Author: Darci Hannah
Published: November 26, 2024, by Kensington Cozies
Format: Kindle, Paperback, 368 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Beacon Bakeshop #6
Blurb: Lindsey’s patrons have a new outdoor patio where they can eat their treats in the glorious summer weather. But even more exciting is that the Beacon Bakeshop is going to host British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry—and what could be a more appropriate event than a tea party? What Lindsey didn’t realize is that Vivi is here to put some distance between herself and her recent professional and personal scandals. Despite assurances that Vivi is as sweet as a chocolate-dipped strawberry, Lindsey is cooling rapidly toward the culinary icon . . . especially after she banishes Lindsey’s beloved dog, Wellington, from the bakeshop and then flirts outrageously with Lindsey’s boyfriend. She’s not the only one feeling hostile, though. While Vivi’s in the middle of making a tart in front of the cameras, a woman runs up and slaps her. Soon, Vivi’s nowhere to be found, and folks are speculating on whether she’s run off with her secret lover or just laying low due to embarrassment. That is, until Lindsey finds a body bobbing near the surface of Lake Michigan. It’s a sour ending for the diva, but Lindsey is determined to squeeze the truth out of every clue until she finds the killer.
My Opinion: 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.
My Opinion: 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.
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