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Bookstore Cafe Mystery #2
Death by Tea
Mystery lovers have descended on Pine Hills for this year’s book club competition, to be held at Krissy Hancock’s bookstore café. But the killer in their midst seems determined to outwit all the armchair sleuths—and send Krissy to the remainder bin forever.
Just before two dueling book clubs are set to square off at Death by Coffee, one of the competitors turns up dead—bludgeoned with the silver teapot that was to serve as the prize. Suspicion immediately falls on Krissy, who was seen skulking around town in dark clothes on the night of the murder.
To clear her name and find the real killer, Krissy turns to an old flame, Officer Paul Dalton. But even Paul can’t ignore the trail of evidence that seems to point in her direction. And with Krissy’s personal nemesis, Officer John Buchannan, working overtime to pin the murder on her, it will take an amazing feat of detective work to close the book for good on an elusive killer. . .
Just before two dueling book clubs are set to square off at Death by Coffee, one of the competitors turns up dead—bludgeoned with the silver teapot that was to serve as the prize. Suspicion immediately falls on Krissy, who was seen skulking around town in dark clothes on the night of the murder.
To clear her name and find the real killer, Krissy turns to an old flame, Officer Paul Dalton. But even Paul can’t ignore the trail of evidence that seems to point in her direction. And with Krissy’s personal nemesis, Officer John Buchannan, working overtime to pin the murder on her, it will take an amazing feat of detective work to close the book for good on an elusive killer. . .
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 24, 2015
263 people are currently reading
1578 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 267 reviews
October 23, 2015
It has all the elements of a cozy mystery (a tea/coffee shop, a cat, a small town where every store seems to have a cutesy name, and "characters") but didn't quite make it.
Krissy runs Death By Coffee, a bookstore/coffee shop apparently named after her mystery-writing father's most well-known novel, so when a book club meets for discussion she doesn't think much of it. Then the rival team appears, and before long, there's been a murder. (Honestly, that's not a spoiler.)
Naturally Krissy feels she has to investigate, and thus the story really begins.
But if ever a book screamed, "Leave it to the professionals!" and "Just quit already!", this was it. I found myself incredibly frustrated with Krissy, amazed at how everyone just seemed happy to spill secrets to her at a second's notice, and generally incredulous.
Give this one a miss.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Krissy runs Death By Coffee, a bookstore/coffee shop apparently named after her mystery-writing father's most well-known novel, so when a book club meets for discussion she doesn't think much of it. Then the rival team appears, and before long, there's been a murder. (Honestly, that's not a spoiler.)
Naturally Krissy feels she has to investigate, and thus the story really begins.
But if ever a book screamed, "Leave it to the professionals!" and "Just quit already!", this was it. I found myself incredibly frustrated with Krissy, amazed at how everyone just seemed happy to spill secrets to her at a second's notice, and generally incredulous.
Give this one a miss.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 16, 2015
This is another one of those cozy's where the main character is TSTL (too stupid to live). Between her nonsense about her make believe love life for one of the officers on the case and her gosh awful destructive cat, the mystery disappeared. Maybe she has ADHD because she couldn't keep a coherent thought in her head for very long. Nobody in town escaped her often rude interrogations. How her business managed to survive with her out running willy-nilly is only thanks to her employees. A little less cat and less incessant insipid inner dialogue would greatly improve this series.
October 9, 2015
As an avid reader with special interest in the mystery/thriller genre, I'm always on the lookout for a good series. In particular, I like books I can turn to when I've had my fill of blood and guts, mayhem and hard-boiled heroes who can kill five villains with their bare hands despite a broken leg and two gunshot wounds. I still want books in the mystery category, mind you - I just want them a bit on the lighter side. As such, I count The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun, The Burgler Who series by Lawrence Block and the Chet and Bernie mysteries by Spencer Quinn among my go-to favorites (all of which, unfortunately, I've read by now).
Happily, this book, which I received at no cost from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review, fills the bill nicely. The heroine, Krissy Hancock, is the owner of Death by Coffee - a combination coffee shop and bookstore. She made her debut, if I read correctly, in Death by Coffee, which I have not read. This one stands on its own quite well, but little references here and there to incidents I assume happened in the predecessor suggest that I'd have preferred, as is my custom, to read the first one first.
Her little shop has been chosen as a meeting place by a book club, which is prepping for participation in (and winning) a book club competition. Yep, you read that right - I've never heard of such a thing either. They picked the place in part because the book they'll be reading was written by Krissy's father, even though by his own admission it's not one of his best. One night after all the club members and employees have gone, a man - one of the club members - is murdered. He was, it seems, bashed in the head by a teapot.
Krissy, a likable but downright nosy sort, begins to investigate despite warnings from the local police to butt out. Although she apparently helped police solve a different murder earlier - presumably the subject of the first book - this time out she's managed to become a prime suspect herself. Undaunted, she perseveres, putting personal relationships and even her life in jeopardy along the way.
As for Krissy, I flip-flopped from relating to her as a person to, well, not so much. She insists no man looks good in a Speedo (right on), but she abhors all country music (whoa, Nelly)! My biggest turn-off came early on: Her favorite sweet treat is a cup of coffee with a chocolate chip cookie at the bottom of the cup. Gross! Also, some of the situations in which she puts herself even though she's a suspect made me think she's either incredibly naive or impossibly stupid, but hey - if I'm honest, I must admit that nosy me probably have done exactly what she did. More to the point here, though, is that it all works - making the whole thing quite an enjoyable read.
As for me, I've put this series on my to-read list and now await publication of the next one.
Happily, this book, which I received at no cost from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a review, fills the bill nicely. The heroine, Krissy Hancock, is the owner of Death by Coffee - a combination coffee shop and bookstore. She made her debut, if I read correctly, in Death by Coffee, which I have not read. This one stands on its own quite well, but little references here and there to incidents I assume happened in the predecessor suggest that I'd have preferred, as is my custom, to read the first one first.
Her little shop has been chosen as a meeting place by a book club, which is prepping for participation in (and winning) a book club competition. Yep, you read that right - I've never heard of such a thing either. They picked the place in part because the book they'll be reading was written by Krissy's father, even though by his own admission it's not one of his best. One night after all the club members and employees have gone, a man - one of the club members - is murdered. He was, it seems, bashed in the head by a teapot.
Krissy, a likable but downright nosy sort, begins to investigate despite warnings from the local police to butt out. Although she apparently helped police solve a different murder earlier - presumably the subject of the first book - this time out she's managed to become a prime suspect herself. Undaunted, she perseveres, putting personal relationships and even her life in jeopardy along the way.
As for Krissy, I flip-flopped from relating to her as a person to, well, not so much. She insists no man looks good in a Speedo (right on), but she abhors all country music (whoa, Nelly)! My biggest turn-off came early on: Her favorite sweet treat is a cup of coffee with a chocolate chip cookie at the bottom of the cup. Gross! Also, some of the situations in which she puts herself even though she's a suspect made me think she's either incredibly naive or impossibly stupid, but hey - if I'm honest, I must admit that nosy me probably have done exactly what she did. More to the point here, though, is that it all works - making the whole thing quite an enjoyable read.
As for me, I've put this series on my to-read list and now await publication of the next one.
September 16, 2019
3,5 stars
July 15, 2025
"A lot of people acted differently when people weren't around to see them."
October 11, 2015
I was really looking forward to reading this book and am truly disappointed that the story was not what I hoped it would be. As a devoted cozy mystery lover, the title and description of the book seemed like a perfect fit. Unfortunately, the story was far from realistic, the main character, Krissy was unlikable and the plot just seemed very confusing. I didn't understand the concept the author was trying to achieve and was not at all intrigued at any point in the story. I give this story 1 star.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my fair and honest review.
May 26, 2019
I recently went on a cozy mystery buying binge, and downloaded a heap of titles to tide me over when I was low on them. I'd read later books in this series, and it hadn't impacted my opinion on them falling straight in the deep end. This was good though, going back early on in this series and seeing how it developed. Krissy is still not the greatest character, and this book made me wonder a little how she lives as long as she does in order to create more mysteries/books. She doesn't have ANY self preservation in this one at all!
Still though, I enjoyed the mystery even if it was a little darker than I normally like my cozies. Definitely still enjoying this series and looking forward to the newwest book too. Four stars.
Still though, I enjoyed the mystery even if it was a little darker than I normally like my cozies. Definitely still enjoying this series and looking forward to the newwest book too. Four stars.
October 20, 2020
This book was full of so many twists and turns I really couldn't figure out who the murderer was. I was honestly shocked at the end and really loved the book! It was a great cozy mystery!
November 27, 2015
Death by Tea by Alex Erickson is the second book in A Bookstore Café Mystery series. Krissy Hancock is part owner in Death by Coffee (named after a book by her father, James Hancock) with her best friend, Vicki Patterson in Pine Hills. Rita Jablonski (a big fan of James Hancock) has decided to move the Pines Hills and Cherry Valley Book Club Competition to Death by Coffee. A beautiful silver teapot is the prize. They are a vocal group, but it will bring business into the store. But then one of the Cherry Hill members, David Smith, ends up dead inside Death by Coffee. Krissy is a suspect thanks to her late night activities (taking a cardboard cutout of her father out of the store that belongs to Rita). Krissy sets out to prove her innocence and she will do whatever it takes. She will have to evade Officer Buchanan who is determined to put her in jail (he just does not like her) and her very nosy neighbor, Eleanor Withrow.
I was hoping that Death by Tea would be better than the first book in the series. Unfortunately, I was disappointed (I think it was worse). Krissy is just not a likable character. The story is written in the first person so we get to hear all her ramblings and nonsense. She likes Officer Paul Dalton (with the Pine Hills police department) and does not understand why he does not call (this goes on throughout the whole book). The mystery was secondary in the novel to Krissy’s life (she would forget what she was saying or doing when a handsome man was present). We get to hear more about her awful cat, Misfit (who destroys furniture), than about the mystery. When Krissy questions or interrogates people she is not very polite (actually can be rude and pushy). It is like she feels she is entitled to get the answers she wants (even though the people have no reason to talk to her). Krissy rushes into situations (frequently) without thinking things through (leading to embarrassing moments for her and the person she accuses). I give Death by Tea 2.75 out of 5 stars. As you can tell, I am not a fan of this novel. The mystery was extremely easy to solve (despite the attempts of the author to mislead the readers). One clue was the key to solving the mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of Death by Tea from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
I was hoping that Death by Tea would be better than the first book in the series. Unfortunately, I was disappointed (I think it was worse). Krissy is just not a likable character. The story is written in the first person so we get to hear all her ramblings and nonsense. She likes Officer Paul Dalton (with the Pine Hills police department) and does not understand why he does not call (this goes on throughout the whole book). The mystery was secondary in the novel to Krissy’s life (she would forget what she was saying or doing when a handsome man was present). We get to hear more about her awful cat, Misfit (who destroys furniture), than about the mystery. When Krissy questions or interrogates people she is not very polite (actually can be rude and pushy). It is like she feels she is entitled to get the answers she wants (even though the people have no reason to talk to her). Krissy rushes into situations (frequently) without thinking things through (leading to embarrassing moments for her and the person she accuses). I give Death by Tea 2.75 out of 5 stars. As you can tell, I am not a fan of this novel. The mystery was extremely easy to solve (despite the attempts of the author to mislead the readers). One clue was the key to solving the mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of Death by Tea from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review.
http://bibliophileandavidreader.blogs...
November 8, 2015
I had to buy the first one after reading the first few pages of Death by Tea, The cats and the humans are funny, witty, and just quirky enough to make you fall in love. The name of the shop is a perfect setting to breed a great new series of cozies. With a little more organization to the mystery itself would help in the future. More please...
June 9, 2020
Readers normally know what they’re signing up for when they open a cozy mystery. They are typically fluffy novels about non-gruesome mysteries and the armchair sleuths that solve them, who masquerade as bakers or baristas or something similarly demure. But this was an exceptionally bad cozy. In a genre which requires readers to suspend belief in order to enjoy a book, this went above and beyond in being unbelievable and non-realistic.
There are also instances in the book that show some implicit bias (and I am definitely doing a deeper read in light of recent protests). One character is looked down upon for his use of AAVE, and the protagonist describes feeling unsafe multiple times when in poorer areas (which the author outright calls “the other side of the tracks”). On another problematic note, this book shows police corruption and brutality at its height, but then guilts the protagonist into thinking these affronts are part of that job. I don’t know how to reconcile the world of cozies in light of ongoing systemic oppression of Black people in America – and honestly it may not be possible. But the thing is, stories like these *matter*, even when they’re poorly done. The glorification of police by television, movies, and books, has directly contributed to falsified ideals about a fundamentally broken system. A January report by advocacy group Color of Change studied the effects of this kind of glorified portrayal of law enforcement. The study said “the crime genre – the main way that tens of millions of people learn to think about the criminal justice system – advanced debunked ideas about crime, a false hero narrative about law enforcement, and distorted representations about black people, other people of color and women. These shows rendered racism invisible and dismissed any need for police accountability.”
TLDR: this book was bad, and also very problematic, which is disappointing because I really loved the first in the series
There are also instances in the book that show some implicit bias (and I am definitely doing a deeper read in light of recent protests). One character is looked down upon for his use of AAVE, and the protagonist describes feeling unsafe multiple times when in poorer areas (which the author outright calls “the other side of the tracks”). On another problematic note, this book shows police corruption and brutality at its height, but then guilts the protagonist into thinking these affronts are part of that job. I don’t know how to reconcile the world of cozies in light of ongoing systemic oppression of Black people in America – and honestly it may not be possible. But the thing is, stories like these *matter*, even when they’re poorly done. The glorification of police by television, movies, and books, has directly contributed to falsified ideals about a fundamentally broken system. A January report by advocacy group Color of Change studied the effects of this kind of glorified portrayal of law enforcement. The study said “the crime genre – the main way that tens of millions of people learn to think about the criminal justice system – advanced debunked ideas about crime, a false hero narrative about law enforcement, and distorted representations about black people, other people of color and women. These shows rendered racism invisible and dismissed any need for police accountability.”
TLDR: this book was bad, and also very problematic, which is disappointing because I really loved the first in the series
November 12, 2015
Really cute mystery! Krissy's antics along with her cat had me laughing and liking the story more with each page. However, it felt like the mystery part was secondary to Krissy's life and seemed to take a backseat to the rest of the story, so that's where it fell a little short for me. I am looking forward to the third book to see how this series progresses.
May 20, 2020
I really like this series. It is fun, and I am in love with the cat Misfit 😂 The murder mystery was interesting, and I was not able to guess the murderer. I’m looking forward to continuing this series.
April 22, 2021
2.5 Stars
rounded up to 3 Stars.
What can I say? Krissy is just a primo doofus sleuth. What saves this story is the setting, great side characters (Lena definitely has potential) and a good mystery story line for a cozy.
What can I say? Krissy is just a primo doofus sleuth. What saves this story is the setting, great side characters (Lena definitely has potential) and a good mystery story line for a cozy.
September 17, 2023
If I had a nickel for every time she said "I should leave it to the police" and then definitely did the stupid thing without contacting the police, I'd have a handful of nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's too much. And I get that that's kind of the thing with cozy mysteries....but this was way overboard.
July 14, 2021
Let me preface this by saying that I don't normally write negative reviews these days. I normally just DNF a book I'm not enjoying rather than hate read it. But I own book 3 in print, and it's Halloween themed, so I'm going to read it anyways. I just really regret reading the first two books instead of just giving myself permission to read out of order.
Somehow I disliked this even more than book 1.
I often have hard times with the first books of cozies, and I know it can take awhile to establish the setting and characters. I usually have patience because I like the setting and characters. But I legit like no one in this series, and Krissy is so rarely at work that Death by Coffee almost doesn't figure into the book, even though it was the focal point of the murder investigation.
I don't understand Krissy as a character. I don't understand her cat. Both are annoying, I wouldn't be friends with Krissy and there's no way anyone would put up with Misfit. Yes, cats can be vindictive, but usually they have some kind of redeeming qualities. I have a feeling the author is not a cat person, but he also doesn't seem to like people very much, because why else would everyone be so insufferable? And Krissy's young, and yet she behaves like a grumpy old man who can't stand the way young people talk these days (and by young people, I mean a young black man, and that just screams racism).
So lets talk about how Krissy is too stupid to live. Even though she doesn't even to appear to be a fan of mystery books, somehow she now thinks it's up to her to solve murders. Granted, the police in this town are also too stupid to live, but Krissy can't walk two feet and hold a thought in her head at the same time. She just interrogates people, breaks into places, leaps to conclusions like that's her actual job (you know, instead of working at the coffee shop... which is legit her job), and only manages to "solve" the crime when the murderers get sick of her shit and come to murder her. Which makes the killers too stupid to live too, because, ya'll, our girl Krissy was definitely NOT on to you. Like, at all.
I don't understand this series. It's set in a coffee shop/bookstore, although it doesn't seem that the author really likes either of those things. The book club competition- which could have been awesome, is ruined because all of the readers are annoying af. Krissy is forever ruining coffee by dropping in cookies at the bottom, and the bookstore cat? Another asshole cat. Why have cats in the book if you don't like cats?
And I know I said Krissy acts like a grumpy old man, but that's only when she's not acting like a tween in the throes of her first crush. Officer Paul is so lame and Ken Doll like, I can only assume he's as smooth as Ken down there. And the bowling guy was also lame. Seriously, Krissy, get a vibrator and a therapist, because you have some serious alone time to discover how to function like an actual adult.
Don't even get me started on the missing money. How does Death by Coffee function?! Did either of the women take a single business class?! JESUS.
On the positive side, the audiobook narrator is doing the best she can with this mess.
Somehow I disliked this even more than book 1.
I often have hard times with the first books of cozies, and I know it can take awhile to establish the setting and characters. I usually have patience because I like the setting and characters. But I legit like no one in this series, and Krissy is so rarely at work that Death by Coffee almost doesn't figure into the book, even though it was the focal point of the murder investigation.
I don't understand Krissy as a character. I don't understand her cat. Both are annoying, I wouldn't be friends with Krissy and there's no way anyone would put up with Misfit. Yes, cats can be vindictive, but usually they have some kind of redeeming qualities. I have a feeling the author is not a cat person, but he also doesn't seem to like people very much, because why else would everyone be so insufferable? And Krissy's young, and yet she behaves like a grumpy old man who can't stand the way young people talk these days (and by young people, I mean a young black man, and that just screams racism).
So lets talk about how Krissy is too stupid to live. Even though she doesn't even to appear to be a fan of mystery books, somehow she now thinks it's up to her to solve murders. Granted, the police in this town are also too stupid to live, but Krissy can't walk two feet and hold a thought in her head at the same time. She just interrogates people, breaks into places, leaps to conclusions like that's her actual job (you know, instead of working at the coffee shop... which is legit her job), and only manages to "solve" the crime when the murderers get sick of her shit and come to murder her. Which makes the killers too stupid to live too, because, ya'll, our girl Krissy was definitely NOT on to you. Like, at all.
I don't understand this series. It's set in a coffee shop/bookstore, although it doesn't seem that the author really likes either of those things. The book club competition- which could have been awesome, is ruined because all of the readers are annoying af. Krissy is forever ruining coffee by dropping in cookies at the bottom, and the bookstore cat? Another asshole cat. Why have cats in the book if you don't like cats?
And I know I said Krissy acts like a grumpy old man, but that's only when she's not acting like a tween in the throes of her first crush. Officer Paul is so lame and Ken Doll like, I can only assume he's as smooth as Ken down there. And the bowling guy was also lame. Seriously, Krissy, get a vibrator and a therapist, because you have some serious alone time to discover how to function like an actual adult.
Don't even get me started on the missing money. How does Death by Coffee function?! Did either of the women take a single business class?! JESUS.
On the positive side, the audiobook narrator is doing the best she can with this mess.
November 12, 2015
This series has taken a bad turn for me. I enjoyed the first book but this one the main character, Krissy completely got on my nerves. After a man turns up murdered in her coffee shop/book store, she says she will stay out of it and let the police handle it even though she is a suspect because she was in the shop late that night. As it goes in mysteries, Krissy just can't keep out of it and starts investigating on her own. But what really irked me was EVERYONE talked to her and spilled their guts to her. I mean, who does that??! Instead of Krissy just keep doing what she was doing and talking to everyone and gathering clues to possible suspects, she waffles back and forth as to whether to keep at it or stay out of it completely. UGH! Then she played the poor me routine because she is a suspect and her cat is destructive. Just completely ruined it for me.
I received a free advanced ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free advanced ecopy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2018
Krissy is coming across as really stupid - quite embarrassing. She's always trying to solve mysteries and not doing a great job. In fact, she always accused the wrong person and then discovers the real murderer when the person comes after her. She disvovers clues by breaking and entering and keeps them from the police, especially when she should hand them over as quickly as she can when they come to her by accident. So far, I don't think much of her intelligence or sense. I will proba ly resd one more since I already have it, but if she doesn't improve, I think I'll give up on her.
September 4, 2021
I listened to this while driving back and forth between my house and the hospital in the town where I grew up (family emergency). It was light and fluffy and kind of just what I needed. I'm enjoying this series and that I don't know exactly where things are going is refreshing. I'll probably continue as I need more light things right now.
November 11, 2025
This is a fun series! I started it last year and completely forgot about it. I’m so glad I started again. This one was a little more predictable but still had a great twist. Krissy is in the midst of hosting a big book club competition at the coffee shop Death by Coffee, when someone is brutally taken out by the prize teapot! Kristy loves to solve puzzles and this is right up her ally. But it lands her in hot water and now she’s the suspect! Poor girl can’t catch a break. She has to team up with her crush to find out who really did it. Also not trying to spoil but it’s always a disgruntled employee lol
I think this series is going to be like a modern Nancy Drew. I’m starting book 3 right now!
I think this series is going to be like a modern Nancy Drew. I’m starting book 3 right now!
March 15, 2020
The mystery was a good one although I did eventually figure out who the killer was and even why. The showdown was a bit nail-biting, but once again good old Krissy annoyed the truth out of the perp. I like the premise for this series being books and coffee, but I'm having trouble warming up to Krissy. Vicki seems to be the voice of reason in their business venture, and I do like the police chief and her son Paul a lot.
November 24, 2015
‘Death by Tea’, second in the Bookstore Cafe series, is in some ways true to life…my life as a cat owner, at least. This can be read as a stand-alone, but I found it so good that I will read the first one, too! Misfit is Krissy Hancock’s cat (I’ve had at least one cat that should have been named that!) and Trouble is Vicki’s. Krissy is the owner of the new Death by Coffee bookstore and café, named after one of her father’s novels. I think there is a bit of the wannabe book store owner in the life of every coffee drinking, cat-loving reader.
Unfortunately in every life, there is someone like Rita who, in this case, is part of the local book club that meets at Death by Coffee while Pine Hill’s and Cherry Valley’s Book Clubs prepared for their annual debate. This year they would debate Krissy’s father’s book, Death by Chocolate, and the award for the winning team would be a beautiful silver teapot. Since Rita had been very vocal about how she had the hots for Krissy’s father, who fortunately didn’t live in Pine Hills, the high esteem she held for his novel was no secret.
Krissy had to run to the book store late one night after it had closed; her nosy neighbor Eleanor, who watched her with binoculars every night, gleefully shared with the police the next day before they came to her door. To take her in for questioning. For murder, the murder of a suave English-sounding gentleman from the Cherry Valley team who was found dead in her bookstore early that morning. She was confronted by bad-cop, stern police chief, and who she thought was good-cop but now wouldn’t even talk with her, the police chief’s son, Officer Paul Dalton, who probably wouldn’t ask her out again any time soon.
I loved Krissy and Misfit! They are, to me, a normal woman owned by a normal cat. I feel as if Krissy and Vicki, and all the primary characters were very well-defined through their actions and conversations. Rita seemed familiar because she resembles at least one person in my life at any given time. The police force is interesting, possibly because I have only hearsay knowledge of our men and women in blue. They are presented as needed for their roles, so this reader could appreciate them (or dislike, in the case of bad-cop). I feel that we were given excellent portrayals of the book club members, including the man who was murdered and his grieving girlfriend. It is easy to get to know many of the townspeople; they are as ‘real’ as it gets.
The storyline, bookstore and its daily workings were interesting. The mystery could have had many solutions, and this reader picked out more than one suspect. Except the real one! Being stumped, for me, is one sign of a good mystery. Add an interesting setting and characters, feisty and intelligent protagonists, enough suspense to keep the pages turning, and of course, a cat or two…these make for a great cozy mystery. I highly recommend ‘Death by Tea’ to those who enjoyed ‘Death by Coffee’ and anyone who enjoys well-written, thoroughly executed mysteries that keep the reader guessing. I am so looking forward to their next adventure! Four paws UP for a fun read!
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington, via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation has been received for this review.
Unfortunately in every life, there is someone like Rita who, in this case, is part of the local book club that meets at Death by Coffee while Pine Hill’s and Cherry Valley’s Book Clubs prepared for their annual debate. This year they would debate Krissy’s father’s book, Death by Chocolate, and the award for the winning team would be a beautiful silver teapot. Since Rita had been very vocal about how she had the hots for Krissy’s father, who fortunately didn’t live in Pine Hills, the high esteem she held for his novel was no secret.
Krissy had to run to the book store late one night after it had closed; her nosy neighbor Eleanor, who watched her with binoculars every night, gleefully shared with the police the next day before they came to her door. To take her in for questioning. For murder, the murder of a suave English-sounding gentleman from the Cherry Valley team who was found dead in her bookstore early that morning. She was confronted by bad-cop, stern police chief, and who she thought was good-cop but now wouldn’t even talk with her, the police chief’s son, Officer Paul Dalton, who probably wouldn’t ask her out again any time soon.
I loved Krissy and Misfit! They are, to me, a normal woman owned by a normal cat. I feel as if Krissy and Vicki, and all the primary characters were very well-defined through their actions and conversations. Rita seemed familiar because she resembles at least one person in my life at any given time. The police force is interesting, possibly because I have only hearsay knowledge of our men and women in blue. They are presented as needed for their roles, so this reader could appreciate them (or dislike, in the case of bad-cop). I feel that we were given excellent portrayals of the book club members, including the man who was murdered and his grieving girlfriend. It is easy to get to know many of the townspeople; they are as ‘real’ as it gets.
The storyline, bookstore and its daily workings were interesting. The mystery could have had many solutions, and this reader picked out more than one suspect. Except the real one! Being stumped, for me, is one sign of a good mystery. Add an interesting setting and characters, feisty and intelligent protagonists, enough suspense to keep the pages turning, and of course, a cat or two…these make for a great cozy mystery. I highly recommend ‘Death by Tea’ to those who enjoyed ‘Death by Coffee’ and anyone who enjoys well-written, thoroughly executed mysteries that keep the reader guessing. I am so looking forward to their next adventure! Four paws UP for a fun read!
With a grateful heart, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Kensington, via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation has been received for this review.
April 2, 2019
Krissy is reactionary and stupid. It is difficult to like a series if the main character is going to do stupid things that constantly land her in trouble. I understand being reactionary. She is dealing with a peeping Tom neighbor who loves to make up false accusations and spread rumors about her and a cop who is out to get her. HOWEVER, she should not have taken the cardboard cutout of her father from the café. She should have simply moved it as soon as it arrived to the storage room. She also should not have confronted her nosey neighbor. When she realized that her elderly neighbor was using binoculars to spy on her as she undressed, Krissy should have given her something to watch, something as lewd as possible. Knowing that her neighbor would likely call Officer Buchanan with yet another complaint, Krissy should then have closed the curtains, turned off all lights, dressing in PJ's, climbed into bed, and NOT answered the door when cops arrived. The next day in a reaction to her disgusting neighbor she should have painted the glass of all windows facing the peeping Tom's house. Then she should have used gloves while writing a note to nosey neighbor as follows: Dear Miss Winthrow, since you are apparently only able to achieve orgasm by watching women strip perhaps you should accompany Officer Buchanan when he visits Beers and Rears. Maybe afterward he will be willing to accommodate you with his itty, bitty, little …. She could use painter's tape to leave the note on her neighbor's door in the middle of the night. And since Officer Buchanan used a search warrant for an object obviously to large to fit in any drawer as an excuse to go through her underwear drawer, she should know he will do it again. I think she needs to go out of town to purchase a safe and have it installed behind a fake wall in her closet. She can then store all of her underwear where it is much less likely to be found. She also needs to have an 8 foot fence installed around her back yard to provide some privacy on that side of her house. AND she should have a long list of friends show up at her house from time to time dresses as homeless, nuns, prostitutes, etc. MAYBE when the cops get tired of running out to investigate her neighbors false accusations they will start ignoring them. And the café was obviously too small for the book club competition. IF I were the owner of the café, the local cops would be banned from the place without a warrant. Their patronage I could do without. Paul is a jerk.
January 19, 2016
Death seems to follow Krissy Hancock around. In book one of this series, the murder happened inside the bookstore/cafe called Death by Coffee. And in this second offering by Alex Erickson the dead body is also found in the bookstore. Dueling bookclubs compete for the coveted silver teapot and in this quest for glory someone ends up dead.
Erikson weaves a very interesting mystery that takes our lead character down a few dead ends while having the police give her the third-degree even though they figure she is completely innocent since she had only met the dead man the day before.
Sometimes you open your eyes and you think, "What? That's crazy." And then I remember that a whole lot in this world is crazy and that isn't unthinkable to have the police treat her in such a way. The man that she is most interested in, Officer Paul and son of the police chief, keeps his distance while a creepy officer is riffling through her underware drawer and threatens to throw her in jail at every turn. It is up to Krissy to solve the murder and clear herself and her reputation from the bloody stains of murder.
This book was great. I truly enjoyed all the twists and turns it took. I look forward to the next book in this author's arsenal. If you see the name Alex Erickson in a bookstore ile, definitely pick it up.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.
Erikson weaves a very interesting mystery that takes our lead character down a few dead ends while having the police give her the third-degree even though they figure she is completely innocent since she had only met the dead man the day before.
Sometimes you open your eyes and you think, "What? That's crazy." And then I remember that a whole lot in this world is crazy and that isn't unthinkable to have the police treat her in such a way. The man that she is most interested in, Officer Paul and son of the police chief, keeps his distance while a creepy officer is riffling through her underware drawer and threatens to throw her in jail at every turn. It is up to Krissy to solve the murder and clear herself and her reputation from the bloody stains of murder.
This book was great. I truly enjoyed all the twists and turns it took. I look forward to the next book in this author's arsenal. If you see the name Alex Erickson in a bookstore ile, definitely pick it up.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) from Net Galley in return for an honest review. I thank the author, publisher and Net Galley for allowing me to read this title.
April 30, 2017
When I saw this book up for grabs on Netgalley, I knew I had to try to get it! Coffee? Murders? Bookclub competitions!?! It was a recipe for success. I love cozies with quirky titles and quirky heroines, with quirky odd ball crimes. However, I was mildly disappointed with this one.
It definitely had the quirky crime, a man bludgeoned to death by a silver teapot trophy for a book club competition. It also had the quirky title. Death by Tea…get it? The guy was killed by a teapot in a café called Death by Coffee…Get It!?!...
The quirky heroine?...This small ingredient fell flat. What might have been considered quirky in Krissy’s tenacity and tendency for trouble merely left her somewhat obnoxious, high handed, and prone to the jumping of conclusions that always left her embarrassed, and wrong. Then when all is said and done, very rarely, does she really take the blame for mistakes. It is always “if only that person hadn’t done that…”
The mystery to the murder had so many red herrings that when the crime was solved I wasn’t shocked or bewildered…I merely felt confused and somewhat giped of a cool ending.
I’m not sure I will continue the series. Although it was a decent cozy, I just didn’t fee; any connection.
I received this novel for free from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
It definitely had the quirky crime, a man bludgeoned to death by a silver teapot trophy for a book club competition. It also had the quirky title. Death by Tea…get it? The guy was killed by a teapot in a café called Death by Coffee…Get It!?!...
The quirky heroine?...This small ingredient fell flat. What might have been considered quirky in Krissy’s tenacity and tendency for trouble merely left her somewhat obnoxious, high handed, and prone to the jumping of conclusions that always left her embarrassed, and wrong. Then when all is said and done, very rarely, does she really take the blame for mistakes. It is always “if only that person hadn’t done that…”
The mystery to the murder had so many red herrings that when the crime was solved I wasn’t shocked or bewildered…I merely felt confused and somewhat giped of a cool ending.
I’m not sure I will continue the series. Although it was a decent cozy, I just didn’t fee; any connection.
I received this novel for free from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 11, 2015
Death by Tea by Alex Erickson is the second in the Bookstore Cafe Mystery series. It was an interesting read for me because of the the twists and turns.
The characters are slowly developing so that readers can get to know them better. The plot moved smoothly but a little slow. There were clues, unexpected surprises and red herrings enough to keep me guessing as to who did it and why until the reveal. My only problem with this book was Krissy. I struggled with liking her and trying to appreciate her determination to solve a murder that she has been implicated in. She is often brash, has some self-esteem issues and is very impulsive. I found myself torn between laughing at her and wanting to shake her. She seems to have only two speeds - full throttle charging into other peoples lives and asking questions or exhausted.
All in all the mystery itself was well plotted and made for a satisfying mystery read. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are slowly developing so that readers can get to know them better. The plot moved smoothly but a little slow. There were clues, unexpected surprises and red herrings enough to keep me guessing as to who did it and why until the reveal. My only problem with this book was Krissy. I struggled with liking her and trying to appreciate her determination to solve a murder that she has been implicated in. She is often brash, has some self-esteem issues and is very impulsive. I found myself torn between laughing at her and wanting to shake her. She seems to have only two speeds - full throttle charging into other peoples lives and asking questions or exhausted.
All in all the mystery itself was well plotted and made for a satisfying mystery read. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2015
This second Bookstore Cafe Mystery is a good clean series. It can stand alone okay but has some old characters and lots of new ones. There are lots of suspects and it kept me guessing till the reveal.
Krissy Hancock owns a bookstore cafe. She is single and likes a deputy Paul Dalton but has only dated him once. Another deputy John Buchannan hates her and thinks she is always guilty.
Her father is a murder mystery writer. Two different book groups from two towns are reading his book and has a competition. They really take this serious. The whole town comes to it. One of the neighbor town book club member is murdered at the bookstore in the middle of the night.
Krissy's personal life is a mess. Her cat included for her problems, Her neighbor is always spying on her. Paul won't return her phone calls. She is the prime suspect for the murder. I wanted to see her personal life get more with it.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I was given this ebook to read for the purpose of giving a honest review of Death by Tea.
Krissy Hancock owns a bookstore cafe. She is single and likes a deputy Paul Dalton but has only dated him once. Another deputy John Buchannan hates her and thinks she is always guilty.
Her father is a murder mystery writer. Two different book groups from two towns are reading his book and has a competition. They really take this serious. The whole town comes to it. One of the neighbor town book club member is murdered at the bookstore in the middle of the night.
Krissy's personal life is a mess. Her cat included for her problems, Her neighbor is always spying on her. Paul won't return her phone calls. She is the prime suspect for the murder. I wanted to see her personal life get more with it.
I look forward to the next book in the series.
I was given this ebook to read for the purpose of giving a honest review of Death by Tea.
July 9, 2017
it was a good mystery with some really interesting characters and the setting wasn't bad either a bookstore/ coffee shop owned by the daughter of mystery writer. Krissy was a good sleuth, and reminded me of the Hardy Boys books I read in my teen and pre-teen years. Krissy being the daughter of a famous mystery writer who enjoys solving a good mystery, even in her thirties. I did enjoy to see her sleuthing around for clues, and eavesdropping on people's conversations. I will draw the line at asking her police officer boyfriend to break in and see the crime scene. that wouldn't happen, if there was a police investigation into the victim's death. Chrissy would be at a sideline in the investigation,butt I really did enjoy seeing her investigate it like a puzzle she does or a mystery novel she reads. In the end it kind of give her the inspiration to write her own Mysteries. The mystery itself with was interesting to read and solve in the end finding out the motive for murder and all that. it really challenge me to figure out who the killer was and why they did it.
May 17, 2017
With Krissy still trying to get her shop Death By Coffee up and running and making a profit, it isn't helping things when a dead body is found among the shelves.
Two dueling book clubs are all set to square off for the annual book club competition. Reading one of Krissy's fathers least favorite works, with the prize being a silver teapot. Althugh I don't think anyone will be using it any time soon, as it is also the murder weapon.
Thanks to Krissy's nosy neighbor, she is definitely a suspect. And the only one the police are looking at.
There were a couple of different plots going on in this second cozy mystery. Money may or may not be missing from the store and the dead guy may or may not be who and what he said he is/was.
This is a nice cozy mystery. There are so many quirky characters in this little town and just like most little towns, everybody knows everyone's business and will freely share it!
Looking forward to the next one!
Two dueling book clubs are all set to square off for the annual book club competition. Reading one of Krissy's fathers least favorite works, with the prize being a silver teapot. Althugh I don't think anyone will be using it any time soon, as it is also the murder weapon.
Thanks to Krissy's nosy neighbor, she is definitely a suspect. And the only one the police are looking at.
There were a couple of different plots going on in this second cozy mystery. Money may or may not be missing from the store and the dead guy may or may not be who and what he said he is/was.
This is a nice cozy mystery. There are so many quirky characters in this little town and just like most little towns, everybody knows everyone's business and will freely share it!
Looking forward to the next one!
November 24, 2015
The is,the second book in this series. Misfit's actions were true to a cat and amusing but really had no place in the weak plot. Krissy actions were childish and I didn't like the character. Her actions were repetitive and showed she did not learned. The town of Pine Hills has an an annual literary contest with a neighboring town. Rita decides it should be held at Death For Coffee. Krissy acts like an idot and sneaks to the shop at night to remove a paper cutout. A member of the opposing team is murdered in the shop near the time of her visit. This puts Krissy as a person of suspect. Krissy feels she needs to clear herself.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
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