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Tea & Sympathy Mysteries #1
Tea & Sympathy
FIRST IN THE TEA & SYMPATHY SERIES!
Meet Lilly Tweed. Former Agony Aunt. Purveyor of Fine Teas. Accidental Sleuth.
When Lilly Tweed former agony aunt with the local newspaper is made redundant, she takes the opportunity to pursue a lifelong ambition, to open The Tea Emporium in the small market town of Plumpton Mallet.
But with her replacement making a hash of the column, it’s not long before she is once again being sought for valuable advice.
When the body of a local woman is found drowned in the river, the contents of her pockets reveal a letter from Lilly and she’s unwillingly drawn into the case.
But is it just a tragic accident, as the police think? Lilly isn’t convinced, but pursuing her own inquiry means it isn’t long before she gets into hot water.
Meet Lilly Tweed. Former Agony Aunt. Purveyor of Fine Teas. Accidental Sleuth.
When Lilly Tweed former agony aunt with the local newspaper is made redundant, she takes the opportunity to pursue a lifelong ambition, to open The Tea Emporium in the small market town of Plumpton Mallet.
But with her replacement making a hash of the column, it’s not long before she is once again being sought for valuable advice.
When the body of a local woman is found drowned in the river, the contents of her pockets reveal a letter from Lilly and she’s unwillingly drawn into the case.
But is it just a tragic accident, as the police think? Lilly isn’t convinced, but pursuing her own inquiry means it isn’t long before she gets into hot water.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
180 pages, ebook
First published July 31, 2021
116 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
J. New
45 books217 followersClaim your FREE book at www.jnewwrites.com
WRITER OF BRITISH MYSTERIES. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, cozy, humorous. Featuring memorable protagonists, their unusual side-kicks and an eclectic ensemble of supporting cast members. They usually include spirits (all varieties) a little bit of magic, a spot of romance and copious amounts of tea. At regular intervals they involve steam trains and sometimes bicycles.
SERIES:
THE YELLOW COTTAGE VINTAGE MYSTERIES, traditional English whodunits with a twist, set in the 1930s. Known for their clever humor as well as the interesting slant on the traditional murder mystery.
THE TEA & SYMPATHY series featuring Lilly Tweed, former newspaper Agony Aunt, now purveyor of fine teas at The Tea Emporium in the small English market town of Plumpton Mallet. Along with a regular cast of characters, including Earl Grey the shop cat.
THE FINCH & FISCHER series featuring mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer. Follow them as they dig up clues and sniff out red herrings in the six quintessential English villages and hamlets that make up Hampsworthy Downs.
Jacquie was born in West Yorkshire, England. She studied art and design and after qualifying began work as an interior designer, moving onto fine art restoration and animal portraiture before deciding to pursue her lifelong ambition to write.
WRITER OF BRITISH MYSTERIES. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, cozy, humorous. Featuring memorable protagonists, their unusual side-kicks and an eclectic ensemble of supporting cast members. They usually include spirits (all varieties) a little bit of magic, a spot of romance and copious amounts of tea. At regular intervals they involve steam trains and sometimes bicycles.
SERIES:
THE YELLOW COTTAGE VINTAGE MYSTERIES, traditional English whodunits with a twist, set in the 1930s. Known for their clever humor as well as the interesting slant on the traditional murder mystery.
THE TEA & SYMPATHY series featuring Lilly Tweed, former newspaper Agony Aunt, now purveyor of fine teas at The Tea Emporium in the small English market town of Plumpton Mallet. Along with a regular cast of characters, including Earl Grey the shop cat.
THE FINCH & FISCHER series featuring mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer. Follow them as they dig up clues and sniff out red herrings in the six quintessential English villages and hamlets that make up Hampsworthy Downs.
Jacquie was born in West Yorkshire, England. She studied art and design and after qualifying began work as an interior designer, moving onto fine art restoration and animal portraiture before deciding to pursue her lifelong ambition to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 28, 2022
Lilly Tweed, recently made redundant from her job as agony aunt on the local paper, is doing well in her new endeavour, which is more than can be said for her replacement agony aunt. Lilly is the proud owner of The Tea Emporium in Plumpton Mallet. Although she no longer works for the newspaper, people still ask for her advice, so she has installed a little post box outside her shop for those who wish to leave notes.
Lily is disturbed by one particular letter and concerned for the woman who wrote it. Undecided what to do she writes back advising her to seek professional help. The next thing she knows a body is discovered in the river…
The plot is well thought through with enough twists to keep it moving and interesting. Lilly is an engaging character and the cast of characters which seem like they’ll be regulars are likeable. The information about the different teas and their uses is very interesting. An enjoyable cosy mystery…and I didn’t work out whodunit.
Lily is disturbed by one particular letter and concerned for the woman who wrote it. Undecided what to do she writes back advising her to seek professional help. The next thing she knows a body is discovered in the river…
The plot is well thought through with enough twists to keep it moving and interesting. Lilly is an engaging character and the cast of characters which seem like they’ll be regulars are likeable. The information about the different teas and their uses is very interesting. An enjoyable cosy mystery…and I didn’t work out whodunit.
July 11, 2025
This is a nice, short, easy read. I’d recommend it as a ‘beach read’: something not too complicated but still quite captivating. It is pretty dialogue-heavy, so it almost reads like a tv-show episode!
December 31, 2021
I loved Jacquie New’s series, The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries, and have been desperate to find a gap to read this latest one. A quiet December (or so I thought!) seemed like the ideal opportunity.
Lilly Tweed, having taken redundancy from her job as Agony Aunt with the local newspaper, has set up her own business in Plumpton Mallet, opening her Tea Emporium. Her replacement at the paper hasn’t made a good impression at all and Lilly’s advice continues to be sought. When a local woman is found drowned in the river, Lilly finds herself in the possession of some information which draws her into the case, even though she’d rather not be involved. But will pursuing her own investigation get her into trouble with the local police who are viewing the incident as an accident?
I don’t always take to characters immediately but Lilly Tweed is very likeable and I soon felt as if I had known her forever. There are a host of characters which add to the enjoyment of this story and before long I felt as if I knew them all quite well! The mystery is well thought out and quite enthralling but as well as that I was mesmerised with the details of all the tea in the shop. I’m a coffee drinker but could be very tempted if we had a Tea Emporium in our village. Absolutely delightful, and so very good I just can’t wait to catch up with Lilly Tweed again. Highly recommended and without a doubt entitled to a full five stars!
Lilly Tweed, having taken redundancy from her job as Agony Aunt with the local newspaper, has set up her own business in Plumpton Mallet, opening her Tea Emporium. Her replacement at the paper hasn’t made a good impression at all and Lilly’s advice continues to be sought. When a local woman is found drowned in the river, Lilly finds herself in the possession of some information which draws her into the case, even though she’d rather not be involved. But will pursuing her own investigation get her into trouble with the local police who are viewing the incident as an accident?
I don’t always take to characters immediately but Lilly Tweed is very likeable and I soon felt as if I had known her forever. There are a host of characters which add to the enjoyment of this story and before long I felt as if I knew them all quite well! The mystery is well thought out and quite enthralling but as well as that I was mesmerised with the details of all the tea in the shop. I’m a coffee drinker but could be very tempted if we had a Tea Emporium in our village. Absolutely delightful, and so very good I just can’t wait to catch up with Lilly Tweed again. Highly recommended and without a doubt entitled to a full five stars!
March 7, 2022
I discovered the author’s cozies during the Christmas season (2021) and was captivated by "Decked in the Hall." In fact, I read all 3 of the available cozies in a row of the "Finch & Fischer Mystery" series. This led my anticipation of further delight to investigate another series by this author but it was sadly disappointing to me.
• If you enjoy drinking tea and learning of the different medicinal benefits, this is the book for you.
• If you enjoy an entrepreneur that is constantly away sleuthing leaving the business to be manned by a new hire, this is the book for you.
• If you enjoy an amateur sleuth that conveniently forgets all the things she puts in her pocket, this is the book for you.
• I'm not a tea drinker but love a cold glass of sweet tea with lemon as a refreshing summer drink.
• I've read many delightful cozy mysteries with entrepreneurs of tea rooms that weren't dashing out on their employees every other minute.
• Amateur sleuth Penny Finch and her little Jack Russell terrier Fischer are simply a charming combination. Lilly Tweed, former agony aunt of the local newspaper exhibited many qualities but I didn't find charm to be one of them. Her cat, Earl Grey, is more delightful simply by sleeping in the window of the tea room.
At this time, I’m undecided if I’ll try "The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries" taking place in 1930’s England or simply wait to enjoy more time with Penny and Fischer.
• If you enjoy drinking tea and learning of the different medicinal benefits, this is the book for you.
• If you enjoy an entrepreneur that is constantly away sleuthing leaving the business to be manned by a new hire, this is the book for you.
• If you enjoy an amateur sleuth that conveniently forgets all the things she puts in her pocket, this is the book for you.
• I'm not a tea drinker but love a cold glass of sweet tea with lemon as a refreshing summer drink.
• I've read many delightful cozy mysteries with entrepreneurs of tea rooms that weren't dashing out on their employees every other minute.
• Amateur sleuth Penny Finch and her little Jack Russell terrier Fischer are simply a charming combination. Lilly Tweed, former agony aunt of the local newspaper exhibited many qualities but I didn't find charm to be one of them. Her cat, Earl Grey, is more delightful simply by sleeping in the window of the tea room.
At this time, I’m undecided if I’ll try "The Yellow Cottage Vintage Mysteries" taking place in 1930’s England or simply wait to enjoy more time with Penny and Fischer.
July 24, 2022
A new cozy mystery series by an author I've never read before, so I was interested to see what the book was like. It's also included in my kindle unlimited subscription (at the time of writing). It didn't take me long to get into the book and I'd finished it in a day.
Based in a small town in UK, Lilly has opened a tea emporium after being made redundant from her agony aunt job for the local newspaper. She has a cat who goes to work with her everyday called Earl Grey and she decides to employ someone, part time, as the shop's popularity grows.
She was a very popular agony aunt, so when word gets out she's still happy to answer letters, people drop their problems into the shop, either speaking to her in person or via letter.
One such letter has her worried, and when that person ends up dead, Lilly is suspicious, so decides to ask around, and she's gets embroiled in a mystery. She also meets her replacement at the newspaper, who isn't as popular as Lilly was!
I enjoyed reading this book and have already downloaded the next book in the series. If you like cozy mysteries, give this a try.
Based in a small town in UK, Lilly has opened a tea emporium after being made redundant from her agony aunt job for the local newspaper. She has a cat who goes to work with her everyday called Earl Grey and she decides to employ someone, part time, as the shop's popularity grows.
She was a very popular agony aunt, so when word gets out she's still happy to answer letters, people drop their problems into the shop, either speaking to her in person or via letter.
One such letter has her worried, and when that person ends up dead, Lilly is suspicious, so decides to ask around, and she's gets embroiled in a mystery. She also meets her replacement at the newspaper, who isn't as popular as Lilly was!
I enjoyed reading this book and have already downloaded the next book in the series. If you like cozy mysteries, give this a try.
August 24, 2022
I really love the author's Yellow Cottage series so I was hoping to like this one as much. I can't say I'm there yet, but I did enjoy the book. Being the first of the series I am going to give it some wiggle room even though there were some things I wasn't too happy about. The author does such a good job writing and keeping us guessing. You (or I did) think you have it all figured out and then there's a twist and it's not what you think it was. I really enjoy that even though I HATE to be proven wrong! LOL Still, I have to say, the characters didn't do it for me. Maybe they will flesh out in later books but none of them seemed, not only not likeable but acted, in some cases irrationally. I'm torn between liking Lily and going along with her choices and actions but then pages later I want to just smack her for being so naive and saccharine-sweet! I also hope that "American Girl" Stacey becomes more realistic and less of the "gee-whiz" rah-rah indomitable cardboard cut out. Maybe I have to let the series grow on me, which I will do.
May 27, 2024
This is a new series for me. I really enjoyed getting to know Lilly, the proprietor of a tea shop in her small English town. Lilly had been the "Agony Aunt" (American readers, think Dear Abby) but was let go when the paper was bought by a larger one. Taking her severance pay, Lilly opens a tea shop in town. Since the woman who has taken over her job is not the nicest or wisest of folk, the townspeople have taken to leaving notes in the letterbox in front of the shop, asking for help. When Lilly gets a letter from a woman who expresses fear that someone is out to kill her, and is later found dead, the mystery begins.
This first entry is full of clues, red herrings, and lovely descriptions of the area. I was quite pleased to discover that, although this is the first book in the series, there are 8 more for me to continue reading. I can't wait to get into them!
This first entry is full of clues, red herrings, and lovely descriptions of the area. I was quite pleased to discover that, although this is the first book in the series, there are 8 more for me to continue reading. I can't wait to get into them!
July 18, 2022
Lilly and Stacy
Lilly was just getting her new tea shop under control and beginning to see a little bit of customer's presents when she gets a letter from a young woman asking for help. Being swamped by customers and not having a shop girl yet she writes a letter back but doesn't feel that she has much time to get involved. A young American applies for the job she is offering and it turned out to be the best thing she's ever done. With help she now feels she can spend time helping the letter writer. She just doesn't know how dangerous and involved this help is going to be.
Lilly was just getting her new tea shop under control and beginning to see a little bit of customer's presents when she gets a letter from a young woman asking for help. Being swamped by customers and not having a shop girl yet she writes a letter back but doesn't feel that she has much time to get involved. A young American applies for the job she is offering and it turned out to be the best thing she's ever done. With help she now feels she can spend time helping the letter writer. She just doesn't know how dangerous and involved this help is going to be.
December 20, 2022
Decent Cozy Mystery
Mysteries are my go-to genre — my comfort food of literature. But I seldom read cozy mysteries, I decided to try this series on an impulse. The writing is basically average, which is typical of cozy mysteries. I found the characters to be a little bit too stereotypical. Lilly and Stacey are both a little too sweet and perfect while Abigail is the quintessential villain.
The plot is rather interesting, but without any spoilers, does stretch the imagination a bit. The one thing that really bothered me was that Lilly stole things from people without any hesitation (or punishment)
Mysteries are my go-to genre — my comfort food of literature. But I seldom read cozy mysteries, I decided to try this series on an impulse. The writing is basically average, which is typical of cozy mysteries. I found the characters to be a little bit too stereotypical. Lilly and Stacey are both a little too sweet and perfect while Abigail is the quintessential villain.
The plot is rather interesting, but without any spoilers, does stretch the imagination a bit. The one thing that really bothered me was that Lilly stole things from people without any hesitation (or punishment)
mystery
December 15, 2021 A cozy murder mystery
After years of being the agony aunt in the local newspaper, Lilly Tweed opens her own tea shop. However, people still write to her with their problems. As a result, Lilly installs a letterbox outside her tea shop and answers every letter seeking advice.
One such letter is particularly disturbing, and while Lilly is formulating a response, the woman's body is pulled from the river. The manner of death is put down as suicide, but Lilly suspects the woman was murdered.
62
After years of being the agony aunt in the local newspaper, Lilly Tweed opens her own tea shop. However, people still write to her with their problems. As a result, Lilly installs a letterbox outside her tea shop and answers every letter seeking advice.
One such letter is particularly disturbing, and while Lilly is formulating a response, the woman's body is pulled from the river. The manner of death is put down as suicide, but Lilly suspects the woman was murdered.
62
November 25, 2022
Fast paced and fun
I’m always partial to a cozy mystery set in a tea shop, and tea shop owner, Lilly Tweed fits the bill. Though she oversteps her bounds on the regular, her understanding of people and her natural inclination to solve problems works perfectly. This mystery surrounding the death of a troubled woman who had written former agony aunt-turned-teashop-owner is a good balance of memorable characters and plot momentum. Looking forward to Book 2.
I’m always partial to a cozy mystery set in a tea shop, and tea shop owner, Lilly Tweed fits the bill. Though she oversteps her bounds on the regular, her understanding of people and her natural inclination to solve problems works perfectly. This mystery surrounding the death of a troubled woman who had written former agony aunt-turned-teashop-owner is a good balance of memorable characters and plot momentum. Looking forward to Book 2.
September 10, 2021
First book in a J. New series!
Lilly makes great tea in her Tea shop…..but, she isn’t much of a detective without a lot of help from her friends. She, and all her friends, do solve the murder though. I enjoyed this book (especially the tea recommendations) Nd have the next one already on my “to be read” bookshelf.
Lilly makes great tea in her Tea shop…..but, she isn’t much of a detective without a lot of help from her friends. She, and all her friends, do solve the murder though. I enjoyed this book (especially the tea recommendations) Nd have the next one already on my “to be read” bookshelf.
October 11, 2021
Couldn’t Stop Reading
I’m not an avid reader, but love “cozies”. I need to be immediately drawn in, and this story did that. I liked the fewer characters, easy to keep track of, and movement of main character was fun and exciting. I especially like that I couldn’t correctly guess the killer early on. Great twist! And now, the story continues…next book please!
I’m not an avid reader, but love “cozies”. I need to be immediately drawn in, and this story did that. I liked the fewer characters, easy to keep track of, and movement of main character was fun and exciting. I especially like that I couldn’t correctly guess the killer early on. Great twist! And now, the story continues…next book please!
February 17, 2022
Great story
In this new series Ms.New has introduced us to Lilly and Stacie who run a tea shop. In between serving customers they solve murders, much to the irritation of the local police. The characters are likeable and the storyline is compelling and keeps your interest to the end. Good start for the series.
In this new series Ms.New has introduced us to Lilly and Stacie who run a tea shop. In between serving customers they solve murders, much to the irritation of the local police. The characters are likeable and the storyline is compelling and keeps your interest to the end. Good start for the series.
April 14, 2022
Cozy British tea shop mystery.
This is a mystery that takes place in a tea shop in England. Lilly is the owner of the shop. She was a reporter before. As well as giving advice. She receives a letter from a woman who wants advice. After the woman is killed she starts asking questions. Which leads to more questions. The resulting ending was not what I expected.
This is a mystery that takes place in a tea shop in England. Lilly is the owner of the shop. She was a reporter before. As well as giving advice. She receives a letter from a woman who wants advice. After the woman is killed she starts asking questions. Which leads to more questions. The resulting ending was not what I expected.
December 21, 2022
Book 1/30 days book challenge.
I'm not sure what to say really, because it's such a short book and might easily spoil it.
The mystery per se was nothing original, but everything else was really nicely done. I didn't like the main character too much tho, she got on my nerves by being so calm and good ALL the time!!!
I'm not sure what to say really, because it's such a short book and might easily spoil it.
The mystery per se was nothing original, but everything else was really nicely done. I didn't like the main character too much tho, she got on my nerves by being so calm and good ALL the time!!!
August 6, 2021
An intriguing cosy murder story. Investigated by the local tea shop owner, who previously worked as the Agony Aunty on the local paper.
A lovely easy read to while away a few hours - while you try to decide who did it!! 😁
A lovely easy read to while away a few hours - while you try to decide who did it!! 😁
August 10, 2021
Very enjoyable
Having read other titles by J New I couldn't wait to start a new series and get to know new characters, and this book did not disappoint. A lovely read to escape into with likeable characters. I look forward to the next book in the series
Having read other titles by J New I couldn't wait to start a new series and get to know new characters, and this book did not disappoint. A lovely read to escape into with likeable characters. I look forward to the next book in the series
August 25, 2021
Tea & Sympathy Review
Excellent piece of writing from this author. I loved her other series and was enthused about this series debut offering. I was not disappointed. Looking forward to the second story.
Excellent piece of writing from this author. I loved her other series and was enthused about this series debut offering. I was not disappointed. Looking forward to the second story.
September 9, 2021
A great British cozy
Tea & Sympathy is a cozy readers delight . Lily, A previous,'Dear Abby ' like character takes us on a well thought out mystery adventure. Love the characters we will see in this series.
Tea & Sympathy is a cozy readers delight . Lily, A previous,'Dear Abby ' like character takes us on a well thought out mystery adventure. Love the characters we will see in this series.
September 25, 2021
Good read. Worth your time.
I really enjoyed it. Well written. I like her characters and they really drew me in. It is refreshing to have a mystery without a lot of sordid descriptions. I highly recommend.
I really enjoyed it. Well written. I like her characters and they really drew me in. It is refreshing to have a mystery without a lot of sordid descriptions. I highly recommend.
October 7, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much. I do not usually go for cosy tea shop /cake baking books as they just seem to eat .. and eat.. This one was a bit differant all interesting characters and a great setting. I have read the Author before and enjoyed her work.
May 19, 2022
A good start to a new series from J New. Reading these is also a lesson in Tea. In that respect, I wish they drank more than Mint or Chamomile. Maybe they will in the next books. The mystery solving isn't too shabby either and I look forward to the next one.
September 16, 2022
another great cozy series
At the end of a busy day I just want to relax with a quiet read. This new J. New series completely fits the bill.
I recommend them for anyone looking for a few enjoyable quiet hours
At the end of a busy day I just want to relax with a quiet read. This new J. New series completely fits the bill.
I recommend them for anyone looking for a few enjoyable quiet hours
August 17, 2021
A bit different.
Really enjoyed this story. Could easily be televised.
I liked the fact that the 2 main characters were different generations. Also I love tea and cats!
Really enjoyed this story. Could easily be televised.
I liked the fact that the 2 main characters were different generations. Also I love tea and cats!
August 17, 2021
Very enjoyable
I enjoyed the attention to detail in this book. The characters are believable and the plot was plausible. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed the attention to detail in this book. The characters are believable and the plot was plausible. I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 29, 2021
Enjoyed
I enjoy British mysteries. This is one of the best I've read recently. UT is not filled with too much regurgitation of facts over and over. I enjoyed the characters.
I enjoy British mysteries. This is one of the best I've read recently. UT is not filled with too much regurgitation of facts over and over. I enjoyed the characters.
August 30, 2021
Great read with a cuppa
Great first story in hopefully a long series. Good characters, plenty action, lots of clues to spot as you go along. Hurry with more please
Great first story in hopefully a long series. Good characters, plenty action, lots of clues to spot as you go along. Hurry with more please
October 9, 2021
Nice new series
I really enjoyed this new book, it was fast paced but with lots of good background descriptions, hopefully the next ones will be just as enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this new book, it was fast paced but with lots of good background descriptions, hopefully the next ones will be just as enjoyable.
October 27, 2021
An enjoyable light read
An easy read, with very likeable characters that you would like to meet and a tea shop you want to visit.
Fast paced throughout with lots of twists.
An easy read, with very likeable characters that you would like to meet and a tea shop you want to visit.
Fast paced throughout with lots of twists.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews