Tea & Treachery (Tea by the Sea Mysteries #1)

Finished: January 2024
Book Source: Kindle Unlimited
Book Publication Date: July 2020

As the proud proprietor and head pastry chef of Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod, Lily Roberts has her hands full, often literally. But nothing keeps her busier than steering her sassy grandmother, Rose, away from trouble. Rose operates the grand old Victorian B & B adjacent to Lily’s tea shop . . . for now. An aggressive real estate developer, Jack Ford, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort, which would drive Rose and Lily out of business.

Tempers are already steaming, but things really get sticky when Ford is found dead at the foot of Rose’s property and the police think she had something to do with his dramatic demise. Lily can’t let her grandmother get burned by a false murder charge. So she starts her own investigation and discovers Ford’s been brewing bad blood all over town, from his jilted lover to his trophy wife to his shady business partners. Now, it’s down to Lily to stir up some clues, sift through the suspects, and uncover the real killer before Rose is left holding the tea bag.

My Review

This cozy mystery takes place the quaint world of a tea house (definitely a change of of pace for this coffee aficionado!) that is nestled into a bed and breakfast property. Set against the charming backdrop of Cape Cod, the formal setting of the tea house adds an elegant touch to the narrative.

One of the highlights of the story is Lily’s grandmother, a character brimming with personality. Her blend of crankiness and unwavering loyalty and her determination to stand up for her beliefs is commendable. I know that some people didn’t like her as a character, but maybe I’m just cranky at heart so could relate to her 🙂

While the main mystery holds intrigue, one of the side mysteries feels unnecessary and borders on the silly….Additionally, Lily’s best friend Bernie’s behavior is a source of frustration. Her lack of helpfulness in certain situations, coupled with her expectation of assistance from others, can be grating and somewhat inconsistent with her role as a supportive friend.

This book was still an enjoyable read, offering a delightful glimpse into the world of tea culture intertwined with mystery, charm, and a little hint at romance.