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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
An adorable cover, a clever title, a great story and a recipe for Traditional English Scones…a delicious start with this first book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series.
A graduate of Oxford University, Gemma Rose moved to Australia to be a career woman. After eight years she felt discontented and moved back home to Meadowford-on-Smythe, her hometown near Oxford, and opened Little Stables Tearoom. Her mother is appalled that she’s not using her esteemed college degree, but Gemma is finally happy with what she’s doing in life. Her new tearoom is starting to attract more customers, including busloads of tourists. Unfortunately, an “ugly” American tourist visits her tearoom one afternoon. Rude and belligerent, Brad Washington creates havoc in the tearoom and upsets her talented yet sensitive chef, Fletcher. Gemma is relieved when Brad finally leaves, carrying a bag of the tearoom’s scones with him, and hopes that’s the last they’ll see of him.
The next morning when Gemma shows up to open the tearoom, she finds Brad in her courtyard. Unfortunately for him, he’s dead with one of Little Stables Tearoom’s scones stuffed into his mouth. The police soon rule that it was murder and her tearoom is closed for a couple of days while they investigate. The investigator who is assigned the case is none other than Devlin O’Connor, her old boyfriend, and as much as she’d like to forget, she can’t stop thinking about their time together in college…and at times makes a bit of an adorable fool of herself.
The police don’t seem to be making any progress in finding the killer and when a local tabloid prints stories about Little Stables Tearoom’s scones being “killer”, business dries up. After sinking every penny she had, Gemma can’t afford to not have customers, so she determines she needs to follow up on clues that she’s found and find the culprit herself in order to save her business. The clues, however, leave her with many people who would have liked the brash man dead and when her main suspect turns up murdered, the stakes move even higher.
I enjoyed A SCONE TO DIE FOR for so many reasons. The author, H.Y. Hanna, is British and her writing takes on the charming quaintness of an England village. She uses a variety of English colloquialisms, that while unusual to Americans, lends an authenticity to the story. Fortunately for those of us who don’t quite know what some of the words mean, H.Y. Hanna has included a Glossary of British Terms at the back of the book, which is entertaining reading on its own. I enjoyed so many of the characters featured in the mystery: the four “old biddies” who hang out in her tearoom and want to help solve the crime; Gemma’s mother, who can’t quite understand her daughter but steps up when she’s needed; to the cat “Muesli”, who steals Gemma’s heart…and I hear has a more prominent role in Book 2 of the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. The plot kept me guessing the entire time, while the ending was a complete surprise and I look forward to reading more in this series!
A graduate of Oxford University, Gemma Rose moved to Australia to be a career woman. After eight years she felt discontented and moved back home to Meadowford-on-Smythe, her hometown near Oxford, and opened Little Stables Tearoom. Her mother is appalled that she’s not using her esteemed college degree, but Gemma is finally happy with what she’s doing in life. Her new tearoom is starting to attract more customers, including busloads of tourists. Unfortunately, an “ugly” American tourist visits her tearoom one afternoon. Rude and belligerent, Brad Washington creates havoc in the tearoom and upsets her talented yet sensitive chef, Fletcher. Gemma is relieved when Brad finally leaves, carrying a bag of the tearoom’s scones with him, and hopes that’s the last they’ll see of him.
The next morning when Gemma shows up to open the tearoom, she finds Brad in her courtyard. Unfortunately for him, he’s dead with one of Little Stables Tearoom’s scones stuffed into his mouth. The police soon rule that it was murder and her tearoom is closed for a couple of days while they investigate. The investigator who is assigned the case is none other than Devlin O’Connor, her old boyfriend, and as much as she’d like to forget, she can’t stop thinking about their time together in college…and at times makes a bit of an adorable fool of herself.
The police don’t seem to be making any progress in finding the killer and when a local tabloid prints stories about Little Stables Tearoom’s scones being “killer”, business dries up. After sinking every penny she had, Gemma can’t afford to not have customers, so she determines she needs to follow up on clues that she’s found and find the culprit herself in order to save her business. The clues, however, leave her with many people who would have liked the brash man dead and when her main suspect turns up murdered, the stakes move even higher.
I enjoyed A SCONE TO DIE FOR for so many reasons. The author, H.Y. Hanna, is British and her writing takes on the charming quaintness of an England village. She uses a variety of English colloquialisms, that while unusual to Americans, lends an authenticity to the story. Fortunately for those of us who don’t quite know what some of the words mean, H.Y. Hanna has included a Glossary of British Terms at the back of the book, which is entertaining reading on its own. I enjoyed so many of the characters featured in the mystery: the four “old biddies” who hang out in her tearoom and want to help solve the crime; Gemma’s mother, who can’t quite understand her daughter but steps up when she’s needed; to the cat “Muesli”, who steals Gemma’s heart…and I hear has a more prominent role in Book 2 of the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. The plot kept me guessing the entire time, while the ending was a complete surprise and I look forward to reading more in this series!
A Scone to Die For really made me want scones. It's also the first book within the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series.
I'll admit that this was as fun and easy book to read. I also really enjoyed the cat, Muesli. Even though I'm a huge dog lover, I can appreciate cats in books because are just always interesting and entertaining.
Then there's the mystery which was just fun to read about. Yes, it was a little bit predictable but that's what cozy mysteries are supposed to be. I also feel like some of the characters were a little immature for this type of setting. Or maybe I'm just being a little picky since it's a cozy mystery and not a young adult.
Other than that, I have no idea what a tearoom actually is but secretly want to go to one. I love tea, not as much as coffee but I still love it.
I'll admit that this was as fun and easy book to read. I also really enjoyed the cat, Muesli. Even though I'm a huge dog lover, I can appreciate cats in books because are just always interesting and entertaining.
Then there's the mystery which was just fun to read about. Yes, it was a little bit predictable but that's what cozy mysteries are supposed to be. I also feel like some of the characters were a little immature for this type of setting. Or maybe I'm just being a little picky since it's a cozy mystery and not a young adult.
Other than that, I have no idea what a tearoom actually is but secretly want to go to one. I love tea, not as much as coffee but I still love it.
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This is exactly what I want in a cozy mystery series - a smart independent heroine with an odd family, a well developed, unique setting and a balance of red herrings and true clues.
A SCONE TO DIE FOR by H.Y. Hanna
The First Oxford Tearoom Mystery
Gemma Rose is living her dream by owning her own tearoom in the picturesque Cotswolds. Her dream, however, comes with a price. Leaving her executive job in Australia is one thing, but after pouring all of her money into the Little Stables Tearoom, she's forced to move back in with her parents. The tearoom needs to succeed, not only so Gemma can earn enough to live on her own again, but to prove that her dream isn't just a whim. Helped by her childhood friend, Cassie, and amazing chef Fletcher, the tearoom is off to a good start satisfying tourists and Oxford families, as well as the locals. However, when a bad tempered American arrives the tides turn for the worse. Causing scenes all over the village he creates his last in the outdoor courtyard of the tearoom when Gemma finds him dead-with a scone in his mouth!
This book is a thinking readers book. Hanna delivers a finely crafted mystery, laying out clues, if only readers can find them. Set in a bucolic village in the Cotswolds, her intimate knowledge of Oxford and its environs adds verisimilitude while providing interesting facts and enveloping readers in her world. There are the requisite quirky characters, however, they are not too outrageous and they never overshadow the mystery.
I absolutely love this new series! A SCONE TO DIE FOR is an intelligent and fun mystery with laugh out loud moments. Adding a former first love and that mischievous minx Muesli is Devonshire cream on a scone. Traditional British tea in the Cotswolds with a side of murder-what could be better than that?!
Recipe included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC in the hopes I would review it.
The First Oxford Tearoom Mystery
Gemma Rose is living her dream by owning her own tearoom in the picturesque Cotswolds. Her dream, however, comes with a price. Leaving her executive job in Australia is one thing, but after pouring all of her money into the Little Stables Tearoom, she's forced to move back in with her parents. The tearoom needs to succeed, not only so Gemma can earn enough to live on her own again, but to prove that her dream isn't just a whim. Helped by her childhood friend, Cassie, and amazing chef Fletcher, the tearoom is off to a good start satisfying tourists and Oxford families, as well as the locals. However, when a bad tempered American arrives the tides turn for the worse. Causing scenes all over the village he creates his last in the outdoor courtyard of the tearoom when Gemma finds him dead-with a scone in his mouth!
This book is a thinking readers book. Hanna delivers a finely crafted mystery, laying out clues, if only readers can find them. Set in a bucolic village in the Cotswolds, her intimate knowledge of Oxford and its environs adds verisimilitude while providing interesting facts and enveloping readers in her world. There are the requisite quirky characters, however, they are not too outrageous and they never overshadow the mystery.
I absolutely love this new series! A SCONE TO DIE FOR is an intelligent and fun mystery with laugh out loud moments. Adding a former first love and that mischievous minx Muesli is Devonshire cream on a scone. Traditional British tea in the Cotswolds with a side of murder-what could be better than that?!
Recipe included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC in the hopes I would review it.
I adored this! I'm so happy I discovered this little cozy mystery series. Murder, quaint tea rooms in Oxfordshire, a fantastic set of characters? Sign me up. If you enjoy cozy mysteries and all things English, I highly recommend this. On to book #2.
Delightful!
The killer actually caught me off guard in this one! The characters are well developed, the pacing is perfect, and the plot was well thought out!
Looking forward to the others!
The killer actually caught me off guard in this one! The characters are well developed, the pacing is perfect, and the plot was well thought out!
Looking forward to the others!
A mystery to me
I had no idea who did it in this murder mystery right to the end! Cute read that had me guessing all the way through. Great historical facts and interesting tidbits about Oxford University and England.
I had no idea who did it in this murder mystery right to the end! Cute read that had me guessing all the way through. Great historical facts and interesting tidbits about Oxford University and England.
BLUF: Cozy mystery lead by an amateur sleuth.
*I was provided a copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review*
Plot: After a customer is found dead outside her tearoom, Gemma races to find the killer before her tearoom meets the same fate.
My Thoughts: Gemma is dead set on finding the killer, even before she realizes that the unsolved murder is a threat to her business. It‰ЫЄs unusual for me to read a book where the protagonist has no real reason to pursue the murderer outside of her personal curiosity.
Of course, this isn‰ЫЄt a turn off ‰ЫТ why pick up a murder mystery if you didn‰ЫЄt want your protagonist to go through the efforts of solving the murder?
Gemma is an amateur sleuth, which means many of her leads and convictions are well intended, but founded based on leaps in judgment. These are mostly understandable, but some of these leaps to conclusions left me a bit confused. For example, one of her suspects is somebody she previously described as elegant and poised, but her perception soon turns into a determination that the suspect is the type to get their way at any cost. I must have missed the transition between admirations to conviction.
I also don‰ЫЄt understand why Gemma is so emotional towards Devlin, her ex from almost a decade ago. I get that she subconsciously senses that he is her most significant love and isn‰ЫЄt read to admit it, but damn‰Ы_ this girl be crazy around him. I think my problem is that I trust her when she says she‰ЫЄs over him even though her actions show a very different story. Also, she wears her emotions on her sleeve, which is a very foreign concept to me.
I enjoyed the relationships between Gemma and others. Her relationship with her mother is the best. (Her mother is a very proper lady. She doesn‰ЫЄt understand Gemma‰ЫЄs relaxed style or why in the world Gemma has not married yet. She means well, but awkward situations ensue.)
I would have liked if there were more suspects for me to guess between with equal amount of suspicion.
A Scone to Die For is the first book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series by H.Y. Hanna. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
--
Sorry this review is choppier than usual. I‰ЫЄm not quite sure I have an excuse.
*I was provided a copy of this book from netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review*
Plot: After a customer is found dead outside her tearoom, Gemma races to find the killer before her tearoom meets the same fate.
My Thoughts: Gemma is dead set on finding the killer, even before she realizes that the unsolved murder is a threat to her business. It‰ЫЄs unusual for me to read a book where the protagonist has no real reason to pursue the murderer outside of her personal curiosity.
I didn‰ЫЄt stop to ask myself why I was even doing this. Why was it so important to find out if my suspicions about the American had been right? Was it Cassie‰ЫЄs skeptical attitude? Or Devlin‰ЫЄs offhand manner with me that morning? Maybe it was just my own nosiness, I thought with a wry smile.
Of course, this isn‰ЫЄt a turn off ‰ЫТ why pick up a murder mystery if you didn‰ЫЄt want your protagonist to go through the efforts of solving the murder?
Gemma is an amateur sleuth, which means many of her leads and convictions are well intended, but founded based on leaps in judgment. These are mostly understandable, but some of these leaps to conclusions left me a bit confused. For example, one of her suspects is somebody she previously described as elegant and poised, but her perception soon turns into a determination that the suspect is the type to get their way at any cost. I must have missed the transition between admirations to conviction.
I also don‰ЫЄt understand why Gemma is so emotional towards Devlin, her ex from almost a decade ago. I get that she subconsciously senses that he is her most significant love and isn‰ЫЄt read to admit it, but damn‰Ы_ this girl be crazy around him. I think my problem is that I trust her when she says she‰ЫЄs over him even though her actions show a very different story. Also, she wears her emotions on her sleeve, which is a very foreign concept to me.
I enjoyed the relationships between Gemma and others. Her relationship with her mother is the best. (Her mother is a very proper lady. She doesn‰ЫЄt understand Gemma‰ЫЄs relaxed style or why in the world Gemma has not married yet. She means well, but awkward situations ensue.)
I would have liked if there were more suspects for me to guess between with equal amount of suspicion.
A Scone to Die For is the first book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series by H.Y. Hanna. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
--
Sorry this review is choppier than usual. I‰ЫЄm not quite sure I have an excuse.