I really enjoyed the second book in the tea series. It made me crave scones and didn’t discover the killer to the end. Overall a great series with wonderful characters!
#InTooSteep #NetGalley

This is Book 2 in the Misty Bay Tearoom, and I've enjoyed both titles. There's so much to like here--tea, a British connection, tacky souvenirs, and murder! I like Vivian and her employees and the way their relationships have grown since Book 1 (though I think this book would work fine as a standalone read, too). The mystery plot hangs together fairly well, although Vivian pulled a TSTL move near the end of the book. Why on earth would you have a character who is cautious avoids extra risky behavior until that character is going to go talk to someone connected with the most aggressive, questionable character she's encountered so far?! Also, there was too much of Vivian mooning over Hal and Messina mooning over Jenna. Those two elements knocked it from 4 stars to 3.5 stars for me. Still an enjoyable read.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

In Too Steep takes place in the beachside town of Misty Bay, Oregon. This is typically a sleepy little burg, crime-wise, and the local police like it that way. The story starts with the murder of a local hermit/beachcomber, shaking up the police in that calm little town. There are no clues. The man had no apparent enemies. As the hermit lives in a shack, it doesn't appear to be a robbery.
The owner and proprietor of the local tea-room, Vivian Wainwright, sees a photo in the newspaper and is surprised to see a souvenir item in the man's shack that she is sure came from her shop. Naturally she has to find out why.

Thus begins a story that you won't want to put aside. I read this story in one day. Ms. Kingsbury has put in just enough detail and character development that you feel you are a part of this seaside town. The characters are relatable and quirky - just like those you meet every day. There are even a few romantic moments. The romance plays well as part of the storyline without distracting from the plot.
The story takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotion as it nears the ending. I found myself saying "No! don't do that!!!!" - but of course the characters didn't listen to me. If they had the book would not have had as exciting an ending.

I enjoyed this book. The characters are great and the story is very interesting. I was surprised by who the killer was. #InTooSteep #NetGalley

When a local hermit is found murdered, Vivian seems to mourn the fact that he has no one who will miss him. When she sees a picture of the man’s home, she recognizes one of her trinkets from the tea shop and sets out to find the person who bought it so she can let them know the man has died. While Vivian’s heart gets the best of her, she soon finds that the same person who killed the man may be out for her as well.

Having finally opened her heart to Hal, she’s promised him she will take no chances and not sleuth alone. Will Vivian be able to honor both her promise and the dead man by finding his murderer and friend or will she break her promise to Hal and be the end of them, and VIvian, once and for all?

This newer cozy series is a favorite of mine and I love spending time in Misty Bay with each entry. I even woke up the morning after I finished it and looked at the hubby and said, “We need scones for breakfast”!. Let yourself get immersed in the book and enjoy your time in Misty Bay too.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book.this is a great mystery that keeps you interested until the end.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle by Crooked Lane Books and #NetGalley for my honest opinion. Opinions expressed are completely my own.


Wonderfully entertaining cozy mystery series. Quaint story with charming characters.

Thank you #Netgalley for the advance reader copy of In Too Steep by Kate Kingsbury in exchange for an honest review. Vivian Wainwright is the owner of the Willow Pattern Tearoom. She likes a bit of sleuthing and shares information with detective Tony Messina. A body is found of a beach comber. This is the second murder in a month in Misty Bay, Oregon. This was a great story. I loved the way Kate Kingsbury worked the plotline with Vivian and her two friends.

This cozy mystery was sent to me by Netgalley electronically for review…the characters are likable and fu.n to read about…I like the mature tea shop owner and her man friend…although the story moves quickly, there are too many references about taking the dog out…over and over…leave that out and this is an enchanting book…maybe a series even…

I became engrossed in this book at the very beginning and couldn't put it down until I finished reading.
Vivian owns a quaint tea room, and shares her apartment with her new dog, Felix.
While reading the newspaper, Vivian is saddened to learn about the death of a local resident, but it's what she spots in the accompanying photograph that puts her in danger.
This story is filled with intriguing scenarios and some laugh out loud moments with Felix.
I highly recommend this book and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy.
InTooSteep #NetGalley