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erebus53's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
As a cozy mystery this is an complelling setting. It's picturesque and has a couple of quirky animal denizens. The teashop is set up in a stately mansion that is well past its prime but has spectacular views of the island coastline of a small (fictional) North Carolina town.
Our main character is returning to her roots after giving up on dreams of study following the breakup of her relationship with a guy who was a competitive cowboy. Just as she is setting up a regular teashop clientele, a grumpy old town councilman turns up dead of poisoning on her property. Now the rumor-mill is going berserk. There is an attractive new cop in town, and it turns out that he is a hot-shot detective, which turns out to be a good thing as people start receiving anonymous threats.
Can this mysterious new police officer find out what's going on before more people are killed.. and is he single?
I am ok with a few tropes, but this lot is painted on a bit thickly. A bunch of Southern belles whimsically romanticising the history of this fabulous old house, makes me flinch a bit. I get the impression that the way I think of the history of that area is possibly not what they are thinking. Yes the house is huge and impressive but difficult to maintain, but that's not surprising because it was not constructed to be kept and cleaned by the owners of the house... where they see dashing and romantic, "settler" life. I see slavery and colonialism... which makes it a little hard for me to find the setting cozy.
Lovely that she adopts a cat.. but it feels like she doesn't actually LIKE cats. I mean.. I get a cat I take it to the vet, and get it chipped, not to the groomers for a claw clip and a pretty bow.
I am not the target audience.
Our main character is returning to her roots after giving up on dreams of study following the breakup of her relationship with a guy who was a competitive cowboy. Just as she is setting up a regular teashop clientele, a grumpy old town councilman turns up dead of poisoning on her property. Now the rumor-mill is going berserk. There is an attractive new cop in town, and it turns out that he is a hot-shot detective, which turns out to be a good thing as people start receiving anonymous threats.
Can this mysterious new police officer find out what's going on before more people are killed.. and is he single?
I am ok with a few tropes, but this lot is painted on a bit thickly. A bunch of Southern belles whimsically romanticising the history of this fabulous old house, makes me flinch a bit. I get the impression that the way I think of the history of that area is possibly not what they are thinking. Yes the house is huge and impressive but difficult to maintain, but that's not surprising because it was not constructed to be kept and cleaned by the owners of the house... where they see dashing and romantic, "settler" life. I see slavery and colonialism... which makes it a little hard for me to find the setting cozy.
Lovely that she adopts a cat.. but it feels like she doesn't actually LIKE cats. I mean.. I get a cat I take it to the vet, and get it chipped, not to the groomers for a claw clip and a pretty bow.
I am not the target audience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Murder, Blood, Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Cancer
meezan's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Murder, Medical trauma, and Death
deebee223's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
stressedoutreader's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Death
Moderate: Death of parent
foldingthepage_kayleigh's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.25
This was a exactly the kind of cozy mystery I was looking for. I kept finding myself wanting to visit Sun, Sand, and Tea, and craving sweet tea. Luckily, Bree Baker provides and includes recipes in the back.
Pick this one up if you like:
Pick this one up if you like:
- MCs who constantly wind up in trouble
- Some light romance in your cozy mysteries
- Charismatic side characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death of parent
madsmcw_reads's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
linesiunderline's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I found a true cozy series that I want to keep reading!
While I often find the idea of a true cozy mystery appealing, I have DNFd many a book trying to find that perfect blend of easy reading without the cheese factor being too strong or the writing being too 🙄.
I’m delighted to say that Live and Let Chai fit the bill for me. Here’s why:
- The sense of place really worked for me. Baker gave lots of details to make the town and the seaside ambiance come to life.
- Everly did not spend too much time investigating which left more time for us to enjoy the small town feel, the little bit of romance, the side characters. I sometimes find all of the hardcore amateur detective-ing action tiresome and dare I say, dull?
- The budding romance with the hot detective added a little sprinkle of something.
- Appreciation for yummy food / tea details all over the place!
Pacing could have been better. I’d have liked even more time with the aunts, to make them more three dimensional characters. Also, more opportunities to build the romantic tension.
Still, I’ll be heading back happily to Charm for more stress free mystery action with some seaside flair.
While I often find the idea of a true cozy mystery appealing, I have DNFd many a book trying to find that perfect blend of easy reading without the cheese factor being too strong or the writing being too 🙄.
I’m delighted to say that Live and Let Chai fit the bill for me. Here’s why:
- The sense of place really worked for me. Baker gave lots of details to make the town and the seaside ambiance come to life.
- Everly did not spend too much time investigating which left more time for us to enjoy the small town feel, the little bit of romance, the side characters. I sometimes find all of the hardcore amateur detective-ing action tiresome and dare I say, dull?
- The budding romance with the hot detective added a little sprinkle of something.
- Appreciation for yummy food / tea details all over the place!
Pacing could have been better. I’d have liked even more time with the aunts, to make them more three dimensional characters. Also, more opportunities to build the romantic tension.
Still, I’ll be heading back happily to Charm for more stress free mystery action with some seaside flair.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Murder
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