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Tea & Sympathy Mysteries #6
Steeped in Murder
Meet Lilly Tweed. Former Agony Aunt. Purveyor of Fine Teas. Accidental Sleuth.
It’s all steam ahead as Lilly and Archie board The Lakes Express on their first official date. The train is full of writers travelling to a conference, which adds to the ambience and piques Archie’s interest.
But what starts as pure luxury ends in chaos. On the journey home, the train screeches to an unsanctioned stop in the middle of nowhere.
Night has fallen, it’s pitch black outside, and a body has been discovered. The scene staged to mimic one of the best loved crime novels of all time.
Currently on board a luxurious 1930s steam train, the homage is not lost on Lilly and Archie, who are asked to help. But its meaning eludes them.
Can they discern the truth from myriad lies? Cut egos down to size while dealing with bouts of creative jealousy and finally unveil the culprit?
And can they do it before the police arrive?
It’s all steam ahead as Lilly and Archie board The Lakes Express on their first official date. The train is full of writers travelling to a conference, which adds to the ambience and piques Archie’s interest.
But what starts as pure luxury ends in chaos. On the journey home, the train screeches to an unsanctioned stop in the middle of nowhere.
Night has fallen, it’s pitch black outside, and a body has been discovered. The scene staged to mimic one of the best loved crime novels of all time.
Currently on board a luxurious 1930s steam train, the homage is not lost on Lilly and Archie, who are asked to help. But its meaning eludes them.
Can they discern the truth from myriad lies? Cut egos down to size while dealing with bouts of creative jealousy and finally unveil the culprit?
And can they do it before the police arrive?
- GenresCozy Mystery
168 pages, ebook
Published March 31, 2022
33 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
J. New
45 books217 followersClaim your FREE book at www.jnewwrites.com
WRITER OF BRITISH MYSTERIES. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, cozy, humorous. Featuring memorable protagonists, their unusual side-kicks and an eclectic ensemble of supporting cast members. They usually include spirits (all varieties) a little bit of magic, a spot of romance and copious amounts of tea. At regular intervals they involve steam trains and sometimes bicycles.
SERIES:
THE YELLOW COTTAGE VINTAGE MYSTERIES, traditional English whodunits with a twist, set in the 1930s. Known for their clever humor as well as the interesting slant on the traditional murder mystery.
THE TEA & SYMPATHY series featuring Lilly Tweed, former newspaper Agony Aunt, now purveyor of fine teas at The Tea Emporium in the small English market town of Plumpton Mallet. Along with a regular cast of characters, including Earl Grey the shop cat.
THE FINCH & FISCHER series featuring mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer. Follow them as they dig up clues and sniff out red herrings in the six quintessential English villages and hamlets that make up Hampsworthy Downs.
Jacquie was born in West Yorkshire, England. She studied art and design and after qualifying began work as an interior designer, moving onto fine art restoration and animal portraiture before deciding to pursue her lifelong ambition to write.
WRITER OF BRITISH MYSTERIES. Historical, contemporary, paranormal, cozy, humorous. Featuring memorable protagonists, their unusual side-kicks and an eclectic ensemble of supporting cast members. They usually include spirits (all varieties) a little bit of magic, a spot of romance and copious amounts of tea. At regular intervals they involve steam trains and sometimes bicycles.
SERIES:
THE YELLOW COTTAGE VINTAGE MYSTERIES, traditional English whodunits with a twist, set in the 1930s. Known for their clever humor as well as the interesting slant on the traditional murder mystery.
THE TEA & SYMPATHY series featuring Lilly Tweed, former newspaper Agony Aunt, now purveyor of fine teas at The Tea Emporium in the small English market town of Plumpton Mallet. Along with a regular cast of characters, including Earl Grey the shop cat.
THE FINCH & FISCHER series featuring mobile librarian Penny Finch and her rescue dog Fischer. Follow them as they dig up clues and sniff out red herrings in the six quintessential English villages and hamlets that make up Hampsworthy Downs.
Jacquie was born in West Yorkshire, England. She studied art and design and after qualifying began work as an interior designer, moving onto fine art restoration and animal portraiture before deciding to pursue her lifelong ambition to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 4, 2022
I can’t tell you how much I enjoy this series!
Lilly and Archie are finally going on a date – their first ‘official’ outing. Boarding The Lakes Express for a taste of luxury travel, they find it packed with those heading to a writer’s conference which, of course, interests Archie. After a wonderful day, they return to the train for the homeward journey only to find that, like one of the most famous mystery novels, there has been a murrrrder (I’m Scottish, think of how Taggart would say it)! Lilly’s reputation goes before her and with the police delayed, they are asked to step in and do some preliminary detecting; is it possible they could solve the crime before officers arrive?
This is a terrific series, full of details and with something new to learn with each book. Lilly and Archie’s relationship has developed over the previous five novels, and it’s good to see them finally together. Jacquie New has an eye for detail and it shows in this story; I learn something new with each one and there are always an influx of characters so the perpetrator is never obvious. A cracking mystery in a truly amazing setting, beautifully described – as always – and totally worth all five sparkling stars. Highly recommend – not only this novel, but this entire series.
Lilly and Archie are finally going on a date – their first ‘official’ outing. Boarding The Lakes Express for a taste of luxury travel, they find it packed with those heading to a writer’s conference which, of course, interests Archie. After a wonderful day, they return to the train for the homeward journey only to find that, like one of the most famous mystery novels, there has been a murrrrder (I’m Scottish, think of how Taggart would say it)! Lilly’s reputation goes before her and with the police delayed, they are asked to step in and do some preliminary detecting; is it possible they could solve the crime before officers arrive?
This is a terrific series, full of details and with something new to learn with each book. Lilly and Archie’s relationship has developed over the previous five novels, and it’s good to see them finally together. Jacquie New has an eye for detail and it shows in this story; I learn something new with each one and there are always an influx of characters so the perpetrator is never obvious. A cracking mystery in a truly amazing setting, beautifully described – as always – and totally worth all five sparkling stars. Highly recommend – not only this novel, but this entire series.
September 18, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
5 suspects, 4 friends, 3 lovers, 2 amateur sleuths, 1 murder
The plot: Lilly Tweed and Archie Brown decide to go on their first official date. And for that occasion, Archie picks a one-day trip on the Lake Express to the nearby town, where a writers' conference is held in the hotel. Consequently, there are several writers going to this conference Vincent Wales and Katherine Harp included. There are a lot of different people on the train and it turns out that some of them know each other. So, when a dead body turns up, the question is - who is responsible?
What I didn't like:
1. overly explanations of Lilly's actions through dialogues with Archie (for example, when Lilly chose Charlie as their assistant - to me the reason was pretty obvious, and I don't feel there was a need to explain it).
2. sudden unmotivated change in a character's behavior. I don't want to spoil the book, so I will just say, that I was confused when one character denied his involvement in the case the whole time and then in an instant changed his statement. I just did not feel the motivation here.
3. when the police finally arrived on the train and Lilly, who to this moment has thoroughly kept all the details of the crime scene to herself, suddenly goes and spills everything in front of everyone in an attempt to prove her point. I mean, you have not found the killer yet, and you don't have a solid suspect, so why would you do that - it is not your first time investigating a crime, you know better!
What I liked:
1. the setting. It reminded me of other detective stories which took place in a sealed environment. And I like such books because it is a good opportunity to test one's own skills in solving puzzles and try to guess who the killer is. In such stories, the author introduces all the parties involved from the start and gives a brief description of who they are, what they do, and why they are here. But in this book, it was a bit different, since some of the characters were introduced later in the book and the information was given out gradually as Lilly and Archie's investigation progressed.
2. the characters. All of them are distinct and interesting. Especially Vincent Wales - the case when the first impression is deceptive. This story shows very well, that you have to dig deeper to really know the person. Even Lilly, who is good at reading people (from what I've gathered), is thrown off the investigation line several times because people lie so convincingly.
3. the story. It is an interesting book, especially as the crime scene is staged to repeat one of the famous crime novels. To the sophisticated reader, the comparison is pretty obvious, but that does not take away the intrigue, since it is not copied to the t.
Content warnings: since this is a British mystery, there are specific words and phrases which you might have to look up.
Overall opinion: Despite minor bumps on the reading journey, I still enjoyed the book. It is fast-paced and easy to read, the characters are clearly defined and the investigation process is interesting to follow.
I would recommend this book to crime mysteries lovers and those who enjoy the investigation in a sealed environment.
5 suspects, 4 friends, 3 lovers, 2 amateur sleuths, 1 murder
The plot: Lilly Tweed and Archie Brown decide to go on their first official date. And for that occasion, Archie picks a one-day trip on the Lake Express to the nearby town, where a writers' conference is held in the hotel. Consequently, there are several writers going to this conference Vincent Wales and Katherine Harp included. There are a lot of different people on the train and it turns out that some of them know each other. So, when a dead body turns up, the question is - who is responsible?
What I didn't like:
1. overly explanations of Lilly's actions through dialogues with Archie (for example, when Lilly chose Charlie as their assistant - to me the reason was pretty obvious, and I don't feel there was a need to explain it).
2. sudden unmotivated change in a character's behavior. I don't want to spoil the book, so I will just say, that I was confused when one character denied his involvement in the case the whole time and then in an instant changed his statement. I just did not feel the motivation here.
3. when the police finally arrived on the train and Lilly, who to this moment has thoroughly kept all the details of the crime scene to herself, suddenly goes and spills everything in front of everyone in an attempt to prove her point. I mean, you have not found the killer yet, and you don't have a solid suspect, so why would you do that - it is not your first time investigating a crime, you know better!
What I liked:
1. the setting. It reminded me of other detective stories which took place in a sealed environment. And I like such books because it is a good opportunity to test one's own skills in solving puzzles and try to guess who the killer is. In such stories, the author introduces all the parties involved from the start and gives a brief description of who they are, what they do, and why they are here. But in this book, it was a bit different, since some of the characters were introduced later in the book and the information was given out gradually as Lilly and Archie's investigation progressed.
2. the characters. All of them are distinct and interesting. Especially Vincent Wales - the case when the first impression is deceptive. This story shows very well, that you have to dig deeper to really know the person. Even Lilly, who is good at reading people (from what I've gathered), is thrown off the investigation line several times because people lie so convincingly.
3. the story. It is an interesting book, especially as the crime scene is staged to repeat one of the famous crime novels. To the sophisticated reader, the comparison is pretty obvious, but that does not take away the intrigue, since it is not copied to the t.
Content warnings: since this is a British mystery, there are specific words and phrases which you might have to look up.
Overall opinion: Despite minor bumps on the reading journey, I still enjoyed the book. It is fast-paced and easy to read, the characters are clearly defined and the investigation process is interesting to follow.
I would recommend this book to crime mysteries lovers and those who enjoy the investigation in a sealed environment.
October 3, 2022
Great ,love the warm characters and the descriptions immerse full story I read an arc and my review is voluntary
June 30, 2022
I very much enjoyed Lilly Tweed and her relationship with Archie Brown. The plot and setting is a book lovers dream and while it is implausible that Lilly and Archie could act as Hercule Poitou, it was nevertheless interesting and fun. Even though this is book 6 in the series, it reads well as a standalone since I don’t feel as though I missed anything by starting the series here. I look forward to reading more books in this series. I thank the Author and Booksirens for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 5, 2022
This is my review of Steeped in Murder by J. New and all comments are my own. So for my first ARC since joining Book Sirens I choose a cozy mystery, not my go to genre, but easy enough to read. It's set in England, with several British terms and colloquialisms that I was not familiar with. I absolutely love that the publisher did not dumb it down for Americans. It's always good to learn something from the books we read. The book's protagonist owns a tea shop, and so the book is peppered with her using different teas to sooth different moods and maladies. I found myself making notes for later use. The mystery itself is built around Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express, one of the best mysteries every written. That's a lofty goal, particularly for a cozy mystery. But the author isn't trying to duplicate MOTOE, just use it as a clever plot device, and she succeeds. You don't need to be familiar with MOTOE to enjoy this book, but my knowledge of Christie's book certainly added to my enjoyment. Although Steeped in Murder is short, I found several passages unnecessarily elongated with superfluous descriptive adjectives. Not a deal breaker, but I never find it enjoyable when I find myself thinking "get to the point" while reading. While I found this book to be a perfectly acceptable cozy read, one thing made me very angry and nearly ruined the entire book for me. The protagonist uses the term "promiscuous" to describe an unmarried character who has dalliances with several men. She uses the term not one, but three times! It's 2022, one time would be one too many. I find the word promiscuous totally judgmental, antiquated and insulting. Having a healthy sex drive does not make a woman promiscuous. That word should be retired from the English language. If I could use have stars I would rate this book 2.5 stars.
June 2, 2022
Steeped in Murder is the sixth book in J. New's Tea & Sympathy Mysteries is focused around a local tourist train trip that Lilly Tweed and her former colleague turned romantic interest Archie Brown are taking to begin exploring the new direction their relationship is taking. On the way home, one of the passengers is found dead in a fashion that is reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express. One of the train employees has recognized Lilly from her past exploits in solving crimes and as a result she and Archie are asked to start investigating the murder. Because the emergency brake on the train was pulled when the body was discovered, they have to wait for an inspector to approve resetting the system and allowing the train to continue so the train is stopped until the inspector and the police arrive.
Although I have not read the earlier books in this series, the author provides enough background on the primary characters so I was able to catch up on the basics of their history and relationships without spoiling the previous stories in case I choose to go back and read them as well. By creating a connection to Agatha Christie's work, the author has built in a certain level of suspense as far as who was involved in the death of the victim as well as what really killed him. I found the plot twists that were included particularly interesting especially with false confessions, intimate revelations, misdirects, and red herrings that all combined to make the final reveal a completely unexpected outcome.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and J. New and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I have not read the earlier books in this series, the author provides enough background on the primary characters so I was able to catch up on the basics of their history and relationships without spoiling the previous stories in case I choose to go back and read them as well. By creating a connection to Agatha Christie's work, the author has built in a certain level of suspense as far as who was involved in the death of the victim as well as what really killed him. I found the plot twists that were included particularly interesting especially with false confessions, intimate revelations, misdirects, and red herrings that all combined to make the final reveal a completely unexpected outcome.
I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens and J. New and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 25, 2022
A special treat, a ride on a steam train aboard the Lake Express, promises to be a wonderful occasion for Lilly and Archie's first date. Alas, the journey home will hold a very different experience when a body is discovered on board. Asked to head the investigation until the police arrive, the two must set aside their previously friendly encounters to question their new acquaintances.
What a lovely nod to the classics! I found myself lost in the pages as I followed Lilly and Archie around on their day. I especially loved the travel aspect and the descriptions of the luxurious compartment they shared on the train. In so many ways, it is a delight for the reader as they too experience the pampering of such an opulent outing.
The mystery itself was so very intriguing and Lilly's interviewing techniques were spot on. The reveal felt fair and not forced. I'm sure a certain mystery writer from the 1930s would have been pleased with the outcome.
While this series is new to me, I immediately fell in with the characters. The author skillfully wove the introduction of the characters into the opening pages. This is a series I will read with pleasure - I must catch up!
What a lovely nod to the classics! I found myself lost in the pages as I followed Lilly and Archie around on their day. I especially loved the travel aspect and the descriptions of the luxurious compartment they shared on the train. In so many ways, it is a delight for the reader as they too experience the pampering of such an opulent outing.
The mystery itself was so very intriguing and Lilly's interviewing techniques were spot on. The reveal felt fair and not forced. I'm sure a certain mystery writer from the 1930s would have been pleased with the outcome.
While this series is new to me, I immediately fell in with the characters. The author skillfully wove the introduction of the characters into the opening pages. This is a series I will read with pleasure - I must catch up!
September 12, 2022
Steeped in Murder is the first book that I've read in this series, and the first I've read by the author. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone, I had no trouble jumping into the series. Though, I wasn’t sure what an Agony Aunt was, but it sounds like the equivalent of the U.S.’s Dear Abby.
I’m so happy I found this series and author! It was a lovely book. The writing is superb, the characters very likeable, and the scenery fantastic. The main character, Lilly, and her friend Archie take a day trip on a luxurious 1930’s steam train. A body is found and they discover common elements to one of Agatha Christie’s novels. Which was kind of neat because these two characters (Lilly and Archie) reminded me of Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence, with their cute, playful banter and respect for each other’s talents.
I look forward to reading more in the series. I highly recommend it, especially if you like eloquent writing with smart characters and wonderful descriptions of beautiful scenery, tea, and scrumptious sounding meals. And of course, a good mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I’m so happy I found this series and author! It was a lovely book. The writing is superb, the characters very likeable, and the scenery fantastic. The main character, Lilly, and her friend Archie take a day trip on a luxurious 1930’s steam train. A body is found and they discover common elements to one of Agatha Christie’s novels. Which was kind of neat because these two characters (Lilly and Archie) reminded me of Christie’s Tommy and Tuppence, with their cute, playful banter and respect for each other’s talents.
I look forward to reading more in the series. I highly recommend it, especially if you like eloquent writing with smart characters and wonderful descriptions of beautiful scenery, tea, and scrumptious sounding meals. And of course, a good mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 10, 2022
I was given the opportunity to read an ARC of “Steeped in Murder” by J. New in return for an honest review. It turned out to be a fast-paced cozy mystery, a real page-turner with well-developed main characters and less developed secondary characters. This is the first book that I’ve read from this author, but I will be reading more of her books.
Lilly and Archie are going on a fully catered trip on a steam train and, after a very enjoyable day in the country, the trip home turns into a murder investigation. As Lilly has a reputation of solving crimes and the train is stuck in the middle of nowhere with the police being delayed, she is asked to do a preliminary investigation. There is a nice twist at the end. I enjoyed this book and gave it a well-deserved four stars.
It is a pity that towards the end there were some mistakes, such as a character’s first name that is changed. Good proofreading should have prevented that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lilly and Archie are going on a fully catered trip on a steam train and, after a very enjoyable day in the country, the trip home turns into a murder investigation. As Lilly has a reputation of solving crimes and the train is stuck in the middle of nowhere with the police being delayed, she is asked to do a preliminary investigation. There is a nice twist at the end. I enjoyed this book and gave it a well-deserved four stars.
It is a pity that towards the end there were some mistakes, such as a character’s first name that is changed. Good proofreading should have prevented that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 19, 2022
This is the first book that I’ve read from this author, but I’m going to be reading a lot more in the future! Her characters are so well-developed that you feel like you know them. This was supposed to be a fun day trip on a steam train (with gourmet food and treatment) for two friends; Lilly, who has a tea shop and part-ownership in a cafe and Archie, who is the senior investigative crime reporter in town. The trip was a great success until, on the way back home, the train was stopped in the middle of nowhere and Lilly and Archie are asked to do the initial investigation of the death, until the detectives are able to get there. I like the way the question their suspects and try and sort out what happened. Not an easy task, when it seems like no one is being entirely truthful! I really enjoyed this book and appreciate receiving an advance copy through BookSirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 3, 2022
This was an easy read and should have been quick but I just couldn't get into the story. Lilly and Archie travel via train to a hotel hosting a writer's conference. They use the first leg of the trip and time at the hotel to get to know a few of their fellow passengers. When one ends up murdered, Lilly and Archie are asked to help solve the crime before police arrive. I didn't understand why they would be asked, especially considering the train was stopped in a place that would make it seemingly impossible for anyone to escape from. Why not just wait for the professionals? I also found the cast of characters difficult to keep track of (apart from Katherine). The concept of the story wasn't bad, but I think more time spent on character development would have gone a long way.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 11, 2022
'Steeped in Murder' by J. New is book number 6 in a series of books. Unfortunately, I did not read any earlier books in this series. I read this book as a stand-alone book.
'Steeped in Murder' by J. New is a book that I would recommend for young readers, high school age. This book has a nice story that alludes to a little misbehavior to keep things interesting, but it has no content inappropriate for a teenager. I like that the book setting is on a train with many references to 'The Orient Express' by Agatha Christie. It appeals to my love for reading.
I recommend this book to readers young and old who want a quick and easy to understand read.
I received a copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks BookSirens
'Steeped in Murder' by J. New is a book that I would recommend for young readers, high school age. This book has a nice story that alludes to a little misbehavior to keep things interesting, but it has no content inappropriate for a teenager. I like that the book setting is on a train with many references to 'The Orient Express' by Agatha Christie. It appeals to my love for reading.
I recommend this book to readers young and old who want a quick and easy to understand read.
I received a copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thanks BookSirens
October 29, 2022
Steeped in Murder by J. New is a cozy mystery that reads like an Agatha Christie mystery. It will keep you guessing until the very end. Lilly and Archie are on a date for the day, taking a train ride on the Lake Express. Several famous and not so famous authors were also on the train headed to a conference for the day. Yes, on the return trip, one of the attendees is murdered and the train has stopped in the middle of nowhere! Can Lilly and Archie solve the mystery before the police arrive?
This is an interesting cozy mystery that will keep you turning pages and trying to figure out whodunit!
The plot and characters are well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I recommend it.
This is an interesting cozy mystery that will keep you turning pages and trying to figure out whodunit!
The plot and characters are well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and I recommend it.
July 13, 2022
What a delightful "cozy" mystery. A quick read, and very entertaining, I loved seeing what adventures Lilly and Archie got up to. I must admit after reading the first couple of chapters and realising that it was #6 in a series, I stopped and went back and read the first book in the series, "Tea and Sympathy", which gave me a better insight into Lilly's background, and ultimately made reading the subsequent book more enjoyable. Lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing right to the last page - I am looking forward to reading the rest of the books in this delightful series. (I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.)
August 14, 2022
Overall, I found this to be a fair read. I loved the setting, a grand 1930s train traveling through English villages. I also enjoyed learning tidbits about the healing properties from tea shop owner Lilly. The characters were dramatic and unusual. However parts of the story were a bit unrealistic. I had a hard time believing the management on the train would ask a civilian to investigate and give her free reign to look over the body and search for clues. I really enjoy cozy mysteries but the unrealistic parts in this story kept me from enjoying it more.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 12, 2022
I enjoyed this book and would have given it a five star rating but for one issue… it seemed to be a couple of chapters too long. By about chapter 15, I was thinking “get on with it already!” The interviews with the potential killers seemed to drag out the story.
I powered through and read to the end but felt as though there was too much extraneous detail after the body was found and before the killer confessed.
I enjoy learning things when I read, so for the information on the different teas and their uses, I loved it! I will be checking out more from this series and author.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I powered through and read to the end but felt as though there was too much extraneous detail after the body was found and before the killer confessed.
I enjoy learning things when I read, so for the information on the different teas and their uses, I loved it! I will be checking out more from this series and author.
I received this review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.ve Agatha Chritie
I loce trains and Iove Agatha Christie mysteries.. This book revolves around perhaps the most famous of Christie's novels. The murder occurs on a train and is set up to copy the famous novel.
I found the writing did not match the quality of Agatha Christie but still allowed amateur sleuth ms. Tweed to discover the actual killers.
I also found the characters a bit strange and not as fully developed as might be (I think of Charlie, for instance).
Despite these shortcomings, it is a fun read.
I loce trains and Iove Agatha Christie mysteries.. This book revolves around perhaps the most famous of Christie's novels. The murder occurs on a train and is set up to copy the famous novel.
I found the writing did not match the quality of Agatha Christie but still allowed amateur sleuth ms. Tweed to discover the actual killers.
I also found the characters a bit strange and not as fully developed as might be (I think of Charlie, for instance).
Despite these shortcomings, it is a fun read.
April 20, 2022
Steeped in Murder is Book 6 of A Tea and Sympathy Mystery by J New. This cozy mystery was very enjoyable and a good mystery. Lilly and Archie are taking a Secret Santa train trip and also enjoying a writers conference. Just like Murder on the Orient Express, there is a murder on a train with 12 stabbings to the chest. Lilly and Archie help the police solve the murder. I liked the characters and I thought the mystery was well written. I had a pleasant morning reading this. I hope the series continues because it is wonderful. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
June 1, 2022
Being a connoisseur of all things relating to tea, I delved into this book anticipating a fun read. It was a fun read and took me back to steam engine trains with all the decor of an Agatha Christie novel. In fact, Murder on the Oriental Express tied the differing puzzle pieces to solve a murder on a train. The author built well-developed characters. The suspense built throughout this cozy mystery. Now I want to continue the series.
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
***I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2022
I received an ARC free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow! Suspense! Humor! Murder! All rolled into one enjoyable, clean read.
It holds your attention to the end.
A easy to read, fast paced Cozy. So, well written, delightful, and full of well developed characters.
So, much fun. Great book. Pleasurable!
Don't miss. Read and enjoy this exciting escape. It will be well worth your time.
Wow! Suspense! Humor! Murder! All rolled into one enjoyable, clean read.
It holds your attention to the end.
A easy to read, fast paced Cozy. So, well written, delightful, and full of well developed characters.
So, much fun. Great book. Pleasurable!
Don't miss. Read and enjoy this exciting escape. It will be well worth your time.
July 14, 2022
I received this from Book Sirens for an honest review.
I liked this cozy mystery. The main characters embark on what is supposed to be a day trip to a writer's conference. When someone is found dead, it ends up staged to be like "Murder On the Orient Express," by Agatha Christie.
There is some sweet romance. Also, I thought it was a finished copy but there were some errors...although not many. I recommend it.
I liked this cozy mystery. The main characters embark on what is supposed to be a day trip to a writer's conference. When someone is found dead, it ends up staged to be like "Murder On the Orient Express," by Agatha Christie.
There is some sweet romance. Also, I thought it was a finished copy but there were some errors...although not many. I recommend it.
November 11, 2022
Another good entry in the Tea & Sympathy series. I don’t know how to described the storyline without including spoilers. So, it has a delightful train ride, charming characters, evil doers doing evil deeds, the requisite murder, excitement, a mystery to solve, a little romance, no sex, no graphic violence, and no cliffhanger endings. So curl up in a comfy chair with a tasty cup of tea and enjoy the story. I am looking forward to the next one.
May 23, 2022
This was a well written book that was quick and easy to read. The only part I struggled with was that it was British. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the fact that it was a clean mystery! I do look forward to reading book #7 in the series next.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 9, 2022
Archie and Lily are really wonderful characters. The decide to take the Lakes Express a steam train for a fun holiday. There is murder and mayhem, lots of interesting complex and quirky characters, and plenty of twists and turns to make this a real page turner! I loved the book and it is a must read!! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 30, 2022
Very interesting and informative mystery story. I enjoyed the setting on a vintage train with interesting conductors serving the passengers. The characters and the situations presented were good reading. Lilly and Archie made a great team with a little added romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 11, 2022
Surprise ending
I have really been enjoying this series and book number six did not disappoint! I did not correctly guess the murder and was excited to see how all the pieces fit together m
I have really been enjoying this series and book number six did not disappoint! I did not correctly guess the murder and was excited to see how all the pieces fit together m
April 17, 2022
I never had a date like this...
Whilst the book was enjoyable the whole thing felt rushed somehow. And I'm not even sure how it got solved; other than the guilty party admitting it.
Whilst the book was enjoyable the whole thing felt rushed somehow. And I'm not even sure how it got solved; other than the guilty party admitting it.
May 1, 2022
A great read
As per the other five books series this is very enjoyable. The story is interesting and a real page Turner.
I did notice a couple of mistakes, like changing character names but this does not detract from a very enjoyable store, I cannot wait for number seven.
As per the other five books series this is very enjoyable. The story is interesting and a real page Turner.
I did notice a couple of mistakes, like changing character names but this does not detract from a very enjoyable store, I cannot wait for number seven.
May 7, 2022
Great Train Mystery
Romance, deception, colorful characters, fast-moving plot. I love learning new words about cuisine and architecture with each novel.
There were a few grammatical errors but I couldn’t stop reading to send an email. Had to find out what was happening next!
Romance, deception, colorful characters, fast-moving plot. I love learning new words about cuisine and architecture with each novel.
There were a few grammatical errors but I couldn’t stop reading to send an email. Had to find out what was happening next!
May 19, 2022
This is the first book that I read from J. New. First of all I was attracted by the cover, and also that the character Lilly had a tea shop and she had a cat named Earl Grey (which is my favorite tea), I just had to read this.
It starts with Lilly and Archie having a date and they will make a trip with the 'Lake Express'. When they get into the train, the author gives a beautiful detailed description of the design and the interior of the train. This was a pleasure to read. The description of the food when dinner arrived was just mouth watering. But when suddenly the train stopped and they heard somebody was murdered, the fun turned for the passengers into fear.
Lilly and Archie were looking for clues and asked questions to the passengers, because it would take a while until the police would arrive. They were in the middle of nowhere.
So, you could quess with them as you read the book. Who did it? What could have been the motive? This book is certainly not boring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It starts with Lilly and Archie having a date and they will make a trip with the 'Lake Express'. When they get into the train, the author gives a beautiful detailed description of the design and the interior of the train. This was a pleasure to read. The description of the food when dinner arrived was just mouth watering. But when suddenly the train stopped and they heard somebody was murdered, the fun turned for the passengers into fear.
Lilly and Archie were looking for clues and asked questions to the passengers, because it would take a while until the police would arrive. They were in the middle of nowhere.
So, you could quess with them as you read the book. Who did it? What could have been the motive? This book is certainly not boring.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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