Top Ten Tea-Related Cozy Mysteries
January is the month to hunker down, relax, and cozy up by the fire with a good book and a hot pot of tea. There’s nothing more cozy than a traditional Cozy Mystery.
Here’s a list of some of the best cozy mysteries that are related to TEA - great characters, great stories, and of course, lots of TEA! Enjoy one of these series with one of our new cozy teas, or with any of the things we’ve added to our Cozy Collection to make the perfect Cozy Afternoon.
Death in a Budapest Butterfly (A Hungarian Tea House Mystery, 3 book series)
by Julia Buckley
Berkley, 2019
I love this series and it’s one of my favorites! I love the inclusion of the Hungarian culture as well as the hint of psychic arts, and multiple references to antique treasures. This is the book that awakened my love of vintage teacups and teapots, and I eagerly await the next one!
”Hana Keller and her family run Maggie's Tea House, heavily influenced by the family's Hungarian heritage and specializing in a European-style traditional tea service. But one of the shop's largest draws is Hana's eccentric grandmother, Juliana, renowned for her ability to read the future in the leaves at the bottom of customers' cups. Lately, however, her readings have become alarmingly ominous and seemingly related to old Hungarian legends. When a guest is poisoned at a tea event, Juliana’s dire predictions appear to have come true.” - Amazon
Tea and Treachery
by Vicki Delany
Kensington Cozies, 2020
”In this charming cozy mystery series from national bestselling author Vicki Delany, a New York City expat-turned-Cape Cod tea shop owner must solve the murder of a local real estate developer to help her feisty grandmother out of a jam . . .
As the proud proprietor and head pastry chef of Tea by the Sea, a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod, Lily Roberts has her hands full, often literally. But nothing keeps her busier than steering her sassy grandmother, Rose, away from trouble. Rose operates the grand old Victorian B & B adjacent to Lily’s tea shop. But an aggressive real estate developer, Jack Ford, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort, which would drive Rose and Lily out of business.” - Amazon
A Pocketful of Rye: A Miss Marple Mystery
by Agatha Christie
You can’t go wrong with any of the novels of the Queen of Mysteries. I love them all. The mysteries of Agatha Christie are always perfect for reading with a cuppa’, and this one is a great place to start as Miss Marple investigates the death of financial tycoon who is poisoned when drinking his morning tea. Agatha Christie never fails to deliver on engaging and thoughtful stories with exceptional writing, and she is considered the Queen of Mysteries.
”Rex Fortescue, king of a financial empire, was sipping tea in his “counting house” when he suffered an agonizing and sudden death. On later inspection, the pockets of the deceased were found to contain traces of cereals. Yet, it was the incident in the parlor which confirmed Miss Marple’s suspicion that here she was looking at a case of crime by rhyme . . .” - Amazon
Thyme of Death (China Bayles Mysteries, Book 1 of 28 book series)
by Susan Wittig Albert
Berkley, 1994
I love, love, love the novels of Susan Wittig Albert. Although they feature the herbs from which we often make infusions and not necessarily the Camellia sinensis (tea) plant, the series is informative, fun, and weirdly peaceful. With 28 books spanning almost 3 decades, each one is a true, cozy treat.
”Nominated for both an Agatha and an Anthony Award, Susan Wittig Albert’s novels featuring ex-lawyer and herb-shop proprietor China Bayles have won acclaim for their rich characterization and witty, suspenseful stories of crime and passion in small-town Texas.
Now, when China’s friend Jo dies of an apparent suicide, China looks behind the quaint façade of Pecan Springs and takes a suspicious look at everyone. And though she finds lots of friendly faces, China is sure that one of them hides the heart of a killer.” - Amazon
A Scone to Die For (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, Book 1 of 10 book series)
by H.Y. Hanna
2016
This is a comfy series that reminds us to simplify and find grace and blessings in the little things of our lives. I know that I often fantasize about my life being more simple, in a small town with cats, tea, friends, and family. Very cozy!
”A dead tourist isn't exactly good for business. But her snooty mother's non-stop matchmaking might be the thing that kills her... Meadowford-on-Smythe, the Cotswolds, England. Gemma Rose has really baked herself into a corner. Already up to her ears in her mother's well-meaning meddling, the tearoom owner knows not even her prestigious Oxford degree can heave her out of debt. But things go rapidly downhill in a scandalous way when she opens up shop and discovers a murdered American choked to death by one of her signature scones.” - Amazon
Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop Mysteries, Book 1 of 24 book series)
by Laura Childs
Berkely Books, 2001
This is a great series with over 20 books, and it’s the perfect book to have when cozying up to the fire. One of the best parts of Laura Child’s books is her frequent reference to fine tea types and their origins. Clearly a true tea lover, Laura Childs manages to weave an appreciation of tea with an engaging murder mystery.
”It's tea for two hundred or so at the annual historical homes garden party. Theodosia, as event caterer, is busy serving steaming teas and blackberry scones while guests sing her praises. But the sweet smell of success turns to suspense when an esteemed guest is found dead—his hand clutching an empty teacup. Trouble is brewing, and all eyes are on Theo....Meet Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's beloved Indigo Tea Shop. Patrons love her blend of delicious tea tastings and Southern hospitality. And Theo enjoys the full-bodied flavor of a town steeped in history—and mystery. “ - Amazon
A Fatal Twist of Lemon (Wisteria Tearoom Mysteries Book 1 )
by Patrice Greenwood
Evennight Books, 2012
Maybe it’s because I adore Santa Fe and can visualize all the locations in the story, but this is another of my favorite series. Ellen is a kind and polite character, and the stories are very reminiscent of modern day Agatha Christie novels.
”Cops drink coffee. They don't belong in Ellen Rosings's Victorian tearoom. But when her opening day thank-you tea ends in the murder of the president of the Santa Fe Preservation Trust, the police invade her haven. Enter Detective Tony Aragon: attractive and unsympathetic, with a chip on his shoulder that goes beyond the murder investigation, and Ellen's delicate bone china cup is full. Is the murderer one of her honored guests, or the ghost rumored to haunt the building? Will Ellen solve the mystery, or will the Wisteria Tearoom's premiere turn out to be its—and Ellen's—finale?” - Amazon
The Tea & Sympathy Mysteries: Books 1-3
by J. New
Phantom Press, 2021
Tea & Sympathy
Set it a small town in Britain, this is an engaging series with characters that you’ll like. I read all three in a single sitting (granted, it took about all day and at least 3 pots of tea).
”When the body of a local woman is found drowned in the river, the contents of her pockets reveal a letter from Lilly and she’s unwillingly drawn into the case. But is it a tragic accident as the police think? Lilly isn’t convinced, but pursuing her own inquiry means it isn’t long before she gets into hot water.” - Amazon
Tea Shop Cozy Mysteries (6 book series)
by Katherine Hayton
2018
”When murder comes to peaceful Aniseed Valley, Willow Foxglove is on the case. Believing the local sheriff to be unequal to the challenge, she pursues leads in between building a new tea shop and looking after her Maine Coon kitten, Mavis.
As each crime unfolds, she draws on the book-smarts of best friend Harmony and conspiracy-laden facts from second-best friend Reg to help untangle the evidence. And, of course, she can always rely on handy hints from her favorite TV show of all time - Miss Walsham Investigates!” - Amazon
Tea is for Trouble (Book 1 of 4 book series)
by Karen Sue Walker
Laragray Press, 2021
Another one of my favorites, it’s total brain candy - easy to read and get lost in. Very cozy! At first I found the included instructions for cooking to be a little insulting, but in truth, I then realized that I was learning something!
”A new life complete with tea, scones, and… murder?
And let’s not forget the ghost…
When your fiancé breaks up with you on your 49th birthday, what do you do? If you’re April May, you buy a huge Victorian home on a whim and open a tearoom featuring lace tablecloths, exotic teas, and dainty sandwiches.
No one told her the house came with a cat in the attic who might just be guarding a treasure. How else to explain people breaking in?
From the moment she moves in, nothing goes right, but her problems seem minor when a dead body turns up in her home. Accused of murder, April teams up with a cantankerous bar owner and a feisty, young antiques expert to solve the crime.
And what about the handsome, arrogant chef in her kitchen who no one else can see? She plans to get medical help for what must be a hallucination, but in the meantime, he’s putting a tasty French twist on her menu.” - Amazon