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Misty Bay Tearoom #2
In Too Steep
The peace and tranquility of the Misty Bay Tearoom are rocked by murder and a long-buried secret hidden in a most unlikely place in bestselling author Kate Kingsbury’s second charming book for fans of Cleo Coyle and Laura Childs.
It seemed like a simple case: the murder of Lewis Trenton, a beachcomber who lived alone in a cabin in the Oregon hills. But the newspaper article piques the interest of Vivian Wainwright, owner of the British-style Misty Bay Tearoom. The photo accompanying the article shows Lewis’s cluttered living room, and on the shelf is a replica of Big Ben. Vivian is sure she sold the clock a week before in her shop. Who could have given the replica to Lewis?
Unable to keep from doing a bit of sleuthing, Vivian hunts down the replica in a local thrift shop, noticing that the base is missing, rendering it worthless, but just as Vivian is about to throw it in the trash, a sparkle catches her eye. It’s a diamond, hidden away in a crevice in the clock. Vivian takes the diamond to Detective Tony Messina, who identifies it as part of a jewelry heist in Portland a month earlier. Portland police think Lewis was the fence who sold the jewels, and that he was killed after double-crossing the thieves—but Messina doesn’t believe the story.
What was the true motive behind Lewis’s murder? How did he come upon the diamond? And what secrets can the clock tell—before the killer strikes again?
It seemed like a simple case: the murder of Lewis Trenton, a beachcomber who lived alone in a cabin in the Oregon hills. But the newspaper article piques the interest of Vivian Wainwright, owner of the British-style Misty Bay Tearoom. The photo accompanying the article shows Lewis’s cluttered living room, and on the shelf is a replica of Big Ben. Vivian is sure she sold the clock a week before in her shop. Who could have given the replica to Lewis?
Unable to keep from doing a bit of sleuthing, Vivian hunts down the replica in a local thrift shop, noticing that the base is missing, rendering it worthless, but just as Vivian is about to throw it in the trash, a sparkle catches her eye. It’s a diamond, hidden away in a crevice in the clock. Vivian takes the diamond to Detective Tony Messina, who identifies it as part of a jewelry heist in Portland a month earlier. Portland police think Lewis was the fence who sold the jewels, and that he was killed after double-crossing the thieves—but Messina doesn’t believe the story.
What was the true motive behind Lewis’s murder? How did he come upon the diamond? And what secrets can the clock tell—before the killer strikes again?
280 pages, Hardcover
Published August 9, 2022
34 people are currently reading
261 people want to read
About the author
Kate Kingsbury
85 books569 followersKate Kingsbury grew up in London, England, and at a very early age began telling stories to her school friends during the London Blitz of WW II while huddling in bomb shelters. Kate moved to the U.S. in the early sixties, and had passed her 50th birthday when she published her first book. Writing as Doreen Roberts, (her real name at the time) she published 26 romance novels for Harlequin/Silhouette. In 1991 her first Pennyfoot Hotel book was published and since then Kate has written 35 mysteries, including the Manor House mysteries, the Bellehaven House mysteries(written as Rebecca Kent) and the Raven's Nest mysteries, (written as Allison Kingsley.) Her new series, The Merry Ghost Inn Mysteries debuted in January, 2017 with Dead and Breakfast, featuring a B & B on the Oregon coast. She has one son, Regan, and lives with her husband, Bill, in the beautiful state of Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
February 25, 2022
Book 2 in a series about Vivian and her Willow Pattern Tearoom in Misty Bay, Oregon. Together with her two assistants, Jenna and Gracie, Vivian tries to discover the killer of a local beachcomber.
I liked the first book and this one was even better. The mystery was interesting as Vivian tried to find the owner of a souvenir who may have been a friend of the poor man who has died. In the event it transpires that the item has changed hands a few times and is in fact central to the murder. As is usual for a cosy she does not take her information to the police and ends up in a sticky situation.
There are two ongoing romances, a kleptomaniac but heroic dog and lots of references to yummy English cakes like Bakewell tarts and cream horns. A pleasurable read and I look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I liked the first book and this one was even better. The mystery was interesting as Vivian tried to find the owner of a souvenir who may have been a friend of the poor man who has died. In the event it transpires that the item has changed hands a few times and is in fact central to the murder. As is usual for a cosy she does not take her information to the police and ends up in a sticky situation.
There are two ongoing romances, a kleptomaniac but heroic dog and lots of references to yummy English cakes like Bakewell tarts and cream horns. A pleasurable read and I look forward to the next one.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 8, 2022
When Vivian Wainwright, owner of the Misty Bay Tearoom, heard that the old hermit who lived in a shack near the beach had been murdered, she was shocked. Who would want to kill a harmless old man? But it was a photo depicting his room, with a Big Ben statue in the background that had her interested. She sold those at her tearoom, and knew she'd only sold one around a month prior. Her interest in finding the statue saw her eventually pick it up from a Thrift store, but it was what she found inside that made her head to the police station. When Detective Tony Messina identified the diamond Vivian handed him as one that had been stolen in a jewellery heist a month prior, she knew that their idea of the hermit being a fence was wrong. And she would prove the poor man innocent.
Once again, Vivian and her two helpers, Jenna and Gracie - the three rookies - were up to their necks in sleuthing. Interviewing people was all very well, but if any one of them was the killer, they would find themselves in danger once again. Would Vivian and her friends discover who the killer was?
In Too Steep is the 2nd in the Misty Bay Tearoom series by Kate Kingsbury and I enjoyed it very much. Felix, Vivian's dog, is adorable, and Hal, Vivian's friend and Felix's sometimes walker, is a great character. It was good to catch up with Jenna and Gracie, along with the main characters, and I'm really looking forward to #3. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Once again, Vivian and her two helpers, Jenna and Gracie - the three rookies - were up to their necks in sleuthing. Interviewing people was all very well, but if any one of them was the killer, they would find themselves in danger once again. Would Vivian and her friends discover who the killer was?
In Too Steep is the 2nd in the Misty Bay Tearoom series by Kate Kingsbury and I enjoyed it very much. Felix, Vivian's dog, is adorable, and Hal, Vivian's friend and Felix's sometimes walker, is a great character. It was good to catch up with Jenna and Gracie, along with the main characters, and I'm really looking forward to #3. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2022
A great book on many levels... detailed book review coming soon! 📝🥰
UPDATE:
I truly enjoyed reading "In Too Steep" written by Kate Kingsbury. It was my first encounter with this author and I was certainly not disappointed.
The book cover is truly lovely and first attracted me to the book. It matched the contents within satisfactorily.
Ms. Kingsbury is a strong writer with a wonderful ability to create a cozy, deeply engaging setting that draws the reader in. The atmosphere was warm, inviting ad the relationship depicted between the ladies was heartfelt and genuine. The characters were amply fleshed out, contributing to the overall cozy effect.
I think I gained an extra five pounds just reading about the succulent desserts, sandwiches and teas the author described in significant detail.
In summation, the story was even-paced and flowed beautifully from one scene to the next which made for a pleasurable read. It was not an effort to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Kate Kingsbury for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this delightful book. It is scheduled to be released on August 9, 2022 and I am sure it will not disappoint.
Cheers!
UPDATE:
I truly enjoyed reading "In Too Steep" written by Kate Kingsbury. It was my first encounter with this author and I was certainly not disappointed.
The book cover is truly lovely and first attracted me to the book. It matched the contents within satisfactorily.
Ms. Kingsbury is a strong writer with a wonderful ability to create a cozy, deeply engaging setting that draws the reader in. The atmosphere was warm, inviting ad the relationship depicted between the ladies was heartfelt and genuine. The characters were amply fleshed out, contributing to the overall cozy effect.
I think I gained an extra five pounds just reading about the succulent desserts, sandwiches and teas the author described in significant detail.
In summation, the story was even-paced and flowed beautifully from one scene to the next which made for a pleasurable read. It was not an effort to read this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Kate Kingsbury for the opportunity to read an advanced reader copy of this delightful book. It is scheduled to be released on August 9, 2022 and I am sure it will not disappoint.
Cheers!
March 30, 2022
The first thing that attracted me to this book was the beautiful cover. I thought it was bright and cheerful and reminded me of spring. This led me to read the description and I knew this book was for me. Although I’ve heard good things about the Author this is the first time I’ve read one of her cozy mysteries. Even though I’m a coffee drinker this tea shop mystery had me longing for a cup of tea. I have English blood flowing through my veins so this book captured me completely. I was drawn in from the beginning and gradually I felt like I was being pulled more into the story as the mystery grew more intense. Close to the ending I found myself on the edge of my seat. This cozy mystery was unpredictable, entertaining and I didn’t want to put the book down. I fell in love with the characters and I want to read book one of this series.
Vivian Wainwright is the sixty year old owner of an English Tea Room. She has two employees working in her tea room, Gracie Jackson and Jenna Ramsey. Vivian is the proud owner of Flix, a dog that she recently adopted. She is on the threshold of a new romance with her friend Hal Douglas. In fact romance is in the air as Jenna is smitten by Detective Lieutenant Tony Messina and he with her. The town is stirred up over a recent murder of 65 year old beachcomber Lewis Trenton. The man was a hermit, lived alone with no family or friends. The question is why would someone kill him because he kept to himself and never bothered anyone?
While reading the story of his murder in the newspaper, Vivian notices in a picture of the inside of his cabin, a model of Big Ben. These models were sold exclusively in her tea room and she had imported them from England to sell in her shop. She can’t recall that Lewis came into her shop at anytime so someone must have bought it from the tea room and gifted it to him. Could this Big Ben model somehow fit in with Lewis’s murder? Vivian has promised she will not investigate anymore murder cases but the sleuth in her will not allow her to let Detective Messina do his job without her help.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy mystery and fans of the Author. It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend first reading book one In Hot Water. This book is scheduled to be released on 8/9/22
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#InTooSteep#NetGalley
Vivian Wainwright is the sixty year old owner of an English Tea Room. She has two employees working in her tea room, Gracie Jackson and Jenna Ramsey. Vivian is the proud owner of Flix, a dog that she recently adopted. She is on the threshold of a new romance with her friend Hal Douglas. In fact romance is in the air as Jenna is smitten by Detective Lieutenant Tony Messina and he with her. The town is stirred up over a recent murder of 65 year old beachcomber Lewis Trenton. The man was a hermit, lived alone with no family or friends. The question is why would someone kill him because he kept to himself and never bothered anyone?
While reading the story of his murder in the newspaper, Vivian notices in a picture of the inside of his cabin, a model of Big Ben. These models were sold exclusively in her tea room and she had imported them from England to sell in her shop. She can’t recall that Lewis came into her shop at anytime so someone must have bought it from the tea room and gifted it to him. Could this Big Ben model somehow fit in with Lewis’s murder? Vivian has promised she will not investigate anymore murder cases but the sleuth in her will not allow her to let Detective Messina do his job without her help.
I recommend this book to readers of Cozy mystery and fans of the Author. It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend first reading book one In Hot Water. This book is scheduled to be released on 8/9/22
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
#InTooSteep#NetGalley
September 29, 2022
Even for a cozy this story was way too cheesy with a TSTL MC.
April 12, 2022
Kate Kingsbury's new novel In Too Steep is a comfy down home mystery that has clean content and a refreshing tone. It is a charming story with delightful characters.
Synopsis:
Lewis Trenton enjoyed spending time searching the shoreline looking for treasures. He was a loner so when he was murdered it was a shock to Vivian Wainwright. Vivian is a bit of an amateur detective and can't help but wonder why Lewis was killed. Rumors spread quickly that Lewis was involved in a fencing ring. Vivian is determined to find out the truth.
What I appreciate about the story:
Vivian makes you feel like she is someone you would enjoy having as a family member. She loves to cook her mom's recipes and home baked goodies are her favorite. The friendship between the ladies in the book is warm. I especially enjoyed the cute and loveable dog Felix. Kingsbury included just the right amount of romance sprinkled in to make the story shine.
(4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for allowing me to review this e-book. I appreciate your kindness. In Too Steep will be published August 9th.
Synopsis:
Lewis Trenton enjoyed spending time searching the shoreline looking for treasures. He was a loner so when he was murdered it was a shock to Vivian Wainwright. Vivian is a bit of an amateur detective and can't help but wonder why Lewis was killed. Rumors spread quickly that Lewis was involved in a fencing ring. Vivian is determined to find out the truth.
What I appreciate about the story:
Vivian makes you feel like she is someone you would enjoy having as a family member. She loves to cook her mom's recipes and home baked goodies are her favorite. The friendship between the ladies in the book is warm. I especially enjoyed the cute and loveable dog Felix. Kingsbury included just the right amount of romance sprinkled in to make the story shine.
(4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, for allowing me to review this e-book. I appreciate your kindness. In Too Steep will be published August 9th.
August 18, 2022
Vivian Wainwright owns a tearoom in Misty Bay, Oregon. One morning while watching the news she sees that a man in her town has been murdered. For some reason she can't get the man out of her head. She starts following a big Ben statue that the man owned. It's a mystery she needs to solve.
I liked this book. The mystery was intriguing and kept me hooked. I liked the relationship between Vivian and Hal. I liked the side characters name, Jenna. *smiles. This is the second book in the series but I was able to read it as a standalone.
I liked this book. The mystery was intriguing and kept me hooked. I liked the relationship between Vivian and Hal. I liked the side characters name, Jenna. *smiles. This is the second book in the series but I was able to read it as a standalone.
January 21, 2022
In too Steep is a cozy mystery, with a wonderful use of words and language. Even the title is a bit of a pun. This book is the second novel of this series and the first Kate Kingsbury that I have read. Even though I had not read the first book in this series, I had no problem getting to know the characters and their histories. This mystery is very much character driven, which I like. I mostly read crime mysteries and have always ignored cosy mysteries, but I have found that this genre has much to offer. I loved the tearoom setting. I have spent a lot of time in England and love good English tea and pastries. Kingbury's focus on making pastries was a personal hazard, since she invariably made me hungry. The characters and the mystery were sometimes interesting, but some of the plotting--having the 3 protagonists question suspects--was silly. As was quite predictable, one of the women put her life at risk, put a second woman's life at risk, and both women needed to be rescued by a man. I would really appreciate it if women could save themselves and not need to rely upon a man to do so. At the end of the book, romance once again saves the women from loneliness and boredom.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did when I finished it. I want the protagonists to either save theirselves or to not make such bad choices. I want the protagonist to be smarter. Given the ending of this book, I am not at all sure how there can be a third novel in this series.
I do want to thank the publisher and author for providing me with this ARC to read and review. The opinions stated herein are my own. I also appreciate that NetGalley has introduced me to so many new authors. Thank you NetGalley.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did when I finished it. I want the protagonists to either save theirselves or to not make such bad choices. I want the protagonist to be smarter. Given the ending of this book, I am not at all sure how there can be a third novel in this series.
I do want to thank the publisher and author for providing me with this ARC to read and review. The opinions stated herein are my own. I also appreciate that NetGalley has introduced me to so many new authors. Thank you NetGalley.
February 8, 2022
In Too Sleep is the second in this series. In Hot Water was the first. There are the same characters from the first book that in this book along with the new characters that add to the story, The story takes place in the town of Misty Bay, Oregon. The main character is Vivian Wainwright, the owner of the Willow Pattern Tearoom. The story starts with the murder of Lewis Trenton a recluse who lives in a cabin in the hills He was murdered in a break-in. Detective Tony Messina is frustrated as this is the second murder in a month. Vivian notices in a picture of his living room that on the shelf is the model of Big Ben that was sold in her tearoom. Vivian follows the people who owned it from Stacey Patel who she sold it to and ending up in a thrift store. She buys it and brings it home and discovers the bottom is missing. On exploring the insides she finds a diamond in one of the crevices. Finding the diamond Vivian and her assistants Jenna Ramsey and Gracie Jackson decide to find out who killed Lewis and who the diamond fence is. There is romance, suspense and following the clues to the exciting climax at the end of story.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what adventure Vivian and her assistants go on as well as to where their romances go.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what adventure Vivian and her assistants go on as well as to where their romances go.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
October 11, 2022
Ok Vivian was just a nosy one in this book. She literally had ZERO reason to stick her nose in this time, never mind getting Gracie and Jenna involved 🤔🙄🙄. The mystery in this one was a bit far fetched as to why she got involved but the pace moved along at a moderate pace. Another thing was her wishy washy emotions towards Felix the dog, she loves him but do I keep him or do I give him up. Nothing has changed in her life since she got him so that was just 🙄🙄
The two “romances” were lackluster though it was nice to see Jenna allowing herself to trust again. Overall
Ehhh
The two “romances” were lackluster though it was nice to see Jenna allowing herself to trust again. Overall
Ehhh
August 11, 2022
I enjoyed the first book in the “A Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery” series, and the second book, In Too Steep, is even better. A mystery with diamonds, British tea, Big Ben, and the death of a beachcomber make for a gripping plot. Readers will appreciate the nuance of the cast, setting, and story. But more than anything, they will adore Vivian and want to visit her shop, taste the food and enjoy a great cup of tea.
Vivian is a lover of all things British, from the famous tea servings to the landscape. Hence why she bought and sold a replica of Big Ben, which, although not necessarily pretty, is a good representation of her mother's home. So when the body of a beachcomber is found murdered in his rustic cabin, Vivian is curious about who would want to kill a lonely old man who, by all accounts, kept to himself and never bothered anyone. But when she spots one of her Big Ben statues in a picture of the victim's house, she sets out to find out who gave it to him. After running around all over and finally locating the statue, she and her accomplices, Gracie and Jenna, discover a hidden diamond in the cavity of the statue and a motive for murder.
Vivian is one of those characters a reader can’t help but like. She is older, a widow, and a business owner but not someone with tons of experience. She loves her tea shop, holding authentic British tea for her customers, the souvenirs she sells, and even the ugly Big Ben statue that is at the heart of this mystery. The other characters in the story are delightfully human, with human faults, all of which have readers in the palm of their hands. Even the suspects are enjoyable. The killer almost ends Vivian and her future with Hal when she stumbles upon the truth while questioning a potential suspect. The victim is primarily unknown, but he is the crux of everything, along with the hidden diamond and a jewelry heist. The evidence will convince readers to follow the same meandering path as Vivian and her friends until they reach a conclusion, maybe even the right one.
In Too Steep is magnificently written with classic characters, a fun plot, and a well-done British twist that will have readers beaming with delight. The action is good, and there are plenty of twists to make readers question everything. The hidden diamond, Big Ben, the traditional tea, the personal relationships, and the killer will pull you in from the very first page until the very last. I am happy to recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one!
Vivian is a lover of all things British, from the famous tea servings to the landscape. Hence why she bought and sold a replica of Big Ben, which, although not necessarily pretty, is a good representation of her mother's home. So when the body of a beachcomber is found murdered in his rustic cabin, Vivian is curious about who would want to kill a lonely old man who, by all accounts, kept to himself and never bothered anyone. But when she spots one of her Big Ben statues in a picture of the victim's house, she sets out to find out who gave it to him. After running around all over and finally locating the statue, she and her accomplices, Gracie and Jenna, discover a hidden diamond in the cavity of the statue and a motive for murder.
Vivian is one of those characters a reader can’t help but like. She is older, a widow, and a business owner but not someone with tons of experience. She loves her tea shop, holding authentic British tea for her customers, the souvenirs she sells, and even the ugly Big Ben statue that is at the heart of this mystery. The other characters in the story are delightfully human, with human faults, all of which have readers in the palm of their hands. Even the suspects are enjoyable. The killer almost ends Vivian and her future with Hal when she stumbles upon the truth while questioning a potential suspect. The victim is primarily unknown, but he is the crux of everything, along with the hidden diamond and a jewelry heist. The evidence will convince readers to follow the same meandering path as Vivian and her friends until they reach a conclusion, maybe even the right one.
In Too Steep is magnificently written with classic characters, a fun plot, and a well-done British twist that will have readers beaming with delight. The action is good, and there are plenty of twists to make readers question everything. The hidden diamond, Big Ben, the traditional tea, the personal relationships, and the killer will pull you in from the very first page until the very last. I am happy to recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one!
August 11, 2022
Author Kate Kingsbury continues her new Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery series with In Too Steep which follows the first instalment, In Hot Water.
Set on the Oregon coast it features Vivian Wainwright, sixty-plus-years-old, who is the proprietor of her tea room - The Willow Pattern. Vivian's late mother was English and Vivian has dreamed of owning her own tea room for years, her wish finally coming true. Vivian is flicking through a newspaper and spots an article about the death of Lewis Trenton, attacked in the living room of his hillside cabin. The local detective, Lieutenant Tony Messina has no suspects but Vivian recognises a clocktower on Lewis's mantelpiece, Big Ben, that's pictured in the newspaper...
In Too Steep was a thoroughly enjoyable, piece of humorous, well-executed escapism with a good blend of characters. As well as protagonist Vivian, I liked her employees, Jenna Ramsey and Gracie Jackson. The mystery was interesting and I was kept guessing. This instalment indicates there is plenty of potential for development, there are some lovely descriptions of delectable treats, and I liked Vivian's cheeky dog, Felix. I'm eager to read the third instalment on a return visit to Misty Bay.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Set on the Oregon coast it features Vivian Wainwright, sixty-plus-years-old, who is the proprietor of her tea room - The Willow Pattern. Vivian's late mother was English and Vivian has dreamed of owning her own tea room for years, her wish finally coming true. Vivian is flicking through a newspaper and spots an article about the death of Lewis Trenton, attacked in the living room of his hillside cabin. The local detective, Lieutenant Tony Messina has no suspects but Vivian recognises a clocktower on Lewis's mantelpiece, Big Ben, that's pictured in the newspaper...
In Too Steep was a thoroughly enjoyable, piece of humorous, well-executed escapism with a good blend of characters. As well as protagonist Vivian, I liked her employees, Jenna Ramsey and Gracie Jackson. The mystery was interesting and I was kept guessing. This instalment indicates there is plenty of potential for development, there are some lovely descriptions of delectable treats, and I liked Vivian's cheeky dog, Felix. I'm eager to read the third instalment on a return visit to Misty Bay.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
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February 28, 2025I love this series so much. If there are only going to be two books in it I will be so disappointed and sad! But even so, I'll always feel incredibly blessed to have been able to get to visit Misty Bay, even if it does turn out to be only two books long!
In Too Steep is the first book to make me cry happy, deeply emotional tears in a long time. The characters are beyond lovable and so relatable. The main character, Vivian, is an older lady than you normally encounter as the heroine in mystery novels. Her age plays a very important part in the stories in a very positive way. As an amateur sleuth she is as much motivated by empathy as she is by her strong sense of right and wrong and her desire to see justice served.
I fell in love with her tea room, her dog Felix, her two employees/best friends, Jenna and Gracie, and her love interest, Hal. It's an amazing group of characters in a wonderful setting and the story is enjoyable and intriguing. There are moments that make you laugh and moments that make you get misty-eyed. There is a very sweet dog, yummy food, and a spine-tingling mystery.
Please, oh please, don't let this be the final time I get to visit Misty Bay and my beloved friends who live there!
In Too Steep is the first book to make me cry happy, deeply emotional tears in a long time. The characters are beyond lovable and so relatable. The main character, Vivian, is an older lady than you normally encounter as the heroine in mystery novels. Her age plays a very important part in the stories in a very positive way. As an amateur sleuth she is as much motivated by empathy as she is by her strong sense of right and wrong and her desire to see justice served.
I fell in love with her tea room, her dog Felix, her two employees/best friends, Jenna and Gracie, and her love interest, Hal. It's an amazing group of characters in a wonderful setting and the story is enjoyable and intriguing. There are moments that make you laugh and moments that make you get misty-eyed. There is a very sweet dog, yummy food, and a spine-tingling mystery.
Please, oh please, don't let this be the final time I get to visit Misty Bay and my beloved friends who live there!
November 20, 2022
Tearoom owner Mikki becomes interested in the case of an elderly beachcomber who was found murdered in her little community, and decides to intervene when she finds the police think he's a fence for stolen jewelry. Her two waitresses help her investigate, despite the doubts of Hal, a fellow business owner who has warm feelings toward her. She's a little slow on the uptake, both about Hal and her own feelings, and about a big fat clue the murderer drops. The conclusion would lead one to believe that this is the en of the two-book series, but one never knows,
August 24, 2023
Nice Group of characters
I enjoyed spending time with Vivian and her friends. It was a relaxing read and made me want a cuppa with some English cakes.
I enjoyed spending time with Vivian and her friends. It was a relaxing read and made me want a cuppa with some English cakes.
August 15, 2022
I requested this book before I had read the first one. I didn’t enjoy the first one at all and was not looking forward to reading this one and having to write a review. I was hopeful some of the kinks from the first one had been worked out but that wasn’t the case. Vivian Wainwright, the main character, is pushy and obnoxious. Why she feels the need to investigate this murder is tenuous at best. There are so many TSTL moments that I lost count of the number of times I rolled my eyes. I will not be continuing with this series or this author.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
January 19, 2022
I really wanted to like this book because of love the tea shop setting. Vivian Wainwright uses her mother's British recipes to bake her delicious treats in her shop. Her two assistants - Jenna Ramsey and Gracie Jackson work well together and the shop is thriving. When a local hermit is found dead in his cabin, Vivian decides she needs to solve the case. This is where the book went bad. Not only does Vivian question suspects, but sometimes she does it alone. I always believe that too stupid to live (TSTL) characters should be put out of their misery. This is especially stupid as in the previous book, Vivian's assistant Jenna was nearly murdered. I'd still patronize the tea shop, but I don't think I will read the books.
July 14, 2022
Thank you, Net Galley for my ARC!
I had the same reactions as with the first book of the Misty Bay Tearoom. As much as I loved having an ala Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote) main character, Vivian Wainwright's actions do not sit well with me. In your 60s, you just can't go off pursuing an investigation, just because you "felt sad" for a stranger. 1st star was for the very colorful and happy cover, 2nd star is for the mystery with a different spin on solving, but that is it. Misty Bay and its townfolk did not charm me. I just wonder if Vivian will be breaking her promise all throughout the series.
I had the same reactions as with the first book of the Misty Bay Tearoom. As much as I loved having an ala Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote) main character, Vivian Wainwright's actions do not sit well with me. In your 60s, you just can't go off pursuing an investigation, just because you "felt sad" for a stranger. 1st star was for the very colorful and happy cover, 2nd star is for the mystery with a different spin on solving, but that is it. Misty Bay and its townfolk did not charm me. I just wonder if Vivian will be breaking her promise all throughout the series.
December 1, 2021
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Crooked Lane Books and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
Wonderfully entertaining cozy mystery series. Quaint story with charming characters.
Wonderfully entertaining cozy mystery series. Quaint story with charming characters.
December 12, 2021
I really enjoyed the second book in the tea series. It made me crave scones and didn’t discover the killer to the end. Overall a great series with wonderful characters!
#InTooSteep #NetGalley
#InTooSteep #NetGalley
August 27, 2022
“In to Steep” is the 2nd instalment in A Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery series by Kate Kingsbury set in the town of Misty Bay, Oregon. I did have trouble getting into this instalment much like book one, but do recommend giving it a try.
The peace and tranquility of the Misty Bay Tearoom is rocked by murder and a long-buried secret hidden in a most unlikely place
I struggled to read this story, I’m thinking it was maybe just me although others seemed to have trouble too.
Vivian, Jenna and Gracie are all from different age groups so we see the different perspectives, which I liked. We get to see how they have progressed since the last book and some romance is in the air for at least two of them.
Felix , Vivian's rescue is a joy and she struggles with giving him the attention he needs and the tea shop. The surprise ending kind of made me feel like the author was wrapping everything up neatly, in case there is no book 3 or the series will take on a whole new direction.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit but in the end I was correct.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The peace and tranquility of the Misty Bay Tearoom is rocked by murder and a long-buried secret hidden in a most unlikely place
I struggled to read this story, I’m thinking it was maybe just me although others seemed to have trouble too.
Vivian, Jenna and Gracie are all from different age groups so we see the different perspectives, which I liked. We get to see how they have progressed since the last book and some romance is in the air for at least two of them.
Felix , Vivian's rescue is a joy and she struggles with giving him the attention he needs and the tea shop. The surprise ending kind of made me feel like the author was wrapping everything up neatly, in case there is no book 3 or the series will take on a whole new direction.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit but in the end I was correct.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 7, 2022
I'm really enjoying this series and the fact that Vivian's finally coming around to having a more than friendship relationship with Hal. Life's too short to let a good someone go--now if Jenna would take that advice, she'd make Viv a happy camper!
I got a suspicion when a character was introduced that they might be the perp, and I was actually right. But wow what a twisted journey that little model of the Big Ben took! From one owner to another, how could this innocent decorative piece have gotten involved in a jewel heist? Vivian and her pals were determined to find out.
The side story with Hal and how this particular incident seemed to bring him and Viv even closer was really enjoyable for me. And I believe there might be hope for Jenna and Tony too! That showdown was tense, but all ended up well with the right help coming along when needed. I'm eager to read more now that all three ladies seem to be in a good place with possible relationships! This book releases Tuesday, August 6, 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I got a suspicion when a character was introduced that they might be the perp, and I was actually right. But wow what a twisted journey that little model of the Big Ben took! From one owner to another, how could this innocent decorative piece have gotten involved in a jewel heist? Vivian and her pals were determined to find out.
The side story with Hal and how this particular incident seemed to bring him and Viv even closer was really enjoyable for me. And I believe there might be hope for Jenna and Tony too! That showdown was tense, but all ended up well with the right help coming along when needed. I'm eager to read more now that all three ladies seem to be in a good place with possible relationships! This book releases Tuesday, August 6, 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
July 14, 2022
3 1/2 Stars
In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury is the second book in the Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery series. This was an interesting story but something was missing for me. I like the characters but I couldn't get into why Vivian Wainwright, owner of the Willow Pattern Tea Room and amateur sleuth, insisted on finding someone to mourn the beachcomber who was murdered. It just didn't add up for me so I didn't get that page-turner feeling from this book. I can say that the characters are well-developed and I enjoyed the developing relationship between tea room server Jenna Ramsey and police detective Tony Messina.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury is the second book in the Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery series. This was an interesting story but something was missing for me. I like the characters but I couldn't get into why Vivian Wainwright, owner of the Willow Pattern Tea Room and amateur sleuth, insisted on finding someone to mourn the beachcomber who was murdered. It just didn't add up for me so I didn't get that page-turner feeling from this book. I can say that the characters are well-developed and I enjoyed the developing relationship between tea room server Jenna Ramsey and police detective Tony Messina.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 20, 2025
Although I enjoyed some things about this book, I did not find it quite as entertaining as the first book of the Misty Bay Tearoom series. In the first book, one of the main characters quickly became a murder suspect, and the chief of police developed a romantic interest in her. In this book, there were no real suspects for murder, although Vivien Wainwright had some of her own. She did her own investigating, and she was often accompanied by her friends, Gracie and Jenna. Still, I did enjoy the development of the romances in the lives of the three women. For some reason, this book is the last book in the series. Perhaps another book will be written at some point in the future.
August 10, 2022
In Too Steep is the second book in the Misty Bay Tearoom by Kate Kingsbury.
Vivian Wainwright, the owner of the Misty Bay Teashop, is anxious to read the article on the murder of Lewis Trenton, a beachcomber, and recluse. Accompanying the article is a picture of Trenton’s cluttered living room. She notices in the picture a replica of Big Ben like the one she sold a week ago but doesn’t remember Trenton coming into her tearoom. Vivian wants to learn who gave him the Big Ben replica and discover who might have killed him.
Vivian's investigation soon leads her to a thrift shop with a Big Ben whose base has been damaged. Even though it is damaged, she decides to purchase it. When Vivian gets home and has a chance to examine it, she finds a diamond hidden in it. Vivian immediately takes the diamond to Detective Messina. Messina quickly comes up with a police report from Portland about an unsolved diamond heist. Messina believes Trenton must have been a “fence” for whoever stole the gems.
Vivian doesn’t believe that he knowingly was involved with the stolen gems. So Vivian and her employees, Jenna and Gracie, set off to clear Trenton of any suspicion and to find his killer.
Vivian’s gentlemen friend, Hal, is having heart issues that worry her. In addition, Vivian is worried about her well-being, as she has been forgetting things and is concerned that she may have the beginning of dementia.
The story is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story that I was kept guessing until the thrilling ending as to who the killer was.
I will be watching for the book in this enjoyable series.
Vivian Wainwright, the owner of the Misty Bay Teashop, is anxious to read the article on the murder of Lewis Trenton, a beachcomber, and recluse. Accompanying the article is a picture of Trenton’s cluttered living room. She notices in the picture a replica of Big Ben like the one she sold a week ago but doesn’t remember Trenton coming into her tearoom. Vivian wants to learn who gave him the Big Ben replica and discover who might have killed him.
Vivian's investigation soon leads her to a thrift shop with a Big Ben whose base has been damaged. Even though it is damaged, she decides to purchase it. When Vivian gets home and has a chance to examine it, she finds a diamond hidden in it. Vivian immediately takes the diamond to Detective Messina. Messina quickly comes up with a police report from Portland about an unsolved diamond heist. Messina believes Trenton must have been a “fence” for whoever stole the gems.
Vivian doesn’t believe that he knowingly was involved with the stolen gems. So Vivian and her employees, Jenna and Gracie, set off to clear Trenton of any suspicion and to find his killer.
Vivian’s gentlemen friend, Hal, is having heart issues that worry her. In addition, Vivian is worried about her well-being, as she has been forgetting things and is concerned that she may have the beginning of dementia.
The story is well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. There were plenty of twists and turns in the story that I was kept guessing until the thrilling ending as to who the killer was.
I will be watching for the book in this enjoyable series.
January 27, 2022
A great group of characters not used to their potential and the main character just too unreal. The plot is not believable and the recklessness of Vivian overshadows any redeeming factors in the story.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for this arc
May 30, 2022
Even though this is the second book in the series, I still feel like I can't visualize the characters. I thought the relationship between Vivian and Hal was a little rushed. It went from nonexistent to slow, then to full relationship very quickly. I feel "meh" about the series as a whole.
March 22, 2022
I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.
It seemed like a simple case: the murder of Lewis Trenton, a beachcomber who lived alone in a cabin in the Oregon hills. But the newspaper article piques the interest of Vivian Wainwright, owner of the British-style Misty Bay Tearoom. The photo accompanying the article shows Lewis’s cluttered living room, and on the shelf is a replica of Big Ben. Vivian is sure she sold the clock a week before in her shop. Who could have given the replica to Lewis?
Unable to keep from doing a bit of sleuthing, Vivian hunts down the replica in a local thrift shop, noticing that the base is missing, rendering it worthless, but just as Vivian is about to throw it in the trash, a sparkle catches her eye. It’s a diamond, hidden away in a crevice in the clock. Vivian takes the diamond to Detective Tony Messina, who identifies it as part of a jewelry heist in Portland a month earlier. Portland police think Lewis was the fence who sold the jewels, and that he was killed after double-crossing the thieves—but Messina doesn’t believe the story.
What was the true motive behind Lewis’s murder? How did he come upon the diamond? And what secrets can the clock tell—before the killer strikes again? (Goodreads Synopsis)
I have not read any of Kate Kingsbury’s novels prior to this one.
I liked everything up to how the main sleuth, Vivian, handled her solution. It always bothers me when the character forgets that they are actual law enforcement and potentially put themselves, and others, in danger. Read the novel to find out what I mean, because that is all I am saying. It was also the only thing that bothered.
I enjoyed Vivian, Gracie, and Jenna and all of their interactions. I felt like they were all sisters and not employer with employees. They all seemed to genuinely care for one another. I think it also gave me insight for an older sister with two bickering sisters. It’s soft-hearted without being malicious.
The two ongoing romances were perfectly pitched as an undercurrent, and not at all distracting. Vivian and Hal are the best example of it doesn’t matter how old you are. But I was also glad to see Jenna and Messina begin. I will have to read the first novel to understand exactly what they had to overcome, but I didn’t feel that I was missing anything. The author does a great job of giving enough detail that the reader isn’t lost, but not so much that the reader knows everything about the first book.
I love the interactions with Felix. Though I kept thinking he was a smaller dog than what was featured on the cover. It doesn’t matter anyway, because whenever Felix is mentioned, he basically stole the show.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
It seemed like a simple case: the murder of Lewis Trenton, a beachcomber who lived alone in a cabin in the Oregon hills. But the newspaper article piques the interest of Vivian Wainwright, owner of the British-style Misty Bay Tearoom. The photo accompanying the article shows Lewis’s cluttered living room, and on the shelf is a replica of Big Ben. Vivian is sure she sold the clock a week before in her shop. Who could have given the replica to Lewis?
Unable to keep from doing a bit of sleuthing, Vivian hunts down the replica in a local thrift shop, noticing that the base is missing, rendering it worthless, but just as Vivian is about to throw it in the trash, a sparkle catches her eye. It’s a diamond, hidden away in a crevice in the clock. Vivian takes the diamond to Detective Tony Messina, who identifies it as part of a jewelry heist in Portland a month earlier. Portland police think Lewis was the fence who sold the jewels, and that he was killed after double-crossing the thieves—but Messina doesn’t believe the story.
What was the true motive behind Lewis’s murder? How did he come upon the diamond? And what secrets can the clock tell—before the killer strikes again? (Goodreads Synopsis)
I have not read any of Kate Kingsbury’s novels prior to this one.
I liked everything up to how the main sleuth, Vivian, handled her solution. It always bothers me when the character forgets that they are actual law enforcement and potentially put themselves, and others, in danger. Read the novel to find out what I mean, because that is all I am saying. It was also the only thing that bothered.
I enjoyed Vivian, Gracie, and Jenna and all of their interactions. I felt like they were all sisters and not employer with employees. They all seemed to genuinely care for one another. I think it also gave me insight for an older sister with two bickering sisters. It’s soft-hearted without being malicious.
The two ongoing romances were perfectly pitched as an undercurrent, and not at all distracting. Vivian and Hal are the best example of it doesn’t matter how old you are. But I was also glad to see Jenna and Messina begin. I will have to read the first novel to understand exactly what they had to overcome, but I didn’t feel that I was missing anything. The author does a great job of giving enough detail that the reader isn’t lost, but not so much that the reader knows everything about the first book.
I love the interactions with Felix. Though I kept thinking he was a smaller dog than what was featured on the cover. It doesn’t matter anyway, because whenever Felix is mentioned, he basically stole the show.
Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.
August 9, 2022
I was so excited to be able to read In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury. This is the second book in the series, but I do not feel you would be missing too much from this cozy if you have not read the first book. For this read, we have an older gentleman, Lewis, who is found to have a replica of a Big Ben clock. All might seem normal if Lewis was not also found dead. Vivian knows she had sold Big Ben to someone else, and she is unsure of how Lewis might have come to have it in his possession. As it seems like with all cozy mysteries, Vivian is not about to go straight to the cops and leave this to the professionals. No, she is going to be the major sleuth she knows she is and do some investigating on her own. Detective Vivian is going to find out why Lewis was killed and has a lead. After doing some… er… “investigation…” snooping, she notices the clock is damaged. First, she does not pay much attention, however, she thinks the clock is not worth anything now, until she finds something that gives her a shock. A diamond! Now, the hunt is on for a killer! Could this have to do with Lewis’ death? The rumor mill begins to gossip, and Vivian is out to find the truth.
Per usual, there is romance in this cute cozy, amazing descriptions of all the amazing foods I just have to try, and a true delight to read. I cannot wait to read more!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Per usual, there is romance in this cute cozy, amazing descriptions of all the amazing foods I just have to try, and a true delight to read. I cannot wait to read more!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 19, 2022
I received an advance copy of this book via NetGalley.
There's much to be said about a cozy mystery that is cozy enough that you can blaze through the whole book in a single day. I hadn't read the first book in this series, but I had no problems getting into the groove here. The setting is the Oregon coast, centered around the tea room of protagonist Vivian, a widowed grandmother who is living out her dream by baking up loads of delectable British baked goods each day and solving a murder or two while she's at it. In this book, a local beachcomber is killed, and though she doesn't know the man, she's intrigued that a Big Ben sculpture from her shop was in his shack when he died. She sets out to find out how it ended up there, and ends up emotionally invested in proving that man wasn't involved in any other crimes at the time of his death.
Some elements of the investigation felt forced. I especially cringed when Vivian set about questioning a small child who was even given the Big Ben as a gift--that just seems all sorts of awkward in this day and age. The point of view shifts to the local detective also didn't feel necessary at all--all they did was confirm his interest in dating one of the workers in the tea shop. Even so, the mystery overall was quite good, and I ended up being surprised by the identity of the killer. I loved the sweet romance that Vivian develops with Hal, too. That made me smile throughout the book.
There's much to be said about a cozy mystery that is cozy enough that you can blaze through the whole book in a single day. I hadn't read the first book in this series, but I had no problems getting into the groove here. The setting is the Oregon coast, centered around the tea room of protagonist Vivian, a widowed grandmother who is living out her dream by baking up loads of delectable British baked goods each day and solving a murder or two while she's at it. In this book, a local beachcomber is killed, and though she doesn't know the man, she's intrigued that a Big Ben sculpture from her shop was in his shack when he died. She sets out to find out how it ended up there, and ends up emotionally invested in proving that man wasn't involved in any other crimes at the time of his death.
Some elements of the investigation felt forced. I especially cringed when Vivian set about questioning a small child who was even given the Big Ben as a gift--that just seems all sorts of awkward in this day and age. The point of view shifts to the local detective also didn't feel necessary at all--all they did was confirm his interest in dating one of the workers in the tea shop. Even so, the mystery overall was quite good, and I ended up being surprised by the identity of the killer. I loved the sweet romance that Vivian develops with Hal, too. That made me smile throughout the book.
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