This is a light hearted and adoreable little mystery but do not let that fool you. The plot is complex and twists and turns abound. The characters are undeniably sweet and make for an interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Third book in the series. The storylines have been consistently good, but there's still something feels a bit off, where some of the typical "cozy" mysteries points feel forced. I will definitely be looking for the next book...the ending of this one left a lot of loose ends with many characters (the crime is fully wrapped up), just a lot of people doing things that change their roles.

In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon is an interesting cozy mystery. A young lady, Callie, has her hand full with planning a Valentines Day event. So many different things are happening at once. What no one else planned for was murder. An old acquaintance of Callie's aunt arrives and things get sticky and more interesting by the page. Something had happened between her aunt and the musician, Strong. Strong is being picked as a prime suspect. But until Callie could figure out the mystery, he was stuck in a prison cell. Then, there's the police officer whom stirred up something in Callie. A chemistry of sorts is blaring between the two young people. However, with a murder case at hand and them fighting about who done the actual crime, their relationship was put at a stand still. Overall, this book intrigued me from the beginning. A chaotic mess of events and charming characters made this a great read. I was hooked.

In Cold Chamomile could have been a good book but most of the adult characters are immature and irrational. They get involved in dangerous situations when they shouldn't, when they have been told not to, and when there is clear reason tk be careful. Peggy's reaction to Quinn's simple question seems over the top and he abandonment of her children so she can wallow at home over a man wanting to date her seems very irrational. The plot was fine but I could not enjoy most of the main characters.

This was my first by this author and while I didn't love it, I did like it. I might read more in this series. "In Cold Chamomile" was not fast paced, it had a more leisurely and realistic pacing, but there was always something happening.

Callie and her great-aunt Iphy are running an event at a local historical house. As happens, not everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes a murder. Callie gets drawn into the investigation because the prime suspects are, respectively, a local acquaintance and an old friend of Iphy's. But her investigation annoys her boyfriend, a local police officer. In fact, her investigation causes problems with her great aunt, as well as her boyfriend. Much of the book centers around relationships - Callie and Ace, Callie and her friend Peggy, Peggy and Ace (they're siblings), Peggy and Quinn, Callie and Iphy, Iphy and Sean. All of the relationship drama, and there was a LOT, dragged down the story at times. I was glad to see the characters have lives, and to see Callie's actions have consequences, but the drama was overwhelming at times. Sometimes I thought I was reading a soap opera.

The mystery itself was interesting, with a few minor twists. Despite Ace's complaints, neither Callie nor Iphy did a lot of sleuthing. The focus was on the intertwined relationships and some, okay a lot, of whining on Callie's part. Honestly, both she and Ace needed to do a much better job of communicating. Callie, partly because of all her whining, came off as a weak character. She was reactive, not proactive, and she just let herself be dragged into doing things. The tea room setting was underutilized and I hope future books will feature it more.

I liked that the mystery wasn't neatly wrapped in just a few days but took time. It was more believable, although it did contribute to the story dragging at times. Although Callie was often weak and Iphy was mopey, I liked the cast. They felt like the people next door, like real small town characters. Too many cozies these days emphasize quirkiness over character development or place setting and I appreciated the lack of quirkiness.

Overall, "In Cold Chamomile" wasn't unputdownable, but it did keep me engaged. I probably won't reread it but I will probably read more in the series. If only to see how the various soap operas play out.

A Valentine event that Callie and Iphy participate is ruined. Working with others in the community as partners to restore Haywood Hall, Callie and Iphy are there when the murder takes place. Book expert King and assistant Delacorte are there to provide book appraisals to the community. King’s treatment of people is the motive that leads to many suspects in the community and travelers to this event. Callie and Iphy investigate, against Ace’s pleas. To save Iphy’s past love, Strong, Iphy stands against the killer. The double mystery in this novel keeps you wanting to read. Good luck Iphy!

I really wanted to like this book but there were so many things I just didn’t like. The characters don’t seem to be the same characters we’ve had from previous books and I don’t mean because they’ve developed. Peggy practically threw herself at Quinn in one of the previous books but now all of a sudden can’t stand to be near him. All the supporting characters are leaving in some way or another by the end. Iphy with her old boyfriend, Peggy to another job to get away from Quinn, and Falk to think? On a plus note, the cover is georgeous. And I would love to find a real Book Tea, it sounds amazing and cozy.

In this third book of the series we find Callie Aspen heading the big Valentine's event being held at Haywood Hall. She will be relieved when it is over, she didn't realize how much work would be needed to get the event off the ground, and the complaints from vendors are many and constant. With the day to all here things have started off well that is until an argument between the librarian and the book expert comes to a head. Then her Aunt Iphy is shocked when she recognizes the singer for their event and starts acting weirdly. The event comes to a halt when the body of the book expert is found dead in one of the rooms. Suspicion immense calls on the librarian who is no where to be found. When the librarian finally talks to the police they start taking a deeper look at others who were in attendance and had issue with the dead man. Iphy asks Callie to help investigate when the singer from her past becomes the main suspect. Follow along as they do their best to find a killer and prove his innocence.

This is a delightful, series. This is the third in series and can be read as a stand alone. ;
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.. My review opinion is my own.

It’s Valentine’s Day in Heart's Harbor and Callie Aspen is helping out with the Valentine’s Event at historic Haywood Hall. When the librarian Mrs. Forrester has a disagreement with a shady book appraiser she is suspect number one when he is found murdered. Callie joins the case as a favor to her Aunt and soon she has ideas and clues that are leading to many twist and turns.


This is a fun mystery with a valentine's day theme. Perfect read for February. I enjoy the charcters and the setting of this series. I highly recommend Callie and friends for your reading enjoyment.

I really enjoyed this book. It was even better than the previous book in the series, which is saying a lot because I really loved that one. I can't wait to read the next one.

Note: I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book from Netgalley.

Who wouldn’t be inclined to read 'In Cold Chamomile' with its alluring and eye-catching cover and fascinating premise? This is Joy Avon’s very enjoyable third novel in the ‘A Tea and a Read’ mystery series. The first book was ‘In Peppermint Peril’, followed by 'Sweet Tea and Secrets'.

Callie Aspen helps out at ‘Book Tea,’ her great-aunt’s vintage tearoom, where each treat has a bookish clue. Callie's is busy organising the Valentine’s Day Event at historic Haywood Hall, where townspeople will fall in love with sweet treats, heartwarming music, and delightful books. But love is definitely not in the air for everyone...

When a book expert attending the event in Heart’s Harbor, Maine, is found murdered, the visiting tenor, Sean Strong, who sang with the orchestra, was seen arguing with the dead man shortly before the discovery of the body. The tenor is subsequently arrested, and Callie learns that Sean was once the love of her Great Aunt Iphy’s life. Even though Callie promised acting sheriff Ace Falk (who is also her boyfriend) she won’t investigate, she can’t let Aunt Iphy handle the situation on her own. But will crossing this line be too much for Ace and Callie to deal with, this time? Bringing the killer to justice may also endanger her own life.

I was thrilled to be returning to Heart’s Harbor, as Callie and her Great-Aunt Iphy have become two of my favourite cozy characters. In Great-Aunt Iphy, Joy Avon has really worked her magic, creating a character who is wonderfully astute and wise, and my fondness of her grows with every story.

I liked that the opening chapters drew me into the story and captured my attention immediately. There was never a dull moment with such a lot going on. The mystery itself was well thought-out with plenty of twists and turns as I puzzled over the clues. The book had a natural, steady pace and I was kept guessing until the surprising reveal. Delightful and entertaining, In Cold Chamomile is a highly recommended, delectable read for all cozy mystery fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

I'm once again enjoying this delightful cozy series about a tea business offering book-themed tea parties. This time, Callie Aspen of Heart's Harbor, Maine, is helping her great-aunt Iphy with a Valentine's-themed event at historic Haywood Hall. Among the offerings at the event is a baroque orchestra's performance, and when the singer who performs with the group arrives, he turns out to be a mysterious man from great-aunt Iphy's past.

As preparations for the Haywood Hall event get underway, one of the offerings that seems sure to attract visitors is a book appraisal featuring an expert who sounds much like one of the antiquarian book dealers from Antiques Roadshow, except that this one is dishonest and likes to stir up trouble. When he's found stabbed to death, there's no shortage of suspects who might have had it in for the man.

Finding the book expert's killer is no easy task, and Callie and her aunt both have their hands full trying to keep their tea business running while attempting to nail another killer. Relationship issues abound in this book, including Callie's own growing relationship with Deputy Ace Falk, who grows increasingly frustrated that Callie keeps inserting herself into his murder investigation.

The book has lots of red herrings so that the killer isn't discovered too soon, and Avon's winsome writing style makes this a quick and enjoyable read. It's a pleasure to find another cozy series that features tea on so many pages, and now I can't wait to follow up on a few relationship cliff-hangers that definitely left me wanting more. If you haven't checked out this new series yet, I highly recommend you get caught up before the next book comes out!

A delightful and interesting cozy mystery. I enjoyed the characters and thought the mystery was intriguing and kept me guessing for a bit.

I received a copy of this book from Crooked Lane books via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon is the 3rd book in A Tea and Read Mystery series, and another fun addition. Callie Aspen lives in Heart's Harbor, Maine and is working for her great aunt Iphy who runs Book Tea. Book Tea is a vintage tearoom that includes a clue from a book in ever sweet treat sold. Callie and Iphy are busy getting ready for Valentines day funraiser for Haywood Hall. When the volunter librarian aranges for a professional to praise books, people want to sell, he is not a plesant man. Iphy is also shocked when she sees the baritone for the Orchestra, it's a man from her past. And of course someone is murdered. This book kept me reading through all the twists and turns of the book. I can't wait for the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, give this book/series a try, I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A charming and delightful cozy mystery. Books and tea are the base for this tale. A sprinkle or two of romance is in the air. The typical amateur sleuth versus professional issues, but they are a sweet couple. The back stories make their auspicious appearance leading to confusion and clearance of the crime.

I absolutely enjoyed this Tea and Read cozy mystery. I did not realize it was the third book into the series and I look forward to going back and starting from book 1. To bring in the spirit of love, Haywood Hall is being decorated to get ready for the Valentine's Day soiree until a body is found and love is lost! Iphy and Callie must find the murderer before an old friend of Iphy is convicted of the crime.

I really enjoyed all the plot twists and turns and the characters were vastily different and unique. The drama and reality of the plot besides the murder was captivating and I enjoyed watching the tension grow. The murder suspect list continued to expand and it only clouded by foreshadowing of the actual murder. I cannot wait to learn more about Heart's Harbor, Maine.

"In Cold Chamomile" is the 3rd book in the A Tea and Read Mystery, but can certainly be read alone. This was my first book by Joy Avon and won't be my last. This was a very intriguing read. The cover grabbed my attention first. I loved it.
At Heart's Harbour, Callie Aspen is working for her great aunt at Book Tea and organizing a Valentine Book event at Haywood Hall with music, books, and of course treats!! And they even had Quinn there with dogs from the rescue centre for adoption. What no one thought was one of the people murdered at the event. Callie and her great aunt had already solved two murders and Callie was not wanting to get involved with another.
" If there was an object in the world you could easily fall in love with, it had to be books."

Thank you to Publisher and NetGalley for the eARC

In Cold Chamomile is a highly enjoyable cozy and an excellent addition to the genre. Featuring the standard cozy tropes delivered with a smooth writing style, In Cold Chamomile is sure to delight lovers of tea and a good cozy mystery.

This is the third book in the tea and read series. Callie Aspen is decorating Haywood Hall for a Valentine's event. An expert that is in town to appraise volumes is found murdered. The main suspect becomes the fill in baritone who has a connection to Callie's aunt Iphy. Iphy knows her old friend isn't a killer so she asks Callie to help investigate. I enjoyed the mystery aspect of this book. However, I didn't like the spot it put Callie in. She spent the last half of the book fighting with either her aunt, her boyfriend or his sister. It got a little repetitive at a certain point. It was an okay book but definitely not the best in the series.

In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon is the third A Tea and Read Mystery. It can be read as a standalone. Callie Aspen is organizing a Valentine’s fundraiser at Haywood Hall with a variety of events. My favorite was Fall in Love with Books where there was a book exchange, a book sale, and book appraisals. There was also plants for sale, seed swap, dogs for adoption, a concert with a singer as well as tea and pastries. Mrs. Forrester is in charge of the book events and she is a perfectionist. She also organized the appraiser, Mr. King who had recently been on a television appraisal show. Aunt Iphy is out of sorts after seeing the replacement baritone. Turns out Aunt Iphy has a history with the singer, Sean Strong but she does not share the details with Callie. When Callie is taking a quiet moment outside, Peggy comes running towards her car and she is crying. She is upset by something Quinn has done, but (once again) she does not share what happened. Then Mrs. Moffett comes running out and announces, “he’s dead”. Mr. King, the appraiser, has been murdered. Mrs. Forrester was seen arguing with him and her prints are on the murder weapon. Deputy Ace Falk determines that Sean Strong, the baritone, is the killer. Aunt Iphy knows Sean did not kill the victim and needs Callie’s help in proving it. Ace Falk warns Callie to stay out of the investigation. Callie is aware that by becoming involved in the case, it may affect their personal relationship. The mystery was very straightforward and could easily be solved (early in the book). There was a lack of suspects, clues and investigation. Callie does not even check out the body or the room he was in before the police arrive. The majority of In Cold Chamomile focused on romantic issues. Peggy and Quinn, Aunt Iphy and Sean, plus Ace and Callie. I know the book is for Valentine’s Day, but the mystery should have been more complex and prominent. There were several inconsistencies in this book as well (those who have read the first two books will notice). Deputy Ace Falk treats Callie terribly and acts like a jerk. Callie needs to find a new love interest. Someone who will appreciate her and her curiosity. I thought the ending was odd. In Cold Chamomile was a miss for me. My favorite line in Cold Chamomile is, “...if there was an object in the world you could easily fall in love with, it had to be books.” In Cold Chamomile has a deceased evaluator, romantic morasses, tempting treats, a stylish singer, and a daft deputy.