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Tea and Tarot #4

Never Say Chai: A Culinary Cozy Mystery

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It’s Halloween season in small town San Borromeo, and partners Abigail and Hyperion are determined to make their Tea & Tarot room spooktacular. But when their friend, Detective Tony Chase, is arrested at Beanblossom’s for murder, the duo is certain someone’s playing a nasty trick. And when the official investigation turns into a witch hunt, the stakes to unearth the truth are raised…

But a clever killer has plans to squash their investigation… and the two amateur detectives. If they don’t solve this puzzle—and fast—it will be out of the cauldron and into the fire for them both.

Never Say Chai is a fast-paced and funny cozy mystery, packed with quirky characters, pets, and murder. Buy the book and start this hilarious caper today!

Tearoom recipes in the back of the book!

234 pages, Paperback

Published August 26, 2021

52 people are currently reading
191 people want to read

About the author

Kirsten Weiss

110 books1,302 followers
Kirsten Weiss writes laugh-out-loud, page-turning mysteries. Her heroines aren’t perfect, but they’re smart, they struggle, and they succeed. Kirsten writes in a house high on a hill in the Colorado woods and occasionally ventures out for wine and chocolate. Or for a visit to the local pie shop.

She is best known for her cozy and witch mystery novels. So if you like funny, action-packed mysteries with complicated heroines, just turn the page…

Kirsten sends out original short stories of mystery and magic to her mailing list. If you’d like to get them delivered straight to your inbox, make sure to sign up for her newsletter at kirstenweiss.com

Feel free to follow her on Twitter @KirstenWeiss or Bookbub, get in touch on Facebook, post a picture of this book to Instagram and tag her @kirstenweissauthor, or send her an email. She’ll answer you personally…which may be a good or a bad thing, depending on your perspective.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
1,383 reviews19 followers
September 6, 2021
Abigail and Hyperion are back at the murder solving when Hyperion's partner is the prime and perhaps only suspect. Abigail's grandfather and uncle are back in the mix and Brik is still hanging around.
It is October and Hyperion believes he is cursed for that month each year. Abigail has blown the budget at the tea and tarot shop and is trying to stay in the Halloween spirit.
A solid mystery with lots of clues, investigation and humour.
Profile Image for Pamela.
413 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2021
Perils of the October Curse

As always with Kirsten Weiss series, you are treated to quirky characters, laugh out loud situations and the solving of murders without becoming a murder victim. I enjoy how the characters interact. There has been a lot of character growth in this series. The plot is simple but twisted enough to keep me guessing. If you are a fan of Kirsten Weiss, and I am, you will enjoy this book. If you are new to her work, I would suggest starting with book 1 of this series.
336 reviews3 followers
September 3, 2021
Tea, Tarot, and Murder - Fun Read!!!

Never Say Chai is the fourth and the last book in the Tea and Tarot cozy mystery series.

Abigail Beanblossom and her partner tarot reader, Hyperion Night are busy getting their Tea and Tarot room in small California beach town of San Borromeo ready for Halloween when Hyperion’s boyfriend, Detective Tony Chase stumping in to ask for his Chai tea then follow by policemen who arrest Tony for the murder. Abigail and Hyperion need to jump right in to solve the murder and clear Tony from the crime he didn't commit. As the investigation starts to get its legs, the killer is planning to stop the duo amateur detectives for good so they need to work fast to find the killer before it's too late.

I really enjoy this book, it's a fun, laugh out loud, fast-paced, lighthearted cozy mystery, good story line with delightful quirky characters full with mystery, suspense, and humor that keeps you entertained while trying to figure out the mystery, the twists and turns are abundant in this book. It is a real page turner and is very hard to put down. The story kept me interested from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book to any cozy mystery fans.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andrea.
728 reviews22 followers
October 13, 2021
"Do you have any idea why there's a coffin in my driveway?...And why is it on wheels?"

Only in a Kirsten Weiss cozy mystery are you going to have such questions asked. This fourth installment in the Tea and Tarot series brings back beloved quirky characters and zany situations that keep you completely glued to the Kindle screen while you're reading. I loved being back at the tea room and seeing how they were going to prove that Hyperion's boyfriend Tony, a policeman, was being framed for murder. And I dare you to read this without cracking a few smiles, and maybe a few fun eye rolls.

It may be the fourth book in the series, but what I like is that you can dive into this series and read this one as a standalone. Though I will tell you that you're going to want to go back and read the others for fun. Now that Halloween is in the air, though, this is a great time to read this one.

Bonus points for recipes in the back of the book! I am loving this new trend in books.

Thank you to the author and Goddess Fish for the requested review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews360 followers
August 31, 2021
Who Framed Tony ? . . .

Partners Abigail and Hyperion are decorating their Tea & Tarot room for Halloween. Hyperion was telling Abigail that Tony, his boyfriend, stood him up and never even phoned him or returned his calls! The door flew open and Detective Tony Chase came in, red eyes, rumpled, unshaven, and his hair a mess. He told them he had come in for his Chai tea and that’s all he remembered. He has no idea where he was or what happened to him – until he woke up in a ditch beside a dead man! Just then three men walked in, two in police uniforms and a detective, and they arrested him for the murder of Cassius Santori.

Now they have to quickly find the real killer and prove Tony did not do this! But the killer has eyes on them now and will stop the investigation by whatever means is necessary. Will they escape the danger? Can they capture the murderer? The story line will keep the reader’s full attention as danger stalks our heroes as the tables turn on them. Grab your copy and see who comes out on top this time!
Profile Image for Leah (White Sky Project).
131 reviews137 followers
September 4, 2021
Liked it. This was a fun read. Light, humorous and fast-paced with interesting characters.

Abigail and Hyperion seem like such a fun duo and I enjoyed their banter and dynamics. This is the fourth book in the series but it can stand on its own. Sometimes though I did feel like I missed out a lot on how their friendship and partnership became what it is, but that didn’t really take away from the story. It just made me curious about what happened in the previous books.

The story is not really deeply complicated but it's intriguing enough to make you keep reading. The book manages to keep you guessing til the end.

Overall, this book was an easy and enjoyable read. I liked the little tarot bits sprinkled in there. If you like cozy mysteries or want something light that you can breeze through, you might enjoy this one.

Note: I received a review copy of this book from the author and Goddess Fish Promotions as part of my participation in the blog tour. All opinions and views expressed here are my own.

This review also appears on my blog.
Profile Image for Barbara Hackel.
2,808 reviews46 followers
March 4, 2023
Turns out Hyperion has an October curse! Everything he tries to do seems to backfire on him. Unfortunately October also brings trouble for his boyfriend, Detective Tony Chase. Meanwhile the Tea shop part of the business has a few minor issues including participation in the coffin races close to Halloween. That in turn bring Razzzor (as sponsor and engineering modifications) and Brik (as engineering modifier and co-conspirator to Razzzor) into the confusion. Between solving murders to clear Detective Chase, learning to drive the coffin, and the usual Tea room activities, Abigail and Hyperion are going non-stop. Non-stop fun for sure as the pair stumble into the astonishing solution and clear Tony's name. Wonderful characters! Crazy little details! You never can guess what will happen next! I. Love. This. Series!
1,612 reviews32 followers
August 30, 2021
Never Say Chai: A Culinary Cozy Mystery is the 4th book in the Tea and Tarot Cozy Mysteries Book This is the first novel I have read by Kirsten Weiss. I have found her to be a gifted author. The setting for this novel is small town San Borromeo and the season is Halloween. This novel is fast paced and hilarious at times. A boyfriend is accused of murder and the heroines have set out to solve the mystery and find out who the killer, but quickly the tables are turned and the Killer is hunting them! The novel has a solid story line and is filled three dimensional characters that come to life on the pages. I highly recommend this novel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,028 reviews40 followers
September 4, 2021
A Halloween mystery at a tea shop. Sounds like a tasty treat.

This is book four of the series, but it is written as a standalone. Jump in at any time.

This is a cozy mystery with a cozy setting. Nothing wrong with that! The story is well written, easy to read and just plain fun. It features a well developed setting and wonderful characters that bring the story to life. I really liked our two leads who are smart and resourceful, if perhaps a bit over their heads. The mystery is a good one and features plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Overall, it was a wonderful story and I look forward to exploring more from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
Profile Image for Karen Wright.
605 reviews4 followers
February 25, 2023
Halloween hijinks

With the 4th book in the series, the murder hits close to home with Detective Chase in trouble. Abigail and Hyperion save the day again after a wild ride, literally. Kristen Weiss has a wonderful style that pulls readers into the hilarious adventures these two go on to save their friends and family. The book is well written as always. The characters are well described and I love that so many of them are recurring book to book. The town sounds lovely and makes a great setting for the series. I can't wait to read more of Abigail's adventures. I think her and Hyperion make a wonderful team.
6,020 reviews45 followers
August 10, 2021
When Detective Tony shows up looking red eyed and mussed after missing a date, a witch gets the blame

Who is st fault and what is their motive?

Hyperion and friends stick by Tony. Do his fellow officers?

Darkness comes in many unexpected places and ways.

Acceptable risks mean different things to different people. Will some folks find the costs of friendships too high?

Romance and loyalties ate put to the test in and ther tea themed murder mystery and dramatic adventures

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,665 reviews63 followers
September 7, 2021
Abigail and Hyperion are caught in the center of an investigation when Detective Tony, boyfriend to Hyperion, is arrested for a murder he did not commit. The bad guy is out to stop the two at all costs. Loved the banter and funny situations they get into. The storyline is well written, with just as much comedy as there is suspense, keeping you on your toes. Did not see the ending coming, which is great as there were plenty of surprises and twists to keep you guessing. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
459 reviews4 followers
September 9, 2021
Kristin Weiss writes a number of fun series, but this is by far my favorite! I'very missed Abigail and Hyperion for far too long.

Hyperion isn'the nearly the optimistic guy we know and love in this book. He believes Halloween, and the month leading up to it, are cursed. And things are definitely not going his way. But for once neither he nor Abigail is acussed of murder. But there's still a murder which could implicate the Tea & Tarot shop, even though Hyperion's boyfriend, the cop, is a cussed.

These characters are people I really want to meet in real life!
16.6k reviews154 followers
August 29, 2021
It is Halloween and they want to make their cafe the spookiest of all. When he is arrested for murder, they know they need to help him before he is charged and found guilty.it is not going to be easy but they will as hard as they need to solve it. Who did it? Can they find them? Can they stop them from committing more? See how they all get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
154 reviews2 followers
September 9, 2021
I enjoyed this 4th installment in the Tea and Tarot Cozy Mysteries series just as much as the previous books. Excellent writing, quick-paced dramatics and movement in the mystery/case, combined with well-established characters and a lovely setting. Can be read as a standalone, but better in series to get the full effect. A must-read for any cozy mystery fan. Can’t wait for the next one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
290 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2022
Great Series!

This is book 4 of the series. Kirsten Weiss knows how to write interest-keeping stories. You get pulled in and stay there.
Her development of characters is awesome, but it's their thoughts and the dialog that makes this series truly enjoyable.
Abigail had issues, but she's the kind of friend everyone should have.
And Hyperion and Razzzor are priceless sidekicks!
I look forward to Book 5!
Profile Image for Lea.
2,841 reviews59 followers
November 12, 2023
3.5-4 stars. This is the first I’ve read in the series and ir probably would have been beneficial to read from the start of the series for the background but there was enough reference I got the gist.
It’s definitely got a Halloween vibe with costumes, pumpkins, and a coffin race. The mystery is good, tons of suspects. Overall enjoyed it, great holiday read even if I was a little late to the holiday.
Profile Image for Kristin Whitehouse.
1,443 reviews52 followers
September 30, 2021
I really like this series. This one was really good and I didn't figure out the bad guy at all. I really wish Brik and Abigail would get together but even if they don't I really like the characters and want more.
14 reviews
June 11, 2023
1) how long is the month of October in this book? 2) I liked not realizing who had done it until closer to the end. 3) does she have any hobbies other than tea and videogames? It’d be nice to see her develop more as her own persona without the supporting characters.
Profile Image for Holly.
158 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2023
I loved this one. It had lots of hyperion, Tony, Abigail, Razzzor (not sure how many z's), a little bit of Brik, and a new love interest. The plot was fun and I liked seeing a more serious side of Hyperion.
331 reviews
August 12, 2024
Halloween 🎃 at the Races

Where else can you read about a coffin race and catch a killer? Read for yourself and find the clues to who and why…. A Hint.. it’s not who was put in jail…👻💀🎃
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,190 reviews85 followers
August 28, 2021
This is a fun-to-read cozy mystery.. I liked it.. It is clever and quirky, with a cool mystery to solve..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mel R.
6 reviews
September 21, 2021
Love these books and the characters but wouldn't they have tested Tony's hands for gunshot residue??? This seems like a huge oversight in the plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ribbqah.
401 reviews
June 13, 2022
Tea & Tarot Proprietors solve another murder mystery…so …so…
Profile Image for Sandra Mason.
37 reviews
October 14, 2022
Next!!!!!

Can't wait for the next one! Really enjoy these cozy mysteries! The Paranormal Museum and The Tea and Tarot mysteries have drawn me in to Kirsten Weiss's books.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,150 reviews
November 18, 2023
This series is a lot of fun. The characters are funny and the action is non stop
Profile Image for Cat.
117 reviews
September 12, 2021
I prefer my Chai Dirty... (with coffee in it)

A cute cozy mystery with a Halloween theme.
I found myself enticed by the blurb, the characters are appealing and with enough of a quirky vibe to be interesting.
Sadly, I found myself bored with the pacing of this story.
From one car journey and interview to the next there were very few developments and it all became quite repetitive.
I would rather have learned more about the curse or the animosity with the PR lady.
A solid story just needed a boost of caffeine.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for M.T. DeSantis.
Author 21 books68 followers
September 13, 2021
I received this book for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Another wonderfully entertaining and expertly plotted cozy from Weiss. I enjoyed this from start to finish. The character voice is spot-on for a cozy with the perfect blend of humor and serious. So relatable.
The Halloween angle made this all the more fun. I love Halloween, so a coffin race was neat, and the spooky stuff combined with a murder mystery got the book’s atmosphere just right.
I came into this series with Never Say Chai (which is number 4 in the series). I feel I would have had a greater connection to the characters if I’d started with book 1, but picking up with book 4 didn’t dampen my enjoyment or ability to get hooked. Highly recommend if you like delicious-sounding recipes (there are yummy scones!) and cozy mysteries with fun characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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