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H.Y. Hanna
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A Scone To Die For (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries ~ Book 1): a British whodunit traditional mystery cozy crime set in an English village Kindle Edition

by H.Y. Hanna (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 7,693 ratings
See all formats and editions
“They say you have to make sacrifices to follow your dreams. I just didn’t expect the sacrifices to involve an American tourist and a killer scone.” ~ Gemma ditches her high-flying job and returns to Oxford to pursue her dream of opening a traditional English tearoom. It means moving back in with her parents and coping with her bossy, matchmaking mother, but she’s sure it'll all be worth it. In fact, business is already booming… that is, until an American tourist is found dead in her teas hop, killed by one of her signature scones!

Now Gemma is apron-deep in a murder mystery with unexpected links to Oxford University and her own past as a student there. And the situation only gets stickier when the handsome CID detective leading the case turns out to be her old college flame! With the meddling "Old Biddies" from the local village poking their noses into everything, and her cheeky cat causing chaos in the kitchen, Gemma is beginning to find herself in a real jam. After all, murder is bad for business, especially when customers start thinking your scones are more deadly than delicious...

With the body count rising and her tearoom going bust, can Gemma find the killer before her future turns to custard? Find out in this hilarious British cozy mystery filled with quirky characters, unexpected twists and a cat with a big personality. With a nod to the classic whodunits of Agatha Christie, this book is a treat you won't want to miss!

A Scone to Die For is the delectable first book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, H.Y. Hanna’s bestselling culinary cozy mystery series.

This book follows British English spelling and usage.
Clean read: no graphic violence, sex, or strong language.
Genre: traditional mystery, British whodunit cozy mystery, culinary cozy mysteries, cat cozy mystery series, women amateur sleuth, British detective mystery, humorous mystery, baking mystery, cosy crime

The OXFORD TEAROOM MYSTERIES:
  1. A Scone To Die For
  2. Tea with Milk and Murder
  3. Two Down, Bun To Go
  4. Till Death Do Us Tart
  5. Muffins and Mourning Tea
  6. Four Puddings and a Funeral
  7. Another One Bites the Crust
  8. Apple Strudel Alibi
  9. The Dough Must Go On
  10. The Mousse Wonderful Time of Year
  11. Wrongfully Infused
  12. A High Whisk Situation
* All-Butter ShortDead (Prequel) - available free to newsletter subscribers!
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  1. Book 1 of 12
    Oxford Tearoom Mysteries
  2. Print length
    314 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    January 17, 2016
  5. File size
    2.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Book 1 - Book 10
Oxford Tearoom Mysteries Book 1 - Book 12
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I couldn't put it down, staying up way too late last night for just one more chapter...." ~ Sheri O'Neill

"The characters in this story were fabulous...the author has a wonderful descriptive writing style that hook there reader from the start and will have you turning pages until the surprising conclusion. I will definitely be making a return visit to Gemma's tea room." ~ Peggy Rancilio, Peggy's Bookshelf

"A delightfully clever British cozy mystery set against the fascinating backdrop of Oxford" ~ Stephenie Sasse, The Mutt Cafe

"I absolutely loved this book! This is one of, if not THE, best cozy mystery I have read. The descriptions of places and people are fantastic. As I read the story I could picture being there, sitting in the tearoom, or in the University. The characters are developed really well. The relationships are explored and explained... characters aren't popping in for the sake of needing a character." ~ Katie's Reading Corner

"The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries are a real find. All three books are charming, quick reads with lovable characters and lots of humor. They bring back memories of my visits to Oxford with the descriptions of the city and the colleges. The inclusion of the four "Biddies", elderly ladies who like to meddle in murder are often hilarious. Another great"character" is Muesli, Gemma's mischievous cat who sometimes turns up a clue herself. Each of the books kept me guessing and thoroughly entertained. I am looking forward to the next in the series and highly recommend them." ~ Linda Baker, Not A Book Snob blog

"a mystery worthy of Agatha Christie lovers" ~ Amazon reviewer

"A brilliant and funny murder mystery!" ~ Susan Hampson Books

"If you're a cat lover or a fan of British mysteries, you absolutely must read A Scone to Die For"~ Melissa LaPierre, Mochas, Mysteries and Meows

From the Author


There was a rustle from inside the room, the sound of people standing up, the floorboards creaking as weight shifted. Then footsteps approached the door, faster than we expected.
Mabel jerked back from the door. "He's coming out!"
I stumbled backwards in panic. There was no time to run down the staircase - Devlin would be sure to see us in the stairwell. We looked wildly around for a hiding place. This was the top landing in the tower and there was only one other door up here. Mabel ran across and flung it open. It was a broom cupboard, filled with cleaning equipment.
"Quick! In here!" she hissed at the other Old Biddies.
They piled in, wedging themselves between the mops and brooms. I was amazed at how quickly four old ladies could squeeze themselves into such a tiny space, lavender handbags and all. The only problem was, it left no room for me.
"Sorry, Gemma, age before beauty," said Mabel ruthlessly and she yanked the door shut in my face.
I stared at the closed door in disbelief. What? They're leaving me out here to deal with Devlin alone? I'm going to kill them, senior age or not!
Whirling, I considered my options. I could hear the rumble of voices coming from Hughes's room - it looked like they had stopped to talk again just inside the door. It bought me a few more seconds reprieve. I glanced around. The only other thing I could see on the landing was a narrow Gothic window. I ran over and pulled the casement open. Instead of the sheer drop I'd expected, it led out onto a circular battlement which enclosed the tower. If I could climb out, I could crouch beneath the level of the parapet and hide from view until Devlin had gone down the stairs.
It was ludicrous and humiliating but not unsafe. I hooked a leg over the windowsill and started to push myself out through the narrow gap. It wasn't as easy as I'd thought. I was sitting astride the windowsill, half in, half out, trying to suck my stomach in... when I heard the dreaded voice.
"Gemma?"
Oh bugger. I froze, then slowly turned my head.
Devlin stood on the landing, looking at me in bewilderment. "What on earth are you doing?"
I thought of Mabel's trick and tried to act like climbing out of Oxford college windows was a perfectly normal mid-week activity for me. I gave a little trill of laughter. It was scary how much I sounded like my mother. "Ah, Devlin, ha-ha... Fancy seeing you here!"
It didn't seem to work. He came towards me, frowning. "What are you doing?"
"Um... " I wracked my brain for some excuse to explain my window-straddling position. I came up with nothing. "I... um... I was looking for my... pashmina! Yes, I've lost my pashmina, you see--and I thought I might have left it here when I came to High Table last Sunday night."
"And your pashmina managed to get by itself all the way up to the parapet outside Professor Hughes's room?" Devlin raised a sardonic eyebrow.
I flushed. "Yes... well... Funny how things end up in the strangest places."
"And I suppose you didn't know that I was interviewing Professor Hughes?"
"Oh, were you?" I opened my eyes wide, the picture of innocence.
"And naturally you didn't happen to overhear any part of my conversation with Professor Hughes..."
"Well... um... you know, the landing being so small... I did maybe overhear a bit of the conversation... not that I was really listening, of course..."
"Of course not," said Devlin blandly.
A muffled sneeze sounded next to us. Devlin turned sharply towards the broom cupboard. We could hear the sounds of shuffling coming from inside, accompanied by whispers of:
"Move over!"
"I can't! You move over!"
"There's no room!"
"It's your stupid handbag, Glenda! I told you not to buy that style."
"It's not my handbag, it's your bottom! You need to lose some weight, Florence."
"Rubbish!"
"Shh - they'll hear us!"
Devlin muttered under his breath, then stepped over and pulled the cupboard door open. It revealed four little old ladies clutching each other."Eeek!"
"Inspector O'Connor! What a surprise!" Mabel let go of the others and stepped out, recovering spectacularly.
Devlin gave a deep sigh. "Yes, another one. I don't think I can cope with any more surprises tonight. I suppose you were searching for Gemma's pashmina in the broom cupboard?"
Mabel darted a look at me. "Why, yes... of course! How clever of you to guess that! But of course, that's why you're such a brilliant detective... ha ha..."

Excerpt from A Scone to Die For (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries ~ Book 1)
© H.Y. Hanna - All Rights Reserved.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B01ARMFX2U
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ H.Y. Hanna; 2nd edition (January 17, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ January 17, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 314 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 1532972679
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 7,693 ratings

About the author

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H.Y. Hanna

H.Y. Hanna

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USA Today bestselling author H.Y. Hanna is the author of over 30 mystery novels, many of which have been translated into several languages. She is known for books filled with suspense, humour, and clever twists, as well as quirky characters and cats with big personalities! Her stories are often set in the historic city of Oxford, where she studied and lived for several years, as well as the beautiful English Cotswolds. After trying her hand at a variety of jobs, including advertising, modelling, teaching English and dog training, Hsin-Yi returned to her first love: writing. She worked as a freelance writer for several years and has won awards for her poetry, short stories and journalism. Hsin-Yi was born in Taiwan and has been a globe-trotter all her life, living in a variety of cultures from the UK to the Middle East, the USA to New Zealand… but is now happily settled in Perth, Western Australia, with her husband and a rescue kitty named Muesli.

You can learn more about Hsin-Yi and her books at: www.hyhanna.com And don’t forget to join her newsletter to get updates on new releases, exclusive giveaways and other book news—as well as her free Sampler Library! Go to: https://www.hyhanna.com/newsletter

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
7,693 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it a fun, suspenseful read with interesting characters. They described the story as well-written, easy to read, and enjoyable with humor. Readers found the book relaxing and a good start to a new series. The descriptions were detailed.

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EnjoymentSuspensefulCharacter developmentReadabilityHumorCozy readDescriptionSeries quality
392 customers mention "Enjoyment"389 positive3 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They found it an easy, enjoyable read with likable characters and a page-turning plot. The narrator Pearl Hewitt was described as fabulous. Readers enjoyed the intriguing and fun settings, including Oxford.

"The cover artwork is wonderful and really caught my eye...." Read more

"And a romantic twist. Interesting details about Oxford and British life. Would like a couple recipes,though. Easy, fun read in a couple of hours." Read more

"This has everything I love! Baking, Oxford, UK and an adorable cat...." Read more

"...With the cheesy title and the cartoonish cover with a picture of a gray tabby cat, stack of books, tea cup, scone, and a scull, I knew this was one..." Read more

357 customers mention "Suspenseful"337 positive20 negative

Customers enjoy the cozy mystery. They find the mystery believable and a quick read. The book is described as a wonderful British cozy murder mystery around a typical tearoom run for locals. Readers appreciate the interesting characters and various plot twists that keep them guessing until the end. They also mention it's a great start to a mystery sleuth series.

"...A good well-written cozy mystery with interesting characters and story line." Read more

"...A well crafted plot, interesting characters and a surprise near the end. What more could you want? I look forward to reading more of the series." Read more

"And a romantic twist. Interesting details about Oxford and British life. Would like a couple recipes,though. Easy, fun read in a couple of hours." Read more

"...Baking, Oxford, UK and an adorable cat. Throw in well thought out mysteries this is the perfect feel good cozy murder mystery...." Read more

198 customers mention "Character development"187 positive11 negative

Customers enjoyed the characters' development. They found Gemma to be an interesting character, with a funny and suave personality. The cat was also considered the smartest and most likeable character.

"...A good well-written cozy mystery with interesting characters and story line." Read more

"...A well crafted plot, interesting characters and a surprise near the end. What more could you want? I look forward to reading more of the series." Read more

"...and everyone in the area. An intriguing and interesting array of characters with small town charm. Some quirky, some colorful,..." Read more

"...A Scone to Die For is a charming, quick read with lovable characters and lots of humor...." Read more

153 customers mention "Readability"149 positive4 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoyable. They appreciate the clever writing style that makes the story feel real. The first-person narrator is well-developed, and the author paints vivid descriptions with her words. Overall, readers consider it a nice break to read an English author for a change.

"...Would like a couple recipes,though. Easy, fun read in a couple of hours." Read more

"...The narrator Pearl Hewitt is ‘Absolutely Fabulous!’ Her British accent is the perfect dialect for Gemma’s educated manner, and the tone changes..." Read more

"...I was not disappointed, and like any well paced, sprinkled with hints of many things to come was also a teaching experience of more inside depth of..." Read more

"...In the style of the easy going writing of Caroline Graham with the Oxford setting used by Colin Dexter...." Read more

64 customers mention "Humor"64 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the characters lovable and the dialogue entertaining. The book is described as an Oxford mystery with humor, mystery, and just a pinch of amusement. Readers appreciate that there is no foul language or gore.

"...With the cheesy title and the cartoonish cover with a picture of a gray tabby cat, stack of books, tea cup, scone, and a scull, I knew this was one..." Read more

"...to Die For is a charming, quick read with lovable characters and lots of humor...." Read more

"...I enjoyed the character and humor of Emma Rose. There are four elderly women who she calls the four biddies who fancy themselves sleuths too...." Read more

"...This book has it all - humor, mystery, a wonderful setting, and a hint of possible romance in the future - not to mention a charming cat named..." Read more

47 customers mention "Cozy read"47 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the cozy read. They find it a fast, easy read with short chapters. The storyline is interesting and the characters are lovable. Readers appreciate the pleasant voice and relaxing pace of the book.

"...A Scone to Die For, is a fun read, and a cozy book to snuggle up with on the couch...." Read more

"...Gemma, the main character, is quite likable and I feel for her with such an interfering albeit highly entertaining mother...." Read more

"...There's a great cast of characters here, likable and entertaining...." Read more

"This book was an enjoyable light cozy read. Emma Rose graduated from Oxford and went to Australia for an executive position...." Read more

42 customers mention "Description"39 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's descriptions detailed and helpful. They appreciate the author's ability to describe scenes vividly. The book provides ample background information and immerses readers in the history of the area.

"...paced, sprinkled with hints of many things to come was also a teaching experience of more inside depth of the University and its collective colleges..." Read more

"...And the description of Oxford college was so clear, I could see the spires and quad and rooms with heavy doors like I was standing in front of..." Read more

"...In addition, a Glossary of British Terms is included at the end of the story." Read more

"...does some very silly things, but she's presented overall as smart and capable, not as a ditzy fool...." Read more

37 customers mention "Series quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the series. They find the first book a satisfying start with surprises along the way. Readers look forward to the next book in the series.

"...Nonetheless, it is a charming and promising first in the series starting with yes, an obnoxious tourist who may be the first candidate for..." Read more

"I'm enjoying this series. Sometimes you just want to read a light hearted mystery that keeps you wanting to turn the page." Read more

"...first book in the Oxford Tearoom series by H.Y.Hanna is a delight from start to finish!..." Read more

"Love this series. Status Christie with a sense of humour...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • 430booklover
    5.0 out of 5 stars Clean mystery with interesting characters
    Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    The cover artwork is wonderful and really caught my eye. Gemma Rose opens a tea shop in Oxford and shortly thereafter an American tourist is found dead after eating a scone. A good well-written cozy mystery with interesting characters and story line.
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  • K. Anders
    4.0 out of 5 stars I needed to read something light and fun after finally finishing my last book
    Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was on Amazon, taking a look at what kindle books they had for free and came across this book, A Scone to Die For, (Oxford Tearoom Mysteries #1) by H.Y. Hanna. With the cheesy title and the cartoonish cover with a picture of a gray tabby cat, stack of books, tea cup, scone, and a scull, I knew this was one of those cozy mysteries. I decided to get it, why not it doesn't cost anything? I needed to read something light and fun after finally finishing my last book, a historical fiction novel that took me all summer to get through, because I really didn't like it. In A Scone to Die For, we are introduced to the lead character of Gemma Rose, an Oxford graduate whom, after spending the last 8 years in a high powered job in Sydney, Australia, realized she was unhappy and needed to make a change. She quit her job, gave up her penthouse apartment, and moved back in with her middle-class parents in Oxford. Gemma decided to open a tearoom in her old hometown, and sees it as her second chance. The story begins with an obnoxious American tourist visiting her tearoom. He is the stereotypical American, large, rude and demanding. The next morning she discovers this horrible man dead at her tearoom, choked by one of her scones. With her business threatened by tabloid reports about her killer scones, Gemma decides to take matters into her own hands and investigate the American's murder herself. A Scone to Die For, is a fun read, and a cozy book to snuggle up with on the couch. The author is considerate of American readers and prefaces the story with an explanation of differences in English and American spelling, ie: tyre = tire, and provides a glossary of British Terms at the end of the book. There is a theme of second chances in the novel. Gemma, one morning, is unable to avoid attending her mother's book club, the book they are suppose to be reading is Jane Austen's Persuasion. Gemma remarks that this is her favorite of Austin's novels, as it is about second chances. Once this is mentioned, its obvious to see Austin's influence in this book. Gemma sees her tearoom as her second chance, but not only that, the detective that is investigating the murder at her tearoom is none other than her old college boyfriend, the man she had described back then as the love of her life. Throughout the book she struggles between her present acquaintance with him and memories of their shared past. What happened when things ended is never expressly stated, only hinted at. After visiting his expensive house, she muses that their fortunes have reversed from when they last knew each other, she was a proper middle-class girl, he was working class and struggling, now she's living with her parents, while he clearly has made quite a career for himself. This is much like the reversal of fortunes in Jane Austen's Persuasion, the rich girl and poor boy, turn to poor woman and wealthy man when they meet again. The story was overall pretty good, I was a tad disappointed in the reveal of who did it. I thought (from reading different mystery books) that it would be more complex and the killer would be someone who was only briefly mentioned earlier in the book, because I found a connection between her and the victim. The killer turned out to be *possible spoiler* someone that was a suspect right from the start but that Gemma didn't believe it could be. At the end, she has a moment of discovery and realization that this person is the killer and puts the pieces together as to the how and why. As he had been cleared earlier of being a suspect, I didn't see it coming, but it was a let down because it makes me think that if she had not meddled in the investigation, then the police may have arrested him already. She did, however, uncover a lot of background information about connections between characters that led to a motive. It was an entertaining read none the less, between her interactions with the detective, the nosy "old biddies" who also made it their business to investigate, and Gemma's middle-class mother whom wanted Gemma to get a job (a "proper" job, running a teashop doesn't count to her) or failing that, get married. My favorite line ends the novel, "I had faced a maniacal murderer. Dealing with my mother should be a piece of cake..." Good luck with that Gemma. Despite the lack of complexity, it was a light hearted, fun read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
    10 people found this helpful
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  • Mamalolly
    5.0 out of 5 stars Completely unexpected ending
    Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    And a romantic twist. Interesting details about Oxford and British life. Would like a couple recipes,though. Easy, fun read in a couple of hours.
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  • Elisabeth Carey
    3.0 out of 5 stars An entertaining cozy mystery
    Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Gemma Rose is home in Oxford after eight years in Australia, working her way up the corporate ladder. She finally decided the corporate ladder wasn't for her, sold her flat, quit her job, and went home to Oxford to buy a tea room. She's hired her best friend, as well as a local handyman who, it turns out, is also a fantastic baker. Things are starting to go really well, even with the hassles that go with being in food service and hospitality.

    Such as the really arrogant, hostile American tourist, who seems to be with the otherwise pleasant American tour group.

    When she arrives at the tea room the next morning, she finds him dead in her courtyard, apparently having choked on a scone. But why was he there in the first place?

    It's not an improvement in her already awful day when the Detective Inspector assigned to the case turns out to be her old university flame, Devlin O'Connor. They didn't part on the best of terms.

    The dead American turns out to be not just some obnoxious tourist, but the head of an American pharmaceutical company, with all kinds of unexpected connections to Oxford. Quite a few people turn out to have reasons to dislike him. When one of the possible suspects turns out to be a beautiful woman that Gemma thinks Devlin is interested in, it's inevitable that she decides she has to investigate the case herself, with the help of her friends.

    There's a great cast of characters here, likable and entertaining. There are some moments when Gemma does some very silly things, but she's presented overall as smart and capable, not as a ditzy fool.

    Overall, entertaining and fun.

    Recommended.

    I bought this audiobook.
    18 people found this helpful
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  • omnireader
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fun cozy mystery set among the "dreaming spires"
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Oxford native and graduate Gemma Rose has returned from several years in Australia working at a high-powered job in the corporate world. All her money is sunk into her dream, a tearoom that she is running along with her best friend, Cassie, an aspiring artist. Things are going well even though Gemma has had to move in with her overbearing mother and absent-minded father. After all, she has hired a wonderful baker, Fletcher, and has regulars who are willing not only to help out but praise the tearoom all over Oxford. Things go very wrong when an obnoxious American tourist is discovered in the tearoom's courtyard with a scone shoved into his mouth; the same tourist who made a huge scene in the tearoom the previous day. Devlin O'Connor, CID Detective, and Gemma's former university boyfriend promptly closes the tearoom while the investigation proceeds. What's a girl to do but try to get to the bottom of the case before her business goes under?

    The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries are a real find. A Scone to Die For is a charming, quick read with lovable characters and lots of humor. It brought back memories of my visits to Oxford with the descriptions of the city and the colleges. The inclusion of the four "Biddies", elderly ladies who like to meddle in murder are often hilarious. Another great "character" is Muesli, Gemma's mischievous cat who sometimes turns up a clue herself. The book kept me guessing and thoroughly entertained. I highly recommend this series.

    4.5 Stars
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Joyful
    5.0 out of 5 stars Quick read!
    Reviewed in Canada on January 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Enjoyable...and an easy read! Entertaining.....from beginning to end. No bad language....no sex....just a nice, clean, easy read. Will read more of H.Y.Hanna!
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  • Paola B.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Afternoon tea e omicidi
    Reviewed in Italy on April 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Se, come me, siete fan di Inspector Morse e Inspector Lewis l'autrice H.Y. Hanna è la scelta obbligata.
    I suoi cosy mysteries sono tipicamente British, con quel pizzico di suspence che rende piacevole la lettura senza doversi guardare le spalle
    Report
  • leeresblatt
    5.0 out of 5 stars Tödlicher Scone
    Reviewed in Germany on March 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Ich habe mal wieder ein Buch gelesen, in dem Tee vorkommt. Diesmal handelte es sich um einen Krimi. Einen harmlosen und unblutigen Krimi, genau so, wie sie mir gefallen. Die Autorin ist natürlich eine Teeliebhaberin, die in Australien lebt, und ein Fan der britischen Tea Time. Sie hat auch eine Katze, die sie sehr zu lieben scheint. Deswegen hat es eine Katze auf das Cover aller ihrer Bücher geschafft. In "Ein Scone To Die For" erzählt H.Y. Hanna nicht über eine große Leidenschaft für Scones, sie erzählt, wie ein Scone jemanden umbringen kann, trotz Fluffigkeit und einwandfreier Zutaten.

    Dieses Buch war für mich eine tolle Überraschung. Spannend, lustig und leicht, aber keinesfalls seicht. Die perfekte Lektüre für zwischendurch.

    H.Y. Hanna scheint Oxford zu lieben. Ihre Heldin hat dort studiert und nach einem nervigen Job in Australien kehrt sie nach England zurück, um eine Teestube zu betreiben. Was ihr sehr gut gelingt. Bis eines Tages ein Scone einen Besucher tötet…

    Um ihre Teestube zu retten – natürlich ist sie die erste Verdächtige – wird sie zu Ermittlerin in eigener Sache. Unerwartete Hilfe bekommt sie von drei älteren Damen, Stammgästen und Fans, die eigentlich alles durcheinander bringen, und nach deren Auftreten ich mich immer wieder gesehnt habe. Der gutaussehende Polizist kann na klar nicht fehlen, und die kleine Katze ist auch noch da!

    Jetzt möchte ich unbedingt Oxford besuchen, Nebenwirkung vom Lesen. Und Tee trinken, und Scones essen. Es wird mir schon nichts passieren. Hoffe ich…
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  • S. J. Dagg
    5.0 out of 5 stars A cozy with all the right ingredients
    Reviewed in France on September 23, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I am a great fan of cozy mysteries. What you may not know is that I’m also equally addicted to scones. So how could I possibly resist a cozy involving scones and that’s also set in Oxford, where I spent three wonderful years as an undergraduate more years ago than I care to remember!
    I was hooked by this book from the very start. It has a very dramatic opening: “I never thought I’d end the week facing an American with a sharp knife.” Gemma is our narrator. She owns the Little Stable Tearooms in Meadowford-on-Smythe. She’s turned her back on corporate life to follow her dream, much to her parents’ despair. But she’s sure she’s made the right choice for her. However, when the unpleasant American turns up dead outside her tearooms the next day with one of her scones stuck in his throat, then even she begins to wonder if she shouldn’t have stayed in Sydney.
    She decides to investigate, helped by a group of very nosey old ladies and her own inside knowledge of Oxford, where, like me, she was a student. The police are busy hunting down the killer too, led by Devlin O’Connor, Gemma’s ex-boyfriend who was at Oxford with her. His reappearance results in a lot of mixed feelings for Gemma and definitely causes complications.
    There’s a great deal of fun and clever writing in this book. It’s delightful – sweet but never cloying, and tongue-in-cheek at times but never slapstick. Extremely entertaining, it’s cozy at its most delicious. It comes with an explanation of very British terms for readers from different backgrounds, and has a glossary of those strange terms that Oxford University positively revels in. And there’s a recipe for scones too. What more could you ask for!
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  • Sue Martin
    5.0 out of 5 stars light and refreshing
    Reviewed in Australia on June 3, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Really enjoyed the story and lots of surprises. A good read for any age. Looking forward for the next one.
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