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Tea, Anyone?

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2020 READERS' FAVORITE Bronze Medal Winner in Sleuths! How do two modern, quirky, twenty-something gals solve murders in a small, cozy USA town? Easy. With a little time travel, some humor, and a lot of hard work. When the skeptical Brooke first meets the psychic Abby, she’s not impressed. But with the help of her comfort cat, her middle-aged roomie, her childhood friend, and a hunky detective hinting at a sweet romance, Brooke not only accepts that Abby has real gifts, it’s clear that these five people and one cat make up a crack team. Got tea, anyone? In 1773, the Boston Tea Party sure did. Find out why going back in time helps break the case! #Cozy mystery, #Time travel, #Paranormal, #Murder, #Cats #US History, #Humor

185 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2019

56 people are currently reading
59 people want to read

About the author

S.R. Mallery

22 books340 followers
S. R. Mallery has worn many hats in her life. Starting out as a classical/pop singer/composer, she moved onto the professional world of production art and calligraphy, followed by a long career as an award winning quilt artist/teacher and an ESL/Reading instructor. Her short stories have been published in descent 2008, Snowy Egret, Transcendent Visions, The Storyteller and Down In the Dirt. Unexpected Gifts is her debut novel. Sewing Can Be Dangerous and Other Small Threads, a collection, is due out late 2013.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Uvi Poznansky.
Author 41 books359 followers
December 1, 2019
Tea, Anyone is a time-travel cozy mystery, leaping back to the Boston Tea Party, which holds a clue to the present crime. Written with crisp humors, the plot is enriched by glimpses to a different era. S.R. Mallery has a fascination with history, which is evident in her historical fiction body of work. And in this book, just like a quilter, she creates a patchwork of clues to the crime.

This is the first volume in a series that features two female investigators: Brooke Anderson, a researcher for the local police department, is driven by methodical logic; her neighbor Abby is her complete opposite, she is a psychic who relies on intuition, believes in Buddhism, psychic phenomenon, and reading tea leaves, and wants to lend her expertise to help solve crime cases. At first, their friendship seems unlikely—“I can tell you I don’t believe in that stuff,” says Brooke—but it evolves into trust. And lets not forget the other two characters in this close-knit team: Henry miles is Brooke’s research guru: “She was thrilled how her new roommate became the grandfather she could really love—unlike her real one.” The team would not be complete without Junie, Brooke’s cat.

When two women from the fitness class are found murdered, Brooke and Abby get on the case. Will Larry, their contact at the police station, and Tony make light of their unconventional skills or reward them? “Larry’s hug was pretty good, too, of course. Yet she couldn’t help missing Tony’s arms around her.” Will she end up in his arms?

Five stars.
Profile Image for Tamara.
Author 154 books459 followers
March 31, 2020
Tea, Anyone? (A Brooke & Abby Cozy Mystery Book 1) by S.R. Mallery is a unique cozy mystery with a unexpected twist.

This is the first book in a series that will feature two female investigators. Brooke Anderson has a job as researcher for the local police department. Her neighbor Abby is a psychic, and their friendship seems unlikely since Brooke is a skeptic, even when she hears that Abby has worked with other police departments, helping solve crimes.

When two women from Brooke’s fitness class are found murdered, she decides to conduct her own investigation, even if it means using the skills of her neighbor Abby, who claims she’s worked on similar cases in the past.

As the investigation progresses, Abby claims the case has a connection to the past, mainly The Boston Tea Party. And that’s were the story becomes unlike other cozy mysteries, leaping back to the Boston Tea Party, which holds a clue to the crime that they’re investigating.
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With the help of Brooke’s roommate, an ex-professor named Henry, along with a hunky detective named Tony, they stop at nothing to find the murderer.

Filled with well-developed, quirky characters along with a comfort cat named Junebug, this is a fast paced story filled with tons of humor. It’s a fantastic story, and just plain fun to read!!
Profile Image for Susan.
Author 117 books167 followers
January 1, 2020
I’m always excited to read a new series by an author whose work I favor and Tea, Anyone? (A Brook and Abby Cozy Mystery Book 1), by S.R. Mallery is no exception.

Brook Anderson is a researcher for the police department who lives with Henry, a middle-aged, intelligent man she rescues from an ominous future, and both bonded by individual tragedies. Their neighbor Abby is a young hippie lady with a fondness for tea and Tarot cards, and the two girls are like oil and water, at first. With Henry’s gentle coaxing and faced with a murder in their hometown, the two girls woman-up and become a team, along with Henry and Larry, their police contact to help with the investigation.

Ms. Mallery craftily weaves mystery, time travel, and fantasy with romantic undertones within the plot of this exciting story, which always keeps the reader on her toes – and guessing incorrectly – about who’s behind the dirty deed.

But, wait! Two sisters at Brook’s gym are found murdered, with the same M.O. as the first victim, and although Abby shares she can travel back to the past hoping to discover clues (in an ancient Packard, no less), Brook scoffs until the evidence her new friend returns with, dating back to the Boston Tea Party, seem to confirm viable proof they can work with.

The focus - Are the answers to what’s befallen their tranquil community able to be answered by Abby’s journeys to the past?

Throw in a sexy detective who has his eye on Brook, an emotional support cat named Junebug, a few villains (whose identities surprised the heck out of me), and you have a hot fudge sundae mystery beginning this delightful, new series.

Bravo, Ms. Mallery, it’s always a pleasure to indulge myself within the pages of your superior storytelling. Five golden stars awarded - for keeping me intrigued.
Profile Image for Ellie Midwood.
Author 43 books1,164 followers
November 25, 2019
“Tea, Anyone?” is a perfect choice for all fans of the cozy mystery genre. From page one, I “bonded” with the central heroine, Brooke, who works as a researcher for the local police department. Smart, sarcastic, and refusing to back away when lives are at stake, she’s just my type of character. Needless to say, when two women from her fitness class are found murdered, she refuses to be a simple bystander and decides to conduct her own investigation, even if it means using the help of her quirky neighbor Abby - a psychic who claims to have helped the police with similar cases. As the investigation moves forward and Abby’s claims about the case’s connection to the past, and namely The Boston Tea Party, start to make more sense, Brooke will stop at nothing to find a perpetrator - not that she doesn’t have enough suspects to work with. Witty, fast-paced, and sentimental in all the right places (Henry’s story in particular), this mystery will satisfy all fans of the genre. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Aineenmarie.
391 reviews3 followers
December 3, 2020
this was Such a great read. The author really draws the reader into the story. Will definitely read another book by this author. I felt like I was a character and part of the story.
Profile Image for Ted Tayler.
Author 79 books299 followers
February 2, 2020
"Sophisticated"

I've been an admirer of this writer for several years and welcomed the opportunity to read and review this book. There are so many elements to savour; the sophisticated, intelligent writing style and the wide array of characters stand out.
Every character has been beautifully observed. Some benefit from the close attention; others are grotesques, but we've all met them. Other writers use a light brush when painting their support characters, but S R Mallery doesn't stint. You could still pick them out in a police line-up. What a refreshing change this plot line made from the standard fare in this genre. A top quality offering from a quality writer.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,791 reviews11 followers
December 13, 2020
Excellent mystery with a paranormal twist. It is well written with excellent slightly weird lead characters, a great storyline and a clever plot. I found the paranormal part a little obscure and struggled with its relevance but it was covered in the end. An enjoyable read. I will definitely be reading more from this series. I received a complimentary copy from Storyorigin and am leaving a voluntary honest review
Profile Image for J.A. Schneider.
Author 17 books572 followers
April 1, 2022
Tea, Anyone? I loved it, what a fun story! It’s the first book in the new Brooke and Abby Cozy Mystery series, with marvelous characters, time travel, and good old-fashioned detecting. Brooke Anderson is a no-nonsense data researcher for the police department. She has a middle-aged roommate named Henry, and a new hippy type neighbor named Abby who loves Tarot cards and has partnered with police using her psychic time-travel abilities. At first Brooke seems dismissive of Abby, but in time we see her softer, more likeable side when we learn the history of her relationship with Henry. He coaxes the two women into friendship; then they become a team in tying together a serial murderer with the eighteenth century Boston Tea Party.

To this trio add a cat you’ll love named Junebug, a love story between Brooke and a hunky detective, and depiction of life in the US pre-Revolutionary War that adds fascination. The author’s gift in mixing mystery, time travel, and fantasy with a dash of romance make this story complex, exciting and great fun.
Profile Image for Kay Garrett.
600 reviews93 followers
November 19, 2019
TEA ANYONE? By S. R. Mallery is the first book in the A Brooke & Abby Cozy Mystery series. It’s the story of Brooke Anderson, who works as a library researcher out of her home office and often helps the police department to help find answers or clues in open investigations.

Brooke shares her apartment with Henry Wiles, a man that lost his way from Yale professor to living under a freeway after the tragic deaths of his family in a car accident that he felt responsible for, and their cat, Junebug or Junie for short. Henry’s research abilities are superb especially when it comes to things in the past which has helped Brooke out on more than one occasion. He is like the grandfather she wished she had had instead of her own whose memory still gives her nightmares.

Brooke’s been best friends with Laurence “Larry” Sands since childhood. She’s sure nothing could ever drive them apart - not even his being sworn into the police force when she was overlooked by Chief Bruner even after she scoring exceptionally high on all but one of the tests. Larry works side by side with Anthony “Tony” Marino who seems to catch all the ladies eye, including Brooke’s, but her Grandfather’s hurtful words keep playing in her head.

Brooke’s neighbor, Abby Bennett, is about her same age and remarkably they have a lot in common from music to similar family backgrounds. Abby believes in psychic phenomenon and time travel which she experiences through the 1935 Packard Eight Sport Phaeton that her great uncle left her. Will she be able to convince Brooke that it’s real or better yet can they both convince Chief Bruner?

Between on duty officers and researchers covering both past and present events, can they work together for the greater good? When Henry was deliberately run down, does it mean they are getting to close to the truth? Will harm come to someone else before they find out who is behind all the killings? Can Brooke combine forces with her group of friends to help solve the cloth sack murders? Or will the murder find her?

TEA ANYONE? Is a wonderfully, well written paranormal cozy that I think anyone that loves a quick read, fun cozy would love. The characters are endearing and completely believable. The group of five friends and one cat are ones you would wish into your circle of friends and once you read the book you feel like you are one of them. The time travel and facts of history were woven into the story nicely making complete sense to the story. Can’t wait to see if a romance develops between Brooke and Tony in coming books. I look forward to reading what adventures they get into as the series continues. I think this first book of the series sits up a great anticipation for the coming books.
Profile Image for Catherine Welch.
173 reviews5 followers
February 22, 2020
Tea, Anyone?
(Cozy Mystery Book 1)
by S. R. Mallery

Tea, Anyone? is the first book of an exciting paranormal mystery series, a wonderful choice for fans of the cozy mysteries. Fast paced, and a unique mystery story that will captivate readers from the first page, blending time travel, fantasy and old-fashioned detective work, a blooming romance and a touch of humor; making Tea, Anyone? a joy to read, for all ages. Tea, Anyone? is a mixture of several genre that will interest and satisfy readers from start to finish, with twists and turns and building an anticipation for the next book in the series.

Wonderful, loveable and unique cast of characters have been created in this story with a depth and true to life distinction and their unusual friendships. A hippy psychic, time traveler; a professor, two handsome detectives, a psychotherapy cat and our highly intelligent heroine that is smart and sassy; will stop at nothing to find the villain; join forces in the tale of murder that spans centuries, making Tea, Anyone? a realistic and stimulating story.

Ms. Mallery has an exceptional writing skill and a wonderful imagination as she cunningly weaves a wonderful mystery mixed into her well thought out plot, with a passion for history added for a realistic feel in this mystery. A truly enjoyable story to read, I highly recommend series to all that love cozy mystery. Both the author and her book are receiving 5-stars. Well done, I was unaware of just how much I have missed reading mysteries.
342 reviews3 followers
March 18, 2021
I received a free copy of this book, however, my reviews my honest opinion and entirely voluntary. Brooke is a non-sworn researcher for the police who enjoys working with fellow researcher, Henry, and detectives, Larry and his new partner, Tony. Abby is her new neighbor who has gifts beyond this world. Together they must find a serial killer before he strikes again. I don't usually enjoy books with psychic elements but I enjoyed Tea, Anyone? immensely. Instead of being distracting or over the top Abby's psychic abilities added to the story. The historical elements added another element to the story. I loved the humorous writing style and the mystery was a page turner. I look forward to the next Brooke and Abby mystery.
1,992 reviews16 followers
May 12, 2021
Starting a new series of cozy mysteries, this book sets a high bar when it comes to unusual ways of solving a murder.
Brooke, the main character in the story, does research for the police, working closely with her childhood friend Larry. Her cat brings Abby into the story. Abby is Brooke's neighbor, and a psychic. Not really open to the idea of psychics, she only slowly warms to the idea of letting her help with the murder case. Her tarot card induced time travel experiences lead her to the Boston Tea Party. But what do the events of 1789 have to do with the modern times murders?
An interesting book with unique characters, a fascinating plot that engages the reader and keeps them entertained.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Roxx Tarantini.
574 reviews4 followers
February 8, 2020
Brooke does research.  Mostly for the library, but also for the local detectives.   Henry, is a professor Emeritus who fell on hard times, till Brooke found him and helped him.  He does research now too.   And he's Brooke's roommate and the "grandfather she could truly love".

Not so social Brooke, is pushed into learning more about her "hippy dippy" neighbour Abby, when Junebug makes a break for it through a badly latched door.  What are the odds that they end up having so much in common?   That is, until Abby starts talking about her "gifts".

Mallery has built a quirky world with amiable characters.  Cross a "strictly the facts" researcher with a time traveling hippie and there's bound to be sparks flying.  But will those sparks lead to answers?  Mallery's story grabs you and draws you right in.   You'll soon be cheering on the sidelines for Brooke and Abby like they were your best friends.

A great read, fast paced, it weaves seamlessly in and out between 18th century and present day America.  I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to the next books in this new-to-me series.  You will too!

[Many thanks to the author for the opportunity to read this book, in conjunction with the Winter Games Reader Challenge.   The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. ]
Profile Image for Susan Hutchinson.
Author 2 books18 followers
February 20, 2020
Murder most psychic

This is my first SR Mallery book, but it won’t be my last. Brooke and Abby have a lot in common, well almost. Brooke, a detective wannabe with authority, is on the fringes of the police force doing research. Abby also does research, but in a much more unusual way. Together, with Brooke’s roommate and 2 cops, they work together to solve a series of murders in their sleepy little town. Mallery’s writing is crisp, fun and engaging, her characters well developed, and the storyline has an interesting twist. Great read.
154 reviews6 followers
February 11, 2020
Dead bodies with cloth bags over their heads are turning up in alleys, So how does the Boston Tea Party help solve this crime? Brooke is a police researcher. Her new friend and neighbor, Abby, time travels using tarot cards and a Packard, Former Yale professor, Henry who Brooke rescued from life of being homeless, aids in research. They work together to solve the murders and aid poice officer, Larry, long time friend of Brooke and his partner , Tony, love interest of Brooke in the solving this murder mystery. This teams of five follows the twists and turns and numerous suspects to a thrilling conclusion. Sit back with a cup of tea or a wine spritzer and enjoy.
95 reviews
December 5, 2020
A paranormal time travel, a cosy murder mystery, romance, all blend beautifully to make this a captivating read. Well done! I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
1,346 reviews
November 4, 2019
I’ve read a number of mysteries that involved psychics but never one where the psychic could send her mind back in time to help solve a present day mystery. I enjoyed that twist. Also, there is an interesting mix of characters, and I can see a romance developing as the series continues.
Profile Image for Aaron Lazar.
Author 42 books188 followers
January 26, 2020
Tea, Anyone? is a unique mystery which blends good old-fashioned detecting with time travel. This is the first book in the new Brooke and Abby Cozy Mystery series, a paranormal mystery kept my interest from start to finish.

S. R. Mallery creates characters of depth and distinction. From the main character, quirky police data researcher Brooke, to her new hippie-type neighbor, Abby, to Henry, Brooke’s middle-aged roommate, the relationships bloom and offer a number of surprises. On the surface, Brooke appears to be pessimistic and dismissive, especially when she realizes Abby has partnered with police departments using her psychic time-travel abilities. She scoffs at such things. But as time goes on, Mallery reveals a much deeper and kinder side of Brooke, particularly when the history of Brooke and Henry’s relationship is described. I loved this part of the story. Although it wasn’t fundamental to the plot, it defined Brooke in a way that engendered my allegiance to her character.

Brooke’s cat also won my heart. Junebug jumped off the pages as a true feline, from her empathetic efforts to comfort her owner to her little mews of sympathy, she was one of my favorites. It’s clear the author has loved some cats in her lifetime.

The love angle between Brooke and Tony isn’t a primary facet of the story, but it sure is fun and it was interesting seeing Brooke finally accept the fact that she could love someone. I should probably add that Brooke’s past was abusive, and that much of her defensive personality is most likely due to that aspect of her life. See? I’m defending her now as if she’s real. That’s the sign of a good character building.

Another enjoyable facet of the story was Abby’s time travel back to the Boston Tea Party in 1773. Realistic and rousing, these scenes brought a fresh light to what might have been just another fun mystery. Truly enjoyable!

Tea, Anyone? is enthusiastically recommended by Aaron Paul Lazar.



1,597 reviews15 followers
October 31, 2019
Brooke shares her home with a former Ivy-league professor who was also homeless when she met him and he has a talent for genealogy.

Abby lives next door and she also has some interesting talents, such as being a psychic and time travel.

Brooke is determined to get to the bottom of murders in her town.

They all team up with some town police officers to solve a series of murders. There may also be a romance beginning to bud.

This is a fun story with so many angles to it. Definitely worth reading.
2,617 reviews25 followers
February 4, 2020
this was actually a really good book! the cover kinda threw me off though. it has time travel and mystery with a twist. her and her special friends team up with a cute detective . read to find out what happens.
135 reviews
Read
January 30, 2020
Time-Travel

Very cute little story. Love the thought of time-travel. Even though they are both special, it takes an act of magic for everyone to work together.
Profile Image for Jeannie and Louis Rigod.
1,991 reviews40 followers
September 20, 2020
This book was thoroughly enjoyable to me. I am fond of cozy mysteries as well as the paranormal cozy mysteries, and Brooke and Abby have fulfilled both of these likings.

A enjoyable police procedural filled with genealogical tones, sets this new cozy series up. The characters are likable (ok, maybe not the Chief of police so much, but,) and colorful. The crimes are very inventive. The Packard was a plus, and so was the Junebug, (you have to read to discover whom this is.)

I sincerely look forward to the next book in the series. Hopefully it comes out soon.
25 reviews
January 23, 2020
Enjoyable read. I like the parts where Abby goes into the past and when Brooke redeems herself with the chief.
Profile Image for Colleen Chesebro.
Author 15 books89 followers
January 12, 2020
“Tea Anyone?” is a time-travel cozy mystery filled with unique (yet true to life) characters. Pay special attention to the names of the members of the Pride and Joy Gym. I got quite a few laughs out of the author’s creativity. There’s even a bit of romance blooming. And of course, before you know it, there’s a dead body.

Brooke has problems with authority. When she doesn’t pass the police exam, the chief places her in a researching position. Brooke’s new neighbor Abby, is a flower child, a hippie throwback from the 1960s who possesses the ability to time travel. Somehow the two women form a reluctant friendship. With the help of a few friends and Brooke’s cat, Junie, the group assists the police in solving a string of murders that reach back into time.

One of Mallery’s writing gifts is her love for history. Historical details abound, adding to the realistic feel in this mystery. The plot is sound and well thought out, and the characters are the kind of people who could be your neighbors.

The romance developing between Brooke and Tony only makes me want to read more. Where is their relationship going? This is the first book in the series and I can’t wait to see what Brooke and Abby get into next.
Profile Image for Sally Wolf.
Author 1 book25 followers
January 29, 2021
Brooke is an unofficial investigative consultant for the police department and even though the chief of police does not like her attitude, or methods at the behest of a sexy detective, he sought her expertise when a slew of unusual murders started happening around town. When she hits a dead end in the case and her roommate was hurt, Brooke has to turn to her, eccentric neighbor for help, this unusual woman uses some unconventional means and an old car to get some answers. Together they must find the killer before he strikes again.

This book is a wonderful example of a skillfully crafted who-done-it mystery with a time travelling supernatural twist. This author is a master of the time travel genre, well rounded research transports the reader into the past where the truth to the present lies. Throughout the whole book the characters are believable, the plot is fast paced, the twist is fantastic, and Brooke's strange comfort cat is funny. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries, thrillers, psychics, romance, or an all around good read. Curl up in your favorite reading spot with a cup of tea and check out another thought provoking read by this award-winning author.

Profile Image for Elysian Fields.
2,191 reviews37 followers
February 17, 2020
What do you get when you add time travel, cats, tea, the paranormal, US history and a lot of humor together? I fun and enjoyable cozy mystery! I love cozy mysteries as they really rely on their plot and characters to drive the story. In this one we have so much going on it was like a riding a carnival ride (and that is a good thing). The characters are well defined and fun, the bond between the fiends was great and I LOVED the cat. I also enjoyed the little facts and glimpses of history and science that were placed within the story. The way the author wrote the main character really makes this story addictive and fun. I could relate to her, wanted to be her friend and was excited to "help" her on her journey. I am adding the rest of this series to my TBR and I am excited to have found a new author to enjoy. I highly recommend this story. 4.5 stars.



Profile Image for Krystyna.
5,134 reviews55 followers
November 20, 2019
Time travel, research, genealogy and murder - Fab!

What a great read and such a different take on the norm. We have the highly intelligent but anti authority Brooke, the hippy psychic who uses her mother's Tarot cards to time travel Abby, the former Yate professor recovering alcoholic Henry and our two handsome detectives as the starring role with Junie as the all purpose therapy cat leading us through a tale of murder that spans centuries. Wonderful imagery, great use of historical events and a culprit that is hidden until the end.
It all starts off with the exercise class that is run by an aggressive, obnoxious tutor and leads to three deaths with hers making up the fourth. Is this all to do with money? Or does murder lie in a person's DNA?
A fabulous read.
Profile Image for Linda Puritis.
51 reviews2 followers
February 25, 2020
I read a lot of Intensely Emotional/Fiercely Dark stories, I need to dip into something light occasionally like this Cozy Mystery. It's like taking a big sip of lemon sparkling water to clear away the lingering hard flavors of my usual reading material.
With nicknames like Salsa Suzette, Clueless Cathy and Creepy Collin, to name just a few, you know the characters in this book will be unforgettable. There is also loveable cat, Junebug. Throw in multiple murders and a time traveling psychic. Tea, Anyone? is the fresh read my mind and heart needs sometimes. It entertains and leaves me clear and revived. Thank you, S.R. Mallery! This was just book one of a series. I will be back for more.
Profile Image for Jennifer Halloway ong.
646 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2020
Loved it !!!

This is one of those stories that is so suspenseful I literally read it without stopping.. I couldn’t figure out who the murderer was at all every time I thought I had it figured out I was wrong . Brooke , Henry , Abby , Larry and Tony were all trying to find the killer . This has time travel , mystery a little romance in the making and the cat everyone loves named Junebug . Great story beautifully written
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