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Tea by the Sea Mysteries #3
Murder Spills the Tea
The country's hottest TV cooking show is coming to Cape Cod. And against her better judgment, Lily Roberts is entering America Bakes! with her charming tearoom, Tea by the Sea! Filming is already proving disruptive, closing the tearoom during Lily's busiest season. But tensions really bubble over when infamous bad-boy chef and celebrity judge, Tommy Greene, loses his temper with Lily's staff, resulting in an on-camera blowout with Cheryl Wainwright. Just as Lily thinks the competition can't get more bitter, Tommy is found dead in Tea by the Sea's kitchen . . . murdered with Lily's rolling pin.
Suspicion immediately falls on Cheryl, but the temperamental star has racked up plenty of culinary clashes in the past, both on- and off-screen. And nearly anyone associated with Tommy or the show could be the killer: be it one of Lily's fierce competitors, a member of the beleaguered film crew, or even one of Tommy's fellow judges--struggling cookbook maven, Claudia D'Angelo or beauty contest winner, Scarlet McIntosh. Now, while she's baking up a storm for the show, Lily must also whip up an impromptu investigation . . . before the murderer rolls someone else away.
Suspicion immediately falls on Cheryl, but the temperamental star has racked up plenty of culinary clashes in the past, both on- and off-screen. And nearly anyone associated with Tommy or the show could be the killer: be it one of Lily's fierce competitors, a member of the beleaguered film crew, or even one of Tommy's fellow judges--struggling cookbook maven, Claudia D'Angelo or beauty contest winner, Scarlet McIntosh. Now, while she's baking up a storm for the show, Lily must also whip up an impromptu investigation . . . before the murderer rolls someone else away.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
309 people are currently reading
817 people want to read
About the author
Vicki Delany
62 books1,908 followers“It’s a crime not to read Delany,” so says the London Free Press.
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
Vicki Delany is one of Canada’s most varied and prolific crime writers.
She is the author of four cozy mystery series: The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin. Under the pen name of Eva Gates she writes the Lighthouse Library Series.
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com , www.facebook.com/evagatesauthor, and twitter: @vickidelany
Vicki is part of Mystery Lovers Kitchen (http://www.mysteryloverskitchen.com) and Killer Characters (http://www.killercharacters.com)
Visit Vicki at www.vickidelany.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
March 19, 2025
Murder Spills the Tea is the third book in Vicki Delany's Tea by the Sea Mysteries, a cozy amateur sleuth collection set in Cape Cod, Massachusetts and revolving around a late 20's protagonist named Lily and her English grandmother. Unbeknownst to her, Lily's grandmother and best friend enter her in a tv show cooking competition, which brings the show's cast and crew to the historic B&B and newly launched tea shop. Immediately, trouble ensues and Lily stumbles upon another dead body. This time, it's someone who was both kind and mean in the prior days, leaving Lily to wonder which side of the (wo)man was the real one. She also spars with another local bakery owner who wants to put Lily's tea shop out of business. Delany always makes me a contented and excited reader, but her books go quickly and leave me sad and desperately waiting for the next one. The series is hitting its stride and the characters are unfolding in bright and memorable ways. I look forward to the romance that appears to be brewing too. Great installment!
May 3, 2024
Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany is the third book in the cozy Tea by the Sea Mysteries series. As with most cozy mysteries each book of this series will contain a new mystery that will fully solved so this could be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. Of course there will be character development that carries over from book to book for those that read the series from the beginning.
Some days Lily Roberts doesn’t know what keeps her busier, running her own business, Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom, or keeping up with her feisty grandmother. Thankfully for Lily her tearoom is right by her grandmother Rose’s bed and breakfast so most days she can do both and now has even solved a murder or two in between.
Now this time around Lily really has her hands full as she has decided to enter a cooking contest held by America Bakes, tv’s hottest cooking show. What better way to get attention for the tea room, right? Wrong! Things take a huge turn for the worst when the infamous bad-boy chef and celebrity judge, Tommy Greene, ends up murdered in Lily’s kitchen at Tea by the Sea leaving her searching for yet another murderer.
I have actually follow the Tea by the Sea Mysteries series from the beginning with this one having a lot of what I enjoy in a cozy mystery. There’s of course some quirky characters and a whole lot of laughs that come with those along with a decent mystery in every new addition to the series with this third installment not being an exception. Book three left me wanting nothing more than to return to the sea yet again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Some days Lily Roberts doesn’t know what keeps her busier, running her own business, Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom, or keeping up with her feisty grandmother. Thankfully for Lily her tearoom is right by her grandmother Rose’s bed and breakfast so most days she can do both and now has even solved a murder or two in between.
Now this time around Lily really has her hands full as she has decided to enter a cooking contest held by America Bakes, tv’s hottest cooking show. What better way to get attention for the tea room, right? Wrong! Things take a huge turn for the worst when the infamous bad-boy chef and celebrity judge, Tommy Greene, ends up murdered in Lily’s kitchen at Tea by the Sea leaving her searching for yet another murderer.
I have actually follow the Tea by the Sea Mysteries series from the beginning with this one having a lot of what I enjoy in a cozy mystery. There’s of course some quirky characters and a whole lot of laughs that come with those along with a decent mystery in every new addition to the series with this third installment not being an exception. Book three left me wanting nothing more than to return to the sea yet again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
July 21, 2022
Another fun and entertaining episode in the Tea by the Sea tearoom, owned and run by Lily Roberts in the grounds of her grandmother's B&B - Victoria by the Sea. Lily had been convinced to enter her tearoom into a baking competition and already she was wishing she hadn't agreed. The disruption in the midst of their biggest season of the year and the aggression and aggravation coming from the TV crew made them grit their teeth. But it was when one of the judges, famous chef Tommy Greene, got into a verbal altercation with one of the waitress that everything went to pieces. And then the following morning Tommy was found dead in Lily's tearoom's kitchen.
With the police chief immediately honing in one of Lily's waitresses, Lily, her best friend Bernie and grandmother Rose, decided they should find the killer as the known-to-be-lazy police chief wouldn't look elsewhere. Of course, they didn't realise they were drawing danger their way...
Murder Spills the Tea is the 3rd in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by Vicky Delany and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was good to catch up with the group from the previous book, and I know I'd love to visit Tea by the Sea for afternoon tea. Delicious food, precious pets - Eclair the labradoodle, and Rose's snooty cat - and some delightful recipes at the end of the book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With the police chief immediately honing in one of Lily's waitresses, Lily, her best friend Bernie and grandmother Rose, decided they should find the killer as the known-to-be-lazy police chief wouldn't look elsewhere. Of course, they didn't realise they were drawing danger their way...
Murder Spills the Tea is the 3rd in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by Vicky Delany and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was good to catch up with the group from the previous book, and I know I'd love to visit Tea by the Sea for afternoon tea. Delicious food, precious pets - Eclair the labradoodle, and Rose's snooty cat - and some delightful recipes at the end of the book. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 29, 2022
Reading some of these food related cosies really makes my mouth water and I would just love to be able to visit Tea by the Sea and have scones and cream and jam, lemon tarts and Earl grey tea while watching the waves.
Lily is the owner and resident baker for this beautiful tea shop and in Murder Spills the Tea she is in a state of stress. Grandma Rose and friend Bernie have signed her up to take part in a TV show called America Bakes and she is finding it a very unpleasant experience. Things get worse when a body is found in her kitchen and one of her staff is accused of murder.
Of course Lily, Bernie and Rose set out to discover the real killer. There are many possible suspects and they make slow progress, as do the police. Finally Lily has a light bulb moment which gives the game away and of course puts her in danger. Equally of course everything turns out all right in the end. This is a cosy after all.
A very good one too. I am ready and waiting for the next.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Lily is the owner and resident baker for this beautiful tea shop and in Murder Spills the Tea she is in a state of stress. Grandma Rose and friend Bernie have signed her up to take part in a TV show called America Bakes and she is finding it a very unpleasant experience. Things get worse when a body is found in her kitchen and one of her staff is accused of murder.
Of course Lily, Bernie and Rose set out to discover the real killer. There are many possible suspects and they make slow progress, as do the police. Finally Lily has a light bulb moment which gives the game away and of course puts her in danger. Equally of course everything turns out all right in the end. This is a cosy after all.
A very good one too. I am ready and waiting for the next.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 18, 2022
Murder Spills the Tea is the third of the Tea By The Sea Mystery series. Lily Roberts is the main character and is the owner of the Tea by the Sea Restaurant. Her grandmother, Rose Campbell owns Victoria-on-the-Sea B&B next door in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. There are the regulars from the first book along with the other characters that add to the story, Rose and Lily's best friend, Bernadette (Bernie) Murphy decide to accept to do American Bakes, a bake off contest with six other bakers on the Cape. Allegra Griffin owner of North Augusta Bakery is the other contestant against Lily. They talk Lily into doing it. The show invites people to be in the audience with three judges making comments what they think of the food. It is a reality show that tries to embarrass the contestants. The first day, one of the judges, Tommy Greene, trips one of Lili's workers, Cheryl Wainwright, while serving the tea which spills on him. He makes a scene embarrassing her. Marybeth, the other worker and mother of Cheryl has words with Tommy about his treatment. Tommy is murdered and Marybeth is arrested. This is when the reader is taken on an adventure of whodunit to the exciting and surprising end.
There is a hint of romance between Bernie and Matt Goodman who lives next door to Lili and Simon, the gardener and Lili.. I look forward to the next book to see where this all goes as well as the next adventure.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp, for this ARC.
There is a hint of romance between Bernie and Matt Goodman who lives next door to Lili and Simon, the gardener and Lili.. I look forward to the next book to see where this all goes as well as the next adventure.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp, for this ARC.
July 11, 2022
Murder Spills the Tea” by Vicki Delany the 3rd instalment in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries”. Vicki Delany is one of my favourite cozy mystery authors, I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of her books. Lily Roberts pores over the clues in a piping hot new case when a confrontational celebrity chef is murdered at her Cape Cod tearoom during the filming of a popular baking show
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end. I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie. Cheryl and her daughter are starting to feel like family not just employees and I like where it’s heading. Romance is starting to brew with Lily and Simon as well as Matt and Bernie …
I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you. Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end. I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie. Cheryl and her daughter are starting to feel like family not just employees and I like where it’s heading. Romance is starting to brew with Lily and Simon as well as Matt and Bernie …
I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you. Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
July 23, 2022
Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany is the third A Tea by the Sea Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. Lily Roberts finds herself on America Bakes! thanks to her grandmother, Rose and her best friend, Bernie. Lily soon learns there is nothing real about reality television. Lily arrives for her final day of filming to find Tommy Greene, one of the judges, dead in her tearoom kitchen. Cheryl, one of Lily’s servers, ends up the prime suspect. When the lead detective arrests Cheryl for the crime, it is up to Lily with help from Rose and Bernie to prove Cheryl’s innocence. I found Murder Spills the Tea to be well-written with developed characters. I like the cast of regulars (Lily, Rose, Bernie, Cheryl, Simon, and MaryBeth). The television people are a mixed bag. There are some nice people and some you would like to toss into next week (and hope they get lost on their way back). I enjoyed the descriptions of the Cape Cod as well as Rose’s bed and breakfast, the tearoom, and the lovely gardens. The whodunit had good suspects plus misdirection. There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal. Avid mystery readers will have no problem solving the crime. I love Éclair, Lily’s labradoodle but I do not feel he should be allowed in the bed and breakfast’s kitchen (health department would have a field day). Of course, Rose’s snooty cat should not be allowed free reign either. The descriptions of Lily’s enticing pastries (lemon tarts, scones, cookies) will have your mouth watering. There are recipes at the end of the book. I was delighted with my latest visit to Cape Cod, and I look forward to returning in the next A Tea by the Sea Mystery. Murder Spills the Tea is charming Cape Cod cozy with tasty tea, a bothersome baking competition, a derisive rival, a foul flirt, a bashed baking judge, a disdainful detective, and a killer to catch.
May 13, 2022
Thank you to Kensington for a free advanced reading copy. All opinions expressed in this review are all my own and not affected by the gift.
Lily has been signed up, against her will, for America Bakes! a popular TV contest. Lily wants nothing to do with being on TV but Rose and Bernie insisted. The crew are staying at the B&B and Rose believes the publicity will be good for business. Lily is swamped with business right now and doesn't really have time to be on TV but she goes along with it. Filming baking for TV is nothing like it is in real life and Lily is close to her wit's end. When bad boy judge Tommy Greene purposefully trips her waitress, Marybeth, and proceeds to insult Marybeth and insist Lily fire her, Lily has had enough. To make matters worse, the owner of the local bakery is Lily's competition and come to spy and throw accusations at Lily. When Lily tries to quit, the director threatens to sue her for breach of contract. She can only continue and hope the torture doesn't last too long. Early the next morning while opening her kitchen, Lily discovers Tommy Greene bashed in the head with her marble rolling pin! Not again! This time she'll leave it to the police to discover the murderer and stick to baking. However, when Detective Williams sets his sights on Lily's waitress Cheryl, who is Marybeth's mother, Lily has no choice but to go along with Bernie and Rose's plans to get involved. Can she solve this one before Cheryl is arrested for a crime Lily is sure she didn't commit?
I liked this third book best of the three so far. The story stays focused on the mystery and the baking without veering off into the insane antics of the two sidekicks. Even Bernie remains more focused this time. I still think Chuck Williams needs to be sacked. He's still a pompous fool. I had the same list of suspects as Bernie but I discounted the obvious ones. I changed my mind about who I thought it was and ended up being right about the murderer, but I won't tell you if it was my initial top suspect. The murder doesn't make a whole lot of sense but it doesn't seem to have been premeditated.
Lily does not have any interest on being on TV. Her passion is baking. Baking makes sense. You follow a formula and end up with something delicious. She also feels no need to compete with the North Augusta Bakery. Comparing the two is not like comparing apples and oranges but like comparing Hostess and Entenmenns. There's some overlap in the types of food they make but they're different. Lily hosts a tea room for an indulgent experience where people come to linger and enjoy the whole experience. The bakery is your standard café where people can sit down to eat for soups and sandwiches or grab a tasty treat. I don't know why the owner, Allegra is such a witch. Allegra feels antagonistic towards Lily for no good reason. She makes assumptions about Lily's personality and motivations which could not be farther from the truth. Lily goes way out of her way to be nice to this woman. I would have stayed away from the crazy. Lily has enough crazy in the form of her grandmother, Rose.
Rose's helpless little old lady act fools only those who don't know her. She's conniving and spunky. She likes to be in the thick of things and know everything that's going on. Encouraging Lily to spy on the police questioning suspects is unethical but how else is the reader supposed to know what is going on since the story is told from Lily's point-of-view. I don't mind it although I would be furious in real life if someone did that to me. Bernie claims to be sticking to the outline Lily made her submit and writing is going well. She still makes time to investigate though and to appear on TV. Rose and Bernie have big egos and should back off when Lily asks them to. Bernie's romance with Matt seems to be progressing slightly-I hope. At least she's willing to hang out with him and stopped sparring with him.
Lily's romance is still stalled. She's attracted to Simon and feels jealous that he's gotten close to Det. Amy Redmond but still won't date him. He's CLEARLY into her and such a great friend. I can see why Lily wants to keep him at arm's length but how about an adult discussion on what his plans are for after the summer? How about she tell him she's attracted to him, enjoys his company but doesn't want to start a relationship that won't go anywhere. Move over Lily because Simon is swoony!
Cheryl Wainright is a Mama Bear when it comes to her family. She will defend her cub no matter what. She may be abrasive at times and have a hot temper but I don't think she's a murderer. Marybeth is an adult and Cheryl shouldn't have stepped in. Marybeth was upset but she handled the situation and should have told that to her mother. It wouldn't have changed anything though. If Marybeth was a kid, I could see why Cheryl would step in to rescue her but she's a grown adult with children of her own. Cheryl may have been a wild child in high school but judging her based on past behavior 30 or more years ago is just silly. People grow and mature. Marybeth is more timid than her mother, sweet and hard-working. I feel bad for her that she was put in that ridiculous situation and the moronic police accuse her mother of murder. She doesn't deserve that.
We learn more about Amy. She's a real straight shooter but this time she seems to be leaning towards believing Cheryl is the murderer. She knows she needs to gather the evidence, unlike Chuck. We also learn more about her personal life which shows a softer side of her and reveals she really is a kind person. Unlike Chuck who lacks brain cells and initiative to actually solve a murder case. How many times does Lily have to be nearly killed before the chief fires Chuck and promotes Amy? That idiot should have been fired for the first investigation!
The TV people are not a very pleasant lot. The only nice one is Melanie, the hair and makeup person on set. She sure likes to gossip though. The victim, celebrity chef Tommy Greene, is the bad boy of the cooking world. He continually loses his temper at everyone and everything. Like Rose, he's English and working class. Tommy champions the workers and the common man. He turns his nose up at Lily's posh tea room and sneers at the ladies who enjoy Lily's tea parties. Yet he owns more than one home, restaurant, a boat, etc. He'd probably say he worked for it all and clawed his way to the top. So did Rose! Rose has lived the American dream and made it possible for Lily to live her dreams. It's Tommy who sets in motion the events that lead to his death-or did he? Tommy has a few surprises up his sleeve.
Josh Henshaw, director, is really mean and tough. He's also a sleazy womanizer of the first order and I was hoping he would be murdered. He doesn't bother to learn the names of anyone from Tea By the Sea or Victoria On Sea. He always refers to Lily as "the pretty blond", suggests she wear something more revealing and doesn't understand why hair should be up and covered when working in a kitchen. It's all about TV for him. I think he's the murderer because right away he knew Tommy had been killed. Reilly, the assistant director, is even more nasty than Josh. I think they have a rivalry to see which one can be as loudmouthed and rude as possible. Reilly acts more like the director than Josh and is not happy with anything less than MAJOR drama.
Claudia D'Angelo, a legend in the New York City baking world, cookbook author and Lily's inspiration, seems nice enough at first. She acts mild mannered and soft spoken but the longer she stays, the more she becomes unraveled. Her temper flares and she becomes snappy and rude. Some of the clues point to her as the murderer but what was her motive and why would she frame Cheryl? Just opportunity? Scarlet McIntosh, former beauty queen, lacks a background in food. She's more of a femme fatal. She supports Tommy's anti-posh people crusade and seems interested in currying favors from him. Did he reject her and she took her revenge? Scarlet is disinterest in Cape Cod, the murder and Lily's tea room. She's very selfish and annoying. I do think she could be the murderer.
Other suspects come from within the North Augusta community. Gary Powers is married to the mayor but you'd never know from the way he acts. He's a serial cheater, a womanizer and so obviously sleazy. The way Bernie deals with him is fabulous. I think he's too obvious and too dumb to be the murderer. The other suspect is Allegra from the North Augusta bakery. Allegra is a local woman who inherited the bakery from her mother. She doesn't have the training, the passion or the drive that Lily has. Lily puts love into everything she does, uses locally grown produce and bakes original baked goods. Allegra produces standard café/coffee shop fare like cakes, cookies and tarts. Allegra believes she should win the show and how dare anyone think Lily deserves it. Allegra has a giant chip on her shoulder, hates everyone and is even nasty to her own nephew. Her brother-in-law Gary owns a stake in her business. How far would Allegra go to win? How far would Gary go to see her win? I can see Allegra as the murderer because Cheryl is framed. Allegra is the only suspect who has a personal reason to frame Cheryl and using Lily's rolling pin would even implicate Lily, someone she sees as an enemy.
I still don't get a Cape Cod vibe from this series but it's enjoyable for a bit of light reading.
Lily has been signed up, against her will, for America Bakes! a popular TV contest. Lily wants nothing to do with being on TV but Rose and Bernie insisted. The crew are staying at the B&B and Rose believes the publicity will be good for business. Lily is swamped with business right now and doesn't really have time to be on TV but she goes along with it. Filming baking for TV is nothing like it is in real life and Lily is close to her wit's end. When bad boy judge Tommy Greene purposefully trips her waitress, Marybeth, and proceeds to insult Marybeth and insist Lily fire her, Lily has had enough. To make matters worse, the owner of the local bakery is Lily's competition and come to spy and throw accusations at Lily. When Lily tries to quit, the director threatens to sue her for breach of contract. She can only continue and hope the torture doesn't last too long. Early the next morning while opening her kitchen, Lily discovers Tommy Greene bashed in the head with her marble rolling pin! Not again! This time she'll leave it to the police to discover the murderer and stick to baking. However, when Detective Williams sets his sights on Lily's waitress Cheryl, who is Marybeth's mother, Lily has no choice but to go along with Bernie and Rose's plans to get involved. Can she solve this one before Cheryl is arrested for a crime Lily is sure she didn't commit?
I liked this third book best of the three so far. The story stays focused on the mystery and the baking without veering off into the insane antics of the two sidekicks. Even Bernie remains more focused this time. I still think Chuck Williams needs to be sacked. He's still a pompous fool. I had the same list of suspects as Bernie but I discounted the obvious ones. I changed my mind about who I thought it was and ended up being right about the murderer, but I won't tell you if it was my initial top suspect. The murder doesn't make a whole lot of sense but it doesn't seem to have been premeditated.
Lily does not have any interest on being on TV. Her passion is baking. Baking makes sense. You follow a formula and end up with something delicious. She also feels no need to compete with the North Augusta Bakery. Comparing the two is not like comparing apples and oranges but like comparing Hostess and Entenmenns. There's some overlap in the types of food they make but they're different. Lily hosts a tea room for an indulgent experience where people come to linger and enjoy the whole experience. The bakery is your standard café where people can sit down to eat for soups and sandwiches or grab a tasty treat. I don't know why the owner, Allegra is such a witch. Allegra feels antagonistic towards Lily for no good reason. She makes assumptions about Lily's personality and motivations which could not be farther from the truth. Lily goes way out of her way to be nice to this woman. I would have stayed away from the crazy. Lily has enough crazy in the form of her grandmother, Rose.
Rose's helpless little old lady act fools only those who don't know her. She's conniving and spunky. She likes to be in the thick of things and know everything that's going on. Encouraging Lily to spy on the police questioning suspects is unethical but how else is the reader supposed to know what is going on since the story is told from Lily's point-of-view. I don't mind it although I would be furious in real life if someone did that to me. Bernie claims to be sticking to the outline Lily made her submit and writing is going well. She still makes time to investigate though and to appear on TV. Rose and Bernie have big egos and should back off when Lily asks them to. Bernie's romance with Matt seems to be progressing slightly-I hope. At least she's willing to hang out with him and stopped sparring with him.
Lily's romance is still stalled. She's attracted to Simon and feels jealous that he's gotten close to Det. Amy Redmond but still won't date him. He's CLEARLY into her and such a great friend. I can see why Lily wants to keep him at arm's length but how about an adult discussion on what his plans are for after the summer? How about she tell him she's attracted to him, enjoys his company but doesn't want to start a relationship that won't go anywhere. Move over Lily because Simon is swoony!
Cheryl Wainright is a Mama Bear when it comes to her family. She will defend her cub no matter what. She may be abrasive at times and have a hot temper but I don't think she's a murderer. Marybeth is an adult and Cheryl shouldn't have stepped in. Marybeth was upset but she handled the situation and should have told that to her mother. It wouldn't have changed anything though. If Marybeth was a kid, I could see why Cheryl would step in to rescue her but she's a grown adult with children of her own. Cheryl may have been a wild child in high school but judging her based on past behavior 30 or more years ago is just silly. People grow and mature. Marybeth is more timid than her mother, sweet and hard-working. I feel bad for her that she was put in that ridiculous situation and the moronic police accuse her mother of murder. She doesn't deserve that.
We learn more about Amy. She's a real straight shooter but this time she seems to be leaning towards believing Cheryl is the murderer. She knows she needs to gather the evidence, unlike Chuck. We also learn more about her personal life which shows a softer side of her and reveals she really is a kind person. Unlike Chuck who lacks brain cells and initiative to actually solve a murder case. How many times does Lily have to be nearly killed before the chief fires Chuck and promotes Amy? That idiot should have been fired for the first investigation!
The TV people are not a very pleasant lot. The only nice one is Melanie, the hair and makeup person on set. She sure likes to gossip though. The victim, celebrity chef Tommy Greene, is the bad boy of the cooking world. He continually loses his temper at everyone and everything. Like Rose, he's English and working class. Tommy champions the workers and the common man. He turns his nose up at Lily's posh tea room and sneers at the ladies who enjoy Lily's tea parties. Yet he owns more than one home, restaurant, a boat, etc. He'd probably say he worked for it all and clawed his way to the top. So did Rose! Rose has lived the American dream and made it possible for Lily to live her dreams. It's Tommy who sets in motion the events that lead to his death-or did he? Tommy has a few surprises up his sleeve.
Josh Henshaw, director, is really mean and tough. He's also a sleazy womanizer of the first order and I was hoping he would be murdered. He doesn't bother to learn the names of anyone from Tea By the Sea or Victoria On Sea. He always refers to Lily as "the pretty blond", suggests she wear something more revealing and doesn't understand why hair should be up and covered when working in a kitchen. It's all about TV for him. I think he's the murderer because right away he knew Tommy had been killed. Reilly, the assistant director, is even more nasty than Josh. I think they have a rivalry to see which one can be as loudmouthed and rude as possible. Reilly acts more like the director than Josh and is not happy with anything less than MAJOR drama.
Claudia D'Angelo, a legend in the New York City baking world, cookbook author and Lily's inspiration, seems nice enough at first. She acts mild mannered and soft spoken but the longer she stays, the more she becomes unraveled. Her temper flares and she becomes snappy and rude. Some of the clues point to her as the murderer but what was her motive and why would she frame Cheryl? Just opportunity? Scarlet McIntosh, former beauty queen, lacks a background in food. She's more of a femme fatal. She supports Tommy's anti-posh people crusade and seems interested in currying favors from him. Did he reject her and she took her revenge? Scarlet is disinterest in Cape Cod, the murder and Lily's tea room. She's very selfish and annoying. I do think she could be the murderer.
Other suspects come from within the North Augusta community. Gary Powers is married to the mayor but you'd never know from the way he acts. He's a serial cheater, a womanizer and so obviously sleazy. The way Bernie deals with him is fabulous. I think he's too obvious and too dumb to be the murderer. The other suspect is Allegra from the North Augusta bakery. Allegra is a local woman who inherited the bakery from her mother. She doesn't have the training, the passion or the drive that Lily has. Lily puts love into everything she does, uses locally grown produce and bakes original baked goods. Allegra produces standard café/coffee shop fare like cakes, cookies and tarts. Allegra believes she should win the show and how dare anyone think Lily deserves it. Allegra has a giant chip on her shoulder, hates everyone and is even nasty to her own nephew. Her brother-in-law Gary owns a stake in her business. How far would Allegra go to win? How far would Gary go to see her win? I can see Allegra as the murderer because Cheryl is framed. Allegra is the only suspect who has a personal reason to frame Cheryl and using Lily's rolling pin would even implicate Lily, someone she sees as an enemy.
I still don't get a Cape Cod vibe from this series but it's enjoyable for a bit of light reading.
March 19, 2022
Lily Roberts is quite content preparing teas and baked goods for those who visit her tea shop located on Cape Cod.
Lily's grandmother Rose owns the bed and breakfast, and Lily's tea shop is a stones throw away.
In this book, Lily finds out her best friend Bernie, along with Rose, have accepted the offer to showcase the tea and bake shop for a reality show, America Bakes!
Lily is wary of this, but goes along, hoping it goes without a hitch, but unfortunately for her, she's mistaken.
With the rivalry among the judges, the tension between the directors, and a nasty competitor, Lily shouldn't be shocked at her discovery of a dead body.
Once again Lily is embroiled in a murder investigation, and this time it is up to Lily to follow the clues and reveal the true suspect.
I really liked this book, Lily is a great character who is easy to like, as well as her cast of supporting characters.
The story is well written and I could imagine sitting outside the tea room, enjoying the weather and a full service tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm happy to recommend this book and series to other readers.
#MurderSpillstheTea #NetGalley
Lily's grandmother Rose owns the bed and breakfast, and Lily's tea shop is a stones throw away.
In this book, Lily finds out her best friend Bernie, along with Rose, have accepted the offer to showcase the tea and bake shop for a reality show, America Bakes!
Lily is wary of this, but goes along, hoping it goes without a hitch, but unfortunately for her, she's mistaken.
With the rivalry among the judges, the tension between the directors, and a nasty competitor, Lily shouldn't be shocked at her discovery of a dead body.
Once again Lily is embroiled in a murder investigation, and this time it is up to Lily to follow the clues and reveal the true suspect.
I really liked this book, Lily is a great character who is easy to like, as well as her cast of supporting characters.
The story is well written and I could imagine sitting outside the tea room, enjoying the weather and a full service tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm happy to recommend this book and series to other readers.
#MurderSpillstheTea #NetGalley
July 31, 2023
I have not had a great experience with this series - there have been quite a few negatives for me in each book and they have never moved beyond a [weak] 3 stars for me. Apparently, that trend is going to continue and we are now 3 for 3. I will say that the pluses are what keeps me reading and that goes for this one as well. Lily is a great main character and she apparently grew somewhat of a backbone from the last book [though she does get roped in to do the cooking show that she wanted to steer clear of], but I like her and her relationships and how she runs her business. She does her job and THEN she snoo...I mean, has clues fall into her lap. ;-) Thankfully, the cops have gone back to being cops as opposed to the previous book [though this means more of the stupid buffoon, who really should retire. WHAT a waste and the perfect example of misogyny as its very worst] and that makes the whole thing much more believable.
The whole story was filled with unlikeable characters that I wasn't sure which one was going to end up dead [unfortunately, its the only person who was remotely likable], so there were plenty of red herrings [which are great things] and that made the reveal a huge surprise for me. I was pretty sure I knew who it was and was wrong and that bumped this up to a three star read [though the reason behind the reveal was...meh]. Add in that the reveal was edge-of-your-seat [I may or may not have taken a breath though some of it], the bumbling buffoon does something completely unexpected at the end, and I finally have gotten through my dislike of Rose and actually liked her in this book, and it stayed at three stars, and with all the crappy reads I have had lately, I will absolutely take that. And again, it is enough to keep me reading.
Thank you NetGalley, Vicki Delany, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
**UPDATED 7.30.2023
After talking about this series while listening to the current book, I realized I needed to amend this rating to 2 stars as it has not settled well with me over time. So unfortunate.
The whole story was filled with unlikeable characters that I wasn't sure which one was going to end up dead [unfortunately, its the only person who was remotely likable], so there were plenty of red herrings [which are great things] and that made the reveal a huge surprise for me. I was pretty sure I knew who it was and was wrong and that bumped this up to a three star read [though the reason behind the reveal was...meh]. Add in that the reveal was edge-of-your-seat [I may or may not have taken a breath though some of it], the bumbling buffoon does something completely unexpected at the end, and I finally have gotten through my dislike of Rose and actually liked her in this book, and it stayed at three stars, and with all the crappy reads I have had lately, I will absolutely take that. And again, it is enough to keep me reading.
Thank you NetGalley, Vicki Delany, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
**UPDATED 7.30.2023
After talking about this series while listening to the current book, I realized I needed to amend this rating to 2 stars as it has not settled well with me over time. So unfortunate.
July 9, 2022
MURDER SPILLS THE TEA is the third book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by Vicki Delany. This charming cozy mystery features a reality baking show, America Bakes! with, much to her dismay, protagonist Lily Roberts as one of the contestants. Her grandmother, Rose, and best friend, Bernie, pushed her into it and, as she feared, anything that could go wrong does, despite the judges enjoying her baking. Ms. Delany brings tension to the pages as conflicts mount between the production staff and Lily’s employees. The filming scenes feel authentic and the interaction between the players makes me feel like I’m watching a reality show with all the drama that ensues. One of the author’s strengths—across all of her series—is her character development. Each core character is memorable and well-developed, making the reader care about what’s happening. And when Cheryl, one of Lily’s employees, is accused of killing one of the judges, Lily (and the reader) can’t help but want to see Cheryl’s proven innocent.
The plot of the mystery is well-executed and I jumped from suspect to suspect, thinking I’d figured it out. There was misdirection amongst the drama surrounding the filming of the cooking show and clues craftily placed for the armchair detective to suss out. As Lily converses with the film crew and the celebrities, and eavesdrops as much as possible to find out the truth, she manages to bake up loads of tea room goodies. With a spine-chilling reveal that had me on the edge of my seat, the pieces of the puzzle come together in a satisfying conclusion.
Running a tea room along with cooking breakfast for her grandmother’s B & B guests each morning, Lily spends a huge amount of time baking. There are mouthwatering mentions of baked goodies throughout the book, and Ms. Delany has thoughtfully included a couple tempting recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to try out.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The plot of the mystery is well-executed and I jumped from suspect to suspect, thinking I’d figured it out. There was misdirection amongst the drama surrounding the filming of the cooking show and clues craftily placed for the armchair detective to suss out. As Lily converses with the film crew and the celebrities, and eavesdrops as much as possible to find out the truth, she manages to bake up loads of tea room goodies. With a spine-chilling reveal that had me on the edge of my seat, the pieces of the puzzle come together in a satisfying conclusion.
Running a tea room along with cooking breakfast for her grandmother’s B & B guests each morning, Lily spends a huge amount of time baking. There are mouthwatering mentions of baked goodies throughout the book, and Ms. Delany has thoughtfully included a couple tempting recipes at the back of the book for the home cook to try out.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 11, 2022
3.5 stars. Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany is a fun mystery murder story set in a very pleasant B&B and Tea by the Sea tearoom. Lily is the owner of the latter, and her grandmother owns and runs the B&B.
Vicki is right up to her ears in the chaos of a TV filming of a baking tearooms contest. She is not all that pleased to be taking part and even less so when a murder happens one night in her tearooms. And what is worse one of her staff is accused of the murder.
The TV crew and judges are an interesting lot and most if not all of them not that likeable, and some even less likeable than the others. Added to that the other competitor in the town is not that sweet either. Just as well that Lily's friends and staff are far more likeable.
I didn't really spot any clues along the way that would lead to the murderer, however when the murderer was finally revealed that person had been at the top of my list, only one other had made me question it, but I couldn't see any motive for that person.
So an enjoyable story and I would happily try another one in the series.
Vicki is right up to her ears in the chaos of a TV filming of a baking tearooms contest. She is not all that pleased to be taking part and even less so when a murder happens one night in her tearooms. And what is worse one of her staff is accused of the murder.
The TV crew and judges are an interesting lot and most if not all of them not that likeable, and some even less likeable than the others. Added to that the other competitor in the town is not that sweet either. Just as well that Lily's friends and staff are far more likeable.
I didn't really spot any clues along the way that would lead to the murderer, however when the murderer was finally revealed that person had been at the top of my list, only one other had made me question it, but I couldn't see any motive for that person.
So an enjoyable story and I would happily try another one in the series.
August 5, 2022
Excitement abounds when a food network comes to town to feature the Tea Room in its current competition show. Unfortunately, not everyone is as excited about the show and when a dead body pops up, the search is on to find the killer before they strike again. This series has the best characters that have such well-developed personalities that you feel like you are right there with them! The plot is baked with precision leading you to suspect multiple people, but you'll have to read to find out the guilty party! If you haven't read the entire series, I highly recommend that you do or you will miss out on hours of entertainment as well as the building of relationships and characters, however you could enjoy this book without having read the previous books as it works as a standalone if you must. I will be waiting impatiently for the next book in the series to come out! I just can't get enough of these characters!
July 27, 2022
I read the first two books in Vicki Delany's Tea by the Sea mystery series so I jumped at the chance to read this, Murder Spills the Tea.
I got to meet Lily Roberts in book one, 'Tea & Treachery'. In Murder Spills the Tea, Lily has entered her tearoom, Tea by the Sea, in a competition - America Bakes! which is a TV cooking show. When celebrity judge, Tommy Greene is found dead after being clobbered with a rolling pin, Lily's sleuthing cap is aired.
Set on the Massachusetts coast, I really enjoyed this intriguing story and I continue to find both Granny Rose and Lily very pleasing. Granny Rose is spirited and has vivacity, whereas Lily is smart, caring and considerate. The writing was smoothly paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with misdirection and twists to sustain my interest. The mystery was quite challenging; I found myself switching suspects frequently as a few had motives to have been the murderer and I only worked out whodunnit just before the reveal. All in all, a top-notch instalment with snippets of humour, some well-hidden motivation and plenty of sniping, drama and bickering. I will certainly be returning to Cape Cod to see what Lily is getting herself into next and I am eagerly anticipating book four.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I got to meet Lily Roberts in book one, 'Tea & Treachery'. In Murder Spills the Tea, Lily has entered her tearoom, Tea by the Sea, in a competition - America Bakes! which is a TV cooking show. When celebrity judge, Tommy Greene is found dead after being clobbered with a rolling pin, Lily's sleuthing cap is aired.
Set on the Massachusetts coast, I really enjoyed this intriguing story and I continue to find both Granny Rose and Lily very pleasing. Granny Rose is spirited and has vivacity, whereas Lily is smart, caring and considerate. The writing was smoothly paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with misdirection and twists to sustain my interest. The mystery was quite challenging; I found myself switching suspects frequently as a few had motives to have been the murderer and I only worked out whodunnit just before the reveal. All in all, a top-notch instalment with snippets of humour, some well-hidden motivation and plenty of sniping, drama and bickering. I will certainly be returning to Cape Cod to see what Lily is getting herself into next and I am eagerly anticipating book four.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 25, 2022
Having reluctantly agreed to appear on a reality baking show, the show's production crew keep reminding Lily Roberts that a reality show has nothing to do with reality. Unfortunately, the dead body she discovers is very real. So, too, is the arrest of one of her staff for the murder. Lily, her grandmother Rose, and best friend Bernie must work together to find the real killer of Tommy Greene.
Lily and her friends and associates are likeable and the setting itself is a essentially a character in the book. Set in Cape Cod, you find yourself virtually traveling from the delightfully soothing beauty of the tearoom itself, with its quaint British aura and its garden, with it's tinkling teacups and drifting aromas from the flowers so lovingly tended by Simon, to the shoreline's crashing waves, rapidly rising tide, and slippery rocks. And, hey, there's a dog, too, not to mention a cat. Toss in hints of a growing romance, a budding author, and old world eloquence and it's all the more startling that a murder took place.
So, who did it? I'm obviously not telling. Could it have been the mayor's obnoxious husband? How about the mayor herself? Did one of the other judges kill Tommy for reasons not even connected to the show? Who is related to who? Does all the food talk make you hungry? Or, maybe thirsty for a cup of properly prepared tea? How far would you go to protect a member of your family? Does Lily really, really want to go where the evidence leads? Who was the mystery woman in the garden? Did Lily lock that door or not? And, what's going on with Simon? He is returning to England, after all... or is he? You'll have to read the book for answers to these questions and more. It's fast paced and will keep you turning the pages.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to Tea By the Sea to spend a bit more time getting to know Lily and friends. I'd like a table in the garden, please.
Lily and her friends and associates are likeable and the setting itself is a essentially a character in the book. Set in Cape Cod, you find yourself virtually traveling from the delightfully soothing beauty of the tearoom itself, with its quaint British aura and its garden, with it's tinkling teacups and drifting aromas from the flowers so lovingly tended by Simon, to the shoreline's crashing waves, rapidly rising tide, and slippery rocks. And, hey, there's a dog, too, not to mention a cat. Toss in hints of a growing romance, a budding author, and old world eloquence and it's all the more startling that a murder took place.
So, who did it? I'm obviously not telling. Could it have been the mayor's obnoxious husband? How about the mayor herself? Did one of the other judges kill Tommy for reasons not even connected to the show? Who is related to who? Does all the food talk make you hungry? Or, maybe thirsty for a cup of properly prepared tea? How far would you go to protect a member of your family? Does Lily really, really want to go where the evidence leads? Who was the mystery woman in the garden? Did Lily lock that door or not? And, what's going on with Simon? He is returning to England, after all... or is he? You'll have to read the book for answers to these questions and more. It's fast paced and will keep you turning the pages.
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me to Tea By the Sea to spend a bit more time getting to know Lily and friends. I'd like a table in the garden, please.
August 9, 2022
Pro:
* The author: I love, love, love her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series.
* The competition cooking show premise is timely and fun.
* I enjoy following Lily’s daily routine and feeling like I know the ins & outs of the business.
* I appreciate the measured pace of the developing romances among main characters.
Con:
* In general, way too much formulaic writing for the genre. I spent too much time rolling my eyes.
* The audiobook narrator is horrible: random inconsistent accents, choppy, overdramatic reading.
* Massive information dump in one scene as the conclusion nears
* A couple of the names feel off: in the father & son duo, I kept mistaking one for the other because the father’s name seems like it belongs to a younger generation.
Thank you to Vicki Delany, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
* The author: I love, love, love her Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series.
* The competition cooking show premise is timely and fun.
* I enjoy following Lily’s daily routine and feeling like I know the ins & outs of the business.
* I appreciate the measured pace of the developing romances among main characters.
Con:
* In general, way too much formulaic writing for the genre. I spent too much time rolling my eyes.
* The audiobook narrator is horrible: random inconsistent accents, choppy, overdramatic reading.
* Massive information dump in one scene as the conclusion nears
* A couple of the names feel off: in the father & son duo, I kept mistaking one for the other because the father’s name seems like it belongs to a younger generation.
Thank you to Vicki Delany, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2022
What I wouldn’t give for a visit to Lily’s tearoom for a scone and a good cup of tea! But I do not want to watch a cooking show filmed or be in one. That aside, the newest book in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries” series, Murder Spills the Tea, has fans ready for a tension-filled escapade that will leave them happy, hungry, and ready for more.
Lily has been roped into competing on a cooking show by her grandmother, Rose, and her best friend, Bernie. Her tearoom is overwhelmed by the film crew and the insufferable production team on the first day; she regrets agreeing to participate immediately. The judges, who all have personality issues, are tiresome, rude, and egotistical to the extreme. Namely, they are almost all unlikeable, uncaring, and nowhere near qualified to judge anyone's cooking or baking. But publicity wins out along with the threat of a lawsuit, and she has to follow through with the contest. But when the least objectionable judge is killed in Lily’s tearoom kitchen, and one of her employees is suspect number one, she jumps into the investigation.
The suspects in this story are easy to find, and all of them or any of them could be the killer. Even the tearoom employees are not without motives, and almost everyone on the cooking show and film crew has motives and the opportunity to commit the crime. There are plenty of red herrings to lead readers astray, and when the killer's identity is revealed, chances are most readers will be surprised. There is plenty of action, delightful locations, and some delicious recipes to try.
I love Lily’s tearoom; it has always been a dream of mine to have my own, combined with a bookstore, of course. The continuing characters, especially Rose and Bernie, who never fail to amuse me and keep Lily on her toes, are enjoyable and likable. I wasn’t crazy about the cooking show; it has been done many times in culinary-based series; I feared it would be stale and the same-old-same-old, but I was pleasantly surprised. Vicki Delany did a great job keeping the storyline fresh and filled with surprises, just like a cozy should be. I always enjoy this series; the characters are growing; granted, they are doing it slowly, but the growth is there. I would like to see the love interest ramp up or removed. Either option would be good; this change wouldn’t impact the fundamental bases of the series other than making room for more storylines in the future. Overall, I enjoyed Murder Spills the Tea and look forward to the next installment.
Lily has been roped into competing on a cooking show by her grandmother, Rose, and her best friend, Bernie. Her tearoom is overwhelmed by the film crew and the insufferable production team on the first day; she regrets agreeing to participate immediately. The judges, who all have personality issues, are tiresome, rude, and egotistical to the extreme. Namely, they are almost all unlikeable, uncaring, and nowhere near qualified to judge anyone's cooking or baking. But publicity wins out along with the threat of a lawsuit, and she has to follow through with the contest. But when the least objectionable judge is killed in Lily’s tearoom kitchen, and one of her employees is suspect number one, she jumps into the investigation.
The suspects in this story are easy to find, and all of them or any of them could be the killer. Even the tearoom employees are not without motives, and almost everyone on the cooking show and film crew has motives and the opportunity to commit the crime. There are plenty of red herrings to lead readers astray, and when the killer's identity is revealed, chances are most readers will be surprised. There is plenty of action, delightful locations, and some delicious recipes to try.
I love Lily’s tearoom; it has always been a dream of mine to have my own, combined with a bookstore, of course. The continuing characters, especially Rose and Bernie, who never fail to amuse me and keep Lily on her toes, are enjoyable and likable. I wasn’t crazy about the cooking show; it has been done many times in culinary-based series; I feared it would be stale and the same-old-same-old, but I was pleasantly surprised. Vicki Delany did a great job keeping the storyline fresh and filled with surprises, just like a cozy should be. I always enjoy this series; the characters are growing; granted, they are doing it slowly, but the growth is there. I would like to see the love interest ramp up or removed. Either option would be good; this change wouldn’t impact the fundamental bases of the series other than making room for more storylines in the future. Overall, I enjoyed Murder Spills the Tea and look forward to the next installment.
August 30, 2022
Lily Roberts owns Tea by the Sea, a lovely tearoom centered right in Cape Cod. Her grandmother Rose, transplanted from Yorkshire long ago, owns a lovely Victorian B&B nearby, and they live happily in the seaside town. That is, until Rose and Lily's best friend Bernie enter her in a TV reality show, and she's been chosen as one of the contestants. Now, the cast members are staying at the B&B and the crew is overrunning the tearoom and telling her what to do. Lily is not happy.
She's especially not happy when one of the judges, Tommy Greene, purposely trips her employee MaryBeth and MaryBeth's mother Cheryl has a few harsh words for him. When Tommy is discovered dead the next morning in the tearoom, Cheryl is the main suspect. But Lily is sure Cheryl's not a killer, but she's not sure about his castmates. Even though the police tell her to leave it alone, she's not going to, and with the help of Bernie and Rose, she intends to find the killer before they get away with it...
This is the third book in the series and I have read them all. I've become fond of the characters in this series, finding not a one of them evil or flighty. (Except for Allegra, but she's new and no one could possibly like this woman). The main characters are full of ideas about who might have killed Tommy, especially Bernie, who is able to get information due to her background as a forensic accountant.
But the more information they have, the more they discover that Tommy was actually a nice guy who was devoted to his wife and family, making it harder to find out who might have had a grudge against the man. Lily just watches the players in the TV cast, hoping that one of them will accidentally spill information. And with them fighting amongst themselves, it's not long before she sees that there's more to them than what meets the eye. Now all she has to do is find out who wielded the rolling pin...
I love this series, and while the killer didn't surprise me much (only because I read a lot of mysteries), at the very end we are given a glimpse of what the future might bring, and once again peace is brought to Cape Cod...for the time being. I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
She's especially not happy when one of the judges, Tommy Greene, purposely trips her employee MaryBeth and MaryBeth's mother Cheryl has a few harsh words for him. When Tommy is discovered dead the next morning in the tearoom, Cheryl is the main suspect. But Lily is sure Cheryl's not a killer, but she's not sure about his castmates. Even though the police tell her to leave it alone, she's not going to, and with the help of Bernie and Rose, she intends to find the killer before they get away with it...
This is the third book in the series and I have read them all. I've become fond of the characters in this series, finding not a one of them evil or flighty. (Except for Allegra, but she's new and no one could possibly like this woman). The main characters are full of ideas about who might have killed Tommy, especially Bernie, who is able to get information due to her background as a forensic accountant.
But the more information they have, the more they discover that Tommy was actually a nice guy who was devoted to his wife and family, making it harder to find out who might have had a grudge against the man. Lily just watches the players in the TV cast, hoping that one of them will accidentally spill information. And with them fighting amongst themselves, it's not long before she sees that there's more to them than what meets the eye. Now all she has to do is find out who wielded the rolling pin...
I love this series, and while the killer didn't surprise me much (only because I read a lot of mysteries), at the very end we are given a glimpse of what the future might bring, and once again peace is brought to Cape Cod...for the time being. I eagerly await the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
August 21, 2022
This is the third entry in the Tea by the Sea cozy series and is another winner. Lily Roberts enters a television show baking contest called America Bakes and quickly comes to regret it. The director, assistant director and judges are interfering with her normal business and are quite rude, not to mention the clashing egos, so it's not a surprise when one of them ends up dead. Unfortunately celebrity bad boy chef Tommy Greene is found in Lily's kitchen, bludgeoned with her marble rolling pin. The mystery is good and not easily solved, even though there are plenty of suspects. I really enjoy reading about Lily, Bernie and especially the feisty and funny Rose. There's a romance brewing for Lily and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens. An enjoyable read all the way through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2022
This is the Third in the series . Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity. This is a enjoyable cozy series with a tea shop theme .
Lily Roberts our protagnist owns the shop "Tea By The Sea". When a popular baking show wants to film in her tea shop her grandmothers signs Lily up to be a competitor. Lily wants nothing to do with the show and is disgruntled about the filming and having to participate. One of Lily's staff has words with one of the judges and he is found murdered. Now her employee is facing prison and Lily, her Grandmother and friends must work to clear her name.
I enjoy the tea room description in this series and the supporting characters. Lily is a bit of curmudgeon and her personality is funny to read. I enjoy this charming series and look forward to the next in series.
Lily Roberts our protagnist owns the shop "Tea By The Sea". When a popular baking show wants to film in her tea shop her grandmothers signs Lily up to be a competitor. Lily wants nothing to do with the show and is disgruntled about the filming and having to participate. One of Lily's staff has words with one of the judges and he is found murdered. Now her employee is facing prison and Lily, her Grandmother and friends must work to clear her name.
I enjoy the tea room description in this series and the supporting characters. Lily is a bit of curmudgeon and her personality is funny to read. I enjoy this charming series and look forward to the next in series.
August 3, 2022
Lily’s grandmother and best friend have submitted her name as a contestant on “America Bakes,” and much to her chagrin the crew is now filming at her Cape Cod tearoom, and staying at her grandmother’s B & B. Then there is a murder and one of her staff is accused. Of course Lily can’t depend on the lazy and incompetent Detective Williams to solve the case, so the three of them start investigating.
July 30, 2025
I have been really enjoying this series and the recipes!
April 12, 2022
I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
The country's hottest TV cooking show is coming to Cape Cod. And against her better judgment, Lily Roberts is entering America Bakes! with her charming tearoom, Tea by the Sea! Filming is already proving disruptive, closing the tearoom during Lily's busiest season. But tensions really bubble over when infamous bad-boy chef and celebrity judge, Tommy Greene, loses his temper with Lily's staff, resulting in an on-camera blowout with Cheryl Wainwright. Just as Lily thinks the competition can't get more bitter, Tommy is found dead in Tea by the Sea's kitchen . . . murdered with Cheryl's rolling pin.
Suspicion immediately falls on Cheryl, but the temperamental star has racked up plenty of culinary clashes in the past, both on- and off-screen. And nearly anyone associated with Tommy or the show could be the killer: be it one of Lily's fierce competitors, a member of the beleaguered film crew, or even one of Tommy's fellow judges--struggling cookbook maven, Claudia D'Angelo or beauty contest winner, Scarlet McIntosh. Now, while she's baking up a storm for the show, Lily must also whip up an impromptu investigation . . . before the murderer rolls someone else away. (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read all of the novels in this series by Vicki Delany as well as a few of her other novels. This is not my favorite series by her.
I have a love/hate relationship with Lily, Bernie, and Rose. I hate that Lily appears to be stubborn (other members of her family think she’s mad to be working with her grandmother, but she is determined), but when then acts as if she has no backbone when it comes to Bernie and Rose. Lily’s stubbornness also makes her believe that she doesn’t want a relationship with Simon, the English gardener, so she avoids the topic. Rose and Bernie don’t take into account how Lily feels about investigating people and mysteries, nor do they seem to care how dangerous the situations can be.
This is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. The author gives enough background from the previous two novels, however there is a slight awkward scene as far as background. It’s almost as if the author forget how the previous novel ended. She could have made a reference there, but nothing was mentioned.
The mystery and the pacing were flowed smoothly. I do wish that there wasn’t a detective that is an “enemy” towards Lily and Rose, but I have discovered that most amateur detective novels have such a person, regardless of how cliche it has become.
Overall I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.
The country's hottest TV cooking show is coming to Cape Cod. And against her better judgment, Lily Roberts is entering America Bakes! with her charming tearoom, Tea by the Sea! Filming is already proving disruptive, closing the tearoom during Lily's busiest season. But tensions really bubble over when infamous bad-boy chef and celebrity judge, Tommy Greene, loses his temper with Lily's staff, resulting in an on-camera blowout with Cheryl Wainwright. Just as Lily thinks the competition can't get more bitter, Tommy is found dead in Tea by the Sea's kitchen . . . murdered with Cheryl's rolling pin.
Suspicion immediately falls on Cheryl, but the temperamental star has racked up plenty of culinary clashes in the past, both on- and off-screen. And nearly anyone associated with Tommy or the show could be the killer: be it one of Lily's fierce competitors, a member of the beleaguered film crew, or even one of Tommy's fellow judges--struggling cookbook maven, Claudia D'Angelo or beauty contest winner, Scarlet McIntosh. Now, while she's baking up a storm for the show, Lily must also whip up an impromptu investigation . . . before the murderer rolls someone else away. (Goodreads synopsis)
I have read all of the novels in this series by Vicki Delany as well as a few of her other novels. This is not my favorite series by her.
I have a love/hate relationship with Lily, Bernie, and Rose. I hate that Lily appears to be stubborn (other members of her family think she’s mad to be working with her grandmother, but she is determined), but when then acts as if she has no backbone when it comes to Bernie and Rose. Lily’s stubbornness also makes her believe that she doesn’t want a relationship with Simon, the English gardener, so she avoids the topic. Rose and Bernie don’t take into account how Lily feels about investigating people and mysteries, nor do they seem to care how dangerous the situations can be.
This is the third book in the series, but it could be read as a standalone. The author gives enough background from the previous two novels, however there is a slight awkward scene as far as background. It’s almost as if the author forget how the previous novel ended. She could have made a reference there, but nothing was mentioned.
The mystery and the pacing were flowed smoothly. I do wish that there wasn’t a detective that is an “enemy” towards Lily and Rose, but I have discovered that most amateur detective novels have such a person, regardless of how cliche it has become.
Overall I rate this novel 3 out of 5 stars.
August 20, 2024
Another fun cozy written by Author Vicki Delaney. If you enjoy cozies about tea or food this is one for you. Lily agrees to enter her tearoom into a baking competition. What could go wrong when a film crew invades her tearoom and her family’s B&B? Did I mention another nearby bakery is in the competition and view Lily as an enemy? The characters are entertaining and relatable. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of surprises. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
August 18, 2023
This one kept me guessing.
What led to me giving a top rating to this book was Lily's absolute disdain for reality shows and the whole situation. She really was bullied into participating. Her jaded attitude gave her the wherewithal to question everyone and every situation making the solution both obvious and entertaining.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
What led to me giving a top rating to this book was Lily's absolute disdain for reality shows and the whole situation. She really was bullied into participating. Her jaded attitude gave her the wherewithal to question everyone and every situation making the solution both obvious and entertaining.
http://pussreboots.com/blog/2022/comm...
April 14, 2025
Maybe this series isn't for me; I wanted to love this series, tea and mystery! Who wouldn't. I will try the next one and if it doesn't get better (for me that is), maybe I just don't continue it.
July 19, 2023
Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany has Lily dealing with film crews at Tea-by-the-Sea and being on the camera.
Did Cheryl kill Tommy? Or was it someone else?
Lily Roberts and Tea-by-the-Sea were selected to be shown on America Bakes! a reality TV show where it's a baking competition between a bunch of places that all operate under the same preference so that it's easy to judge which is better. So, this time, it's all about bakeries in the northeast. Lily didn't enter the competition, though that was her grandmother and best friend's doing. At the time, she doesn't seem to mind until Lily has to deal with them, and now she isn't happy. Through this experience, Lily has decided that competing like this isn't for her, especially when it ends up with a murder victim in her kitchen.
I do feel bad for Lily having to find the dead body of Tommy in her kitchen and that she is dancing around her feelings for Simon. Ms. Delany did everything perfectly with all the characters, as I felt like I was there while they were filming the segments and everything else.
The Mystery
Lily walks into her tea shop and to the kitchen when she finds Tommy Greene dead with her rolling pin. She had a hectic day of filming the day before, and she forgot to lock the back door. Lily agrees to investigate this mystery with her grandma, Rose, and best friend, Bernie, to ensure the police arrest the correct person. As her waitress, Cheryl couldn't have done it. I have to say that all of Ms. Delany's red herrings looked good for it until you started to look into them. I had a feeling of who did it, and I was right along with the motive. I love it when I get it right.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany and recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy culinary mystery. Ms. Delany gets me going on some of these red herrings that she pulls out. I love how she tries to make all of her mysteries different in this series while not so different that it won't work.
The recipes in the back of this book are Herbed Cucumber Sandwiches, Coconut Lime Cake, and Coffee Cake.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Did Cheryl kill Tommy? Or was it someone else?
Lily Roberts and Tea-by-the-Sea were selected to be shown on America Bakes! a reality TV show where it's a baking competition between a bunch of places that all operate under the same preference so that it's easy to judge which is better. So, this time, it's all about bakeries in the northeast. Lily didn't enter the competition, though that was her grandmother and best friend's doing. At the time, she doesn't seem to mind until Lily has to deal with them, and now she isn't happy. Through this experience, Lily has decided that competing like this isn't for her, especially when it ends up with a murder victim in her kitchen.
I do feel bad for Lily having to find the dead body of Tommy in her kitchen and that she is dancing around her feelings for Simon. Ms. Delany did everything perfectly with all the characters, as I felt like I was there while they were filming the segments and everything else.
The Mystery
Lily walks into her tea shop and to the kitchen when she finds Tommy Greene dead with her rolling pin. She had a hectic day of filming the day before, and she forgot to lock the back door. Lily agrees to investigate this mystery with her grandma, Rose, and best friend, Bernie, to ensure the police arrest the correct person. As her waitress, Cheryl couldn't have done it. I have to say that all of Ms. Delany's red herrings looked good for it until you started to look into them. I had a feeling of who did it, and I was right along with the motive. I love it when I get it right.
Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany and recommend it to anyone who loves a good cozy culinary mystery. Ms. Delany gets me going on some of these red herrings that she pulls out. I love how she tries to make all of her mysteries different in this series while not so different that it won't work.
The recipes in the back of this book are Herbed Cucumber Sandwiches, Coconut Lime Cake, and Coffee Cake.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
July 27, 2022
Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany is full of likely suspects.... as you get deeper into the story, your list will continue to grow.
Murder Spills the Tea is the third book in Delany's Tea by the Sea Mystery series and even though this is the first book in this series that I have read, I was completely hooked immediately. Murder Spills the Tea reads like a stand alone book and readers will be captivated instantly.
In Murder Spills the Tea Lily Roberts who runs the Tea by the Sea tearoom and her grandmother Rose who owns and runs the Victoria-on-Sea bed and breakfast are getting ready to host members of the baking reality television show America Bakes!. They are both excited and nervous as Lily is also competing on the show against a bakery in town. Some of the members of the cast and crew will be staying at the Victoria-on-Sea.
Unfortunately the first day of taping the show, one of the judges, Tommy, causes a scene tripping one of the waitresses, Marybeth, at the tearoom and her mother, Cheryl, who also works there has some words with Tommy even threatening him.....and it's all on tape !!! And when Tommy ends up dead the next morning, it doesn't take long for the detectives to take Cheryl in for questioning.
Lily and her friend and neighbor, Bernie, cannot stop thinking about the murder and want to prove Cheryl's innocence but that might not be easy. After talking to the other judges and members of the crew of America Bakes!, they cannot be sure of anyone's innocence or guilt. They want to believe that it was someone from the cast and crew or an outsider all together, unfortunately there are residents in town that could also have done the deed.
Lily just wants everyone associated with America Bakes! to leave and move on to their next segment and leave everyone alone in Cape Cod.....but the show is in limbo while the higher ups decide if they want to continue filming this episode. Lily decides that she is going to stay out of the investigation .... that is until the gardener for the bed and breakfast is attacked ! Lily devises a plan and thinks she knows who the guilty party is, she just has to stay safe and alive long enough to tell Detective Redmond.....
Readers will want to jump inside Murder Spills the Tea and reserve a room at Victoria-on-Sea and stay there as long as they can...even if there is a murderer roaming around town. Delany's expertly written words will have your imagination opening up so wide that you will feel like you are right there along side everyone in the tearoom and you will wish you could partake in the tea and goodies !!!!
Murder Spills the Tea is the third book in Delany's Tea by the Sea Mystery series and even though this is the first book in this series that I have read, I was completely hooked immediately. Murder Spills the Tea reads like a stand alone book and readers will be captivated instantly.
In Murder Spills the Tea Lily Roberts who runs the Tea by the Sea tearoom and her grandmother Rose who owns and runs the Victoria-on-Sea bed and breakfast are getting ready to host members of the baking reality television show America Bakes!. They are both excited and nervous as Lily is also competing on the show against a bakery in town. Some of the members of the cast and crew will be staying at the Victoria-on-Sea.
Unfortunately the first day of taping the show, one of the judges, Tommy, causes a scene tripping one of the waitresses, Marybeth, at the tearoom and her mother, Cheryl, who also works there has some words with Tommy even threatening him.....and it's all on tape !!! And when Tommy ends up dead the next morning, it doesn't take long for the detectives to take Cheryl in for questioning.
Lily and her friend and neighbor, Bernie, cannot stop thinking about the murder and want to prove Cheryl's innocence but that might not be easy. After talking to the other judges and members of the crew of America Bakes!, they cannot be sure of anyone's innocence or guilt. They want to believe that it was someone from the cast and crew or an outsider all together, unfortunately there are residents in town that could also have done the deed.
Lily just wants everyone associated with America Bakes! to leave and move on to their next segment and leave everyone alone in Cape Cod.....but the show is in limbo while the higher ups decide if they want to continue filming this episode. Lily decides that she is going to stay out of the investigation .... that is until the gardener for the bed and breakfast is attacked ! Lily devises a plan and thinks she knows who the guilty party is, she just has to stay safe and alive long enough to tell Detective Redmond.....
Readers will want to jump inside Murder Spills the Tea and reserve a room at Victoria-on-Sea and stay there as long as they can...even if there is a murderer roaming around town. Delany's expertly written words will have your imagination opening up so wide that you will feel like you are right there along side everyone in the tearoom and you will wish you could partake in the tea and goodies !!!!
July 18, 2022
Lily Roberts is happy running her tearoom, Tea by the Sea, and helping out with breakfasts at her grandmother's B&B, Victoria on Sea. Against her better judgment she has also reluctantly agreed to participate in the successful TV cooking show America Bakes! The resulting disruption during Lily’s busiest season has meant an overcrowded kitchen, staffing problems, disgruntled film crew and staff, along with unfamiliar deadlines playing havoc with her schedules.
After a body is found in the tearooms Lily, her grandmother, Rose, and best friend, Bernie begin their own investigation not convinced the police department's main suspect had anything to do with the killing. When another person is attacked it's clear they're getting closer to the truth but time isn't on their side as the murderer gets more desperate to cover their tracks.
It was lovely to be back in Vicki Delany's English themed tearooms once again and this was a quick and easy read I devoured in one sitting. The main protagonists are becoming more familiar now but the additional characters this time around may put you off working in television for life!
The televised bake-off style contest is a popular theme in cosy crime circles at the moment and I am enjoying reading the different interpretations on offer. There are recipes included once again at the end which all seem very nice indeed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I love this series and the third installment doesn't disappoint.
After a body is found in the tearooms Lily, her grandmother, Rose, and best friend, Bernie begin their own investigation not convinced the police department's main suspect had anything to do with the killing. When another person is attacked it's clear they're getting closer to the truth but time isn't on their side as the murderer gets more desperate to cover their tracks.
It was lovely to be back in Vicki Delany's English themed tearooms once again and this was a quick and easy read I devoured in one sitting. The main protagonists are becoming more familiar now but the additional characters this time around may put you off working in television for life!
The televised bake-off style contest is a popular theme in cosy crime circles at the moment and I am enjoying reading the different interpretations on offer. There are recipes included once again at the end which all seem very nice indeed.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I love this series and the third installment doesn't disappoint.
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