Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “Apple Strudel Alibi (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #8)” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

Apple Strudel Alibi

(Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #8)

H.Y. Hanna (Goodreads Author)

4.33 · Rating details · 969 ratings · 81 reviews

When Gemma's romantic holiday with her boyfriend is cancelled, the tearoom sleuth finds herself heading to Vienna instead, with her cat Muesli and the nosy Old Biddies for company. And it's not long before they stumble across a murder right in the heart of Austria's historic capital.

A handsome art critic dies suspiciously at their hotel and the Old Biddies are determined t ...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 319 pages

Published March 13th 2018 by Wisheart Press

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Apple Strudel Alibi, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about Apple Strudel Alibi

Lists with This Book

The Uninvited Corpse by Debra Sennefelder

A Lady's Guide to Etiquette and Murder by Dianne Freeman

Cozy Mysteries 2018 New Releases

235 books — 147 voters

Witch Summer Night's Cream by H.Y. Hanna

Culinary Mysteries Part 14

100 books — 1 voter

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.33 ·

Rating details

· 969 ratings · 81 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of Apple Strudel Alibi (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #8)

Sep 11, 2018 Meg rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2018, kindle-unlimited

Another good one in the series, an easy read with the same great characters. The mc's mom and the Old Biddies and their quirks continue to be a delight. Loved the Austrian setting of this one; it brought back fond memories of the country's scrumptious pastries and historical charm. Already had the next book on the WL and am looking forward to it. ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Nov 06, 2019 Nola Arganbright rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cozy-mysteries

I love this series

Gemma is peeved that she and Devon are unable to take a planned romantic trip. The Old Biddies join her on an alternate trip to Austria and a stay in a friend's newly opened hotel.
Hanna and friends enjoy the sights and tastes of the historical country. There are great characters in the book with well developed personalities.
Unfortunately there is also a murder in the hotel. The police wrote it off as suicide but Gemma and her entourage aren't satisfied and use their quirky she ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Mar 18, 2018 Lisa Morin rated it it was amazing

Apple Strudel Alibi is my favorite in the series by far.
Gemma and the Old Biddies are off to Vienna!

The Old Biddies, a name given to the group of women that frequent Gemma's tea room, consists of Mabel, Ethel, Florence and Glenda.
While the quirky group of ladies tend to annoy Gemma, they always seem to find themselves tangled up in murder.
This time is no different, the biddies and Gemma are off to Vienna to claim Gemma's prize.

They stay at an adorable bed and breakfast, owned by a dear friend o ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Apr 01, 2018 PugMom rated it it was amazing

Strudel and cats and murder, oh my! That's what you'll get when you read H.Y. Hanna's 8th Oxford Tearoom Mystery! This time, Gemma and the old biddies (and even Muesli) are off on an adventure to Vienna! They think they'll have a relaxing trip in a luxurious hotel but they soon find out that they thought wrong when one of the hotel guests is murdered! Since it couldn't have possibly have been something as simple as suicide, Gemma and her elderly cronies ferret out the clues and find out what rea ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Mar 23, 2019 Suzanne rated it it was amazing

Gained Five Pounds

This was a surprise. I wasn't to sure how having Gemma going on a trip without Devlin was going to play out yet it works perfectly. The old biddies are up to their sleuthing and the description of Gemma and them in the spa is a hoot. Especially Ethel's comment.
And the talk of the Sacher Tort and all the Viennese pastries has given me the desire to run to the kitchen and begin baking. Or running to the kitchen and watching Great British Baking Show while having a cup of coffee. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 29, 2018 Lola rated it liked it

Shelves: got-a-copy-for-review-reviewed, books-that-i-own, e-books-on-ipad

I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries series and I was excited to start this books. Sadly I feel like I picked it up in the wrong mood as I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually do. This book switches things up and takes place in Austria instead of the usual setting in oxford. And ofcourse Gemma gets involved in a murder mystery there as well, in between the sightseeing.

I was curious how the change in setting woul I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries series and I was excited to start this books. Sadly I feel like I picked it up in the wrong mood as I didn't enjoy it as much as I usually do. This book switches things up and takes place in Austria instead of the usual setting in oxford. And ofcourse Gemma gets involved in a murder mystery there as well, in between the sightseeing.

I was curious how the change in setting would work. And while on the one hand I thought it was fun to visit a different place, on the other hand I missed the usual feel and setting of this series. Now it read half like a travel book with Gemma visiting some famous sites in Vienna and experiencing the city and the mystery got a bit of a backseat. It also lacks a lot of the usual side characters and instead there is a bunch of new side character. The Old Biddies are there as well as they travel with Gemma.

The mystery somehow failed to fully grab my attention. It takes to about 30% of the book until the murder takes place and it's one of those murders were the police are convinced it isn't a murder and the main character believes otherwise even with lack of strong evidence to the contrary. And at the same time the police seemed to dismiss it a bit too easily as well. And while it wasn't my favorite mystery it was wrapped up well and I liked how looking back there are a bunch of hints pointing to the murderer.

What was interesting about the mystery was that with the hotel setting it took place, that meant there is only a limited amount of suspects, which was a nice touch. You know it's one of the hotel visitors or staff. The mystery progresses slowly and there isn't as much investigating as in the other books. It also felt a bit too convenient how Muesli accidentally uncovers two big clues and I am not sure how the mystery would be solved without those. I also wasn't too happy with how Gemma uses Devlin's guilt against him to have him investigate/ look up something for her.

With the book taking place in Vienna we saw some different side characters. They all get introduced in the start, but most were easy to remember who was who, although I got confused about two side characters at first. But I just missed the usual cast of characters and setting a bit that I've come to expect from this series. There's a quirky American tourist who loves horses, a Chinese family, a talkative women with her mother and some Austrian characters related to the art business. We find out more about them over the course of the book which was nice.

I am not too sure how I feel about the plot line surrounding the Chinese family. The mother seemed to focused on a good career for her kid, while repressing her love for art and animals,which didn't seem right. But at the same time I didn't feel fully comfortable with how Gemma inserted herself in that situation. And thought it was a tad realistic how they trusted someone they only met two days with their kid and the change at the end felt a bit abrupt. Although the little girl was adorable.

It was fun that the Old Biddies went with Gemma on her vacation, but I felt they are more fun to read about in the usual setting. But there were some great scene with them and it was interesting seeing them in a different setting. Muesli also went with them to Vienna so the cat does make some appearances as well.

To summarize: Sadly I didn't enjoy this book as much as the previous books. The mystery is well put together, but I felt the balance with the other elements in the story was a bit off. There was a bunch of sightseeing and touristy stuff which I didn't care as much for and it lacked the usual feel of this series. The mystery was a bit slow to start and it felt it got less focus than in the previous books. The mystery was well done and I liked how there are some hints to the murderer throughout the book. But the mystery didn't grab my attention as much as usual. The change in setting brought a new cast of characters that we get to meet and some familiar ones that paly a role too as the Old Biddies and Muesli go to Vienna as well. All in all not my favorite of the series, but still a decent read and I am looking forward to the next book. ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Mar 16, 2018 Merle rated it really liked it

Once again H.Y. Hanna captured my attention with her clever fun amateur detective. Gemma and the Old Biddies are at it again, solving a murder the police do not seem interested in. This time instead of staying in Oxford and solving the murder while serving delicious scones at her Tea Shop, Gemma is off to Vienna to accept an award for her scone recipe. The Old Biddies surprisingly show up at the hotel for a vacation at the same time and the detecting begins when a dead body is discovered in the ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Mar 17, 2018 Karen rated it it was amazing

This series is a guaranteed delight to read.
In this latest offering, Gemma, Muesli and the Old Biddies are in Vienna.
The setting is vibrantly written and the characters are engaging and intriguing.
The whodunit as always kept me engrossed and guessing.
I strongly recommend you read this series in order.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

May 08, 2018 Kathleen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-2018

“Apple Strudel Alibi”earns 5/5 Strudel-ishious Murder Mystery!
Ahhh, Vienna! The thought brings up images of a romantic waltz, Von Trapp family, museums, palaces, mouthwatering desserts, and…murder? Gemma Rose gets a marvelous surprise from the Old Biddies who secretly entered the tearoom scones in the Euro Tearoom Baking Contest. The Little Stables Tearoom won! She can pick up the award in Vienna, but “I'll be in Malta with Devlin!” plans makes Vienna a no-go. However, romance once again takes a “Apple Strudel Alibi”earns 5/5 Strudel-ishious Murder Mystery!
Ahhh, Vienna! The thought brings up images of a romantic waltz, Von Trapp family, museums, palaces, mouthwatering desserts, and…murder? Gemma Rose gets a marvelous surprise from the Old Biddies who secretly entered the tearoom scones in the Euro Tearoom Baking Contest. The Little Stables Tearoom won! She can pick up the award in Vienna, but “I'll be in Malta with Devlin!” plans makes Vienna a no-go. However, romance once again takes a hit on the priority list when DCI Devlin O’Connor’s work ethic cancels those plans sending Gemma, Muesli, and the Four Biddies off to Vienna. There they are confronted with a hotel filled with delightful, some suspicious guests, pompous critic known for scathing reviews, friends, foes, and hotel owners hoping to build a good reputation for their hotel. These all collide into murder, and Gemma with her octogenarian entourage take on the case.

H.Y. Hanna doesn't disappoint with her signature clever mystery, well-written descriptions, engaging dialogue, and rich, well-developed characters from all walks of life. Have you read her vacation blog about Vienna? Actually having been there, she adds a legitimate realism to the sights, sounds, and tastes…oh, the tastes! deliciously bringing to life the beautiful city of Vienna. I enjoyed the change of setting from the comfortable British countryside to the hectic European city, and much like what one would find in a book one, she spends extra time immersing the reader into the culture and history before diving into the murder mystery. It took longer than I normally like, but I didn't mind the delay because I enjoy Gemma and the “Biddies,” and was very entertained following them around the city. But, Hsin-yi doesn't rely on the narrative alone nor turn it into a travel log, she offers entertaining banter between the “Biddies” and Gemma. Ok, Mable is such a hoot! Although this is the eighth book in the series, there aren't any spoilers and enough background and characters connections to make this an entertaining standalone. But…do not miss the rest of the series! You'll love it!

Fans, like me, are always excited to learn which recipe Hsin-yi decides to include as a special treat…always connected to the story from scones to sticky toffee pudding to custard tarts, so Traditional Apple Strudel? Yes! She credits Ursula Schersch, “Apple Strudel (Apflestrudel), a typical and beloved Austrian dessert.” She says it is “my granny’s recipe—and I've never had any better tasting.” How perfect is that!

"Disclosure: I received an ARC of the book, but I am voluntarily posting a review with honest comments and insights." ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 29, 2018 K.A. Davis rated it it was amazing

APPLE STRUDEL ALIBI, the eighth book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries by H.Y. Hanna is a very fun addition to an enjoyable series! The protagonist, Gemma Rose, owns Little Stables Tearoom, a successful tearoom near Oxford, England. She’s having a difficult time connecting with her investigator boyfriend… murder cases keep getting in his way and his latest cancellation of their holiday plans is the last straw. When Gemma’s tearoom scones win a contest, she sees it as the perfect chance to go on ho APPLE STRUDEL ALIBI, the eighth book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries by H.Y. Hanna is a very fun addition to an enjoyable series! The protagonist, Gemma Rose, owns Little Stables Tearoom, a successful tearoom near Oxford, England. She’s having a difficult time connecting with her investigator boyfriend… murder cases keep getting in his way and his latest cancellation of their holiday plans is the last straw. When Gemma’s tearoom scones win a contest, she sees it as the perfect chance to go on holiday to collect the award in Vienna, Austria. Fortunately for the entertainment of the reader, the four elderly women (aka the Old Biddies) who frequent Gemma’s tearoom, decide to invite themselves along for the holiday. From there zany antics abound as they find themselves embroiled in murder and mayhem away from home.

While Gemma’s English village and tearoom are charming, it was a refreshing change to see Vienna through her eyes. I loved the description of Austria – the sights, sounds, smells and above all the tastes of their famous pastries! Ms. Hanna made the location come alive and I felt like I was on vacation with Gemma. Muesli, Gemma’s adorable and mischievous tabby, also makes the trip and plays a prominent role. But once again, it’s the Old Biddies who steal the limelight of each scene they’re in! They are such great characters and talk Gemma into the craziest trouble, providing lighthearted humor. Their sauna scene is one of the funniest scenes I’ve read in a long time and one I won’t soon forget.
The mystery itself is well plotted with plenty of suspects with viable reasons to kill the victim. I didn’t figure it out until just before the reveal and the suspenseful conclusion wrapped up the plot and subplots nicely. I was a bit unnerved when a young child was threatened but it was handled with sensitivity and the resolution adhered to our cozy guidelines: a happy ending… which is why I enjoy cozy mysteries so much!

Be prepared to drool all over the pages with all the mentions of Vienna’s delectable pastries and desserts! Ms. Hanna provides a recipe for Traditional Apple Strudel at the back of the book, which was generously provided by Ursula Schersch, blogger at Li’l Vienna. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 21, 2018 Linda Baker rated it really liked it

Shelves: cozy, humorous

Gemma Rose is happily packed for a long-awaited and much-postponed holiday in Malta with her policeman boyfriend, Devlin O'Connell. So she is not at all pleased that the holiday must be postponed...again. Luckily, the Old Biddies have a surprise for her. The Old Biddies are a quartet of pensioners who not only help out at The Little Stables Tearoom but get Gemma embroiled in their sleuthing adventures. They have entered Gemma's scones in the Euro-Tearoom Baking Contest, and the scones were selec ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 30, 2018 Daniele rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-2018

APPLE STRUDEL ALIBI, the seventh book in the endearing Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series, leaves Oxford behind for the decadent city Vienna. Gemma, when her much anticipated vacation with her boyfriend Devlin is cancelled, finds herself bound for Vienna to receive an award for the teashop’s scone recipe. The Old Biddies tag along (they did submit the recipe to the contest in the first place), and they stay in Gemma’s mother’s friend’s newly opened hotel. Things are going well until local critic Mori ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 21, 2018 Celia rated it it was amazing

H. Y. Hanna has written another wonderful adventure for Gemma, with a little murder thrown in. Although she's supposed to be going on holiday with Devlin in Malta, a change in plans finds Gemma in Vienna (with the Old Biddies no less) to accept an award for making the best scones in England. They end up staying at a newly opened boutique hotel owned by her Mother's old school friend Sophia Fritzl and are having a wonderful time exploring and experiencing all the sights in Vienna when one of the ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

May 11, 2018 John Presler rated it it was amazing

Gemma Rose owns and operates the Little Stables Tearoom near Oxford. Gemma is in Vienna to accept the coveted award for making the best scones in England.

While in Vienna, Gemma is staying at a B & B owned by her mother’s friend, Sofia. When Gemma looks over the balcony one morning, she finds the body of a hotel critic lying on the concrete patio below.

Even though the hotel critic was pretty unpleasant, why did he have to die? Did he take his own life by jumping to his death or was he pushed, an ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 23, 2018 Cathy Geha rated it really liked it

Gemma and Devlin are SUPPOSED to go on holiday together but…life gets in the way so instead…Gemma heads to Vienna to receive an award, the old biddies tag along, Muesli (her cat) travels with her and a murder takes place that intrigues the biddies and Gemma. With a murderer to find, plenty of suspects to pick from, wonderful places to visit in Vienna and a young girl that Gemma feels she can help this is a fun cozy murder mystery that is a wonderful addition to the series. I wonder if Gemma and ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 29, 2020 Lindsey DeLost rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I’m so sad that I only have two more books in the series to read! This is in my top 3 cozy mystery series for sure.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Jun 15, 2018 Sarah Booth rated it really liked it

Gemma in Vienna

A cute cozy mystery with a scene break in the series to mix things up a bit. The story ended a bit abruptly it felt like but it is entertaining. If you have sussed out the writers formula you can figure out who the killer is relatively quickly, but that doesn’t spoil the story too much. If you’re looking at reviews for this book you’ve probably read all the others and know you will enjoy this one, too.

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 23, 2018 Emme rated it liked it

Love this series; however, being set in the beautiful city of Vienna something was missing. It did have a few twists and who didn't love sweet little Mei-Mei. The Old Buddies were too subdued. I did like that the other characters did make brief appearances. Despite something missing, I look forward to the next book in this fun series. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 16, 2019 Arow rated it liked it

Shelves: cozy-mysteries, spring-2019

In this installment Gemma and the Old Biddies end up on a vacation in Vienna. I enjoyed the change in scenery however the overall storyline didn't grab me ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 19, 2018 April rated it it was amazing

A laugh out loud, fun read!

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Mar 20, 2018 Merry Chapman rated it it was amazing

Another fast-paced fun read in the Oxford Tea Room Mystery series taking you to Vienna on not only a tour but another mystery.

Finally after many stops and starts, Gemma and Devlin can get away on a romantic vacation. With everything ready for their departure, Devlin throws a monkey wrench into the mix. There is a huge case that he got called to work because the detective working the case is sick and unable to complete the task. Gemma is mad...really mad! The old biddies, without Gemma's knowledg ...more

flag Like · see review

Apr 05, 2018 Jeannie and Louis Rigod rated it it was amazing

All of us have favorite desserts that we tease and say, 'Its to die for.' What happens if a dessert might actually be? Well, that is exactly what went through my mind as I read this title. The Strudel plays throughout the book, but you will be surprised at it's real purpose there. I was.

Gemma Rose, owner of the Little Stables Tearoom, is England's winner for tearooms. The ceremony is in Vienna, Austria. Gemma is regretful, but delighted that she is to be in Malta with her love for vacation...He ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 27, 2018 Heather Belleguelle rated it it was amazing

There’s a fresh twist in the tale in this latest instalment of the Oxford Tearoom series as Gemma and Muesli find themselves heading to Vienna…with the Old Biddies in tow, of course. What could possibly go wrong as they stay at a newly opened hotel owned by a friend of Gemma’s mother?

More than ever, this mystery is set out in true Agatha Christie style with the old hotel located in the heart of Vienna and an interesting range of guests from across the globe. But who did commit the murder and why ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 25, 2018 Michelle rated it it was amazing

Austrian adventure & antics won't let you down!!

Book 8 of the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries sees us departing the village of Meadowford-on-Smythe with Gemma, Muesli & the Old Biddies as they visit the beautiful Austrian city of Vienna, with its town like feel and abundance of delicious pastries.

However, there is definitely no departure from H.Y.Hanna's ability to tell a fantastic tale. As with all her books you can rely on good writing, solid plot, great characters, funny laugh out loud antics, educa ...more

flag Like · see review

Aug 08, 2018 FangirlNation rated it it was amazing

In Apple Strudel Alibi by H.Y. Hanna, Gemma Rose is upset to learn that her boyfriend, Devlin, has to work in his job as the top detective for the Oxford CID and can’t go on their planned trip to Malta. So she finds herself changing her plans to go to Vienna to receive an award for the best scones in England. When she arrives at the airport, she discovers that the four senior women collectively known as “the Old Biddies” are traveling with her and have reserved a suite with Gemma in the new hote ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 20, 2018 Kerry rated it really liked it

Shelves: ku, mystery

Another fun mystery! This story mostly takes place in Vienna, and while the change of scenery was nice, I did miss the tea room and Gemma's friends. Luckily, the old biddies come along for the trip to keep things hilarious. The mystery is always well thought out and engaging, and this one was no exception. Lots of possible suspects and questionable alibis and motives!

I will say that I was hoping there would have been more of a balance between mystery and romance in this story. There is a little ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 24, 2018 Winnie Lim rated it it was amazing

Apple Strudel Alibi is another lovely instalment to the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series. Like all her other books, HY Hanna has the ability to bring you to the place where the story is set with her words. I can just picture Vienna in my mind and it makes me long to visit Vienna. And of course, the mystery is interesting. Gemma never fails to find herself in the middle of a murder. This series just can't do without the Old Biddies who bring trouble and laughter wherever they go. And even though G ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 24, 2018 Sandra rated it it was amazing

I was given free book for an honest opinion.
In the eight installment of Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, Gemma and the Old Biddies are off to Vienna so Gemma can receive an award for the best scones.
Charming new hotel run by an old school friend of Gemma's mother is where the famous art critic ends up with a broken neck. Is it a murder or merely an accident?
The old Biddies are eager to investigate as usuall while Gemma reluctlantly follows at first still not sure Biddies are right.
The book is full of ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 27, 2018 Laura rated it it was amazing

This is a great book; this is the eighth book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series and is written by H.Y. Hanna. When Gemma's romantic holiday with her boyfriend is cancelled, the tearoom sleuth finds herself heading to Vienna instead, with her cat Muesli and the nosy Old Biddies for company. And it's not long before they stumble across a murder right in the heart of Austria's historic capital. A handsome art critic dies suspiciously at their hotel and the Old Biddies are determined to sniff out ...more

flag Like · see review

Mar 24, 2018 Inishowen Cailín rated it really liked it

This was great! I loved that the author brought Gemma out of Oxford for a new mystery. It injected something fresh and new into the series. Vienna was a wonderful location and the author described it so well it makes me want to go there. I did wonder why Gemma felt the need to bring Muesli all the way to Vienna just for a few days but then again the story just wouldn't be the same without him so I glossed over that. What interested me the most was the mystery. I loved how the old biddies got inv ...more

flag Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

Genres

Mystery > Cozy Mystery

19 users

Mystery

12 users

Fiction

3 users

Mystery > Crime

2 users

Contemporary

2 users

Audiobook

2 users

See top shelves…

About H.Y. Hanna

H.Y. Hanna

777 followers

H.Y. Hanna is an award-winning mystery and suspense writer and the author of the bestselling Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. She has also written romantic suspense and sweet romance, as well as a children's middle-grade mystery series. After graduating from Oxford University, Hsin-Yi tried her hand at a variety of jobs, before returning to her first love: writing. She worked as a freelance journalist fo ...more