Peppermint Peril is an ingeniously crafted mystery that’s a real treat to read.
Our heroine, Callie Aspen, has returned to her home town of Heart’s Harbor, to help out Aunt Iphy. Callie is a historical tour guide by profession, but she’s hit a quiet time so she’s happy to help her aunt organise a mystery party at which there will be a puzzle cake based on a Brother Cadfael mystery. There’s to be a big event at the party, with overtones of Agatha Christie, but it’s overshadowed by first a theft and then a murder.
Callie immediately gets involved in trying to solve the murder. She’s shocked by what’s happened, especially as it means some of her family might end up in gaol. It also helps her stop thinking too much about what might have been if she’d taken different decisions in the past. There’s a definite hint of bittersweet about this novel.
There’s a hint of romance too. Police Office Falk and Callie get off on the wrong foot to start with, but as they get to know each other, an attraction develops. Will it come to anything? We’ll have to wait and see…
There’s some insightful portrayals of relationships, both family and marital, and of the hierarchy in a small town. There’s a lot going in in this cosy mystery, which is quite a bit deeper than most.
There’s more to come in the series, and that’s really good news.

This is a delightful holiday theme debut mystery of a fun sleuth, tea and wonderful charcters.
I so enjoyed diving into this wonderful mystery and did not put it down until the last page.

We are introduced to our protagonist Callie Aspen who works as a worldwide tour guide but is taking a holiday break to return to her hometown of Heart’s Harbor and give her beloved Aunt Iphy some help at her tea shop Book Tea. The elder member of the town and the most wealthy Dorothea Finster has hired her aunt and Callie to put on a proper tea at her home , The gathering is mysterious and much of the town arrives along with her hateful relatives. Dorothea has plans to announce the terms of her new will and all have their greedy hands out for money.

When the longtime gardener is stabbed Callie is suspicious of a teacher she heard arguing with him before his murder. Additional clues come to her attention such as the relative with blood on her dress and a handyman who disappeared . She begins to investigate and question her plausible suspects as the clues add up and more people fall under suspicion of both Callie and the police. Callie wants to solve the mystery at hand and soon may place herself in danger.

I found this a complex well crafted sleuth with strong charcters and a enjoyable writing style. Callie is likable, hard working and smart. I liked that she is self supporting and not living off of her Aunt like so many protagonist in cozies do living off their relatives. She is independent and devoted to her career as well as her Aunt. Callie's character has long term potential for a great series. I look forward to further books in the series. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher for the ARC which does not influence my review.

I was drawn to the book by the promise of it appealing to fans of Jenn McKinlay, and I loved the premise of book themed tea parties. Unfortunately the writing felt forced and the characters and mystery felt flat.

This debut cozy shows some promise, starting with an interesting twist on "the reading of the will" Although it started slowly, for me, Callie Aspen, a tour guide home for a visit who is helping out at her great aunt's tea room, soon won me over and, the farther I read, the more I liked it. A nice, pleasant Christmas-themed cozy.

While not the best debut I've read, it was actually pretty good and I think I'll be looking forward to further books in this series. I would recommend this one to those who like cozies.

They say you can never go home, but Callie Aspen is just visiting during her slow season as an international tour guide. Back in Heart's Harbor to help Aunt Iphy to oversee an afternoon tea party complete with puzzle cake based on an Brother Cadfael mystery. This authors first cozy is off to a good start. Callie seems to be your typical heroine/main character with the good heart and inquisitive spirit. She is a little older, but she has been leading a busy whirlwind life abroad visiting far off exotic places leading grand tours. She is a little more morose than most but once she realizes that she no longer has the "school girl crush" feelings the thoughts of "what if" or regret disappear making her even more determined to learn who did in the gardener and why. What is the secret of the will and who will be the master of Haywood Hall.. Not as light hearted as a normal cozy but the story ends on a sweet note filled with future possibilities, if Callie just looks for them. Just like I will be on the lookout for Joy Avon's next installment Sweet Tea and Secrets.

I received this debut novel from NetGalley in return for an honest review. It started out a little slow for me. There several characters in the book that really served no purpose and were not well developed. After the first half, the story seemed to pick up and I was able to relate to a a few of the main players. After the reveal, I enjoyed the "relationships" that started. For that, as well as the twist, I will continue on with the series as it develops.

A good mystery kicks of this new series. Some nice seasonal references place this solidly in the Christmas mystery category which I love. Great characters and lots of suspects for the murder and a second crime at the center of the book. There were a few things in the writing that threw off my reading groove - a slow start, some gaps I thought were jarring - but overall I enjoyed this and I will definitely read more in this series in the future.

In Peppermint Peril by Joy Avon is the first in in the new Book Tea Shop Mystery series. The publisher description begins like this:

"In the run-up to Christmas Eve, organizer of book-themed tea parties Callie Aspen and her lovable Boston terrier will have to conquer threefold trouble—a mysterious will, a missing heirloom and a dead body—to restore the festive spirit to their small town."

As the novel opens, we meet Callie, on the way to assist her Great Aunt Iphy (short for Iphigeneia) with a holiday tea party at the impressive and historical Haywood Hall. Callie is just home for the holidays, and the last thing she wanted was to see some certain familiar faces from her past. As preparations for the event take place, Callie is drawn into family drama, deeply hidden secrets, and… a shocking murder.

Along with Iphy, and handsome Deputy Falk, Callie must not only uncover clues to what transpired at the party, but also help a shattered family rediscover their Christmas spirit and love for one another.


This is a fantastic opener for the series. I love that it opens at Christmas time, and the seasonal release makes for a fun introduction to the little town of Heart’s Harbor, Maine.

Like many cozy mysteries, the book features a small village full of quirky characters. Here I’d say that Haywood Hall, the main setting for many scenes in this book, has also been made into a character all its own, focusing on its history, its secrets, and its stately elegance. Capping off the list of characters is a delightful little Boston Terrier named Daisy, who seems to greatly enjoy taking part in community life.

Another fun aspect of this story is Great Aunt Iphy’s shop: a vintage tea room called Book Tea, where every sweet concoction is literary themed or contains a bookish clue. (For instance, early in the book, a treat plate is referenced as having a connection to the Brother Cadfael mysteries.) The holiday tea at Haywood Hall is described as having Agatha Christie like elements to it, so the references to more classic mysteries add charm.

The wrap-up to the mystery doesn’t come all in one bite… as you read through, you’ll discover that many characters have their own secrets that they’re keeping, and there’s blame to go around. But as with any good “whodunit” book, there can only be one killer.

So, to recap…. darling dogs, classic book references, scrumptious chocolate treats, an intriguing mystery, and a picturesque snowy village at Christmas. I’m not sure what else you could look for in “sit down and relax” sort of book!

I look forward to reading more in this series… the second book is slated to release in summer 2019, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for Callie and for Heart’s Harbor.

In Peppermint Peril is out now in hardcover or e-book. Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advance reader copy of this title for review.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught.

In Peppermint Peril by Joy Avon is the first book in A Tea and a Read Mystery series and more than a great start.

I loved everything about this book, from the great tea shop and fabulously crafted sweets with clues from famous mysteries hidden in the treats, to Callie's job as a historical tour guide to a cleverly crafted plot and great set of characters.

When Callie returns to a little childhood home where her great aunt runs tea and cake shop the last thing she is worried about is getting involved with murder. Yet, when she agrees to help set a mystery cake party that turns into a regular murder mystery right from the pages of Agatha Christie's book, this is exactly what she gets. As she rushes to solve the puzzle that threatens not only to ruin everyone's favorite holiday but to also put some of the people she cares about behind the bars, she will have to put herself in danger first.

I also liked that there is a bit of romance as the local police officer who is handling the case attracts Callie's attention. And how their relationship started off badly and improved along the way.
Very realistically portrayed relationship between siblings, some very serious issues of dead parent and small town important people.
All in all, an intelligent mystery, steady paced with a holiday feel yet extremely mysterious.

I really enjoy this story. This is the first in the series.

Our soon to be sleuth, Callie Aspen returns to Heart's Harbor, Maine where her great aunt, Iphy, runs Book Tea, a vintage tearoom where she caters to book themed events, get togethers, and parties.

The story was quite predictable but the holiday theme made it a fun read.

Looking forward to another installment, I can only imagine it will get better and better.

A pleasant and interesting cozy mystery. Some intriguing characters, a dog, family issues, a murder, and so much more in this holiday tale. I look forward to reading the next one.

Callie comes home for holidays to visit her great aunt Iphy in Heart's Harbor. Iphy runs Book Tea, a vintage tearoom, where sweet treats contain a bookish clue. Iphy and Callie are organizing an Agatha Christie themed party at Haywood Hall. Its owner is a 93-year-old Dorothea, who wants to announce her will, but even before she can do that, an employee is murdered. 

It's the first book in the Book Tea Shop Mystery series and it was a great beginning to introduce the characters and the setting. In addition to the dead body, there was also a missing heirloom and mysterious will, which made the story even more interesting all together. I absolutely loved the idea of sweet treats with bookish clues. I'd definitely visit a cafe like that. It was a solid beginning to the new series and I'm keeping an eye for the next book.

3.5 Stars

This was a sweet and enjoyable cozy mystery and I enjoyed Callie and her aunt who have book-themed teas and events. Callie has returned to her home town in Maine and meets up with two long ago friends who are now married. At the event there is a murder which Callie tries to help solve.
It is a good start to a new series and well done though not spectacular. Callie is lucky to have left town to start anew before she returned because Sheila as an adult is not a great person. IMO

Since this was a series debut, I was hoping to read more about Callie's past and work. Although there are few mentions of the same, I wish I could read more - just get to know the character. Somehow, I couldn't connect much with Callie's role in the story. She overdoing the investigation at certain times was a tad bit disappointing. Like, initially, she suspects Sheila of murdering Leadenby and then suspects Sheila of protecting the murderer from being arrested. She also thinks that Falk needs to understand his sister and the issues that she's going through. I understand that, as a first-timer in solving crimes, Callie has her flaws and that's okay. But it was a tad bit annoying that Callie was assuming things and poking her nose in somebody else's beeswax.

The family drama was a very good inclusion. Dorothea's bankruptcy issues, Stephen and Sheila's relationship, Amber's dilemma and Falk's relationship with his sister and her kids - a nice touch to a Cozy mystery. Iphy's delicious cakes and baked goodies and her creativity in presenting the same were fabulously described.

Daisy, the dog, and Callie's friendship was adorable. The identity of perp was unexpected. And Brenda's connection to the Haywood Hall was a pleasant surprise. The ending was unexpected. Callie decision is something that I am looking forward to in the next books in this series. Yes, though I have mixed opinions about this book, I have decided to read the rest in this series, as and when it releases, that is. I hope there is some romance between Falk and Callie in the next book.

My Rating: 3.5/5 (rounding it off to 4)

This is the first book in the A Tea and a Read Mystery series. Callie Aspen returns home Heart's Harbor, Maine. A break from her worldwide tour guide career. She is helping out at a tea party her aunt is catering. At this party, a surprise engagement is planned, along with an updated will reading from the host, but in stead, there is a murder and the engagement ring is missing. Is the murder related to the updated will or was the murdered man caught stealing the ring? This is a fun cozy mystery set during the holiday season which was perfect reading for this month. I am glad to have gotten in on a cozy series at the first book. I will definitely be looking for future books. I am giving this a 3.5 star review rounded to 4

In Peppermint Peril is the first in a new series that caught my attention with the book and tea themes. Add to that its Christmas theme and I was ready to settle down in my comfy chair with a mug of tea and be transported to Heart Harbor, Maine for murder and mysterious doings. I wasn't disappointed. Callie has come to town to visit her great aunt Iphy run her tea room/pastry shop but didn't imagine that homicide would be part of the festivities. The main event is a party hosted by the elderly grand dame in town and features something to do with her will. Even though many of the attendees either don't like her very much or they don't much care for each other, dangle the hint of a place in her will and everybody shows up. Nobody expected a body to show up in the conservatory. Plus a valuable ring goes missing. Callie had been asked to bake the ring into the cake as part of a proposal that was supposed to take place at the event. As she is very much involved from the beginning, she investigates.
I enjoyed my reading time spent with Callie and her great aunt, Iphy. For a first in a series mystery, the author hit the mark and I will add the next book, Sweet Tea and Secrets to my reading list when it comes out June 11, 2019.

While Callie is home for Christmas, she pitches in to help her aunt Iphy with her Book Tea shop business. When she delivers a cake for a special tea party at Haywood Hall, the home of the town's wealthiest resident, it brings back all kinds of memories. When a body is discovered during the party, Callie feels obliged to figure out who the killer is.

This is the first book of a new series, and the author's first published book. As with most cozy mysteries, this is set in a small town, allowing the characters to know everything about everyone else, which can be a big advantage when trying to figure out a killer. Callie has stayed away from home for years, so she has to rely on other town residents to fill in the gaps, which I found annoying. She also jumps to conclusions that aren't necessarily substantiated, and changes her mind frequently about the identity of the killer. That said, I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

I will post this review on GoodReads on/around November 27, when the book is released. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book, and the chance to start a new series by a new-to-me author.

In Peppermint Peril is the first book in the Book Tea Shop Mystery series. We get to know Callie, Aunt Iphy, and Deputy Sheriff Falk in addition to many long time residents of Heart's Harbor, Maine.
Callie has come home to Aunt Iphy's for Christmas. She becomes embroiled in an Agatha Christiesque murder investigation when a guest at a will reading is murdered.
In Peppermint Peril is a very strong start to the Book Tea Shop Mystery series. Callie and Aunt Iphy are nicely fleshed out characters, who still have room to grow as the series continues. Deputy Falk is another strong character and a good potential romance down the line for Callie.
I am very much looking forward to seeing how the series continues.

Tea, books, and treats! Callie has moved back to Heart's Harbor to help her great aunt with her bookshop/tea room and, in classic cozy fashion, almost immediately gets wrapped into a murder investigation. Know up front that you'll meet a lot of characters, as this is the first installment, and that sometimes things might be a little confusing (at least they were for me). That said, the mystery is solid, the characters good, and it's got a Christmas theme. And a dog! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.