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Seaside Cafe Mystery #4
A Call for Kelp
It's sink or swim for Everly with her most bizarre case yet!
Everly Swan is busy as a bee running her beachside iced tea shop, and the small island of Charm, North Carolina is abuzz-Mitzi Calgon, an iconic Hollywood actress, is in town! Everly's great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping and Mira has agreed to help. But when the actress turns up dead, reporters and fans swarm the island, muddying the water and disrupting the peaceful lives of the townspeople.
Everly's never been good at minding her own beeswax, so she starts following her own leads and combing through the evidence. Then there's the mystery of Detective Hays-ever since their kiss under the mistletoe, he's been acting distant. And he's annoyingly determined to keep Everly away from the case. But when she receives a cryptic warning to "Bee Careful", Everly realizes that she's gotten herself into a really sticky situation...
The fourth book in Bree Baker's Seaside Café Mystery series, readers of Joanne Fluke and Kate Carlisle will love A Call for Kelp!
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 26, 2020
279 people are currently reading
948 people want to read
About the author
Bree Baker
10 books654 followersBree Baker is a Midwestern writer, obsessed with small town high jinks, sweet tea and the sea. She's been telling stories to her family, friends and strangers for as long as she can remember, and more often than not, those stories feature a warm ocean breeze and recipe she's sure to ruin. Now, she's working on those fancy cooking skills and dreaming up adventures for the Seaside Cafe mysteries. Her debut title, Live & Let Chai releases from Sourcebooks in July 2018. Bree is a member of Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers and the Romance Writers of America. She is represented by Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
April 25, 2020
Tea shop owner Everly Swan is thrilled to have Mitzi Calgon, a famous Hollywood actress, and friend of her late grandmother, in town to help her great aunts with their documentary about beekeeping. When she is found dead, Everly is determined to get justice for her grandmother's friend.
A Call for Kelp is a delightful and well-written cozy mystery, with a picturesque setting, a relatable main character, and a well-plotted murder mystery. This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and each book gets better and better. Bree Baker did an excellent job of developing Denise's character in this book, and I'm really happy that we finally got some answers to the mystery surrounding her and Grady's in-laws. Although I have a feeling that there is more to come with that storyline. I did correctly guess who the culprit was halfway through the story but couldn't figure out their motive. Overall, I was very satisfied with the conclusion. This was a wonderful addition to the series and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Call for Kelp is a delightful and well-written cozy mystery, with a picturesque setting, a relatable main character, and a well-plotted murder mystery. This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and each book gets better and better. Bree Baker did an excellent job of developing Denise's character in this book, and I'm really happy that we finally got some answers to the mystery surrounding her and Grady's in-laws. Although I have a feeling that there is more to come with that storyline. I did correctly guess who the culprit was halfway through the story but couldn't figure out their motive. Overall, I was very satisfied with the conclusion. This was a wonderful addition to the series and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2021
The Seaside Café Mysteries written by Bree Baker are charming, fun books that build a wonderful community setting, offer snappy and memorable characters, and entertain me for several hours. I've just finished the 4th in the series, A Call for Kelp. In this installment, Everly Swan, a mid-to-late-twenties single woman has been running her seaside iced tea shop for just under a year. Her great aunts are making a movie to support their bee hives, and Everly's late grandmother's best friend from her Hollywood days has agreed to star in it. Except she's deadly allergic to bees.
You guessed it! She dies, and pretty quickly, too. But was it really from the bee stings or part of an elaborate cover-up? A few of the movie staff, plus the woman's ex-husband and stepdaughter look guilty, as well as the dubious head of her underground fan club. When a second suicide/murder occurs, Everly knows there is something horrible going on. Except the killer, like usual in this series, captures Everly and nearly murders her. Poor Grady, the detective who's moved to town to get away from an interfering former mother-in-law, can't keep up with solving the case and protecting Everly. He's beginning to crush on her, even if he's staying far away to protect her from something in his past.
Another good book in this series. It has a calming influence, despite the murders and the worry about poor Everly's safety. She does put herself in a few bad situations, but truthfully, sometimes she has awful luck. Before she even began investigating this one, the criminal did something to her as a warning - sort of... "don't investigate the murder I'm about to commit." In a way, it was quite funny, but at the same time, this happened in all 4 books, where the murderer taunts poor Everly. I'm hoping we go a different route in the next book (so so so minor tho, it's actually kinda quirky in a good way, too).
Looking forward to the 5th one next week... then I have the 6th one thru NetGalley and I'm all caught up. #7 is set for an early 2022 release, so I want to be ready to stay current.
You guessed it! She dies, and pretty quickly, too. But was it really from the bee stings or part of an elaborate cover-up? A few of the movie staff, plus the woman's ex-husband and stepdaughter look guilty, as well as the dubious head of her underground fan club. When a second suicide/murder occurs, Everly knows there is something horrible going on. Except the killer, like usual in this series, captures Everly and nearly murders her. Poor Grady, the detective who's moved to town to get away from an interfering former mother-in-law, can't keep up with solving the case and protecting Everly. He's beginning to crush on her, even if he's staying far away to protect her from something in his past.
Another good book in this series. It has a calming influence, despite the murders and the worry about poor Everly's safety. She does put herself in a few bad situations, but truthfully, sometimes she has awful luck. Before she even began investigating this one, the criminal did something to her as a warning - sort of... "don't investigate the murder I'm about to commit." In a way, it was quite funny, but at the same time, this happened in all 4 books, where the murderer taunts poor Everly. I'm hoping we go a different route in the next book (so so so minor tho, it's actually kinda quirky in a good way, too).
Looking forward to the 5th one next week... then I have the 6th one thru NetGalley and I'm all caught up. #7 is set for an early 2022 release, so I want to be ready to stay current.
December 31, 2019
You’ll want to make a beeline for the bookstore the day this book goes on sale! Sun, Sand and Tea is a delightful seaside tea shop owned by Everly Swan in scenic Charm, North Carolina. You could find me any day sitting in the warm ocean breezes enjoying an iced cold flavored tea!
As Everly’s great aunts, Clara and Fran Swan continue their quest to educate the masses on how to save the honeybees, a documentary production to be narrated by aging actress, Mitzi Calgon is stalled by a horrific murder.
Detective Grady Hays now has this case to deal with plus wrapping up an investigation he’s been working on for his ex-mother-in-law, Senator Olivia Denver. Naturally, Everly can’t keep her nose out of the developing news and begins to receive threatening texts and a break-in at home. Mitzi’s biggest fan, an eclectic guy called Canary provides clues about Mitzi’s past and who the probable killer is, putting Grady and Everly in a dangerous position. I was surprised by the culprits identity. The author keeps the storyline tightly paced and swift moving. Book four is a fantastic addition to the previous stories in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. Thank you.
As Everly’s great aunts, Clara and Fran Swan continue their quest to educate the masses on how to save the honeybees, a documentary production to be narrated by aging actress, Mitzi Calgon is stalled by a horrific murder.
Detective Grady Hays now has this case to deal with plus wrapping up an investigation he’s been working on for his ex-mother-in-law, Senator Olivia Denver. Naturally, Everly can’t keep her nose out of the developing news and begins to receive threatening texts and a break-in at home. Mitzi’s biggest fan, an eclectic guy called Canary provides clues about Mitzi’s past and who the probable killer is, putting Grady and Everly in a dangerous position. I was surprised by the culprits identity. The author keeps the storyline tightly paced and swift moving. Book four is a fantastic addition to the previous stories in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. Thank you.
July 23, 2020
Another delightful book in this series. I was a bit sad that the victim (Mitzi) had to be someone who was going to relate stories about Everly's grandmother when she was trying to make it as an actress. Denise's character was a bit more fleshed out in this book. And now I've come to like Wyatt, he is growing on me a bit. Ryan is another delightful character, the whole banter between him and Everly is so funny, very realistic. The mystery was great and Everly as usual falls into so much trouble. And every time she gets threatened, I laugh internally. I had absolutely no clue as to who the murderer was until the reveal. And I have to give credit to the narrator, Therese Plummer, she was just amazing with all the voices right from book 1. And now I can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
May 31, 2020
Bree Baker’s A Call for Kelp is a fun and charming cosy with great characters. I like the book but I was a bit disappointed. The mystery storyline was too thin and I wish the plot was less crowded. This is the fourth book in the series but it works as a standalone.
Our protagonist is Everly Swan, owner of a beachside iced tea shop on the picturesque island of Charm. The townspeople are buzzing with excitement because famous Hollywood actress Mitzi Calgon has arrived! She’s working on a beekeeping documentary with Everly’s great-aunts. Everly is looking forward to getting to know Mitzi because she was an old friend of Everly’s late grandmother. However, Mitzi is soon murdered! Everly begins sleuthing to get justice for her grandmother’s dear friend. She juggles dire threats to her life, a lengthy suspect list as well as the mystery of her relationship with Detective Hays who has been distant since their Christmas kiss.
The well-paced plot is interesting and has good suspense and viable suspects. However, the murder mystery sometimes played second fiddle to the subplots. I wish the mystery was better written. There are several interesting suspects and I wish more time was spent developing their characters. The big reveal could have been built up more organically. The killer’s intentions are a bit weak and didn’t make much sense. The ending is also abrupt and could have been stronger.
However, I love Baker’s mature writing. It is so descriptive and lovely that I feel like moving into Charm and never leaving! I also love the well-developed and likeable characters as well as their genuine interactions with each other.
Everly is a great and relatable protagonist. I love reading about all the food and teas she serves in her shop! I like the addition of nosy reporter Ryan and mysterious assistant Denise to the crime-solving team. I wish Everly worked more with these two because their interactions are fun and well-written.
However, there are too many subplots involving the side characters. The storyline with Grady’s in-laws as well as Denise’s budding romance with Everly’s ex-boyfriend could have been trimmed in favour of developing the mystery.
A Call for Kelp is a good and quick cosy read. I love the characters and setting but the mystery plot could have been stronger. However, I love Baker’s writing and this lovely world she has created so I will definitely return to this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🍯 🍯 🍯 honey pots out of 5!
Our protagonist is Everly Swan, owner of a beachside iced tea shop on the picturesque island of Charm. The townspeople are buzzing with excitement because famous Hollywood actress Mitzi Calgon has arrived! She’s working on a beekeeping documentary with Everly’s great-aunts. Everly is looking forward to getting to know Mitzi because she was an old friend of Everly’s late grandmother. However, Mitzi is soon murdered! Everly begins sleuthing to get justice for her grandmother’s dear friend. She juggles dire threats to her life, a lengthy suspect list as well as the mystery of her relationship with Detective Hays who has been distant since their Christmas kiss.
The well-paced plot is interesting and has good suspense and viable suspects. However, the murder mystery sometimes played second fiddle to the subplots. I wish the mystery was better written. There are several interesting suspects and I wish more time was spent developing their characters. The big reveal could have been built up more organically. The killer’s intentions are a bit weak and didn’t make much sense. The ending is also abrupt and could have been stronger.
However, I love Baker’s mature writing. It is so descriptive and lovely that I feel like moving into Charm and never leaving! I also love the well-developed and likeable characters as well as their genuine interactions with each other.
Everly is a great and relatable protagonist. I love reading about all the food and teas she serves in her shop! I like the addition of nosy reporter Ryan and mysterious assistant Denise to the crime-solving team. I wish Everly worked more with these two because their interactions are fun and well-written.
However, there are too many subplots involving the side characters. The storyline with Grady’s in-laws as well as Denise’s budding romance with Everly’s ex-boyfriend could have been trimmed in favour of developing the mystery.
A Call for Kelp is a good and quick cosy read. I love the characters and setting but the mystery plot could have been stronger. However, I love Baker’s writing and this lovely world she has created so I will definitely return to this series!
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this book in exchange for an honest review.
🍯 🍯 🍯 honey pots out of 5!
March 5, 2020
The Seaside Cafe' series is such a fun series to read with the great island setting on the Outer Banks of North Carolina and realistic, likable recurring characters. Everly Swan owns a tea shop and cafe' in the large two story house that she bought on the beach where she lives upstairs and has her shop downstairs. Included with the house is a special gull named Lou and a cat that comes and goes as she pleases named Maggie. Everly comes from a family of strong women, having been raised by her now deceased grandmother and is close to her Aunts Clara and Fran. They are beekeepers and a documentary is being made about their life and the importance of bees. Unfortunately, a retired film star, Mitzi Calgon, who is planning to narrate the documentary is killed during the festivities to promote the film. Mitzi was close to Everly's grandmother and had planned to share about their friendship and some letters of correspondence between them but was killed before she could do that. Everly, along with Ryan, a reporter from New York City, is thrown into investigating the murder. Her special friend, Detective Grady Hays, would prefer that she stay out of it, especially since someone is sending her threatening messages to stay out of it.
This is a great addition to the series with a mystery that kept me guessing and, of course, Everly just can't stay out of danger. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
This is a great addition to the series with a mystery that kept me guessing and, of course, Everly just can't stay out of danger. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
September 29, 2024
A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker 4 Stars
Book 4 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series
Another great book in the cozy Seaside Cafe Mystery Series! I just love these characters so much. Not a whole lot to say, but we continue to follow Everly Swan in her Tea shop on the beachside in the great small island of Charm, North Carolina. The whole town in excited because an iconic Hollywood actress is in town. Everly's great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping. When the actress turns up dead, reporters and fans swarm the island and disrupt the peaceful lives of the townspeople. Everly combs through the evidence to help detective Grady Hays figure this one out. :)
This series is just so much fun. I love the vibe it gives and just overall coziness of the characters and setting.
Continuing on in the series :)
Book 4 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery Series
Another great book in the cozy Seaside Cafe Mystery Series! I just love these characters so much. Not a whole lot to say, but we continue to follow Everly Swan in her Tea shop on the beachside in the great small island of Charm, North Carolina. The whole town in excited because an iconic Hollywood actress is in town. Everly's great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping. When the actress turns up dead, reporters and fans swarm the island and disrupt the peaceful lives of the townspeople. Everly combs through the evidence to help detective Grady Hays figure this one out. :)
This series is just so much fun. I love the vibe it gives and just overall coziness of the characters and setting.
Continuing on in the series :)
June 7, 2022
Love it!
I love this series! The characters are great. I felt like this book brought everyone together more and I hope it continues in the next book. I also love the beach town vibe and Everly’s shop. I don’t want her tea but I’d love lunch there. The mystery was entertaining. Recipes were included at the end which is always a plus. #readforkimberly
I love this series! The characters are great. I felt like this book brought everyone together more and I hope it continues in the next book. I also love the beach town vibe and Everly’s shop. I don’t want her tea but I’d love lunch there. The mystery was entertaining. Recipes were included at the end which is always a plus. #readforkimberly
July 12, 2020
This has got to be one of my favourite cozy mystery series! Love the beachy vibe and the community spirit in Charm. As usual, Everly is busy not getting involved in murder and mayhem and that goes about as you'd expect -- as in she's up to her neck in suspects and threats. Great cast of secondary characters who always have her back (or not) and the romance kicks up a notch in this one. Woohoo! Plus it's a completely clean read. I'm all kinds of giddy over this one.
Oh -- and I listened to the audible version because it's narrated by Therese Plummer!!! She is my all time favourite narrator -- love the oomph she brings to each book she reads. She really gets into the story and I can tell she's having as much fun as I am.
Oh -- and I listened to the audible version because it's narrated by Therese Plummer!!! She is my all time favourite narrator -- love the oomph she brings to each book she reads. She really gets into the story and I can tell she's having as much fun as I am.
December 22, 2020
Ah-Maze-Ing!!! This book was fantastic! Definitely a favorite series for me. I love Everly and cannot wait to see what happens next. I love the friends & relationships she has created. Can I meet her?? I did not guess the killer, and was totally surprised (in a good way) at how the killer was caught. Great author. Great book. If you haven't yet, you need to read this series!!
January 5, 2021
Everly Swans’s aunts, Clara and Fran, are making a documentary about saving the honey bees. When a well-known actress, Mitzi Calgon, arrives on the island to participate in the documentary, Everly is over the moon with excitement. Mitzi was Everly’s grandmother’s best friend. She has so many questions to ask her about her grandmother. When the time comes to start the presentation, the curtains are pulled back, a gasp arises from the audience, then screams ensue. Mitzi, who is highly allergic to bees, is found in the bee display box, dead. Fans and reporters swarm the small town of Charm, North Carolina, bringing a new challenge to solving Mitzi’s murder. Not only does Everly feel the need to avenge the actor’s death, her best friend’s father, Mr. Butter’s becomes the prime suspect in the case. Everly isn’t about to be deterred, even when she receives ominous texts to “bee” careful!
Bree Baker’s Seaside Café Series, is one of my favorites. Everly is a strong woman, owns her own café known as the Sun, Sand & Tea Shop, and has a penchant for solving crimes. A perfect escape from the cold, winter days to an enchanting small, sea side town with delightful characters. The plot is well-thought out, there are plenty of suspects, and a bit of romantic tension between Everly and the town detective, Grady Hays. The twists and turns, will keep you guessing, and a suspenseful ending when the killer is revealed. The setting and story, kept me delightfully entertained, and looking forward to my next visit to Charm, North Carolina. An engaging cozy mystery full of sand, surf and murder! Don’t forget to check out the delicious tea and food recipes at the end of the book!
Bree Baker’s Seaside Café Series, is one of my favorites. Everly is a strong woman, owns her own café known as the Sun, Sand & Tea Shop, and has a penchant for solving crimes. A perfect escape from the cold, winter days to an enchanting small, sea side town with delightful characters. The plot is well-thought out, there are plenty of suspects, and a bit of romantic tension between Everly and the town detective, Grady Hays. The twists and turns, will keep you guessing, and a suspenseful ending when the killer is revealed. The setting and story, kept me delightfully entertained, and looking forward to my next visit to Charm, North Carolina. An engaging cozy mystery full of sand, surf and murder! Don’t forget to check out the delicious tea and food recipes at the end of the book!
August 3, 2020
What I really like about this series is that the detective is smart and really knows how to do his job not some idiotic pompous know it all that needs the amateur sleuth to solve the crime for him. This makes for a nice break from a lot of other cozy mysteries. I just love, love, love the series, the setting, the characters and how they progress through the series, a touch of romance and of course a good old fashioned murder mystery.
August 5, 2020
This series is an auto-buy for me, and A Call For Kelp doesn't disappoint. It's another solid, well-written fun installment in the series. I love the characters Bree has created and with each story, we learn more about them. Already waiting impatiently for the next book in the series.
May 23, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Bees, bees, bees, it’s all about the bees as Hollywood icon, Mitzi Calgon, comes to town to lend her voice to a documentary about beekeeping and saving the bees for Clara and Fran Swan. Before the project even gets off the ground there is a buzz in the air and one dead actress. Everly’s focus should be on her ice tea shop but she can’t get her mind off that Mitzi knew her grandmother and that she has to get her justice even when she is given a huge warning to “Bee Careful”.
The Sun, Sand, and Tea in Charm, North Carolina is a place I would love to spend day after day even with all the drama of a murder.
Ms. Baker gas penned a multifaceted story. We have the recent murder, Detective Grady Hays is dealing with a family issue that has been building over the course of the series. He has also been pulling away from Everly. The excellent character development continues as all the core characters are still evolving nicely. The characters added for this story brought some intrigue. I just wish Mitzi hadn’t been the victim. She was a woman full of stories.
The mystery was very well-plotted and written. I did enjoy that Everly gets help from someone other than Grady and that there were plenty of suspects, secrets, twists, and a surprising reveal. The pace was perfect and I was totally delighted with this book.
Ideal setting, a captivating mystery, and terrific characters make A Call for Kelp a fun and entertaining cozy mystery readers will love. Each book leaves me wanting more. I can’t wait to return to Charm.
Bees, bees, bees, it’s all about the bees as Hollywood icon, Mitzi Calgon, comes to town to lend her voice to a documentary about beekeeping and saving the bees for Clara and Fran Swan. Before the project even gets off the ground there is a buzz in the air and one dead actress. Everly’s focus should be on her ice tea shop but she can’t get her mind off that Mitzi knew her grandmother and that she has to get her justice even when she is given a huge warning to “Bee Careful”.
The Sun, Sand, and Tea in Charm, North Carolina is a place I would love to spend day after day even with all the drama of a murder.
Ms. Baker gas penned a multifaceted story. We have the recent murder, Detective Grady Hays is dealing with a family issue that has been building over the course of the series. He has also been pulling away from Everly. The excellent character development continues as all the core characters are still evolving nicely. The characters added for this story brought some intrigue. I just wish Mitzi hadn’t been the victim. She was a woman full of stories.
The mystery was very well-plotted and written. I did enjoy that Everly gets help from someone other than Grady and that there were plenty of suspects, secrets, twists, and a surprising reveal. The pace was perfect and I was totally delighted with this book.
Ideal setting, a captivating mystery, and terrific characters make A Call for Kelp a fun and entertaining cozy mystery readers will love. Each book leaves me wanting more. I can’t wait to return to Charm.
June 4, 2020
Excellent addition to the Seaside Cafe Mystery series that can be read as a standalone, but you would enhance your enjoyment by reading them in order for the development of the characters and their relationships. Everly Swan is the owner of an iced tea cafe on a small island off the Outer Banks in North Carolina. Her aunts' businesses feature bees, honeys and all manner of organic products related to bees. They've enlisted an old friend and ex-movie star in the making of a documentary detailing the plight of the honeybee. When the ex-movie star dies in a bizarre manner, Everly begins investigating to keep her loved ones from being arrested. Characters are interesting and engaging. The plot is multilayered to keep it interesting and I was not able to guess the perpetrator. Settle in for a fun beach read. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2021
2021 Reread:
Yes we had another discussion 🤣 watch it!
https://youtu.be/R4HgW-QxZAA
2020:
Don’t forget to check out the livestream discussion May 27th at 6pm Arizona Time! One lucky viewer will win a signed copy of the book!! Each comment will be an entry to win the giveaway! First half of the discussion will be spoiler free so everyone will have a chance to watch and comment and be eligible to win! Hope to see you there!!
https://youtu.be/arei4rziLdE
Yes we had another discussion 🤣 watch it!
https://youtu.be/R4HgW-QxZAA
2020:
Don’t forget to check out the livestream discussion May 27th at 6pm Arizona Time! One lucky viewer will win a signed copy of the book!! Each comment will be an entry to win the giveaway! First half of the discussion will be spoiler free so everyone will have a chance to watch and comment and be eligible to win! Hope to see you there!!
https://youtu.be/arei4rziLdE
May 25, 2020
A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker is the 4th A Seaside Café Mystery. It can be read on its own if you are new to the series. Personally, I would read the series in order so she can follow the characters from the beginning. I thought A Call for Kelp was well-written with friendly characters in a cozy seaside town. The story moved along steadily thanks to all the action in the story. Everly lives in Charm, North Carolina where she owns the iced tea café called Sun, Sand and Tea (in a Victorian on the beach). Her great-aunts, Clara and Fran live in the family home where Everly was raised. There are some delightful characters in this series. They are the highlight of this character driven series. Everly is upset when Mitzi is killed before she can talk to her about her grandmother. She was looking forward to learning more about her grandmother and maybe the identity of her mysterious grandfather. The mystery starts off with a bang when Mitzi is found dead inside a plexiglass educational hive. There are several promising suspects, a variety of clues and misdirection. Detective Grady Hays does not want Everly investigating, but we know her curiosity will win out. Everly gets several scary threats. They frighten her, but it does not stop her from sleuthing. All the details of the whodunit are wrapped up at the end. There is a side story involving Detective Grady Hays and the case he has been working on for his mother-in-law, Senator Olivia Denver. I like the humor sprinkled throughout the story as well as the hint of magic. There are recipes at the end of the book for items served at Sun, Sand and Tea (the Swan Family Rum Cake is one of them). A Call for Kelp is an enchanting cozy mystery with buzzing bees, threatening texts, sharp stings, documentary drama, and tasty teas.
August 8, 2024
I picked up this book on a whim because I liked the cover and the title. I LOVED this book! I didn't feel lost by jumping in at book 4. The characters were engaging, and I love it when I don't figure the mystery out before it is revealed. Well written and relatable. Already got the rest in the series so I can binge read the other 6 titles.
May 27, 2020
Famous actress, Mitzi Calgon, is in town to help raise awareness for Everly Swan’s aunts’ upcoming documentary on bees. The town is full of excitement and swarming with superfans but when the curtain is pulled back it reveals a murdered celebrity. Desperate to find out what happened to her late grandmother’s best friend, Everly is pulled into the action and won’t stop sleuthing until she discovers the culprit.
A Call for Kelp is a fun cozy mystery that is part of the Seaside Cafe Mystery series. It is well written and has fun characters that you can’t help but root for. Everly had a list of suspects that she alternated between as prime suspect and I never guessed who the actual killer was. Looking back I’m not sure their were many clues pointing in that person’s direction and their motivations were a bit weak in the end but overall it was still an enjoyable read and I would read more in this series for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for and eARC of this title.
A Call for Kelp is a fun cozy mystery that is part of the Seaside Cafe Mystery series. It is well written and has fun characters that you can’t help but root for. Everly had a list of suspects that she alternated between as prime suspect and I never guessed who the actual killer was. Looking back I’m not sure their were many clues pointing in that person’s direction and their motivations were a bit weak in the end but overall it was still an enjoyable read and I would read more in this series for sure.
Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for and eARC of this title.
July 8, 2022
Reading A Call for Kelp felt like coming home. I've missed Everly, Grady, and the gang from Charm. Another stellar entry in the series, with a mystery that packed a punch. I loved it! If you love cozies, this series is not to be missed.
October 4, 2021
Julie Anne Lindsey
I can't even with this series! I fall more and more in love with Charm and its Charmers with each and every story. I can't wait to jump into the next one!
I can't even with this series! I fall more and more in love with Charm and its Charmers with each and every story. I can't wait to jump into the next one!
June 5, 2020
Bree Baker writes an adorable cozy mystery that will have you turning the pages to find out who done it. This is the first book I have read in the series and will be coming back for more.
August 19, 2021
This is the fourth book in the seaside café mystery series. A celebrity, with ties to Everly's grandmother, comes to town to narrate a documentary about bees. Shortly after she arrives, the celebrity is murdered. Everly tries to stay out of the investigation but it's Everly so we knew that wasn't lasting. She has all of our favorite characters helping her. From her Aunts, to her ex, Wyatt, and reporter friend, Ryan, and best friend Amelia, they all have a hand in helping Solve the case. And let's not forget the very handsome Detective Grady Hays, who while trying to investigate is also trying to keep Everly safe. I have fallen in love with this series. Bree Baker knows how to write fun, realistic, and likeable characters. I always have a smile on my face after I've read one of her books. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors. These characters have become friends that I just want to read about continuously. Loved that there was more of Denise in this book. The Grady and Everly scenes put a smile on my face. Loved how well Ryan and Everly teamed up. The mystery was well done. I totally didn't see the who the killer was. Overall this was a fantastic cozy with characters I love, a setting in a place I would love to live in, and just the right amount of romance to make me smile. Definitely five stars. I received this book from net galley in exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2021
⚡⚡Trigger Warning: descriptive after effects of a fight/ struggle and weight loss issues⚡⚡
💖 Rating: ⭐ / DNF
📚 Genre: Cozy mystery
Everly is helping her aunts with an event for saving the bees, when the very popular guest speaker (and old family friend) is murdered. All signs point to her friend's dad, so Everly reluctantly jumps on the case to clear his name.
💕 Positives:
* Maggie has a larger presence in this book, which is nice.
🚫 Negatives:
* The main character spends a long time complaining about her weight. She's only a size 12 yet she's constantly complaining. It's more annoying than anything.
* The trigger warning content mentioned below is totally unnecessary and uncharacteristic of a cozy mystery.
⚡Trigger Warning: After effects of a fight on a man's arm mentioned in chapter 2 and 7 in detail. Joking about bruises in chapter 7. Dress sizes and weight loss mentioned in chapter 5 through 7. The main character has severe body image issues.
🌟 I dnf-ed this book in the middle. I really wish that the author would stay away from the various triggers mentioned above. Most people read cozy mysteries because they don't contain triggers. They're supposed to be clean, Hallmark-esque type stories. Not filled with bruises and weight issues
💖 Rating: ⭐ / DNF
📚 Genre: Cozy mystery
Everly is helping her aunts with an event for saving the bees, when the very popular guest speaker (and old family friend) is murdered. All signs point to her friend's dad, so Everly reluctantly jumps on the case to clear his name.
💕 Positives:
* Maggie has a larger presence in this book, which is nice.
🚫 Negatives:
* The main character spends a long time complaining about her weight. She's only a size 12 yet she's constantly complaining. It's more annoying than anything.
* The trigger warning content mentioned below is totally unnecessary and uncharacteristic of a cozy mystery.
⚡Trigger Warning: After effects of a fight on a man's arm mentioned in chapter 2 and 7 in detail. Joking about bruises in chapter 7. Dress sizes and weight loss mentioned in chapter 5 through 7. The main character has severe body image issues.
🌟 I dnf-ed this book in the middle. I really wish that the author would stay away from the various triggers mentioned above. Most people read cozy mysteries because they don't contain triggers. They're supposed to be clean, Hallmark-esque type stories. Not filled with bruises and weight issues
January 15, 2021
The small town of Charm, North Carolina is abuzz with excitement because a movie star is among them. Fans and followers of Mitzi Calgon are all drawn to the coast because of her involvement in an upcoming documentary film about the American honey bee. Tea shop owner Everly Swan is equally star-struck, but for a somewhat different reason: Mitzi knew her grandmother and Everly is excited to hear stories and reminisce about the woman who raised her. Plans are made for an evening of conversation and midnight pancakes minutes before a celebratory luncheon for Mitzi. But when Everly sees Mitzi next, she is crumpled inside a gigantic display box as hundreds of honeybees swarm around her. As horrified as Everly and the others are, it's also heartbreaking for her. When her best friend's father rises to the top of the suspect list, Everly is drawn in once again, beginning her fourth murder investigation in A Call for Kelp.
I am drawn to this series like bees to honey. The setting, the characters, the stories; all of it! Bree Baker is truly the bee's knees and this series shines link the inside of the proverbial pot of gold.
I am drawn to this series like bees to honey. The setting, the characters, the stories; all of it! Bree Baker is truly the bee's knees and this series shines link the inside of the proverbial pot of gold.
October 2, 2020
Everly Swan's beekeeping great-aunts were involved in a documentary to save the American honeybee but on the first day of filming a chilling murder changed the focus to the death of someone famous. Detective Grady Hays, Everly's sort of boyfriend, is on the case but he has been acting strangely. Also, there is something fishy about Everly's new employee who also works for Grady.
I enjoyed every aspect of this story from how the relationships developed, the setting, the mysteries, and her annoying fitness bracelet. I am anxious for book #5 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series to see how things progress with all the characters. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
I enjoyed every aspect of this story from how the relationships developed, the setting, the mysteries, and her annoying fitness bracelet. I am anxious for book #5 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series to see how things progress with all the characters. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
May 31, 2020
I discovered this series last year and loved it. However this book and the previous one in the series just hasn’t had the charm that I loved in the first book. I have been buying the books because my library doesn’t carry them. Sadly, this will be the last one that I buy. For me the mystery and plot just never took off. The love interest/ story gets the medal for the slowest beginning ever. At this point I think that Everly should find someone new to like because it will be five years and five mysteries later that something might happen.
July 11, 2020
This is the fourth book in the Seaside Cafe series, and it’s definitely my new favorite of the series. I love the beach setting, and the characters are very likable. The main character operates an iced tea shop and cafe in Charm — one of the barrier islands that make up the Outer Banks. Every time I read one of the books in the series, I want to visit the area! I highly recommend this series.
June 14, 2021
I enjoy these books. They are fun, cozy mysteries so some suspension of belief is easy for me, that the main character doesn't get in trouble for having evidence or asking nosy questions. What does bother me is how weight is talked about. Everly says she a size 12, which isn't morbidly obese or anything. It's a size smaller than the national average. If she had a few moments of self doubt or it was just the spats with her Fitbit, it would be one thing, but after a while it feels like she is constantly thinking/begrudging her weight. As a size 12-14 person, I get pulled out of the story when Everly's inner thoughts can't grasp that men like her curves.
Hopefully the next books will chill out - but I'm still looking forward to reading them.
Hopefully the next books will chill out - but I'm still looking forward to reading them.
June 24, 2023
This series is the bee’s knees 🐝 💛
This book finds Everly starstruck when her grandmother’s bestie/famous actress Mitzi Calgon breezes in to town to take part in a Bee documentary organized by her Aunts. While Mitzi is in town doing the favor for her Aunts, Everly is far more excited about hearing stories of her late grandmother than to hear about Hollywood. Those dreams come to a halt when Mitzi, who is ironically allergic to Bee stings, is found dead in the bee exhibit. 👀 Everly doesn’t WANT to get involved in solving the murder of course, but…..doesn’t she have an obligation? 😏
This book finds Everly starstruck when her grandmother’s bestie/famous actress Mitzi Calgon breezes in to town to take part in a Bee documentary organized by her Aunts. While Mitzi is in town doing the favor for her Aunts, Everly is far more excited about hearing stories of her late grandmother than to hear about Hollywood. Those dreams come to a halt when Mitzi, who is ironically allergic to Bee stings, is found dead in the bee exhibit. 👀 Everly doesn’t WANT to get involved in solving the murder of course, but…..doesn’t she have an obligation? 😏
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