Rounded from 4.5 stars.

With this latest installation in the Beacon Bakeshop series, Hannah has demonstrated her ability to consistently create fantastic reads without them ever feeling repetitive or formulaic. This time around, it’s full of wonderful summer weather and murder suspects.

At this point, I’m already sold on Lindsey, and her beau Rory, also known as ‘Sir Hunts-a-Lot,” so it’s genuinely enjoyable to start these books. I love Lindsey’s calm and unflappable approach, using all of the resources at her disposal to help the Beacon Harbor Police solve this most recent murder in the series. This time, Kennedy has arranged a tea party featuring a celebrity chef from across the pond, Vivi Lemonberry. Naturally, when she arrives, she exhibits some pretty bad behavior, namely banishing Welly, one of the best doggos, from the lighthouse where he lives with Lindsey, and then hits on Rory, followed by

But wait, there’s more!

Three generations of Kapoor women are staying at the lighthouse with Lindsey, along with the ghost of Captain Willy Riggs. After Vivi gets slapped by a random woman while on camera, she goes missing. People in the town immediately assume that Vivi has run away, especially when they learn about her scandalous behavior in Britain. Until they find her body.

There are some tensions between characters, and it feels so true to life with some of the petty (and not-so-petty) squabbles that occur between family members. One of this author’s major strengths is writing characters who communicate in realistic ways. Even the way Kennedy and Rory bicker like siblings is hilarious and organic, having developed over the course of the series.

As usual, red herrings are sprinkled throughout the book to throw Lindsey, the police, and us, the readers, off track. It was difficult to figure out who was behind the murder, but I love that especially when reading mysteries, cozy or not. This is a fun, light read with a great plot and a wonderfully charming cast of characters. The pace is steady throughout the book, and as always, I’m a total sucker for recipes at the end of a book. This one features lemon bars, lemon scones, parmesan-crusted lemon garlic chicken, and a Bakewell tart (no relation to Lindsey, although it should be no surprise that she can nail this recipe). I highly recommend this book and series overall, particularly if you enjoy cozy mysteries, a swoonworthy slow-burn romance, great recipes, and fun banter.

It's always a fun time at the Lighthouse Bakery! Great setting! Awesome characters. Good story line. Another hit! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

This is book 6 in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series and while I have read one or two I haven’t read them all and still enjoyed this one with see. I liked the characters and the setting quite a lot. I could have done with a little bit less drama between the characters, but I suppose it fit the plot. Lindsey and her bakery are hosting one of Britain’s best bakers for a collaboration for her show that will benefit them both. Until Vivi is found dead and Lindsey is the prime suspect. The mystery was pretty good but it took a while to really get into it. I thought the herrings were interesting and were pretty twisty. I enjoyed this one a lot will be reading more in this series.

The latest Beacon Bakeshop mystery finds Lindsey working with a famous tv baker to do a cooking demonstration and tea party. Her best friend Kennedy has arranged this to help get press for the Beacon Bakeshop and impress her family who is visiting. However, when the celebrity chef ends up murdered, Lindsey and crew find themselves investigating again, with many suspects as it seems everyone hated the victim.

Another enjoyable one in this series! I really liked the progression of the plot here and it felt like we got some good actual investigating (some cozies lately I feel like it’s just hearing about things and not real sleuthing). We also got some side character plot development and I’m intrigued to see where that goes! Can’t wait for the next one!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

While I’ve loved much of the Beacon Lighthouse Bakery series, I did not care for the last book. I was happy to see a new addition to the series in hopes that the original magic was back.
Overall, the murder mystery was well thought out and executed. Plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing.
The character relationships which were so strong earlier in the series were mostly sidelined. Lindsey and Rory are more serious, although he’s mostly peripheral in this one to make room for Kennedy’s visiting family. Her parents and the bakery employees also play smaller roles.
Kennedy remains my least favorite character. I do realize this is fiction, yet Lindsey is so confident and intelligent that it’s a stretch to believe she’d put up with someone as self-absorbed and selfish as Kennedy. There’s not much about her to like.
Aside of that, I enjoyed the mystery and Wellington who is one of my favorite fictional dogs.
You could read this as a standalone, but would certainly benefit from starting at the beginning.
Thanks NetGalley and Kensington Books for granting access to a digital ARC in response to my request.

This is one of my favorite series, and with good reason! The characters are well-developed and likeable (Kennedy is better in this one; I could barely tolerate her in the last one); the setting is idyllic, and the mystery is well-paced and usually keeps me guessing. Though I did figure out early one who the guilty party was, there were plenty of clues that made me second-guess myself a few times. I highly recommend this series, but start at the beginning to really get to know the characters and the town.

Wow what pandemonium came to the Beacon in the form of Kennedy’s family and a filming crew for a segment with Lindsey and a famous pastry chef. When there was a murder that looked a lot like Lindsey did it (if Sgt. Scary Stacy didn’t know better), Lindsey wasn’t taking this and insisted on being involved. Kennedy’s grandma was just so cute, but I wasn’t much of a fan of her mom. But her sister was a hoot when she started acting like a cowboy, lol.

The showdown and what followed was pretty exciting but once the perp was put away, Lindsey knew she was one step closer to everyone leaving the Beacon and getting her Rory back. He cracked me up with his reason for temporarily going to stay with his uncle, lol. As always, everyone put their collective efforts into the case and celebrated with food, fellowship and family afterward. Definitely a summer to remember, maybe not all in a good way though.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea
(Beacon Bakeshop 6)
Darci Hannah’s


We return to Beacon Harbor, to join Lindsey in welcoming Kennedy’s family from England to the lighthouse. In addition to them, she will also be playing host to a British cookery diva and her film crew. Unbeknownst to her when she agreed Vivi Lemonberry is a notoriously controversial figure. Her latest scandal is that she and a married superstar were caught cheating by his superstar wife Steffi Stanhope-Worthington!

At an outdoor demonstration of Vivi’s signature Bakewell tart, she makes an unscheduled promise to the audience of a full size tart at every table for the Tea. She is then assaulted by an irate Gretta, for stealing her grandmothers tart recipe. After the attack she threatens to quit the show and location. Her ex-husband is the producer and a major backer, runs after her.

The newly renovated Boathouse Event Center is the site of the Lemonberry Tea Party, a soldout event. When Vivi, doesn’t show to help bake her promised tarts everyone begins trying to find her to ensure she attends… to no avail.

Rory, an ex-Navy Seal and owner of the Aquatic Adventure Center offering classes as well as excursions and cruises agrees to take the crew and Vivi out for location footage. Lindsey has been taking scuba lessons from her boyfriend Rory. It’s during one of these lessons that she finds the missing diva… deceased!

The suspects are crawling out of the woodwork on this one. Who wanted Vivi Lemonberry dead… everyone!

Darci Hannah has quickly become a must read author and this latest doesn’t disappoint! I love both the mystery, along with the relationship advancements between the characters and the recipes. 43 chapters and 6 recipes.
(1 Martini, 1 Bakewell tart, 1 Bundt cake, 1 Lemon chicken, 1 Lemon bars, 1 Lemon scones)

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is the sixth cozy mystery in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series. Vivi Lemonberry, a celebrity baker from the UK, is in Beacon Harbor for a tea party to help promote herself, but when she turns up dead the suspects are endless. Lindsey Bakewell is caught up in the whole thing since she was hosting the tea. In order to clear everything up and move on with their lives, Lindsey and her friends put on their sleuthing caps once again to search out the killer before it’s too late.

I have enjoyed this series since I first discovered it and was excited to read the next installation. Lindsey is the perfect amateur sleuth and I love her and her Bakeshop. The small ghostly element in this series adds another great layer to an already good cozy mystery series. I was pulled in from the start of this book and found it so easy to get lost in. The mystery was fun and kept me guessing. The background drama was a perfect complement to the mystery and made for a fast read. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series. If you are a cozy mystery fan who loves a culinary amateur sleuth and a hint of ghosts this series is for you!

Dollycas's Thoughts

It's summer in Beacon Harbor, Michigan and Kennedy has arranged for British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry to launch her new cooking series from the Beacon Bakeshop. Lindsey is excited to meet the chef and will be hosting a tea party in her new event space in addition to baking with her for her show. Then Lindsey learns about the chef's past personal and professional scandals and is told she was openly flirting with her boyfriend Rory. Vivi also hates dogs and demands Lindsey's lovable Newfoundland, Wellington is rehomed for the duration of her stay. She is no longer as excited about the woman's visit.

While taping the first episode of Vivi's new show Lindsey finds out the "sweet" British chef has enemies in town when a woman comes onto the patio and slaps Vivi across the face.  Vivi leaves the set and disappears. She's not answering her phone or her door at the hotel. She may be with her "secret lover" or maybe she is embarrassed and staying out of sight. When she fails to show up for the tea party in her honor Lindsey is reasonably vexed.

Ready to wash her hands of Vivi and her drama Lindsey heads to the pier for her scuba lesson with Rory. She was actually enjoying herself until "something solid bumps her leg" and it was not a big fish. She now knows why the celebrity chef missed her tea party. Hard to attend when you're dead. With evidence pointing in Lindsey and Rory's direction they have no choice but to help the police hook the real killer.

_____

This is one of my favorite series!

The core characters Ms. Hannah has created for this series are so genuine and engaging. Lindsey continues to top herself with new recipes and new venues while her relationship with ex-Navy Seal boyfriend Rory continues to grow. They had one obstacle or should I say 4 obstacles when Kennedy was joined by her grandmother, mother, and sister. They are all be staying at Lindsey's lighthouse so Rory vacates while they are visiting. The "British Invasion" was timed to coincide with British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry's visit to Beacon Harbor. These new characters were so entertaining each in their own way. Additional new characters came in the chef's entourage. Lindsey's parents are also back in town for the warmer months. They add so much to the story. As always, Wellington is just the best dog ever even if he is getting into a bit of mischief.

Lindsey's visitors are all interested in her "haunted" lighthouse. I loved the meetings in the light room even if at times they were squeezed in there pretty tight. Lindsey's new Boathouse Event Center is also a fabulous place. It is a wonderful addition to the community and the perfect place to hold luncheons, weddings, and meetings. I appreciate the author's descriptive details. She takes her readers into each scene. It is so easy to visualize each person, place, and thing. I escaped right into the story.

Some of those things include all the treats that were baked within the pages of this book. Check out that book cover! The cravings I had for lemon bars were real. Thankfully I didn't have to search for a recipe because it was the first recipe in the back of the book with several more.

Again, Ms. Hannah has penned a complex mystery with a variety of suspects all withholding or hiding something. Just when I eliminated one another twist put them right back on the list. There is a scene in the book where Lindsey gets advice about the case from an unexpected source that was so good. It gave her a new determination and clues started to fall into place. I enjoyed trying to solve this mystery right along with Lindsey. The reveal was complicated. The chase and takedown were terrific.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea was such an entertaining read! I LOVED IT! Exceptional characters and a compelling mystery set in a delightful Midwest town with perfect amounts of suspense, humor, romance, small-town life, and ghostly elements set this story apart. It is my new favorite book in the series and one of the best cozy mysteries I have read this year. I am excited to say it deserves more than 5 stars and has earned a place on my Best Reads List for 2024! I highly recommend the whole series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

When is celebrity British chef come to the Beacon bake shop, it’s supposed to be a positive thing for Lindsey. But when the celebrity chef, Vivi, is murdered it leaves Lindsay looking for yet another murderer.

It turns out Vivi hasn’t really turned a corner. She still seeing another celebrity whose marriage she ruined and she’s been stealing recipes from other chefs for years. Including some of Lindsay‘s this time. Can Lindsay figure out who killed Vivi or will she be next on the murderer’s list?

Who doesn’t love a good baked item? Add in a solid mystery, the cutest Newfie, a loyal BFF, and a hot boyfriend, and you’ve got the makings for one solid, cozy mystery series. I have been enjoying this series since the first book was released and I just cannot get enough. I look forward to each and every new release with bated breath. If you haven’t read a book in this series yet feel free to start here. Each one reads fine as a standalone and there’s enough background to follow anything That might pertain to the long-term life of the characters in the book. The bonus says you’ll have several other books to binge on before the next entry is released.

Lindsey Bakewell is excited by her best friend Kennedy Kapoor’s latest marketing scheme for her Beacon Bakeshop, located in a historic lighthouse on the banks of Lake Michigan. The social media influencer has learned that British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry is looking to launch a comeback with her new book, Nibbles From Across The Pond, after a series of personal scandals that pushed her reputation from temptress (lucrative) to homewrecker (less so.) Vivi is set to tape a new show promoting the book at various scenic American locales, and Kennedy has secured a contract for the bakeshop to host Vivi’s very first episode.

This is all very exciting, especially since Lindsey will be baking on-camera too. As the female members of Kennedy’s family are all big fans of Vivi’s, they’ve also come States-side from England so that they can get a firsthand view of the action. In addition to the taping, Lindsey and Vivi will be hosting a tea party for the public, giving paying guests the chance to meet and chat with the cooking diva herself.

The first hint of trouble occurs when Vivi arrives and has an unexpected meeting with Wellington, Lindsey’s large but friendly Newfoundland. Vivi is terrified of dogs, resulting in poor Welly being banned from the lighthouse premises for the duration of filming. Then Vivi starts flirting outrageously with Rory Campbell, Lindsey’s hunky boyfriend. When confronted by an irate Lindsey, Vivi claims not to have known that she and Rory were an item.

Things finally come to a head while filming the outdoor segment of the show, which is open to the public. When some of Vivi’s professional and romantic rivals show up to the taping, sparks fly. A humiliated Vivi storms off set and doesn’t return for the tea party. Lindsey and the rest of Vivi’s staff and crew try to smooth things over with the paying guests and are mostly successful, though Lindsey is left fuming at Vivi’s unprofessional behavior. She regrets her ire the very next day, however, when she discovers Vivi’s body in Lake Michigan. Worse, she becomes the prime suspect in Vivi’s murder herself. Will Lindsey be able to figure out who really killed the glamorous chef before anyone else gets hurt?

The influx of new characters made for a lively addition to the cast of the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series. It was fascinating to meet so many members of Kennedy’s family, especially on the heels of her strained relationship with Tucker McAllister, the local police officer she’d recently broken up with despite their still very strong feelings for one another. Not all of the characters felt quite as developed as I’m used to with this series, but it was very much a fun sixth installment regardless.

There were six delicious recipes included here too, all for dishes featured in the story. I’m always on the lookout for twists to the lemon bar recipe, so decided to try out this one:

QUOTE
Delicious Lemon Bars

Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 50 minutes. Makes one 9 x 13 pan of cookies, 24 servings.

Ingredients
Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) butter at room temperature
½ cup powdered sugar

Filling:
2 cups granulated sugar
4 eggs
6 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or from concentrate)
4 tablespoons flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Extra powdered sugar for sprinkling on top

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the dough: In bowl of an electric mixer, using the paddle attachment, combine the butter, flour, and ½ cup powdered sugar. Mix until a soft dough forms. Using your fingers, press the cookie dough into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 25 minutes or until the crust is lightly browned. Remove from oven and set aside.

Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees.

Prepare the filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer, using the whisk attachment, combine the sugar, eggs, and the lemon juice. Mix well. Using a rubber scraper, gently fold in the flour and the baking powder by hand. Once combined, spread over the crust, and return to the oven. Bake for 20-25 more minutes, or until lemon topping is set. It should be light yellow in color and slightly browning on the edges. Remove from oven and cool completely. Before serving, dust with powdered sugar. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
END QUOTE

This is a very delicious and uncomplicated recipe that proved a hit both with my family and at the chamber orchestra reception I brought the rest of the pan to. The lemon bars have a good, solid flavor: lemony without being puckering and sweet without being overpowering. The fact that they’re so easy to make is a bonus, especially for beginner cooks. I definitely prefer a little more complexity in my lemon bars – adding lemon zest to the filling makes it outrageously good, for example – but this recipe is a great base to work from.

Next week, we go on a murder mystery series retrospective while cooking up another of my perennial must-trys. Do join me!

I absolutely loved this book!! It had me guessing to the end who did it!! I could not put this book down!! I loved how the fur babies got involved as well as the family!! I love this whole series! You must pick this book and series up today!! You will not be disappointed!! Can’t wait for the next one to come out!!

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is a fun sixth addition to the Beacon Bakeshop series, set in an old lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan. I have enjoyed the whole series. Lindsey, owner of a bakery in the lighthouse, is gearing up for a tea with a famous baker from the UK promoting her new cookbook, brought in by her best friend Kennedy. Even Kennedy's mom, sister, and grandmother are visiting for the tea. And so are a few more UK celebrities follow across the pond. But when things go awry with the discovery of a body in the lake by Lindsey and her boyfriend Rory, they are suspects. There are many other possible suspects for the gang to weed through. This one has many twists and keep to one guessing. Great read!
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is the 6th book in Darci Hannah’s Beacon Bakeshop series is a great addition. The characters are likable and the mystery kept me guessing. Lindsey Bakewell owns a lighthouse and bakeshop. Her best friend Kennedy, Kennedy’s grandmother, mother and sister and staying with Lindsey. They add humor and a little drama and are a fun addition to the story. Vivi Lemonberry is a celebrity chef. She is in town and Beacon Bakeshop is hosting Vivi. Vivi causes problems and then ends up dead. Lindsey, her boyfriend Rory and friends need to figure out what happened. This was a very enjoyable cozy mystery and the addition of Kennedy and her family really added to the story. #MurderAtTheLondonberryTea #BeaconBakeshop #NetGalley #KensingtonCozies

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is part of the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series by Darci Hannah. If you haven’t read this series yet, you are in for a treat! This series is in my top 5 favorite series.

I always love being back in Beacon Harbor withe Lindsey and her friends and family. Lindsey has houseful of guests and she is also hosting a celebrity baker at her bake shop. The outcome is not that sweet. Lindsey and friends are on the case to figure out who murdered the chef.

I love the backstory in this series as well and you won’t be disappointed either to read how things are progressing.

Thank you NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Lindsey Bakewell's Beacon Bakeshop is about to get a popularity boost. A celebrity chef is coming to town to feature her bakery and host a tea with the bakeshop. Everyone is excited to meet the sweet chef, Vivi. As always the case, a dose of reality comes calling when they meet Vivi in person. She is demanding, hates dogs (this is enough to make someone dislike her), and is a shameless flirt. Lindsey is willing to overlook all of these wrongs, but there is someone who is not so willing to overlook them.

Lindsey and friends are ready to assist in the investigation. The suspect pool is very large. Vivi had made a lot of enemies over the years. This cozy mystery is filled with a great cast of characters and a little humor is interspersed through the book. The dog, Welly, was one of my favorites. I also adored the idea of a bakery in a lighthouse. Kennedy's family was a hoot as well. It was an enjoyable read with the added bonus of the descriptions of some delectable desserts.

Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really enjoy this series so much. Darci Hannah has created such wonderful characters and I the story is alway so engaging.

The food references in this book and the bantering between the characters is top notch. Darci Hannah has done a nice job with this setting and her characters remain solid. The mystery is well done with interesting suspects and an imperfect victim.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is book #6 in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series by Darci Hannah.

It is great to be back in Beacon Harbor. Lindsey has a lot going on with a houseful of friends and family and the Beacon Bakeshop hosting British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry. Vivi creates chaos that leads to her untimely demise. That doesn’t stop Lindsey from seeking out the truth of what happened. I enjoyed this book and the entire series.

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