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Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #6
Four Puddings and a Funeral
Business is going well at Gemma Rose’s quaint English teashop and she’s delighted about her first big catering job at a local village funeral… until the day ends with a second body and one of the Old Biddies accused of murder! Now the resourceful tearoom sleuth must find out which delicious pudding contained the deadly arsenic—and who might have wanted the wealthy widow dead…
But Gemma has other troubles to contend with, from her naughty cat, Muesli, running loose in her tearoom to an unexpected hedgehog guest in her home—and that’s before the all-important “meet the parents” dinner with her handsome detective boyfriend turns into a total disaster!
With so many things on her plate, can Gemma solve the mystery in time to catch the murderer or will she come to a sticky end?
(* Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe at the end of the story!)
This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: humorous culinary cozy mysteries, cat cozy mystery series / women amateur sleuth / British detective mystery
OXFORD TEAROOM MYSTERIES
A Scone To Die For (Book 1)
Tea with Milk and Murder (Book 2)
Two Down, Bun To Go (Book 3)
Till Death Do Us Tart (Book 4)
Muffins and Mourning Tea (Book 5)
Four Puddings and a Funeral (Book 6)
But Gemma has other troubles to contend with, from her naughty cat, Muesli, running loose in her tearoom to an unexpected hedgehog guest in her home—and that’s before the all-important “meet the parents” dinner with her handsome detective boyfriend turns into a total disaster!
With so many things on her plate, can Gemma solve the mystery in time to catch the murderer or will she come to a sticky end?
(* Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe at the end of the story!)
This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: humorous culinary cozy mysteries, cat cozy mystery series / women amateur sleuth / British detective mystery
OXFORD TEAROOM MYSTERIES
A Scone To Die For (Book 1)
Tea with Milk and Murder (Book 2)
Two Down, Bun To Go (Book 3)
Till Death Do Us Tart (Book 4)
Muffins and Mourning Tea (Book 5)
Four Puddings and a Funeral (Book 6)
346 pages, ebook
First published March 29, 2017
1350 people are currently reading
519 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
63 books1,076 followersUSA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna has written over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. Her mysteries blend humour and clever plotting with vivid settings, featuring quirky characters - and cats with big personalities! After spending years trying to fit in and do a “real” job, Hsin-Yi finally returned to her first love: writing.
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
Throughout her life, she has called many places home—from Taiwan to Oxford, Dubai to New Zealand. She’s finally unpacked for good in Perth, Western Australia, where she spends most days fighting with her rescue cat Muesli for the use of her office chair.
You can learn more about her and her books at: www.hyhanna.com
And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as a free novella and short story! Go to: www.hyhanna.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
May 19, 2022
Book six in the Oxford Tearooms Mysteries with some cross over characters to attract readers over to the author's Bewitched by Chocolate series. A clever move!
In Four Puddings and a Funeral Gemma Rose leaves her tea shop in the capable hands of her friend Cassie and the 'old biddies', and ventures out to cater for a funeral. All seems to be well until one of the attendees collapses during the speeches and dies a little later. It turns out be murder by poison. Gemma feels obliged to pursue the investigation because the vehicle for administering the poison was almost certainly one of her desserts.
So we know how but not why and definitely not who. There are a number of possibilities which are all pursued by the old biddies and Gemma and they get into trouble several times. The story moves fast with the usual red herrings, lots of rather slapstick humour, and a surprising conclusion which includes a hedgehog called Pricklebum who is very cute but also amazingly useful.
So I enjoyed this visit to Gemma's Oxford as much as I always do and I am looking forward to the next episode.
In Four Puddings and a Funeral Gemma Rose leaves her tea shop in the capable hands of her friend Cassie and the 'old biddies', and ventures out to cater for a funeral. All seems to be well until one of the attendees collapses during the speeches and dies a little later. It turns out be murder by poison. Gemma feels obliged to pursue the investigation because the vehicle for administering the poison was almost certainly one of her desserts.
So we know how but not why and definitely not who. There are a number of possibilities which are all pursued by the old biddies and Gemma and they get into trouble several times. The story moves fast with the usual red herrings, lots of rather slapstick humour, and a surprising conclusion which includes a hedgehog called Pricklebum who is very cute but also amazingly useful.
So I enjoyed this visit to Gemma's Oxford as much as I always do and I am looking forward to the next episode.
May 24, 2023
Je ne savais pas du tout à quoi m'attendre en lisant ce livre. Surtout que j'ai lu le livre 6 en premier et j'avais peur de me faire spoiler les tomes précédents. Et ça n'a pas été le cas du tout. Le livre est juste trop bien. J'adore le personnage de Gemma et son amitié avec Cassie. Son couple avec Devlin est très touchant et j'aime particulièrement l'évolution de leur relation. Ils ne sont pas du tout du même milieu et cela peut créer des tensions surtout quand la famille de Gemma s'en mêle. Il y a énormément de rebondissements auxquels on ne s'attend pas et c'est ça qui fait la force du livre. Le coupable est assez facile à deviner mais on ne s'attend pas à de telles révélations à la fin. Ça m'a donné envie de découvrir les autres tomes de la saga. Le petit groupe de vieilles dames est hilarant et elles se mettent dans des situations assez particulières car elles veulent résoudre les enquêtes comme dans les romans policiers qu'elles lisent. Je me rends compte que j'adore les cosy mystery. La plume est fluide et très agréable. Cela se lit très vite et je recommande cette saga.
July 12, 2023
Four Puddings and a Funeral (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, #6) by H.Y. Hanna
Synopsis /
Business is going well at Gemma Rose’s quaint English teashop and she’s delighted about her first big catering job at a local village funeral… until the day ends with a second body and one of the Old Biddies accused of murder! Now the resourceful tearoom sleuth must find out which delicious pudding contained the deadly arsenic—and who might have wanted the wealthy widow dead…
But Gemma has other troubles to contend with, from her naughty cat, Muesli, running loose in her tearoom to an unexpected hedgehog guest in her home—and that’s before the all-important “meet the parents” dinner with her handsome detective boyfriend turns into a total disaster!
With so many things on her plate, can Gemma solve the mystery in time to catch the murderer or will she come to a sticky end?
My Thoughts /
Question: What do you get when you have four puddings at a funeral?
Answer: The sixth book of H.Y. Hanna's Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. The treacle tart, lemon meringue pies, sticky toffee pudding and Victoria sponge are all under suspicion!!! After seeing the deceased's wife keel over dead, you might not want to eat any of the delicious looking sweet treats either!! Or could it be the dainty finger sandwiches filled with cucumber and mint? Or the honey-glazed ham with English mustard? Or the freshly baked scones, accompanied by pots of home-made jam and clotted cream?
How could all that perfect, buttery, goodness be so bad?
In the quaint Cotswolds village of Meadowford-on-Smythe lies the Little Stables Tearoom. As the name suggests, the Little Stables Tearoom is a traditional English teahouse and is run by Gemma Rose and her best friend, Cassie.
The story opens with a funeral. Nobody likes going to a funeral - especially when the person being buried isn't the only dead body. The Little Stables Tearoom had been asked to do the catering for the funeral reception, so Gemma was hoping to make a good impression, as it might mean more catering jobs might come her way. But when Adele Clifford (the deceased's widow) dies at the reception and the police suspect poison, it all points to the food. But when the police arrest Mabel Cooke, leader of a group of senior ladies, known affectionately as the "Old Biddies", Gemma gets involved to prove her friend's innocence and to catch the real killer.
This is another excellent addition to the series. Hanna writes with humour and mirth, which is part of what keeps me coming back. The 'mysteries' are a little cliché, but when combined with the characters, it's just a wonderful reading experience. Returning in this instalment are our old friends, Mabel, Glenda, Florence and Ethel (aka the Old Biddies); Gemma and her BFF, Cassie; CID detective and boyfriend Devlin O'Connor; the handsome Dr Lincoln Green; and of course, Muesli the cat.
The storyline moves along quickly, and Hanna has Gemma and the old biddies getting into the usual requisite amount of 'trouble' before finally cracking the case.
Another very enjoyable visit with the gang at Meadowford-on-Smythe.
Before I sign off, I can tell you that I did try the Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe at the end of the story, and I've lived to tell the tale!
PS: It was delish.
Synopsis /
Business is going well at Gemma Rose’s quaint English teashop and she’s delighted about her first big catering job at a local village funeral… until the day ends with a second body and one of the Old Biddies accused of murder! Now the resourceful tearoom sleuth must find out which delicious pudding contained the deadly arsenic—and who might have wanted the wealthy widow dead…
But Gemma has other troubles to contend with, from her naughty cat, Muesli, running loose in her tearoom to an unexpected hedgehog guest in her home—and that’s before the all-important “meet the parents” dinner with her handsome detective boyfriend turns into a total disaster!
With so many things on her plate, can Gemma solve the mystery in time to catch the murderer or will she come to a sticky end?
My Thoughts /
Question: What do you get when you have four puddings at a funeral?
Answer: The sixth book of H.Y. Hanna's Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. The treacle tart, lemon meringue pies, sticky toffee pudding and Victoria sponge are all under suspicion!!! After seeing the deceased's wife keel over dead, you might not want to eat any of the delicious looking sweet treats either!! Or could it be the dainty finger sandwiches filled with cucumber and mint? Or the honey-glazed ham with English mustard? Or the freshly baked scones, accompanied by pots of home-made jam and clotted cream?
How could all that perfect, buttery, goodness be so bad?
In the quaint Cotswolds village of Meadowford-on-Smythe lies the Little Stables Tearoom. As the name suggests, the Little Stables Tearoom is a traditional English teahouse and is run by Gemma Rose and her best friend, Cassie.
The story opens with a funeral. Nobody likes going to a funeral - especially when the person being buried isn't the only dead body. The Little Stables Tearoom had been asked to do the catering for the funeral reception, so Gemma was hoping to make a good impression, as it might mean more catering jobs might come her way. But when Adele Clifford (the deceased's widow) dies at the reception and the police suspect poison, it all points to the food. But when the police arrest Mabel Cooke, leader of a group of senior ladies, known affectionately as the "Old Biddies", Gemma gets involved to prove her friend's innocence and to catch the real killer.
This is another excellent addition to the series. Hanna writes with humour and mirth, which is part of what keeps me coming back. The 'mysteries' are a little cliché, but when combined with the characters, it's just a wonderful reading experience. Returning in this instalment are our old friends, Mabel, Glenda, Florence and Ethel (aka the Old Biddies); Gemma and her BFF, Cassie; CID detective and boyfriend Devlin O'Connor; the handsome Dr Lincoln Green; and of course, Muesli the cat.
The storyline moves along quickly, and Hanna has Gemma and the old biddies getting into the usual requisite amount of 'trouble' before finally cracking the case.
Another very enjoyable visit with the gang at Meadowford-on-Smythe.
Before I sign off, I can tell you that I did try the Sticky Toffee Pudding recipe at the end of the story, and I've lived to tell the tale!
PS: It was delish.
June 24, 2019
..
'Four Puddings and a Funeral' is the 6th book in the series entitled Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. The quaint Cotswolds villages of Meadowford-on-Smythe and Oxford are featured in the settings of this interesting series. The heroine, Gemma Rose, is the owner of the Little Stables Tearoom which is located in a 15th century Tudor building. Her best friend, Cassie, helps her run the tea room, which works out great while Gemma is running around questioning potential witnesses or culprits. This series is based on all things British and usually conclude with a surprise ending!
"Business is going well at Gemma Rose’s quaint English teashop and she’s delighted about her first big catering job at a local village funeral… until the day ends with a second body and one of the Old Biddies accused of murder! Now the resourceful tearoom sleuth must find out which delicious pudding contained the deadly arsenic—and who might have wanted the wealthy widow dead"…
In this book, one of the old biddies is accused of the murder of Adele Clifford, while she is the attendance of her husband's funeral. Gemma and Cassie were catering the affair. What a predicament for their first catering job!
Thomas: "This is a fun story, with well-defined characters and lots of laughs along the way. Gemma is still having problems trying to get her mother to accept her boyfriend, trying to run a tea shop, and trying to keep one of the old bitties out of jail at the same time. There is also a guest appearance from a couple of characters from the Bewitched by Chocolate series, which I discovered a couple of weeks ago. 👍
It was a pleasant surprise to discover this excellent cozy mystery series by H. Y. Hanna. Gemma Rose, the main character, recently returned to Oxford and opened a tea shop, saying goodbye to the corporate world she had been engrossed in for the previous eight years.
Suzanne: "With the will changed, a long lost love child showing up and Gemma's mother still trying to direct her love life it seems that Gemma and her boyfriend Devlin have their hands full.". 👍
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries is the prime example of a formula many cozy mysteries seem to contain. It includes a woman sleuth, small pet, a detective with the local police department that makes her blood hum and her heart pitter patter, interfering mother, and her own business. Her irritating mother keeps trying to set her up with her best friend's son, who his a successful E/R doctor.
On a side note, it was interesting to note that this book includes a tiny taste of magical chocolate from a shop included in another series, 'Bewitched by Chocolate', by this same author. I enjoyed that one as well.
BOOKS IN THE BEWITCHED BY CHOCOLATE Mysteries:
Each book in the series can be enjoyed as a standalone - but they're much more fun when read in order! :-)
Dark, Witch & Creamy (Book 1)
Witch Chocolate Fudge (Book 2)
Witch Summer Night's Cream (Book 3)
Blood, Sweets and Tears (Book 4) ~ previously published as "Witch Chocolate Bites"
Bonbons and Broomsticks (Book 5)
This is a clean and wholesome read that is able to stand on its own, although the reader might glean additional insight by reading the series in order.
'Four Puddings and a Funeral' is the 6th book in the series entitled Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. The quaint Cotswolds villages of Meadowford-on-Smythe and Oxford are featured in the settings of this interesting series. The heroine, Gemma Rose, is the owner of the Little Stables Tearoom which is located in a 15th century Tudor building. Her best friend, Cassie, helps her run the tea room, which works out great while Gemma is running around questioning potential witnesses or culprits. This series is based on all things British and usually conclude with a surprise ending!
"Business is going well at Gemma Rose’s quaint English teashop and she’s delighted about her first big catering job at a local village funeral… until the day ends with a second body and one of the Old Biddies accused of murder! Now the resourceful tearoom sleuth must find out which delicious pudding contained the deadly arsenic—and who might have wanted the wealthy widow dead"…
In this book, one of the old biddies is accused of the murder of Adele Clifford, while she is the attendance of her husband's funeral. Gemma and Cassie were catering the affair. What a predicament for their first catering job!
Thomas: "This is a fun story, with well-defined characters and lots of laughs along the way. Gemma is still having problems trying to get her mother to accept her boyfriend, trying to run a tea shop, and trying to keep one of the old bitties out of jail at the same time. There is also a guest appearance from a couple of characters from the Bewitched by Chocolate series, which I discovered a couple of weeks ago. 👍
It was a pleasant surprise to discover this excellent cozy mystery series by H. Y. Hanna. Gemma Rose, the main character, recently returned to Oxford and opened a tea shop, saying goodbye to the corporate world she had been engrossed in for the previous eight years.
Suzanne: "With the will changed, a long lost love child showing up and Gemma's mother still trying to direct her love life it seems that Gemma and her boyfriend Devlin have their hands full.". 👍
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries is the prime example of a formula many cozy mysteries seem to contain. It includes a woman sleuth, small pet, a detective with the local police department that makes her blood hum and her heart pitter patter, interfering mother, and her own business. Her irritating mother keeps trying to set her up with her best friend's son, who his a successful E/R doctor.
On a side note, it was interesting to note that this book includes a tiny taste of magical chocolate from a shop included in another series, 'Bewitched by Chocolate', by this same author. I enjoyed that one as well.
BOOKS IN THE BEWITCHED BY CHOCOLATE Mysteries:
Each book in the series can be enjoyed as a standalone - but they're much more fun when read in order! :-)
Dark, Witch & Creamy (Book 1)
Witch Chocolate Fudge (Book 2)
Witch Summer Night's Cream (Book 3)
Blood, Sweets and Tears (Book 4) ~ previously published as "Witch Chocolate Bites"
Bonbons and Broomsticks (Book 5)
This is a clean and wholesome read that is able to stand on its own, although the reader might glean additional insight by reading the series in order.
March 14, 2018
Altra bella addizione a questa serie, ma non ne avevo alcun dubbio. Mi piace anche come evolve la storia fra Gemma e Devlin: anche il mio lato romantico apprezza questa lettura...
March 31, 2017
This is a very charming and entertaining series and each new book just adds to the enjoyment. This is the sixth book in the series and by now these characters are like old friends. The Old Biddies are back and I just love the humor and wit they provide. Once again they are in the thick of things with one of their own as a suspect. I love Gemma. She is one of those characters that just endears herself to the reader. I am glad the author appears to have finally straightened out her relationship with Devlin. Of course, we can't forget Muesli or Gemma's mom who always provide us with some humor throughout the book.
The mystery is well done in this 6th installment. I love how this author can write twists and turns that throw me off track. I thought I had figured out how the first murder was committed, but of course I was wrong about both the method and the suspect.
This series always provides me with hours of enjoyment and entertainment and I never hesitate to dive right in when a new book in the series is released. If you haven't tried this author or series I would encourage you to do so. She also has a new series whose main character is introduced in this book.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book which was provided to me by the author.
The mystery is well done in this 6th installment. I love how this author can write twists and turns that throw me off track. I thought I had figured out how the first murder was committed, but of course I was wrong about both the method and the suspect.
This series always provides me with hours of enjoyment and entertainment and I never hesitate to dive right in when a new book in the series is released. If you haven't tried this author or series I would encourage you to do so. She also has a new series whose main character is introduced in this book.
I read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book which was provided to me by the author.
November 9, 2021
Made it half way through this series, and I think I enjoyed this one as one of the best!
April 26, 2017
You can't stop laughing even though there are a couple of murders here...The old Biddies, OH MY!
A laugh a minute cozy mystery with loads of humor and plenty of suspects. Gemma has the opportunity to cater a funeral for a well connected family which could really help her business. But a dead body - not the corpse - completely destroys the funeral catering job and Gemma has to figure out the mystery especially since one of the old Biddies is accused of the murder not only once, but twice since a second body turns up! OH MY what a mess. And Devlin is not on the case this time, a foul mood one track detective is put in charge until he screws up more than once. Then there is the relationship between Devlin and Gemma. I loved this book in the series. Gemma, although still seeking her mother's approval has continued to grow from book to book in the series. A must read series!
A laugh a minute cozy mystery with loads of humor and plenty of suspects. Gemma has the opportunity to cater a funeral for a well connected family which could really help her business. But a dead body - not the corpse - completely destroys the funeral catering job and Gemma has to figure out the mystery especially since one of the old Biddies is accused of the murder not only once, but twice since a second body turns up! OH MY what a mess. And Devlin is not on the case this time, a foul mood one track detective is put in charge until he screws up more than once. Then there is the relationship between Devlin and Gemma. I loved this book in the series. Gemma, although still seeking her mother's approval has continued to grow from book to book in the series. A must read series!
September 23, 2018
Desserts and Murder. What more could a person want.
Gemma Rose has a big catering job. A funeral for a well respected and much loved man. To bad his wife wasn't thought of the same way. When she dies after the funeral one of the old biddies, Mabel Cooke is suspected by DC Pratt. And he lives up to his name.
With the will changed, a long lost love child showing up and Gemma's mother still trying to direct her love life it seems that Gemma and her boyfriend Devlin have their hands full.
In this book Caitlin LeFey, MC of a new series is introduced. Also included is a recipe for a sticky toffee pudding.
Gemma Rose has a big catering job. A funeral for a well respected and much loved man. To bad his wife wasn't thought of the same way. When she dies after the funeral one of the old biddies, Mabel Cooke is suspected by DC Pratt. And he lives up to his name.
With the will changed, a long lost love child showing up and Gemma's mother still trying to direct her love life it seems that Gemma and her boyfriend Devlin have their hands full.
In this book Caitlin LeFey, MC of a new series is introduced. Also included is a recipe for a sticky toffee pudding.
May 30, 2020
Another cute instalment to the series with lots of yummy foods, comforting pots of tea, cuddly animals, and hilarious shenanigans by the Old Biddies. This time though, Gemma did spectacularly in her rescue of them. And I just loved the development in Gemma's relationship with Devlin.
If you're after a light-hearted whodunit stories, this is definitely the series for you. I know I'm loving every book to date!
If you're after a light-hearted whodunit stories, this is definitely the series for you. I know I'm loving every book to date!
June 17, 2023
Toujours aussi bien, je me surprends à chaque fois à rire toute seule ! Et puis à la fin l'envie d'avoir un chat revient...
April 9, 2017
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series so every time a new books releases I happily dive in. This was another great book in this series. really if you love a good cozy mystery with fun characters ad great mysteries I can't recommend this one enough. It was fun to see Gemma get involved in another murder mystery, along with some other side plot lines that are going on.
It was a great mystery! I always like the poison mysteries, not sure why, but they are fun to read. You don't only have to figure out who the murderer is, but also have to keep in mind how they could've gotten hold of the poison. After reading one third or so of the book I sat down and picked my suspects, I came up with three likely candidates. One of them turned out to be a red herring later in the book and another scene with another suspect made me doubt that one too. I was almost ready to put another character on my list as suspect, but it seemed the third option was indeed the murderer. Although I hadn't quite figured out the why yet. Which was a nice twist when that came to light and all the pieces fell on it's place. It was a good mystery with lots of possible suspects and some nice twists and turns.
Besides the mystery there's also other things going on, like Muesli who is bored staying at home, a cute prickly friend that Gemma meets, the old biddies who are getting involved again, Gemma's mother who lost her ipad, Gemma's mother who is still up to her matchmaking ways, some trouble in with the romance, Cassie has a potential buyer for one of her paintings and even Caitlin the main character of this author's other series made an appearance. It's all balanced nicely, with the focus being on the murder, but enough other things going on as well.
I always like seeing how Gemma gets involved into the mystery and tries to help, although a few of her attempts to get answers seemed a bit too direct, it was entertaining to read. I didn't quite care about her romantic struggles with Devlin, it was a clear case of miscommunication and while I understood their issues I just wanted them to talk things through a bit more. I did like how things got resolved towards the end. It was nice to read that scene.
To summarize: This series is a lot of fun and this was another great installment. I had fun trying to figure out the mystery and one of my three suspects turned out to be correct. There were some nice twists and turns, red herrings and surprises that came to light during the investigation. And while I predicted the who right I couldn't figure out the why, so that was a nice to find out everything towards the end and have things fall on it's place. Besides the mystery there are some other side plot lines going on, which add to the book. I liked reading about Gemma her adventures in this book. I didn't care as much for the romance drama, but I did like how things got resolved at the end. All in all this was a great read and I am already looking forward to the next book!
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series so every time a new books releases I happily dive in. This was another great book in this series. really if you love a good cozy mystery with fun characters ad great mysteries I can't recommend this one enough. It was fun to see Gemma get involved in another murder mystery, along with some other side plot lines that are going on.
It was a great mystery! I always like the poison mysteries, not sure why, but they are fun to read. You don't only have to figure out who the murderer is, but also have to keep in mind how they could've gotten hold of the poison. After reading one third or so of the book I sat down and picked my suspects, I came up with three likely candidates. One of them turned out to be a red herring later in the book and another scene with another suspect made me doubt that one too. I was almost ready to put another character on my list as suspect, but it seemed the third option was indeed the murderer. Although I hadn't quite figured out the why yet. Which was a nice twist when that came to light and all the pieces fell on it's place. It was a good mystery with lots of possible suspects and some nice twists and turns.
Besides the mystery there's also other things going on, like Muesli who is bored staying at home, a cute prickly friend that Gemma meets, the old biddies who are getting involved again, Gemma's mother who lost her ipad, Gemma's mother who is still up to her matchmaking ways, some trouble in with the romance, Cassie has a potential buyer for one of her paintings and even Caitlin the main character of this author's other series made an appearance. It's all balanced nicely, with the focus being on the murder, but enough other things going on as well.
I always like seeing how Gemma gets involved into the mystery and tries to help, although a few of her attempts to get answers seemed a bit too direct, it was entertaining to read. I didn't quite care about her romantic struggles with Devlin, it was a clear case of miscommunication and while I understood their issues I just wanted them to talk things through a bit more. I did like how things got resolved towards the end. It was nice to read that scene.
To summarize: This series is a lot of fun and this was another great installment. I had fun trying to figure out the mystery and one of my three suspects turned out to be correct. There were some nice twists and turns, red herrings and surprises that came to light during the investigation. And while I predicted the who right I couldn't figure out the why, so that was a nice to find out everything towards the end and have things fall on it's place. Besides the mystery there are some other side plot lines going on, which add to the book. I liked reading about Gemma her adventures in this book. I didn't care as much for the romance drama, but I did like how things got resolved at the end. All in all this was a great read and I am already looking forward to the next book!
March 23, 2023
3.75/5
https://my-bo0ks.over-blog.com/2023/0...
Me revoici plonger dans les folles enquêtes de Gemma, notre propriétaire d'un salon de thé. Une série de cosy mystery vraiment chouette, dont chaque tome se concentre sur une enquête à chaque fois. Cette fois, c'est lors d'un buffet pour un enterrement que les choses vont mal tourner. Alors que l'on enterre tout juste le père de famille, voilà qu'un nouveau meurtre à lieu. De nombreux suspects pour cette nouvelle affaire et notamment Mabel, l'une des vieilles chouettes du club de commérages du salon. Mais Gemma en est sure, Mabel n'aurait jamais pu faire ça... Quoique, a ce même enterrement, elle a justement soutenu que l'arsenic serait idéal pour tuer quelqu'un.
Je me suis replongée avec plaisir dans la vie de Gemma. Notre héroine continue de tenir son salon de thé et nous donner envie des petits délices qu'elle y sert. Et cette nouvelle affaire nous happe de suite dans ce nouveau tome. Une fois encore, je me suis faite assez facilement balader. J'ai émis des hypothèses, j'ai suspecté certains personnages et ce n'est que vers la fin que mes doutes se sont révélés être exactes ! Le mystère de cette nouvelle affaire est donc prenant et suffisamment maintenu pour nous tenir en haleine.
Côté vie personnelle, Gemma fait face à des doutes elle aussi. Devlin, notre inspecteur et petit-ami, est mystérieux par certains aspects et Gemma recule le moment de lui poser une question depuis le tome précédent. A tel point que cela crée des petites tensions. D'autant que la mère de Gemma voudrait bien caser sa fille avec le fils de son amie. J'ai franchement eu peur pour le coup. Heureusement pour moi, cela ne tourne pas au triangle amoureux. OUF !
Ce que j'ai aussi grandement apprécié, c'est le fait que Devlin ne repousse pas Gemma concernant l'affaire en cours. Au contraire, ils enquêtent plus conjointement que jamais, et ça, ça fait vraiment plaisir. Parce que bon, elle fonce certes vers l'inconnu à chaque fois, mais elle n'a pas que de mauvaises idées et au final, on lui pardonne son manque de recul sur certaines situations.
Les vieilles chouettes, comme on les surnomme, continuent de se mêler de tout, tout le temps. Mais pour une fois, à juste titre puisque Mabel est clairement concernée. Ce qui va donner lieu a des scènes hilarantes et franchement chouette. Le coup de balcon était épique ! Une chose est sûre, elles n'ont pas froid aux yeux !
Ce sixième tome des Thés meurtriers d'Oxford était meilleur que le précédent et j'ai trouvé que la dynamique Devlin/Gemma vraiment intéressante, tout comme leur relation qui passe enfin un cap ! C'est toujours un bon moment de lecture avec cette série. Du suspense, une enquête pour meurtre, mais pas trop sanglante, un brin d'amour et beaucoup d'humour !
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Me revoici plonger dans les folles enquêtes de Gemma, notre propriétaire d'un salon de thé. Une série de cosy mystery vraiment chouette, dont chaque tome se concentre sur une enquête à chaque fois. Cette fois, c'est lors d'un buffet pour un enterrement que les choses vont mal tourner. Alors que l'on enterre tout juste le père de famille, voilà qu'un nouveau meurtre à lieu. De nombreux suspects pour cette nouvelle affaire et notamment Mabel, l'une des vieilles chouettes du club de commérages du salon. Mais Gemma en est sure, Mabel n'aurait jamais pu faire ça... Quoique, a ce même enterrement, elle a justement soutenu que l'arsenic serait idéal pour tuer quelqu'un.
Je me suis replongée avec plaisir dans la vie de Gemma. Notre héroine continue de tenir son salon de thé et nous donner envie des petits délices qu'elle y sert. Et cette nouvelle affaire nous happe de suite dans ce nouveau tome. Une fois encore, je me suis faite assez facilement balader. J'ai émis des hypothèses, j'ai suspecté certains personnages et ce n'est que vers la fin que mes doutes se sont révélés être exactes ! Le mystère de cette nouvelle affaire est donc prenant et suffisamment maintenu pour nous tenir en haleine.
Côté vie personnelle, Gemma fait face à des doutes elle aussi. Devlin, notre inspecteur et petit-ami, est mystérieux par certains aspects et Gemma recule le moment de lui poser une question depuis le tome précédent. A tel point que cela crée des petites tensions. D'autant que la mère de Gemma voudrait bien caser sa fille avec le fils de son amie. J'ai franchement eu peur pour le coup. Heureusement pour moi, cela ne tourne pas au triangle amoureux. OUF !
Ce que j'ai aussi grandement apprécié, c'est le fait que Devlin ne repousse pas Gemma concernant l'affaire en cours. Au contraire, ils enquêtent plus conjointement que jamais, et ça, ça fait vraiment plaisir. Parce que bon, elle fonce certes vers l'inconnu à chaque fois, mais elle n'a pas que de mauvaises idées et au final, on lui pardonne son manque de recul sur certaines situations.
Les vieilles chouettes, comme on les surnomme, continuent de se mêler de tout, tout le temps. Mais pour une fois, à juste titre puisque Mabel est clairement concernée. Ce qui va donner lieu a des scènes hilarantes et franchement chouette. Le coup de balcon était épique ! Une chose est sûre, elles n'ont pas froid aux yeux !
Ce sixième tome des Thés meurtriers d'Oxford était meilleur que le précédent et j'ai trouvé que la dynamique Devlin/Gemma vraiment intéressante, tout comme leur relation qui passe enfin un cap ! C'est toujours un bon moment de lecture avec cette série. Du suspense, une enquête pour meurtre, mais pas trop sanglante, un brin d'amour et beaucoup d'humour !
April 3, 2017
Gemma Rose's Little Stables Tearoom is thriving and she is even branching out into catering. He first large catering job is the funeral of Rex Clifford, wealthy local businessman. It becomes evident that the Clifford family is not a happy one. The widow is a grasping and unpleasant woman and Rex's daughter has very recently been disinherited. Even Mabel Cooke, one of the "Old Biddies" who gather in the tearoom has a history of arguments with the widow. Things get even more interesting when a handsome Eurasian man shows up at the funeral, claiming to be Rex Clifford's illegitimate son. After eating copious quantities of "puddings" (British for desserts in general), the widow keels over and dies of arsenic poisoning. Several people had given her plates of food, including Mabel. New to town, the obnoxious CID Inspector Pratt zeroes in on Mabel. Gemma's CID boyfriend, Devlin O'Connor, is forbidden to meddle in the case since he knows Mabel so well. But Gemma starts sleuthing immediately with the usual hilarious results.
The newest Oxford Tearoom mystery came along just when I needed a complete escape from the world's current insanity. The Oxford setting always makes me want to pack my bags and head to England, hopefully, to find Little Stables Tearoom ( or one like it)! I enjoy the characters and think the puzzle at the heart of the story was well constructed. The romance between Devlin and Gemma is not all roses and I find it entertaining as well as believable.
I received an advance copy from the author. The opinions above are my own.
The newest Oxford Tearoom mystery came along just when I needed a complete escape from the world's current insanity. The Oxford setting always makes me want to pack my bags and head to England, hopefully, to find Little Stables Tearoom ( or one like it)! I enjoy the characters and think the puzzle at the heart of the story was well constructed. The romance between Devlin and Gemma is not all roses and I find it entertaining as well as believable.
I received an advance copy from the author. The opinions above are my own.
April 14, 2017
No doubt like many other fans of the Oxford Tearoom series, I had been really looking forward to reading Gemma’s next case. I’m happy, but not surprised, to say that it didn’t disappoint me. In her inimitable style, Ms Hanna has crafted another intriguing mystery with plenty of sweet culinary delights thrown in along the way. And, as usual, there are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings in the story which kept me guessing right to the end.
It’s always great entertainment to meet up again with regular characters like the Old Biddies and Gemma’s mother. The scrapes which Gemma has to get her elderly friends out of always make me laugh. And then there’s Gemma’s mother’s latest technology escapades and other obsessions. Add in Gemma’s developing and sometimes precarious relationship with dishy Devlin, her best friend, Cassie, and of course the cheeky and loveable Muesli, and there’s plenty to keep the pages turning. Well that’s if you can bear to move away from the gorgeously cute cover, which this time, as well as featuring Muesli, introduces us to an adorable little hedgehog.
This series continues to be delightfully entertaining and delicious. I’m sure that other readers will join me in eagerly anticipating more adventures, although in the meantime I might just avoid the Cotswolds as it appears to be rather a deadly place to visit!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
It’s always great entertainment to meet up again with regular characters like the Old Biddies and Gemma’s mother. The scrapes which Gemma has to get her elderly friends out of always make me laugh. And then there’s Gemma’s mother’s latest technology escapades and other obsessions. Add in Gemma’s developing and sometimes precarious relationship with dishy Devlin, her best friend, Cassie, and of course the cheeky and loveable Muesli, and there’s plenty to keep the pages turning. Well that’s if you can bear to move away from the gorgeously cute cover, which this time, as well as featuring Muesli, introduces us to an adorable little hedgehog.
This series continues to be delightfully entertaining and delicious. I’m sure that other readers will join me in eagerly anticipating more adventures, although in the meantime I might just avoid the Cotswolds as it appears to be rather a deadly place to visit!
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
April 6, 2017
Little Stables Tearoom is busier than ever and Gemma Rose could not be happier. If she can just get her personal life sorted out too, she is sure everything would be grand.
Gemma has her largest catering event to date. She is catering the funeral reception for Mr. Rex Clifford. Mr. Clifford passed away from an apparent heart attack the day after he changed his will leaving everything to his new bride and totally excluding his daughter.
When people from the reception start dying, the new CID detective assigned to the case immediately jumps to the conclusion that one of the “old biddies” is the murderer and refuses to investigate any other possibilities. At this point, Gemma feels that she must start her own investigation to find the real killer.
Did Mr. Clifford really die from a heart attack? Who is targeting the people from the reception and why? Will the new CID Officer actually notice a pattern to the deaths? Can Gemma solve the mystery before there are more people die?
H.Y. Hanna has surpassed herself with this story, as she does with each successive book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to provide this review.
Gemma has her largest catering event to date. She is catering the funeral reception for Mr. Rex Clifford. Mr. Clifford passed away from an apparent heart attack the day after he changed his will leaving everything to his new bride and totally excluding his daughter.
When people from the reception start dying, the new CID detective assigned to the case immediately jumps to the conclusion that one of the “old biddies” is the murderer and refuses to investigate any other possibilities. At this point, Gemma feels that she must start her own investigation to find the real killer.
Did Mr. Clifford really die from a heart attack? Who is targeting the people from the reception and why? Will the new CID Officer actually notice a pattern to the deaths? Can Gemma solve the mystery before there are more people die?
H.Y. Hanna has surpassed herself with this story, as she does with each successive book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author and chose to provide this review.
April 9, 2017
Just when you think things will settle down and the old biddies will act like sweet old grannies and not get into any more trouble! Well, think again!! In this installment of the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series, Mabel is a serious murder suspect and even though Gemma and Devlin know that she couldn't have killed anyone, more evidence is stacked against her than there are teacups in all of England!
Not only does Gemma get stuck in the middle of the investigation again but she has a tiff with her boyfriend (we thought things were going well), her mother loses her IPad (you'll never guess who ends up finding it), and an unlikely critter ends up saving the day (look on the cover for a clue!!!).
I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Not only does Gemma get stuck in the middle of the investigation again but she has a tiff with her boyfriend (we thought things were going well), her mother loses her IPad (you'll never guess who ends up finding it), and an unlikely critter ends up saving the day (look on the cover for a clue!!!).
I read this book in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 13, 2018
In Four Puddings and a Funeral, the sixth in H.Y. Hanna’s Oxford Tearoom series, Gemma Rose, owner of Little Stables Tearoom, gets her first catering job, for the funeral of Rex Clifford. The much younger widow, Adele, who flirts with the eligible men there, showing no sense of mourning for her husband, is triumphant that the night before he died, Rex changed his will to disinherit his only daughter and give everything to his wife. Then, at the funeral, a strange man gives a sudden announcement that he is the half- brother of Rachel Clifford, the long- lost love child of Rex, conceived during one of his trips to China. As they all argue over the man’s identity and Rex’s will, Adele clutches her stomach and falls over. The next morning word spreads all over town that Adele had died, and she was killed by a high dose of arsenic.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
June 25, 2017
I love this series
Genna is serving up another Cotswold murder mystery. The four Old Biddies as they are living called are determined to help her solve the case in their own bumbling way.
I discovered this series last year and love reading about the Little Stables Tearoom. Having recently discovered that my family came from the area I cannot get enough of reading about Gloucester and it's people. I feel as if I am in a cozy English village each time I read about Oxford Tearoom mysteries.
Genna is serving up another Cotswold murder mystery. The four Old Biddies as they are living called are determined to help her solve the case in their own bumbling way.
I discovered this series last year and love reading about the Little Stables Tearoom. Having recently discovered that my family came from the area I cannot get enough of reading about Gloucester and it's people. I feel as if I am in a cozy English village each time I read about Oxford Tearoom mysteries.
September 27, 2020
Ready for What Comes Next!
I love this entire series; Hanna’s books seem to get better and better! The setting of Adele’s murder at a funeral is totally surprising. The Old Biddies do not disappoint in their shenanigans. My only regret is that I don’t know if I will ever see Pricklebum again, my favorite character. Excellent book
I love this entire series; Hanna’s books seem to get better and better! The setting of Adele’s murder at a funeral is totally surprising. The Old Biddies do not disappoint in their shenanigans. My only regret is that I don’t know if I will ever see Pricklebum again, my favorite character. Excellent book
April 19, 2021
A fun installment to the series. Some of the relationship development really felt like molasses, but overall I think important steps were made. I just hope some serious traction happens soon or else the heroine and her guy are going to take twenty books to get anywhere serious. Poor them. LOL.
August 22, 2022
Miss Hanna is back on track with the 6th book in the series. When an abrasive widow is murdered at her husband’s funeral service, there’s a myriad of suspects, including Mabel, the leader of the Old Biddies! This one was super fun as Gemma and the ladies did the sleuthing all on their own, especially since Devin wasn’t the lead in the investigation. Muesli also causes a little bit of trouble for Gemma when she gets loose in the tearoom, an indiscretion which Gemma fears may shut her down. I really enjoyed the misadventures and Gemma’s creativity in this one!
August 18, 2017
This series just keeps getting better. This is a true cozy mystery series, with wonderful characters, an enchanting setting and a top notch whodunit.
I am never disappointed with this series, and hope to read further books in the series.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I am never disappointed with this series, and hope to read further books in the series.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
November 17, 2020
I really enjoy this series. Gemma doesn't have to try hard to get herself embroiled in solving the death of scheming widow, especially when one of her favorite "old biddies" is blamed for the murder. I love the characters, and the group of "old biddies" always has me laughing.
September 18, 2017
Another hit
I'm absolutely sold on this series, and only wish for more of them! I adore the characters , plos, pacing, and the bits of romance enhance the mystery.
I'm absolutely sold on this series, and only wish for more of them! I adore the characters , plos, pacing, and the bits of romance enhance the mystery.
July 22, 2018
Great series
The whole series is really enjoyable. Loving the characters and stories. Hanna is a very talented writer. Can't wait to read more
The whole series is really enjoyable. Loving the characters and stories. Hanna is a very talented writer. Can't wait to read more
March 21, 2023
Another murder mystery - they have a lot of murder in this small town!! Great fun read :)
December 17, 2024
3.5⭐️ Un 6e tome qui a rempli ses missions: me divertir et me faire sourire. On ne réinvente pas la roue, mais on y retrouve tous les ingrédients qui nous ramènent avec plaisir vers cette série.
April 2, 2017
I always look forward to HY Hanna's new releases, and Four Puddings and a Funeral did not disappoint - I loved it! Gemma's Little Stables Tearoom is catering local businessman Rex Clifford's funeral, but he's not the only dead body in attendance as one of his nearest and dearest is poisoned whilst sampling several of Gemma's lovely puddings. In addition to solving the murder (with the Old Biddies help, of course!), Gemma has to foster an injured hedgehog, deal with the health inspector, thwart her mother and Helen's attempts to push her together with Lincoln, discover who the mysterious blonde is in Devlin's life, and locate her mom's missing iPad (Mrs. Rose's iPad adventures are the funniest side story in this entire series!!!). Once again I was kept guessing as to the identity of the murderer, as there were several suspects to choose from! Another winner from HY Hanna, and I can't wait to read the 7th book. I did received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review, which I've given, and I highly recommend it to any and all looking for a nice cozy Cotswolds mystery! Now I need to go bake some scones.... :-)
November 8, 2022
Four Puddings and a Funeral by H.Y.Hanna is book 6 in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series. Tearoom owner Gemma Rose, is catering a funeral when the wife of the deceased is poisoned and one of the Old Biddies is accused of the crime. One of my favourite series, and we also meet Caitlin from the Bewitched by Chocolate series in this book. The antics of the Old Biddies are always a laugh and the mystery was interesting especially the information regarding arsenic. An entertaining and enjoyable cozy mystery.
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