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Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #11
Wrongfully Infused
When a trendy “tea bar” opens up in the same Cotswolds village where Gemma’s quaint English tearoom is situated, she suddenly finds her customers being stolen and her business the target of sabotage. Things go from bad to worse when the ruthless rival owner of the new tea bar is mysteriously murdered and Gemma is considered the key suspect! With her detective boyfriend Devlin O’Connor in hot water, accused of nepotism for helping her, Gemma is forced to tackle the case on her own. Luckily, she can still count on the help of the nosy Old Biddies, while the naughty antics of her tabby cat Muesli uncover some unexpected clues too!
But with a full menu of suspects—from a belligerent chef who lost everything to estranged sisters hurt by the ultimate betrayal—Gemma discovers that solving this mystery is no piece of cake…
But with a full menu of suspects—from a belligerent chef who lost everything to estranged sisters hurt by the ultimate betrayal—Gemma discovers that solving this mystery is no piece of cake…
381 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2022
583 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
66 books1,089 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 30, 2024
Wrongfully Infused (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, #11) by H.Y. Hanna
Synopsis /
When a trendy “tea bar” opens in the same Cotswolds village where Gemma’s quaint English tearoom is situated, she suddenly finds her customers being stolen and her business the target of sabotage. Things go from bad to worse when the ruthless rival owner of the new tea bar is mysteriously murdered, and Gemma is considered the key suspect! With her detective boyfriend Devlin O’Connor in hot water, accused of nepotism for helping her, Gemma is forced to tackle the case on her own. Luckily, she can still count on the help of the nosy Old Biddies, while the naughty antics of her tabby cat Muesli uncover some unexpected clues too!
But with a full menu of suspects—from a belligerent chef who lost everything to estranged sisters hurt by the ultimate betrayal—Gemma discovers that solving this mystery is no piece of cake…
My Thoughts /
There is a well-known ancient proverb which says: "The path to Heaven passes through a teapot".
Tack on some plain scones [#nosultanasplease!]; some finger sandwiches; Chelsea buns and Victoria sponge; and, well, I wouldn't be passing through Heaven, I'd be IN Heaven.
Haha - I think I already have! Oh, say it isn't so!
We are up to book #11 in Hanna's Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, which is set in Oxford, at the village of Meadowford-on-Smythe, and the Little Stables Tearoom - which boasts the best scones in Oxford.
This series follows tearoom owner, Gemma Rose, and her decision to renounce a successful career climbing the corporate ladder, to follow her dream of opening a traditional authentic English tearoom. And so, Little Stables was born.
When the story opens, Little Stables is empty. Usually bustling with tourists and returning regular customers, the Tearoom seems to be suffering a slump. Even Gemma's regulars known affectionately as “the Old Biddies”, Mabel Cooke, Glenda Bailey, Florence Doyle, and Ethel Webb (four senior residents of the village) were glaringly absent.
Hanna has added a cross-cultural element, in the form of Azalea Chu. Azalea has just opened a very new, very modern, trendy "tea bar", the Yin-Yang Tea Bar, on the other side of the Village. Ms Chu is advertising lower prices, bottomless refills, and a modern take on the High Tea Classic foods. Proving all too tempting for her usual customers. Don't look now, there's competition in the Village!!
Now our new business owner might be a huge success in business, but she's not here to make friends. Azalea is arrogant and vindictive and feels the need to be the best and it doesn’t matter what she must do to get there. Needless to say, she rubs people up the wrong way.
Deciding to find out what all the fuss was about with the new tea bar, Gemma decides to make a visit. But when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of her competitor lying dead on the kitchen floor, no-one was more surprised than Gemma. Unfortunately, Devlin is facing accusations of impropriety and favouritism and the DCC appoints Inspector Roberts to investigate the murder. Roberts points the finger straight at Gemma as his top suspect and isn't inclined to look any further.
It's up to amateur sleuth Gemma to find out who murdered Azalea Chu and in doing so clear her name.
Again, Hanna keeps the plots interesting using creative backdrops and quirky dysfunctional characters. As with all good cosies, there are no graphic descriptions of bloodshed or violence here. All you will find in these pages are endearing characters, an entertaining mystery, and an abundance of calories!
#nocrumbsplease
Synopsis /
When a trendy “tea bar” opens in the same Cotswolds village where Gemma’s quaint English tearoom is situated, she suddenly finds her customers being stolen and her business the target of sabotage. Things go from bad to worse when the ruthless rival owner of the new tea bar is mysteriously murdered, and Gemma is considered the key suspect! With her detective boyfriend Devlin O’Connor in hot water, accused of nepotism for helping her, Gemma is forced to tackle the case on her own. Luckily, she can still count on the help of the nosy Old Biddies, while the naughty antics of her tabby cat Muesli uncover some unexpected clues too!
But with a full menu of suspects—from a belligerent chef who lost everything to estranged sisters hurt by the ultimate betrayal—Gemma discovers that solving this mystery is no piece of cake…
My Thoughts /
There is a well-known ancient proverb which says: "The path to Heaven passes through a teapot".
Tack on some plain scones [#nosultanasplease!]; some finger sandwiches; Chelsea buns and Victoria sponge; and, well, I wouldn't be passing through Heaven, I'd be IN Heaven.
Haha - I think I already have! Oh, say it isn't so!
We are up to book #11 in Hanna's Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, which is set in Oxford, at the village of Meadowford-on-Smythe, and the Little Stables Tearoom - which boasts the best scones in Oxford.
This series follows tearoom owner, Gemma Rose, and her decision to renounce a successful career climbing the corporate ladder, to follow her dream of opening a traditional authentic English tearoom. And so, Little Stables was born.
When the story opens, Little Stables is empty. Usually bustling with tourists and returning regular customers, the Tearoom seems to be suffering a slump. Even Gemma's regulars known affectionately as “the Old Biddies”, Mabel Cooke, Glenda Bailey, Florence Doyle, and Ethel Webb (four senior residents of the village) were glaringly absent.
Hanna has added a cross-cultural element, in the form of Azalea Chu. Azalea has just opened a very new, very modern, trendy "tea bar", the Yin-Yang Tea Bar, on the other side of the Village. Ms Chu is advertising lower prices, bottomless refills, and a modern take on the High Tea Classic foods. Proving all too tempting for her usual customers. Don't look now, there's competition in the Village!!
Now our new business owner might be a huge success in business, but she's not here to make friends. Azalea is arrogant and vindictive and feels the need to be the best and it doesn’t matter what she must do to get there. Needless to say, she rubs people up the wrong way.
Deciding to find out what all the fuss was about with the new tea bar, Gemma decides to make a visit. But when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of her competitor lying dead on the kitchen floor, no-one was more surprised than Gemma. Unfortunately, Devlin is facing accusations of impropriety and favouritism and the DCC appoints Inspector Roberts to investigate the murder. Roberts points the finger straight at Gemma as his top suspect and isn't inclined to look any further.
It's up to amateur sleuth Gemma to find out who murdered Azalea Chu and in doing so clear her name.
Again, Hanna keeps the plots interesting using creative backdrops and quirky dysfunctional characters. As with all good cosies, there are no graphic descriptions of bloodshed or violence here. All you will find in these pages are endearing characters, an entertaining mystery, and an abundance of calories!
#nocrumbsplease
December 15, 2022
In the eleventh Oxford Tearooms mystery Gemma's tearoom starts to lose custom to a new trendy tea bar. Then someone dies, Devlin is removed from the case and the substitute policeman is arrogant and very anti Gemma. Of course she disregards him and starts her own investigation.
There are a lot of red herrings and the actual murderer is quite a surprise. Gemma works it all out but in doing so causes herself a personal loss which was a little sad. Muesli on the other hand continued to be the highlight of the books, hiding in shopping bags and visiting elderly Asian ladies who feed her with chopsticks.
All good fun. This was an entertaining read and I look forward to future developments.
There are a lot of red herrings and the actual murderer is quite a surprise. Gemma works it all out but in doing so causes herself a personal loss which was a little sad. Muesli on the other hand continued to be the highlight of the books, hiding in shopping bags and visiting elderly Asian ladies who feed her with chopsticks.
All good fun. This was an entertaining read and I look forward to future developments.
January 30, 2022
I know, I know. I write this about every one of her nexts, but is it me or does her writing get better, more insightful with each additional book she writes?
There are so many elements that are my favorite: cross-cultural appreciation, women being successful in their own rights (however they define it), women living full lives with or without men, friendships which withstand time.
To me, this book was about relationships. Do you create space for the ones that are important to you?
Unsurprisingly, Devlin continues to prioritize his job. He wishes things were “simple”; they are “simple,” but he’s unwilling to see them as that. Not only does he fail to create space for Gemma (consistently), but he also fails to create space for himself; he doesn’t understand the necessity of creating healthy workplace boundaries. Is he getting enough sleep? Is his enjoying his life? Without these things, life is not sustainable. It leaves me wondering whether he’ll figure this out in subsequent books.
It also has me wondering whether Gemma will decide she deserves to have a partner who makes her one of his priorities. It is possible to have more than one.
To the Story:
Gemma’s Little Stables has some unexpected competition. Lower prices, bottomless refills, modern decor, contemporary reinvention of the “classics”.
Fairly soon into the book, her competitor is found dead. Is it Gemma, as Roberts believes, or someone with an actual axe to grind? Gemma and the Old Biddies are on the case. Despite all attempts to leave it be, Gemma finds she just can’t.
Even though there is an element of potential danger to her investigations, she finds vitality in them. I appreciate curiosity never kills the cat in these books:)
Who’s responsible? This book includes all the usual suspects and even some new ones (the father-in-law, soon-to-be ex-husband, sisters, restaurant rival, Pendlebury Professor (college in Oxford/don). It’s quite a ride, literally and figuratively, figuring it out. Do persons really bike everywhere in Oxford?
Additional things I enjoyed about this book: do you have a habit of identifying your positives (Gemma really does this at the end), do you use your difficulties as a springboard to something better? Gemma does with insight and assistance from those closest to her; she employs better marketing, new menus with beautiful photos and tempting descriptions, themed packages, beautiful arrangements, and pretty teapots and matching teacups.
Gemma receives unexpected wisdom, support from her mother. Who can’t imagine having a mother like Gemma’s? She’s unintentionally funny, bulldozing, loyal, with an honest intention to assist.
Ideas can come from anyone. Remember to be open to them. They can lead you to your next best thing.
I received an early read of this book for an unbiased review.
There are so many elements that are my favorite: cross-cultural appreciation, women being successful in their own rights (however they define it), women living full lives with or without men, friendships which withstand time.
To me, this book was about relationships. Do you create space for the ones that are important to you?
Unsurprisingly, Devlin continues to prioritize his job. He wishes things were “simple”; they are “simple,” but he’s unwilling to see them as that. Not only does he fail to create space for Gemma (consistently), but he also fails to create space for himself; he doesn’t understand the necessity of creating healthy workplace boundaries. Is he getting enough sleep? Is his enjoying his life? Without these things, life is not sustainable. It leaves me wondering whether he’ll figure this out in subsequent books.
It also has me wondering whether Gemma will decide she deserves to have a partner who makes her one of his priorities. It is possible to have more than one.
To the Story:
Gemma’s Little Stables has some unexpected competition. Lower prices, bottomless refills, modern decor, contemporary reinvention of the “classics”.
Fairly soon into the book, her competitor is found dead. Is it Gemma, as Roberts believes, or someone with an actual axe to grind? Gemma and the Old Biddies are on the case. Despite all attempts to leave it be, Gemma finds she just can’t.
Even though there is an element of potential danger to her investigations, she finds vitality in them. I appreciate curiosity never kills the cat in these books:)
Who’s responsible? This book includes all the usual suspects and even some new ones (the father-in-law, soon-to-be ex-husband, sisters, restaurant rival, Pendlebury Professor (college in Oxford/don). It’s quite a ride, literally and figuratively, figuring it out. Do persons really bike everywhere in Oxford?
Additional things I enjoyed about this book: do you have a habit of identifying your positives (Gemma really does this at the end), do you use your difficulties as a springboard to something better? Gemma does with insight and assistance from those closest to her; she employs better marketing, new menus with beautiful photos and tempting descriptions, themed packages, beautiful arrangements, and pretty teapots and matching teacups.
Gemma receives unexpected wisdom, support from her mother. Who can’t imagine having a mother like Gemma’s? She’s unintentionally funny, bulldozing, loyal, with an honest intention to assist.
Ideas can come from anyone. Remember to be open to them. They can lead you to your next best thing.
I received an early read of this book for an unbiased review.
February 20, 2022
Wrongfully Infused Earns 5/5 Tea Eggs…Clever & Entertaining Gem!
Gemma Rose has not regretted her decision to return to Meadowford-en-Smythe and open up The Little Stables Tearoom, an authentic English tearoom in a fifteenth-century Tudor Inn. However, the opening of a new “tea bar” in the Cotswolds Manor Hotel might be the beginning of the end. The Yin-Yang Tea Bar is enticing locals and tourists with its special tea cocktails, exotic fare, and a modern environment all at discount prices, but after snooping, Gemma and Cassie are left befuddled as to why people would choose such “looks are deceiving” fare over their home-baked traditional delicacies. It gets more complicated with one-star reviews of the Little Stables popping up online, Gemma’s mother’s immigrant support group potluck using the tea bar as a venue, rumors flying about the tea bar’s owner Azalea Chu’s vicious attitude, and then her body discovered murdered.
H.Y. Hanna has added an engaging exotic touch to the eleventh book, Wrongfully Infused, in her Oxford Tearoom Mystery series. The drama offers a clever murder mystery, delightful and diverse personalities, intriguing cultural insights, and more hazards Gemma and the Biddies find hard to avoid. The victim is a karmic choice considering her well-established hostile relationship with family, with her staff, with past competition, and with Gemma and Cassie. Social media, especially how it can be manipulated, was a contemporary issue that worked well to intensify the drama. It’s the cast of characters, however, that has always been a draw for me. Gemma is a delightfully strong lead also dealing with confidence issues and a challenging family. Her friend Cassie is a nice contrast, and the up and down relationship with Devlin O’Connor is realistic and easily identifiable. The Biddies are varied in their perspectives and personalities, but as a quartet they are formidable fun. Including several immigrants, especially Mrs. Chu and her daughters, was entertaining and informative sharing historical and cultural details to illustrate Taiwan as a unique culture. The family dynamics and traditions seem true to any culture: mother vs daughters, sisters vs sisters, expectations vs dreams, hierarchy vs individuality. Who wouldn’t identify with those issues? It was Gemma’s mother’s attempts to incorporate many Taiwanese traditions into the Rose family, like slippers and chopsticks, that had me giggling along with chucking professionalism for “fun entertainment” with Devlin’s presentation to the OISS group, and the “tea eggs” inspired further research. Enjoy the Glossary of British Terms and Special Terms Used in Oxford University that will have you incorporating the phrases in everyday life, and try your hand at a “Tea Egg Recipe” included for the adventurous...I’m game! Exciting drama. Endearing characters. Always engaging experience.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Gemma Rose has not regretted her decision to return to Meadowford-en-Smythe and open up The Little Stables Tearoom, an authentic English tearoom in a fifteenth-century Tudor Inn. However, the opening of a new “tea bar” in the Cotswolds Manor Hotel might be the beginning of the end. The Yin-Yang Tea Bar is enticing locals and tourists with its special tea cocktails, exotic fare, and a modern environment all at discount prices, but after snooping, Gemma and Cassie are left befuddled as to why people would choose such “looks are deceiving” fare over their home-baked traditional delicacies. It gets more complicated with one-star reviews of the Little Stables popping up online, Gemma’s mother’s immigrant support group potluck using the tea bar as a venue, rumors flying about the tea bar’s owner Azalea Chu’s vicious attitude, and then her body discovered murdered.
H.Y. Hanna has added an engaging exotic touch to the eleventh book, Wrongfully Infused, in her Oxford Tearoom Mystery series. The drama offers a clever murder mystery, delightful and diverse personalities, intriguing cultural insights, and more hazards Gemma and the Biddies find hard to avoid. The victim is a karmic choice considering her well-established hostile relationship with family, with her staff, with past competition, and with Gemma and Cassie. Social media, especially how it can be manipulated, was a contemporary issue that worked well to intensify the drama. It’s the cast of characters, however, that has always been a draw for me. Gemma is a delightfully strong lead also dealing with confidence issues and a challenging family. Her friend Cassie is a nice contrast, and the up and down relationship with Devlin O’Connor is realistic and easily identifiable. The Biddies are varied in their perspectives and personalities, but as a quartet they are formidable fun. Including several immigrants, especially Mrs. Chu and her daughters, was entertaining and informative sharing historical and cultural details to illustrate Taiwan as a unique culture. The family dynamics and traditions seem true to any culture: mother vs daughters, sisters vs sisters, expectations vs dreams, hierarchy vs individuality. Who wouldn’t identify with those issues? It was Gemma’s mother’s attempts to incorporate many Taiwanese traditions into the Rose family, like slippers and chopsticks, that had me giggling along with chucking professionalism for “fun entertainment” with Devlin’s presentation to the OISS group, and the “tea eggs” inspired further research. Enjoy the Glossary of British Terms and Special Terms Used in Oxford University that will have you incorporating the phrases in everyday life, and try your hand at a “Tea Egg Recipe” included for the adventurous...I’m game! Exciting drama. Endearing characters. Always engaging experience.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
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March 29, 2022Overall, I enjoy H.Y. Hanna's various cozy mystery series, including these Oxford Tearoom ones. However, this one missed the mark for me. Gemma was...awful. The old biddies were pretty obnoxious as well.
Yes, I know this is a cozy mystery series, and will thus involve civilians doing their own investigating and ultimately solving the crime. But Gemma makes her very unlikeable, and I hope the next book sees her taking responsibility and showing remorse for how she has behaved. Maybe she could *actually* be made a consultant to the police (she's always impersonating them, anyways!), then her actions could be more easily justified. And sure, the old biddies are always going to be nosy -- but maybe they could be toned down *just a bit*?
I plan to continue reading her other series as well as the next book in this series -- but if it too has Gemma behaving so abhorrently, I think I will be done with this particular series.
Yes, I know this is a cozy mystery series, and will thus involve civilians doing their own investigating and ultimately solving the crime. But Gemma makes her very unlikeable, and I hope the next book sees her taking responsibility and showing remorse for how she has behaved. Maybe she could *actually* be made a consultant to the police (she's always impersonating them, anyways!), then her actions could be more easily justified. And sure, the old biddies are always going to be nosy -- but maybe they could be toned down *just a bit*?
I plan to continue reading her other series as well as the next book in this series -- but if it too has Gemma behaving so abhorrently, I think I will be done with this particular series.
January 31, 2022
Tearoom proprietor Gemma Rose finds competition is not always friendly in H.Y. Hanna’s eleventh Oxford Tearoom mystery WRONGFULLY INFUSED.
Gemma’s business slumps when a modern, trendy “tea bar” opens across the village. Owner Azalea Chu is willing do to whatever it takes to be a success, including stealing customers and sabotage. When Gemma finds Azalea’s body, there are plenty of suspects to consider. Even though her boyfriends Devlin is taken off the case and Gemma tries to stay out of the investigation until Azalea’s mother implores her to get to the bottom of things. With the “help” of the Old Biddies, Gemma does all she can to track down the killer…but at what cost?
I always enjoy time spent at the tearoom with Gemma, her friends, and family. Gemma always means well, the Old Biddies provide comic relief, and Muesli the cat steals every scene. I am curious to see what the future holds for Devlin. The mystery is well executed and the pace is good. I did not figure out whodunit too early in the tale. These books keep getting better and better with each new release. I look forward to many more adventures with Gemma. Recommended to any cozy reader.
I received and ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Gemma’s business slumps when a modern, trendy “tea bar” opens across the village. Owner Azalea Chu is willing do to whatever it takes to be a success, including stealing customers and sabotage. When Gemma finds Azalea’s body, there are plenty of suspects to consider. Even though her boyfriends Devlin is taken off the case and Gemma tries to stay out of the investigation until Azalea’s mother implores her to get to the bottom of things. With the “help” of the Old Biddies, Gemma does all she can to track down the killer…but at what cost?
I always enjoy time spent at the tearoom with Gemma, her friends, and family. Gemma always means well, the Old Biddies provide comic relief, and Muesli the cat steals every scene. I am curious to see what the future holds for Devlin. The mystery is well executed and the pace is good. I did not figure out whodunit too early in the tale. These books keep getting better and better with each new release. I look forward to many more adventures with Gemma. Recommended to any cozy reader.
I received and ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
January 30, 2022
There is a new "tea bar" in town and it seems that all of Gemma's regular Tearoom Customers have gone there to check it out. Even the Old Biddies are there having received a special promotion flyer in their mail boxes. The new tea bar is owned and operated by Azalea Chu, a Taiwan native who also had a store in London. Cassie and Gemma go to check out the new business and meet Azalea. Azalea is very arrogant and is not happy to hear customers talking about how much better Gemma's scones are than hers. Azalea is also vindictive and feels she needs to win, no matter what.
When Gemma finds Azalea murdered, she immediately calls the police. Due to wild accusations against Devlin, he is taken off the case and Inspector Roberts is put in charge. Devlin is also in danger of being discharged from CID as a result of the accusations by Roberts. Inspector Roberts feels certain that Gemma is the top suspect and is inclined to look no further.
Who killed Azalea? Why was she killed? Can Gemma unravel the mystery and prove Inspector Roberts wrong? Is Devlin's career in danger?
When Gemma finds Azalea murdered, she immediately calls the police. Due to wild accusations against Devlin, he is taken off the case and Inspector Roberts is put in charge. Devlin is also in danger of being discharged from CID as a result of the accusations by Roberts. Inspector Roberts feels certain that Gemma is the top suspect and is inclined to look no further.
Who killed Azalea? Why was she killed? Can Gemma unravel the mystery and prove Inspector Roberts wrong? Is Devlin's career in danger?
January 31, 2022
When Gemma’s tea room is under threat...
I’ve been missing Gemma and her squad so much. And I was so happy to get myself comfortable to read this new murder mystery of the series. This time, Gemma gets some posh competition for her cute tea room and things threaten to turn ugly for her, well before a dead body’s found. As in every Oxford tea room mystery, there are a bunch of « guest stars » who mingle with our favorite recurring characters for the most delicious and excruciating tensions and drama around the brutal murder. You also get to know more about taiwanese culture and to visit another prestigious Oxford college.
After 11 tea room mysteries’ books, I feel like I know Oxford like I’ve spent weeks in the city. Even though I’ve never been there ! HY Hanna has an ability to get the reader to navigate her world until it becomes his own. I also feel like I‘ve known the characters for ever and each time Gemma’s mum appears on the page, I already have a big smile on my face because I know she’s gonna make me laugh big time. This book 11 isn’t only about laughing, though. There is some sorrow as well with a final twist that is going to keep me eagerly waiting for book 12.
I keep thinking what a fine TV series these books would make. Especially while I am enjoying the excellent TV adaptation of Phryne Fisher’s aussie crime books.
I’ve been missing Gemma and her squad so much. And I was so happy to get myself comfortable to read this new murder mystery of the series. This time, Gemma gets some posh competition for her cute tea room and things threaten to turn ugly for her, well before a dead body’s found. As in every Oxford tea room mystery, there are a bunch of « guest stars » who mingle with our favorite recurring characters for the most delicious and excruciating tensions and drama around the brutal murder. You also get to know more about taiwanese culture and to visit another prestigious Oxford college.
After 11 tea room mysteries’ books, I feel like I know Oxford like I’ve spent weeks in the city. Even though I’ve never been there ! HY Hanna has an ability to get the reader to navigate her world until it becomes his own. I also feel like I‘ve known the characters for ever and each time Gemma’s mum appears on the page, I already have a big smile on my face because I know she’s gonna make me laugh big time. This book 11 isn’t only about laughing, though. There is some sorrow as well with a final twist that is going to keep me eagerly waiting for book 12.
I keep thinking what a fine TV series these books would make. Especially while I am enjoying the excellent TV adaptation of Phryne Fisher’s aussie crime books.
February 12, 2022
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Wrongfully Infused is the 11th book in this series following Gemma, a tearoom owner, and the mysteries she gets involved in. I enjoy this author's books, but lately they've been a bit hit or miss for me sadly. I feel that I've read so many of them that they start to feel a bit similar in how the characters act and how things progress. I was looking forward to this new book, but sadly this one was a bit of a mixed one for me. There were parts I enjoyed and others that I didn't.
As with the previous books in this series it's an easy read and I like how the mystery has plenty of suspects. It kept me guessing for a long time, but I managed to solve the mystery shortly before the main character did. I liked seeing how Gemma looked at all different angles, but didn't like how she investigated some of the things and how she handled her involvement.
This book has a bit of a tricky situation with how her boyfriend usually handles these cases, but he is now suspect of giving police information to Gemma. And with Gemma being a suspect in this case another police officer handles the case. Not only did this book suffer from one of my pet peeves in cozies namely incompetent police officers, there was also the whole situation with how Gemma couldn't get involved as it would look bad for her boyfriend. Devlin, her boyfriend asks her not to get involved as it could risk his job and chance on promotion, but Gemma does so anyway.
I know it wouldn't be a cozy mystery if Gemma wouldn't get involved, but I just didn't like how she handled things with Devlin and getting involved in the investigation. On the other hand Devlin isn't the best boyfriend either, always putting his job first and not being understanding of Gemma. They don't really communicate well in this week and I didn't really like seeing where their romance went in this book. There are a few nice scenes with them together at the start, the overall air of miscommunication and them not being on the same line bothered me.
It was lovely returning to this series and the familiar characters. There are plenty of fun scenes with Muesli again, as well as Gemma's mother. I also liked getting to know the Chu family and leaning something about Taiwanese culture and customs. I didn't really care for the whole situation with the tearoom and the competition and the way it got resolved in the end. I would've liked to see a bit more of the process of what they did and see things slowly change. It felt a bit too easy and sudden now. The ending wrapped things up nicely.
To summarize: Unfortunately this book was a bit of a mixed one for me, while some parts where quite good others didn't quite work for me. I liked being back in this series and seeing the familiar characters again. It also was fun to get introduced to some new characters and learning some things about Taiwanese culture. I liked how the mystery had plenty of suspects and reasons why people wanted the victim dead. It kept me guessing for a bit, but I managed to solve it shortly before the main character did. I didn't like the way Gemma got involved and handled some things with the investigation and how she did something her boyfriend explicitly asked her not too. I didn't like how their romance progressed in this book as they didn't really seemed to communicate well and handle things well. I also didn't like how incompetent the police were, that's one of my pet peeves in cozies. All in all I still had a fun time reading it, but wasn't able to enjoy it as fully as I would've liked.
Wrongfully Infused is the 11th book in this series following Gemma, a tearoom owner, and the mysteries she gets involved in. I enjoy this author's books, but lately they've been a bit hit or miss for me sadly. I feel that I've read so many of them that they start to feel a bit similar in how the characters act and how things progress. I was looking forward to this new book, but sadly this one was a bit of a mixed one for me. There were parts I enjoyed and others that I didn't.
As with the previous books in this series it's an easy read and I like how the mystery has plenty of suspects. It kept me guessing for a long time, but I managed to solve the mystery shortly before the main character did. I liked seeing how Gemma looked at all different angles, but didn't like how she investigated some of the things and how she handled her involvement.
This book has a bit of a tricky situation with how her boyfriend usually handles these cases, but he is now suspect of giving police information to Gemma. And with Gemma being a suspect in this case another police officer handles the case. Not only did this book suffer from one of my pet peeves in cozies namely incompetent police officers, there was also the whole situation with how Gemma couldn't get involved as it would look bad for her boyfriend. Devlin, her boyfriend asks her not to get involved as it could risk his job and chance on promotion, but Gemma does so anyway.
I know it wouldn't be a cozy mystery if Gemma wouldn't get involved, but I just didn't like how she handled things with Devlin and getting involved in the investigation. On the other hand Devlin isn't the best boyfriend either, always putting his job first and not being understanding of Gemma. They don't really communicate well in this week and I didn't really like seeing where their romance went in this book. There are a few nice scenes with them together at the start, the overall air of miscommunication and them not being on the same line bothered me.
It was lovely returning to this series and the familiar characters. There are plenty of fun scenes with Muesli again, as well as Gemma's mother. I also liked getting to know the Chu family and leaning something about Taiwanese culture and customs. I didn't really care for the whole situation with the tearoom and the competition and the way it got resolved in the end. I would've liked to see a bit more of the process of what they did and see things slowly change. It felt a bit too easy and sudden now. The ending wrapped things up nicely.
To summarize: Unfortunately this book was a bit of a mixed one for me, while some parts where quite good others didn't quite work for me. I liked being back in this series and seeing the familiar characters again. It also was fun to get introduced to some new characters and learning some things about Taiwanese culture. I liked how the mystery had plenty of suspects and reasons why people wanted the victim dead. It kept me guessing for a bit, but I managed to solve it shortly before the main character did. I didn't like the way Gemma got involved and handled some things with the investigation and how she did something her boyfriend explicitly asked her not too. I didn't like how their romance progressed in this book as they didn't really seemed to communicate well and handle things well. I also didn't like how incompetent the police were, that's one of my pet peeves in cozies. All in all I still had a fun time reading it, but wasn't able to enjoy it as fully as I would've liked.
January 30, 2022
I enjoyed this book. This is a great series and I think over time it has just gotten even better as we have gotten to know the wonderful characters. The author is talented enough to mix mystery with humour that is entertaining and keeps you guessing until the very last word. The characters are fun and like able and with the elderly sidekicks there is certainly some very funny situations. The mystery was good and with plenty of suspects it worked well with the existing characters, I had guessed who the killer might have been but was by no means certain. There is a lot going on in the story but it is easy to follow even if this is your first visit to the tea room. I also like the fact that it is set in Oxford and it is easy to imagine the small village and the university life, from the descriptions. The ending also had me in shock, I did not see that coming but don't worry the mystery does get solved and it refers to the main characters home life, can't wait for the next book to see how things go from here.
Gemma is worried when she only has one customer in her tea shop. When she discovers a tea bar has just opened up on the other side of the village and with all the opening promotions running its got the villagers interest, including her loyal customers. Gemma and her best friend decided to check out the competition and quickly learn not everything is as cracked up as it seems, the food has a lot to be desired, its to trendy for a small village and the owner Azalea isn't the friendliest. When Gemma's tea room start to get bad reviews on the internet she has a good idea of who is behind it but can she prove it? Then at a community meeting her mother asked her to help at Gemma discovers the get together is being held at her rivals tea bar. Then Gemma finds Azalea body in the kitchen and becomes the number one suspect in her murder. With her boyfriend on the scene of the murder and his relationship with the top suspect he is taken off the case. With Muesli comforting the grieving family it gives Gemma plenty of opportunity to get to know the murder victim through her remaining family members but could one of them really have killed the ruthless business owner? The old biddies are also up to the challenge of clearing Gemma's name even if it's just distracting a young police office, giving Gemma the room to investigate. Can she find the motive and reason why Azalea died and with the competition out of the way is the tea shop saved?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
Gemma is worried when she only has one customer in her tea shop. When she discovers a tea bar has just opened up on the other side of the village and with all the opening promotions running its got the villagers interest, including her loyal customers. Gemma and her best friend decided to check out the competition and quickly learn not everything is as cracked up as it seems, the food has a lot to be desired, its to trendy for a small village and the owner Azalea isn't the friendliest. When Gemma's tea room start to get bad reviews on the internet she has a good idea of who is behind it but can she prove it? Then at a community meeting her mother asked her to help at Gemma discovers the get together is being held at her rivals tea bar. Then Gemma finds Azalea body in the kitchen and becomes the number one suspect in her murder. With her boyfriend on the scene of the murder and his relationship with the top suspect he is taken off the case. With Muesli comforting the grieving family it gives Gemma plenty of opportunity to get to know the murder victim through her remaining family members but could one of them really have killed the ruthless business owner? The old biddies are also up to the challenge of clearing Gemma's name even if it's just distracting a young police office, giving Gemma the room to investigate. Can she find the motive and reason why Azalea died and with the competition out of the way is the tea shop saved?
I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review
January 30, 2022
A new “fusion” Taiwanese/British tearoom in town has lured Gemma’s customers away with its novelty and steep discounts. When a murder occurs there, Gemma is the prime suspect in the eyes of the jealous detective who has taken the case over from her detective boyfriend Devlin. While she tries (really!) to stay out of this case, that detective won’t listen to her when she brings him information, so she must act on her own when she and Muesli the cat stumble upon important clues.
I really enjoyed the subtle exploration of multiple conflicts and social issues in this book. The Taiwanese family associated with the new tearoom has a central role in the story, bringing up tensions such as whether to follow a traditional or more modern way of life, adapting to life in a new country and trying to live up to expectations of the older generation. Of course, the conflict of several mother-daughter pairs in the book is something that many women can relate to. This expanded cast of characters enhances the story by making the locals a more realistically diverse group and sets up tensions that make the story more interesting. The book is very well written – not only are the requisite clues there but the author paints a picture of places and people that makes us feel like we are really there. She also does a good job in the early chapters reminding us of characters and relationships, so you could read this as a standalone. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed the subtle exploration of multiple conflicts and social issues in this book. The Taiwanese family associated with the new tearoom has a central role in the story, bringing up tensions such as whether to follow a traditional or more modern way of life, adapting to life in a new country and trying to live up to expectations of the older generation. Of course, the conflict of several mother-daughter pairs in the book is something that many women can relate to. This expanded cast of characters enhances the story by making the locals a more realistically diverse group and sets up tensions that make the story more interesting. The book is very well written – not only are the requisite clues there but the author paints a picture of places and people that makes us feel like we are really there. She also does a good job in the early chapters reminding us of characters and relationships, so you could read this as a standalone. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 30, 2022
H.Y Hannah has done it again! This is my favorite series that she writes! I've been waiting SO long for the next book in the series to come out! It was worth the wait! We jump right back in where we left off. I love the setting and the characters so much! The way everything is described makes me feel like I am right there with them. As always the mystery was good and kept me guessing right up until the end. But the mystery is only part of what makes this series so great! I highly recommend this book!
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 31, 2022
Having read all of the previous ten books in the series, “Wrongfully Infused” didn’t disappoint.
I love this series; the characters are like old friends, so I was desperate to catch up with Gemma, her detective boyfriend Devlin, the tea shop and a character I especially love, Gemma’s mother.
This is a fun story, with lots of red herrings, lots of suspects and as always with the old biddies lots of humour. Muesli the cat plays her part in helping Gemma solve the case, which she has to do without Devlin’s help.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
I love this series; the characters are like old friends, so I was desperate to catch up with Gemma, her detective boyfriend Devlin, the tea shop and a character I especially love, Gemma’s mother.
This is a fun story, with lots of red herrings, lots of suspects and as always with the old biddies lots of humour. Muesli the cat plays her part in helping Gemma solve the case, which she has to do without Devlin’s help.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 30, 2022
Five Star British Cozy...
This is another great addition to the series, and I am sure it will bring pleasure and enjoyment .
I have read all of the books in this series, and while each is a stand alone, there are characters and history that follow from book to book.
This book will not disappoint any cozy lover. The Old Biddies are up to their usual mischief as always and will bring a smile to your face.
The cat, Muesli, always entertains us. I am a cat lover, but this little cat is constantly stirring up mischief. It will bring a smile to your face.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
This is another great addition to the series, and I am sure it will bring pleasure and enjoyment .
I have read all of the books in this series, and while each is a stand alone, there are characters and history that follow from book to book.
This book will not disappoint any cozy lover. The Old Biddies are up to their usual mischief as always and will bring a smile to your face.
The cat, Muesli, always entertains us. I am a cat lover, but this little cat is constantly stirring up mischief. It will bring a smile to your face.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 3, 2022
An enjoyable entry in the series. The mystery held my interest with a lot of possible suspects.
January 30, 2022
There’s a new tea shop in town – well that should actually be a new “tea bar” in town and all of Gemma’s customers have been going there for tea. Even the Old Biddies have deserted Gemma. Is it a fluke? Are they just checking out the new place and will return to Little Stables? On a visit to her parents’ home, she meets Mrs. Chu and is invited to bring scones to an event held at the new tea bar, which is coincidentally owned by Mrs. Chu’s daughter, Azalea. Suspects abound after Gemma finds Azalea Chu murdered in the kitchen. Unfortunately Inspector Roberts is assigned to the case and he is investigating Gemma as she was the one who called it in. There is nothing her boyfriend Devlin can do to help her. Will Gemma be able to investigate on her own with the help of the Old Biddies? A lot of twists and turns and surprises with a complete surprise ending. I was unable to put this book down and highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
March 23, 2025
In Gemmas idyllischem Tearoom im englischen Dorf liegt eine ungewohnte Stille in der Luft, und sie kann sich nicht erklären, warum – bis sie von der angesagten neuen „Tea Bar“ am anderen Ende des Ortes erfährt. Zu ihrem Entsetzen bemerkt sie bald, dass ihre Kunden zunehmend zur Konkurrenz abwandern und ihre Teestube sogar Opfer hinterhältiger Sabotage wird. Gleichzeitig erliegt ihre Mutter einer Begeisterung für alles Asiatische, was Gemma mit einer regelrechten Flut seltsamer Pantoffeln konfrontiert. Doch all das tritt in den Hintergrund, als ihre rücksichtlose Rivalin, die Besitzerin der Tea Bar, brutal ermordet wird – und Gemma als Hauptverdächtige dasteht!
Nun steckt sie in ernsten Schwierigkeiten und muss alles daran setzen, ihren Namen reinzuwaschen. Da jedoch ihrem Freund, einem Detective bei der Kripo in Oxfordshire, Vetternwirtschaft vorgeworfen wird, bleibt ihr nichts anderes übrig, als den Fall alleine zu lösen. Zum Glück kann sie sich auf die Unterstützung der neugierigen älteren Damen im Dorf verlassen, während ihre Katze Müsli mit ihren ungezogenen Eskapaden überraschende Hinweise liefert.
Im Aufeinandertreffen von östlicher und westlicher Kultur treten trotz der vielen Unterschiede auch zahlreiche vertraute Themen zutage. An Verdächtigen mangelt es ebenfalls nicht – vom missmutigen Zahnarzt mit dem gezwungenen Lächeln bis hin zum aufbrausenden Koch, der alles verloren hat, und einem entfremdeten Schwesternpaar, das einen schmerzhaften Verrat erlebt hat. Doch Gemma wird schnell klar: Dieser Fall wird alles andere als einfach...
Ich war von Anfang an wieder vollkommen in den Bann gezogen. Die Geschichte hat mich von der ersten Seite an gefesselt, und ich konnte das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen. Besonders faszinierend fand ich den kulturellen Aspekt, da mich die chinesische Kultur ohnehin sehr interessiert. Die Einbindung dieser exotischen Elemente in die Handlung hat dem Ganzen eine besondere Würze verliehen. Obwohl nicht alle Teesorten und Kreationen der neuen „Tea Bar“ als schmackhaft beschrieben werden, hätte ich einige dieser außergewöhnlichen Kompositionen nur zu gerne selbst probiert – alleine schon aus Neugier!
Der Kriminalfall selbst war wunderbar verzwickt. Das Opfer war derart unbeliebt, dass die Liste der Verdächtigen schier endlos schien. Jeder Charakter hatte ein mögliches Motiv, und ich habe mehr als einmal meine Vermutungen über den Täter gewechselt. Gerade diese Unvorhersehbarkeit hat die Spannung bis zum Schluss hochgehalten. Doch wie es in jedem guten Krimi der Fall ist, gibt es am Ende nur eine Wahrheit – und es ist Gemma, die sie schließlich aufdeckt. Ihre Entschlossenheit und ihr scharfsinniger Verstand führten sie durch ein Labyrinth aus Geheimnissen und Intrigen, bis sie die wahre Identität des Mörders enthüllte. Ein wirklich gelungenes Finale!
Nun steckt sie in ernsten Schwierigkeiten und muss alles daran setzen, ihren Namen reinzuwaschen. Da jedoch ihrem Freund, einem Detective bei der Kripo in Oxfordshire, Vetternwirtschaft vorgeworfen wird, bleibt ihr nichts anderes übrig, als den Fall alleine zu lösen. Zum Glück kann sie sich auf die Unterstützung der neugierigen älteren Damen im Dorf verlassen, während ihre Katze Müsli mit ihren ungezogenen Eskapaden überraschende Hinweise liefert.
Im Aufeinandertreffen von östlicher und westlicher Kultur treten trotz der vielen Unterschiede auch zahlreiche vertraute Themen zutage. An Verdächtigen mangelt es ebenfalls nicht – vom missmutigen Zahnarzt mit dem gezwungenen Lächeln bis hin zum aufbrausenden Koch, der alles verloren hat, und einem entfremdeten Schwesternpaar, das einen schmerzhaften Verrat erlebt hat. Doch Gemma wird schnell klar: Dieser Fall wird alles andere als einfach...
Ich war von Anfang an wieder vollkommen in den Bann gezogen. Die Geschichte hat mich von der ersten Seite an gefesselt, und ich konnte das Buch kaum aus der Hand legen. Besonders faszinierend fand ich den kulturellen Aspekt, da mich die chinesische Kultur ohnehin sehr interessiert. Die Einbindung dieser exotischen Elemente in die Handlung hat dem Ganzen eine besondere Würze verliehen. Obwohl nicht alle Teesorten und Kreationen der neuen „Tea Bar“ als schmackhaft beschrieben werden, hätte ich einige dieser außergewöhnlichen Kompositionen nur zu gerne selbst probiert – alleine schon aus Neugier!
Der Kriminalfall selbst war wunderbar verzwickt. Das Opfer war derart unbeliebt, dass die Liste der Verdächtigen schier endlos schien. Jeder Charakter hatte ein mögliches Motiv, und ich habe mehr als einmal meine Vermutungen über den Täter gewechselt. Gerade diese Unvorhersehbarkeit hat die Spannung bis zum Schluss hochgehalten. Doch wie es in jedem guten Krimi der Fall ist, gibt es am Ende nur eine Wahrheit – und es ist Gemma, die sie schließlich aufdeckt. Ihre Entschlossenheit und ihr scharfsinniger Verstand führten sie durch ein Labyrinth aus Geheimnissen und Intrigen, bis sie die wahre Identität des Mörders enthüllte. Ein wirklich gelungenes Finale!
February 3, 2022
Living in the make believe world with Gemma and her best friend, Cassie, running a tea shop in in her tiny Oxfordshire village in England you can forget all the crazy stuff happening here in the real world.
Gemma returns to her tea shop, Little Stables to find the clientele has been lured away by a new Tea Bar on the other side of town. Gemma and her best friend are going to eat at the new location to see what the fuss is all about and of course find their best customers, the 4 elderly ladies, the Old Biddies, there. Gemma has dinner with her parents and explains the problem to them and her mother gives her some good advice to improve her own tea shop to attract the people back to her cafe.
Gemma is busy baking the best scones in the Cotswolds and trying to keep her relationship moving forward with her rediscovered first love, Devlin, who is up for a promotion to Detective Inspector. Her mother is expanding her interests and helping people coming to live in England from other countries learn the customs and language. She is also learning their customs and enjoying some of the new ways of eating and living.
Then her mother introduces her to her newest friend, who is the mother of the woman with the offending Tea Bar. There has to be a crime committed and of course Gemma is one of the accused. Of course if she is a suspect in the death she must defend herself. Thus begins the trail of characters Gemma interviews to find out who could have really murdered the Tea Bar owner, to clear her own name. Also because Gemma realizes even when her boyfriend, Devlin asks her to stay out the case because it could affect his upcoming promotion, Gemma cannot stop hunting for the killer.
Another fun entertaining light mystery. So cozy that I spent the day on the couch through a snow storm reading this novel. Also it takes you away form the news and the CoVid pandemic we are living through. There is not one mention of illness or masks. Here you can forget that those are a part of our world today.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Gemma returns to her tea shop, Little Stables to find the clientele has been lured away by a new Tea Bar on the other side of town. Gemma and her best friend are going to eat at the new location to see what the fuss is all about and of course find their best customers, the 4 elderly ladies, the Old Biddies, there. Gemma has dinner with her parents and explains the problem to them and her mother gives her some good advice to improve her own tea shop to attract the people back to her cafe.
Gemma is busy baking the best scones in the Cotswolds and trying to keep her relationship moving forward with her rediscovered first love, Devlin, who is up for a promotion to Detective Inspector. Her mother is expanding her interests and helping people coming to live in England from other countries learn the customs and language. She is also learning their customs and enjoying some of the new ways of eating and living.
Then her mother introduces her to her newest friend, who is the mother of the woman with the offending Tea Bar. There has to be a crime committed and of course Gemma is one of the accused. Of course if she is a suspect in the death she must defend herself. Thus begins the trail of characters Gemma interviews to find out who could have really murdered the Tea Bar owner, to clear her own name. Also because Gemma realizes even when her boyfriend, Devlin asks her to stay out the case because it could affect his upcoming promotion, Gemma cannot stop hunting for the killer.
Another fun entertaining light mystery. So cozy that I spent the day on the couch through a snow storm reading this novel. Also it takes you away form the news and the CoVid pandemic we are living through. There is not one mention of illness or masks. Here you can forget that those are a part of our world today.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 5, 2022
This is a great addition to the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries! I couldn't put it down until the end. A new tearoom has opened up on the other side of town which is much more modern than the traditional tea room Gemma runs. When her clientele is down to one of her regulars, her best friend and helper, Cassie decides it's time to see what the competition is all about, especially when the reviews on her website are sabotaging her business. They see her Biddies there and see that the food is decorative but tasteless, as the biddies say and they taste, but of course the owner of the shop, Azalea, is standing right behind them and sarcastically tells Gemma what she thinks. When Gemma's mother tells Gemma she would like her to bring her scones to a meeting of the group she is part of to help foreigners who have arrived in town and don't understand the customs. And, Gemma's mother has befriended Mrs. Chu whose oldest daughter just happens to be Gemma's competition, Azalea, so she can help Mrs. Chu acclimate to the English customs while learning some Taiwanese customs in return. When Gemma goes into the kitchen to retrieve her dishes from her scones at this meeting, she stumbles into Azalea, who just happens to be dead. When her detective boyfriend, Devlin, was taken off the case because of a passed over detective with a total dislike of both Gemma and Devlin, complained about nepotism and lied about them, he was put in charge of the case and made Gemma his murder suspect. Now with so many twists and turns, with Devlin out of the way, and Gemma needing to clear her name and hopefully get her business back, we are kept turning pages until the surprise ending! I love this series and you will too! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
March 2, 2022
Disappointing.
I've really enjoyed the previous instalments in this series. I liked the frivolous antics of various regular characters and the lighthearted way the British psyche was portrayed but this instalment crossed the line into the realm of stupidity.
Gemma's mother has always been a bit flamboyant but is beyond belief this time when she gets her daughters police inspector boyfriend to give a talk dressed in fishnet stockings etc. apparently based on the fact that it's something that is part of the British entertainment culture. Really? (This comment stems from my personal experience of having to sit through and pretend to enjoy pantomime as a child 😠🤮!).
Then there's the episode with the old biddies and Gemma in the dental surgery! What can I say!? (no interrobang on my keyboard). Gemma goes off nosing into the dentist's private quarters and when he catches her there, does he call the police? No, he just calmly discusses the murder. Really!
What also annoyed me was the increasingly frequent use of coarse language by people who would not use in polite company. Ms Hanna states in her glossary that these words are commonly used by the British, yes that is certainly the case in certain areas but not in this book. Her explanations appear to show that she is not aware of the crude bases from which some evolved. It certainly seems to explain why the US think that all Brits can't speak without certain vulgarities.
Thank goodness that Devlin has decided to take a break in his relationship with Gemma but I doubt it will be for long.
This is such a tired format that everything is being regurgitated.
I've really enjoyed the previous instalments in this series. I liked the frivolous antics of various regular characters and the lighthearted way the British psyche was portrayed but this instalment crossed the line into the realm of stupidity.
Gemma's mother has always been a bit flamboyant but is beyond belief this time when she gets her daughters police inspector boyfriend to give a talk dressed in fishnet stockings etc. apparently based on the fact that it's something that is part of the British entertainment culture. Really? (This comment stems from my personal experience of having to sit through and pretend to enjoy pantomime as a child 😠🤮!).
Then there's the episode with the old biddies and Gemma in the dental surgery! What can I say!? (no interrobang on my keyboard). Gemma goes off nosing into the dentist's private quarters and when he catches her there, does he call the police? No, he just calmly discusses the murder. Really!
What also annoyed me was the increasingly frequent use of coarse language by people who would not use in polite company. Ms Hanna states in her glossary that these words are commonly used by the British, yes that is certainly the case in certain areas but not in this book. Her explanations appear to show that she is not aware of the crude bases from which some evolved. It certainly seems to explain why the US think that all Brits can't speak without certain vulgarities.
Thank goodness that Devlin has decided to take a break in his relationship with Gemma but I doubt it will be for long.
This is such a tired format that everything is being regurgitated.
February 23, 2022
H.Y. Hanna has done it again with this latest installment in her Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series! I loved getting to “see” the Old Biddies back in action and up to their usual hijinks. It’s funny how fictional characters can start to feel like old friends after awhile. Gemma realizes business seems to be rather slow at The Little Stables Tearoom and soon discovers a new trendy tea bar has opened up across town, essentially poaching her customer base with steep discounts and seemingly enticing nibbles. To make matters worse, Azalea Chu, the owner of this new business is known for using slander to get rid of her competitors, and sets her sights on The Little Stables after hearing her customers talking about how much better the scones are there. As one would expect, Gemma stumbles upon a body, but this time she finds herself to be the prime suspect in the investigation. Muesli was as delightful as ever with her cheeky behavior. I won’t give away what happens, but I will say Devlin deserves to have The Old Biddies read him the riot act. I am very much looking forward to seeing what the future holds for Gemma.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 4, 2022
It was nice to discover that there was another book in this pleasant series. I enjoy the English/Oxford background.
Gemma is dismayed when a rival tearoom opens, this one an Asian fusion place. Although Gemma and the Old Biddies find the food to be pretty but perfectly tasteless, the the opening specials draw the crowds in leaving Gemma's tearoom empty.
When the attractive but cold and ruthless owner of the Asian tearoom is murdered by means of a teapot, Gemma becomes involved with the victim's family, the mother being a new friend of her own mother. Even Muesli, Gemma's cat, decides to spend a few nights with the grieving mother, where she is completely spoiled with homemade Asian delicacies.
Gemma's boyfriend, Devlin, is up for promotion on the police force, but the powers that be are concerned that he is giving out sensitive information to his civilian girlfriend, even though she has solved several difficult cases for them. Ultimately, he tells Gemma that they need a break.
Gemma is dismayed when a rival tearoom opens, this one an Asian fusion place. Although Gemma and the Old Biddies find the food to be pretty but perfectly tasteless, the the opening specials draw the crowds in leaving Gemma's tearoom empty.
When the attractive but cold and ruthless owner of the Asian tearoom is murdered by means of a teapot, Gemma becomes involved with the victim's family, the mother being a new friend of her own mother. Even Muesli, Gemma's cat, decides to spend a few nights with the grieving mother, where she is completely spoiled with homemade Asian delicacies.
Gemma's boyfriend, Devlin, is up for promotion on the police force, but the powers that be are concerned that he is giving out sensitive information to his civilian girlfriend, even though she has solved several difficult cases for them. Ultimately, he tells Gemma that they need a break.
November 6, 2022
The last story of the series thus far finds Gemma on her own when Devlin isn’t the lead investigator on the latest village murder. Unfortunately there was more to dislike than like about this one. I figured out the murderer right away, and the only reason the murderer wasn’t turned in one-third of the way into the story is if we believe a character is quite possibly the stupidest person alive. Hanna was definitely stretching it with the ‘wacky’ subplots involving the Old Biddies too – I’m sorry, but again, what logical human being would agree that yes, the best way to discuss community policing with an immigrant's group is by appearing in drag? There is wacky and then there is losing the plot completely, which also happened with the lead investigator’s behaviour. The one good thing that came out of this was some movement in the right direction with Gemma and Devlin’s relationship. I hope it continues on that trajectory!
January 31, 2022
AS USUAL, a murder has been committed and one again Gemma finds herself meddling in the investigation, but this time she is the prime suspect in the murder. There are the usual shenanigans by the Old Biddies and by the adorable Muesli, and the usual misunderstandings and convoluted lies that we are so familiar with in this series. And I couldn't guess who the real murderer was, not until it was revealed.. But what makes this story stand out is that the author, who is originally from Taiwan, gives us very enlightening information about the problems her country is facing against China. She tells us about the political "war" between China's claim to own Taiwan, and Taiwan's claim of being an independent country. It's a good start to learning about Taiwan's situation, and it might inspire interest in Taiwan's plight, and lead you to following these developments on the news.
February 1, 2022
I've waited so long for the next book in this series. The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries were the first cozy series I ever read and I absolutely love them! This book is no exception to that. Right from the beginning HY Hanna made it so it just had to find out what happened even if that meant not leaving the same spot I was sitting in for hours on end. The Tearoom is doing less that stellar business when a rival opens near by, the Old Biddies snooping around and Gemma getting into some hot water with Devlin kept me turning pages well into the night.
Overall I loved the book! There were a few threads that seemed to be left hanging but with the next book already scheduled for release (in the future) I'm hoping those get wrapped up. I still gave this book a 5/5 and would highly, highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I did receive an advanced reader copy for my honest review of this book.
Overall I loved the book! There were a few threads that seemed to be left hanging but with the next book already scheduled for release (in the future) I'm hoping those get wrapped up. I still gave this book a 5/5 and would highly, highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I did receive an advanced reader copy for my honest review of this book.
February 6, 2022
I love interesting cozy mysteries, especially the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, and this one is probably my favorite yet! The social media and PC aspects the characters dealt with seemed so realistic and familiar taking the cozy fantasy of a village across the pond to more familiar territory. I love the frank little old ladies who frequent Gemma's shop as they each have their own personality, but together make life more interesting. I fell in love with a new character, learning some interesting cultural facts and finding myself hoping she turns up again in another book. I love how the characters and circumstances are clear enough for me to be guessing "who done it" and changing my theories along the way. I very much look forward to the next book in the series. Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
February 8, 2022
I had a great time reading Wrongfully Infused! This installment was a bit different in my opinion which is not a bad thing. It kept me guessing, and I didn't see the ending coming which was great, although there where some clues if you're paying attention! It was interesting learning about Taiwan and the culture. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment to see what happens between Gemma and Devlin. In my option it seems like Lincoln would be a better fit for Gemma, because Devlin just doesn't ever have time for her, and she has also been interested in Lincoln. The mystery was fun, Muesli the cat was silly as ever, and the old biddies always getting Gemma in trouble is always hilarious.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
January 29, 2025
The eleventh in the series of the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. I really found I couldn't put this one down! Gemma is confused about why her business has dropped off suddenly and then she hears of a new "tea bar" that has opened up on the other side of town. She and her friend Cassie go to visit and find the new owner, Azalea Chu, a very cold and unliked person. Gemma is convinced that this person is trying to sabotage her tearoom. When she and her mom go to a fundraiser that is held there, Gemma of course finds Azalea murdered. And then the fun begins!!
Devlin is taken off the case due to possible conflict of interest and the lead investigator is someone who is very unlikable. Gemma finds not only her tearoom in danger, but she is a suspect in the murder and her relationship with Devlin is now on thin ice.
Lots going on in this one!!
Devlin is taken off the case due to possible conflict of interest and the lead investigator is someone who is very unlikable. Gemma finds not only her tearoom in danger, but she is a suspect in the murder and her relationship with Devlin is now on thin ice.
Lots going on in this one!!
January 30, 2022
Another lovely trip to Oxford for me!! This probably is my absolute favourite(Brit spelling intentional) cozy series! The world is so beautifully fleshed out with a host of memorable, colorful characters you get highly invested in. This installment sees business suffer a bit for the Little Stables Tea Room as a more trendy tea bar opens. When the frosty owner of said business is found dead by Gemma, suspicious and rumors abound! The author is wonderful and keeping you guessing who the real culprit is until the end. Sadly we have to wait for the next installment but I’m already eager as there were some big shake ups at the end of this one!
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 7, 2022
I had been really looking forward to this next installment of the Oxford Tearoom series - and boy, is it good!! To me, it has a slightly different feel than the others before it - maybe because of what happens at the end - but it totally works!! It is still a fun, light read, but now it has reached a new level of relatability which I really dig! Also, during all these crazy times that we are living through right now, it never goes amiss to finally „see“ some lovely characters again that we have grown to love over the years - Gemma, her mom, Muesli (how hilarious and great is Mrs Chu‘s version of her name?!), the old biddies…really, just lovely to have them all back in our midst :)
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
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