I really don’t know what I can say the ninth time around that I haven’t said already. I adore this series.

The setting of a small town tea shop, the cast of characters, and the sweet and sinister plot lines have made the Daisy's Tea Garden Mysteries one of my top series.

First and foremost, I love any book, especially a cozy, that has a middle aged (give or take a few years) protagonist. Also, when said protagonist is a single woman battling her own insecurities while trying to keep it together for her family, that's the perfect recipe to connect emotionally with the books. Also, she solves murders lol.

Daisy Swanson is dealing with a lot of life changes, some more exciting than others. While she’s definitely looking forward to getting married to her fiance Jonas Groft in the not-too-distant future, she’s far less excited about her younger daughter Jazzi leaving for college in the summer. Not that Jazzi has quite decided where she’s going yet, as the levelheaded teenager is still carefully considering all her options.

Daisy’s older daughter Vi, however, has a definite destination in mind when moving out of the carriage house apartment Daisy put together for Vi’s young family on her property. Vi, her husband Foster and their young son Sammi will only be moving ten minutes away, but Daisy is having a lot of feelings about all this. She doesn’t want to overwhelm her family with her emotions though, so throws herself into running the tea garden she shares with her Aunt Iris instead.

Planning a wedding anniversary celebration for her parents enables her to distract herself further. She’ll be throwing a dinner party for them at local restaurant The Farm Barn, and is working closely with its owner Lydia Aldenkamp to make sure the festivities go off without a hitch. It helps that Daisy and Lydia have become good friends since meeting some months prior. Kind, sympathetic Daisy has come to learn a lot about the formerly Amish woman, who left her faith and community over a decade ago in order to marry her non-Amish husband Neil. Every once in a while, Daisy will even bring her dog Felix to join Lydia on the walks the latter takes at seven o’clock each morning no matter the weather.

When Lydia doesn’t appear one day for the walk they were planning to take together, Daisy isn’t too concerned. But Felix knows that something’s wrong, and leads Daisy to where Lydia lies dead on their usual hiking trail, the apparent victim of a hit and run. The cops immediately suspect Neil’s involvement in his wife’s murder. Neil begs Daisy for help in clearing his name, as she has a track record of helping the local police solve murders. While Daisy is reluctant to take Neil off the suspect list entirely, she does feel bad for his little girl Frannie, and knows that Lydia would want her to uncover the truth as quickly as possible. But Daisy can’t help questioning her own motives. Tracking down killers has gotten her into a world of trouble before, and likely will again. What does it say about her that she keeps doing it despite it being nowhere near her job to do so?

I really loved not only the solution to the main murder mystery but also the way Karen Rose Smith thoughtfully explores Daisy’s compulsions and instincts. Daisy is going through a lot, but even so is reluctant to take Jazzi’s sage advice when the latter suggests therapy. It proves incredibly helpful, however, in helping Daisy figure out why she always feels the need to get involved in solving murder mysteries. This cozy series often features keen psychological insight, and Murder With Earl Grey Tea might well be the sharpest installment so far!

There were four delicious recipes included, of dishes mentioned in the book, and I was really intrigued by this one:

QUOTE
Corn Cake

1 cup all-purpose flour
⅓ cup sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
1 large egg
½ cup milk
¼ cup melted butter
1 cup canned corn or cooked frozen corn, drained

In a bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until mixed. Beat the egg with a fork. Whisk the beaten egg with the milk. Add to the dry mixture. Stir by hand. The batter will be a little lumpy. Add melted butter and mix well. The batter should look smoother. Stir in the corn until mixed well through the batter.

Pour batter into a greased and floured 8x8-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until cake is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Cut into squares and serve warm or cold. Refrigerate leftovers.
END QUOTE

Wow, this really is a more cake-like version of cornbread! I love cornbread myself, but can absolutely appreciate how someone might like a slightly lighter, airier version of it. It’s a super easy, relatively quick recipe to make, and is a sure crowd pleaser. My family of picky eaters gobbled up the whole pan!

Next week, we travel to the west coast to fry up a savory vegetarian dish while investigating the death of a prominent restaurateur. Do join me!

Interesting concept of twins that are separated because one chose to leave the Amish community. This series is always cute and entertaining though I do have a tough time believing that 1) Daisy has no idea why she’s always involved in investigations and 2) Jonas supports her in these investigations. I also found the whole managing the wedding reception thing strange (all those plans should have already been in place that close to the wedding day; she shouldn’t have had to worry about any of it, just step in and make sure things run to plan). But I read these mainly for the relationships between Daisy and her supporting cast of characters so those issues aside, this was a nice visit with them.

I’m happy to return to Willow Creek, Pennsylvania, and Daisy’s Tea Garden! This is one of my favorite mysteries in the series! Many families have “good china” in display cabinets, brought out for special occasions. Daisy Swanson and her daughters, Vi and Jazzi, know better than many people the importance of making each day meaningful. For them, it involves loving people well and showing them that they are more valuable than the good china.

Life around Daisy is seldom quiet; there is almost always something going on at Daisy’s Tea Garden, with her daughters, Vi and Jazzi, and fiancé, Jonas. Vi, her husband and their toddler will move out of Daisy’s garage apartment and into a small house. Jazzi will soon leave for her first year at college. The tea garden is preparing for a special children’s Alice in Wonderland Tea. Daisy and Jonas will get married in the near future. Love, food, and laughter make up most of her waking hours, along with working hard at the business she loves.

Daisy went to visit a friend one morning before going to their respective businesses. She was briefly delayed, then found her friend dead, murdered moments earlier. That greatly effected Daisy. She had found murder victims before, but not someone she was close to. She also realized that, had she met her friend on time, she may have been killed, too.

Daisy helped solve several murders since moving back to Willow Creek, usually to prove the innocence of friends or loved ones. Her fiancé is a former detective, and they are friends with the two local detectives. Especially this time, they want her to let the police do their jobs. They know, however, that Daisy has a knack for getting information from people who would not typically talk with the police, especially the Amish.

Daisy tried to stay out of this investigation until it was impossible to let it go. Daisy is introspective about why she feels the need to help solve murders related to people she cares about. Daisy, a strong, caring woman, faces those concerns head-on. Most protagonists ask the question rhetorically. Daisy, with the encouragement of a loved one, went to see a counselor. It was interesting to read her sessions and the ideas they explored.

Daisy identified several potential suspects as she learned more about her friend’s business, her husband, and other family members. Whodunit remained elusive, and I was stumped, also, especially when warnings are sent to Daisy.

There were definitely surprises at the end! I did finally guess whodunit just before Daisy did, but not the motive. All circumstances were resolved, and I was very satisfied at the end.

It was interesting to read about the patterns and sources of the tea sets used in Daisy and Aunt Iris’s business and at their homes. I enjoyed reading about special items being prepared for the Alice in Wonderland tea and how creative Daisy and her staff are. The author’s portrayals of Daisy’s home, the tea garden, and Lancaster County in late winter, as well as people’s appearances, behaviors, and particularly Daisy’s feelings throughout made each scene come to life. Descriptives such as “swirling fog” for feelings and “wind tossed” for someone’s appearance are just a couple examples. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy the best of both worlds: an intriguing cozy mystery with heartwarming family, friends, and romance.

From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

MURDER WITH EARL GRAY TEA is the ninth book in Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series by Karen Rose Smith. The protagonist, Daisy Swanson, has her hands full, and then some. There’s a wedding to plan, her parents’ anniversary dinner, running her tea shop, planning an over-the-top Alice in Wonderland tea event, plus family issues with her two daughters. Thrown into the mix, Daisy discovers the body of a friend and finds out it was murder. With an Amish country setting, Ms. Smith weaves in the interaction between the English and the Amish community. And since her friend was ex-Amish, the detective asks for Daisy’s help in navigating interaction with the Amish in the hunt for justice. The mystery is straightforward, but it’s the characters who make the book. While it can be read as a standalone, I’d highly recommend starting at the beginning in order to keep the characters straight and appreciate their development over the series.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder hits close to home and Daisy Swanson is on the case in the newest mystery. Daisy is a great character that is warm and down to earth but tenacious in her hunt for clues. I love the quaint town and tea shop setting. This mystery is well paced and developed. I enjoy reading the background and interactions of the other characters in the story. This mystery is one that is entertaining and I highly recommend it.

Murder with Earl Grey Tea is book #9 in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series by Karen Rose Smith.

Daisy Swanson is a busy woman. She is planning a themed tea party, an anniversary celebration for her parents, and setting a wedding date. She plans a hike with a friend that takes a terrible turn.

I enjoyed this book. I like the characters and I would love to have tea at Daisy’s Tea Garden. I was sure I had figured out who the guilty party was and I was wrong. I like a mystery that keeps me guessing. I recommend this book.

Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I love cozies and am fascinated by the Amish culture. I didn’t realize this was a book in an already established series until I started reading it. It is the ninth however reading it as a one off I didn’t feel lost or confused. I will definitely be reading the rest of the series though as the writing was great and I loved the characters. Great book, highly recommend for other cozy lovers!

Murder with Earl Grey Tea by Karen Rose Smith is the ninth book in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series.

Karen Rose Smith has a way of keeping her characters and mysteries interesting. We learn more about Daisy’s family and friends, the Amish, and bad guys in general. Domestic violence, bad financial planning, affairs, and low self-esteem have integral parts in this whodunnit.

I enjoyed how it was all weaved together to produce this winner of a book. Looking forward to the next installment, too bad it’ll be about a year down the road.

I was given an advanced readers’ copy and am not required to leave a positive review.

Daisy and her Aunt Iris run a delightful tea room in Lancaster county, PA. The future is looking good for Daisy as she plans an Alice in Wonderland themed tea event, a party to celebrate her parents anniversary and, best of all, more plans for her upcoming wedding. As she juggles all of this, tragedy strikes. Recently she has made friends with Lydia and they spend time on a local hiking trail, taking Jonas's dog Felix along with them. On this day Daisy and Felix expect to meet Lydia at the trail but she isn't there. Felix discovers her body by the side of the road, the victim of an apparent hit and run. If it wasn't an accident then who would have wanted her dead? Daisy is no stranger to solving murders and, in this case, it's very personal. With Daisy investigating, the killer won't stay at large much longer.
The recurring cast of characters are people I would like to know and I would love to spend time at Daisy's tea room enjoying good conversation over a fresh pot of tea. Puzzling over the clues to catching a killer - I'd be right in there on her investigating team. Don't know how much help I would be as I'm usually still in the dark when the killer is revealed at the end. If you are new to this cozy series it works fine as a stand alone. I have read them all and am already counting down the days until November 28, 2023 when we can next join Daisy in Murder with Chocolate Tea.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Things are looking great for Daisy, she is ready to set her wedding date, the tea shop has a fun Alice and Wonderland event coming up, and she has planned a delightful anniversary party for her parents. Daisy has also taken to hiking with a new friend as often as she can bringing Felix along with her. When she goes to meet her friend Felix unexpectedly finds her body on the side of the road. It looks like a hit and run, Daisy is shocked and can't figure out who would do such a horrible thing. Knowing that she can't sit on the sidelines she starts to ask questions starting with the husband. Daisy so learns that there are a few people in her friends life that might have wished her harm. Follow along as she delves into her new friends life hoping to find d a killer before someone else ends up dead.

Here is the ninth in a cozy series set in Amish country (in Pennsylvania). Daisy, a friend and her fiance’s dog discover a body. Was the person a victim of a hit and run or was something more murderous the cause of death? Readers can most likely answer that question. Daisy, herself, will figure this out while she also plans a party for her parents and thinks about her own wedding plans. Luckily for the reader, she is a terrific multitasker.

Murder with Earl Grey tea is just the sort of mystery that cozy readers love. They will enjoy this one and will wish that they could actually visit Daisy’s Tea Garden.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title All opinions are my own.

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

Daisy is planning an Alice and Wonderland specialty tea event. She's also planning to meet her friend Lydia to go hiking. When she gets to the meeting place she finds shes not there. So Felix and her go ahead to maybe catch up with her. When Felix takes off and finds Lydia, dead. Daisy must investigate to find out who killed her friend.

This is the ninth book in the series but my second. I was able to read it as a standalone. I really want to start the series from the beginning. Hopefully soon. I really enjoyed this book. Daisy and her relationships with the Amish and her relationship with Jonas.

Any day spent in Amish country with Daisy, Jonas, and Aunt Iris is a great day! This often humorous series has all the characteristics I look for in a quality cozy mystery: character growth throughout the series, great relationships, a small town setting, a budding romance, animals, and recipes. Daisy is often sleuthing, but this time she tries hard to refrain because the victim was a friend. The path to the murderer is twisted, and scattered with dead ends. I was surprised at the final reveal. I enjoyed this read very much and recommend it to others who like an easy pace with an in-depth view to interpersonal relationships of the character.

Thank you #NetGalley, #KensingtonBooks, #KensingtonCozies for an EARC to read and review---all opinions are my own.
#MurderWithEarlGreyTea #Kensington #KarenRoseSmith

The name caught my attention because I love Earl Gray tea.
It was an interesting read and I very much enjoyed it. I like the writing by this author and though this is a series book it was my first one by this author and did just fine as a stand along story.
Thanks for the advanced copy.

Murder with Earl Grey Tea is book 9 in Karen Rose Scott's Daisy's Tea Garden Mysteries. This is the first book I’ve read in the series, and I found it easy to read as a standalone.

Daisy co-owns a small business, Daisy’s Tea Garden, and has been involved in helping solve several murders previously. This time, the victim hits close to home, when her close friend Lydia is killed and Daisy is the one to find her body.

Daisy is torn between wanting to help find justice for her friend, and turning over a new leaf to stay out of trouble, but somehow she is still drawn into the mystery.

This was a good read, with lots of focus on the relationships between the characters. I really enjoyed the glimpses of life in the Amish community, and their interactions with the rest of the town.

There were a number of red herrings in this story, which made it impossible for me to identify the culprit and their motivation before the end of the book. I will be checking out other books in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington books for providing an advanced copy if this book for review purposes.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC of this book. I enjoy this series a great deal and this volume is no different. Daisy and Jonas are getting serious about setting a wedding date, one of the things I enjoy about Ms Smith's books are her characters, their development and interactions, and this book contains a lot of movement in the lives of the regular characters. That doesn't mean there is not a mystery! One of Daisy's friends is killed in a hit and run, while she was waiting for Daisy to take a morning hike, if she had been ten minutes earlier would her life have been in danger also? You know Daisy won't be able to let it go, and her journey takes her all over the countryside Amish and English alike, a very satisfying read!

Daisy Swanson, co-owner of Daisy's Tea Garden, is as busy as ever - helping her daughter's family move to their new home, Alice in Wonderland Tea, family celebrations as well as setting the date for her own nuptials. However, a new item is drop on her plate when she discovers a friend dead on the hiking trail, just where she was supposed to be. Apparently a hit and run, but was it?

Daisy needs to find out why her friend was killed and was she a target too?

I love this series not just for the mysteries which are so entertaining, but because the characters seem so real and the food sounds so good!

This is a super addition to the series. The story is well-plotted and kept me guessing until the very end.