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Le Doux Mysteries #1
Murder by the Cup
She's always been her family's dirty little secret,
but now she's finally free...
Wynona Le Doux would never have chosen to be born into the most powerful, ruling witch family in all of Hex Haven. And she certainly wouldn't have chosen to be cursed at birth and grow up without powers. Nor would she have ever wanted to add 'amateur sleuth' to her resume.
It seemed fate left her no choice.
Having been hid from the public since birth because of her curse, it isn't until Wynona's grandmother helps her escape on the Spring Equinox that Wynona manages to make a few decisions for herself...that is until a dead body is found in her tea shop.
She's only six days away from her grand opening when the police mark off the area as a crime scene, putting her plans on hold.
Even with an alibi, the chief of police has Wynona at the top of his suspect list and the grumpy vampire seems determined to put her behind bars. Despite that, it isn't until customers begin cancelling their appointments that Wynona knows she has to step in and solve this crime or lose her dream forever.
Without any magical powers, she's going to need all the help she can get. A wingless fairy, a too-handsome landlord and a purple mouse are not exactly the dream team she had in mind.
Follow Wynona and her band of misfits as they navigate a city of magic, mystery and danger in this light-hearted, paranormal cozy mystery by Abigail Thornton.
but now she's finally free...
Wynona Le Doux would never have chosen to be born into the most powerful, ruling witch family in all of Hex Haven. And she certainly wouldn't have chosen to be cursed at birth and grow up without powers. Nor would she have ever wanted to add 'amateur sleuth' to her resume.
It seemed fate left her no choice.
Having been hid from the public since birth because of her curse, it isn't until Wynona's grandmother helps her escape on the Spring Equinox that Wynona manages to make a few decisions for herself...that is until a dead body is found in her tea shop.
She's only six days away from her grand opening when the police mark off the area as a crime scene, putting her plans on hold.
Even with an alibi, the chief of police has Wynona at the top of his suspect list and the grumpy vampire seems determined to put her behind bars. Despite that, it isn't until customers begin cancelling their appointments that Wynona knows she has to step in and solve this crime or lose her dream forever.
Without any magical powers, she's going to need all the help she can get. A wingless fairy, a too-handsome landlord and a purple mouse are not exactly the dream team she had in mind.
Follow Wynona and her band of misfits as they navigate a city of magic, mystery and danger in this light-hearted, paranormal cozy mystery by Abigail Thornton.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
February 6, 2022
Quirky would be the best word to describe this book. Wynona is a relatable character who feels like an outcast, and this will resonate with readers.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
March 4, 2022
It was cute but…
*spoilers ahead*
Wynona is a witch - ish. She ‘lost’ her powers when they were bound when she was born. Her grandmother helped her escape her family who apparently were a bunch of powerful assholes. Her dad is the President but never spoke about her because she doesn’t have powers.
She moves to a new town and plans to open a tea shop. But the chef who is supposed to supply her tea shop with pastries is found dead in her office and suddenly she is in a semi-love triangle with a cold one and a hot one (who happens to be a shapeshifting werewolf) SOUND FAMILIAR??
She has a new janitor who is small and grumbles all the time just like Kreacher in Harry Potter.
All clues point to… the killer. Yep. Super predictable. I figured out who it was before the body even dropped.
Otherwise the story is cute. We all know she really does have powers. Otherwise why all the ‘purple’? The mouse, the sparks at the end etc. I will probably read the second in the series to see if it gets any better.
*spoilers ahead*
Wynona is a witch - ish. She ‘lost’ her powers when they were bound when she was born. Her grandmother helped her escape her family who apparently were a bunch of powerful assholes. Her dad is the President but never spoke about her because she doesn’t have powers.
She moves to a new town and plans to open a tea shop. But the chef who is supposed to supply her tea shop with pastries is found dead in her office and suddenly she is in a semi-love triangle with a cold one and a hot one (who happens to be a shapeshifting werewolf) SOUND FAMILIAR??
She has a new janitor who is small and grumbles all the time just like Kreacher in Harry Potter.
All clues point to… the killer. Yep. Super predictable. I figured out who it was before the body even dropped.
Otherwise the story is cute. We all know she really does have powers. Otherwise why all the ‘purple’? The mouse, the sparks at the end etc. I will probably read the second in the series to see if it gets any better.
February 26, 2024
Paranormal plus tea room equals a ton of fun
4.5 stars
Admittedly it did take awhile to warm up to the book. There was just a lot of setup and world building going on that was a little bit of information overload, however once I got more invested in the characters, and the mystery started to twist and turn then I found myself very intrigued.
The end was a game changer and upped my rating of this quite a bit. It was quite the adrenaline rush that I had while reading made me glued to the pages. It was fantastic. I loved it. It sold me on the rest of the series.
4.5 stars
Admittedly it did take awhile to warm up to the book. There was just a lot of setup and world building going on that was a little bit of information overload, however once I got more invested in the characters, and the mystery started to twist and turn then I found myself very intrigued.
The end was a game changer and upped my rating of this quite a bit. It was quite the adrenaline rush that I had while reading made me glued to the pages. It was fantastic. I loved it. It sold me on the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2022
I thought the book was a cute intro to a mystery series. It has an interesting look at the weird and different that is hex haven. The protagonist has her own troubles she’s dealing with and needs to solve the murders to help keep them at bay. Plus there’s a cute cop.
June 23, 2024
This wasa pretty fun read the more it went on!!
I could DIE for Rascal despite giving "bella, where have you been loca vibes"!
I could DIE for Rascal despite giving "bella, where have you been loca vibes"!
September 1, 2024
"Murder by the Cup (Le Doux Mysteries #1)" by Abigail Lynn Thornton is the first book in a very paranormal cozy mystery. Despite being the presidential family, she's the child her family has kept hidden from the public for 30ish years because she doesn't have any powers. That's a terrible thing in a family of powerful witches. Wynona Le Doux has finally escaped her family's clutches the night her grandmother dies, unbeknownst to Wynona. She just knew her grandmother said to leave at that specific time.
Wynona is now living in a cute little cottage at the edge of the forest and about to open her tea shop she's named in honor of her grandmother. Unfortunately, there's the ashes and clothes of a person in her office shortly before her grand opening. Now she has to help figure out who is behind it before she loses all her reservations for opening.
The main cast of characters are quite a variety of creatures. Wynona makes friends with a little mouse that is just adorable sounding. I have theories about the mouse but won't going into detail because I think it may result in spoilers. There are a couple of love interest. A Warlock that's also her landlord for the shop and a deputy detective wolf shifter. Wynona's best gal pal is a fairy, and she has a brownie working for her at the tea shop, keeping it extra clean.
Wynona is now living in a cute little cottage at the edge of the forest and about to open her tea shop she's named in honor of her grandmother. Unfortunately, there's the ashes and clothes of a person in her office shortly before her grand opening. Now she has to help figure out who is behind it before she loses all her reservations for opening.
The main cast of characters are quite a variety of creatures. Wynona makes friends with a little mouse that is just adorable sounding. I have theories about the mouse but won't going into detail because I think it may result in spoilers. There are a couple of love interest. A Warlock that's also her landlord for the shop and a deputy detective wolf shifter. Wynona's best gal pal is a fairy, and she has a brownie working for her at the tea shop, keeping it extra clean.
August 8, 2024
Wynona La Doux escapes her powerful family as her only compassionate guardian Granny Saffron dies. Her hopes for the future rest on the success of her new tea shop in Hex Haven. Only a thief tries to steal recipes from the talented chef she has partnered with and ends up dead in her office. Local Police Chief Ligurio doesn’t care about clearing the crime scene from her opening in six days and seems bent on blaming her for the murder. This leaves Wynona with little recourse than solving the suspicious events before all of her customers cancel and the La Doux’s drag her back into isolation.
* * * * *----------* * * * *----------* * * * *
This supernatural cozy mystery seems well intentioned. Our group of misfits includes a mouse dyed a brilliant shade of purple, a fae without wings that sheds glitter, a grumpy brownie with a bias against wolves, and our main heroine a spellbound witch. There is no slow build up to the world and the magical components have little to do with our case. The first hurdle is our protagonist. She has essentially home schooled social awkwardness. This is meant to be her first foray into the world but the author wants that to explain away her impetuousness or blushing naivete one moment, and her acute observation skills controlled demeanor the next. Neither side comes with high credibility. Her abuse/neglect is minimized as background noise and Wy doesn’t even stand up for herself when like seven people barge into her closed shop in five minutes. It can come of cringey and requires some grace to push through. The mystery itself is pretty thin. Most of the big issues are left as dangling plot threads for other books (her curse, her powers, Violet, etc.). There is a lot of repetition as she will discover something and then hold a tea party to chat about it with friends or stop by the police station to give them unwanted updates. Also given the limited cast, it’s predictable even if the motives are obscured. It’s meant as quirky fluff and mostly delivers that. Probably finds it stride in the later series entries. (2.5 stars)
* * * * *----------* * * * *----------* * * * *
This supernatural cozy mystery seems well intentioned. Our group of misfits includes a mouse dyed a brilliant shade of purple, a fae without wings that sheds glitter, a grumpy brownie with a bias against wolves, and our main heroine a spellbound witch. There is no slow build up to the world and the magical components have little to do with our case. The first hurdle is our protagonist. She has essentially home schooled social awkwardness. This is meant to be her first foray into the world but the author wants that to explain away her impetuousness or blushing naivete one moment, and her acute observation skills controlled demeanor the next. Neither side comes with high credibility. Her abuse/neglect is minimized as background noise and Wy doesn’t even stand up for herself when like seven people barge into her closed shop in five minutes. It can come of cringey and requires some grace to push through. The mystery itself is pretty thin. Most of the big issues are left as dangling plot threads for other books (her curse, her powers, Violet, etc.). There is a lot of repetition as she will discover something and then hold a tea party to chat about it with friends or stop by the police station to give them unwanted updates. Also given the limited cast, it’s predictable even if the motives are obscured. It’s meant as quirky fluff and mostly delivers that. Probably finds it stride in the later series entries. (2.5 stars)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2022
“Murder by the Cup” (Le Doux Mysteries #1) by Abigail Lynn Thornton ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery. Location: The town of Hex Haven. TIme: Present.
“She's always been her family's dirty little secret, but now she's finally free...”
THE SERIES: Wynona Le Doux was born into the most powerful witch family in Hex Haven. Cursed at birth, she grew up without witchy powers, kept locked away in her cruel family’s castle. She was only supported by Granny Saffron, who taught her herb and plant use. When Wynona finally escaped her family, she started Saffron’s Tea House, specializing in custom teas.
THIS BOOK: Looking forward to the grand opening of Saffron’s Tea House, Wynona has convinced gnome Chef Droxon to supply her with pastries. Just 6 days before opening, a dead body is found in her shop. Customers start cancelling appointments, and grumpy vampire Police Chief Ligurio is convinced Wynona is the killer. Soon there is another dead body. She must investigate. With no magic, Wynona needs the help of a dream team, but her team consists of Primrose (wingless fairy), Roderick (warlock and too-handsome landlord), and Violet (purple mouse).
Since Wynona grew up isolated and lacks experience in romance, author Thornton adds an appropriately gentle love triangle consisting of dark-haired Wynona, warlock Roderick with his blond hair and cool silvery eyes, and wolf shapeshifter Rascal with his messy brown hair and hot golden eyes (and he’s the deputy police chief).
Thornton’s writing is consistent across the book. For example, Wynona learned to control her emotions around her cruel family, so Thornton writes her as always polite and appearing calm, even when she’s seething inside.
It’s a light-hearted romp through a town full of magic and diverse species. It’s the perfect definition of a paranormal cozy mystery, and it’s 5 stars from me. Thank you @authorabigaillynnthornton for this free kindle book!
“She's always been her family's dirty little secret, but now she's finally free...”
THE SERIES: Wynona Le Doux was born into the most powerful witch family in Hex Haven. Cursed at birth, she grew up without witchy powers, kept locked away in her cruel family’s castle. She was only supported by Granny Saffron, who taught her herb and plant use. When Wynona finally escaped her family, she started Saffron’s Tea House, specializing in custom teas.
THIS BOOK: Looking forward to the grand opening of Saffron’s Tea House, Wynona has convinced gnome Chef Droxon to supply her with pastries. Just 6 days before opening, a dead body is found in her shop. Customers start cancelling appointments, and grumpy vampire Police Chief Ligurio is convinced Wynona is the killer. Soon there is another dead body. She must investigate. With no magic, Wynona needs the help of a dream team, but her team consists of Primrose (wingless fairy), Roderick (warlock and too-handsome landlord), and Violet (purple mouse).
Since Wynona grew up isolated and lacks experience in romance, author Thornton adds an appropriately gentle love triangle consisting of dark-haired Wynona, warlock Roderick with his blond hair and cool silvery eyes, and wolf shapeshifter Rascal with his messy brown hair and hot golden eyes (and he’s the deputy police chief).
Thornton’s writing is consistent across the book. For example, Wynona learned to control her emotions around her cruel family, so Thornton writes her as always polite and appearing calm, even when she’s seething inside.
It’s a light-hearted romp through a town full of magic and diverse species. It’s the perfect definition of a paranormal cozy mystery, and it’s 5 stars from me. Thank you @authorabigaillynnthornton for this free kindle book!
August 9, 2022
I had dropped three books for not interesting me, when I started this one. I immediately was drawn in. The writing is fun and compelling. However, further reading left me interested but unsatisfied.
Wynona is a powerful witch whose powers were bound at birth, so she has no real magic, just an uncanny knack of knowing exactly the right herb mixture for each person's tea. Having escaped from her "overprotective" family, she's setting up a tea shop. Naturally someone is murdered. All the trappings for a regular cozy, paranormal mystery.
Wynona has a best friend, a fairy named Primrose, but the relationship isn't really explored. We get more interaction between Wynona and her newly adopted mouse. As expected, the first two eligible bachelors who meet Wynona start flirting. The first is her landlord. For my money, he was quite over the top with praising and touching her - after just meeting. "She could feel his large presence move around the table and stop at her side before long fingers tucked under her chin, forcing her to look up at him." Yuck!! Creep alert. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special."
Seriously, not realistic. People may feel that way, but to actually say it within days (less than a week) of meeting, I didn't like it. The relationship with the second bachelor, the investigating cop, is more realistic.
Still there was something missing. I think it's personal, from Wynona's perspective. All her interactions seem similar, but we don't get any private, BFF time with Prim. The only real personal information about Wynona comes from her inner monologues. Basically we don't get to know her as a friend. That's something helpful when grabbing the reader's attention. I may also have a problem with the constant reminders that she was emotionally abused and didn't have any powers. I will try the next book to see what happens.
Wynona is a powerful witch whose powers were bound at birth, so she has no real magic, just an uncanny knack of knowing exactly the right herb mixture for each person's tea. Having escaped from her "overprotective" family, she's setting up a tea shop. Naturally someone is murdered. All the trappings for a regular cozy, paranormal mystery.
Wynona has a best friend, a fairy named Primrose, but the relationship isn't really explored. We get more interaction between Wynona and her newly adopted mouse. As expected, the first two eligible bachelors who meet Wynona start flirting. The first is her landlord. For my money, he was quite over the top with praising and touching her - after just meeting. "She could feel his large presence move around the table and stop at her side before long fingers tucked under her chin, forcing her to look up at him." Yuck!! Creep alert. "From the moment I saw you, I knew you were special."
Seriously, not realistic. People may feel that way, but to actually say it within days (less than a week) of meeting, I didn't like it. The relationship with the second bachelor, the investigating cop, is more realistic.
Still there was something missing. I think it's personal, from Wynona's perspective. All her interactions seem similar, but we don't get any private, BFF time with Prim. The only real personal information about Wynona comes from her inner monologues. Basically we don't get to know her as a friend. That's something helpful when grabbing the reader's attention. I may also have a problem with the constant reminders that she was emotionally abused and didn't have any powers. I will try the next book to see what happens.
February 26, 2022
Treated to both abuse and neglect by her magical family, Wynona Le Doux manages to branch out on her own as the proprietress of a teahouse. The run-up to her opening is marred by the discovery of a dead body. With the police chief fixated on Wynona as a suspect, it's up to her and her band of misfits to solve the crime and get it done before her new business is shut down before it even begins.
I'm not crazy about paranormal fiction. It's just not my cup of tea (I know that was bad, I assure you). With that in mind, let me rave about this new series from Abigail Thornton. It is such a fun read with a slightly different take on the modern magical world. From the start of the book, I was invested in Wynona and her happiness. The added collection of unusual friends (a purple mouse, a fairy, and a gorgeous man with silver eyes) rounded out the tale. Why IS the mouse purple? A story for another day.
Though she is slightly older, Wynona is essentially coming of age. She's broken out of the shadow of her oppressive family and is finally able to do her own thing. This side element brings depth to a character who might have been too frivolous otherwise. Wynona's naivete excuses many of the impetuous things she does in order to clear her name.
As for the mystery, unfortunately, I pegged the villain fairly early on. I wish I hadn't as it did spoil the grand reveal, but I did still enjoy seeing Wynona work it out.
This story is pure entertainment with a healthy dose of the mystic world. It definitely borders on the lighthearted side. But, if you'd like to spend several pleasurable hours with a magicless witch and her friends, Murder by the Cup might be the one for you.
I'm not crazy about paranormal fiction. It's just not my cup of tea (I know that was bad, I assure you). With that in mind, let me rave about this new series from Abigail Thornton. It is such a fun read with a slightly different take on the modern magical world. From the start of the book, I was invested in Wynona and her happiness. The added collection of unusual friends (a purple mouse, a fairy, and a gorgeous man with silver eyes) rounded out the tale. Why IS the mouse purple? A story for another day.
Though she is slightly older, Wynona is essentially coming of age. She's broken out of the shadow of her oppressive family and is finally able to do her own thing. This side element brings depth to a character who might have been too frivolous otherwise. Wynona's naivete excuses many of the impetuous things she does in order to clear her name.
As for the mystery, unfortunately, I pegged the villain fairly early on. I wish I hadn't as it did spoil the grand reveal, but I did still enjoy seeing Wynona work it out.
This story is pure entertainment with a healthy dose of the mystic world. It definitely borders on the lighthearted side. But, if you'd like to spend several pleasurable hours with a magicless witch and her friends, Murder by the Cup might be the one for you.
June 3, 2023
"Murder by the Cup" has a problem - it simply refuses to address the elephant in the room.
Wynona Le Doux is a member of the most powerful witch family in Hex Haven but, cursed at birth to prevent her powers from developing, she has been hidden from the world and ignored by her relatives.
It's taken decades but she is finally free and setting up a teashop (the 'magical' power of tea is something she learned from her recently-deceased granny - a death which enabled her to escape, and funded her business).
With a week to go before the grand opening there is a murder on the premises and the local Police Chief, a Vampire, seems determined to pin the crime on her,
So, of course, Wynona takes it upon herself to solve the crime so she can open her shop on time.
Ah, yes, the elephant in the room. No-one seems to be even slightly interested in Wynona's curse. There's no indication that her family investigated, and there's no sign of a handy psychic announcing that 'Dark Forces' are involved.
At the same time something strange is happening around Wynona - could it be her magic awakening?
It could have done with a tighter edit - one example "She literally gains nothing by her husband’s death" is kinda true but 'literally' is redundant because she actually gains nothing. A small thing, but annoying (I know, I'm a pedant).
Overall, it is a traditional P.I. story - the paranormal is all around it but Wynona solves the crimes in a very normal manner.
It's a pleasant read but lacks the oomph that would lift it into memorable territory.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
Wynona Le Doux is a member of the most powerful witch family in Hex Haven but, cursed at birth to prevent her powers from developing, she has been hidden from the world and ignored by her relatives.
It's taken decades but she is finally free and setting up a teashop (the 'magical' power of tea is something she learned from her recently-deceased granny - a death which enabled her to escape, and funded her business).
With a week to go before the grand opening there is a murder on the premises and the local Police Chief, a Vampire, seems determined to pin the crime on her,
So, of course, Wynona takes it upon herself to solve the crime so she can open her shop on time.
Ah, yes, the elephant in the room. No-one seems to be even slightly interested in Wynona's curse. There's no indication that her family investigated, and there's no sign of a handy psychic announcing that 'Dark Forces' are involved.
At the same time something strange is happening around Wynona - could it be her magic awakening?
It could have done with a tighter edit - one example "She literally gains nothing by her husband’s death" is kinda true but 'literally' is redundant because she actually gains nothing. A small thing, but annoying (I know, I'm a pedant).
Overall, it is a traditional P.I. story - the paranormal is all around it but Wynona solves the crimes in a very normal manner.
It's a pleasant read but lacks the oomph that would lift it into memorable territory.
2.5 Stars, raised to 3 Stars.
March 30, 2022
Awesome
Murder by the Cup is a highly interesting and an enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery. Wynona Le Doux is a witch having no powers at all and is an outcast from her very powerful and influential family in Hex Haven. She had been cursed at birth to be powerless. Her family was so ashamed of her that they kept her under lock and key in their castle until her grandma, Saffron, helped her escape.
She is planning to open her tea shop and rents the office from Roderick Caligari, a powerful warlock. She convinces Chef Atherton Droxon to supply baked goods to her tea shop. There are hardly six days left for the grand opening of the shop when there is an attempted theft of Chef Droxon's binder containing his famous recipes. To add to her woes, she finds a dead body in her office that has been burned to ash. Initially, she suspects the victim might be Droxon but her keen sense of observation makes her believe that the victim might be the thief of the previous night. Chef Droxon turns up shortly.
But Wynona has to clear her name and while she decides to investigate, another dead body is discovered. This time it is indeed of Chef Droxon. Who killed him and why? Catch Wynona's thrilling adventure. The whole book is outstanding and the suspense well maintained. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.
Murder by the Cup is a highly interesting and an enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery. Wynona Le Doux is a witch having no powers at all and is an outcast from her very powerful and influential family in Hex Haven. She had been cursed at birth to be powerless. Her family was so ashamed of her that they kept her under lock and key in their castle until her grandma, Saffron, helped her escape.
She is planning to open her tea shop and rents the office from Roderick Caligari, a powerful warlock. She convinces Chef Atherton Droxon to supply baked goods to her tea shop. There are hardly six days left for the grand opening of the shop when there is an attempted theft of Chef Droxon's binder containing his famous recipes. To add to her woes, she finds a dead body in her office that has been burned to ash. Initially, she suspects the victim might be Droxon but her keen sense of observation makes her believe that the victim might be the thief of the previous night. Chef Droxon turns up shortly.
But Wynona has to clear her name and while she decides to investigate, another dead body is discovered. This time it is indeed of Chef Droxon. Who killed him and why? Catch Wynona's thrilling adventure. The whole book is outstanding and the suspense well maintained. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.
April 23, 2022
I have not read this author before and as I had the chance to read it for free I wanted to give it a go, especially as the title intrigued me.
I would have liked more world building. Such as was this a city for magical creatures? Were there humans? Is this our world or a different world?
With the timeline in the book, I am assuming Wynona did not just investigate at night. So can vampires be out in the day?
How Wynona figured it out it was Roderick intrigued but frustrated me. Her figuring it out was based on him knowing about an allergy. Now I had to reread bits of it because I don't remember him mentioning an allergy.
So it was frustrating since I had to look back and remember this point, however it was also brilliant because it was such a small comment anyone would have missed it. But Wynona, known for her attention to detail, did remember.
Such a small thing! And I missed the clue. Well done!
I loved the name Wynona. Great choice. I enjoyed her back story and why she was so desperate to protect her name, reputation and tea house.
I also liked Rascal, another great name and I wish we knew his real name. Excellent character and chemistry.
The concept was really good and thought out, other than that small blip in my memory it flowed well.
Overall a great start and I would be interested in continuing the series.
I would have liked more world building. Such as was this a city for magical creatures? Were there humans? Is this our world or a different world?
With the timeline in the book, I am assuming Wynona did not just investigate at night. So can vampires be out in the day?
How Wynona figured it out it was Roderick intrigued but frustrated me. Her figuring it out was based on him knowing about an allergy. Now I had to reread bits of it because I don't remember him mentioning an allergy.
So it was frustrating since I had to look back and remember this point, however it was also brilliant because it was such a small comment anyone would have missed it. But Wynona, known for her attention to detail, did remember.
Such a small thing! And I missed the clue. Well done!
I loved the name Wynona. Great choice. I enjoyed her back story and why she was so desperate to protect her name, reputation and tea house.
I also liked Rascal, another great name and I wish we knew his real name. Excellent character and chemistry.
The concept was really good and thought out, other than that small blip in my memory it flowed well.
Overall a great start and I would be interested in continuing the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2022
A pile of ashes and a purple mouse?
Wynona might be the daughter of President Le Doux but her all-powerful family has no use for a family member with no powers. Her powers were bound with a curse at birth and she has been a veritable prisoner of her relatives ever since. The only one who loved and cared for Wynona was her grandmother. She found a way to help Wynona escape and gave her money to open a tea shop. Now, on the verge of opening day, a dead body is found in the office at her shop and the sheriff seems unwilling to consider anyone except Wynona as his prime suspect. If the case is not solved in time for her grand opening and the tea shop fails, Wynona’s family will force her to come back home. That is all the motivation she needs to start sleuthing. She’ll get plenty of help from her fairy friend Prim, two handsome hulks, and a purple mouse.
This is a fun cozy mystery. The interactions between Lusgu and Rascal are hilarious. There are some great possibilities in the series for Wynona’s brownie janitor, a handsome shifter, her wingless fairy friend, and a really smart purple mouse.
Wynona might be the daughter of President Le Doux but her all-powerful family has no use for a family member with no powers. Her powers were bound with a curse at birth and she has been a veritable prisoner of her relatives ever since. The only one who loved and cared for Wynona was her grandmother. She found a way to help Wynona escape and gave her money to open a tea shop. Now, on the verge of opening day, a dead body is found in the office at her shop and the sheriff seems unwilling to consider anyone except Wynona as his prime suspect. If the case is not solved in time for her grand opening and the tea shop fails, Wynona’s family will force her to come back home. That is all the motivation she needs to start sleuthing. She’ll get plenty of help from her fairy friend Prim, two handsome hulks, and a purple mouse.
This is a fun cozy mystery. The interactions between Lusgu and Rascal are hilarious. There are some great possibilities in the series for Wynona’s brownie janitor, a handsome shifter, her wingless fairy friend, and a really smart purple mouse.
July 18, 2023
Murder by the Cup was a true, cozy, murder mystery. It's the first of a series; Le Doux Mysteries.
The maincharacter is Wynona le Doux, who is related to a very powerful magic family but she has bound magic. Wynona is excluded from her family because to them she is useless. With her grandmothers' help she got away and was able to start a life of her own; opening her very own tea shop.
Unfortunately, murder happens in her shop before she even got to put the kettle on the fire, and Wynona is the prime-suspect...Wynona is determined to solve this case and put the real killer behind bars. With a pixie, a purple mouse, a warlock, and a wolf in the policeforce by her side; she goes above and beyond to fulfill her dream.
I actually really liked the characters in this book. The love-triangle was predictable but still fun to read. There are plot-twists in the story, they did not bother me. It took me a while to finish the book, as I’ve had it on my phone, started on the plane, but read bit by bit next to the physical books I was reading. I also don’t feel the need to immediately read the rest. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed this (free) book!
The maincharacter is Wynona le Doux, who is related to a very powerful magic family but she has bound magic. Wynona is excluded from her family because to them she is useless. With her grandmothers' help she got away and was able to start a life of her own; opening her very own tea shop.
Unfortunately, murder happens in her shop before she even got to put the kettle on the fire, and Wynona is the prime-suspect...Wynona is determined to solve this case and put the real killer behind bars. With a pixie, a purple mouse, a warlock, and a wolf in the policeforce by her side; she goes above and beyond to fulfill her dream.
I actually really liked the characters in this book. The love-triangle was predictable but still fun to read. There are plot-twists in the story, they did not bother me. It took me a while to finish the book, as I’ve had it on my phone, started on the plane, but read bit by bit next to the physical books I was reading. I also don’t feel the need to immediately read the rest. Nonetheless, I have enjoyed this (free) book!
April 22, 2022
This is non stop action with a town filled with paranormal people. About the only one with no magic was Wynona--her powers had been bound at birth and she had been hidden from the rest of the world by her powerful family. She escaped that life with the help of her Grandmother and set up a tea shop in the town--then even before she could open---a purple mouse adopted her--her landlord, a vampire and her fairy friend found a dead body in the back of her store. They thought it was someone it wasn't--the police got involved. The chief was positive it was Wynona--so she had to start investigating to prove who really did it. The chief was not pleased.--Then a second body was found--this time it was the person they originally thought was murdered.
Sound a bit confusing? Well Wynona certainly was--can she put the pieces together and clear her name so she could open her shop and actually have customers? There are several viable suspects--I was kind of shocked when I found out who it was!
This is a clean, slapstick kind of book that you should enjoy!
Sound a bit confusing? Well Wynona certainly was--can she put the pieces together and clear her name so she could open her shop and actually have customers? There are several viable suspects--I was kind of shocked when I found out who it was!
This is a clean, slapstick kind of book that you should enjoy!
April 16, 2023
Good
Wynona Le Doux, cursed to be powerless witch, has just begun her new life as a tea shop owner, when she discovers a body on the premises.
Her family is famous, and with the many enemies that being the daughter of the president entails, it’s no real surprise that Winona’s name heads the suspect list.
With her shop opening in a matter of days, and her business reputation at stake, Wynona is determined to make sure the real culprit is discovered, even if that means looking into it herself.
A cute, first in series book- which starts right as Wynona is beginning a new life. It’s fairly obvious that she’s been the victim for a long time, and that there are secrets surrounding that yet to be revealed, but this book focuses on the brand new start she’s been given.
With a cast of intriguing characters, and some with rather murky intentions, this is an enjoyable paranormal cosy mystery for fans of that genre.
Wynona Le Doux, cursed to be powerless witch, has just begun her new life as a tea shop owner, when she discovers a body on the premises.
Her family is famous, and with the many enemies that being the daughter of the president entails, it’s no real surprise that Winona’s name heads the suspect list.
With her shop opening in a matter of days, and her business reputation at stake, Wynona is determined to make sure the real culprit is discovered, even if that means looking into it herself.
A cute, first in series book- which starts right as Wynona is beginning a new life. It’s fairly obvious that she’s been the victim for a long time, and that there are secrets surrounding that yet to be revealed, but this book focuses on the brand new start she’s been given.
With a cast of intriguing characters, and some with rather murky intentions, this is an enjoyable paranormal cosy mystery for fans of that genre.
November 18, 2023
Murder by the Cup
LeDoux Mystery, Book 1
ABIGAIL LYNN THORNTON
Review by Author Roy Murry
CUP is a cozy mystery where the characters shine. The main character, Wynona LeDoux, is a witch with no powers and has a purple mouse as a sidekick - she reads tea leaves.
The police chief is a vampire who needs his blood coffee to get him going in the morning. His deputy is a wolf shifter and one of Wynona's suitors. The Chef is a gnome, and other strange people live in Hex Haven.
The Pastry Chef, who is hired to fill Wynona's Tea Shop with delights, is killed in her shop while she is home in bed. It was another gnome, but they all think it is the Chef.
The police chief puts the crime on Wynona, and from this point, she becomes an investigator at the disdain of the chief. Their battle to find the truth is in her favor because she has powers unknown to her and her Rich Presidential Witch Family.
CUP ends in a flaming battle with the murderer, who is known only to Wynona.
LeDoux Mystery, Book 1
ABIGAIL LYNN THORNTON
Review by Author Roy Murry
CUP is a cozy mystery where the characters shine. The main character, Wynona LeDoux, is a witch with no powers and has a purple mouse as a sidekick - she reads tea leaves.
The police chief is a vampire who needs his blood coffee to get him going in the morning. His deputy is a wolf shifter and one of Wynona's suitors. The Chef is a gnome, and other strange people live in Hex Haven.
The Pastry Chef, who is hired to fill Wynona's Tea Shop with delights, is killed in her shop while she is home in bed. It was another gnome, but they all think it is the Chef.
The police chief puts the crime on Wynona, and from this point, she becomes an investigator at the disdain of the chief. Their battle to find the truth is in her favor because she has powers unknown to her and her Rich Presidential Witch Family.
CUP ends in a flaming battle with the murderer, who is known only to Wynona.
April 13, 2022
Fabulous start!
Wynona Le Doux is the black sheep of her family, the witch cursed so she has no access to her magic. Born into the ruling aka most powerful family of witches that just won’t do. So with the help of her granny she makes her escape into the world. Her dream to open a little tea shop and make people happy. The roadblock a murder 6 days before opening. To save her independence and her shop she reluctantly takes on the role of amateur sleuth. With some persistence, the help of friends and a curious little purple mouse Wynona is on her way to the truth.
Fun, funny, sweet and with a core of strength Wynona is a character that is the underdog you want to rise up and win. Love the cozy little tea shop, the paranormal town with its many and varied residents. Really enjoyed this book I absolutely recommend it!
Wynona Le Doux is the black sheep of her family, the witch cursed so she has no access to her magic. Born into the ruling aka most powerful family of witches that just won’t do. So with the help of her granny she makes her escape into the world. Her dream to open a little tea shop and make people happy. The roadblock a murder 6 days before opening. To save her independence and her shop she reluctantly takes on the role of amateur sleuth. With some persistence, the help of friends and a curious little purple mouse Wynona is on her way to the truth.
Fun, funny, sweet and with a core of strength Wynona is a character that is the underdog you want to rise up and win. Love the cozy little tea shop, the paranormal town with its many and varied residents. Really enjoyed this book I absolutely recommend it!
January 6, 2023
This was a cute & fun cozy mystery and first in the Le Doux Mysteries series.
As with most cozies, the villain was easy to guess, but it was still a fun read.
Wynona is a quirky witch-ish (her powers were bound by a spell, she can’t access them) and the friends she makes in hew new life are warm, fun, and just as quirky. I loved the brownie Lusgu.
I don’t have much familiarity of the paranormal realm, aside from the obvious witches, ghosts, and vampires. This book had creatures I had to google to get an idea of what they were, such as brownies and shifters.
The author leaves a lot of room to expand upon the creatures and the town of Hex Haven in the rest of the series.
This has all the cheese and corn you’d expect from a cozy, which makes it a nice palette cleanser.
As with most cozies, the villain was easy to guess, but it was still a fun read.
Wynona is a quirky witch-ish (her powers were bound by a spell, she can’t access them) and the friends she makes in hew new life are warm, fun, and just as quirky. I loved the brownie Lusgu.
I don’t have much familiarity of the paranormal realm, aside from the obvious witches, ghosts, and vampires. This book had creatures I had to google to get an idea of what they were, such as brownies and shifters.
The author leaves a lot of room to expand upon the creatures and the town of Hex Haven in the rest of the series.
This has all the cheese and corn you’d expect from a cozy, which makes it a nice palette cleanser.
February 5, 2023
Can a witch with bound powers solve a magical murder...
A wonderful first book in this series. Wynona our heroin is a wonderful witch, but she has been cursed and has no powers, she doesn't let that hold her back. She is kind, independent, tough and she fights for what she wants. There are many magical characters that come out to play...witches, warlocks, werewolves, fairies, A very special purple mouse, and vampires. Lots of paranormal fun.
Wynona has found her family and it is not by blood it is because of love and friendship.
The mystery takes place in Wynona's tea shop, so we learn a lot about different teas which I enjoyed.
If you enjoy paranormal mysteries with friendships and sexy suitors then this is the book for you.
A wonderful first book in this series. Wynona our heroin is a wonderful witch, but she has been cursed and has no powers, she doesn't let that hold her back. She is kind, independent, tough and she fights for what she wants. There are many magical characters that come out to play...witches, warlocks, werewolves, fairies, A very special purple mouse, and vampires. Lots of paranormal fun.
Wynona has found her family and it is not by blood it is because of love and friendship.
The mystery takes place in Wynona's tea shop, so we learn a lot about different teas which I enjoyed.
If you enjoy paranormal mysteries with friendships and sexy suitors then this is the book for you.
July 27, 2021
So fun!
I'm not really a cozy mystery fan, but I've loved so many other books by the author's other pen names, and the blurb sounded so cute, I had to give this one a try. And I'm so glad I did! This was such a fun read! I was sucked into the story, trying to figure out the clues right alongside Wynona. Werewolves and fairies and vampires, oh my! It also doesn't hurt that I love clean paranormal stories. This one doesn't have as much romance as I like in my stories--and I knew that up front--but it had just enough to satisfy my romance craving. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series!
I'm not really a cozy mystery fan, but I've loved so many other books by the author's other pen names, and the blurb sounded so cute, I had to give this one a try. And I'm so glad I did! This was such a fun read! I was sucked into the story, trying to figure out the clues right alongside Wynona. Werewolves and fairies and vampires, oh my! It also doesn't hurt that I love clean paranormal stories. This one doesn't have as much romance as I like in my stories--and I knew that up front--but it had just enough to satisfy my romance craving. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series!
July 31, 2021
What a fun book!
Wynona comes from a royal family, but not your normal royal family. Her family rules a kingdom in the supernatural realm. Witches, warlocks, werewolves, and fairies live together here, but Wynona has a problem, she has no powers.
What’s a girl rejected by her family to do? Open a tea shop of course. Business might be good, if she can explain the body in the back.
With the help of some new friends she might just solve the mystery and be a success, if she lasts that long.
Abigail has created a whimsical, interesting world with engaging characters that pull you in for a cup of tea created just for you. Enjoy!
Wynona comes from a royal family, but not your normal royal family. Her family rules a kingdom in the supernatural realm. Witches, warlocks, werewolves, and fairies live together here, but Wynona has a problem, she has no powers.
What’s a girl rejected by her family to do? Open a tea shop of course. Business might be good, if she can explain the body in the back.
With the help of some new friends she might just solve the mystery and be a success, if she lasts that long.
Abigail has created a whimsical, interesting world with engaging characters that pull you in for a cup of tea created just for you. Enjoy!
November 29, 2022
Thirty-year-old Wynona Le Doux is a witch whose magic has been bound by a curse since birth. For this reason, her family kept her a secret until Wynona finally broke free. With her grandmother's help, Wynona is making her dream of opening up her own tea shop in Hex Haven a reality. A week before her grand opening, someone is murdered in her shop, and the Chief of Police is focusing on Wynona as his main suspect. In order to prove her innocence, Wynona begins investigating on her own.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in a magical world of supernatural beings. Wynona is a very likable and determined character, who's doing the best she can in a world filled with magic and spells.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery set in a magical world of supernatural beings. Wynona is a very likable and determined character, who's doing the best she can in a world filled with magic and spells.
July 26, 2021
I was immediately dragged into another world by the new book Murder by the Cup. I am a tea drinker and love the idea of a tea made just for me! This magical world is populated by very interesting creatures: Wynona, the powerless witch, her friends a purple mouse and a wingless fairy, her too handsome landlord, and a shifter policeman. Days before her tea shop is too open, Wynona finds a body in the shop and shoots to the top of the lead detective's suspect list. There are lots of false trails, many suspects, many possible motives and more in this well written, intriguing mystery.
March 24, 2022
Quite an enjoyable rump with twists and turns and absolutely no reference to Harry Potter. Just a good mystery and characters. Also professional presentation of content as is no spelling mistakes or errors which shows at least someone subbed the book. The characters are believable and the purple mouse funny. Wish I could have seen a photo of it. Also there are plenty of read herrings and the first book has sawn the seeds for more stories about Lugso the cleaner, Prim, Wy's sister who turned Violet the mouse purple and of course Officer Rascal the wolf shifter.
April 5, 2022
Adorable murder mystery!
Six days before Wynona opens her specialty tea shop, someone is murdered in her onsite office. She feels the police are not moving quick enough with solving the case since her shop cannot open her shop til its solved and the killer is caught, so she jumps into doing an investigation herself. Throw two handsome men vying for her attention into the mix, along with her purple mouse, and you have quite a fun group of characters. I really enjoyed this book.
Six days before Wynona opens her specialty tea shop, someone is murdered in her onsite office. She feels the police are not moving quick enough with solving the case since her shop cannot open her shop til its solved and the killer is caught, so she jumps into doing an investigation herself. Throw two handsome men vying for her attention into the mix, along with her purple mouse, and you have quite a fun group of characters. I really enjoyed this book.
April 6, 2022
Loved it
In this digital world, I find my limited time to read being consumed by my devices. I need books to capture my attention immediately. I had no problems with immersing myself in this book.
First, the cover is cute. Second, a paranormal murder mystery? How could I not be intrigued!
The author made the characters relatable and made me fall in love with the world she created. I am looking forward to the next book. I am happy that I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway. I can now happy add another author to my watch list.
In this digital world, I find my limited time to read being consumed by my devices. I need books to capture my attention immediately. I had no problems with immersing myself in this book.
First, the cover is cute. Second, a paranormal murder mystery? How could I not be intrigued!
The author made the characters relatable and made me fall in love with the world she created. I am looking forward to the next book. I am happy that I won this book in the Goodreads giveaway. I can now happy add another author to my watch list.
May 20, 2022
Wynona, cursed at birth so her magical powers are bound, finally escapes her powerful and cruel family to open a teashop - only to find a body a few days prior to opening, with her being the prime suspect. Can handsome Deputy Chief Rascal, or the charming Warlock Roderick perhaps help her?
So many quirky characters, such a lot of humour in this story. Add to that great protagonists and a good plot, and you have a few hours of sheer reading pleasure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first in a series, and will definitely get the next ones.
So many quirky characters, such a lot of humour in this story. Add to that great protagonists and a good plot, and you have a few hours of sheer reading pleasure.
I thoroughly enjoyed this first in a series, and will definitely get the next ones.
June 23, 2022
Tea and Murder
Wynona Le Doux has finally gotten free of her family to open a tea shop and get a new start. Only five days before the grand opening, she enters the shop to find what is left of a hexed body! The vampire police chief is sure she is the culprit. She sets out, with the help of her friends, to prove she is innocent and open her tea shop on time.
This is a very fun read and the mystery is well-crafted. I knew who shortly before she did, but was still working on why.
Wynona Le Doux has finally gotten free of her family to open a tea shop and get a new start. Only five days before the grand opening, she enters the shop to find what is left of a hexed body! The vampire police chief is sure she is the culprit. She sets out, with the help of her friends, to prove she is innocent and open her tea shop on time.
This is a very fun read and the mystery is well-crafted. I knew who shortly before she did, but was still working on why.
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