Blueberry Chai Frenzy

Dolphin Bay #5

by Leena Clover

The Butler women are thriving. Anna's Cafe is a big success and her friendship with ex police chief Gino Mancini is progressing slowly but steadily. Now she wants to focus on finding her husband John's killer. When a man is found dead in the botanical garden, Anna feels obliged to help Gino investigate. The police suspect the old man's son, a hostile young man with a clear motive. For the first time, Anna is inclined to agree with them. As details of the crime emerge, Anna realizes the dead man was hated by many. False alibis, feuding neighbors and estranged family members keep Anna going around in circles. The truth seems elusive as every clue Anna pursues proves to be a red herring. Faced with secrets and lies at every turn, Anna banks on her girls for much needed support. Meanwhile, spring has arrived in Dolphin Bay with a profusion of wildflowers and incessant rain. Everyone is looking forward to the annual spring fling festival. Will a rotten old oak foil their plans? Blueberry Chai Frenzy is a fast paced murder mystery that will keep you guessing till the end. If you like cozy mysteries featuring strong women, scenic small towns, yummy food and a dash of romance, you will love this latest instalment in the Dolphin Bay Cozy Mystery series. THE DOLPHIN BAY COZY MYSTERY SERIES Raspberry Chocolate Murder - Book 1 Orange Thyme Death - Book 2 Apple Caramel Mayhem - Book 3 Cranberry Sage Miracle - Book 4

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Cozy

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2020

About the author

Leena Clover is a popular, bestselling author of cozy mysteries with heart.

You can expect fearless heroines, small town drama, quirky characters and friendships that last a lifetime in her books. Yummy food and a murder or two are guaranteed!

Visit her website at leenaclover.com to learn more.

Reviews

[John Presler]

Cassie and Anna are walking along the Coastal Walk when they encounter Terry Fowler, a detective with the Dolphin Bay Police Department. Lou Harding was found dead on a park bench and the police suspect foul play. Anna didn't really know Lou Harding, as he had moved to Dolphin Bay almost 20 years earlier, but worked in a nearby town and was somewhat of a recluse. Lou's son, Scott, is known to have a temper and wants to move away from Dolphin Bay to live in the city. Scott has requested Gino Mancini, the former chief of police, to investigate his father's death.

The annual Spring Fling Dance is right around the corner, but the place where the dance is normally held was destroyed by a falling tree. As if she does not have enough to do with her cafe and bookshop, Anna is trying to take another look at the murder of her husband, John, but still agrees to help Gino with his investigation.

Who killed Lou? Why was he killed? Can Gino and Anna unravel the mystery? Can the Spring Fling Committee find a new venue for hosting the annual dance?

Leena Clover has another winner with this installment of the Dolphin Bay Mystery series. The characters are very realistic, with complex relationships and situations. There are plenty of red herrings to keep the reader guessing clear to the end.

[Darlene Riggs]

This cozy is one great story!

I discovered this series after reading THE PELICAN BAY COZY MYSTERY SERIES by Leena Clover. I all five books in this series (so far) before I started to write the reviews. I love the marvelous friendship that the Firecrackers (Anna, Julie, and Mary) share. Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, although I prefer reading in order. The backstories of Anna and her family are revealed a piece at a time as the series progresses. I am anxiously awaiting the next book for the continuing backstory and developing romances almost as much as the next mystery to solve.

I don’t like reviews with spoilers so I will only share my general opinion of this story. As Anna and friends look into the latest murder in their small town, they uncover a web of deceit and lies surrounding the victim. There are more twists and turns in this story than a mile of country road. Romance flourishes throughout the story as it weaves through Anna’s family.

If you enjoy reading an awesome cozy mystery, then you don’t want to miss this one.

[Barbara Hackel]

What a good addition to this series! Not one, but two murders! And clues to the past that seem like answers will be coming soon! I love when clues from previous books all add up and I can finally start making good guesses on things that the author keeps tantalizingly close.
The characters are becoming old friends, and I like how they interact effortlessly.While I love reading this series, sometimes I am frustrated with all the wonderful foods described...making me hungry! But who wants to stop reading to cook? If you happen to be new to the series, give yourself a treat and start at the beginning and read them all in order! Good series keeps on getting better!

[Sandy]

Another great mystery in the Dolphin Bay series! The book has a main mystery as well as a mystery which runs through the series. The solid plot, beach town location, engaging characters and great writing make this a fun read. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to future installments. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.

[JANE VAN HORN]

Great book

This is a great book with in depth characters and a great storyline. It has several mysteries going at one time.

[Darlene]

Another fun addition to the Dolphin Bay series. Once again Anna finds herself uncovering not one but two mysterious deaths in the otherwise idyllic town of Dolphin Bay. The circumstances leading to the murders was interesting and surprising. My favorite part of the story was the epilogue were we learn more about Anna's deceased husband John and perhaps some clues into his death. I suggest reading the series in order to appreciate the underlying town "gossip" and character relationships. Don't read while hungry, there is a big emphasis on food and meals. An enjoyable series, looking forward to seeing where it goes from here!

[Anne Newman]

I received this book as an ARC. I enjoyed reading it & meeting the characters for the first time. Several twists & turns throughout. I wish I enjoyed cooking the way Anna seems to! All those lovely meals & nibbles. I’m ready to read the next book!

[Mary Baker]

Good Clean Mystery

A widowed lady has a shop, a close tie to the police and a smart mind. An old man is found dead on the beach. Anna is brought Into the investigation to find clues.

[E]

Another awesome book

Fun characters, great setting. Well written enjoyable story. I look forward to each new release. I can't wait to see what the firecrackers next adventure will be.

[Deborah R Reader]

Mysteries lots of mysterious

This book is very entertaining as it contains many mysteries within the story. Hard to put down. Good read and I recommend it to all.

[Tonya Pentycofe]

Great Read

This story kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book. What a great way to escape everything going on in the world today. Her books are wonderful.

[Michelle Nelson Lowery]

Blueberries and mayhem

You will be taken on a cozy ride through the California shore to see who dunnit? Whilst opening small little hints into other mysteries along the way.

[Diane Sprecker]

What a puzzler!

Kept my attention through out the entire book. The characters are well written and the plot kept me guessing the whole time.

[Gerry L Hyde]

Another mystery

This book like the preceding ones is humorous and thoroughly enjoyable. There is always a murder mystery with a twist at the ending.

[Rita]

Dolphin Bay 5

Great reading, great fun, great story!! I love this story. The intrigue at the end makes you want to Never miss one these stories! I’m itching to start book 6.

[Carole]

These are so easy to read and quite enjoyable. The back story is more important than the whodunnit. Ideal read if you just want to sit and chill for a couple of hours.

[Karen Geurts]

I liked this story. Good characters and a little of twists.

[Emmalynn]

My dislike of Cassie continues, there’s just no redeeming qualities to her. The murder and plot were ridiculous

[Mary Jasen]

Good read

As you read each book in the series, you get to see the characters develop and their story lines are exposed.

[Marietta Slater]

This series is good for my walking track. That's about all I can say. Same story over and over.

[Penny Perse]

Blueberry Chai Frenzy

Gold in the hills and way too many people are dying in this story. I want something funny to happen.