Tea is for Tears

Haunted Tearoom #6

by Karen Sue Walker

Can April May find a killer? If not, she may end up in jail for murder!

April is busy baking tasty treats to serve in her tearoom while stormy weather threatens outside. She ignores the controversy surrounding the sheriff’s recall and the rumors being spread until she learns about a rumor involving her!

When she goes to confront the person she believes is responsible, she finds a dead body instead. Accused of murder, she feels she has no choice but to investigate. There are plenty of suspects, but they all have solid alibis.

Meanwhile, disaster strikes for someone close to April. At least she can count on Chef Emile’s presence in her kitchen… or can she?

The plot thickens in the sixth Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mystery. Curl up with a warm beverage and read it today!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, Cozy, Audiobook, Paranormal, Mystery

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2022

About the author

Karen Sue Walker is a lover of cozy mysteries, from Agatha Christie to Joanne Fluke. When not working or writing, she spends time with her very talented daughter and ever so fun granddaughter.

Reviews

[JACKIE K · Rating 5 out of 5]

With gray rainy days seemingly never ending, April keeps busy baking treats for the Serenity Tearoom and wondering about the recall committee for removing the popular Sheriff Fontana. Curiosity prompts her to stop by committee headquarters where she discovers the body of Quimby, the man leading the recall. Rumors have been circulating that she and the married sheriff are involved. When she becomes a suspect, April and best friend Irma determine to discover the truth. As the damaging storms and rumors continue, everyone appears to have an alibi, but someone is guilty. As the two friends draw closer to the dangerous reveal, will they find the killer in time? Will the violent coastal storm change the lives of the residents forever? This is a wonderful series and the beloved familiar characters return. Chef Emile Toussaint still haunts the kitchen and attempts unsuccessfully to coach April in proper cuisine. Jennifer provides her invaluable assistance and Freddie, the county coroner, is on the case. This is the sixth book and I look forward to the next one. I’m anxious to see how the characters deal with the life-altering consequences they have experienced. This is my honest review of an ARC I received from the author.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Out of all the mysteries in the series, this is probably my least favorite yet, it was still good. I just felt that it wasn’t as compelling of a mystery. I felt it was more of her, proving her innocence, then picking parts of the mystery apart, and then solving it. But again, this was very much a personal thing because she was a suspect. There were very interesting things that happened in the story that kind of reflected on the book previous to this one regarding the sheriff. The sheriff was the center of the whole mystery. And there was the whole thing with Irma call granddaughter that had nothing to do with misery, but was also a big part of the story, which was interesting.

I think the part I enjoyed the most was the story line with the ghost, and how now they’re new players involved since the whole chef ghost story line wrapped up. I am very interesting to see that played out in future books, especially after that cliffhanger at the end. This just breaths new life into the series and it almost reboots it in a way and a refreshing fun way. I look forward to reading them in the future.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

April is busy in her Serenity Tea Room when she finds out there's a very untrue rumor going around about her and she knows who's spreading it. And she goes to face the rumor monger face to face to settle it once and for all. When she gets there, she finds him shot dead. He was also the one leading a recall of Sheriff Fontana. At first they want to pin the murder on April and then on the sheriff. So, April with her friend, Irma, and owner of the Mermaid Cafe know they must find the murderer. With so many twists and turns, and so many potential suspects, the amateur sleuths so about trying to unwind the possibilities. This is a great addition to the series and once you begin, you just can't put the book down. The characters are fun and well written and the author is adept at keeping the story line flow so it is fun to read. I can't wait to see what April and Irma will get into next. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tea is for Tears is the 6th book in the Haunted Tearoom series by Karen Sue Walker. This was supposed to be the final book in the series but luckily it continues. April May owns a tearoom and is friends with Chef Emile who is a ghost. Sheriff Fontana might get removed from his position and there is a rumor circulating about her. Someone at the Recall Office ends up dead and April becomes a suspect. On top of that, April’s friend Irma has a lot going on. The characters in this series are very likable and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. The audiobook is narrated by Mary Castillo who does a wonderful job with the voices. It is a very enjoyable audiobook. I have enjoyed them all. I received an advance audiobook from Karen Sue Walker for free and I voluntarily leave this review. #TeaIsForTears. #HauntedTearoomCozyMysteries

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading this series of cosy mystery books about tea room owner April, who gets herself involved in solving murders that happen around her.

There's a nasty rumour floating around about April and the Sheriff, with a plan to oust the Sheriff from his position. April goes to speak to the man who is leading the campaign to get the Sheriff fired from his role. Unfortunately, she finds a dead body instead, and she's the one accused of murder!

There's also a tradegy in store for one of her friends when a nasty storm hits Serenity Cove.

April is still seeing her chef, who is a ghost in her kitchen. He is teaching her how to cook, but sometimes he gets on her nerves.

The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I've already downloaded the next book ready to read.

[Ileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this heartwarming murder mystery about two amateur sleuths in Serenity Cove, Serenity Tearoom owner April May and Mermaid Cafe restaurant owner Irma Vargas. There’s a recall campaign against Sheriff Fontana and one of the men leading the recall is found shot dead.

At first, the authorities want to arrest April for the murder. Then they want to pin it on Sheriff Fontana. But the ladies know that couldn’t be true either. So they sneak around Serenity Cove and nearby Somerton questioning possible suspects trying to find the killer. The work is dangerous. Will they succeed? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

The writing is excellent and the story is fun and entertaining with lots of yummy food and ghosts included. Don’t miss this adventure!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walker is improving with each installment in the Haunted Tearoom series. I love the subtle hints and foreshadowing she crafts during the story.

Once again, April and Irma go sleuthing to discover who committed the crime... and they get in a bit over their heads. Without giving away the story, I was surprised to find out who the killer truly was. There were plenty of red herrings in this book and lots of clues.

Another must-read from Karen Sue Walker in her cozy mystery tearoom series.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Janet Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Series

There is no shortage of murder in April May's world as she and her amazing band of friends work to solve tough cases and serve delicious afternoon teas in a small town. Love the eclectic and entertaining characters and the friendship they share. The mysteries are complex without being gruesome. I so look forward to reading the next book. Grab your copy of Tea is for Tears today and enjoy!

[Rose Mcclarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

a murder, rumors, set-ups are just the beginning. A plan to get the sheriff recalled, blackmail, theft and rumors of infidelity set things off. Poor April May found another dead body and the killer is trying to set her and the sheriff so one or both of them get arrested for the murder. Floods, storms, a kidnapping and lots of twists and turns later and the killer is revealed. A really good read.

[Sarah Baines · Rating 5 out of 5]

As fabulous as always

Tea is for Tears is as fabulous as all the others in the Haunted Tearoom Mysteries series. The one part that saddens me though (and maybe it shouldn't!) is the ending with Chef Emile - he's my favourite character😥😥 Looking forward to the next book though it sounds awesome!!

[Kestrelmorn Geiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another successful mystery for April May and her cohorts. This one gets a little personal, though, and she must solve the mystery while preserving her reputation and that of her friend, the Sheriff. The ending is happy/sad, though. No spoilers - you'll have to read it to experience the bittersweet ending of a special relationship. Happy Reading!

[Vicki Chicago-Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy mystery. It was a change from the sort of books I typically read, but I still found it heartwarming & I loved the recipes at the end of it. I especially liked the cat Whisk & his mischievous antics & the handsome dead French chef that no one else can see that gives the heroine cooking lessons. I read this book on Kindle.

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery with great characters, unexpected twists and turns and an entertaining story. Perfect read for the weekend.

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Tonia Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

politics and murder

Poor April just can’t stay out of trouble. But when her friend Sherriff Fontana has his election recalled, she just can’t stay out of it. Not only thst, true to form, April finds a dead body. What’s a girl to do?

[Rita Pierrottie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

This is an engaging unique mystery set in a delightful seaside community with loving cherry characters. After happening upon book #1 in the series I couldn't stop reading. Can't wait to read the next one.

[Deb Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

The murder was well thought out. The plot and pacing well done. The ending was both a cliff hanger and sadly sweet and a little too rushed for my taste. I would have like a bit more time with certain characters.

[Melissa Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A murderous campaign

A man running a recall campaign against the sheriff is murdered. April needs to solve it before she or the sheriff is charged with the crime. Lots of humor and suspense.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than the others

Every book.in this series is better than the last.This book had more suspense and intrigued me more than the others I had just read. It is written in a wonderful style that us relaxing and very enjoyable 😉

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So goid

These books could go on and on as far as I am concerned! They are so goof! This is number 6 so I have two (2) more to go. Love reading about April, Whisk, the cat, gonna miss Chef GHOST, Irma, Jennifer, Zoe, Freddie!

[Carol Filipow Pigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great serial continuation of this story line. The final wrap up was quite touching, with a good surprise. Can’t wait for the next book to be ready.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another fun, well done mystery involving April and her friends. There were a couple of delightful surprises at the end. I’m very much looking forward to more in the series.

[Sandra Bensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

April finds herself a!lest a storm that Irma looses her lively hood, but finds she loves solving murders with April.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Spoiler






I’m sorry to see Chef go.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

great cozy

Tea is for Tears is a great short cozy that lifts your curiosity and your enjoyment of great characters. You have to just love April May and friends.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ready for more

Enjoy a good cozy. April looks at solving another murder before she has recovered from nearly being shot by a someone no one looked twice at in the beginning

[Clyde · Rating 3 out of 5]

good mystery!

[Sassy Mystic Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love cozy mysteries you will love this series. It is so good 😊

[Vicki robles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable

I really enjoyed April May and the rest of the quirky characters. Story followed a well storied plot I will definitely continue the series

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheriff Fontana cleared most of the bad eggs out of his office, hoping to run a non-discriminatory, fair and just county but in doing so, there are bound to be unhappy people, people who would rather he left office altogether and it is often much easier if there is a scandal involved. And if there isn't, why, make one up of course!

Another good read from Walker, with April being dragged into a murder, whether she wanted to or not. Fun and exciting, with a sort of sadness at the end.