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Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #2
Tea with Milk and Murder
NEW SERIES!
While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie’s new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?
Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the nosy ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O’Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma’s quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping… and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!
Too late, Gemma realises that she’s could be the next item on the killer’s menu. Or will her little tabby cat, Muesli, save the day?
(** Velvet Cheesecake recipe included!)
This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: humorous culinary, cat cozy mystery series / women amateur sleuth / British mystery
While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie’s new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?
Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the nosy ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O’Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma’s quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping… and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!
Too late, Gemma realises that she’s could be the next item on the killer’s menu. Or will her little tabby cat, Muesli, save the day?
(** Velvet Cheesecake recipe included!)
This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: humorous culinary, cat cozy mystery series / women amateur sleuth / British mystery
318 pages, ebook
First published January 18, 2016
2349 people are currently reading
1683 people want to read
About the author
H.Y. Hanna
65 books1,086 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 349 reviews
February 16, 2021
The second book in the series and every bit as good as the first. Of course there is a murder which Gemma decides to solve which tends to keep her away from her tea room business at the same time as her employee and best friend takes a huff and disappears. Funnily the four old ladies who like to help Gemma in her sleuthing activities also take a shine to serving in a tea shop and so all is well.
It is a good story very nicely written. The mystery is interesting and hard to solve. Just when you are sure it is one person you find out it must be someone else. Gemma's romance with Devlin seems to be progressing nicely and Muesli, the cat, demonstrates hidden talents.
I enjoyed it all very much indeed.
It is a good story very nicely written. The mystery is interesting and hard to solve. Just when you are sure it is one person you find out it must be someone else. Gemma's romance with Devlin seems to be progressing nicely and Muesli, the cat, demonstrates hidden talents.
I enjoyed it all very much indeed.
May 3, 2019
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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 be engrossed in for the previous eight years.
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries is the prime example of a formula many cozy mysteries seem to contain. It includes a woman sleuth, small pet, two love interests - one of which is a detective with the local police department that makes her blook hum and her heart pitter patter, interfering mother, and her own business.
While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie's new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?
Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the nosy ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O'Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma's quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping... and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!
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.
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 be engrossed in for the previous eight years.
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries is the prime example of a formula many cozy mysteries seem to contain. It includes a woman sleuth, small pet, two love interests - one of which is a detective with the local police department that makes her blook hum and her heart pitter patter, interfering mother, and her own business.
While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie's new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?
Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the nosy ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O'Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma's quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping... and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!
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.
May 17, 2019
The party at the Art Gallery in Oxford was highlighting Gemma's friend, Cassie’s work – the unexpected arrival of a woman during the celebrations, who was drunk and seemed to know Jon, caused a stir among the guests. But it was her sudden death that was shocking; knowing it was murder was worse. Who could have done it? Gemma Rose, owner of the Oxford Tearoom and amateur sleuth, decided she would find the killer. After all, she had done so in the past, helping the local Detective, Devlin O’Connor. And was it possible to have help from Muesli, Gemma’s sweet little cat?
Tea with Milk and Murder is the 2nd in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and it was lots of fun. Entertaining, with twists and red herrings blended throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. Recommended.
Tea with Milk and Murder is the 2nd in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries by Aussie author H.Y. Hanna and it was lots of fun. Entertaining, with twists and red herrings blended throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery. Recommended.
March 5, 2022
J’avais beaucoup aimé le premier tome, et j’ai encore une fois beaucoup aimé celui ci ! L’enquête est addictive, bien menée et j’ai dévoré le roman. Un chouette cosy mystery !
January 25, 2016
This is a crazy, funny and thrilling murder mystery by H. Y. Hanna, but what makes it stand out from other similar books for me is the beautiful way she describes Oxford. Oxford is obviously very dear to her and I am sure that if I ever went there I would have so many deja vu moments because of these books.
This is the second novel of the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series where you return to the picturesque village of Meadow-on-Smythe and all the colourful characters that have once again settled back down to their daily lives. It isn't long before murder, mystery and mayhem return to Oxford and Gemma finds it as irresistible to get involved in, as the customers of the Tearoom do with her mom's delicious Velvet Cheesecake. The scene is set for a hair raising and hilarious adventure involving the super sleuth little old ladies turning up in the most unexpected places and Muesli the cat being a fair judge of character.
Gemma's personal life is just as chaotic, especially with her mom's Internet antics and the difficult decision of which man she wants to be in her life. These books always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a smile on my face. Do read book 1 first, A Scone to Die For, so you get the whole Gemma and Muesli experience. There is again another lovely recipe in the back of the book plus a Glossary of British word meanings. It all makes for a tasty, cosy and thrilling read. It has it all.
I wish to thank H. Y. Hanna for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second novel of the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series where you return to the picturesque village of Meadow-on-Smythe and all the colourful characters that have once again settled back down to their daily lives. It isn't long before murder, mystery and mayhem return to Oxford and Gemma finds it as irresistible to get involved in, as the customers of the Tearoom do with her mom's delicious Velvet Cheesecake. The scene is set for a hair raising and hilarious adventure involving the super sleuth little old ladies turning up in the most unexpected places and Muesli the cat being a fair judge of character.
Gemma's personal life is just as chaotic, especially with her mom's Internet antics and the difficult decision of which man she wants to be in her life. These books always leave me with a warm fuzzy feeling and a smile on my face. Do read book 1 first, A Scone to Die For, so you get the whole Gemma and Muesli experience. There is again another lovely recipe in the back of the book plus a Glossary of British word meanings. It all makes for a tasty, cosy and thrilling read. It has it all.
I wish to thank H. Y. Hanna for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2022
Gemma left Oxford after graduation and moved to Australia, but she has returned and opened a tea shop. When her best friend Cassie invites her to an art gallery show, Gemma grudgingly attends, knowing Cassie is besotted with the smarmy gallery owner, Jon. Then there is a suspicious death at the show. Gemma vows to find out who is responsible, secretly hoping it's Jon, and gets more help than she wants from a group of elderly village women. In other news, she has two handsome men vying for her attention, the doctor and the CID detective. There's also an adorable cat who winds up helping to save Gemma's life. Recommend for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries--the Oxford setting is particularly appealing.
April 26, 2019
I absolutely love this series!! Meusli is an amazing cat and definitely can match any canine crusader (like Lassie). And Devlin sounds like he's to die for. Love the friendship between Cassie and Gemma. And the Old Biddies are just darling. And Gemma's mother finding all those online shopping deals. Just hilarious, romantic, and a good murder mystery to boot.
August 15, 2025
It's not the worse of cozy series, but unfortunately, not the best either.
Book #2 felt like a copy/paste of book #1 for several things, the mother's online orders were ridiculous, I don't feel the attraction to Devlin (his eyes are always cold !), Gemma thinks she's better than the police and the way she's interrogating people is nosy, the cat is out of character (I have always lived with cats and I'm 59, so I'm an authority)... I started reading it normally, if I may say, but starting skipping the pages near the end, which came as not a big surprise.
Book #2 felt like a copy/paste of book #1 for several things, the mother's online orders were ridiculous, I don't feel the attraction to Devlin (his eyes are always cold !), Gemma thinks she's better than the police and the way she's interrogating people is nosy, the cat is out of character (I have always lived with cats and I'm 59, so I'm an authority)... I started reading it normally, if I may say, but starting skipping the pages near the end, which came as not a big surprise.
January 22, 2019
This is the second book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series. If you are looking for a cozy mystery series that has interesting characters, a marvelous location, humor and a good mystery, you should give this series a try. It was a fast relaxing read. Less time was spent in the Tea Room than the first book. I do like Gemma's cat Muesli. I could compare some of my cat's antics to Muesli. I did not have the mystery solved which I liked. I thought I had it solved but I did not.
March 13, 2021
Tea with Milk and Murder by H.Y. Hanna
Synopsis /
While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie’s new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?
Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the nosy ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O’Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma’s quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping… and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!
Too late, Gemma realises that she’s could be the next item on the killer’s menu. Or will her little tabby cat, Muesli, save the day?
My Thoughts /
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Book 2:-
An adorable canine crusader with an attitude (aren’t all cats like this???) – ✔
A mother who is constantly forgetting her iPad password - ✔
Four old ladies who like to sleuth - ✔
A handsome local detective who gets your heart racing - ✔
A sudden death to solve, and a killer to find - ✔
Cups of steaming hot tea to drink and cheesecakes to eat! - ✔
Gemma's personal life is, in one word, chaotic, but she can still find the time to solve mysteries and run a Tea Room!
The story begins with our heroine, Gemma Rose, attending a cocktail party at an art exhibition where her best friend Cassie is exhibiting some of her recently painted artwork. All goes smoothly until, the party is crashed by Sarah Waltham (a university art student) who shows up drunk and makes a scene. In an effort to sober her, she is offered a cup of tea. Upon drinking the tea, Sarah then has, what seems to be, a seizure and dies on the spot!
Gemma decides to begin her own investigation (with the help of the Old Biddies) into the murder, and quickly finds out that Sarah was a very unpopular person.
So the questions now are:-
Who did it?
Was she poisoned?
And lastly, Why?
If you enjoy deep, dark, intense, thrilling mysteries, then this book is not for you. However, if you can suspend your belief of straight down the line; by the book; police procedural practice and just go with the flow for your own enjoyment; then this series is for you.
The mystery itself was easily solved, but I’m not reading it solely for the mystery itself. The author’s descriptive pictures of the characters and places of Oxford are marvellously done. The insights into the local scenery, pubs, Oxford University and its surrounds are absolutely beautiful. The characters that live in this little village called Meadowford-on-Smythe are…..well, they are just magnificent, and add so much pizazz to the storyline. Hip hip hooray!!
Mrs Mabel Cook. Probably the worst of the Old Biddies and as deadly as the Spanish Inquisition when she was after information. She and her friends, Glenda Bailey, Florence Doyle and Ethel Webb ruled the village of Meadowford-on-Smythe, where my tearoom was located (although there were rumours that their influence penetrated to the top reaches of the Oxford City Council).
I hope the laugh-yourself-silly madcap mayhem continues in Oxford in the books to come. A fun series that I look forward to continuing.
Synopsis /
While at an Oxford cocktail party, tearoom owner Gemma Rose overhears a sinister conversation minutes before a University student is fatally poisoned. Could there be a connection? And could her best friend Cassie’s new boyfriend have anything to do with the murder?
Gemma decides to start her own investigation, helped by the nosy ladies from her Oxfordshire village and her old college flame, CID detective Devlin O’Connor. But her mother is causing havoc at Gemma’s quaint English tearoom and her best friend is furious at her snooping… and this mystery is turning out to have more twists than a chocolate pretzel!
Too late, Gemma realises that she’s could be the next item on the killer’s menu. Or will her little tabby cat, Muesli, save the day?
My Thoughts /
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Book 2:-
An adorable canine crusader with an attitude (aren’t all cats like this???) – ✔
A mother who is constantly forgetting her iPad password - ✔
Four old ladies who like to sleuth - ✔
A handsome local detective who gets your heart racing - ✔
A sudden death to solve, and a killer to find - ✔
Cups of steaming hot tea to drink and cheesecakes to eat! - ✔
Gemma's personal life is, in one word, chaotic, but she can still find the time to solve mysteries and run a Tea Room!
The story begins with our heroine, Gemma Rose, attending a cocktail party at an art exhibition where her best friend Cassie is exhibiting some of her recently painted artwork. All goes smoothly until, the party is crashed by Sarah Waltham (a university art student) who shows up drunk and makes a scene. In an effort to sober her, she is offered a cup of tea. Upon drinking the tea, Sarah then has, what seems to be, a seizure and dies on the spot!
Gemma decides to begin her own investigation (with the help of the Old Biddies) into the murder, and quickly finds out that Sarah was a very unpopular person.
So the questions now are:-
Who did it?
Was she poisoned?
And lastly, Why?
If you enjoy deep, dark, intense, thrilling mysteries, then this book is not for you. However, if you can suspend your belief of straight down the line; by the book; police procedural practice and just go with the flow for your own enjoyment; then this series is for you.
The mystery itself was easily solved, but I’m not reading it solely for the mystery itself. The author’s descriptive pictures of the characters and places of Oxford are marvellously done. The insights into the local scenery, pubs, Oxford University and its surrounds are absolutely beautiful. The characters that live in this little village called Meadowford-on-Smythe are…..well, they are just magnificent, and add so much pizazz to the storyline. Hip hip hooray!!
Mrs Mabel Cook. Probably the worst of the Old Biddies and as deadly as the Spanish Inquisition when she was after information. She and her friends, Glenda Bailey, Florence Doyle and Ethel Webb ruled the village of Meadowford-on-Smythe, where my tearoom was located (although there were rumours that their influence penetrated to the top reaches of the Oxford City Council).
I hope the laugh-yourself-silly madcap mayhem continues in Oxford in the books to come. A fun series that I look forward to continuing.
January 27, 2018
Tea with milk and murder by H.Y.Hanna is the second book in the Oxford tearoom mystery series. Gemma Rose attends a cocktail party at an art exhibition where her friend Cassie is displaying her work. An obnoxious university art student dies of poisoning during the party and Gemma investigates. A terrific and fun book which I enjoyed immensely. The old biddies investigations lead Gemma into a lot of awkward and funny situations as well as her mothers online shopping buys. A very entertaining book with fun characters and I loved that Muesli the cat played an instrumental role in saving Gemmas life. I enjoyed the descriptions of the University and town. A fun series that I look forward to continuing.
May 4, 2017
The author seems to be settling into her characters in this series.
June 14, 2021
A bit silly but enjoyable and engaging. Jumped right into book three!
February 2, 2016
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review
This book was just as good as the first one, maybe a bit better even. As I was already familiar with the characters and setting, I easily got into this book. It starts with a party where some of Cassie her painting are being displayed and the murder takes place early in the book. At first it seemed pretty clear what happened, but it soon it turns out to be more complicated. The mystery kept me guessing and suspecting people and I was pleasantly surprised by all the twists and turns this murder mystery took. I thought the poisoning made for an interesting mystery and it was very well written.
Beside the mystery there's a lot going on, the tearoom, Cassie and her new boyfriend, Gemma her potential love life, Gemma's mother who discovers online shopping. There was enough going on to keep me interested and there wasn't a dull moment. I also appreciated how lots of scenes had a bit of foreshadowing, where only later you could full put things in perspective.
I liked Gemma and how she handles things and got involved with the mystery again in this book. Although there were a few scenes which felt slightly off, like how it was obvious something happened as Gemma had to be at a certain place. I also liked how we see a bit of Gemma her flaws as well. She doesn't like Cassie her new boyfriend and she not handles it the best way at times, but overall I think she did have her heart on the right place and just wanted the best for Cassie. I liked getting to see more of the character we got introduced to in the first book, like the old biddies, Gemma her mom, Cassie, Delvin and some new characters too. There's also a connection with Oxford and the college again, which was a fun touch. And ofcourse the tearoom setting and the adorable cat Meusli.
There's a bit of romance mixed in, but not much more than in the first book. She goes on a date with both potential love interest, but beside seeing there's some mutual interest in both cases, it doesn't go much further. I am still preferring Delvin as it seems she would settle for the other guy, just because it was easy, I don't think she felt as much connection with him. he did seem like a nice character ad obviously has a soft spot for Gemma.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book! The pace was well done and the mystery was interesting with lots of twists and turns, foreshadowing and it kept me guessing. There's enough going on besides the murder mystery as well I liked seeing more of the familiar characters we got to meet in the first book already. There's also an interesting plot line involving Cassie her new boyfriend and Gemma's dislike for him. Gemma doesn't handle it the best way, it was obvious she just wanted the best for her friend. Then there is a bit of a romance subplot, it doesn't progress much, but just a bit to keep me interested in what will happen with that. All in all this was a great sequel and I can't wait till the third book will be released!
This book was just as good as the first one, maybe a bit better even. As I was already familiar with the characters and setting, I easily got into this book. It starts with a party where some of Cassie her painting are being displayed and the murder takes place early in the book. At first it seemed pretty clear what happened, but it soon it turns out to be more complicated. The mystery kept me guessing and suspecting people and I was pleasantly surprised by all the twists and turns this murder mystery took. I thought the poisoning made for an interesting mystery and it was very well written.
Beside the mystery there's a lot going on, the tearoom, Cassie and her new boyfriend, Gemma her potential love life, Gemma's mother who discovers online shopping. There was enough going on to keep me interested and there wasn't a dull moment. I also appreciated how lots of scenes had a bit of foreshadowing, where only later you could full put things in perspective.
I liked Gemma and how she handles things and got involved with the mystery again in this book. Although there were a few scenes which felt slightly off, like how it was obvious something happened as Gemma had to be at a certain place. I also liked how we see a bit of Gemma her flaws as well. She doesn't like Cassie her new boyfriend and she not handles it the best way at times, but overall I think she did have her heart on the right place and just wanted the best for Cassie. I liked getting to see more of the character we got introduced to in the first book, like the old biddies, Gemma her mom, Cassie, Delvin and some new characters too. There's also a connection with Oxford and the college again, which was a fun touch. And ofcourse the tearoom setting and the adorable cat Meusli.
There's a bit of romance mixed in, but not much more than in the first book. She goes on a date with both potential love interest, but beside seeing there's some mutual interest in both cases, it doesn't go much further. I am still preferring Delvin as it seems she would settle for the other guy, just because it was easy, I don't think she felt as much connection with him. he did seem like a nice character ad obviously has a soft spot for Gemma.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this book! The pace was well done and the mystery was interesting with lots of twists and turns, foreshadowing and it kept me guessing. There's enough going on besides the murder mystery as well I liked seeing more of the familiar characters we got to meet in the first book already. There's also an interesting plot line involving Cassie her new boyfriend and Gemma's dislike for him. Gemma doesn't handle it the best way, it was obvious she just wanted the best for her friend. Then there is a bit of a romance subplot, it doesn't progress much, but just a bit to keep me interested in what will happen with that. All in all this was a great sequel and I can't wait till the third book will be released!
April 21, 2022
“Tea With Milk and Murder” earns 5/5 Slices of Velvety Cheesecake!
Gemma Rose is not thrilled about the art exhibition, but friends will do almost anything for a friend. BFF Cassie Jenkins is having her first exhibition courtesy of John Kelsey, gallery owner and new boyfriend. Gemma isn’t a fan of much of the art, and definitely not a fan of Cassie’s new boyfriend. Her opinion of him seems validated when she thinks she overhears him plotting in the shadows, and a self-proclaimed girlfriend shows up causing a scene and dampening the festivities for Cassie. The event is further damaged when Sarah starts flailing, fighting for air, collapsing on the ground…dead. Gemma rushes to her side smelling a curious scent of ‘bitter almonds.’
Nothing is quite what it seems when Gemma once again meets with CID Detective Devilin O’Conner, a former boyfriend, and starts looking into the strange events. Some suspects have means and motive, but opportunity is nixed with alibis. Other suspects had opportunity and motive, but not everyone has access to deadly poisons. The "Old Biddies,” four nosy octogenarians, add their own insights with a few covert explorations finding hidden flats, lacy thongs, and more suspicions. Gemma treads lightly since she doesn’t want to damage her friendship, but she decides to employ serious due dilligence when someone else falls victim.
"Tea with Milk and Murder,” second book in H.y. Hanna’s Oxford Tearoom Mystery series, ranks right at the top of my favorite list! She once again has written an engaging mystery with several possibilities to ponder. The final solution didn’t come to me until…”Oh, no! Is that…?” Gemma Rose is a strong female character delightfully clever, and even with some confidence issues, I find her quite entertaining. There’s a bit of a romantic triangle, cat antics, interesting mother-daughter dynamic (No, I didn’t order that!), and four octogenarians who steal the scene. Many know I've always been a fan of all things British, so I am in ‘seventh heaven' with all the references to Oxford University and the local haunts, Meadowford on Smythe, and tea and treats. The recipe for Gemma’s mother’s Velvety Cheesecake is included…It is 'jolly good fun’!
Gemma Rose is not thrilled about the art exhibition, but friends will do almost anything for a friend. BFF Cassie Jenkins is having her first exhibition courtesy of John Kelsey, gallery owner and new boyfriend. Gemma isn’t a fan of much of the art, and definitely not a fan of Cassie’s new boyfriend. Her opinion of him seems validated when she thinks she overhears him plotting in the shadows, and a self-proclaimed girlfriend shows up causing a scene and dampening the festivities for Cassie. The event is further damaged when Sarah starts flailing, fighting for air, collapsing on the ground…dead. Gemma rushes to her side smelling a curious scent of ‘bitter almonds.’
Nothing is quite what it seems when Gemma once again meets with CID Detective Devilin O’Conner, a former boyfriend, and starts looking into the strange events. Some suspects have means and motive, but opportunity is nixed with alibis. Other suspects had opportunity and motive, but not everyone has access to deadly poisons. The "Old Biddies,” four nosy octogenarians, add their own insights with a few covert explorations finding hidden flats, lacy thongs, and more suspicions. Gemma treads lightly since she doesn’t want to damage her friendship, but she decides to employ serious due dilligence when someone else falls victim.
"Tea with Milk and Murder,” second book in H.y. Hanna’s Oxford Tearoom Mystery series, ranks right at the top of my favorite list! She once again has written an engaging mystery with several possibilities to ponder. The final solution didn’t come to me until…”Oh, no! Is that…?” Gemma Rose is a strong female character delightfully clever, and even with some confidence issues, I find her quite entertaining. There’s a bit of a romantic triangle, cat antics, interesting mother-daughter dynamic (No, I didn’t order that!), and four octogenarians who steal the scene. Many know I've always been a fan of all things British, so I am in ‘seventh heaven' with all the references to Oxford University and the local haunts, Meadowford on Smythe, and tea and treats. The recipe for Gemma’s mother’s Velvety Cheesecake is included…It is 'jolly good fun’!
February 4, 2022
Un deuxième tome très réussi, quel plaisir de retrouver tous les personnages, d'apprendre à les connaître un peu plus, l'ambiance du Cosy Mystery, l'humour, le suspens, tous les ingrédients sont réunis pour un bonheur de distraction ... J'ai hâte de lire le suivant!
January 26, 2016
I enjoyed the first book in this series so I was delighted when asked by an author to review this book. I was happy to do so. It is as good as the first one. The writing is very descriptive and you feel like you are in Oxford. The Bidders are helping in the tea room, Gemma's Mom is ordering items online much to Gemma's horror.Cassie has taken up with an art critic not helping in the tea room. Muelisa is doing normal cat thing and is a delight. I especially like the leash scene as my cat walks does same on a lease. Gemma's romance is moving slowly. Yes, there's a murder that will keep you wondering and the answer will surprise you. I am ready to have another adventure with my friends
February 8, 2024
Gemma Rose owns The Little Stables Tearoom in Meadowford-on-Smythe near Oxford University in England. Gemma's mother creates the magic in the tea shop kitchen, and Gemma and her friend Cassie Jenkins serve the creations to locals and tourists. However, the night at a local contemporary art gallery is not about tea but a private celebration of an opening exhibition of Cassie's art. Who would have guessed such an unexpected end to the anticipated enchanted evening? It was hard to say if Gemma or Cassie was more surprised that they would be having a conversation with Devlin O'Connor, not as an old friend from university days but in his role as a detective.
The setting, the characters, and the dialogue are a most delectable blend in a cozy mystery. The investigation inquiries lead to a closer look at student relationships and sprinkled throughout the storyline are interesting facts about the architecture of campus buildings and student life. The character relationships bubble with joy from family to friends to customers, including the effervescent foursome of Mabel Cooke, Glenda Bailey, Florence Doyle, and Ethel Webb, shortened affectionately as the "Old Biddies" by Gemma and Cassie. There's also a mischievous and paw-some little sleuth named Muesli, knowing the difference between the purr-fect time to quietly slip a harness or speak up with loud, persistent meows. Oh, and if you love online shopping, I can't wait until you read about the purchases by Gemma's mother!
I highly recommend you set aside time to enjoy a nice cup of tea with some cozy mystery fun!
The newest addition to the tearoom menu is the "Velvet Cheesecake," a recipe provided at the end of the cozy mystery. Readers are welcomed to the author's website for a British Terms & Slang glossary and Special Terms Used in Oxford University.
The setting, the characters, and the dialogue are a most delectable blend in a cozy mystery. The investigation inquiries lead to a closer look at student relationships and sprinkled throughout the storyline are interesting facts about the architecture of campus buildings and student life. The character relationships bubble with joy from family to friends to customers, including the effervescent foursome of Mabel Cooke, Glenda Bailey, Florence Doyle, and Ethel Webb, shortened affectionately as the "Old Biddies" by Gemma and Cassie. There's also a mischievous and paw-some little sleuth named Muesli, knowing the difference between the purr-fect time to quietly slip a harness or speak up with loud, persistent meows. Oh, and if you love online shopping, I can't wait until you read about the purchases by Gemma's mother!
I highly recommend you set aside time to enjoy a nice cup of tea with some cozy mystery fun!
The newest addition to the tearoom menu is the "Velvet Cheesecake," a recipe provided at the end of the cozy mystery. Readers are welcomed to the author's website for a British Terms & Slang glossary and Special Terms Used in Oxford University.
August 15, 2017
In Tea with Milk and Murder, the second book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series by H.Y. Hanna, Gemma Rose goes to a party at an art gallery where the art painted by her best friend Cassie is being displayed by Cassie's new boyfriend, Johnny Kelsey, owner of the gallery. The party is crashed by Sarah Waltham, who claims to be Johnny's girlfriend, and shows up drunk and violent. Then, Sarah has a seizure and dies, bringing in Gemma's college love, Devlin O'Connor, now a Detective Inspector, to look into the murder.
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Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
July 19, 2020
Bwahahaha! More laugh-yourself-silly madcap mayhem in Oxford. I'm trying to pace myself with this series because I want it to last but I've listened to three books in a week so that's not going so well. Totally addictive. Hanna knows how to build a mystery, planting clues and red herrings in abundance for the discerning reader to sort through. And the humour is always laugh-out-loud funny. And wee Muesli (tabby cat) really comes into her own in this book. I'm still grinning.
March 21, 2023
Si je sortais du tome 1 un peu mitigée, j'avoue que celui-ci m'a beaucoup plus plu, j'ai passé un très agréable moment avec Gemma et les vieilles chouettes. C'était un tome assez bien écrit et l'intrigue était prenante. J'ai envie d'en découvrir la suite !
September 8, 2025
sympa, se lit vite...un livre de vacances...point positif bonus : Müesli le chat 🐱
May 24, 2023
J’aime toujours autant cette série. On retrouve avec plaisir les personnages attachants, les notes d’humour et les situations rocambolesques du premier tome.
J’ai passé un très bon moment
J’ai passé un très bon moment
June 29, 2022
Suite à ma rencontre initiale plus que rafraîchissante et drôle avec Gemma, l’héroïne de cette nouvelle série d’enquêtes, j’ai très rapidement ressenti l’envie de la retrouver ainsi que l’univers mis en action par H. Y. Hanna. Le moins que l’on puisse dire reste que ce second tome est aussi bon que son prédécesseur et se dessine dans la même lignée.
Ainsi, j’ai à nouveau dévoré cette nouvelle enquête dévoilée avec les mêmes ingrédients que précédemment. Entre fraicheur et légèreté, j’ai été ballotté par la plume toujours aussi accessible et le style un brin addictif de cette dernière. J’ai apprécié que ce nouveau meurtre coïncide avec le nouvel âme soeur de Cassie, la meilleure amie de Gemma et que les sentiments de nos protagonistes se retrouvent mêlés à ce meurtre. Cela m’a permis d’encore plus m’attacher à notre jeune femme ainsi qu’à ses connaissances comme le jubilant club formé des trois mégères locales qui n’hésitent pas à prendre des risques pour fouiner la où l’accès leur est interdit. Une fois de plus, je me suis amusé à suivre cette légère enquête réalisée par des amatrices et comme à chaque fois, j’étais bien loin de démasquer le coupable pourtant finalement si évident à identifier.
Sans offrir une intrigue digne de ce nom, H. Y. Hanna offre du divertissement pur et facile. En quelques lignes à peine, cette dernière parvient à m’embarquer dans son loufoque univers où j’ai l’impression de retrouver de vieilles connaissances et dont je suis plus que réceptif à cette délicieuse intimité. Avec modernité et efficacité, nul doute que chaque lecteur trouvera sa place en cours de lecture et je reste plus qu’admiratif d’un tel résultat. C’est à la fois un moment de douceur et de réconfort qui nous est apporté et cela fait vraiment du bien de se laisser porter par tant de légèreté, encore bien davantage ces derniers temps. De plus et il est à noter que j’apprécie le fait que l’auteure ne tombe pas dans le piège du triangle amoureux maintes fois usés et abusés même si un soupçons de romance baigne son intrigue. Les choses se font de manières lentes et naturelles et permettent au lecteur quelques moments assez croustillants quant à l’avenir des relations amoureuses de notre jeune célibataire, retournée vivre chez ses parents faute de mieux. Des parents d’ailleurs composés d’une mère des plus envahissante mais des plus charmante pour autant. Pour le reste de la galerie de personnages dépeint, j’admets que j’aurais apprécié une légère évolution de la part de H. Y. Hanna pour ne pas avoir à penser que cette dernière tombe dans la facilité en reprenant à chaque histoire les mêmes ingrédients qui, même s’ils fonctionnent à merveille pour le moment, risque quand même de ma lasser.
En somme, la suite des aventures de Gemma m’a tout autant charmé que précédemment. J’ai adoré retrouver le panache des personnages de ce récit qui se veut à nouveau porté par une plume éloquente et un style addictif dont je me suis laissé bercer. L’intrigue dévoilée se démontre légère et efficace et m’a totalement diverti et je n’en attendais pas moins. Je suis ravi de pouvoir retrouver prochainement cet amusant univers qui, jusqu’à présent, ne tombe guère dans les pièges du genre.
Ainsi, j’ai à nouveau dévoré cette nouvelle enquête dévoilée avec les mêmes ingrédients que précédemment. Entre fraicheur et légèreté, j’ai été ballotté par la plume toujours aussi accessible et le style un brin addictif de cette dernière. J’ai apprécié que ce nouveau meurtre coïncide avec le nouvel âme soeur de Cassie, la meilleure amie de Gemma et que les sentiments de nos protagonistes se retrouvent mêlés à ce meurtre. Cela m’a permis d’encore plus m’attacher à notre jeune femme ainsi qu’à ses connaissances comme le jubilant club formé des trois mégères locales qui n’hésitent pas à prendre des risques pour fouiner la où l’accès leur est interdit. Une fois de plus, je me suis amusé à suivre cette légère enquête réalisée par des amatrices et comme à chaque fois, j’étais bien loin de démasquer le coupable pourtant finalement si évident à identifier.
Sans offrir une intrigue digne de ce nom, H. Y. Hanna offre du divertissement pur et facile. En quelques lignes à peine, cette dernière parvient à m’embarquer dans son loufoque univers où j’ai l’impression de retrouver de vieilles connaissances et dont je suis plus que réceptif à cette délicieuse intimité. Avec modernité et efficacité, nul doute que chaque lecteur trouvera sa place en cours de lecture et je reste plus qu’admiratif d’un tel résultat. C’est à la fois un moment de douceur et de réconfort qui nous est apporté et cela fait vraiment du bien de se laisser porter par tant de légèreté, encore bien davantage ces derniers temps. De plus et il est à noter que j’apprécie le fait que l’auteure ne tombe pas dans le piège du triangle amoureux maintes fois usés et abusés même si un soupçons de romance baigne son intrigue. Les choses se font de manières lentes et naturelles et permettent au lecteur quelques moments assez croustillants quant à l’avenir des relations amoureuses de notre jeune célibataire, retournée vivre chez ses parents faute de mieux. Des parents d’ailleurs composés d’une mère des plus envahissante mais des plus charmante pour autant. Pour le reste de la galerie de personnages dépeint, j’admets que j’aurais apprécié une légère évolution de la part de H. Y. Hanna pour ne pas avoir à penser que cette dernière tombe dans la facilité en reprenant à chaque histoire les mêmes ingrédients qui, même s’ils fonctionnent à merveille pour le moment, risque quand même de ma lasser.
En somme, la suite des aventures de Gemma m’a tout autant charmé que précédemment. J’ai adoré retrouver le panache des personnages de ce récit qui se veut à nouveau porté par une plume éloquente et un style addictif dont je me suis laissé bercer. L’intrigue dévoilée se démontre légère et efficace et m’a totalement diverti et je n’en attendais pas moins. Je suis ravi de pouvoir retrouver prochainement cet amusant univers qui, jusqu’à présent, ne tombe guère dans les pièges du genre.
January 7, 2018
After working at her tea room all day, Gemma takes a break to visit an art gallery opening that is honoring her best friend, Cassie. Though the showing is displaying many other artists also, Gemma is only interested in Cassie's contributions. Gemma also learns that Cassie has a new boyfriend, Jon Kelsey who is also the owner of the Gallery.
When an aparently drunk young lady comes in and disrupts the nice quiet event, she is denied alcohol but offered a cup of tea. Upon drinking the tea she goes into convulsions and dies. Gemma smelled almonds on her and jumped to the conclusion that the young lady had been poisoned with cyanide, putting the bar waitress in the spotlight!
During her investigation, Gemma gets closer to her old college flame, Devlin O'Connor, the CID Inspector on the case. Devlin does not always agreeing with Gemma's participation in the investigation, Gemma can't just let it go...her best friend is "involved" with the gallery owner and Gemma instinctively distrusts Jon, but cannot specifically say why. To make matters worse, you know there is a problem when animals don't like a person and Meusli takes an immediate dislike to Jon the first time she sees him.
Gemma's investingation into the matter quickly reveals that Sarah was very rude and unpopular person and had a lot of enemies. The question is who did it, when was she given the poison, and why? Throughout the ups and downs of Gemma's investigation, you get to learn more of the traditions of England and Oxford college.
A very enjoyable book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
When an aparently drunk young lady comes in and disrupts the nice quiet event, she is denied alcohol but offered a cup of tea. Upon drinking the tea she goes into convulsions and dies. Gemma smelled almonds on her and jumped to the conclusion that the young lady had been poisoned with cyanide, putting the bar waitress in the spotlight!
During her investigation, Gemma gets closer to her old college flame, Devlin O'Connor, the CID Inspector on the case. Devlin does not always agreeing with Gemma's participation in the investigation, Gemma can't just let it go...her best friend is "involved" with the gallery owner and Gemma instinctively distrusts Jon, but cannot specifically say why. To make matters worse, you know there is a problem when animals don't like a person and Meusli takes an immediate dislike to Jon the first time she sees him.
Gemma's investingation into the matter quickly reveals that Sarah was very rude and unpopular person and had a lot of enemies. The question is who did it, when was she given the poison, and why? Throughout the ups and downs of Gemma's investigation, you get to learn more of the traditions of England and Oxford college.
A very enjoyable book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 29, 2016
It had been a while since I first visited Gemma and the gang so it took me a few minutes in to the reading to get my barrens but once I did it took off and was a lot of fun.
To Gemma's mother's dismay, she bought a tea room and decided to do what she was passionate about instead of making the big bucks with her Oxford degree. The tea room has been doing pretty good and her friend is getting a much-deserved chance to display her art at a gallery.
The only bad thing about that is Gemma can't stand Jon Kelsey the man who runs the gallery and is currently Cassie's boyfriend. There is just something about him that gets on Gemma's nerves. Then a lady shows up at the gallery exhibit and looks to be pretty drunk, she rants to Jon about some things and later ends up dead in the gallery.
This brings in Devlin who is Gemma's ex-boyfriend who is now a detective inspector and it becomes his case. Gemma is pretty sure that it's Jon but she thinks it might be just because she wants it to be him. The Old Biddies that think they are Agatha Christie thinks it was the bartender. It seems that Sarah wasn't very well liked by many people. It's a good thing Devlin doesn't mind a bit of help solving the case.
I like Gemma, she took a whim and opened up her own place when she could be working a plush job somewhere. So I am glad to see that her tea room is starting to get popular and the people there seem to care about her well-being.
I love all the side characters as well and they seem to just work well together to bring a great story along. Gemma's mother is obsessed with buying things online and that turns out some real fun stuff...lol. The old ladies got a chance to have fun in the tea room and help out and I think they really enjoyed that. Sometimes being retired just isn't much fun after it's been a few years. They liked being useful. Then there is Devlin who just sounds sexy and her is a cop to detective to boot. I like the idea of a second chance after the two characters have grown up a bit. They have changed and maybe this time it will work. Which makes me feel sorry for Licholn cause I think he likes Gemma but he is just a friend in her eyes.
Tea with Milk and Murder was a fun second book and I was a bit surprise but then not really surprised by the killer (if that makes sense...lol). If you are a fan of cozies then I think you will like this one. Tea anyone? :)
To Gemma's mother's dismay, she bought a tea room and decided to do what she was passionate about instead of making the big bucks with her Oxford degree. The tea room has been doing pretty good and her friend is getting a much-deserved chance to display her art at a gallery.
The only bad thing about that is Gemma can't stand Jon Kelsey the man who runs the gallery and is currently Cassie's boyfriend. There is just something about him that gets on Gemma's nerves. Then a lady shows up at the gallery exhibit and looks to be pretty drunk, she rants to Jon about some things and later ends up dead in the gallery.
This brings in Devlin who is Gemma's ex-boyfriend who is now a detective inspector and it becomes his case. Gemma is pretty sure that it's Jon but she thinks it might be just because she wants it to be him. The Old Biddies that think they are Agatha Christie thinks it was the bartender. It seems that Sarah wasn't very well liked by many people. It's a good thing Devlin doesn't mind a bit of help solving the case.
I like Gemma, she took a whim and opened up her own place when she could be working a plush job somewhere. So I am glad to see that her tea room is starting to get popular and the people there seem to care about her well-being.
I love all the side characters as well and they seem to just work well together to bring a great story along. Gemma's mother is obsessed with buying things online and that turns out some real fun stuff...lol. The old ladies got a chance to have fun in the tea room and help out and I think they really enjoyed that. Sometimes being retired just isn't much fun after it's been a few years. They liked being useful. Then there is Devlin who just sounds sexy and her is a cop to detective to boot. I like the idea of a second chance after the two characters have grown up a bit. They have changed and maybe this time it will work. Which makes me feel sorry for Licholn cause I think he likes Gemma but he is just a friend in her eyes.
Tea with Milk and Murder was a fun second book and I was a bit surprise but then not really surprised by the killer (if that makes sense...lol). If you are a fan of cozies then I think you will like this one. Tea anyone? :)
January 22, 2016
This is the second book in this delightful series.
Gemma is enjoying her new tea room and is more than pleased that business is booming. Having her mother bake the delectable delights in this series adds quite a few chuckles. If you aren't acquainted with her mother, you are missing out on some fun humor. In the first book, her mother was constantly forgetting her iPad password, this time she seems to have mastered it and now is happily doing a bit of online shopping for Gemma and the tea room. ( I would love to see the memory foam jester slippers)
When Gemma's best friend Cassie, an artist, has a new man in her life, it causes chaos and tension between the friends.
While attending an art gallery showing, a young woman falls ill and dies, but not before throwing herself at Cassie's new beau. Cassie defends his honor and arguments begin to brew.
Gemma begins her own investigation and with the help of the old biddies sets out to find the truth.
Muesli, her adopted cat will keep you laughing with her antics.
This is a series that will grab your attention and keep you coming back for more.
Gemma is enjoying her new tea room and is more than pleased that business is booming. Having her mother bake the delectable delights in this series adds quite a few chuckles. If you aren't acquainted with her mother, you are missing out on some fun humor. In the first book, her mother was constantly forgetting her iPad password, this time she seems to have mastered it and now is happily doing a bit of online shopping for Gemma and the tea room. ( I would love to see the memory foam jester slippers)
When Gemma's best friend Cassie, an artist, has a new man in her life, it causes chaos and tension between the friends.
While attending an art gallery showing, a young woman falls ill and dies, but not before throwing herself at Cassie's new beau. Cassie defends his honor and arguments begin to brew.
Gemma begins her own investigation and with the help of the old biddies sets out to find the truth.
Muesli, her adopted cat will keep you laughing with her antics.
This is a series that will grab your attention and keep you coming back for more.
January 24, 2016
Tea with Milk and Murder - the second book in the Oxford Tearoom series is as great as the first. I was totally captivated by the story. I really love Hanna's descriptions in the story. Once again, I'm brought back to the University city of Oxford, walking down those cobbled streets. I can absolutely picture how the teahouse looks like in my mind through Hanna's beautiful descriptions.
The mystery is another exciting murder. Unlike the first story where the killer was totally a surprise, in this second story, I did have a small suspicion that the killer could be that person but it was still very exciting and intriguing to read. What made the story even more amazing this round was the part Muesli played. She is such a adorable cat and even though I am not really a cat person, reading about her just endeared her to me. It was great that even Gemma's parents fell in love with her.
This second story also has a bit more romance compared to the first. It has a bit of love triangle and I can't wait to see how the romance evolves. Really can't wait for the 3rd book in this series.
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery is another exciting murder. Unlike the first story where the killer was totally a surprise, in this second story, I did have a small suspicion that the killer could be that person but it was still very exciting and intriguing to read. What made the story even more amazing this round was the part Muesli played. She is such a adorable cat and even though I am not really a cat person, reading about her just endeared her to me. It was great that even Gemma's parents fell in love with her.
This second story also has a bit more romance compared to the first. It has a bit of love triangle and I can't wait to see how the romance evolves. Really can't wait for the 3rd book in this series.
** I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2017
A very good entry to the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. I always enjoy the insights to the local scenery, pubs, and, of course, Oxford University and its many colleges. Enough possible suspects to keep things lively, though, funnily enough, this was one of the few mysteries I've read recently where I actually picked out whodunit way ahead of time (I don't ever really try). Still a good one, with the usual fun characters known as the Old Biddies adding comic relief. As an aside, I do need to add that I love, love, love the book covers on this series!
February 26, 2021
I tried this cozy due to the number of positive reviews, but also because of a sleepless night. I don't like cats, and the cat in this series has a starring role. There is a poisoner in Oxford and the body count is mounting; there is a tearoom; there is a young woman who owns the tearoom with several young men in competition for her affections; there is a lot to learn about poisons and there is also art. All those features atop the attraction of Oxford.
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