Member Reviews
Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches was a delight to read. In this story we find, restaurant critic Derek Schumaker, notorious for his bitter reviews, about to visit Daisy’s Tea Garden, and Daisy and Aunt Iris are simmering with anxiety.
A bad word from the culinary curmudgeon could really hurt their business, but Daisy tries to stay confident. After all, how can he resist her cucumber sandwiches with pimento spread—not to mention the cheesy cauliflower soup and strawberry walnut salad?
If you enjoy reading very well-written cozy mysteries then this is the book for you.
Although it's book 3 in the series, this is the first one that I've read. The mystery itself is pretty good- the protagonist of the series, Daisy, finds herself having to clear her name (as well as the tea shop's!) after a notorious food critic is found dead after taking home a to-go bag of her cucumber sandwiches to munch on. Her investigating has to be done between dealing with her adopted teenage daughter who just found her birth mother, wrapping her head around a bombshell dropped by her older daughter, and her own relationship drama with her new boyfriend.
It took me awhile to get though this book, because while I loved the setting (tea shop, who can't love that), I found some of the side plots a bit distracting. Part of me thinks that is due to reading out of order, which definitely throws me off. I would like to go back and read books 1 and 2, to catch up. I believe that will give me a better idea of how I feel about this series.
Willow Creek, Pennsylvania is the home of Daisy Swanson and her two daughters. It is located in the heart of Lancaster’s Amish country. Daisy, along with her Aunt Iris, owns and runs Daisy’s Tea Garden. The Tea Garden serves a large variety of teas, tea cakes, scones, tea sandwiches plus other good eats on different days. This book focus on a food reviewer who is coming to the Tea Garden. This man seems to leave unpleasant reviews about the places he eats. So everyone is nervous. What will he say about Daisy’s? When the man asked to take along some of Daisy’s pimento spread and cucumber sandwiches, they are hopeful this is a sign for a good review. Instead the reviewer dies and it is reported that it was from the cucumber sandwiches he ate?? How could that happen? Who wanted to kill him? Daisy starts her own investigation as soon as the news starts a huge low down in customers. She knows the sandwiches were fine when they left the Tea Garden so who tampered with them? The story presents a large group of suspects. Daisy will need to dig deep to unearth the culprit. Meanwhile, Daisy discovers personal problems she must deal with at the same time. I felt the characters were all well developed, well defined while harboring secrets which will eventually come to light. I enjoyed the mouthwatering foods plus the variety of teas presented. At the end, recipes are provided for Pimento Spread, Easy Cauliflower Carrot Cheese Soup and Rum Raisin Rice Pudding. I look forward to trying them. I had a cream cheese and cucumber sandwich on pumpernickel bread after finishing the story (using what I already had at home and really enjoyed it). This is book # 3 in the Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery Series. It can be read as a stand alone. The author provides enough of the characters backstories to easy the past and present together effortlessly. I volunteered to read Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches. Thanks to Kensington Publishers and the author via Net Gallery for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary and my own. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches is the third installment in Karen Rose Smith’s Daisy's Tea Garden Mysteries. In this fun culinary mystery, readers learn that Derek Schumaker isn’t a friendly restaurant critic, and Daisy Swanson and Aunt Iris, owners of Daisy’s Tea Garden, are quite nervous when they learn that he is coming to sample their offerings. Although he seems to like what he tastes, and even orders something to go, who knows what he’ll actually write in his column. Unfortunately, shortly after his visit, he is found dead of a seizure caused by poisoning in his food. Since he isn’t well-liked (to put it mildly), there are plenty of suspects, and Daisy has a big job as an amateur sleuth to find the real murderer.
This mystery is well written, and Daisy and Aunt Iris have been well-developed, especially for those who have read the two previous novels. The secondary characters are believable, and good as support to both Daisy and Aunt Iris. The storyline is easy to follow and makes sense. Smith’s mysteries are fast reads, and since they don’t contain any graphic violence, sex, or profanity, they are suitable for all ages. The bonus is, of course, like any good culinary cozy mystery, that there are recipes included from the novel. The recipes in this particular mystery are actually ones that most readers will want to make; the soup is great on a cold day while staying in reading this novel, and who can resist pimento cheese spread? Rice pudding lovers will want to try the Rum Raisin Rice Pudding, too.
All told, this is a good culinary mystery series, and worth the small amount of time it takes to read the novels.
Special thanks to NetGalley for supplying a review copy of this book.
Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches is the third in this series. Like the previous two, the mystery was good and well thought out, but Daisy, the main character, can be a bit much at times. Or not enough— I wish she were a bit more assertive and “plucky”, instead of so meek. An enjoyable read, but not one of my favorites.
In the third book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series, we find restaurant critic, Derek Schumaker, dead after ingesting food he purchased at the Tea Garden. It seems someone added something extra to his food that killed him. Was it someone who works for Daisy? They are all under suspicion, so of course, Daisy begins her own investigation to make sure all her employees are cleared. While dealing with this, she is also dealing with a couple of personal family situations. She seems to do it all, even running a business, all with a smile.
I like the setting of this series. Willow Creek, Pennsylvania is a quaint town populated by a variety of characters. You have some quirky ones to add a bit of humour as well as some businesslike and annoying one. Karen Rose Smith does a great job writing multi-dimensional characters that are quite realistic. I do enjoy Daisy. She is a good protagonist, smart, business savvy, loyal to family, friends and employees and extremely personable. In turn, her employees are very loyal to her. She ans Jonas (a local detective) are moving forward in their relationship and I like how they are moving slowly. Both her daughters, Jazzy and Violet, are dealing with issues in this book and Daisy, being a great mom, deals with them in very loving and tactful ways. The mystery was well written. There were a lot of people who were unhappy with the victim, but would they kill him. It took a lot of questioning and sleuthing to uncover some of the suspects. The motive involves greed, jealousy and trust which made it hard to sift through all the clues, which were there, but not obvious. The final showdown was quick, but satisfying. I did not suspect the culprit at all. Another satisfying story in this series.
Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches by Karen Rose Smith is the third book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series. Daisy is expecting a visit from a food critic that has everyone in an uproar. When the critic is murdered shortly after his visit, Daisy and her employees are at the top of a long suspect list. Add in relationship problems and family issues and Daisy is at the end of her rope. The mystery was good but took a back seat to all of the other drama. I enjoy the setting and the characters, but I do wish Daisy was a stronger main character. At times her actions such as refusing to have a grown up discussion with her boyfriend in favor of pouting like a toddler are a bit childish. I am hoping for a change of pace in book four.
I have come to love this series because of the quirky characters, the setting and the yummy recipes. The book is well-written and I like the way the characters' relationships are changes. The story was interesting and kept me guessing until the end.
I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
Another great Daisy 's tea Garden book. In this book not only does is this book written in a classy manner but it keeps you on the edge of your seat as we meet the horrible food critic, that is found dead. As usually Daisy can't keep her nose clean so she has to start looking for the killer. She always has class and finds her way in to trouble at the same time. This time however not only is she solving a crime but she is saving her livelihood.
Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches
by Karen Rose Smith
Along comes a fairly gentle cozy mystery in Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches by Karen Rose Smith that is half personal relationships and half murder mystery. Interestingly enough, Smith manages to tie in a lot of the personal issues with the murder. Daisy, a widow, owns Daisy’s Tea Garden with her Aunt Iris. This mystery begins with uncomfortable anticipation for Daisy and her staff caused by the upcoming visit by celebrity food blogger Derek, known for giving unfavorable reviews. He is found dead after his visit.
There are so many questions about Derek’s death that Daisy must try to answer while juggling personal dilemmas with her college age daughter Vi and with Foster, Vi’s boyfriend, who is also an employee of Daisy. Her other daughter, Jazzi, is undergoing emotional trauma because of possible rejection by her birth mom. Daisy is moving slowly in her relationship with former detective and current local woodworker Jonas. Daisy’s parents live in the same town, and her mother tends to be critical. What a lot of things for Daisy to deal with at one time!
At the teashop, business is off because potential customers are deterred by the possibility of poisoning. Daisy needs to find the murderer to save her shop and her employees’ jobs. Her major method is listening as she informally interviews suspects and watches for their reactions. The characters are interesting, and I enjoy visits to the tea shop where all kinds of teas and goodies are available as well as more substantial fare such as soups. Before the murder, bus loads of tourists frequently stopped for tea, but the murder has squelched enthusiasm for the tea shop. As the setting is Lancaster County in Pennsylvania, there are some Amish references as Daisy and Jonas interact with Amish friends and employees. Willow Creek is a welcoming little town, and Daisy’s Tea Garden, set in a charming Victorian house, is a comfortable spot to chat with a friend. Come on in! The tea is hot, the hostess is friendly, and the treats are (not literally) “to die for.”
I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Kensington Books for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 5/5
Category: Mystery
Notes: 1. #3 in the Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery Series, but works well as a standalone thanks to the author’s ability to dive right into the plot while simultaneously providing background.
2. Three original recipes are included at the end of the book for items served in the tearoom.
Publication: May 28, 2019—Kensington
Memorable Lines:
“I know a therapist who’s very good with teenagers. She has a cat who sits in on most sessions. She finds that Lancelot relaxes her clients. He’s very loving, and in that intuitive way cats have, he knows whether to come closer or stay away.”
Daisy felt as if she was living in more than one universe—one filled with the tea garden and friends and customers, tea and sweet goods. And the other with a family dilemma she didn’t know how to handle.
The tea might have been brewed for them, but by their expressions and body language, she could tell tension brewed between them.
Another well written story with characters that feel like you know them. I'd love to sit down to tea with them all! The story was well plotted and filled with twists and turns. I look forward to more in this series.
This is the first book I have read in this series. You do not have to read the others to enjoy this one but it would help with the background information. I thought this was a cute, fast, enjoyable read.
Another sweet cozy in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series! Daisy sure does have a lot on her plate (and I don't mean scones and cucumber sandwiches)!! A well planned whodunnit with a few surprises thrown it that will keep you guessing until the very end. Daisy and her aunt are likable and the recipes at the end will have you hunting for a nearby tea shop! I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
Daisy's Tea Garden is expecting a visit from TV Chef turned food critic Derek Schumaker. Daisy isn't sure she should have agreed to his coming since his recent reviews of other eating establishments have not been glowing, in fact they have been down right harsh. Many people aren't happy with Derek but Daisy's Tea garden puts on a smiling face and serves their best to Derek. When leaving he asks for a take-out order of Cucumber Sandwiches.
When Derek is found dead later and the police believe he has been poisoned, word gets out that it was Daisy's Cucumber Sandwiches which did it. Detective Rappaport tells Daisy that there were foreign ingredients (drugs) in the sandwiches and that he doesn't believe that she put them there but he doesn't want to let that information out. Needless to say, Daisy's business starts to disappear as people fear to be poisoned. Daisy has no choice but to try to figure out who killed the critic.
Not only does Daisy have to worry about the decline in business but her employee Foster (who's dating her daughter) is acting a bit strange and her boyfriend Jonas is extremely disappointed when Daisy cancels a weekend getaway to stay home to talk with her daughter who asks for time.
All the action, searching for the murderer, family issues and boyfriend troubles keep Daisy hopping throughout.
Love the way that the business and characters are woven together as well as the family life.
Looking forward to future visits to Daisy's Tea Garden.
Murder with Cucumbers is the third book in this series. I liked this book a lot! It was a fun read. The characters are engaging and the mystery was satisfying. I love the descriptions and feel like I need to go to Willow Creek. This book definitely deserves your attention..
I enjoyed this cozy mystery quite a bit. The characters were interesting and engaging. The storyline remained exciting all the way through. This is the first book I’ve read by Karen Rose Smith and I look forward to reading more.
I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. Widowed Daisy is working to establish her tea room as a solid business in the community when food reviewer Derek Schumacher visits her tea room to write a review. The only item he appears to like is the cucumber sandwiches and he orders some to take home. When Derek turns up dead, suspicion falls on all the employees of the team room. As Daisy faces issues at home, a surprise visit from her daughter Vi, her daughter Jazzi struggles for acceptance from her birth mother. Meanwhile, Daisy struggles to build a relationship with new boyfriend Jonas, while she works to solve Derek’s murder.
Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches takes place in Amish Country. In Pennsylvania, Daisy Swanson, owner of Daisy’s Tea Garden is nervous about Derek’s review of her kitchen and food. After visiting her tea garden, he is found dead at his home. People think he is poisoned by her food. Although Daisy receives shocking news from her daughter and is developing a new relationship, she has to solve this murder first before she can move on. There are many, friendly characters. It was a good plot but surprise ending. Thank you to Net Galley for allowing me an advanced reader’s copy for review.
I liked this book a lot. The plot itself is interesting and there's a nice balance of work, home and murder drama. The characters themselves are warm and engaging and the book is an overall fun read.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Holy Cucumbers! When restaurant critic Derek Schumaker arrives at Daisy’s Tea Garden Daisy tries to stay positive. She knows the food they serve is fantastic. Aunt Iris is a little more pensive. The man is known for his derogatory reviews. Reviews that can shut restaurants down. When Schumaker requests a to-go order of cucumber sandwiches, Daisy knows they have the review in the bag.
That all changes when the police show up investigating the critic’s death pointing fingers at the sandwiches from Daisy’s Tea Garden. This is bad for business and bad for her employees especially when two of them is clearly hiding something. Daisy knows there are a plethora of suspects that should be on the list, just from all the restaurants he has critiqued badly. The man had received numerous threats, one recently on his blog. Daisy decides to delve deep into the man’s life to see if she can catch the killer before her business is tainted and out of business.
It this 3rd book of this series the author has filled Daisy’s plate with so much. She is juggling the murder, an employee that is going through something he refuses to share, her younger daughter’s relationship with her birth mom, her older daughter wants to come home from college to talk, and she is trying to have a relationship with Jonas Groft, all the while trying to keep customers coming into the tea shop while many think their food killed the critic.
The author strikes a nice balance of work, home, and murder drama. All the character’s lives are intertwined and the relationships are all evolving in a believable way. Daisy has a huge heart, but that heart is still healing from the loss of her husband. Her girls are growing up and dealing with some heavy issues. Daisy’s compassionate soul reaches out to everyone. She treats her employees and friends like family and would do anything for them.
Daisy has a way with people, they open up to her like they never would for the prickly Detective Morris Rappaport, so the murder investigation gets very interesting. Jonas is kinda caught in the middle. Ms. Smith has plotted this mystery perfectly. She kept me guessing right up until the very end.
I enjoy everything about this book/series. The characters are warm and engaging, the mystery is well thought out and presented, and Willow Creek is a place I would love to visit.
These stories are best read in order to follow the character growth but enough background is given to read each one on their own. I was excited to see this week, that the 4th book in this series – Murder with Cherry Tarts will be out later this year and is already up for preorder.