I enjoyed book one of this new series. First of all I loved the idea of a Book Tea Shop and the tea party with the book themed cake. I read the book in one sitting. I liked the author's descriptive writing style and enjoyed the Christmas details. There were lots of characters and subplots that the author expertly weaved into a fast paced storyline and I was surprised at the revelation of the real killer. I look forward to seeing where Callie and Falk's relationship goes and look forward to reading more of this charming series. Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of the book

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this author's debut cozy.

Callie is a tour guide, and is home for the holidays. Her aunt runs a tea shop. Callie is hosting a tea for a family in their home, supposedly to hear about a new will for the elderly owner. But there's a stolen ring and a dead body discovered. Who did it? There's no shortage of suspects, and Callie has expressed doubts as to the ability of the deputy who is investigating (to his face, no less). Plenty of suspects and no end of dead ends.

I'd love to be able to say I really liked this book, but the best I can go is 2 1/2 stars. For a debut it isn't bad, but I think the author assumes we understand more than we do. The tea room is called Book Tea, because every sweet treat has a book theme. But we really don't understand the concept (and I am not sure I still do) when introduced to book themed cakes when the story immediately starts with a tea with a book themed cake. I never felt that the character of Callie's aunt was developed. Callie is supposed to be helping in the tea shop, but is constantly running off to help solve the case. She even shows up unannounced at the deputy's home to share her clues.

Unfortunately, for me, this was a bit formulaic with a predictable MC and thus I can only go for an OK rating. The premise for the story was a good one, which is what drew me to the book. I just wish it had been better executed.

I re-started this book three times. I enjoyed the book tea parts but just couldn't get into the murder. Callie's involvement seemed disjointed and out of place. I did finish but this wasn't one of my favorites. I'd love to read more about the bakery.

A new author for me, I have enjoyed this cozy mystery from start to finish. The characters are quite well done and the plot line also entertaining with hope for more to follow with Callie and company. I received an e-book in return for an unbiased review.

A fun cozy mystery that was a treat to read. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys fun mysteries.

This was a nice first installment of the series. The murderer wasn't obvious. And having it look like there could be two potential men in Callie's life added an interesting little bit of subplot, as did the questions around the will.

I look forward to seeing what happens in the next book and what amazing cakes they'll create next.

Books and Tea, what's not to like? Quaint and Charming setting with good characters and a plot that kept me turning the pages. Looking forward to more in this series and this is a great start.

Callie Aspen has returned home to Hearts Harbor, Maine and her great aunt’s tea room Book Tea, where every sweet treat has a clue about a book. There are big doings in town, as Dorothea Finster prepares to open her home, Haywood Hall, to the entire town for a tea party where she will make a special announcement about her will. Callie and her aunt are just as eager as everyone else to discover what Dorothea has to say, but a dead body and a missing engagement ring put a real damper on the festivities. Using the skills they’ve learned writing and solving book mysteries, the two hope to solve the case so Dorothea can make her declaration. Being a life long Mainer, I’m always amused to see how my state is described in books. Avon flatters my state, I wish I could live in Hearts Harbor

With "In Peppermint Peril," Joy Avon introduces us to Callie, her aunt Iphy, their clever Book Tea Shop and the friends and family that make up the town of Heart's Harbor, Maine. In this "whodunit," as Christmas nears family and friends are called to the large estate just outside of town for a party hosted by the widowed lady of the house - everyone is chomping at the bit to hear details of her new will and what they will get from it. Before the will can be shared, the longtime gardener is found dead in the conservatory and chaos and gossip ensue as the deputy sheriff and Callie work separately and together to solve the crime.

All in all, a quaint and charming story that lands firmly in the "cozy mystery" arena and sets up the characters and locale for a continuing series that should be fun to follow.

Free ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is available November 13th.