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Crystals & CuriosiTEAS #1
Steeped in Secrets
From the USA Today bestselling author of the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries comes the first in a new series featuring an intuitive gemologist and owner of a New Age tea and crystals shop in beautiful coastal California’s Monterey Peninsula.
Flat broke and divorced, intuitive gemologist Shay Myers has changed since leaving her artsy hometown of coastal Bray Harbor sixteen years ago. But when she moves back under strange circumstances, old instincts may be the only key to spilling the tea on a deadly mystery.
Even with her life in ruins in New Mexico, Shay feels uneasy about settling into the small seaside town where she grew up on California’s Monterey Peninsula and taking over an estate bequeathed to her by Bridget Early, a woman she had barely known. Her heightened senses—an empathic gift she’s had since childhood—go into overdrive upon touring Crystals & CuriosiTEAS, Bridget’s eclectic tea and psychic shop brimming with Irish lore and Celtic symbols. They reach a boiling point when Shay looks up to discover a stranger’s body sprawled across the shop’s greenhouse roof . . .
With her new business a crime scene and questions brewing over Bridget’s so-called accidental death, Shay fears she’s also inherited the attention of a killer. The terrifying realization sets her on an impractical investigation for answers aided by her sister, an elusive pure-white German Shepherd, a strikingly handsome pub owner who speaks in a gentle brogue, and a misunderstood young woman with perceptive talents of her own. As Shay struggles to figure out her true purpose in Bray Harbor and the powerful connection she has with the tea shop, she must trust her judgment above all else to identify a ruthless murderer and save herself from becoming victim number three.
Flat broke and divorced, intuitive gemologist Shay Myers has changed since leaving her artsy hometown of coastal Bray Harbor sixteen years ago. But when she moves back under strange circumstances, old instincts may be the only key to spilling the tea on a deadly mystery.
Even with her life in ruins in New Mexico, Shay feels uneasy about settling into the small seaside town where she grew up on California’s Monterey Peninsula and taking over an estate bequeathed to her by Bridget Early, a woman she had barely known. Her heightened senses—an empathic gift she’s had since childhood—go into overdrive upon touring Crystals & CuriosiTEAS, Bridget’s eclectic tea and psychic shop brimming with Irish lore and Celtic symbols. They reach a boiling point when Shay looks up to discover a stranger’s body sprawled across the shop’s greenhouse roof . . .
With her new business a crime scene and questions brewing over Bridget’s so-called accidental death, Shay fears she’s also inherited the attention of a killer. The terrifying realization sets her on an impractical investigation for answers aided by her sister, an elusive pure-white German Shepherd, a strikingly handsome pub owner who speaks in a gentle brogue, and a misunderstood young woman with perceptive talents of her own. As Shay struggles to figure out her true purpose in Bray Harbor and the powerful connection she has with the tea shop, she must trust her judgment above all else to identify a ruthless murderer and save herself from becoming victim number three.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published November 29, 2022
582 people are currently reading
24801 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Elliott
14 books1,639 followersLauren grew up devouring the entire Nancy Drew series and then graduated to Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, Barbara Erskine, Lynn Kurland, and Michael Crichton to name a few of her favorite authors. When it came time for post-secondary education, journalism seemed like the logical choice as she had written for as long as she could remember. Soon after graduation, while working for a small publication, she discovered that reporting wasn’t what fueled her writing passions. As someone with an additionally strong background in professional theater who had the love of storytelling and captivating and holding an audience, her fiction-writing career began to take center stage.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 577 reviews
December 27, 2022
Review coming soon.
November 29, 2022
Steeped in Secrets is the first book in this series. It takes place in the town of Bray Harbor. Shayleigh (Shay) Myers s the main character who has come home divorced and broke. Her ex-husband, Brad had taken everything she owned in a swindle of her gemstone and jewelry company. He had a two year affair with her assistant. The supporting characters add to the story. Shay received an unexpected mysterious inheritance from Bridget Early. It consisted of a shop named Crystals and CuriosiTEAS A large white dog named Spirit belonged to Bridget has returned to town. He is known by all the town people. Bridget disappeared and then showed up dead under the pier. While touring the shop Liam Madigan who owns the Irish pub comes into the shop and goes on the tour with Julia and Shay. He and Bridget are both from the same town in Ireland.
In one of the rooms is a huge painting of Titania, Queen of the fairies and the princess fairy. There is something in her hand giving it to the princess. On the second floor is a greenhouse where Bridget grew her teas and spices. In the corner they discover a dead body. on the roof. He is a man named Grady Kennedy a private investigator from County Clare. Liam's grandmother also lives there. They call the police and Frank Burrows, the local sheriff and Dean Philips, deputy and Shay's brother-in-law arrive. He is married to Shay's sister Jen.
Frank immediately arrests Liam as he is out to get him because Liam had been a policeman who sent his brother to prison. Adam Ward is the coroner and her old boyfriend.
Shay is very interested in seeing how the body got on her greenhouse roof and goes to the pub which is next door to her shop. Carman, the bartender is there and takes Shay up to their roof deck. While checking everything out she finds a button that looks like it was torn off of a man's shirt. She will give it to Dean not Frank.
Shay and her sister Jen lost their parents in a boating accident when they were teenagers. Their Aunt came to be with them. When going through the albums Shay realizes that she looks different than the rest of the family. As the story progresses she finds out that she is really Bridget's daughter. This is where the story takes off with much mystery of who she is. The story comes to a surprise ending with Shay happy with who she is and looks forward to her future. This is where the story makes a sudden stop leaving the reader up in the air wondering what will happen next in the series. I look forward to it.
Thank you to Kensington Books for my ARC.
In one of the rooms is a huge painting of Titania, Queen of the fairies and the princess fairy. There is something in her hand giving it to the princess. On the second floor is a greenhouse where Bridget grew her teas and spices. In the corner they discover a dead body. on the roof. He is a man named Grady Kennedy a private investigator from County Clare. Liam's grandmother also lives there. They call the police and Frank Burrows, the local sheriff and Dean Philips, deputy and Shay's brother-in-law arrive. He is married to Shay's sister Jen.
Frank immediately arrests Liam as he is out to get him because Liam had been a policeman who sent his brother to prison. Adam Ward is the coroner and her old boyfriend.
Shay is very interested in seeing how the body got on her greenhouse roof and goes to the pub which is next door to her shop. Carman, the bartender is there and takes Shay up to their roof deck. While checking everything out she finds a button that looks like it was torn off of a man's shirt. She will give it to Dean not Frank.
Shay and her sister Jen lost their parents in a boating accident when they were teenagers. Their Aunt came to be with them. When going through the albums Shay realizes that she looks different than the rest of the family. As the story progresses she finds out that she is really Bridget's daughter. This is where the story takes off with much mystery of who she is. The story comes to a surprise ending with Shay happy with who she is and looks forward to her future. This is where the story makes a sudden stop leaving the reader up in the air wondering what will happen next in the series. I look forward to it.
Thank you to Kensington Books for my ARC.
November 8, 2022
Lauren Elliott’s other cozy mystery series is one of my favorites so I knew I would need to read this one when I heard about it. I love the way she writes characters and her mysteries are always fun. I also like the way animals have a part to play, and I think the dog in this one, Spirit, is my new favorite mystery solving sidekick. Shay is flat broke when she gets the call that a lady in her old home town has left her a shop and living quarters. Since her life and marriage have fallen apart this seems like perfect timing. When she arrives she realizes there’s something about her connection with the woman who left her the tea shop, but more immediately concerning she finds a dead body on top of the shop. Despite pressure to sell she is determined to the find the answers she’s looking for.
March 31, 2023
This was one of those reads that promised to be cozy and hilarious (in a silly but amicable way). But it didn‘t deliver on that promise, sadly.
Shea inherits a store complete with cottage. She has no real idea why and when she arrives, there is a murder victim waiting on the roof of her new store as well. Thus, she, her new and also inherited dog, the owner of the bar next door (who happens to be a former cop and hot, of course), and her new assistant go sleuthing.
I read only few cozy romances and usually make sure they are mixed with historical events or other elements. Here, it was a paranormal aspect. Usually, that means that everything is toned down just enough to make a great combination.
It didn‘t, here.
From the bitchy real-estate agent, her sleazy husband, Shea‘s brother-in-law also being a cop (and also one of the few good ones) to the neighbour having an instant connection complete with utter devotion to her … it was a bit much. Good books use some tropes but either hide them well or limit the number of tropes.
This didn‘t.
The writing was nothing special either. In fact, the characters were often overdrawn and thus annoying - even the ones we clearly were expected to love.
*sighs*
So while I had a good feeling until about the 50%-mark (see my status update), that soon started turning sour and then there was no stopping the negative aspects piling on top of one another.
It wasn‘t the worst book ever, but the mystery was too easily seen through, the paranormal element was downright cringeworthy, and I especially loathed all the gossip and backstabbing (which you could always see coming a mile away so everyone‘s surprise had me rolling my eyes HARD).
Oh well, they can‘t all be winners.
Shea inherits a store complete with cottage. She has no real idea why and when she arrives, there is a murder victim waiting on the roof of her new store as well. Thus, she, her new and also inherited dog, the owner of the bar next door (who happens to be a former cop and hot, of course), and her new assistant go sleuthing.
I read only few cozy romances and usually make sure they are mixed with historical events or other elements. Here, it was a paranormal aspect. Usually, that means that everything is toned down just enough to make a great combination.
It didn‘t, here.
From the bitchy real-estate agent, her sleazy husband, Shea‘s brother-in-law also being a cop (and also one of the few good ones) to the neighbour having an instant connection complete with utter devotion to her … it was a bit much. Good books use some tropes but either hide them well or limit the number of tropes.
This didn‘t.
The writing was nothing special either. In fact, the characters were often overdrawn and thus annoying - even the ones we clearly were expected to love.
*sighs*
So while I had a good feeling until about the 50%-mark (see my status update), that soon started turning sour and then there was no stopping the negative aspects piling on top of one another.
It wasn‘t the worst book ever, but the mystery was too easily seen through, the paranormal element was downright cringeworthy, and I especially loathed all the gossip and backstabbing (which you could always see coming a mile away so everyone‘s surprise had me rolling my eyes HARD).
Oh well, they can‘t all be winners.
December 26, 2022
Welcome to your future, but be prepared: it might be more than you’re willing to take on.
Steeped in Secrets was a bit of a mixed bag for me. But it did intrigue me enough to want to follow along with the series, so it certainly had its perks.
What I loved the most about this book were the setting and the general premise. The small seaside town. The tea and psychic shop. Cottage on the beach. Family secrets. A dash of paranormal.
Oh, and the dog - he was the best. Though the rest of the characters were a bit flat and stereotypical.
However, the main mystery thread could have been better. I wasn't all that interested in the case, it felt a bit dull to be honest.
But that's exactly why I’d happily give the following installments a chance. With the same setting but a different mystery, I’m sure I’d enjoy the whole thing more.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC of Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott in exchange for an honest review.
Steeped in Secrets was a bit of a mixed bag for me. But it did intrigue me enough to want to follow along with the series, so it certainly had its perks.
What I loved the most about this book were the setting and the general premise. The small seaside town. The tea and psychic shop. Cottage on the beach. Family secrets. A dash of paranormal.
Oh, and the dog - he was the best. Though the rest of the characters were a bit flat and stereotypical.
However, the main mystery thread could have been better. I wasn't all that interested in the case, it felt a bit dull to be honest.
But that's exactly why I’d happily give the following installments a chance. With the same setting but a different mystery, I’m sure I’d enjoy the whole thing more.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC of Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2022
Shay Myers is in for a surprise when she returns to Bray Harbor, California after a 16-year absence. A woman she barely knew has left her a shop—Crystals & CuriousiTEAS plus a charming beachfront cottage, and a dog named Spirit. Shay’s not so sure about any woowoo stuff, but she’s broke because her husband stole all her money, and she needs income and a place to stay. Liam Madigan, owner of the pub next door, drops by when the realtor, Julie, is giving Shay a tour of her new properties while trying her best to talk Shay into selling. Upstairs, Shay spots a pair of legs through the glass greenhouse ceiling and a corpse is discovered on Liam’s rooftop patio! Now, the mystery begins….
Deputy Dean Phillips, Shay’s sister Jen’s husband, is an honest cop and Liam is his friend. When the Sheriff quickly pins the blame on Liam, Dean is determined to clear his name. The investigation leads to a good cop/dirty cop showdown. Who is this victim, and was Bridget, Shay’s benefactor, also a victim of foul play? Like a spider web, tendrils of clues start spinning out to trap the guilty culprits. Vandalism, break-ins, and personal threats aimed at Shay make Dean, Liam, and Shay wonder what Bridget could have had that someone wants badly enough to kill for….
This cozy mystery is well-written, interesting, and will certainly appeal to mystery readers who also enjoy magical elements in their stories as it’s clear some magical presence is at work here. The cast of characters play succulent roles as bad guys and good guys, respectively. Nifty secrets are revealed that begin to explain some things to Shay. A young girl, Tassi, who was Bridget’s only friend, comes to work for Shay, and she’s a smart, energetic, and helpful character who enjoys mixing tea blends. Between the two women, they inventory the shop and start selling odds and ends to clear space for an actual tea room. Liam is also a great character and has a wise granny who knows about reading tea leaves and lots of other magical things. It’s funny when Shay tries reading the leaves and keeps seeing the same darn thing over and over and it’s later revealed why! LOL! I enjoyed all the explanations near the story’s end, and I can see a bright future for this cozy series! Enjoy!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
Deputy Dean Phillips, Shay’s sister Jen’s husband, is an honest cop and Liam is his friend. When the Sheriff quickly pins the blame on Liam, Dean is determined to clear his name. The investigation leads to a good cop/dirty cop showdown. Who is this victim, and was Bridget, Shay’s benefactor, also a victim of foul play? Like a spider web, tendrils of clues start spinning out to trap the guilty culprits. Vandalism, break-ins, and personal threats aimed at Shay make Dean, Liam, and Shay wonder what Bridget could have had that someone wants badly enough to kill for….
This cozy mystery is well-written, interesting, and will certainly appeal to mystery readers who also enjoy magical elements in their stories as it’s clear some magical presence is at work here. The cast of characters play succulent roles as bad guys and good guys, respectively. Nifty secrets are revealed that begin to explain some things to Shay. A young girl, Tassi, who was Bridget’s only friend, comes to work for Shay, and she’s a smart, energetic, and helpful character who enjoys mixing tea blends. Between the two women, they inventory the shop and start selling odds and ends to clear space for an actual tea room. Liam is also a great character and has a wise granny who knows about reading tea leaves and lots of other magical things. It’s funny when Shay tries reading the leaves and keeps seeing the same darn thing over and over and it’s later revealed why! LOL! I enjoyed all the explanations near the story’s end, and I can see a bright future for this cozy series! Enjoy!
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own.
April 1, 2025
Let's be honest, a pure white German shepherd persuaded me to read this cozy and nice mystery, and Spirit was my favorite character and best part of story!
Thank you Tantor Audio via NetGalley for ARC. I have given my honest review.
Thank you Tantor Audio via NetGalley for ARC. I have given my honest review.
January 5, 2023
Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott is the first in a paranormal cozy mystery series that all readers, if you enjoy the genre, any of the genres, whether they be paranormal, mystery, all will enjoy this book as the ideas are new, and the characters are fun and ones that are good to read about and are only going to get better! Shay Meyers is returning to the town where she was raised by her parents after being contacted about a mysterious inheritance from a woman she never really knew. And, while there is just the mystery in that to solve, when the story opens up, becomes bigger than what happened between Shay and the woman of her inheritance, readers are going to be shocked to find out what is going on, just as I was. And, while there are parts of the book that a reader does not have to think hard on to solve, there are so many things going on in the book, that, when it ends, the reader realizes that Elliot can weave a mystery book quite well and as this is the first in the series, readers can only find greater coming next.
As Shay Meyers turns out to be from a line of magical women, since she has not been trained, we see some of her powers beginning to emerge in this first book, and from there, Elliot is sure to open the character up to much more which makes this as good series to put on your shelf and follow as they are published. And, then, there is Liam, a handsome pub owner (next to the magic store she inherited) who speaks in what has been quoted "gentle brogue" (can you imagine) who attaches himself to Shay's hip and is there when she is in need (as only the best men can be) and though there is only a little romance here there is the big promise of romance, between the two, in the series (despite a ring he purchased as a gift for a woman, before Shay appeared in his life, as a reader, I don't even remember her name, rooting for the two as a couple, in later books). And, since Shay has returned to her hometown, the cast of characters in the book are usually ones she has a past with, and it lends well to the current mystery and ones to come!
Plus, Shay has an ex-husband who is beyond (excuse my language) an ass, taken her for all she had and only comes out successful, well over the nothing he left Shay with. Brad is the type of ex-husband that, when he has a new woman in his life, is bothering Shay to turn over her house, which he won in the divorce, to him as quickly as possible so the new woman in his life can move her things in. It makes you want to spit nails. And wonder how this woman can wake up in the morning without having strangled their ex, or the woman who's moving into her house.
As you can see, Steeped in Secrets, made a very deep impression on me, when I read it. And, even if, in future books, Shay does decide to turn the magic shop she inherited into a tea store, as she doubts that she can do the tea readings and other things the woman who owned the shop before her did, because of her relationship with that woman (and you have to read it to find that out) she may indulge more in magic, in the future, as she has an inherited many things, in more ways than one. As I said, you have to read the book to find all that out as I don't want to spoil this exciting new series that will have you steaming (in more ways than one) when you read it!
As Shay Meyers turns out to be from a line of magical women, since she has not been trained, we see some of her powers beginning to emerge in this first book, and from there, Elliot is sure to open the character up to much more which makes this as good series to put on your shelf and follow as they are published. And, then, there is Liam, a handsome pub owner (next to the magic store she inherited) who speaks in what has been quoted "gentle brogue" (can you imagine) who attaches himself to Shay's hip and is there when she is in need (as only the best men can be) and though there is only a little romance here there is the big promise of romance, between the two, in the series (despite a ring he purchased as a gift for a woman, before Shay appeared in his life, as a reader, I don't even remember her name, rooting for the two as a couple, in later books). And, since Shay has returned to her hometown, the cast of characters in the book are usually ones she has a past with, and it lends well to the current mystery and ones to come!
Plus, Shay has an ex-husband who is beyond (excuse my language) an ass, taken her for all she had and only comes out successful, well over the nothing he left Shay with. Brad is the type of ex-husband that, when he has a new woman in his life, is bothering Shay to turn over her house, which he won in the divorce, to him as quickly as possible so the new woman in his life can move her things in. It makes you want to spit nails. And wonder how this woman can wake up in the morning without having strangled their ex, or the woman who's moving into her house.
As you can see, Steeped in Secrets, made a very deep impression on me, when I read it. And, even if, in future books, Shay does decide to turn the magic shop she inherited into a tea store, as she doubts that she can do the tea readings and other things the woman who owned the shop before her did, because of her relationship with that woman (and you have to read it to find that out) she may indulge more in magic, in the future, as she has an inherited many things, in more ways than one. As I said, you have to read the book to find all that out as I don't want to spoil this exciting new series that will have you steaming (in more ways than one) when you read it!
June 9, 2023
I have loved the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Series by this author and I was very excited to have won a copy of the first book in her new series titled Steeped in Secrets. Upon returning home to Bray Harbor, California, Shay is told that she has inherited a tea shop, the Crystals & CuriousiTEAS as well as a cottage. Shay is shocked to discover this inheritance and even more shocked when she discovers a dead body on the roof of the tea shop. Of course, she will have to investigate and solve this murder mystery. It’s a very good start to what I’m sure is going to be a great cozy mystery series.
September 28, 2022
Spent my lazy afternoon with this feelgood cosy mystery.
When Shay inherits a metaphysical store in Bray Harbor, she doesn't expect to find a dead body in the attic. With the police closing her shop for investigation, Shay decides to do her own research. The secrets she stumbles upon keep the reader engaged and expecting yet another round of trouble any minute. Pleasantly paced, filled with a diversity of characters, set in lovely surroundings, Steeped in Secrets is a quick entertaining read filled with magic (and tea leaf readings!). One mystery remains unsolved and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this new series.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.
When Shay inherits a metaphysical store in Bray Harbor, she doesn't expect to find a dead body in the attic. With the police closing her shop for investigation, Shay decides to do her own research. The secrets she stumbles upon keep the reader engaged and expecting yet another round of trouble any minute. Pleasantly paced, filled with a diversity of characters, set in lovely surroundings, Steeped in Secrets is a quick entertaining read filled with magic (and tea leaf readings!). One mystery remains unsolved and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next instalment in this new series.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for the ARC.
June 26, 2022
Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott is a great cozy mystery that is the first in a new series: A Crystals & CuriosiTEAS Mystery. I really liked this!
I am a huge fan of Ms. Elliott and really like her established cozy mystery series titled A Beyond the Page Bookshop Mystery, so of course I am super excited that she is lending her talent to a new series.
While this is still a cozy mystery, this one is slightly different in that there are paranormal threads added to the overall plot. This takes place in Bray Harbor, California and involves Shay Myers returning to a location associated with her childhood. Throw in mysterious pasts, an eclectic collection of locals and family, folklore, paranormal threads, a murder/mystery, an inherited shop under additional questions, and one has got themselves an excellent start to a new series.
Looking forward to seeing where this will go.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/29/22.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Elliott and really like her established cozy mystery series titled A Beyond the Page Bookshop Mystery, so of course I am super excited that she is lending her talent to a new series.
While this is still a cozy mystery, this one is slightly different in that there are paranormal threads added to the overall plot. This takes place in Bray Harbor, California and involves Shay Myers returning to a location associated with her childhood. Throw in mysterious pasts, an eclectic collection of locals and family, folklore, paranormal threads, a murder/mystery, an inherited shop under additional questions, and one has got themselves an excellent start to a new series.
Looking forward to seeing where this will go.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/29/22.
September 10, 2025
4.5 🌟
Mood/Seasonal Reading: I don’t think it took place in any one specific time. I enjoyed in early fall
I really liked this one! It had just the right touch of cozy mystery magic and gave me a sense of comfort during a very busy time in my life.
The characters were interesting, the slight subplot of romance was well written and the overall mystery was very intriguing! Some cozies can get sidetracked by other plots but this stuck to the root of its story and explored it well.
While there were a handful of things I didn’t enjoy such as some conversations feeling a tad off or choices I would’ve made differently, overall this was a throughly enjoyable cozy that has me scrambling to get the next in the series.
Mood/Seasonal Reading: I don’t think it took place in any one specific time. I enjoyed in early fall
I really liked this one! It had just the right touch of cozy mystery magic and gave me a sense of comfort during a very busy time in my life.
The characters were interesting, the slight subplot of romance was well written and the overall mystery was very intriguing! Some cozies can get sidetracked by other plots but this stuck to the root of its story and explored it well.
While there were a handful of things I didn’t enjoy such as some conversations feeling a tad off or choices I would’ve made differently, overall this was a throughly enjoyable cozy that has me scrambling to get the next in the series.
July 31, 2022
Wow. There is so much going on in this intro to a new series that I don't know where to start. I started out simply reading, no notes, but found myself grabbing a pen and paper at one point because there were so many different potential mysteries that I couldn't keep that straight. It speaks to author Lauren Elliott's talent that this only drew me into the story more, determined to figure out who did what, when, where, and why, and how the heck Shayleigh (Shay) Myers was connected to it all. I'm normally not particularly drawn to what I'll call magical or fantasy type stories but this one had me hooked, although I do wish a bit more explanation had been provided upfront regarding Shay's talents. I'm leaning toward that being intentional, however, as Shay herself seemed to be confused as she grappled with her sensory talents and how best to utilize them.
So, what happened to Bridget? Did she drown or was it murder? How or even is her death connected to the dead body found on the greenhouse roof? Why did she leave the business and cottage to Shay anyway? Do we know the real story of what happened to Shay and Jen's parents? How does Spirit know what he, well, seems to sense and know? How is some robbery in Shay's former business place connected? Why is Pierre hanging around? How did the sheriff, Burrows, overlook clues? How does Liam fit into the whole picture? Will Shay's magical pouch do it's work? Is Julia, the realtor guilty of anything except for wanting to make a big sale?
And, oh, "a chara".... enough teasers. "A chara" means "my friend in Gaelic, by the way. There is a great deal to unpack from this book, the first in a new series. I'm already looking forward to the next book, especially after that ominous teaser near the end. Putting it on my MUST read list right now, just as you should be putting this one on your TBR list.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress, not to mention #LaurenElliott for the fantastic trip into the suddenly magical life of Shay.
So, what happened to Bridget? Did she drown or was it murder? How or even is her death connected to the dead body found on the greenhouse roof? Why did she leave the business and cottage to Shay anyway? Do we know the real story of what happened to Shay and Jen's parents? How does Spirit know what he, well, seems to sense and know? How is some robbery in Shay's former business place connected? Why is Pierre hanging around? How did the sheriff, Burrows, overlook clues? How does Liam fit into the whole picture? Will Shay's magical pouch do it's work? Is Julia, the realtor guilty of anything except for wanting to make a big sale?
And, oh, "a chara".... enough teasers. "A chara" means "my friend in Gaelic, by the way. There is a great deal to unpack from this book, the first in a new series. I'm already looking forward to the next book, especially after that ominous teaser near the end. Putting it on my MUST read list right now, just as you should be putting this one on your TBR list.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #KensingtonPress, not to mention #LaurenElliott for the fantastic trip into the suddenly magical life of Shay.
December 30, 2022
I love tea....I have a huge tea stash and sip my way through multiple cups daily. So, when I see a tea-related cozy mystery, I grab a copy and read. Especially when the book is the first in a new series! I've enjoyed several books in Lauren Elliott's Beyond the Page Bookstore cozy series and enjoyed each one. It was not a hard decision to grab up a review copy of this first book in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series!
The Basics: Shay Meyers is having a rough time. Her entire life in New Mexico has imploded...so she's heading back to her hometown. Not because she wants to, really. But because she inherits an estate from someone she barely knew. But, in a pinch, weird circumstances are better than living amongst the flaming ashes of her former life....so she heads to California. Little does she know....but things are going to get a lot stranger.
I enjoyed this book! I was intrigued by the crystals and slightly paranormal background plot. I like the characters. And, Shay is a scrappy, determined main character. Made for a fun cozy read!
I can't wait to read more of this series! It's quirky and entertaining!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**
The Basics: Shay Meyers is having a rough time. Her entire life in New Mexico has imploded...so she's heading back to her hometown. Not because she wants to, really. But because she inherits an estate from someone she barely knew. But, in a pinch, weird circumstances are better than living amongst the flaming ashes of her former life....so she heads to California. Little does she know....but things are going to get a lot stranger.
I enjoyed this book! I was intrigued by the crystals and slightly paranormal background plot. I like the characters. And, Shay is a scrappy, determined main character. Made for a fun cozy read!
I can't wait to read more of this series! It's quirky and entertaining!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**
November 17, 2022
The first in a new series and definitely going to be a must-read series! I loved the characters, their interwoven histories and new connections. A great mystery that unfolded in a manner that had you leaning towards one or more guilty parties, but not exactly sure which one was the actual guilty party until the end. It was wonderful how the author layered multiple plots on top of each other so that you had one cohesive and exciting story. I am a bit biased as this is one of my favorite authors', however in my opinion she has an absolute hit on her hands! I can't wait to get to know Shay and her cast of friends better in the next book which I hope will be along soon!
November 30, 2022
I have a mixed reaction to this book.
It has all the tropes that I have come to enjoy in a cozy mystery but it didn't grab my attention. Whether I read a book or listen to an audiobook I truly enjoy it only when I can picturise the characters and incidents described in the book in my mind and it didn't happen with this one. I also could not figure out what exactly the white German Shepherd Spirit was supposed to be... a normal dog or one with supernatural abilities. The paranormal element was a bit confusing... maybe I missed out some details while listening to the audiobook. The climax was good and the person/reason behind the crime was unexpected. I guess I will have to read the book to see if I am better able to follow the plot that way.
This book has received a lot of positive reviews and ratings on Goodreads so I guess I am in the minority here for not liking it as much as the other readers/listeners. Also, the cover picture for the physical/epub version of the book is much better than the one chosen for the audiobook.
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Tantor Audio and the author Lauren Elliott for the audio Arc of the book.
Since the audiobook is not as yet listed, I am leaving my review under the paperback edition.
It has all the tropes that I have come to enjoy in a cozy mystery but it didn't grab my attention. Whether I read a book or listen to an audiobook I truly enjoy it only when I can picturise the characters and incidents described in the book in my mind and it didn't happen with this one. I also could not figure out what exactly the white German Shepherd Spirit was supposed to be... a normal dog or one with supernatural abilities. The paranormal element was a bit confusing... maybe I missed out some details while listening to the audiobook. The climax was good and the person/reason behind the crime was unexpected. I guess I will have to read the book to see if I am better able to follow the plot that way.
This book has received a lot of positive reviews and ratings on Goodreads so I guess I am in the minority here for not liking it as much as the other readers/listeners. Also, the cover picture for the physical/epub version of the book is much better than the one chosen for the audiobook.
My thanks to NetGalley, the audiobook publisher Tantor Audio and the author Lauren Elliott for the audio Arc of the book.
Since the audiobook is not as yet listed, I am leaving my review under the paperback edition.
dnf
March 22, 2023I looked so forward to reading this book but then was let down because it just wasn’t what I expected. Two and a half chapters in I decided to do a dnf. I rarely do this. Just not my cup of tea. I so enjoy the Author’s other series, Beyond the book store.
September 4, 2022
An unexpected inheritance can be a good or bad thing depending on your point of view. Recently divorced Shay Myers isn't actually sure how to describe her feelings about suddenly becoming the new owner of a tea shop in the home town she left many years earlier, but shocked might come close. If she adds to this the knowledge that previous owner, Bridget, successfully read tea leaves as well giving psychic readings and Shay is pretty sure she's going to be way out of her depth.
When a body is discovered on her premises, before she's even taken ownership of the keys, Shay finds herself in charge of a store she can’t open, an inventory she has only a basic understanding of, and time on her hands! With the owner of the building next door also unable to trade it isn't long before Shay and the very personable Liam begin their own investigation aided by a beautiful German Shepherd, called Spirit, who, apparently, also belongs to her.
As the unlikely trio searches for answers it becomes clear others are interested in any discoveries they make and the danger and intrigue increases at every turn. Shay knows whatever happens her life will never be the same again, but if she can't find those responsible she may not be around to experience any of it!
This is the first in Lauren Elliott's new Shay Meyers Tea Shop Mysteries and sets the scene very nicely if you are prepared to leave reality behind for a while, which I was! I thoroughly enjoyed the whodunnit, the obviously new characters, and the instructions on how to read tea leaves, all of which I found fascinating.
There were some clichéd parts which will hopefully be sorted quite quickly as the series progresses. Lauren Elliott is an excellent author and I look forward to becoming immersed in her new Bray Harbor world for a long while to come.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a very enjoyable escape, which is what reading should be. Recommended.
When a body is discovered on her premises, before she's even taken ownership of the keys, Shay finds herself in charge of a store she can’t open, an inventory she has only a basic understanding of, and time on her hands! With the owner of the building next door also unable to trade it isn't long before Shay and the very personable Liam begin their own investigation aided by a beautiful German Shepherd, called Spirit, who, apparently, also belongs to her.
As the unlikely trio searches for answers it becomes clear others are interested in any discoveries they make and the danger and intrigue increases at every turn. Shay knows whatever happens her life will never be the same again, but if she can't find those responsible she may not be around to experience any of it!
This is the first in Lauren Elliott's new Shay Meyers Tea Shop Mysteries and sets the scene very nicely if you are prepared to leave reality behind for a while, which I was! I thoroughly enjoyed the whodunnit, the obviously new characters, and the instructions on how to read tea leaves, all of which I found fascinating.
There were some clichéd parts which will hopefully be sorted quite quickly as the series progresses. Lauren Elliott is an excellent author and I look forward to becoming immersed in her new Bray Harbor world for a long while to come.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a very enjoyable escape, which is what reading should be. Recommended.
August 15, 2022
What would you do if a mysterious inheritance brought you back to your childhood home? And what if the inheritance included a tea/psychic shop? If you're Shay Myers and recovering from divorce and losing all your money and your reputation, you don't ask questions and leap at the chance to start a new life in Bray Harbor, a beautiful town along the Monterey peninsula. However, when Shay discovers a dead body in her rooftop greenhouse, she wonders if it will be a new start or early end at the hands of a murderer.
Wow, I loved this book.! Shay has been an empathetic person and able to read people's feelings. When she moves into the house she inherited from a stranger, Bridget Early, she knows two things - the house is just as mysterious as it's former owner and Bridget's death may not have been an accident. Couple that with Shay's growing "powers" and you have the beginning of a wonderful series! There's a bit of romance with an Irish pub owner that enhances the mystery and an elusive white German Shepherd, Spirit, who was Bridget's dog adds to the mystery.
A great beginning to a new cozy mystery series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Wow, I loved this book.! Shay has been an empathetic person and able to read people's feelings. When she moves into the house she inherited from a stranger, Bridget Early, she knows two things - the house is just as mysterious as it's former owner and Bridget's death may not have been an accident. Couple that with Shay's growing "powers" and you have the beginning of a wonderful series! There's a bit of romance with an Irish pub owner that enhances the mystery and an elusive white German Shepherd, Spirit, who was Bridget's dog adds to the mystery.
A great beginning to a new cozy mystery series!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 8, 2024
3.5 stars
This book was really good. I liked all the characters a lot. I enjoyed the supernatural element and thought that having a dog “familiar” was so fun! The main character is newish to town but she had already established relationships so it felt more believable that so many people were on her side. The book also left you with a looming mystery so it feels more fun to wait for the next book.
This book was really good. I liked all the characters a lot. I enjoyed the supernatural element and thought that having a dog “familiar” was so fun! The main character is newish to town but she had already established relationships so it felt more believable that so many people were on her side. The book also left you with a looming mystery so it feels more fun to wait for the next book.
January 10, 2023
This is the first book in the crystals and curiositeas series. I really enjoyed this book. Shay Myers leaves her life in New Mexico and returns to the town she grew up in after inheriting a tea shop. Shay is such a great character and easily relatable. The mystery was well done. I can't wait to read more in the series.
July 13, 2022
As a first in a new series, I found this book to be a fun read after the first chapter.
The beginning started off slow, but the story progressed into a well done whodunit.
I enjoy this author, so I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#SteepedinSecrets #NetGalley
The beginning started off slow, but the story progressed into a well done whodunit.
I enjoy this author, so I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#SteepedinSecrets #NetGalley
March 14, 2025
A little bit of fantasy and folklore made this mystery an enjoyable read.
February 26, 2025
So this is my first time reading Lauren Elliot, and I’ve been trying to find another witchesque cozy mystery series, but this book is kind of all over the place.
First of all, waaay too many mysteries/murders. We have the main murder, of a character she really gives us no background on, which leaves me apathetic towards his murder. Then you have Bridget’s death, and Shay’s mysterious/evil father, and her parents mysteriously dying, and all of this with a little sprinkle of magic/aura readings/vibes/a supernatural dog and tea readings. Because Shay is supposed to be able to pick up on auras or vibes, but it was only in the first chapter, a sprinkled here and there throughout the rest of the book. So I felt like the story was really jumbled, jumping from mystery to mystery. When the main mystery was solved it was pretty abrupt, and I feel like the person who committed the murder just felt somewhat out of the blue.
Then we have the characters. Shay our main character is fine for the most part, but her (and basically all the other characters) have just the weirdest reactions to things. Like Shay’s sister Jen supports her initially with taking over the tea shop, but then straight up 180s and is like against it. Or when Shay has a break in at her cottage, and is scared (naturally) the day of the break in, but the next day when Jen comes by and asks like, “omg are you alright???” Shay’s just like yep! Liam is also fine, but the whole immediate attraction between him and Shay felt a little forced. Especially since Shay just divorced a slimy guy, who left her with nothing and her work reputation destroyed. Also Shay at one point jokingly calls Liam her “cousin” (to distance herself when she discovers there might be another flame in Liam’s life) but like…ew? Because if she did that and that was the end of any romantic feelings, like fine, but it wasn’t?? They were still flirting all the rest of the book??
Lastly, the dialogue/writing. Even though Shay is like mid 30s sometimes she sounded like Miss Marple (as Liam cutely(?) referred to her as. Dialogue often felt stilted and forced. And I don’t think the word “exotic” should be used when describing a character. Please use actual descriptions, because I feel like that word is just used as a blanket word for a non-white character.
I think there’s a lot of potential here, so I might give the second one a go, fingers crossed the story and characters get a little more organized and fleshed out.
First of all, waaay too many mysteries/murders. We have the main murder, of a character she really gives us no background on, which leaves me apathetic towards his murder. Then you have Bridget’s death, and Shay’s mysterious/evil father, and her parents mysteriously dying, and all of this with a little sprinkle of magic/aura readings/vibes/a supernatural dog and tea readings. Because Shay is supposed to be able to pick up on auras or vibes, but it was only in the first chapter, a sprinkled here and there throughout the rest of the book. So I felt like the story was really jumbled, jumping from mystery to mystery. When the main mystery was solved it was pretty abrupt, and I feel like the person who committed the murder just felt somewhat out of the blue.
Then we have the characters. Shay our main character is fine for the most part, but her (and basically all the other characters) have just the weirdest reactions to things. Like Shay’s sister Jen supports her initially with taking over the tea shop, but then straight up 180s and is like against it. Or when Shay has a break in at her cottage, and is scared (naturally) the day of the break in, but the next day when Jen comes by and asks like, “omg are you alright???” Shay’s just like yep! Liam is also fine, but the whole immediate attraction between him and Shay felt a little forced. Especially since Shay just divorced a slimy guy, who left her with nothing and her work reputation destroyed. Also Shay at one point jokingly calls Liam her “cousin” (to distance herself when she discovers there might be another flame in Liam’s life) but like…ew? Because if she did that and that was the end of any romantic feelings, like fine, but it wasn’t?? They were still flirting all the rest of the book??
Lastly, the dialogue/writing. Even though Shay is like mid 30s sometimes she sounded like Miss Marple (as Liam cutely(?) referred to her as. Dialogue often felt stilted and forced. And I don’t think the word “exotic” should be used when describing a character. Please use actual descriptions, because I feel like that word is just used as a blanket word for a non-white character.
I think there’s a lot of potential here, so I might give the second one a go, fingers crossed the story and characters get a little more organized and fleshed out.
October 14, 2023
Just an OK read for me that die-hard fans of cozy mysteries with paranormal elements will likely enjoy. The book’s pacing was just too slow for me and there seemed to be too many extraneous details thrown in to fill up time that could have been handled better.
This book is the first in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series that introduces us to Shay Myers, who after a brutal divorce that not only cost her every penny to her name but her professional reputation as a gemologist is back in her hometown to accept an inheritance of a teashop and cottage from Bridget Early. The why wasn’t too hard to figure out, but the story took forever to get there. While touring the shop with the realtor, they discover a stranger’s body on the greenhouse roof. Again, the story dances around who the deceased is, why he is in Bray Harbor and what his connection is to Shay. By the time the story got around to solving the murder, I was a little surprised. ”Oh yeah, there’s a dead guy from the beginning of the story. Wonder whatever came of the murder investigation…”
I liked Shay and the addition of Liam, the pub owner with the slight Irish brogue who assists Shay in discovering the truth and Spirit, the solid white German Shepherd dog who adopts Shay and seems to be her guardian angel. The audio narration by Stephanie Richardson was just OK too. Her performance of Shay was done well, but the Irish brogue of Liam sounded forced.
My Final Verdict: A story that doesn’t deliver a lot of surprises and takes too long to get there isn’t one I can wholeheartedly recommend. The series may improve as it goes but I don’t need my tea leaves read to know that I will probably take a pass.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Steeped in Secrets from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is the first in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAS series that introduces us to Shay Myers, who after a brutal divorce that not only cost her every penny to her name but her professional reputation as a gemologist is back in her hometown to accept an inheritance of a teashop and cottage from Bridget Early. The why wasn’t too hard to figure out, but the story took forever to get there. While touring the shop with the realtor, they discover a stranger’s body on the greenhouse roof. Again, the story dances around who the deceased is, why he is in Bray Harbor and what his connection is to Shay. By the time the story got around to solving the murder, I was a little surprised. ”Oh yeah, there’s a dead guy from the beginning of the story. Wonder whatever came of the murder investigation…”
I liked Shay and the addition of Liam, the pub owner with the slight Irish brogue who assists Shay in discovering the truth and Spirit, the solid white German Shepherd dog who adopts Shay and seems to be her guardian angel. The audio narration by Stephanie Richardson was just OK too. Her performance of Shay was done well, but the Irish brogue of Liam sounded forced.
My Final Verdict: A story that doesn’t deliver a lot of surprises and takes too long to get there isn’t one I can wholeheartedly recommend. The series may improve as it goes but I don’t need my tea leaves read to know that I will probably take a pass.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Steeped in Secrets from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 13, 2022
Steeped in Secrets by Lauren Elliott the 1st instalment in the "A Crystals & CuriosiTeas Mystery " series. I loved this book and totally added it to my favourite series list! I am a big fan of Lauren’s other series so knew I would probably like this one as I’m a sucker for a little magic in my cozies.
Flat broke and divorced, intuitive gemologist Shay Myers has changed since leaving her artsy hometown of coastal Bray Harbor sixteen years ago. But when she moves back under strange circumstances, old instincts may be the only key to spilling the tea on a deadly mystery.
The story is well-written and plotted and I found it entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Shay did.
Another thing I enjoyed was the relationship that developed between Shay and Tassi. I’m curious to find out what happened to Bridget in future books and see where Liam and Shay …
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
Flat broke and divorced, intuitive gemologist Shay Myers has changed since leaving her artsy hometown of coastal Bray Harbor sixteen years ago. But when she moves back under strange circumstances, old instincts may be the only key to spilling the tea on a deadly mystery.
The story is well-written and plotted and I found it entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Shay did.
Another thing I enjoyed was the relationship that developed between Shay and Tassi. I’m curious to find out what happened to Bridget in future books and see where Liam and Shay …
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
September 22, 2022
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of STEEPED IN SECRETS (Book 1 of the Crystals & CuriosiTeas mysteries) by Lauren Elliott in exchange for an honest review. Shay Meyers is down and disgraced after her now-ex husband swindled her clients, ruined her professional reputation, and caused Shay to bankrupt herself repaying her clients. However, Shay has a chance to change her circumstances thanks to an unexpected inheritance from a shop-owner from her hometown. When Shay returns to Bray Harbor, she will discover lots of unexpected things about the past, present, and future. The most pressing of which appears to be the murderer of the corpse she and the realtor find on their introductory tour of her newly inherited shop!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to fans of cozy murder mysteries with magic/paranormal themes.
#SteepedinSecrets #NetGalley
I enjoyed this book and recommend it to fans of cozy murder mysteries with magic/paranormal themes.
#SteepedinSecrets #NetGalley
December 28, 2022
Shayleigh (Shay) Myers comes home to Bray Harbor, a coastal California town when she is bequeathed a shop, Crystals & CuriosiTEAS that belonged to Bridget Early. Theres also a charming beachfront cottage, and a white German Shepherd named Spirit. Shay's broke as her husband stole from her and she's now divorced. A dead body is found on the patio roof and Shay sets about solving the mystery and a few more besides. An engrossing and delightful first instalment in a promising series.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
January 2, 2023
This books captures your attention from the very beginning. Shay moves back home to run a tea shop she inherited. It seems something is amiss when a body shows up on her roof. When trying to find out "who did it" she finds more questions than answers. It takes a village to solve this and what an ending it was. Definitely worth the read.
December 9, 2022
This book was not for me.
I was bored with the story, and none of the characters connected for me. I just was not there for this book at all and it is a DNF for me.
I was bored with the story, and none of the characters connected for me. I just was not there for this book at all and it is a DNF for me.
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