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Vampire Tea Room Magical Mystery #1
Spelling the Tea
Welcome to the coziest, vampire-owned tea room in Bath! It’s steeped in magic and mystery.
You’re supposed to support your guy, right? Even if it means moving away from the watery source of your witchy magic and suffering through five years of writer's block?
Minnie Wells thought so, until her soon-to-be-ex left her high and dry for another woman. Now, she’s back in Bath, with the magic of the town’s enchanted springs flowing through her veins, ready to explore her newbie witch powers and pen her novel. Bath inspired her favorite writer Jane Austen, after all. Why wouldn’t it work for her?
Only catch is, once the divorce is final, Minnie will be deported back to the US (and she’ll lose her powers all over again) unless she can convince the haughty (and handsome) vampire owner of a struggling tea room to hire her.
As if her cup didn’t already runneth over with trouble, an employee drops dead during her interview.
Now Minnie’s got to solve the murder to clear the cafe’s name, while figuring out a way to bring in more customers. With the help of her vampire roommate and black cat familiar, she’s hot on the killer’s trail. But when the murderer sets Minnie in their sights, she’ll have to tap into her own inner strength (and magic) to save herself, and bring the killer to justice.
Will Minnie solve the murder and save the vampire’s tea room? Or will she find herself in hot water with the killer?
You’re supposed to support your guy, right? Even if it means moving away from the watery source of your witchy magic and suffering through five years of writer's block?
Minnie Wells thought so, until her soon-to-be-ex left her high and dry for another woman. Now, she’s back in Bath, with the magic of the town’s enchanted springs flowing through her veins, ready to explore her newbie witch powers and pen her novel. Bath inspired her favorite writer Jane Austen, after all. Why wouldn’t it work for her?
Only catch is, once the divorce is final, Minnie will be deported back to the US (and she’ll lose her powers all over again) unless she can convince the haughty (and handsome) vampire owner of a struggling tea room to hire her.
As if her cup didn’t already runneth over with trouble, an employee drops dead during her interview.
Now Minnie’s got to solve the murder to clear the cafe’s name, while figuring out a way to bring in more customers. With the help of her vampire roommate and black cat familiar, she’s hot on the killer’s trail. But when the murderer sets Minnie in their sights, she’ll have to tap into her own inner strength (and magic) to save herself, and bring the killer to justice.
Will Minnie solve the murder and save the vampire’s tea room? Or will she find herself in hot water with the killer?
196 pages, ebook
First published January 27, 2021
1300 people are currently reading
2800 people want to read
About the author
Erin Johnson
90 books715 followersA native of Tempe, Arizona, Erin spends her time crafting mysterious, magical, romance-filled stories that’ll hopefully make you laugh.
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
In between, she’s traveling, napping with her dogs, eating with her friends and family, and teaching Pilates (to allow her to eat more).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
April 15, 2021
I was really looking forward to this new series from Erin Johnson. I am always a little nervous when you find an author you enjoy and you start a new series by them. I was thrilled by the time I had hit the second chapter though. I love Minnie , and with the addition of a vampire that has to be a win win in my books .
The characters are lovely and I am really excited to see where Minnie's adventures will take her and what part Fitz will have in them .
I'm really looking forward to the next book and hope it comes along soon.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Updated - The audiobooks of this is brilliant. The voices fit so well with the characters , it really is such fun to listen to .
The naration is brilliantly done.
The characters are lovely and I am really excited to see where Minnie's adventures will take her and what part Fitz will have in them .
I'm really looking forward to the next book and hope it comes along soon.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Updated - The audiobooks of this is brilliant. The voices fit so well with the characters , it really is such fun to listen to .
The naration is brilliantly done.
March 1, 2021
Fabulously Fun
Johnson has created a fabulous new cozy series!! We meet Minnie a witch who's powers are tied to Bath waters in England. This wouldn't be a problem but she is an American that is divorcing her English husband which revokes her visa unless she can find a job. Enter the Butler Bath Cafe which she is determined to get hired at. Her pitch doesn't go so well and only gets worse when an employee keeps over dead. Determined to save herself she starts investing in an effort to save the cafe. This leads to a magical process that has results even if they are not always obvious. Makes for quite the fun read as it all plays out. I look forward to more books in this setting. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Johnson has created a fabulous new cozy series!! We meet Minnie a witch who's powers are tied to Bath waters in England. This wouldn't be a problem but she is an American that is divorcing her English husband which revokes her visa unless she can find a job. Enter the Butler Bath Cafe which she is determined to get hired at. Her pitch doesn't go so well and only gets worse when an employee keeps over dead. Determined to save herself she starts investing in an effort to save the cafe. This leads to a magical process that has results even if they are not always obvious. Makes for quite the fun read as it all plays out. I look forward to more books in this setting. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
June 12, 2021
Life is full of change even when you don't want it to be, but while fighting to remain in the town and country that gave your powers life is hard enough without tossing a murder into the mix! Vampires, witches and regular humans mix to make an interesting and eclectic cast of characters that work well to help make an interesting plot even more entertaining! I am definitely intrigued to read or rather listen to more audiobooks from this series!
April 7, 2021
So many rave reviews... did we even read the same book?
March 24, 2025
I enjoyed this book for quick entertainment value, but I will warn you that it's aimed more at fantasy fans than cozy mystery fans. Yes, there is a mystery. Yes, the book is a cozy. But the sleuthing part isn't successful due to Minnie's observational skills or ability to put puzzle pieces together or conversational skills. She's a good sleuth because she gets her vampire friend to help her glamour people she's talking to, or because of a luck potion nudging her into the right spot at the right time, or because she gets help from her "witchy intuition." As long as you're not looking for a mystery-heavy cozy mystery, this isn't a problem. (Side note: apparently there was originally an illustrated cover which fits more with the cozy mystery genre, while the current cover seems to be trying to aim more at urban fantasy readers.)
So... what did I like about this book? I thought the setting was fun, the cat was adorable, and the premise was good. I liked some of the ideas a lot. And the pacing was fast, so I wasn't bored. But there was a bunch I didn't like nearly as much, too. For example, the Bath Butler Cafe was supposedly intended to be a recreation of the Regency era by a vampire who lived in the Regency era, and yet even I can tell you that it was more like a parody of the era than the real thing. For another, main character Minnie just got on my nerves. A lot of her idea of "sleuthing" seemed to be hanging around the cafe making a nuisance of herself. And even though she continually said she needed to also be figuring out how to save the cafe at the same time that she was working on solving the murder, did she ever multitask and work on her plan to save the cafe during downtime of the murder investigation? Nope! She waited until after solving the murder (by getting kidnapped) to work on a plan to save the cafe. That felt very simplistic to me. (And don't get me started on the "attracted to the cafe's vampire owner" bit.)
This was a fun read, even with the annoyances, so if it sounds like something you're interested in, go ahead and give it a try. I won't likely be reading more in the series, because despite the cover this isn't what I'm looking for in an urban fantasy (because it's not an urban fantasy) or in a cozy mystery (while it's cozy, the mystery was too sidelined). But a lot of people love it, so I might be in the minority here.
(Bonus aspect to this book: the cat on the cover is not a lie! The cat shows up early on in the book, and sticks around as the MC's familiar throughout the book—and, presumably, the series, though I haven't read more than book one.)
So... what did I like about this book? I thought the setting was fun, the cat was adorable, and the premise was good. I liked some of the ideas a lot. And the pacing was fast, so I wasn't bored. But there was a bunch I didn't like nearly as much, too. For example, the Bath Butler Cafe was supposedly intended to be a recreation of the Regency era by a vampire who lived in the Regency era, and yet even I can tell you that it was more like a parody of the era than the real thing. For another, main character Minnie just got on my nerves. A lot of her idea of "sleuthing" seemed to be hanging around the cafe making a nuisance of herself. And even though she continually said she needed to also be figuring out how to save the cafe at the same time that she was working on solving the murder, did she ever multitask and work on her plan to save the cafe during downtime of the murder investigation? Nope! She waited until after solving the murder (by getting kidnapped) to work on a plan to save the cafe. That felt very simplistic to me. (And don't get me started on the "attracted to the cafe's vampire owner" bit.)
This was a fun read, even with the annoyances, so if it sounds like something you're interested in, go ahead and give it a try. I won't likely be reading more in the series, because despite the cover this isn't what I'm looking for in an urban fantasy (because it's not an urban fantasy) or in a cozy mystery (while it's cozy, the mystery was too sidelined). But a lot of people love it, so I might be in the minority here.
(Bonus aspect to this book: the cat on the cover is not a lie! The cat shows up early on in the book, and sticks around as the MC's familiar throughout the book—and, presumably, the series, though I haven't read more than book one.)
March 19, 2023
Ehh this one was not for me. 2.5 stars.
It’s so highly recommended I was shocked I didn’t immediately click with it.
Her reactions to things feel better suited to a 12 year old rather than an adult. When the butlers are taking her coat, greeting her, and pulling out her chair she acts completely baffled and has no idea how to react. I can’t imagine why this could be complicated even if you don’t have personal experience. She is constantly reading historical romance, from that alone she should be familiar with what is expected.
This supposedly “historically accurate cafe” run by a vampire meant to have lived in the regency has some cringe inducing moments. For example when the butlers respond with “your wish is my command” to every single request. Yikes. If it was meant to be a dramatized parody cafe sure, but not something you can take seriously.
The audiobook version may be partially to blame. The tone and cadence is what I would expect from an audiobook aimed at middle schoolers. She does something at the end of all the main characters lines. I’m not sure what the name for it is but the last word of each sentence is kind of dull (?) flat (?) lacking inflection (?) and there are frequently odd pauses. It’s the exact same thing the YouTuber Chills does just less intense.
All the background characters have interesting and unique voices but the sound of the main character is so off putting it makes it hard for me to objectively judge the story. I was planning to DNF but bumping the speed up to 2x made it tolerable enough to finish. If you are planning to get the audiobook I highly recommend trying the sample first.
The mystery is interesting and I’m glad I stuck around to hear the end because it was pretty fun but I don’t think I could do a full length book like this
It’s so highly recommended I was shocked I didn’t immediately click with it.
Her reactions to things feel better suited to a 12 year old rather than an adult. When the butlers are taking her coat, greeting her, and pulling out her chair she acts completely baffled and has no idea how to react. I can’t imagine why this could be complicated even if you don’t have personal experience. She is constantly reading historical romance, from that alone she should be familiar with what is expected.
This supposedly “historically accurate cafe” run by a vampire meant to have lived in the regency has some cringe inducing moments. For example when the butlers respond with “your wish is my command” to every single request. Yikes. If it was meant to be a dramatized parody cafe sure, but not something you can take seriously.
The audiobook version may be partially to blame. The tone and cadence is what I would expect from an audiobook aimed at middle schoolers. She does something at the end of all the main characters lines. I’m not sure what the name for it is but the last word of each sentence is kind of dull (?) flat (?) lacking inflection (?) and there are frequently odd pauses. It’s the exact same thing the YouTuber Chills does just less intense.
All the background characters have interesting and unique voices but the sound of the main character is so off putting it makes it hard for me to objectively judge the story. I was planning to DNF but bumping the speed up to 2x made it tolerable enough to finish. If you are planning to get the audiobook I highly recommend trying the sample first.
The mystery is interesting and I’m glad I stuck around to hear the end because it was pretty fun but I don’t think I could do a full length book like this
April 25, 2021
This paranormal cozy mystery was a little palate-cleanser after deeply-affecting reads like "Dear Edward," or my current, sickening afternoon read, "Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Mountain Meadows Massacre."
Minnie is losing everything: her husband, her job, her home in Bath, England - as she's going to be deported w/o a job - AND her baby witchy powers, which are apparently connected to the waters of Bath. If she moves, she loses them. She moves into her friend Gus' townhouse, and adopts a kitten. BTW, Gus is a vampire. His vampire friend, Fitz, has a tea shop w/ a Regency theme. Minnie is a HUGE fan of Jane Austen, which was what brought her to Bath from America in the first place. While visiting the tea shop, Minnie witnesses the death from anaphylactic shock of one of the waiters, or "butlers" in the schtick of the tea room. Minnie decides to solve the mystery to prove to Fitz that he NEEDS her as an employee. She needs a job pretty badly.
The rest of the plot follows the standard cozy-mystery plot: absurd interference in the police investigation; romantic attraction to one of the detectives (and to Fitz); the plucky heroine facing a personally dangerous situation - and in this case, rescuing herself w/ her new-found magical powers; and finally, solving the murder mystery and in Minnie's case, resolving her work situation.
It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't high literature either. I have found this to be the case w/ books that are written for the e-book market. My biggest pet peeve was that Minnie couldn't talk about Gus w/o mentioning his "pointy canines" or his "breakfast glass of blood." We get that he's a vampire, LOL.
Minnie is losing everything: her husband, her job, her home in Bath, England - as she's going to be deported w/o a job - AND her baby witchy powers, which are apparently connected to the waters of Bath. If she moves, she loses them. She moves into her friend Gus' townhouse, and adopts a kitten. BTW, Gus is a vampire. His vampire friend, Fitz, has a tea shop w/ a Regency theme. Minnie is a HUGE fan of Jane Austen, which was what brought her to Bath from America in the first place. While visiting the tea shop, Minnie witnesses the death from anaphylactic shock of one of the waiters, or "butlers" in the schtick of the tea room. Minnie decides to solve the mystery to prove to Fitz that he NEEDS her as an employee. She needs a job pretty badly.
The rest of the plot follows the standard cozy-mystery plot: absurd interference in the police investigation; romantic attraction to one of the detectives (and to Fitz); the plucky heroine facing a personally dangerous situation - and in this case, rescuing herself w/ her new-found magical powers; and finally, solving the murder mystery and in Minnie's case, resolving her work situation.
It wasn't a bad read, but it wasn't high literature either. I have found this to be the case w/ books that are written for the e-book market. My biggest pet peeve was that Minnie couldn't talk about Gus w/o mentioning his "pointy canines" or his "breakfast glass of blood." We get that he's a vampire, LOL.
February 26, 2022
This was a cute cozy mystery. Minnie is getting back on her feet while in the midst of a divorce, discovering her new witchy powers, trying to find a job, anddddd solving a murder!!! The characters are witty, the alley cat turned familiar to Minnie and his reactions to Gus is hilarious. All in all, a good clean, cozy mystery.
November 11, 2022
A sweet pulp novel without much depth
Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed it and will read the next in the series, but it's not a book I'll recommend to friends. It's a light book to read when I need a break from some of the heavier books on my list.
Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed it and will read the next in the series, but it's not a book I'll recommend to friends. It's a light book to read when I need a break from some of the heavier books on my list.
February 26, 2022
Cute!
February 17, 2022
As if a magical tea-room isn't enough, this one is run by a vampire! Erin does it again with a cute and magical mystery!
February 5, 2021
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Spelling the Tea by Erin Johnson is a magical, filled cozy mystery that keeps you guessing on whodunit.
Will Minnie find a way to stay in Bath and solve a mystery?
Minnie Wells
Minnie Wells is our main character and point-of-view character. She is a hoot. We follow along in her story as she discovers how to work her magic and finding a good way to stay in Bath. Minnie is in her late twenties and is going through a divorce when she starts on her journey to have a better life. She is a nice person who decides to help solve a murder while trying to figure out a way to get the tea room owner to give her a chance to work there. I like Minnie because she is a fun character and I love reading from her point of view. She wants to be a writer, which I think is pretty funny, and she likes Jane Austen.
The Mystery
The mystery revolves around one of the butlers dying from a peanut allergy. Minnie is trying to figure out who could have killed him, why they wanted to kill him, and how he got peanuts into his system. Brock Remington, the victim, had many people angry with him, and he didn't care. Minnie has a fun time trying to solve this one and it is pretty interesting who actually did it and why.
Five Stars
Spelling the Tea by Erin Johnson is an enchanting paranormal cozy mystery that keeps the reader on their toes. Ms. Johnson has done a fantastic job of crafting this story. This new series has nothing to do with her last two series, but it's great. I'm curious to see how this location-based witchcraft actually works since I never heard of it before, and it is always great to see what Ms. Johnson's imagination can come up with in her stories. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to anyone that likes paranormal cozies with the perfect amount of humor.
Coming in February 2021
Will Minnie find a way to stay in Bath and solve a mystery?
Minnie Wells
Minnie Wells is our main character and point-of-view character. She is a hoot. We follow along in her story as she discovers how to work her magic and finding a good way to stay in Bath. Minnie is in her late twenties and is going through a divorce when she starts on her journey to have a better life. She is a nice person who decides to help solve a murder while trying to figure out a way to get the tea room owner to give her a chance to work there. I like Minnie because she is a fun character and I love reading from her point of view. She wants to be a writer, which I think is pretty funny, and she likes Jane Austen.
The Mystery
The mystery revolves around one of the butlers dying from a peanut allergy. Minnie is trying to figure out who could have killed him, why they wanted to kill him, and how he got peanuts into his system. Brock Remington, the victim, had many people angry with him, and he didn't care. Minnie has a fun time trying to solve this one and it is pretty interesting who actually did it and why.Five Stars
Spelling the Tea by Erin Johnson is an enchanting paranormal cozy mystery that keeps the reader on their toes. Ms. Johnson has done a fantastic job of crafting this story. This new series has nothing to do with her last two series, but it's great. I'm curious to see how this location-based witchcraft actually works since I never heard of it before, and it is always great to see what Ms. Johnson's imagination can come up with in her stories. I am giving this book five stars and recommending it to anyone that likes paranormal cozies with the perfect amount of humor.
Coming in February 2021
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Spelling the Tea by Erin Johnson.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
Victim/Toe Tag: Brock Remington (B)
Beachcomber Weapons: Medicine/Drugs
Beachcomber Crime Scene: Restaurant/tearoom
Detectives: Minnie Wells (M)
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
April 7, 2021
4 stars
This is the first book in the Vampire Tea Room Magical Mystery series by Erin Johnson.
It took me a minute to get into this book. The premise has a gal, Minnie, who is recently divorced living in England. She is a bit freaked out about maybe having to move back to America if she can’t get a job to stay there more permanently. Plus, add to that she is a newbie witch who recently gained her power trying to get a job at a tea room managed by a couple of vampires from the Regency era.
I wish there had been a bit more backstory. I would have really liked to see what happened between Minnie and her ex and maybe even have him see how leaving her brought him some type of bad mojo.
The whole restaurant tea room where Minnie is trying to get a job has the theme of a Butler Bath Tea Room from the Regency era. All the waiters are dressed as butlers and waiting on people, bowing and such. Apparently, the tea room isn’t doing very well and Minnie can’t get owner Fitz to hire her to save her life.
I am a bit confused about who the love interest is here. Is it best friend Gus, boss Fitz or the cute detective who seems to have a twinkle in his eye for her?
I thought this book was pretty good. I think maybe book two will give us a bit more richness since we will have a whole book under our belts by that time.
This is definitely a series I will continue to follow.
If you love a good supernatural cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
This is the first book in the Vampire Tea Room Magical Mystery series by Erin Johnson.
It took me a minute to get into this book. The premise has a gal, Minnie, who is recently divorced living in England. She is a bit freaked out about maybe having to move back to America if she can’t get a job to stay there more permanently. Plus, add to that she is a newbie witch who recently gained her power trying to get a job at a tea room managed by a couple of vampires from the Regency era.
I wish there had been a bit more backstory. I would have really liked to see what happened between Minnie and her ex and maybe even have him see how leaving her brought him some type of bad mojo.
The whole restaurant tea room where Minnie is trying to get a job has the theme of a Butler Bath Tea Room from the Regency era. All the waiters are dressed as butlers and waiting on people, bowing and such. Apparently, the tea room isn’t doing very well and Minnie can’t get owner Fitz to hire her to save her life.
I am a bit confused about who the love interest is here. Is it best friend Gus, boss Fitz or the cute detective who seems to have a twinkle in his eye for her?
I thought this book was pretty good. I think maybe book two will give us a bit more richness since we will have a whole book under our belts by that time.
This is definitely a series I will continue to follow.
If you love a good supernatural cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.
August 20, 2024
This was a rather cute paranormal/cozy mystery set in Bath. Minnie-- our lead -- is living in Bath with her vampire best friend after her husband left her. Minnie needs a job to stay in England, as she's an American.
As the story begins Minnie is applying for a job at a tea shop owned by another vampire in Bath. But the tea shop is struggling. It has a very cute premise: all of the wait staff are "butlers," with regency-era manners. The food is divine, but the shop has virtually no customers. Minnie figures she could help market the shop. She's quickly turned down for the job, but when a murder occurs there, she decides she'll just hang out at the shop, offer marketing ideas for free, and also solve the murder (which is making business at the tea shop even worse than usual).
All sound improbable? Well of course it is. But then it features a few vampires! I liked Minnie (did I mention she's a witch?), and also liked the two vampires in the book. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series.
As the story begins Minnie is applying for a job at a tea shop owned by another vampire in Bath. But the tea shop is struggling. It has a very cute premise: all of the wait staff are "butlers," with regency-era manners. The food is divine, but the shop has virtually no customers. Minnie figures she could help market the shop. She's quickly turned down for the job, but when a murder occurs there, she decides she'll just hang out at the shop, offer marketing ideas for free, and also solve the murder (which is making business at the tea shop even worse than usual).
All sound improbable? Well of course it is. But then it features a few vampires! I liked Minnie (did I mention she's a witch?), and also liked the two vampires in the book. I'll definitely pick up the next in the series.
January 12, 2025
Reeling from a recent divorce request, Minnie is desperate to find a job so that she can stay in England, where her witch magic is activated by the magical waters in Bath. Her only lead is a butler cafe owned by a friend of her vampire roommate. But when Minnie goes to interview there, she's turned down; however, when one of the butlers dies in front of her, Minnie hopes that if she can figure out why he died, the owner will reconsider.
There was a lot that didn't quite make sense in this book, and the characters were a bit shallow. But who cares! I was there for the mystery, and this book delivered. There were all kinds of clues, suspects, red herrings, and witchy intuition. It was a lot of fun. I'd definitely get the second book ... if it were available on audio.
There was a lot that didn't quite make sense in this book, and the characters were a bit shallow. But who cares! I was there for the mystery, and this book delivered. There were all kinds of clues, suspects, red herrings, and witchy intuition. It was a lot of fun. I'd definitely get the second book ... if it were available on audio.
March 15, 2021
I want to hop a plane, travel to Bath, and eat at the Butler Bath Cafe (which is owned by a vampire) Oh, to be at a place where Regency manners are a must, the waiters are all dressed in black tie and the food mouthwatering. Minnie is a new witch, only discovering her powers when she tried the healing waters. She is down on her luck, trying to find a job before she is deported. Of course, it could only happen to her, at her job interview where she finds a dead body!
She is on the case to figure out who done it so she can hopefully, find a job.
She is on the case to figure out who done it so she can hopefully, find a job.
February 14, 2023
A fun fast witchy read set in one of my very favourite places, Bath. Minnie is an American witch, and a Jane Austen fan girl, about to be deported once her divorce from he British ex is final if she doesn’t find a job right away. But she picks the worst possible day to show up for her interview when one of The Butler Tea shop’s “butlers “ is murdered. Her goal is to find the killer, convince the vampire owner, Fitz, that he needs her marketing skills before she is deported.
Erin Johnson’s characters are quirky and fun, her plot is cozy but tense enough to keep me wanting more. And the setting is Bath! Need I say more?
Erin Johnson’s characters are quirky and fun, her plot is cozy but tense enough to keep me wanting more. And the setting is Bath! Need I say more?
January 31, 2021
Wow
What a spectacular start to a new series!! Minnie is a new witch looking for a way to stay in Bath and near the Waters that seem to have activated her witchy powers. If she can’t find a job she gets deported but when her Vampire friend Gus takes her to a tearoom in hopes of getting a job a murder occurs. Maybe if she can solve the murder the owner Fitz might hire her and she could stay and discover her true potential. Already pre ordered the next in the series!!
What a spectacular start to a new series!! Minnie is a new witch looking for a way to stay in Bath and near the Waters that seem to have activated her witchy powers. If she can’t find a job she gets deported but when her Vampire friend Gus takes her to a tearoom in hopes of getting a job a murder occurs. Maybe if she can solve the murder the owner Fitz might hire her and she could stay and discover her true potential. Already pre ordered the next in the series!!
May 1, 2024
Good book but I didn’t feel like the characters were fully developed. This is a book 1 but maybe I missed a book before it? It seemed like even though it’s listed as a book 1 I felt like I missed a lot of character development and the “how/why” certain aspects are the way they are.
February 18, 2021
Addicting new series
Great new series with highly likeable characters. Love how its set in Bath and a tea room.
I'm definitely looking forward to book two.
Great new series with highly likeable characters. Love how its set in Bath and a tea room.
I'm definitely looking forward to book two.
October 14, 2021
Spelling the Tea is the first book in the Magical Tea Room Mystery series by Erin Johnson. In this book, we are introduced to Minnie Wells - a wannabe author going through a divorce and desperately trying to find a way to stay in Bath after the divorce is final. She is staying with her vampire friend Gus and he's helping her by trying to get her a job at his friend Fitz's butler tea room.
The concept of this story was really fun. I enjoyed how this book had paranormal elements set in the human world. The result was a light, fun, magical story. The characters were younger and felt somewhat immature - many in college or still in their 20s. I liked the vampires more because they seemed so much more mature. But this story was still enjoyable for me and I plan on reading more in this series.
I read my personal copy of this book and my review is not influenced in any way.
The concept of this story was really fun. I enjoyed how this book had paranormal elements set in the human world. The result was a light, fun, magical story. The characters were younger and felt somewhat immature - many in college or still in their 20s. I liked the vampires more because they seemed so much more mature. But this story was still enjoyable for me and I plan on reading more in this series.
I read my personal copy of this book and my review is not influenced in any way.
December 31, 2022
A great start to this cozy mystery series. The combination of magic and regency era was very addictive to read!
May 17, 2023
Cute short paranormal cozy mystery! Excited to see what the rest of the series brings!
November 1, 2025
A short cozy magical read for this Halloween season! Can’t wait to finish the short series
December 29, 2020
I loved this story! Minnie is a strong yet vulnerable main character, very likeable, as are the friends she makes along the way. The world Erin Johnson has created is e tremely promising. As a first in series, Erin has only teased us with the magical details. I wish the other books in this series were available so I could binge to my hearts content.
January 30, 2021
Minnie Wells is having a rough time. She's in the middle of a divorce, unable to find a job after being let go from her ex's company, and she's facing deportation. Fortunately, she has Gus, a vampire friend, who's taken her in and gotten her an interview in a tearoom. Unfortunately, not only is the owner not hiring, but he also has an employee drop dead after escorting Minnie to the restroom. If the owner thought his sales were down before, wait until people hear about the death.
Minnie wants to help find out what happened to the butler. She also wants to prove to the owner that she would be an asset to the flailing business. She enlists the help of Gus and her kitty familiar to work through the possible reasons, motives, and suspects. Her amateur sleuthing, witchy magic, and friends will either assist the police in identifying a killer or put Minnie in the killer's sights.
Minnie is a fun character. She is bound and determined to find a way to stay in Bath, near the springs that activate her powers. If she gets shipped back to the US, her powers become dormant and she doesn't want that to happen. Her plan involves aiding Fitz, an old-fashioned tearoom owning vampire. He's resistant but Minnie continues to plead her case about how her marketing experience will put the tearoom on the map. I love Minnie's interactions with Fitz.
I've been a huge fan of Erin Johnson since Seashells, Spells & Caramels (Spells & Caramels, Book1) was released in 2017. I was excited to learn about the upcoming Vampire Tea Room Magical Mysteries series. Spelling the Tea is a fantastic book. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, and the mystery. Minnie is a fun character, determined to earn her place at Bath Butler Cafe. The secondary characters round out a wonderful cast. The author's writing style, the pacing, and story kept me engaged. I loved the book and can't wait to see what happens with Minnie next!
Minnie wants to help find out what happened to the butler. She also wants to prove to the owner that she would be an asset to the flailing business. She enlists the help of Gus and her kitty familiar to work through the possible reasons, motives, and suspects. Her amateur sleuthing, witchy magic, and friends will either assist the police in identifying a killer or put Minnie in the killer's sights.
Minnie is a fun character. She is bound and determined to find a way to stay in Bath, near the springs that activate her powers. If she gets shipped back to the US, her powers become dormant and she doesn't want that to happen. Her plan involves aiding Fitz, an old-fashioned tearoom owning vampire. He's resistant but Minnie continues to plead her case about how her marketing experience will put the tearoom on the map. I love Minnie's interactions with Fitz.
I've been a huge fan of Erin Johnson since Seashells, Spells & Caramels (Spells & Caramels, Book1) was released in 2017. I was excited to learn about the upcoming Vampire Tea Room Magical Mysteries series. Spelling the Tea is a fantastic book. I enjoyed the setting, the characters, and the mystery. Minnie is a fun character, determined to earn her place at Bath Butler Cafe. The secondary characters round out a wonderful cast. The author's writing style, the pacing, and story kept me engaged. I loved the book and can't wait to see what happens with Minnie next!
May 11, 2021
I just couldn't like this book. Uninteresting and whiny. Two stars instead of one because it might have improved if I'd given it time, but the narrator's voice was not appealing.
October 31, 2022
The perfect cozy witchy read for the start of the fall season. I actually received an ad for this book and I have to say they targeted the right person. A book about an American witch in England with a black cat and a vampire best friend solving a mysterious murder. Sign me up! Plus it’s the beginning of an entire series with this Jane Austen loving witch.
At first I thought it was just going to be a cute little rom-com book but I was surprised to find out it was more of a cozy murder mystery. I love me some rom-coms but cozy murder mystery books with quirky humor just hook me more. They’re like a delicious piece of candy I can’t wait to consume. Spelling the Tea did not disappoint and I found Minnie to be a fun and relatable protagonist. She’s an out of practice witch going through big life changes like a divorce and job change when a death happens right before her eyes.
This book may not be super complex with text full of deeper meanings but it is entertaining and it tackles some real world issues amidst its supernatural elements. As the reader we get to join Minnie along for the ride as she searches for answers to The Who, How, What, and Why of the young man’s death she witnessed. It felt like a witchy Nancy Drew. Minnie must do all this while racing the clock to get a new job so she’s not deported back to America.
She is trying to get a job at a local butler cafe in Bath and has just been denied when the death happens. So, her investigation of the death is her ticket for being accepted as a new employee by the Butler Cafe’s owner who happens to be a vampire like her best friend. Her bestie vampire, Gustaf, was one of my favorite characters and I hope we get to see more of him in the rest of this cozy witchy book series.
I highly recommend this read if you’re looking for something light and fun. It was a breeze to read and left me wanting to read more about Minnie’s adventures in bath. I can’t wait to read more books in the series even if they’re not all murder mystery. The crew of characters introduced in this first book are worth reading more about without the aid of an unsolved murder. Grab this book to read next to a crackling fire with a hot beverage in hand.
At first I thought it was just going to be a cute little rom-com book but I was surprised to find out it was more of a cozy murder mystery. I love me some rom-coms but cozy murder mystery books with quirky humor just hook me more. They’re like a delicious piece of candy I can’t wait to consume. Spelling the Tea did not disappoint and I found Minnie to be a fun and relatable protagonist. She’s an out of practice witch going through big life changes like a divorce and job change when a death happens right before her eyes.
This book may not be super complex with text full of deeper meanings but it is entertaining and it tackles some real world issues amidst its supernatural elements. As the reader we get to join Minnie along for the ride as she searches for answers to The Who, How, What, and Why of the young man’s death she witnessed. It felt like a witchy Nancy Drew. Minnie must do all this while racing the clock to get a new job so she’s not deported back to America.
She is trying to get a job at a local butler cafe in Bath and has just been denied when the death happens. So, her investigation of the death is her ticket for being accepted as a new employee by the Butler Cafe’s owner who happens to be a vampire like her best friend. Her bestie vampire, Gustaf, was one of my favorite characters and I hope we get to see more of him in the rest of this cozy witchy book series.
I highly recommend this read if you’re looking for something light and fun. It was a breeze to read and left me wanting to read more about Minnie’s adventures in bath. I can’t wait to read more books in the series even if they’re not all murder mystery. The crew of characters introduced in this first book are worth reading more about without the aid of an unsolved murder. Grab this book to read next to a crackling fire with a hot beverage in hand.
January 27, 2023
I've been loving some witchy magic, so here's more. Minnie has moved back to Bath after her soon to be ex-husband left her for another woman. Bath is the one place she's in touch with her magic although she's not proficient. She was raised in Arizona, not much water there, but when she came to Bath for University, she made that discovery after drinking some of the enchanted spring's water.
She's got an interview at the Bath Butler Cafe, and she really needs the job. Without a job she can be deported as soon as her divorce is finalized and if she leaves Bath she will also lose the connection to her powers.
She sort of eavesdrops on a conversation between two guys in the alley shortcut she was taking. She also meets a black cat just before she gets to the front of the shop, giving it pets for luck.
She would be meeting her best friend Gus who would introduce her to Fitz the owner of the tea shop. Fitz is a vampire as is Gus and he's set in his ways from two hundred years ago. The decor of the tea shop reflects that time period and since it was also Jane Austin's time Minnie found it delightful. She did think it was a bit stuffy and could use some changes to make it a warmer environment.
Unfortunately, the Butler she saw arguing in the alley dies after escorting her to the restroom and the police declare it a murder. Apparently his EpiPens had been emptied and then made to look unused.
That night after all the interviews, Minnie joins Gus in the living room to discuss everything that's happening and to introduce him to her new pet, possible familiar Tilda.
In order to save the tea shop and Fitz's reputation, Minnie is going to be just as stubborn as he is. She's going to solve this murder. Then with her marketing skills and knowledge of the era make the tea shop the most popular in Bath.
As Minnie works through the suspects, she also makes some connections from Brock's past that may or may not have something to do with his murder.
Plenty of suspense, intrigue, and twists as this tale unfolds. There are even hints of romance, the question is with who.
I am already ready the next book in this fun series.
She's got an interview at the Bath Butler Cafe, and she really needs the job. Without a job she can be deported as soon as her divorce is finalized and if she leaves Bath she will also lose the connection to her powers.
She sort of eavesdrops on a conversation between two guys in the alley shortcut she was taking. She also meets a black cat just before she gets to the front of the shop, giving it pets for luck.
She would be meeting her best friend Gus who would introduce her to Fitz the owner of the tea shop. Fitz is a vampire as is Gus and he's set in his ways from two hundred years ago. The decor of the tea shop reflects that time period and since it was also Jane Austin's time Minnie found it delightful. She did think it was a bit stuffy and could use some changes to make it a warmer environment.
Unfortunately, the Butler she saw arguing in the alley dies after escorting her to the restroom and the police declare it a murder. Apparently his EpiPens had been emptied and then made to look unused.
That night after all the interviews, Minnie joins Gus in the living room to discuss everything that's happening and to introduce him to her new pet, possible familiar Tilda.
In order to save the tea shop and Fitz's reputation, Minnie is going to be just as stubborn as he is. She's going to solve this murder. Then with her marketing skills and knowledge of the era make the tea shop the most popular in Bath.
As Minnie works through the suspects, she also makes some connections from Brock's past that may or may not have something to do with his murder.
Plenty of suspense, intrigue, and twists as this tale unfolds. There are even hints of romance, the question is with who.
I am already ready the next book in this fun series.
February 10, 2021
I think this will turn out to be another great series by Erin Johnson, well it's a good start. I am not to keen on vampire stories (they creep me out) but I love Erin's other series (Spells and caramels and the Magic Market) so had to give it a go. Glad I didn't because other than a few mentions they were vampires and of course late night's you would know. It is a nice easy cosy mystery that centres on the mystery but contains some great characters. I love the idea of the cafe it sounds fun and living in England I might not know Bath very well but everybody has heard of the Roman baths.
The mystery was interesting and held a number of suspects to keep you guessing as to who the murder is. It worked well with Minnie only visiting the cafe and not working there, it Have her more time to investigate. I can't wait to see how she progress with the magic.
Minnie needs to find a job if she wants to stay in England after her divorce. When a friend suggests she tried the cafe that he works at she is hopeful. Until the owner turns her away but before she can leave one of the butlers on staff dies from a peanut allergy. Everybody knew that peanuts could be fatal to him, so how did they get in? Minnie might not have got the job but if she proved who the killer is the owner might just give her a try because Minnie will do anything to stay in Bath and close to the source of her newly found magic. She gave up everything to be married and this time she isn't going down without a fight even if it means going toe to toe with a killer. Can she catch him or her and help save the failing cafe? She might with the help from some new friends.
I love the narrator. She is always a pleasure to listen and certainly makes listening to the book entertaining. I am glad she is this authors narrator of choice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The mystery was interesting and held a number of suspects to keep you guessing as to who the murder is. It worked well with Minnie only visiting the cafe and not working there, it Have her more time to investigate. I can't wait to see how she progress with the magic.
Minnie needs to find a job if she wants to stay in England after her divorce. When a friend suggests she tried the cafe that he works at she is hopeful. Until the owner turns her away but before she can leave one of the butlers on staff dies from a peanut allergy. Everybody knew that peanuts could be fatal to him, so how did they get in? Minnie might not have got the job but if she proved who the killer is the owner might just give her a try because Minnie will do anything to stay in Bath and close to the source of her newly found magic. She gave up everything to be married and this time she isn't going down without a fight even if it means going toe to toe with a killer. Can she catch him or her and help save the failing cafe? She might with the help from some new friends.
I love the narrator. She is always a pleasure to listen and certainly makes listening to the book entertaining. I am glad she is this authors narrator of choice.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
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