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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Steeped in Malice by Vicki Delany has Lily Roberts on the hunt for teacups and saucers for her Cape Cod tearoom, Tea by the Sea. The find of a darling Peter Rabbit children’s tea set ends up sending trouble to Lily’s doorstep. I thought Steeped in Malice was well-written with developed characters. The author’s vivid descriptions allows me to envision the Victorian bed and breakfast, the charming tearoom, and Lily’s quaint cottage that overlooks Cape Cod Bay. The mystery was entertaining. The Peter Rabbit tea set ends up being a hot commodity. One person is willing to kill for something hidden inside the wicker basket that holds the children’s tea set. There are a handful of suspects (I was surprised there were not more considering the victim’s horrid attitude). Lily, with help from her bestie, Bernie and her grandmother, Rose ask questions and search for clues. Wesley, Lily’s ex-boyfriend (the chef with a big head), turns up like a bad penny. Wesley was married to the victim (and hoping for a large inheritance). The whodunit can be solved before the reveal if you pay close attention. There is a good reveal and wrap up. This was my favorite mystery in this series. There are some interesting developments at the end, but I will have to wait for the next book to see how they impact Lily. Steeped in Malice is the fourth A Tea by the Sea Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Bernie, Lily’s best friend, is a character that I found irritating in previous books. I did not find Bernie as trying this time (she is growing on me). Bernie is flighty especially when it comes to her writing (I wonder if she will ever finish a manuscript). However, Bernie does have a heart of gold and is always there for Lily when she is needed. I love Lily’s labradoodle, Éclair. Rose’s cat, Robert the Bruce, suits her. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled through the story. Rose can always be counted on for a chuckle or two. There are tasty treats mentioned throughout the books with recipes for a couple of the mouthwatering morsels at the end. Steeped in Malice is a tantalizing tale with a rare Peter Rabbit tea set, a slain sibling, a missing missive, a self-centered ex-suitor, scrumptious scones, and a new advent.
aspygirlsmom_1995's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kimlb's review against another edition
4.0
This one was very hard to figure out :) I have to add that just about any series from Vicki Delany/Eva Gates is fabulous!
kimdavishb's review
5.0
STEEPED IN MALICE is the fourth book in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries by Vicki Delany. The author knows how to weave a tantalizing tale to tempt your tastebuds and tease your deducing skills with all the twists and turns in this newest release. Using the spectacular setting of the Cape Cod Bay, protagonist Lily Roberts owns a charming tea shop set alongside her grandmother’s Victorian B&B. Let me tell you, Lily is a hard worker, up at the crack of dawn to cook for her grandmother’s guests and then back to her tea room to bake for her own customers. The author shows the realistic side of owning your own business and fitting in all the work that goes into it. When there’s a murder to solve, it’s not unusual for Lily to be up late at night, trying to fit it all in.
I love that Lily, her grandmother, Rose, and Lily’s best friend, Bernie, have such a close relationship. Early in the series, I found Rose to be annoying by the way she steamrolled over Lily and anyone else she crossed paths with. As the series has progressed, Rose has mellowed while retaining her spunky personality. I especially like that she’s quick to jump into helping Lily investigate. There’s much humor throughout the book with Rose and Bernie, who are “thick as the currants in the fruit scones”, getting into mischief.
Ms. Delany starts the conflict early in the book, keeping the reader engaged with “what’s going to happen next”. This time the catalyst is a darling Peter Rabbit-themed children’s tea set, complete with a wicker basket. The adorable cover of Steeped in Malice perfectly captures the theme! Lily becomes involved when she acquires the tea set and two feuding half-sisters insist that the set belongs to them. When one sister is murdered on the grounds of the B&B, Lily can’t help but become involved. There are several suspects to consider and some twists I didn’t see coming. The author’s clever plot kept me turning pages late into the night until I’d read the last page. There’s a hint or two that more portend what’s coming next for Lily, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
Lily’s delightful tea time goodies and B&B breakfast dishes sound utterly delicious, so be prepared to drool as you read! Fortunately for the home cook, there are a few recipes at the back of the book to try out.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love that Lily, her grandmother, Rose, and Lily’s best friend, Bernie, have such a close relationship. Early in the series, I found Rose to be annoying by the way she steamrolled over Lily and anyone else she crossed paths with. As the series has progressed, Rose has mellowed while retaining her spunky personality. I especially like that she’s quick to jump into helping Lily investigate. There’s much humor throughout the book with Rose and Bernie, who are “thick as the currants in the fruit scones”, getting into mischief.
Ms. Delany starts the conflict early in the book, keeping the reader engaged with “what’s going to happen next”. This time the catalyst is a darling Peter Rabbit-themed children’s tea set, complete with a wicker basket. The adorable cover of Steeped in Malice perfectly captures the theme! Lily becomes involved when she acquires the tea set and two feuding half-sisters insist that the set belongs to them. When one sister is murdered on the grounds of the B&B, Lily can’t help but become involved. There are several suspects to consider and some twists I didn’t see coming. The author’s clever plot kept me turning pages late into the night until I’d read the last page. There’s a hint or two that more portend what’s coming next for Lily, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out!
Lily’s delightful tea time goodies and B&B breakfast dishes sound utterly delicious, so be prepared to drool as you read! Fortunately for the home cook, there are a few recipes at the back of the book to try out.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
deanapotter's review against another edition
4.0
All Lily wanted to do was replenish her supply of tea cups. A simple thing that turned into something much more deadly than one could imagine. Lily stumbles upon a beautiful child. He said, in a wicker basket that would be perfect for children’s tea parties at the shop. Come to find out there is some thing else in the basket in which a number of people want for their own. And then before we know it a murder.
Vicky Delany never fails to give readers and involve mystery and amazing characters. Steeped in Malace is a very involved mystery with a lot going on. Lily calls on the half of grandma Rose, and the two of them put their nose to the ground and figure out who was behind this murder. For me, this one was definitely one of the highlights of the series thus far.
Vicky Delany never fails to give readers and involve mystery and amazing characters. Steeped in Malace is a very involved mystery with a lot going on. Lily calls on the half of grandma Rose, and the two of them put their nose to the ground and figure out who was behind this murder. For me, this one was definitely one of the highlights of the series thus far.
booklovingmom_'s review
5.0
Steeped in Malice is the fourth cozy mystery in the Tea by the Sea Mysteries series. Lily Roberts, owner of a tearoom and amateur sleuth, finds herself wrapped up in another investigation when a hidden envelope turns up in a tea set she bought. As always, Lily, her friend, Bernie, and her grandmother, Rose, stick their noses into the case and solve the mystery before the police.
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and this book is no different. I love the tearoom and B&B setting and am always excited to be pulled back here. The main characters are fun and engaging and the mystery keeps you guessing as you move from suspect to suspect. This was a very fun read and I look forward to seeing what comes next for Lily and the gang!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and this book is no different. I love the tearoom and B&B setting and am always excited to be pulled back here. The main characters are fun and engaging and the mystery keeps you guessing as you move from suspect to suspect. This was a very fun read and I look forward to seeing what comes next for Lily and the gang!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
readwitray's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 ⭐️
Fun quick cozy mystery
Lily is still running Tea By The Sea. One night a body is found on the grounds of the B&B. Old memories are brought up and Lily could be accused of this latest murder.
This is a quick read and easy to get into. It had some great banter between Lily the main character and her side character’s and friends.
The plot was fun and I didn’t realize who the killer of the story was until towards the end of the book. Definitely needs to read the first three of the series but I didn’t feel like I was missing too much by starting on the fourth book.
Fun quick cozy mystery
Lily is still running Tea By The Sea. One night a body is found on the grounds of the B&B. Old memories are brought up and Lily could be accused of this latest murder.
This is a quick read and easy to get into. It had some great banter between Lily the main character and her side character’s and friends.
The plot was fun and I didn’t realize who the killer of the story was until towards the end of the book. Definitely needs to read the first three of the series but I didn’t feel like I was missing too much by starting on the fourth book.
jennifermph's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
thisandthatwithkaren's review
5.0
“Steeped on Malice” by Vicki Delany the 4th instalment in the “Tea by the Sea Mysteries”. I’m never disappointed when I pick up one of Vicki Delany’s books. I’m excited that Ms. Delany will be in Calgary August 5th and doing book signing , I’m looking forward to meeting her.
Thanks to the Great Teacup Shortage, Cape Cod tearoom proprietress Lily Roberts is already feeling the strain. But when a family fracas turns deadly over an antique tea set, she’ll really have to pour through the clues before another crime is brewed up.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end. I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie. People from Lily’s past show up causing drama, especially her ex Wesley.
I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you. Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN. I have also preordered a hardcover copy for my collection.
Thanks to the Great Teacup Shortage, Cape Cod tearoom proprietress Lily Roberts is already feeling the strain. But when a family fracas turns deadly over an antique tea set, she’ll really have to pour through the clues before another crime is brewed up.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading in couple days. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and delectable food.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and kept me guessing till the very end. I love the main character of Lily, her grandmother Rose, Simon, and her BFF Bernie. People from Lily’s past show up causing drama, especially her ex Wesley.
I won’t go into detail about the mystery as the book blurb does a wonderful job of it but I will say if you like afternoon tea, the seaside, and a great mystery then this series is for you. Includes recipes at back of book ... yummy
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN. I have also preordered a hardcover copy for my collection.