Member Reviews

This is a charming series and the sixth release in the "Beacon Bakeshop" series. We cozy readers love the authors inventive setting of a bakery in a renovated lighthouse with a savvy smart protagnist. I have read and enjoyed this entire series. I highly recommend this series for your reading enjoyment.

In this next in series our protagnist is hosting her first famous cooking chef from England. The chef is a terrible bother and right away bans Lindseys lovely dog from the area. She has brought a host of people that are angry with her and after she disappears much suspicion falls on her contentious background. When Lindsey finds her body she is on the case to clear own name and find the rightful suspect.

The supporting characters are all delightful and add to the fun. The sleuth was well crafted to the suspects and suspicion as our Lindsey investigated so cleverly. I enjoyed this next addition of the series and look forward to the next in series.

Was this review helpful?

4.25⭐
While Lindsey Bakewell is thrilled to host culinary diva, Vivi, for an event at the Beacon Bakeshop, the excitement quickly turns sour after she banned Lindsey's beloved dog from the Bakeshop then proceeded to outrageously flirt with her boyfriend. Next thing you know, Vivi is murdered and Lindsey seems to be at the top of the suspect list. Pulling together friends and family, Lindsey set out to prove her innocence. The mystery is cleverly plotted, but the true joy here is the sharply drawn characters, both suspects and "investigators." And the lengths they go to get info. Don't miss the tea trolley scene. Fun cozy and solid additions to a great series.

Was this review helpful?

Another delightful visit to the lighthouse. Several guests this time add family fun and issues. My favorite character is the dog, of course. My least favorite character is the ghost. A clever, convoluted murder mystery. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Was this review helpful?

It's a British invasion! Kennedy's sister, mom and grandmother are staying at the lighthouse with Lindsey. The Beacon bakery is hosting a British baker, Vivi, who is relaunching her career. When Vivi disappears and Lindsey discovers her while scuba diving, the search for the killer is on. Lindsey and her friends join the police in seeking clues. There are plenty of suspects and lots of red herrings in the plot, but eventually the motive and killer are revealed. Well written and great characters! You keep reading to discover the answers. I love the progression and growth of the characters in this series. I recommend this series for a good read and great recipes!
I received an advanced copy of the book in exchange for a review.

Was this review helpful?

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah was one of my favorite cozy reads so far this year. It is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series.

Although starting with the first in a series is always nice, you could jump right in with this one and start with number 6. The book has a stand-alone mystery, and the author does an excellent job with characterization, so you get a feel for each character really quickly.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is set during summer. The action occurs in Beacon Harbor, a small town in Northern Michigan. The sleuth is Lindsey Bakewell, owner of the Beacon Harbor Lighthouse Bakery.

Lindsey is hosting a famous British cookbook author named Vivi Lemonberry. Vivi has a few scandals that she is trying to put behind her, so she plans to re-launch her career in the United States. First stop: Beacon Harbor.

Nothing about the tea party goes as planned. Vivi is a diva. A shocking event occurs during a baking demonstration. And a body is found in the lake. Lindsey finds the body, and ends up sifting through the clues to solve a mystery.

Author Darci Hannah does a magnificent job with this series. The sleuth is likable, the setting is cozy, the descriptions are lovely, and the recipes at the end are always super yummy. This series installment is particularly good, thanks to the British invasion and the suspenseful mystery.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is a great beach read and a perfect getaway book when you need something light, cozy, and well-written. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, particularly culinary cozy mysteries.

I will keep reading the books in this series as long as the author keeps writing them. I'm looking forward to book 7!

Thanks to Kensington and Net Galley for the advanced reader copy.

Was this review helpful?

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is book 6 in Darci Hannah’s Beacon Bakeshop mystery series, and I found it a great addition to the series.

Lindsay Bakewell runs Beacon Bakeshop out of part of the lighthouse she calls home. She’s preparing, not only for company from across the pond in the form of her best friend’s family, but also for filming an episode of a new cooking show with the famous (or infamous) Vivi Lemonberry.

When Vivi doesn’t show up for a major event held in her honour, Lindsay is annoyed, but not really surprised considering her behaviour since arriving in town. Unfortunately, the next day she finds Vivi’s body, which explains the cooking diva’s absence.

Lindsay feels somewhat responsible for helping to solve the murder after thinking badly of Vivi. With suspects galore in town, she has her work cut out for her. Luckily, the local police have softened towards her, and are more accepting of her assistance than they have been in the past.

I have only read one book in this series previously, and I don’t think anyone would have an issue picking up this, or any other book in the series and reading it as a standalone.

The series is interesting, and the characters engaging, and the mystery kept me guessing almost to the end. I’ve enjoyed both books I’ve read so much that I really want to go back and read the books I’ve missed.

The only thing that disappointed me this time was that we didn’t see as much of Lindsay’s resident ghost. He appeared once or twice, but he wasn’t as much a part of the story as the previous book I read.

If you enjoy small town mysteries, give Murder at the Lemonberry Tea a try!

Was this review helpful?

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea (Beacon Bakeshop, #6) by Darci Hannah opens with Lindsey preparing for her best friend's family to stay with her in the lighthouse because they're on holiday to support Kennedy PR attempt for Lindsey's bakery to appear on a celebrity cooking show. When one of the people associated with the show turns up dead, Lindsey and Kennedy team up once again to investigate.

I'd like to thank NetGalley for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of this cozy mystery that they gave me for free in exchange for my honest review. I've read at least one book in this series and enjoyed it, so I was very appreciative to be approved to read Murder at the Lemonberry Tea (Beacon Bakeshop, #6).

I really enjoyed most of the characters in this book, especially the reoccurring ones. Although I'm a cat person, I think Welly was one of my favorites, especially when he gets caught swimming in the lake when he isn't supposed to be. It gave me such a giggle. The only character I didn't care for initially was Vivi Lemonberry, but by the end of the book, I did feel a little sorry for her.

What I loved is that there were a lot of people who had motives, and it kept me guessing and wondering if the person I thought was the murderer was a correct guess. I was partially correct but not entirely. The person who actually committed the murder wasn't one I thought it would be.

Engaging, fun, and entertaining are words I'd use to describe Murder at the Lemonberry Tea (Beacon Bakeshop, #6). I plan on trying a couple of the recipes out at the end of the book. Five out of five stars.

Was this review helpful?

It’s a “British Invasion” of Beacon Harbor, Michigan in Murder at the Lemonberry Tea, when Lindsey Bakewell’s Beacon Bakeshop plays host to one of the UK’s premier celebrity chefs, Vivi Lemonberry! Thanks to the machinations of Lindsey’s best friend, Vivi and her crew are in Beacon Harbor to film an episode of her new TV series and the entire town is abuzz. Vivi is a big star and even bigger personality, so when she fails to show up for the highly-anticipated Lemonberry Tea party hosted by Lindsey, it doesn’t take too long for scandalous rumors to take hold. What’s originally thought to be a diva moment turns out to be much more serious when Lindsey discovers Vivi’s corpse floating in the harbor waters. Moreover, it appears that the killer has gone to some lengths to implicate both Lindsey and her beau, Rory, in the murder. With Vivi no stranger to drama, there are numerous potential suspects, but Lindsey is determined to run down each clue in order to protect the reputation of her beloved bakery.

I adore the setting of this cozy culinary mystery and was excited to return to Beacon Harbor for this sixth release in the series. Although this is ultimately not my favorite of the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries, I appreciate Darci Hannah’s efforts to introduce a number of interesting side characters, including the chic and savvy women of the Kapoor family (relatives of Lindsey’s best friend, Kennedy, who are visiting from England). However, I think the pacing of the book suffered due to the sheer number of characters and subplots she had to balance. The portions focusing on the on-and-off relationship between Kennedy and local cop, Tuck, seemed slightly out of sync with the rest of the novel. But, some hilarious and memorable capers in the latter half of the book helped to maintain momentum through the conclusion - the tea trolley service debacle being a standout! Overall, Murder at the Lemonberry Tea offers readers a fun and frothy mystery, abounding with twists and red herrings, and fans of the series will find plenty to enjoy.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing for providing an advance copy of this book for review through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Lindsay had no idea how awful Viv Lemonberry was until she arrived in Beacon Harbor and began to push things and people around but murder? And, Kennedy's family is in town, bringing with them lots of drama. This is classic cozy with an unlikable victim and a lively effort to find the villain but it also has a bit of the paranormal. It's a good addition to the series that should be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. And- recipes!

Was this review helpful?

I normally adore this series but something about this particular book did not sit well with me. I felt frustrated and that the story kept going on for too long with far too many suspects. I realize it's a mystery trope when the list of who hated the victim is longer than who did not but this plot had one after another after another and it just got super old and annoying, to be frank.

Lindsey Bakewell's BFF Kennedy has arranged for a celebrity baker to host an episode of her new show at the Beacon Bakeshop. The baker is riddled with past scandals and is attempting to reinvent herself. Unfortunately, she lives up to most of the hype of what an awful person she is and it is no wonder she ends up in the lake with an anchor around her ankles. The laundry list of suspects keeps piling up and the gang is left with more questions than answers for 85% of the book.

I kept hoping the end AHA whodunit reveal would make me feel like my slog through the pages was worth it. Some spicy tidbit wrap up that would feel like weeding through all those potential suspects would be so clever I'd forget that the book actually made me bored. Spoiler, I'm still disappointed,

Hopefully the next offering in the series will be better. I have been purchasing the books in the series after they are published but I will be skipping this one.

Thank you to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

We are back in Beacon Harbor, Michigan. Lindsay Bakewell is hosting a Tea Party with a famous British chef & TV personality Vivi LemonBerry. Things are off to a rocky start. Vivi hates dogs and banishes Welly from the lighthouse. She openly flirts with Rory and then misses the tea party. Unfortunately she had a good excuse because she's dead. Rory & Lindsay must find the murderer.

I really enjoyed this mystery and following the clues. This book made me very hungry for all the yummy baked goods. I love the paranormal aspect of the story. I can't wait to read more of this series.

Was this review helpful?

"Murder at the Lemonberry Tea (Beacon Bakeshop #6)" by Darci Hannah has the gang all back together at Lindsey's bakeshop. Well sort of, Kennedy's mom, grandma and younger sister are staying with Lindsey. This means Rory is staying with his Uncle and Cousin, too much female energy is one lighthouse for him. Tucker is frequently at the lighthouse, do Kennedy and him still have something going on? Kennedy's sister may just snap him up if she doesn't.

All that under one roof and a British celebrity chef with her film crew visiting town. Vivi Lemonberry is in town to work with Lindsey and attempt to bring back her show. To say that Vivi is a hot mess is putting it lightly and someone is done putting up with her antics.

The mystery follows some of the usual paths this series likes to take. It does get a moment of paranormal activity that seems more paranormal than previous books. However, was it really? Or, is it all in Lindsey's head and her subconscious is just telling her things she didn't realize she already had figured out?

Was this review helpful?

“Murder at the Lemonberry Tea” by Darci Hannah the 6th instalment in the "A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery" series. I loved visiting Beacon Harbor, Michigan again and still really want to go to Michigan! Lindsey Bakewell’s iconic lighthouse bakeshop in beautiful Beacon Harbor, Michigan, is hosting a celebrity cookbook author from the UK—but the notorious diva is now DOA . . .

I absolutely love this series, Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy, Tuck, and her co-workers at the Beacon Bakeshop are lots of fun to hang out with and now we get to meet Kennedy’s family. Sibling rivalry, jealousy and scandals are part and parcel at the Beacon Bakeshop. I did enjoy seeing how the characters of Lindsey, and Rory have progressed since the last book.

I love Wellington the big Newfie who loves everyone and was mad when he was banished from the bakeshop. I also love the idea of living along the lakeshore in a haunted lighthouse where the ghost is watching over you and seems to have your back.

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Lindsey did. Plus all the descriptions of the baked goods made my mouth water. ( recipes included in back of book)

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 7


I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Kensington and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Was this review helpful?

It's fun as always to be back in Beacon Harbor, with the lighthouse and bakery crews. Lindsey is hosting a cooking show and tea for an English baker, making a comeback after a series of scandals. Vivi Lemonberry gets her comeback, Lindsey and the bakery get some good publicity, and the completed boathouse gets its debut for the tea. Things start so well then Vivi bans Welly from the premises as she hates dogs and at the end of the cooking demonstration Vivi gets slapped by a rival, Gretta Gardiner, who has claimed that Vivi stole her recipes. When Vivi fails to show up for the tea the next day, Lindsey is seriously angry, and she stays that way until the next day, when on a scuba diving lesson with Rory, they discover Vivi's body. This was a very long and convoluted mystery with many suspects, actually maybe too many, and a lot of chaos. Adding to this sense of a little bit too much intensity was the addition of all of Kennedy's family staying at the lighthouse for a visit and the festivities. I am all for quirky, but this family was a bit too much for me at times. In spite of these things, I still enjoyed my visit to Beacon Falls, and I hope Lindsey gets a vacation soon. Thank you to #Netgalley, #KensingtonCozies, and the author for an opportunity to read! #MurderattheLemonberryTea #DarciHannah #BeaconBakeshopMysteries #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

Was this review helpful?

Summer at the Beacon Bakeshop is proving as glorious as usual, but this year, it's extra exciting as well. Lindsey Bakewell's best friend, Kennedy Kapoor's family, is over from England for a visit and British cooking legend, Vivi Lemonberry is filming her new TV series at the Bakeshop.

With special, highly publicised events taking place, the discovery of a dead body is the last thing everyone needs, especially as all the clues point to Lindsey and boyfriend Rory as the killers! With so much at stake for both of them their own investigation is soon underway but the deeper they dig the more they begin to realise that quite a few people had reason to want Vivi out of the way permanently!

Book six in this series doesn't disappoint in any way. Kennedy's family was great, and the investigation had twists and turns aplenty to keep the most picky cosy crime fan happily content! The recipes at the end all sound delicious and definitely need taste testing!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cosies, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was cosy reading at its most satisfying, and I loved it!

Was this review helpful?

Darci Hannah returns with the sixth in her cozy mystery series featuring Lindsey Bakewell with her extended family and many friends making their usual appearances. This book is easily read as a stand-alone. This time, British celebrity chef, Vivi Lemonberry, is recording episodes for her new tv show and featuring Lindsey’s Beacon Bakeshop as a featured bakery. Everything is ready, including the sold-out afternoon tea to sell Vivi’s latest cookbook. When the chef turns out, it also turns out that she’s deathly afraid of dogs and Lindsey’s beloved (and large) Newfoundland dog is banished from the premises. From there, things definitely go downhill as Vivi brings more drama than delight to those working with her. When Vivi disappeared, Lindsey discovers her body and there are an abundance of suspects to choose from. This is a lovely cozy series with a great cast of supporting characters. I recommend visiting the Beacon Bakeshop soon.

Was this review helpful?

MURDER AT THE LEMONBERRY TEA is the sixth book in the Beacon Bakeshop Mysteries by Darci Hannah. From the endearing characters—protagonist Lindsey Bakewell and her giant Newfie, Wellington, to a bakery in a ‘haunted’ lighthouse, to hijinks that keep you on your toes, and a puzzling murder to solve, this newest release did not disappoint! It’s no wonder I eagerly wait with great anticipation for each new book. Ms. Hannah has created a wonderfully delicious world that draws the reader in with the darling cover, and keeps them engaged throughout the story. The strong descriptive language the author employs brings the charming community to life (a lighthouse bakeshop on the shores of Lake Michigan? Yes, please!) and makes the characters seem like real people you’d love to hang out with. I also liked that Lindsey’s best friend, Kennedy, is back in town with her family… all staying with Lindsey for their visit. It makes for some fun antics, as Kennedy is prone to do. Lindsay’s parents are also a bigger part of the story and it’s so sweet to see their love for each other and their supportive interaction.

With British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry on the premises to record a new baking show, Lindsey and her friends and family are beyond excited. I adore the theme of hosting a baking show and Ms. Hannah brings the scenes to life. Everything has been prepared for perfection… until the star, Vivi, shows up. It turns out she’s a diva and goes out of her way to make the people around her miserable. It goes from bad to worse when an unknown woman slaps Vivi during their filming session, and then Vivi disappears. Then disaster hits when Lindsey finds the murdered body of Vivi. Lindsey and her gang dive into discovering what happened. Secrets… so many secrets are uncovered. With tourists and the baking show crew in town, there’s a plethora of suspects to sift through. Ms. Hannah’s writing is so entertaining that even with the well-plotted clues, along with the twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, I decided to sit back and enjoy the read instead of trying to solve the case. As I read through to the very last word in the book, I was reminded again why this series remains at the top of one of my favorites!

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

Was this review helpful?

Another awesome adventure with Lindsey, Rory, Kennedy and the gang at the Beacon Bakeshop, including the "Captain" himself.
This series is always such a great read, the characters almost seem like checking in on old friends, and the food always makes me hungry (thanks for the recipes!). This plot finds Lindsey hosting a celebrity baker thanks to Kennedy and her PR techniques. But the drama, and murder, that follow the crew from the show put Lindsey and Rory at the top of the suspect list when the star is discovered in the pier. As the investigation gets underway one thing is perfectly clear - there are a lot of people that had a problem with Vivi, and an opportunity to make her disappear forever.
One of my favorite parts of this series, is the small little side stories woven in, and the relationships amongst the characters. Already looking forward to the next in the series.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Darci Hannah for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Lemonberry Tea coming out November 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love cozy mysteries and this author’s writing! I haven’t read the other books in the series yet, but I definitely want to read them. Lindsey is a fun character. She’s smart and sleuthy. I love the small town vibes and cast of characters. The mystery was fast paced, but I loved it. The recipes at the end are always fun.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy food mysteries!

Was this review helpful?

Oh my, the drama of celebrity bakers. There are some truly interesting characters in this story. It’s always fun to have visitors from another country. The story line was great and kept me guessing. I love Lindsey’s and Rory’s relationship and who wouldn’t love Welly? How fun would it be to live in a lighthouse, especially having your business there too. They have included some delicious recipes for you to try also. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Was this review helpful?