginning of trouble. Abigail wanted to open a tearoom, and Hyperion wanted the space for a Taror studio. Then Florence, the realators receptionist, was found floating near the bridge. To make matters worse, Abigail was being followed by a drone, a brick was thrown through her window, and her front steps were sabotaged, sending her grandfather to the hospital. Abigail and Hyperion decide to combine their ideas for their shops. They hire Brik, Abigail's neighbor, to make the necessary upgrades to the building. With mysterious deaths and the sabotage, will they see their dream shop open, or will one of them be the next victim?
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