Murder at The Lemonberry Tea serves up everything cozy mystery fans crave—charming small-town vibes, a sprinkle of sass, plenty of sugar, and a splash of scandal. With her Beacon Bakeshop bustling, Lindsey Bakewell is enjoying the warm glow of summer, fresh pastries, and the excitement of hosting a high-profile guest. But when a British culinary diva brings more drama than charm, and winds up floating facedown in Lake Michigan, Lindsey’s peaceful pastry world turns into a recipe for murder.

The plot unfolds like the perfect afternoon tea—warm, layered, and satisfyingly brisk. The arrival of Vivi Lemonberry, a celebrity chef with a knack for causing chaos (and stealing spotlights and significant others), instantly sours the mood. Her bold personality and scandalous past spice things up in the quaint lakeside town, and when she disappears after a very public slap, suspicion simmers like a teapot left too long on the burner. The discovery of her body adds the final bite to this tart tale, and Lindsey is quick to dive into sleuthing, spatula in hand.

Lindsey is a relatable and endearing protagonist—sharp-witted, loyal, and never afraid to stir the pot when something doesn’t feel right. Her bond with her dog Wellington (who absolutely steals every scene he’s in) adds heart to the narrative, especially when the poor pup is banned from the bakeshop by the haughty Vivi. And let’s not forget the subtle tension with her boyfriend, complicated further by Vivi’s shameless flirtation. Romantic drama, anyone?

The mystery is well-crafted, with red herrings, juicy gossip, and clever clues that keep you guessing right up until the satisfying reveal. It’s a perfect balance of cozy and clever—light enough to devour in a sitting, but with just enough depth to leave you wanting another bite.

Murder at The Lemonberry Tea is a standout entry in the cozy mystery genre—ideal for fans of Laura Childs, Jenn McKinlay, or Ellie Alexander. With mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods, a heroine you’ll root for, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages, this book is as refreshing as a summer breeze off Lake Michigan.

Pour yourself a cuppa, grab a scone, and settle in—this mystery is absolutely brew-tiful.

An entertaining addition to a fun series. I've read and enjoyed them all. Lindsey and the Beacon Bakeshop are hosting a tea party with celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry, until Lindsey finds Vivi floating in Lake Michigan. Lindsey and her pals get involved with the investigation, this time with the blessing of local law enforcement. Drama queen and bf Kennedy are along again, this time with Kennedy's family, visiting from "across the pond". I always look forward to a new book in this fun series.

This was another great book in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series! I enjoyed getting to revisit all of the characters again. The mystery was well done, but I don't want to write too much about it, for fear of spoiling people. The food all sounded absolutely delicious! Overall, I would definitely recommend this book, and this series, too!

I received an e-ARC from the publisher.

I’ve skipped a few in this series, but enjoyable as a stand alone. The run up to the murder was long, but it pulled me more into the story than the actual murder investigation. There are some good twists in the story, but in the end, I felt it was all a bit much.

My issues with that are more to do with the genre than with this story itself. People get accussed of murder with the flimsiest of motive:
<blockquote> Lindsey has a viable motive, which is basically everything from Vivi banning Welly from the lighthouse, to hitting on Rory, to not showing up for the Lemonberry Tea Party.</blockquote>
These are all reasons to be annoyed with a person, irritated at best. To be glad they are leaving in a day or two and never to invite them back again. Surely it takes a bit more to envoke a murderous rage.

Same with people jumping to conclusions or claiming they don’t believe something someone said. I never like people who take short-cuts in their reasoning and fail to entertain alternative possibilities. (making up the alternatives is what makes mysteries fun.)

<blockquote> She hated dogs, right? So why would she give two million dollars of her estate to the RSPCA,</blockquote>
Perhaps because she liked other animals than dogs? It really is not as strange as you suggest it is.

That said, when someone entertains the possibility someone is lying, for instance the wife when she claims to not know about the will of her husband’s mistress, I want to know why you think that, because in most cases wives and mistresses don’t share confidences.

But mostly my issue is how freely the police and forensic examiner share information with the general public. Sure one of them has a nack for uncovering the truth, but even if that has scored her some brownie points with the police, that doesnot go for her family and assortment of friends.

Book Review: Murder at the Lemonberry Tea by Darci Hannah

Rating: 4 Stars

When I picked up "Murder at the Lemonberry Tea" by Darci Hannah, I was immediately drawn in by its charming cover. It perfectly encapsulates the whimsical yet mysterious vibe of the book, setting the stage for an entertaining read. This novel is another delightful installment in a series that continues to captivate with its blend of intrigue and small-town charm.

Set in the picturesque Beacon Harbor, Michigan, Lindsey Bakewell's lighthouse bakeshop is abuzz with excitement over hosting the British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry. The event promises to be a quintessential tea party, but Vivi's arrival stirs up more than just a few pots of Earl Grey. With her larger-than-life persona and a knack for drama, Vivi is escaping scandalous headlines back home. However, her antics quickly sour the atmosphere—banishing Lindsey's adorable dog Wellington from the shop and cozying up to Lindsey's boyfriend doesn't exactly win her any friends.

Tensions reach a boiling point when a public confrontation leaves Vivi humiliated, only for her to vanish soon after. Speculation runs wild: has she fled with a secret lover, or is she hiding from embarrassment? The mystery deepens when Lindsey discovers a body floating in Lake Michigan, setting off a quest to uncover the truth behind Vivi's untimely demise.

What I really enjoyed about this book was the array of suspects that Lindsey and her friends have to sift through, making for a cleverly woven narrative full of twists and turns. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, another twist would throw me off the scent. The characters are relatable and endearing, and the quaint setting of Beacon Harbor adds an extra layer of coziness to the suspense.

Overall, "Murder at the Lemonberry Tea" delivers a solid mystery that keeps you guessing until the very end. I found myself thoroughly entertained by the plot and am eager to dive into more stories from this series. If you enjoy a good whodunit with a side of charm and wit, this book is definitely worth a read.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Another great addition to this series. I want to live in a lighthouse & bake stuff & solve crimes. Darci Hannah is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.

Lindsay has a full lighthouse with best friend Kennedy’s visiting family and the cast and crew of a baking show both of which are from England. The star of the show is a formerly disgraced diva who is trying to revive her career. But this phoenix is playing with fire and she is just as likely to be burnt as she is to rise from the ashes. An on camera debacle threatens the filming and Vivi storms out, refusing to talk to anyone. There are lots of moving parts and machinations going on behind the scenes and when Vivi’s body is fished out of the lake, it is hard to decide who had the best reason to kill her.

There were lots of red herrings before I twigged. There were still some major revelations that only surfaced closer to the end and the story itself held together in an enjoyable read. The regular characters are interesting as is the progression of various relationships. I always figure if you don’t care about the main characters, the story is weakened. But my favourite character had four legs. I love Wellington the Newfoundland dog. He steals every scene he is in and does so shamelessly. Four purrs and two paws up.

What a fun and entertaining series and one I am thoroughly enjoying. I love the characters, it is fun and easy to read and it is well written. The series just keeps you wanting more. The mystery was fun to follow and it kept me guessing. I look forward to seeing what happens next!

Thank you Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

I read books 1-5 to prepare for this ARC and I very glad I did. This is such a fun series and I am in love with all the characters and dogs! Darci Hannah never disappoints and this series is no exception. I hope she writes fast b/c I can't wait for the next installment. I will just have to add of her books to my TBR while I wait.

#MurderattheLemonberryTea
#NetGalley

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea
A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery
Darci Hannah

This is the delicious new book number six in the Beacon Bakeshop Mystery series. Lindsey Bakewell left the hectic life of Wall Street and has successfully set up her bakeshop and home in a lighthouse so she knows how much a new start can mean to a person. Her BFF Kennedy Kapoor, a well-regarded influencer, has convinced the producer for the new baking show, Nibbles From Across the Pond, hosted by Vivi Lemonberry, British baking diva, to come to Beacon Harbor to film the show’s first episode. This was supposed to be a fresh start for Vivi, a step away from the scandals and drama. This woman has baggage, scandalous designer baggage. She is described by one of the film crew as “a tyrant, a flirt, a husband snatcher, a plagiarist, and a kiss-up.” So of course she is the victim.

This is a fun story which might sound odd because there is a murder involved but the characters just make it so enjoyable. Lindsey is easy to relate to and she has a big dog, who doesn’t love a big dog? Oh, that’s right, Vivi doesn’t. Then there are the Kapoor ladies, Kennedy’s mom, little sister (27 years old) and Granny Gladstone. Who wouldn’t want to spend a few days with the gals, listening to Kennedy and Pippa trade snarky remarks while both flirt with Officer Tucker aka Officer Cutie Pie? Oh, that’s right; Rory doesn’t, so he moved in with his uncle and cousin for the duration of the British invasion. There are so many nuances to the story that it grabs your attention and keeps you turning pages, before, and after the murder is committed.

Suspects include the ex-husband who is her producer, the ex-lover who is the head cameraman, her personal assistant who is a victim of her rants, the rival baker who is slapping her with plagiarism, and the A-list starlet who is newly married to Vivi’s current lover. Sergeant Murdock has no choice but to consider Lindsey as a person of interest because of Vivi’s issue with Welly, Lindsey’s beloved Newfie and the shameless flirting with Rory, Lindsey’s guy. Vivi might just have been more trouble than she was worth.

One of the best aspects of this cozy is that there are multiple red herrings and a few rabbit holes. Each suspect is blaming another suspect talk about a puzzling conundrum. Thankfully, Lindsey has a great group of friends who come up with original ideas on how to get the clues that lead to the solution. The other awesome aspect of this book is all of the yummy lemon based recipes from a Lemon Drop Martini to Parmesan-Crusted Lemon Garlic Chicken; I’m not sure which one to make first. This is another great Beacon Bakeshop Mystery and I will just have to console myself with a lemon bar while I wait for the next one to come out.

In “Murder at the Lemonberry Tea,” Darci Hannah delivers another installment in the series that typically enchants readers with its charm and wit. However, this latest entry fell short for me. I found myself navigating a maze of names. For longtime fans who’ve been on this journey from the start, these names will ring familiar, but new readers will likely find the deluge of characters daunting and challenging to follow.

There is a significant amount of redundancy. Names, places, and situations are repeated so often I started skimming. In some sections, it felt as if the story looped rather than progressed. Moreover, the use of superlatives seemed excessive and lost their impact.

One redeeming feature is the mention of confections, which come with recipes at the end. While this is a sweet touch that adds a unique flavor to the book, it wasn’t enough to offset the frustration felt with the story’s structure and pacing.

Ultimately, I am undecided about whether to continue with this series. The next book, yet to be announced, will be the tipping point in my decision-making. Here’s hoping it rekindles the charm that initially drew me in.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea is a delightfully charming and fun cozy mystery. It is the sixth installment in the Beacon Bakeshop mystery series. While this was my first book in this series, it will definitely not be my last. I can't wait to find out what Lindsey and her friends get up to next. In Murder at the Lemonberry Tea, Lindsey not only is accommodating her best friend's family at her lighthouse-turned-home-and-bakery but also is hosting celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry and organizing a tea party. Unfortunately, Lindsey was not aware of the scandals plaguing Vivi's past. When Vivi does not show up for her own tea party, Lindsey knows something is horribly wrong. Then, when Vivi's body is found and all the evidence points to Lindsey as the killer, she knows she must solve this mystery asap. However, with all of Vivi's past troubles, determining the killer will be difficult.

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea had everything I wanted in a cozy: quaint setting, quirky (and dramatic) characters, an intriguing mystery, and delicious recipes! Having grown up in northern Michigan, I absolutely love the setting and all of the details the author includes - the woods, the lake, the lighthouse, etc. I loved getting to know Kennedy's family in this installment. The drama between the sisters was both fun and believable. While I suspected who the killer was early on, I still enjoyed the mystery and following along as Lindsey put together the clues. I will definitely be reading more by Darci Hannah!

Absolutely love this series , it's so cute and funny and every time I've read a book in this series it has me smiling and laughing.

Lindsey Bakewell is, a determined individual who finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation after a shocking crime disrupts the peaceful atmosphere of the Lemon Berry Tea event. This seemingly idyllic event becomes a stark contrast to the darker side that makes itself known with the murder. The ripple effects of the crime, show how fear and suspicion can unravel relationships and foster an atmosphere of mistrust. As the investigation progresses, the characters are forced to confront their own pasts and the secrets they have kept hidden. The plot twists and red herrings keep you guessing until the final pages. I can't wait to try some of the recipes included as well.

This is one of the most charming cozy series I’m currently invested in. A bakery set in a lighthouse? That might be haunted. Perfection. It also helps that the mysteries are sharp, the food sounds delicious & the heroine Lindsey is very likeable.

This one has a particularly gruesome death for the victim, which makes the book feel a tad darker than some cozies. However I say that not as a complaint, I was to totally fine with it.

I really enjoyed the suspects this time around. Outsiders makes it a lot more fun to guess! Truthfully my only struggle sometimes with guys series is our main character’s bff Kennedy. Personally I find her maddening sometimes, though I do enjoy that she aids Lindsey with the sleuthing. Her family is in town & her sister is even more annoying! I love this series, Hannah has created such a wonderful setting for her series. I anxiously await more!

🍋

Read if you like:
* Bake Shop series by Ellie Alexandra
* Cheese Shop series by Korina Moss
* Noodle Shop series by Vivien Chien

First time reading this author. I enjoyed the mystery and it kept me guessing. Even though this is book 6, I didn't feel lost about who the characters were.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

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.