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Haunted Tearoom
Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries: Books 1-3
A new life complete with tea, scones, and... murder!
When April May buys a huge Victorian home, she plans to turn it into a tearoom serving exotic teas, dainty sandwiches, and fluffy scones.
From the moment she moves in, strange things begin to happen and soon bodies begin to turn up!
Join April May and her charming and eccentric new friends and neighbors as they solve murders in this collection of the first three Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries.
Included are:
Tea is for Trouble
Tea is for Toxin
Tea is for Tragedy
When April May buys a huge Victorian home, she plans to turn it into a tearoom serving exotic teas, dainty sandwiches, and fluffy scones.
From the moment she moves in, strange things begin to happen and soon bodies begin to turn up!
Join April May and her charming and eccentric new friends and neighbors as they solve murders in this collection of the first three Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries.
Included are:
Tea is for Trouble
Tea is for Toxin
Tea is for Tragedy
580 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2022
About the author
Karen Sue Walker
30 books147 followersKaren 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
September 20, 2026
I listened to the first three books in the Haunted Tea Rooms series on Audible, and overall I thought they were okay. I enjoyed them, but I don't think I'll be continuing with the series unless I find myself desperately looking for something light and easy to listen to.
The premise is exactly what you'd expect from the title. A woman in her fifties inherits her mother's house and opens a tea room, only to find herself getting involved in local mysteries and murders, with the help of a ghost called Chef Gustau. There are lots of cosy little haunting stories, tea rooms, food and small town drama, and it definitely fits into that cosy mystery category.
I actually liked the main character and most of the characters around her, although I didn't find them particularly well developed. She is also very much a busybody, which did make me laugh. She moves into a new town and suddenly starts investigating murders and getting involved in everyone's business. At some point I was thinking, you've only just got here, love. 😂
One of my favourite characters was Chef Gustau, although I have to mention the narrator's French accent because it genuinely made me laugh. I know the fourth book apparently goes into more of his backstory, and I was interested enough in him to be curious about it, but unfortunately not interested enough to actually continue the series.
There were also hints of a much more interesting story underneath everything. The main character has an unhappy childhood that is never really explored in these first three books. Her mother told her she was severely allergic to cats, only for her to discover that she isn't, and there are also unresolved issues surrounding her mother's death and her relationship with her brother. I kept feeling like there was something much deeper there that I wanted to know about, but the books never really went into it.
I also found the American character opening a tea room and discovering classic British food quite funny. Hearing her talk about discovering shepherd's pie as though she'd uncovered some incredible new culinary invention was particularly amusing. 😂
These were probably best enjoyed as background listening for me. I listened while playing puzzle games on my phone and found them really relaxing. They weren't demanding, dark or emotionally heavy, and sometimes that is exactly what you want from a book.
I think that is probably where I've realised my tastes have changed. I used to really enjoy this sort of cosy, lighthearted chick lit, but these days I seem to need a little more from a story. I still enjoyed the books, and I wouldn't say they were bad or even forgettable. They were just very much there. I wasn't desperate to get back to them, and after three books I wasn't invested enough in the characters or the wider story to feel that need to continue.
So, three stars for me. Perfectly pleasant, cosy listening when you want something light, but ultimately not quite enough to pull me further into the series.
The premise is exactly what you'd expect from the title. A woman in her fifties inherits her mother's house and opens a tea room, only to find herself getting involved in local mysteries and murders, with the help of a ghost called Chef Gustau. There are lots of cosy little haunting stories, tea rooms, food and small town drama, and it definitely fits into that cosy mystery category.
I actually liked the main character and most of the characters around her, although I didn't find them particularly well developed. She is also very much a busybody, which did make me laugh. She moves into a new town and suddenly starts investigating murders and getting involved in everyone's business. At some point I was thinking, you've only just got here, love. 😂
One of my favourite characters was Chef Gustau, although I have to mention the narrator's French accent because it genuinely made me laugh. I know the fourth book apparently goes into more of his backstory, and I was interested enough in him to be curious about it, but unfortunately not interested enough to actually continue the series.
There were also hints of a much more interesting story underneath everything. The main character has an unhappy childhood that is never really explored in these first three books. Her mother told her she was severely allergic to cats, only for her to discover that she isn't, and there are also unresolved issues surrounding her mother's death and her relationship with her brother. I kept feeling like there was something much deeper there that I wanted to know about, but the books never really went into it.
I also found the American character opening a tea room and discovering classic British food quite funny. Hearing her talk about discovering shepherd's pie as though she'd uncovered some incredible new culinary invention was particularly amusing. 😂
These were probably best enjoyed as background listening for me. I listened while playing puzzle games on my phone and found them really relaxing. They weren't demanding, dark or emotionally heavy, and sometimes that is exactly what you want from a book.
I think that is probably where I've realised my tastes have changed. I used to really enjoy this sort of cosy, lighthearted chick lit, but these days I seem to need a little more from a story. I still enjoyed the books, and I wouldn't say they were bad or even forgettable. They were just very much there. I wasn't desperate to get back to them, and after three books I wasn't invested enough in the characters or the wider story to feel that need to continue.
So, three stars for me. Perfectly pleasant, cosy listening when you want something light, but ultimately not quite enough to pull me further into the series.
October 9, 2026
This isn’t a normal pick for me but I needed something light and easy to listen to after a few heavy books and this was perfect!
Does exactly what it says on the tin, cute cosy read 🥰
Does exactly what it says on the tin, cute cosy read 🥰
April 29, 2025
These three books were just a fun read. The characters are love able and fun loving. I loved the female friendship aspect plus the French chef ghost. The recipes are a bonus.
May 10, 2023
A modern day version of “The Ghost And Mrs. Muir”.
This is a rather cute series with some quirky characters, some of whom seem quite similar to The Apple Orchard Mysteries series of books.
While the characters are enjoyable, the absurd predictability is annoying. I love the ghost in the kitchen. I was hoping to learn more about the ghost-by far my favorite character-but I don’t want 3 more volumes of banal and trite, even if well written.
This is a well written and well edited set of books. Great to read and easy to pick up or put down and perfect for passing time in waiting rooms or over breakfast.
This is a rather cute series with some quirky characters, some of whom seem quite similar to The Apple Orchard Mysteries series of books.
While the characters are enjoyable, the absurd predictability is annoying. I love the ghost in the kitchen. I was hoping to learn more about the ghost-by far my favorite character-but I don’t want 3 more volumes of banal and trite, even if well written.
This is a well written and well edited set of books. Great to read and easy to pick up or put down and perfect for passing time in waiting rooms or over breakfast.
January 16, 2026
Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries 1-3
As you can tell from the title of this 3book-series, there is a ghost. But this is not a paranormal story so much as a well crafted story where one of the interesting characters is a ghost, the chef of the restaurant that once occupied the space that is now the Tearoom. As we first meet April May, she is driving toward a new future, dreaming about the dream of owning a Tearoom that was her mother's and her shared dream. She spots a Victorian house that would be ideal and determined to buy it, can't know what trouble and even a murder that her plan sets into motion. Making friends along the way, she and they solve murders, new and from the past, though all three books: TEA IS FOR TROUBLE, TEA IS FOR TOXIN, &TEA IS FOR TRAGEDY. There's yummy recipes at the end of each book and listen to the ghost/chef, and you will learn more about the techniques as well! These characters are so well defined, you can't help getting "involved"! Get the series and ENJOY!
As you can tell from the title of this 3book-series, there is a ghost. But this is not a paranormal story so much as a well crafted story where one of the interesting characters is a ghost, the chef of the restaurant that once occupied the space that is now the Tearoom. As we first meet April May, she is driving toward a new future, dreaming about the dream of owning a Tearoom that was her mother's and her shared dream. She spots a Victorian house that would be ideal and determined to buy it, can't know what trouble and even a murder that her plan sets into motion. Making friends along the way, she and they solve murders, new and from the past, though all three books: TEA IS FOR TROUBLE, TEA IS FOR TOXIN, &TEA IS FOR TRAGEDY. There's yummy recipes at the end of each book and listen to the ghost/chef, and you will learn more about the techniques as well! These characters are so well defined, you can't help getting "involved"! Get the series and ENJOY!
April 4, 2026
FP drives up, sees the mansion, buys it *with cash* without getting an inspection! Somehow, I could not get past that. Then, all the furniture she needed just happened to be included in the sale. Gee, I sure wish life were that easy. And the FP kept worrying about what she was going to do. Oh, poor her! Not a very sympathetic character. Opens a teahouse by doing research on google. Yeah, that's going to be a world-class teahouse for sure! #sarcasm. They should have played up her xp with tea more than the google search. And she wanted to start a business with no business xp? In the middle of nowhere? and expects it to be 'world-class'? Good luck with that.
And somehow, I'm sure if she had just would have gotten that inspection, she wouldn't have nearly as many problems with 'ghosts', bodies and such as this book makes out. Like, she didn't even do a basic inspection herself, ffs. Like, open all the doors before buying!! Gahs!
I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea
And somehow, I'm sure if she had just would have gotten that inspection, she wouldn't have nearly as many problems with 'ghosts', bodies and such as this book makes out. Like, she didn't even do a basic inspection herself, ffs. Like, open all the doors before buying!! Gahs!
I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea
March 24, 2023
I loved this 3-book series and plan to buy more. I'll admit I was doubtful at first and thought of putting it aside after reading the first chapter. The MC has two flat tires, stranding her on the side of the road in a very small town. As she walks to a nearby B&B, she sees an old Victorian house for sale. A quirky resident appears and gives her a tour. The MC decides to buy it on the spot, no questions asked, to open a tearoom. All in the first chapter, before she even makes it to the B&B! I thought, oh, boy, this is unbelievable! But I am so glad I continued to read!
Loved the small town, the variety of characters, and the storylines. I'm not big into heavy paranormal with witches, etc., but this story had a light-handed, fun approach. I mean, who can resist the ghost of a former French chef who teaches the MC how to cook properly? The description of the food served made my mouth water, and as an added bonus there are recipes at the end.
Highly recommend.
Loved the small town, the variety of characters, and the storylines. I'm not big into heavy paranormal with witches, etc., but this story had a light-handed, fun approach. I mean, who can resist the ghost of a former French chef who teaches the MC how to cook properly? The description of the food served made my mouth water, and as an added bonus there are recipes at the end.
Highly recommend.
May 8, 2023
The haunted House
Even though it was a delightful change to read a cozy mystery in which the main character was not down on her luck, I nearly gave up on the first book. I dead not like what April May was becoming, more of the usual, illogical type of heroine. Luckily, April regained her sensibilities.
The other characters were also well drawn and added to the story. Chef Emile was quite a character, so was Irma.
All three books were able to hold my interest until I had read the last pages. I was able to read them all without becoming bored, i.e. they were sufficiently different.
Even though it was a delightful change to read a cozy mystery in which the main character was not down on her luck, I nearly gave up on the first book. I dead not like what April May was becoming, more of the usual, illogical type of heroine. Luckily, April regained her sensibilities.
The other characters were also well drawn and added to the story. Chef Emile was quite a character, so was Irma.
All three books were able to hold my interest until I had read the last pages. I was able to read them all without becoming bored, i.e. they were sufficiently different.
March 8, 2026
Tea, Ghosts, and a Cosy Dash of Chaos”
Haunted Tearoom Mysteries Books 1–3 by Karen Sue Walker are exactly the sort of cosy escape you hope for when you pick up a paranormal mystery: charming, slightly mischievous, and very easy to binge. The tearoom setting is warm and inviting, but the resident ghosts and odd happenings keep things lively, adding just enough supernatural spice to the usual small-town mystery formula. I found the tone light and playful, with quirky characters and a gentle sense of humour that makes the whole series feel like spending an afternoon somewhere comfortable — just with a few spirits drifting through the room. Fun, cosy, and thoroughly entertaining.
Haunted Tearoom Mysteries Books 1–3 by Karen Sue Walker are exactly the sort of cosy escape you hope for when you pick up a paranormal mystery: charming, slightly mischievous, and very easy to binge. The tearoom setting is warm and inviting, but the resident ghosts and odd happenings keep things lively, adding just enough supernatural spice to the usual small-town mystery formula. I found the tone light and playful, with quirky characters and a gentle sense of humour that makes the whole series feel like spending an afternoon somewhere comfortable — just with a few spirits drifting through the room. Fun, cosy, and thoroughly entertaining.
March 18, 2023
April May and Friends!
April and her friends, Freddie, Irma, Jennifer, Mark, Chef, and Whisk run thru all three books. Each book tells a complete story and each has a murder. Very well written. You feel like these people are neighbors. Certainly worth the time to read all three. Didn't put it down Until the end. There are three more in book box form. I'll be getting them when I catch up on my chores.
April and her friends, Freddie, Irma, Jennifer, Mark, Chef, and Whisk run thru all three books. Each book tells a complete story and each has a murder. Very well written. You feel like these people are neighbors. Certainly worth the time to read all three. Didn't put it down Until the end. There are three more in book box form. I'll be getting them when I catch up on my chores.
June 28, 2023
This set of books introduces the MC and those who become her chosen family as they navigate mysteries, both past and present, while developing relationships that sustain and nourish each of them. The mysteries were interesting with positive and negative interactions that drove the plot of each story.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
Although it was my pleasure to receive this free from the author, it was completely my choice to share my honest review.
November 13, 2023
Charming read
The first three stories in this series (a box set) were so charming. I could relate to the main character about starting over. I like what she was able to do. I would love to do something like that myself. Helping the nonexistent police in this tiny town helps the locals to accept the new commer to the community. Her menu may have had to change to accommodate men but being flexible has its up side. The ghost chef helps too.
The first three stories in this series (a box set) were so charming. I could relate to the main character about starting over. I like what she was able to do. I would love to do something like that myself. Helping the nonexistent police in this tiny town helps the locals to accept the new commer to the community. Her menu may have had to change to accommodate men but being flexible has its up side. The ghost chef helps too.
February 8, 2024
could not finish
Seven chapters of crap is all I could handle. This was sooooo bad! I hated the main character! She is a real biotch - extremely rude to everyone. The moron breaks down in this small town, buys an old victorian house to turn into a tearoom - even though she doesn’t cook, travels light but just happens to have a vintage tea set in her luggage and is so stupid she doesn’t know the symptoms of an allergy (or lack of). What drivel.
Seven chapters of crap is all I could handle. This was sooooo bad! I hated the main character! She is a real biotch - extremely rude to everyone. The moron breaks down in this small town, buys an old victorian house to turn into a tearoom - even though she doesn’t cook, travels light but just happens to have a vintage tea set in her luggage and is so stupid she doesn’t know the symptoms of an allergy (or lack of). What drivel.
April 9, 2026
I loved this collection and binge listened over two days. I loved the idea of the ghostly chef giving cooking lessons to the new owner. A cute cat and a host of side characters completed the picture. The mysteries are good, with the third mystery being quite sad as it revealed what happened to Chef and Helen, who had both disappeared decades earlier. Loved all the tea and baking! I downloaded the second box set immediately after finishing.
February 2, 2023
I'm Addicted!
I need more, more, more Haunted Tea Room stories. Ms. Walker has created a wonderful collection of small town residents to entertain and delight her readers. Their comraderie, humor and caring are heartwarming. The mysteries are added bonuses. Grab your copy of this the first three books in the series and enjoy!
I need more, more, more Haunted Tea Room stories. Ms. Walker has created a wonderful collection of small town residents to entertain and delight her readers. Their comraderie, humor and caring are heartwarming. The mysteries are added bonuses. Grab your copy of this the first three books in the series and enjoy!
April 3, 2023
A gentle
The haunted tea room cozy mystery set of books flow from one to the next, to the next. The story moves along with a gentle, well structured storyline. en you are finished with this series and the assortment of characters involved you will be ready for the next book series. Likeable friends and a very curios story.
The haunted tea room cozy mystery set of books flow from one to the next, to the next. The story moves along with a gentle, well structured storyline. en you are finished with this series and the assortment of characters involved you will be ready for the next book series. Likeable friends and a very curios story.
August 12, 2023
Great Quick Reads
I love tea, cooking, the ocean and reading mysteries. This hit all my loves. I am four weeks into twelves weeks of being on crutches, so on to more reading. Karen Sue Walker, thank you! Just what the doctor ordered rest, tea and a good book. Thank goodness you have more. 😊
I love tea, cooking, the ocean and reading mysteries. This hit all my loves. I am four weeks into twelves weeks of being on crutches, so on to more reading. Karen Sue Walker, thank you! Just what the doctor ordered rest, tea and a good book. Thank goodness you have more. 😊
September 7, 2023
A great cozy…
I adored this set of books and look forward to reading the other books! There are plenty of laugh out loud moments with Chef Emile and April’s kitchen scenes and with some of the other characters. All of the characters are well written, the murder mysteries keeping me interested throughout!
I adored this set of books and look forward to reading the other books! There are plenty of laugh out loud moments with Chef Emile and April’s kitchen scenes and with some of the other characters. All of the characters are well written, the murder mysteries keeping me interested throughout!
March 6, 2024
wonderful cozy mystery series
Nothing like a good cozy mystery and this series does not disappoint. Well rounded characters that you get to know and look forward to seeing more of.
There’s just enough red herrings to keep you guessing for a while. Even after I figured I knew” who done it” , I kept wondering how long before the characters figured it out.
Nothing like a good cozy mystery and this series does not disappoint. Well rounded characters that you get to know and look forward to seeing more of.
There’s just enough red herrings to keep you guessing for a while. Even after I figured I knew” who done it” , I kept wondering how long before the characters figured it out.
March 6, 2024
Awesome!
I loved the first three books of the Haunted Tearoom series. The characters are so real, I may have leaked a tear at the end of book three during a particular scene. Very well-written, fun, cute, suspenseful, sweet, and the recipes are awesome. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I loved the first three books of the Haunted Tearoom series. The characters are so real, I may have leaked a tear at the end of book three during a particular scene. Very well-written, fun, cute, suspenseful, sweet, and the recipes are awesome. I look forward to reading more by this author.
March 14, 2023
Great Series
This enjoyable, easy to read series takes place in a cozy seaside town. The town is packed full of places, houses,and characters. Throw in the resident ghost and a few murders and you have making of a wonderful series.
This enjoyable, easy to read series takes place in a cozy seaside town. The town is packed full of places, houses,and characters. Throw in the resident ghost and a few murders and you have making of a wonderful series.
March 19, 2023
overall, five stars
Overall 5 stars, though I found the first two books could have had better editing. Reading the three books in a row though left me with an uplifted feeling of enjoyment.
Overall 5 stars, though I found the first two books could have had better editing. Reading the three books in a row though left me with an uplifted feeling of enjoyment.
March 20, 2023
Reading the Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries Three book series was refreshing and the perfect way to bring in spring. I’m happy to find out that there are more books in this series that I can read. The recipes are a wonderful bonus, too.
March 31, 2023
Great cozy paranormal series! April May buys an old Victorian house in a new town and opens a Tea Room. The ghost of Chef Emile gives April cooking tips. Her friends add humor and make the story even better. Very enjoyable series! The audiobooks are very well done! #HauntedTearoom
April 5, 2023
T is for Terrific
April May and her new home where she opened her tearoom Sereni tea is full of mystery and history. Her new found friends help her to solve several murders caused by the sea side town's lurid past. A great read.
April May and her new home where she opened her tearoom Sereni tea is full of mystery and history. Her new found friends help her to solve several murders caused by the sea side town's lurid past. A great read.
April 5, 2023
I really enjoyed reading these books, the storylines are well written and the characters are humorous and entertaining. I can't wait to read more from this author. I received this box set as a Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
April 30, 2023
Feel good mysteries
I love mysteries, but since I read at bedtime, I don't like stories and characters that are upsetting. Loved these books and the characters as well. Can't wait for the next one.
I love mysteries, but since I read at bedtime, I don't like stories and characters that are upsetting. Loved these books and the characters as well. Can't wait for the next one.
May 14, 2023
Family and Friendships
This was a great “cozy” and warm series. Loved the setting in a Victorian house made into a tearoom. Loved the variety of characters in the stories, especially Irma! She’s a piece of work! Loved the surprising twists and turns. Loved these three free books.
This was a great “cozy” and warm series. Loved the setting in a Victorian house made into a tearoom. Loved the variety of characters in the stories, especially Irma! She’s a piece of work! Loved the surprising twists and turns. Loved these three free books.
June 28, 2023
Could have been 5
Well written, but not edited so only a 4. Absolutely love "the ghost". Karen's characters are real and likeable. Each story has a different feel and always keeps you guessing. Will look forward to the next series.
Well written, but not edited so only a 4. Absolutely love "the ghost". Karen's characters are real and likeable. Each story has a different feel and always keeps you guessing. Will look forward to the next series.
July 8, 2023
Great cooking and a ghost
I really enjoyed these stories as they had unusual
plots and chaos it was easy to keep reading. Combining all the different characters in the stories was very clever.
I really enjoyed these stories as they had unusual
plots and chaos it was easy to keep reading. Combining all the different characters in the stories was very clever.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews