A Sandwich to Die For: A New Zealand Small Town Cozy Mystery

by E. Hazard

Murder is on the menu in Willowby… and the scones aren’t the only thing served warm.

Former investigative journalist Tamsin Blake has swapped deadlines for dough at her beloved Velvet Scone Café. But when a trip to the bustling Hidden Hollow Market ends with a local man dropping dead over a grilled cheese, she finds herself with more than just crumbs to worry about.

The only clue? A mysterious coin—delivered to Tamsin by none other than Inspector Crumpet, the town’s sharp-tongued African grey parrot. With the market buzzing with suspects and secrets, Tamsin must rely on her loyal co-owner Iris, skeptical Detective Sergeant Cal Morgan, and gossip-loving Constable Penny Tui to uncover the truth.

As whispers spread through Willowby, Tamsin juggles baking, sleuthing, and a shocking revelation that could upend the town forever. Cozy chaos, quirky characters, and mouthwatering treats make A Sandwich to Die For a delectable addition to the Velvet Scone Mysteries.

Fans of Midsomer Murders, fresh-baked scones, and a dash of small-town scandal will savor every bite.

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 18, 2025

Reviews

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review A Sandwich to Die For (The Velvet Scone Mysteries Series  #3) by E. Hazard

From chapter one I was drawn into the story that the author wove. This is an entertaining, cozy mystery that was well written with characters you cannot help but become invested in.

The intrigue and suspense kept me invested from the first to the last paragraph.

Set in Willowby, New Zealand, there were some surprises in A Sandwich To Die For as cafe owner and amateur detective Tamsin Blake follows the clues. Along with her trusty group which includes Iris, Detective Sergeant Cal Morgan and Constable Penny Tui will they be able to uncover the truth?

One click and find out.

[Wendy Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical small town with the old solid buildings, tunnels, secrets and characters whose ancestors go back to the start of the town. It's a little dark to be considered a Cozy Mystery but not classed exactly as a thriller. Interesting characters and the plot developes slowly giving clues and hints as it goes. A little confusing at times as things said to be the next day seem to happen on the same day. I've not read this author before so maybe it's just the ways she writes. The ideas are great and I did enjoy the bases for the story it kept me reading.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Sandwich to Die For by E. Hazard is a mystery based in New Zealand in a small town named Willowby. This book is part of the velvet scone mysteries, which I now want to read more of, however you can read this book as a standalone. Tasmin is our MC who was a journalist and now she is a cafe owner. She comes across a dead man at the market one day and it is up to her to find out what happened as in these mysteries you can always find the MC solving the investigation before the cops or police;) I liked the writing style of the book and how the story unfolds and the secondary cast of characters that Tasmin interacts with in this book. I also really liked the bird named Inspector Crumpet who delivers a coin to Tasmin, that was probably one of my favorite characters in the book he is just super adorable.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

A good read set in a small town in NZ, but which could be in other countries, such as the UK. I very much liked the cast of characters but would have benefited from reading other books in the series, which I will remedy. This will certainly help in understanding the links between everyone and who formed the central cast.
The 'cosy' murder mystery at its heart is definitely intriguing and rife with revelations. My only issue with this would be the confusion of plotlines at the climactic moments as one minute the suspect had been subdued, but then wasn't..was this me misreading? All that aside, I enjoyed this visit to the village of Willoghby and meeting Tasmin, Iris, Cal, Reuben and Toby and look forward to more. 💖💖💖💖

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting small town cozy mystery with some quirky characters and an intriguing plot. It was interesting to follow along with all the sleuthing and interactions and trying to solve the mystery. Plot includes a murder, suspense, intrigue, interactions, tension, connections, and twists.

[Joyffree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a standalone, but I honestly wish I had read the previous books in the series.
Yes, I did correct this problem as I have grabbed book one, A Scone to Die For, and plan on starting at the beginning. I want answers to all my questions!!!
Like:
Who’s the bird?
What is up with the weird tension between her and the sheriff?
Her and the beau?
What did she do to have everyone in town know that she wouldn't be able to resist sticking her little fingers in the mess?
I get she used to be a reporter, but still, I want the tea.

This was a small town cozy mystery with some grayish moments, or blue, depending on who and what
Lots of little breadcrumb trails are tossed about in the storyline to keep you guessing.
I was positive a couple of times I had the culprit pinned down when suddenly Tasmin or one of her cohorts would toss out a banana peel possibility, sending my perfectly crafted “I know who did it” sliding into nowhere's vill.

An engaging read from beginning to end