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Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #1
Chou à la crim’
When an American tourist is murdered with a scone in Gemma Rose’s quaint Oxfordshire tearoom, she suddenly finds herself apron-deep in a mystery involving long-buried secrets from Oxford’s past.
Armed with her insider knowledge of the University and with the help of four nosy old ladies from the village (not to mention a cheeky little tabby cat named Muesli), Gemma sets out to solve the mystery—all while dealing with her matchmaking mother and the return of her old college love, Devlin O’Connor, now a dashing CID detective.
But with the body count rising and her business going bust, can Gemma find the killer before things turn to custard?
Armed with her insider knowledge of the University and with the help of four nosy old ladies from the village (not to mention a cheeky little tabby cat named Muesli), Gemma sets out to solve the mystery—all while dealing with her matchmaking mother and the return of her old college love, Devlin O’Connor, now a dashing CID detective.
But with the body count rising and her business going bust, can Gemma find the killer before things turn to custard?
356 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2016
5185 people are currently reading
5104 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
66 books1,089 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 884 reviews
January 9, 2021
I really enjoyed this cosy mystery set in a village just outside Oxford in England. I was happy to see the main character had graduated from the hallowed halls of Oxford University , had done her fair share of the corporate world and had decided to "opt out" and take ownership of a tea room instead.
The said tearoom sounded absolutely beautiful and it was doing really well until a dead body was discovered, sitting at a table in the courtyard with a scone stuffed in his mouth. The mystery started here and progressed well.
I liked the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's excellent writing. A thoroughly enjoyable first book in the series and I will be reading the rest of them.
The said tearoom sounded absolutely beautiful and it was doing really well until a dead body was discovered, sitting at a table in the courtyard with a scone stuffed in his mouth. The mystery started here and progressed well.
I liked the characters, the setting, the mystery, and the author's excellent writing. A thoroughly enjoyable first book in the series and I will be reading the rest of them.
April 6, 2018
This was just a standard cozy for me. The mystery was okay but the main character wasn’t that likable. For a woman who worked a high level corporate job for 8 years before buying the tearoom she seemed at time exceptionally immature. There were some things that saved it a star in my rating. The first is the old biddies – they were great and way better investigators than the main character and worthy of their own series. The other thing that saved the book was the lead detective was intelligent and called Gemma on her sh** which usually not the norm.
For me though the best part was the narrator, Pearl Hewitt. She really brought the story to life for me. As a Texan, I have no idea if her accent was accurate or not but for me the narration brought the whole Oxforshire location to life and make the book much more enjoyable. I will probably continue with the series as I loved the supporting the characters and Pearl’s narration.
For me though the best part was the narrator, Pearl Hewitt. She really brought the story to life for me. As a Texan, I have no idea if her accent was accurate or not but for me the narration brought the whole Oxforshire location to life and make the book much more enjoyable. I will probably continue with the series as I loved the supporting the characters and Pearl’s narration.
August 13, 2023
When I got my first Kindle in 2007, I hated it. I was already in my 40s and I hated the idea of not having something tactile to enjoy with my reading. I could not physically turn a page. I received a $10 Amazon gift card and after buying my first book, $9.99 I think, it was done. My son showed me ways around paying so much. Free books, clubs to join, writers to follow, joining ARC reading groups. Eventually I was grabbing so much stuff that I overloaded my Kindle.
Now I wind up getting rid of most of the books I read. It is almost impossible to keep it all. This is one of those books I picked up when I was picking up almost everything I could get my hands on. I was happy that I kept this long enough to read it. It is a quick-paced, British, murder mystery (I know that you probably do not believe that there is such a thing as quick-paced and British, but it is true I tell you) with multiple wannabe armchair detectives, multiple red herrings, and a supposedly hunky, dreamy constable.
Now, Gemma on the other hand sounds pretty gosh darn hot, but I mean that in the least surface, objectifying, way possible. The murdered of course is an obnoxious American that deserves it, as we all seem to be. Still, I love murder mysteries and this one is not half bad and pretty darn good.
Now I wind up getting rid of most of the books I read. It is almost impossible to keep it all. This is one of those books I picked up when I was picking up almost everything I could get my hands on. I was happy that I kept this long enough to read it. It is a quick-paced, British, murder mystery (I know that you probably do not believe that there is such a thing as quick-paced and British, but it is true I tell you) with multiple wannabe armchair detectives, multiple red herrings, and a supposedly hunky, dreamy constable.
Now, Gemma on the other hand sounds pretty gosh darn hot, but I mean that in the least surface, objectifying, way possible. The murdered of course is an obnoxious American that deserves it, as we all seem to be. Still, I love murder mysteries and this one is not half bad and pretty darn good.
June 10, 2019
The obnoxious American tourist who’d given Gemma and her best friend Cassie trouble in Gemma’s tearoom the day before was dead outside her shop when she arrived for work in the morning and he had a scone stuffed in his mouth. When Detective Devlin O’Connor appeared to lead the case, Gemma was shocked to see the man she’d given her heart to eight years prior. But would he be able to discover who had killed the man before the tearooms had to close for good? Gemma decided she needed to speed the investigation by doing some digging herself…
A Scone to Die For is the first in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and it was lots of fun. Muesli, the cute little cat was the star of the show and Gemma’s tearooms looked like closing not long after opening. After moving back to London from Australia and sinking all her money into her dream, Gemma did what she had to do! A great start to a new cozy mystery series which I recommend.
A Scone to Die For is the first in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and it was lots of fun. Muesli, the cute little cat was the star of the show and Gemma’s tearooms looked like closing not long after opening. After moving back to London from Australia and sinking all her money into her dream, Gemma did what she had to do! A great start to a new cozy mystery series which I recommend.
January 13, 2016
This is the perfect recipe for a very funny murder mystery. H. Y. Hanna took a generous helping of characters, I loved the little old ladies. Added a belly full of laughs. My favourite character has to be Gemma's mum, who made me cringe and laugh all at the same time, and of course Muesli the cat. With a good dose of eye candy, in the way of the tasty detective and doctor. She then whisked them all together to be devoured at leisure. It all works beautifully.
Gemma has lived up to everyone else's expectations in her life. She has done University. She has had the very well paid job, but hated it. Now she has returned to the Oxford area and ploughed all her savings into buying a quaint Tearoom. The only draw back is she has had to move back in with her dad and well meaning mum. Everything takes a tumble when after an argument with a mouthy American customer Gemma finds him dead inside the Tearoom the following morning. Murdered by scone!
This is the first in a new series so there is a lot to look forward to with H. Y. Hanna. I really liked the idea of the scone recipe at the back of the book and the glossary of British words for USA readers. Lovely touch!
I wish to thank Netgalley and Wishheart Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
Gemma has lived up to everyone else's expectations in her life. She has done University. She has had the very well paid job, but hated it. Now she has returned to the Oxford area and ploughed all her savings into buying a quaint Tearoom. The only draw back is she has had to move back in with her dad and well meaning mum. Everything takes a tumble when after an argument with a mouthy American customer Gemma finds him dead inside the Tearoom the following morning. Murdered by scone!
This is the first in a new series so there is a lot to look forward to with H. Y. Hanna. I really liked the idea of the scone recipe at the back of the book and the glossary of British words for USA readers. Lovely touch!
I wish to thank Netgalley and Wishheart Publishing for allowing me to read and review this book.
July 28, 2018
Man oh man, this book was the quintessential cozy! Loved the characters and laughed out loud several times. First cozy that had me laughing during the climax scene when the killer was revealed and our main character was in danger. The only tiny thing that bugged me was how open the police was telling her everything and discussing things with her. Past history or not, very unrealistic. However that was my only complaint! Got the second book on order already.
April 13, 2016
I did not receive a free copy in exchange for an honest review. I paid money for it to ensure a fair review.
I didn't think this was going to be my cup of perfectly brewed Earl Grey tea and I was right. I'll be honest, this isn't usually the sort of thing I would try and read. There's no violence, no spaceships, no killer clowns, no zombies, but I'm trying to read different things in order to hit my reading goal for this year. The reviews were good (more on that later) and it was only a quid (you can't get a good scone for a quid these days, also, it's jam then cream, you savages). I took an instant dislike to it, I'm afraid.
In A Scone To Die For we join Gemma, who has recently returned to Oxford after moving to Australia for a new job. Things were going okay, but she wasn't fulfilled, so she decided to come back to Oxford and open a tearoom. It's a reasonable success until the arrival of some American tourists, one of whom is later found dead with a scone stuffed down his throat. Gemma, channeling Jessica Fletcher, decides to lead her own investigation, helped by the Old Biddies, a group of nosy, scone-eating busybodies, and there's mild peril and stuff happens and at the end the killer is exactly who I thought it was (although fair play, not why I thought). If this were a film it'd be a PG and shown on one of those cheap film channels at the backend of the Sky EPG. It's mostly harmless.
Right from the start I kinda hated it. The main character is a whiny, self-pitying bore who stands by and watches her friend get sexually assaulted in the third chapter. After barely telling him off, the guy continues to lech after her and instead of barring the guy and telling him to fuck right off, our Gemma serves him and even lets him back the next day. This immediately set off alarm bells for me and it was mostly downhill for the character.
The lead investigator of the murder ends up being her ex and she spends most of the book acting like a child. She was just really unlikable and I'm honestly baffled by the praise for her and the other characters. The Old Biddies are almost funny, with a scene involving Muesli the cat and a dining table providing the book's only amusing moment.
In the book's defense, the mystery is mostly logical, albeit super dull. However, the reveal of the killer is pretty cheesy and convenient, featuring an unintentionally hilarious reason for trying to murder our brave, dull heroine. There are at least 8 lines of dialogue where a character tells someone, usually the gormless Gemma, that they're not just some characters in a mystery novel, you know. The third time it happened I rolled my eyes, the 7th and 8th times (both on the same bloody page) made me want to throw my Kindle out the window. It's a shit cliché that a good author can get away with using once, maybe, but to use it so many times is just proof of shoddy editing. There's also an interminable section where the author describes in great detail how to make a scone.
Sorry, I wanted to like this. I liked the title, but it's just not very good. Most of the beaming reviews seem to be from people who have received a copy of the book for free ("in exchange for an honest review"). This seems as dodgy as one of Gemma's scones, I'm not sure how someone can be honest when they're on friendly terms with a publisher giving them free stuff. The lack of reviews from actual paying customers is telling. The book is only 99p and it was a very breezy, if not enjoyable read. It's not as quaint, charming or funny as the blurb and reviews insist it is, so I'd recommend saving your money and buying a four pack of scones from Tesco (they're actually a pound and will be much easier to digest).
I didn't think this was going to be my cup of perfectly brewed Earl Grey tea and I was right. I'll be honest, this isn't usually the sort of thing I would try and read. There's no violence, no spaceships, no killer clowns, no zombies, but I'm trying to read different things in order to hit my reading goal for this year. The reviews were good (more on that later) and it was only a quid (you can't get a good scone for a quid these days, also, it's jam then cream, you savages). I took an instant dislike to it, I'm afraid.
In A Scone To Die For we join Gemma, who has recently returned to Oxford after moving to Australia for a new job. Things were going okay, but she wasn't fulfilled, so she decided to come back to Oxford and open a tearoom. It's a reasonable success until the arrival of some American tourists, one of whom is later found dead with a scone stuffed down his throat. Gemma, channeling Jessica Fletcher, decides to lead her own investigation, helped by the Old Biddies, a group of nosy, scone-eating busybodies, and there's mild peril and stuff happens and at the end the killer is exactly who I thought it was (although fair play, not why I thought). If this were a film it'd be a PG and shown on one of those cheap film channels at the backend of the Sky EPG. It's mostly harmless.
Right from the start I kinda hated it. The main character is a whiny, self-pitying bore who stands by and watches her friend get sexually assaulted in the third chapter. After barely telling him off, the guy continues to lech after her and instead of barring the guy and telling him to fuck right off, our Gemma serves him and even lets him back the next day. This immediately set off alarm bells for me and it was mostly downhill for the character.
The lead investigator of the murder ends up being her ex and she spends most of the book acting like a child. She was just really unlikable and I'm honestly baffled by the praise for her and the other characters. The Old Biddies are almost funny, with a scene involving Muesli the cat and a dining table providing the book's only amusing moment.
In the book's defense, the mystery is mostly logical, albeit super dull. However, the reveal of the killer is pretty cheesy and convenient, featuring an unintentionally hilarious reason for trying to murder our brave, dull heroine. There are at least 8 lines of dialogue where a character tells someone, usually the gormless Gemma, that they're not just some characters in a mystery novel, you know. The third time it happened I rolled my eyes, the 7th and 8th times (both on the same bloody page) made me want to throw my Kindle out the window. It's a shit cliché that a good author can get away with using once, maybe, but to use it so many times is just proof of shoddy editing. There's also an interminable section where the author describes in great detail how to make a scone.
Sorry, I wanted to like this. I liked the title, but it's just not very good. Most of the beaming reviews seem to be from people who have received a copy of the book for free ("in exchange for an honest review"). This seems as dodgy as one of Gemma's scones, I'm not sure how someone can be honest when they're on friendly terms with a publisher giving them free stuff. The lack of reviews from actual paying customers is telling. The book is only 99p and it was a very breezy, if not enjoyable read. It's not as quaint, charming or funny as the blurb and reviews insist it is, so I'd recommend saving your money and buying a four pack of scones from Tesco (they're actually a pound and will be much easier to digest).
September 21, 2022
First in the Oxford Tearoom mystery series and the first Kindle book I’ve read, this is a light and fun cosy mystery. This was free on Amazon. Our “heroine” twenty-nine-year-old Gemma Rose has returned home to Oxford giving up a corporate career in Sydney to start afresh, her own tearoom in the village of Meadowford-on-Smythe where she grew up. Her childhood friend Cassie is working with her and they’ve hired a local Fletcher as their chef, and he doesn’t come to work without his cat Museli (based on the author’s own cat). Its three months into her new venture, and things are beginning to look up, but one day an obnoxious American tourist turns up at the tearoom, ruffling more than a few feathers. Dreading his reappearing the next day (which he had hinted at) Gemma goes to open up only to find his body in the outdoor area. When the police arrive to investigate, Gemma is surprised to the detective is her old boyfriend (and first love) Devlin O’Connor. Finding the investigation not going fast enough, and her business suffering because of it, she begins to look into the case herself.
I really enjoyed this one. I expected something light when I picked it up and it was that but the mystery element was a pleasant surprise with more of a twist (in fact twists) than I thought there would be. I enjoyed the descriptions of Oxford and University life which made the book a more interesting read overall. There are perhaps elements that might seem a bit “chic lit” (I do enjoy some of those too) as far as Gemma’s romance/s and her mother’s matchmaking attempts are concerned, but the book also has substance. This was a great first “Kindle” book for me. So glad I came across it. Looking forward to more of these and more antics of Museli the cat.
I really enjoyed this one. I expected something light when I picked it up and it was that but the mystery element was a pleasant surprise with more of a twist (in fact twists) than I thought there would be. I enjoyed the descriptions of Oxford and University life which made the book a more interesting read overall. There are perhaps elements that might seem a bit “chic lit” (I do enjoy some of those too) as far as Gemma’s romance/s and her mother’s matchmaking attempts are concerned, but the book also has substance. This was a great first “Kindle” book for me. So glad I came across it. Looking forward to more of these and more antics of Museli the cat.
January 1, 2016
This is the first book I read in 2016 and it was really a great start to my reading list in the new year. Usually I do not like reading books written in first person as I have read several and I just can't connect. However, although A Scone to Die For was written in first person, I found myself connecting to the story and was captivated throughout the whole story.
The story in set in Oxford, England. I loved Hanna's description of the village. I could just picture it in my head and made me wish I was there. Hanna's descriptions of the various tea items sold in the tearoom also made me drool. I think Hanna's greatest forte is her descriptions of things and places. The mystery of the murder was also really interesting. It is like reading a mystery novel but it is more light-hearted and humorous. The ending was completely unexpected and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next mystery.
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The story in set in Oxford, England. I loved Hanna's description of the village. I could just picture it in my head and made me wish I was there. Hanna's descriptions of the various tea items sold in the tearoom also made me drool. I think Hanna's greatest forte is her descriptions of things and places. The mystery of the murder was also really interesting. It is like reading a mystery novel but it is more light-hearted and humorous. The ending was completely unexpected and I really enjoyed it. Can't wait for the next mystery.
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 26, 2016
I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review
A Scone to Die for caught my attention while I was browsing on netgalley. The cute cover and the interesting blurb made me think this would be a book I enjoyed. I had a lot of fun reading A Scone to Die for and I really enjoyed this book. A Scone to Die For is about main character Gemma who opens her own tearoom and not long after the opening an American tourist get's killed with one of her scones in his mouth and Gemma get's entangled in the trying to solve the mystery.
The American tourist who got killed could be quite rude and it seems more than one people have a motive to want him death. I really liked how the mystery was handled in this book, it felt natural and realistic how Gemma got tangled up in the mystery and how she helped. I also liked how the police and detectives seem mostly capable in this book, even though Gemma solves the mystery in the end. The mystery kept me guessing till the moment when Gemma solved the mystery. The mystery was very intriguing and well written and I liked how there were also other secrets that got figured out and how those tied into the investigation.
I liked Gemma as a main character and I could relate to her, I am a small business owner as well and Gemma her struggles with her business and conversations with her mom felt very realistic. I thought Gemma was a nice and likeable person, she was smart enough to stay out of trouble and handled things well. Although it did bother me a bit when later in the book she let her feelings of jealousy get in the way of things and she even wrongly accuses her ex of something.
The side characters all play a role too. We get a bit of a feel for most characters, but not all of them play as a big a role. I like did like how many of the characters had some kind of quirk, like the group of old ladies who gossiped a lot and wanted in the investigation as well, Gemma her best friend who liked to draw, Fletcher who works in the kitchen but can't interact as well with people. They all had something unique to make it easy to remember them by even though we don't learn as much about each of them, those characteristics did make them recognizable.
There is a bit of romance, two potential love interest that get hinted at and there are scenes involving Gemma and her interactions with the men. But as with most cozy mysteries it doesn't really take center stage. It was mostly a set-up of potential love interest in this book and hints to what might get more in the next book. I didn't really feel the romance yet, but that might change. I was curious what kind of past Gemma and her ex have and why they separated now that they meet again, but we don't hear as much about their past as I hoped.
I liked how this book was set in the UK, I mostly have read cozy mysteries set in the US and the small cozy village close to Oxford made for a great setting. I also liked how the author shared a bit about life at college and such in Oxford. I could imagine how everything looked like well. The tearoom made for a fun setting and job. I always like it when there is a connection with food like that in a book. Oh and Muesli the cat was adorable, although I wish she played a bigger part, but I do think we'll see more of her in the next book.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book! Its a fun and enjoyable cozy mystery with an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing till the end. The mystery was handled well and it felt realistic how Gemma got involved and how the policy handled things. I liked main character Gemma and could relate to her as I have my own business too. Gemma was a likeable character, although her jealousy and accusations when it came to her ex did bother me a bit. There is a hint of romance and two potential love interest, but not much more yet in this book. I liked the small town UK setting and the tearoom and the quirky characters. All in all this was a great cozy mystery and I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
A Scone to Die for caught my attention while I was browsing on netgalley. The cute cover and the interesting blurb made me think this would be a book I enjoyed. I had a lot of fun reading A Scone to Die for and I really enjoyed this book. A Scone to Die For is about main character Gemma who opens her own tearoom and not long after the opening an American tourist get's killed with one of her scones in his mouth and Gemma get's entangled in the trying to solve the mystery.
The American tourist who got killed could be quite rude and it seems more than one people have a motive to want him death. I really liked how the mystery was handled in this book, it felt natural and realistic how Gemma got tangled up in the mystery and how she helped. I also liked how the police and detectives seem mostly capable in this book, even though Gemma solves the mystery in the end. The mystery kept me guessing till the moment when Gemma solved the mystery. The mystery was very intriguing and well written and I liked how there were also other secrets that got figured out and how those tied into the investigation.
I liked Gemma as a main character and I could relate to her, I am a small business owner as well and Gemma her struggles with her business and conversations with her mom felt very realistic. I thought Gemma was a nice and likeable person, she was smart enough to stay out of trouble and handled things well. Although it did bother me a bit when later in the book she let her feelings of jealousy get in the way of things and she even wrongly accuses her ex of something.
The side characters all play a role too. We get a bit of a feel for most characters, but not all of them play as a big a role. I like did like how many of the characters had some kind of quirk, like the group of old ladies who gossiped a lot and wanted in the investigation as well, Gemma her best friend who liked to draw, Fletcher who works in the kitchen but can't interact as well with people. They all had something unique to make it easy to remember them by even though we don't learn as much about each of them, those characteristics did make them recognizable.
There is a bit of romance, two potential love interest that get hinted at and there are scenes involving Gemma and her interactions with the men. But as with most cozy mysteries it doesn't really take center stage. It was mostly a set-up of potential love interest in this book and hints to what might get more in the next book. I didn't really feel the romance yet, but that might change. I was curious what kind of past Gemma and her ex have and why they separated now that they meet again, but we don't hear as much about their past as I hoped.
I liked how this book was set in the UK, I mostly have read cozy mysteries set in the US and the small cozy village close to Oxford made for a great setting. I also liked how the author shared a bit about life at college and such in Oxford. I could imagine how everything looked like well. The tearoom made for a fun setting and job. I always like it when there is a connection with food like that in a book. Oh and Muesli the cat was adorable, although I wish she played a bigger part, but I do think we'll see more of her in the next book.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book! Its a fun and enjoyable cozy mystery with an intriguing mystery that kept me guessing till the end. The mystery was handled well and it felt realistic how Gemma got involved and how the policy handled things. I liked main character Gemma and could relate to her as I have my own business too. Gemma was a likeable character, although her jealousy and accusations when it came to her ex did bother me a bit. There is a hint of romance and two potential love interest, but not much more yet in this book. I liked the small town UK setting and the tearoom and the quirky characters. All in all this was a great cozy mystery and I am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
January 20, 2016
This is the first book I've read by this author and I absolutely loved it. Gemma is such a likeable and believable character that I think other readers will enjoy this story.
The author vividly describes the surroundings, the delectable treats offered in the tea room and so much more.
When Gemma returns to her hometown of Meadowford-on-Smythe to open a tea shop, her biggest fear is living in her parents home once again. While her mother is busy finding Gemma a new beau, Gemma is busy trying to boost her new shop. When an obnoxious American is found dead, all eyes and gossip turns to poor Gemma. If that's not bad enough, the lead detective is none other than her first love. Gemma will do anything to save her shop, so if that means doing some sleuthing, she is ready to go. I had no idea who the murderer was and was left my jaw hanging in disbelief when all was revealed.
My favorite part of the story was when Gemma's mother kept forgetting her iPad password, lol.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Congratulations to the author for writing such a witty and clever story.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
The author vividly describes the surroundings, the delectable treats offered in the tea room and so much more.
When Gemma returns to her hometown of Meadowford-on-Smythe to open a tea shop, her biggest fear is living in her parents home once again. While her mother is busy finding Gemma a new beau, Gemma is busy trying to boost her new shop. When an obnoxious American is found dead, all eyes and gossip turns to poor Gemma. If that's not bad enough, the lead detective is none other than her first love. Gemma will do anything to save her shop, so if that means doing some sleuthing, she is ready to go. I had no idea who the murderer was and was left my jaw hanging in disbelief when all was revealed.
My favorite part of the story was when Gemma's mother kept forgetting her iPad password, lol.
I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
Congratulations to the author for writing such a witty and clever story.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
May 16, 2016
5 stars
Huge thanks to H.Y. Hanna, Wisheart Publishing and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really do love me some cosy mysteries (I know, I know, I say that most of the time when I read a cosy!), this one was fun because it's the first one I've read that's set in the U.K.
I enjoyed the slang used as I use it, some of them not for a while but I've used them on occasion.
I enjoyed the characters, the mystery was fun (as fun as murder can be), Museli was adorable and reminds me of both of my best friends cats.
I will be reading more in this series, just waiting patiently now for the rest to be published.
Huge thanks to H.Y. Hanna, Wisheart Publishing and NetGalley for this copy in exchange for an honest review.
I really do love me some cosy mysteries (I know, I know, I say that most of the time when I read a cosy!), this one was fun because it's the first one I've read that's set in the U.K.
I enjoyed the slang used as I use it, some of them not for a while but I've used them on occasion.
I enjoyed the characters, the mystery was fun (as fun as murder can be), Museli was adorable and reminds me of both of my best friends cats.
I will be reading more in this series, just waiting patiently now for the rest to be published.
November 19, 2023
A Scone to Die For by H.Y. Hanna is the first book in the Oxford Tearoom mystery series. An obnoxious customer is found dead outside the tea room having been choked by a scone. New owner Gemma Rose investigates as it is affecting her business. A nice start to the series. I loved the setting and the characters and the elderly sleuths added some humour. It was interesting to read about some of the Oxford customs and traditions. Overall a pleasant and very enjoyable book.
October 1, 2020
A Scone to Die For by H.Y. Hanna
Read October 2020
Synopsis /
When an American tourist is murdered with a scone in Gemma Rose’s quaint Oxfordshire tearoom, she suddenly finds herself apron-deep in a mystery involving long-buried secrets from Oxford’s past.
Armed with her insider knowledge of the University and with the help of four nosy old ladies from the village (not to mention a cheeky little tabby cat named Muesli), Gemma sets out to solve the mystery—all while dealing with her matchmaking mother and the return of her old college love, Devlin O’Connor, now a dashing CID detective.
But with the body count rising and her business going bust, can Gemma find the killer before things turn to custard?
My Thoughts /
Gemma has swapped her life of earning a fortune as a corporate high flyer with a solid grounding in academia in favour of being more real and satisfied by owning and running a tea shop in Oxfordshire not far from the Oxford University. The story takes place around a fictitious college at Oxford University and surrounds. What “makes it” are the characters: Tearoom owner, Gemma; her best friend, Cassie; chef, Fletcher Wilson; the group Gemma calls the "Old Biddies”; her old college love, Devlin O’Connor; and you can’t leave out Muesli the cat!!! Before you know it you will be laughing out loud at the predicaments they get into trying to solve the murder themselves. Throw in Gemma’s matchmaking mother and the humour only gets better!
Enter the obnoxious American tourist who ends up dead on the grounds of Gemma’s tea room with a scone stuffed into his mouth! Who wanted him dead and why? Throw in an estranged wife, an old connection to Oxford and old victims and this all adds up to a really fun read.
With memorable excerpts like: "You want a few words, young man? I'll give you a few words." Mable stood up from the next table where she and the other Old Biddies had obviously been listening. The reporter turned to her eagerly, "Yes? Were you a witness as well?" "Oh yes, and I even met the victim the day before." Mable nodded emphatically. "Really? What was he like?" The reporter's tongue was practically hanging out. "Flatulent." "Er... fla...flatulent?" He looked bewildered. Mable nodded. "Yes, I didn't actually hear him break wind, you understand, but I could tell just by the tone of his skin. Not enough fiber in his diet. I'm sure of it. Now, all he really needed was to take a spoon of bran every morning - just like Mr. Cooke does. My doctor recommended this marvellous stuff for my Henry. Particularly if you're constipated or if your haemorrhoids are acting up. No need for laxatives to hurry things along." She looked at the reporter intently. "Do you go regularly, young man?" You will want to finish this in one sitting!
We get to meet the usual suspects and the cosy mystery starts to tease us toward one line of thinking after another while we try to muddle through the "who dunnit". Excellent descriptive pictures of characters and places at Oxford and of Gemma's upper class home help to flesh out the story. I have to say that I was not expecting the “who dunnit” at the end – had me fooled!
This was an October Group Read and I’m not ashamed to say that I finished it in less than a day. It’s definitely going into my favourites pile.
Read October 2020
Synopsis /
When an American tourist is murdered with a scone in Gemma Rose’s quaint Oxfordshire tearoom, she suddenly finds herself apron-deep in a mystery involving long-buried secrets from Oxford’s past.
Armed with her insider knowledge of the University and with the help of four nosy old ladies from the village (not to mention a cheeky little tabby cat named Muesli), Gemma sets out to solve the mystery—all while dealing with her matchmaking mother and the return of her old college love, Devlin O’Connor, now a dashing CID detective.
But with the body count rising and her business going bust, can Gemma find the killer before things turn to custard?
My Thoughts /
Gemma has swapped her life of earning a fortune as a corporate high flyer with a solid grounding in academia in favour of being more real and satisfied by owning and running a tea shop in Oxfordshire not far from the Oxford University. The story takes place around a fictitious college at Oxford University and surrounds. What “makes it” are the characters: Tearoom owner, Gemma; her best friend, Cassie; chef, Fletcher Wilson; the group Gemma calls the "Old Biddies”; her old college love, Devlin O’Connor; and you can’t leave out Muesli the cat!!! Before you know it you will be laughing out loud at the predicaments they get into trying to solve the murder themselves. Throw in Gemma’s matchmaking mother and the humour only gets better!
Enter the obnoxious American tourist who ends up dead on the grounds of Gemma’s tea room with a scone stuffed into his mouth! Who wanted him dead and why? Throw in an estranged wife, an old connection to Oxford and old victims and this all adds up to a really fun read.
With memorable excerpts like: "You want a few words, young man? I'll give you a few words." Mable stood up from the next table where she and the other Old Biddies had obviously been listening. The reporter turned to her eagerly, "Yes? Were you a witness as well?" "Oh yes, and I even met the victim the day before." Mable nodded emphatically. "Really? What was he like?" The reporter's tongue was practically hanging out. "Flatulent." "Er... fla...flatulent?" He looked bewildered. Mable nodded. "Yes, I didn't actually hear him break wind, you understand, but I could tell just by the tone of his skin. Not enough fiber in his diet. I'm sure of it. Now, all he really needed was to take a spoon of bran every morning - just like Mr. Cooke does. My doctor recommended this marvellous stuff for my Henry. Particularly if you're constipated or if your haemorrhoids are acting up. No need for laxatives to hurry things along." She looked at the reporter intently. "Do you go regularly, young man?" You will want to finish this in one sitting!
We get to meet the usual suspects and the cosy mystery starts to tease us toward one line of thinking after another while we try to muddle through the "who dunnit". Excellent descriptive pictures of characters and places at Oxford and of Gemma's upper class home help to flesh out the story. I have to say that I was not expecting the “who dunnit” at the end – had me fooled!
This was an October Group Read and I’m not ashamed to say that I finished it in less than a day. It’s definitely going into my favourites pile.
March 7, 2021
This is a fun little cozy mystery. The story itself is probably a 3 or 3.5 stars, but I listened to this on Audible and the narrator is fantastic. And I love the Old Biddies and Muesli - great supporting characters!
Want to read
November 8, 2017FREE on Amazon today (11/08/2017)!
January 11, 2022
I really liked Gemma Rose. She’s just started up a tearoom in a little village just outside of Oxford, England. It's something that took everyone - including her - by surprise, and she's determined to make it work. When a man is killed with a scone in her tearoom, Gemma can’t help but try to solve the mystery. Much to her delight, she discovers that being a graduate of Oxford University and having connections to the people who work there has some unexpected advantages when it comes to trying to solve a murder. I didn’t realize until I’d already finished that there is a list of special Oxford University terms at the back of the book, which would have really helped when all the references and terms were simply going over my head.
I didn’t figure out who the murderer was until Gemma did. Looking back I can see the clues I missed and it all seems to fit. I had several laugh-out-loud moments during this story when some of the characters got up to hilarious antics. I really look forward to Muesli (not the cereal, the cat) playing a larger role in future books, so I hope this happens. Either way, whether Muesli returns or not, I’m excited for the next books in this series. To be honest, I can’t go wrong with a cozy mystery series set in England. :)
I didn’t figure out who the murderer was until Gemma did. Looking back I can see the clues I missed and it all seems to fit. I had several laugh-out-loud moments during this story when some of the characters got up to hilarious antics. I really look forward to Muesli (not the cereal, the cat) playing a larger role in future books, so I hope this happens. Either way, whether Muesli returns or not, I’m excited for the next books in this series. To be honest, I can’t go wrong with a cozy mystery series set in England. :)
May 23, 2022
Gemma Rose has returned home to Meadowford-on-Smythe on the outskirts of Oxford University to fulfill her dream of opening the Little Stables Tearoom. Not everyone is understanding that Gemma is using her Oxford degree as an entrepreneur rather than continuing her career as an executive in Sydney, Australia. However, Gemma delights in working each day with her friend Cassie and baker Fletcher Wilson. Muesli is the cheeky tabby pictured on the cozy's cover that comes to work every day with Fletcher and is quite an adventurous furry face that doesn't always follow the food and hygiene rules as if rules apply to any cat.
Although the business was closed more than it was open due to the sight of the murder investigation it was a delightful beginning to the series and it was interesting to read of Gemma's sleuthing on the campus of Oxford University.
For all those who love recipes included at the end of the cozy mystery, you will delight in the provision of a little historical background with a "Traditional English Scone Recipe." U.S. baking measurements are kindly provided in parentheses.
Although the business was closed more than it was open due to the sight of the murder investigation it was a delightful beginning to the series and it was interesting to read of Gemma's sleuthing on the campus of Oxford University.
For all those who love recipes included at the end of the cozy mystery, you will delight in the provision of a little historical background with a "Traditional English Scone Recipe." U.S. baking measurements are kindly provided in parentheses.
February 23, 2022
Diese Geschichte hat meine Erwartungen absolut nicht erfüllt.
Vorrangig die Rolle der Katze hatte ich für mich ganz anders im Sinn. Aber sie glänzte mit 90 % Abwesenheit.
Unter einer herrischen Mutter habe ich mir auch etwas gänzlich anderes vorgestellt, vor allem wenn man das Ende bedenkt.
Spannend fand ich die Story auch in keinster Weise.
Gemma als Person empfand ich manchmal etwas schwierig, da sie doch tatsächlich im Glauben war, als einzige den Fall lösen zu können.
Im Cosy Crime gibt es für gewöhnlich einen Inspektor und sich einmischende Personen. In diesem Fall der Ex-Freund als Polizist und Gemma und die Silberlocken als Hobbydetektive.
Für mich hat dieses Zusammenspiel allerdings überhaupt nicht geklappt.
Um die Sprecherin noch zu erwähnen, da ich das Hörbuch abgehört habe, kann ich sagen, dass sie sehr gut passte. Sie hat die Story sehr souverän vorgetragen.
4 Sterne für die Sprecherin
Vorrangig die Rolle der Katze hatte ich für mich ganz anders im Sinn. Aber sie glänzte mit 90 % Abwesenheit.
Unter einer herrischen Mutter habe ich mir auch etwas gänzlich anderes vorgestellt, vor allem wenn man das Ende bedenkt.
Spannend fand ich die Story auch in keinster Weise.
Gemma als Person empfand ich manchmal etwas schwierig, da sie doch tatsächlich im Glauben war, als einzige den Fall lösen zu können.
Im Cosy Crime gibt es für gewöhnlich einen Inspektor und sich einmischende Personen. In diesem Fall der Ex-Freund als Polizist und Gemma und die Silberlocken als Hobbydetektive.
Für mich hat dieses Zusammenspiel allerdings überhaupt nicht geklappt.
Um die Sprecherin noch zu erwähnen, da ich das Hörbuch abgehört habe, kann ich sagen, dass sie sehr gut passte. Sie hat die Story sehr souverän vorgetragen.
4 Sterne für die Sprecherin
November 10, 2021
Je ne suis pas une grande lectrice de cosy mystery, mais je dois dire que j’ai beaucoup apprécié celui-ci ! Il est se lit rapidement, il est drôle, bien construit et les rebondissements et révélations m’ont tenues en haleine jusqu’à la fin. Il y avait quelques petites longueurs à certains moments, mais dans l’ensemble c’était une très chouette lecture !
May 3, 2019
I read the prequel to this book several years ago and always wanted to continue reading about Gemma, Cassie, and the biddies and I am glad I finally did. Gemma did what everyone expected by going to Oxford, getting a well-paid job where she moved to Australia, and she was not happy. She quit her job and moved home buying a local tearoom what had closed in nearby village, Meadowford-on-Smythe. The only drawback is moving back in with her parents, particularly her well-meaning, yet pushy mum. She is working hard trying to get The Little Stables Tearoom off the ground. With the help of her friend Cassie and cook, Fletcher. they seem to be on the right path, until an American is found dead in her courtyard, with a scone shoved down his throat. Gemma needs to get this case solved or her business is not going to survive.
Gemma is a wonderful and relatable character. So many people can relate to meddling, yet meaningful mothers. I love her relationship with her parents and that she knows her mum is acting out of love. She is smart, patient, a loyal friend, a savvy business woman and I love her relationship with her regulars (i.e. the old biddies). The side characters add so much to the story. The biddies get involved in trying to solve the case and they are a hoot. You have to love these ladies, who can hold their own in even the stickiest situations. Detective Devlin O'Connor, is the local detective on the case. It turns out he is an ex-flame of Gemma's and she might still harbour feelings for him. Will there be a relationship? Only time will tell. I can't forget Museli, the cat. He doesn't play a huge role in this book, yet an important one. He is adorable and I am looking forward to seeing what he gets into in future offerings.
The setting of the small village in Oxfordshire is great. The descriptions have me wanting to visit there, if I ever make it back over the pond. The mystery was well-paced, with some red-herrings and several twists. The victim was not well-liked, so there were many suspects. Gemma eventually solves the case, but does not take silly chances. I never shouted at the book saying don't go there! The Detectives were not bumblers either, which I also liked. They were on the right track and probably would have solved it shortly. Gemma's connections were the only reason she did before them. Overall, I enjoyed this cozy mystery, with its laid back humour, great characters and setting and interesting mystery. I definitely recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers, especially if you enjoy a British setting.
Gemma is a wonderful and relatable character. So many people can relate to meddling, yet meaningful mothers. I love her relationship with her parents and that she knows her mum is acting out of love. She is smart, patient, a loyal friend, a savvy business woman and I love her relationship with her regulars (i.e. the old biddies). The side characters add so much to the story. The biddies get involved in trying to solve the case and they are a hoot. You have to love these ladies, who can hold their own in even the stickiest situations. Detective Devlin O'Connor, is the local detective on the case. It turns out he is an ex-flame of Gemma's and she might still harbour feelings for him. Will there be a relationship? Only time will tell. I can't forget Museli, the cat. He doesn't play a huge role in this book, yet an important one. He is adorable and I am looking forward to seeing what he gets into in future offerings.
The setting of the small village in Oxfordshire is great. The descriptions have me wanting to visit there, if I ever make it back over the pond. The mystery was well-paced, with some red-herrings and several twists. The victim was not well-liked, so there were many suspects. Gemma eventually solves the case, but does not take silly chances. I never shouted at the book saying don't go there! The Detectives were not bumblers either, which I also liked. They were on the right track and probably would have solved it shortly. Gemma's connections were the only reason she did before them. Overall, I enjoyed this cozy mystery, with its laid back humour, great characters and setting and interesting mystery. I definitely recommend this one to cozy mystery lovers, especially if you enjoy a British setting.
August 8, 2025
3.5 rounded up to 4 for GR.
It was nice.
I heard a lot of good about it, it wasn't as great as I thought it could be, but hey : Costwolds, Oxford, small village, gang of grannies, murders, Jane Austen, a cat, a hint of romance - it wasn't bad either.
A perfect summer read, or weekend read, relaxing.
It was nice.
I heard a lot of good about it, it wasn't as great as I thought it could be, but hey : Costwolds, Oxford, small village, gang of grannies, murders, Jane Austen, a cat, a hint of romance - it wasn't bad either.
A perfect summer read, or weekend read, relaxing.
January 11, 2016
Delightful and Delicious! This story of second chances was a fun easy read for a wet rainy afternoon and it provided some smiles while brightening my day.
Gemma has returned to her home just outside of Oxford to open up a Tearoom – a big step away from all she has done since graduating from university. She has Fletcher to bake delicious goodies, her friend Cassie to assist with service and all seems to be going well until she finds a body in the courtyard of her business.
The writing is excellent, the story is well plotted, the characters and their interactions with one another are interesting, the descriptions perfection and the overall story entertaining. I believe this series has a GREAT future! This is a story that will be enjoyed by adults but is also one that I believe older teens would enjoy and it could be read by a family together.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review!
Gemma has returned to her home just outside of Oxford to open up a Tearoom – a big step away from all she has done since graduating from university. She has Fletcher to bake delicious goodies, her friend Cassie to assist with service and all seems to be going well until she finds a body in the courtyard of her business.
The writing is excellent, the story is well plotted, the characters and their interactions with one another are interesting, the descriptions perfection and the overall story entertaining. I believe this series has a GREAT future! This is a story that will be enjoyed by adults but is also one that I believe older teens would enjoy and it could be read by a family together.
Thank you to the author for the copy of this book to read and review!
January 5, 2016
I absolutely loved this book!
This is one of, if not THE, best cozy mystery I have read. The descriptions of places and people are fantastic. As I read the story I could picture being there, sitting in the tearoom, or in the University. The characters are developed really well. The relationships are explored and explained... characters aren't popping in for the sake of needing a character. (I love the descriptions of the exasperation that Gemma has with her mom and always forgetting her ipad password, it's bang on!)
The mystery is well played out, and kept my mind going the entire time. It wasn't obvious until it was revealed (to me anyway) and I like that in a book. And that little kitty, Muesli.... awww I didn't want to put this book down!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.. and I'm so glad I was!
This is one of, if not THE, best cozy mystery I have read. The descriptions of places and people are fantastic. As I read the story I could picture being there, sitting in the tearoom, or in the University. The characters are developed really well. The relationships are explored and explained... characters aren't popping in for the sake of needing a character. (I love the descriptions of the exasperation that Gemma has with her mom and always forgetting her ipad password, it's bang on!)
The mystery is well played out, and kept my mind going the entire time. It wasn't obvious until it was revealed (to me anyway) and I like that in a book. And that little kitty, Muesli.... awww I didn't want to put this book down!
I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.. and I'm so glad I was!
July 17, 2020
Am so in love with this series! I've listened to the prequel and this one now and Pearl Hewitt has become one of my favourite narrators. Love the Oxford setting -- and this one is steeped with the university's traditions. Tons of fantastic secondary characters, and one of them is a killer...but who? And, oh yeah, the Detective Inspector just happens to be Gemma's old college boyfriend. Lots of feuding fun there, but methinks there might be some romance in store for faithful readers further into the series. (Yay!) Perfect blend of humour and mystery...with a cat! I'm in cozy heaven!
Sidenote: some mild language
Sidenote: some mild language
February 13, 2023
La jolie couverture colorée et le jeu de mot du titre que j'adore m'ont donnée envie de découvrir cette série de cosy mystery, genre que j'aime beaucoup. Et je ne le regrette pas. J'ai passé un très bon moment avec cette histoire dont je n'avais pas du tout deviné le dénouement. L'intrigue et les personnages m'ont plu. Je lirai volontiers la suite de la série malgré la perspective d'un triangle amoureux dans les tomes 2 et 3, ce qui n'est pas trop ma tasse de thé. On verra comment l'autrice le gère.
April 28, 2018
This was the first book in the Oxford Tearoom mystery series. It stars Gemma Rose, owner of the Little Stables Tearoom in a small town in England. Her business is relatively new but starting to grow, and gets a lot of tourists. One day, an extremely obnoxious American tourist is there hassling the staff and other customers. When he turns up dead the next day with one of Gemma's scones stuffed in his mouth, she becomes the prime suspect. With the help of her best friend, the hunky town detective, and the discovery of some old Oxford secrets, Gemma is able to find out who the real killer is. This was a fun read and I'll definitely read more in this series! :)
October 24, 2023
5⭐️
Mon cosy mystery préfère à date.
J’ai bcp trop aimé, j’ai rien vu venir dans l’enquête, j’ai pouffé de rire, et maintenant j’ai envie d’un tea time c’est terrible!!
En plus il y a une touche de rom com dans ce livre donc comment vous dire queeeee 🤓
Bref si vous aimez les cosy mystery supplement rom com foncez
Mon cosy mystery préfère à date.
J’ai bcp trop aimé, j’ai rien vu venir dans l’enquête, j’ai pouffé de rire, et maintenant j’ai envie d’un tea time c’est terrible!!
En plus il y a une touche de rom com dans ce livre donc comment vous dire queeeee 🤓
Bref si vous aimez les cosy mystery supplement rom com foncez
February 7, 2023
A Cozy Mystery of the first order. A woman who has made a success of herself tires of the business grind and takes all her money and buys a little tea shop back home to make a change in her life, for as she sees it the better. A murder takes place and she runs into an old romantic flame who now works for the police force. Everyone of any real interest to the plot is introduced in about the first three chapters. Misadventure and romantic entanglement follow as expected. An easy read of no real depth but a nice break from all the heavy lifting some other books require.
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