In Cold Chamomile: A Tea and a Read Mystery

· A Tea and a Read Mystery Book 3 · Crooked Lane Books
4.0
2 reviews
Ebook
272
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

Just in time for the holidays, In Cold Chamomile is sure to be a cupid's arrow aimed straight for your bookshelf.

Tea party organizer Callie Aspen learns that Cupid's arrows can be deadly when a Valentine's Day soiree ends in murder.

Callie Aspen can't think of a more appropriate place to spend Valentine's Day than her adopted hometown of Heart's Harbor, Maine. When she's not helping out at Book Tea, her great-aunt Iphy's vintage tearoom, Callie's adorning Haywood Hall with hearts and roses for the big Valentine's event, where townspeople will fall in love with sweet treats, heartwarming music, and delightful books. But tension is brewing: The librarian argues with the expert who is on hand to appraise precious volumes. And Iphy is shocked to recognize the baritone who's slated to sing at the event as an old acquaintance--one she'd hoped she'd never meet again. And then, when a dead body is discovered, the stirring spoon of suspicion points at the many people who had reasons to want the victim dead.

When Iphy's old acquaintance draws the attention of Deputy Ace Falk, Callie finds herself in a spot. Ace, as usual, doesn't want Callie involved, but how can she ignore Iphy's anguish over the fate of a man she cares for more than she will admit? Bringing the killer to justice may endanger Callie's budding relationship with Ace--and, quite possibly, her own life.

Callie and the Book Tea crew may think they have this case in the bag, but un-kettling truths are yet to be decanted.

Ratings and reviews

4.0
2 reviews
Kristina Anderson
February 17, 2020
In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon is the third A Tea and Read Mystery. It can be read as a standalone. Callie Aspen is organizing a Valentine’s fundraiser at Haywood Hall with a variety of events. My favorite was Fall in Love with Books where there was a book exchange, a book sale, and book appraisals. There was also plants for sale, seed swap, dogs for adoption, a concert with a singer as well as tea and pastries. Mrs. Forrester is in charge of the book events and she is a perfectionist. She also organized the appraiser, Mr. King who had recently been on a television appraisal show. Aunt Iphy is out of sorts after seeing the replacement baritone. Turns out Aunt Iphy has a history with the singer, Sean Strong but she does not share the details with Callie. When Callie is taking a quiet moment outside, Peggy comes running towards her car and she is crying. She is upset by something Quinn has done, but (once again) she does not share what happened. Then Mrs. Moffett comes running out and announces, “he’s dead”. Mr. King, the appraiser, has been murdered. Mrs. Forrester was seen arguing with him and her prints are on the murder weapon. Deputy Ace Falk determines that Sean Strong, the baritone, is the killer. Aunt Iphy knows Sean did not kill the victim and needs Callie’s help in proving it. Ace Falk warns Callie to stay out of the investigation. Callie is aware that by becoming involved in the case, it may affect their personal relationship. The mystery was very straightforward and could easily be solved (early in the book). There was a lack of suspects, clues and investigation. Callie does not even check out the body or the room he was in before the police arrive. The majority of In Cold Chamomile focused on romantic issues. Peggy and Quinn, Aunt Iphy and Sean, plus Ace and Callie. I know the book is for Valentine’s Day, but the mystery should have been more complex and prominent. There were several inconsistencies in this book as well (those who have read the first two books will notice). Deputy Ace Falk treats Callie terribly and acts like a jerk. Callie needs to find a new love interest. Someone who will appreciate her and her curiosity. I thought the ending was odd. In Cold Chamomile was a miss for me. My favorite line in Cold Chamomile is, “...if there was an object in the world you could easily fall in love with, it had to be books.” In Cold Chamomile has a deceased evaluator, romantic morasses, tempting treats, a stylish singer, and a daft deputy.
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About the author

Having spent many afternoons as a teen on the Nile with Poirot or confronting sinister spinsters in sleepy English towns with Miss Marple, it was only natural Joy Avon would start writing mysteries of her own. Besides writing, Joy enjoys hiking, collecting stationery and trying new desserts, especially if chocolate is involved. This is her third Tea and a Read mystery.

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