Reviews

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott

theavidreaderandbibliophile's review

3.0

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott takes us back to Bray Harbor where Shay Myers has reopened Crystals & CuriosiTEAS. I wanted to give Crystals & CuriosTEAS Mysteries a second chance after its lackluster beginning. I began reading Murder in a Cup and I struggled with the writing (I believe a technical manual would have been more interesting). I did not find many of the characters to be likeable. I find Shay to be annoying (let’s just say that if I lived in that town, I would avoid visiting her shop and head the other way if I saw her on the street). I did not feel any chemistry between Liam and Shay (it is only the second book so why is there a rush for romance). The paranormal aspect of the story is lacking. I read Steeped in Secrets and I still find the magic confusing. It needs to be explained better. I get tired of Shay fluctuating between wanting to learn more about her power and finding a scientific explanation for her mysterious powers. I would like Shay to embrace her special gift (it would be a nice change) and learn how to use it. The mystery was okay. The method of murder was obvious from the beginning as well as who die. Tassi is one whiny teenager (Tassi and Shay have something in common). Shay works with Liam (of course) to prove Tassi’s innocence. I am amazed that Shay managed to solve the crime. She does not believe in herself (and she will need confidence to use her powers). Shay often ran away instead of getting the answers she needed (which led to more issues). The whodunit is neatly wrapped up at the end. Murder in a Cup is the second book in A Crystals & CuriosTEAS Mysteries. I recommend reading Steeped in Secrets before embarking on Murder in a Cup. Murder in a Cup was not a happy reading experience for me (I was eager to reach the end).

sebbyroth's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

lynguy1's review against another edition

4.0

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott is a paranormal cozy mystery, but it is so much more. From family dynamics, small town relationships, friendship, murder, and sisterhood to cultural heritage, this story has it all. Shay Myers owns an eclectic tea shop and is descended from an Irish witch. She’s been living in Bray Harbor, California for about a year. She is learning how to operate her business while dealing with her visions and her ability to sense other people’s energy. When a customer had a group tea reading dies and an employee is suspected of the murder, Shay is determined to prove her innocence.

Shay stands up for those she knows are innocent, but she doesn’t believe in or is afraid of her psychic abilities. This lack of confidence bothered me at times. She’s also stressed over the changes in her life. Her friend Liam helps her with her investigations and her dog Spirit protects her and others. My favorite character was Liam’s grandmother. Gran has recently moved the town from Ireland and is helping Shay learn about her heritage.

The novel moves at a decent clip and has a good mix of rounded and dynamic characters. The conflict advances the story line through a few twists and turns. There are several sub-threads that expand the story. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go in future books. Themes include jealousy, greed, family, resentment, a sense of losing control, and much more.

Overall, this cozy mystery keeps the reader guessing. Excellent characterization and a solid mystery made this one an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kensington Books - Kensington Cozies and Lauren Elliott provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 28, 2023.
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My 3.86 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.

heathers_reading_space's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

bcozy's review

adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

calycat2's review

lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

ghostgal's review

6 chapters in and nothing is happening 

emilybythelake's review

hopeful lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

lovesick_1212's review

It was boring to me. Not a lot to keep in me hooked. Also, introducing too many new characters at once and backstories that to me, couldn't be pertinent to the story and most likely just explaining some things from the 1st book of the series.

valeriaandrea's review

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0