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A Book Store Cozy Mystery #3
Tea & Trouble
Bookstore owner Lily Michaels still doesn’t know which kind of witch she’s going to be. She’s planning to read fortunes at her parents’ tea booth at the Fall Festival in the small town of Pembroke Cove, Maine. Is that her gift? Her snarky familiar, Milo, isn’t a lot of help. Lily’s mother warned her that reading the leaves would change someone’s life. Lily’s ready to make some changes of her own. Her relationship with Detective Gage Erikson—a.k.a. Detective Cutie— seems to be stuck in the perpetual friend zone. Maybe it’s time she went on a real date with someone else, like the new guy in town, Dax Peters.
Gage would like nothing more than to go on a real date with Lily, but romance will have to take the back burner when he’s is called to investigate another murder. Someone cut short the life of successful rose grower, Dean Hartley. Since when does horticulture lead to homicide?
Gage would be thrilled if Lily stuck to reading tea leaves and stayed out of trouble, but that’s just not in her puzzle-loving personality. Why were all the garden club members arguing with Dean at the festival? When Lily teams up with Gage once again in the race to resolve the rose-grower’s murder, can she continue to keep both her feelings and her magic a secret from Gage? Or will roses finally lead to romance for them?
Gage would like nothing more than to go on a real date with Lily, but romance will have to take the back burner when he’s is called to investigate another murder. Someone cut short the life of successful rose grower, Dean Hartley. Since when does horticulture lead to homicide?
Gage would be thrilled if Lily stuck to reading tea leaves and stayed out of trouble, but that’s just not in her puzzle-loving personality. Why were all the garden club members arguing with Dean at the festival? When Lily teams up with Gage once again in the race to resolve the rose-grower’s murder, can she continue to keep both her feelings and her magic a secret from Gage? Or will roses finally lead to romance for them?
- GenresMystery
200 pages, ebook
Published August 1, 2023
About the author
Lucinda Race
52 books578 followersAward-winning and best selling author Lucinda Race is a lifelong fan of romantic fiction. As a young girl, she spent hours reading everything she could get her hands on.
With her fingers practically fly over computer keys as she weaves stories about strong women and the men who love them. Lucinda lives with her husband and their two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace
With her fingers practically fly over computer keys as she weaves stories about strong women and the men who love them. Lucinda lives with her husband and their two little dogs, a miniature long hair dachshund and a shitzu mix rescue, in the rolling hills of western Massachusetts.
Be sure to follow her on Bookbub for the latest on sales and new releases. https://bit.ly/LucindaRace
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 2, 2023
Who Killed Dean Hartley ? . . .
Witch Lily Michaels is helping out at the tea booth reading fortunes. All morning, her customers were getting wonderful fortunes read in their tea leaves. When Lily saw Rose grower Dean Hartley having difficulties with the garden club crowd, she called him over to have his fortune read, but actually to rescue him from all of the hostility. Curious, she asked what was going on. He said they were upset about a hybrid rose he grew, claiming that he had stolen it. She handed him the tea to drink so she could read the leaves for him. His leaves made an odd pattern, shaped like a broken sword – and swords were a bad omen and could indicate a bad outcome for him! She tried to tell him as much as she could to be careful… but he didn’t seem to believe her.
When Lily and her best friend Nikki find Dean on his back next to a ladder, lying in a pool of coagulating blood, and the handles of hedge shears sticking out of his abdomen, it was obvious he had been murdered. Officers Sharon Peabody and Mac Sullivan told Gage that from the angle of penetration of the wounds and Dean’s position on the ground, he had not fallen off the ladder. Lily handed them crumpled tissue containing a bright-pink fake fingernail she had picked up in the grass near the body. Lily knows she has to jump into the case and help Detective Gage Erikson. Have they found out why all the garden club members had been arguing with Dean at the festival, Edie Jenkins poking him in the chest, Ava Springs shouting at him, and why Dean was shaking his fist at Mike Shaw? And for further contemplation, Gage still seems to be Lily’s “friend-zone” love interest. But does he want to have more of a relationship with her? Why hasn’t he said anything to her about it? Or should she start seeing someone else?
Witch Lily Michaels is helping out at the tea booth reading fortunes. All morning, her customers were getting wonderful fortunes read in their tea leaves. When Lily saw Rose grower Dean Hartley having difficulties with the garden club crowd, she called him over to have his fortune read, but actually to rescue him from all of the hostility. Curious, she asked what was going on. He said they were upset about a hybrid rose he grew, claiming that he had stolen it. She handed him the tea to drink so she could read the leaves for him. His leaves made an odd pattern, shaped like a broken sword – and swords were a bad omen and could indicate a bad outcome for him! She tried to tell him as much as she could to be careful… but he didn’t seem to believe her.
When Lily and her best friend Nikki find Dean on his back next to a ladder, lying in a pool of coagulating blood, and the handles of hedge shears sticking out of his abdomen, it was obvious he had been murdered. Officers Sharon Peabody and Mac Sullivan told Gage that from the angle of penetration of the wounds and Dean’s position on the ground, he had not fallen off the ladder. Lily handed them crumpled tissue containing a bright-pink fake fingernail she had picked up in the grass near the body. Lily knows she has to jump into the case and help Detective Gage Erikson. Have they found out why all the garden club members had been arguing with Dean at the festival, Edie Jenkins poking him in the chest, Ava Springs shouting at him, and why Dean was shaking his fist at Mike Shaw? And for further contemplation, Gage still seems to be Lily’s “friend-zone” love interest. But does he want to have more of a relationship with her? Why hasn’t he said anything to her about it? Or should she start seeing someone else?
August 8, 2023
Reading tea leaves seems innocuous to Lily until she sees trouble in Dean’s future. Another murder sends Lily and Gage on a chase to nab the killer. Lily and Gage are back for another exciting mystery. I inhaled this book faster than a candy apple. This cozy mystery has all the elements I love: quirky characters, a complex mystery to solve, a budding romance plus a handful of magic. Lucinda weaves a mystery any reader will enjoy. I had such fun trying to solve the murder alongside Lily and Gage.
Let’s start with the characters. Lily is my favorite cozy sleuth. She may not have a badge, but she’s got a sharp mind. Her interrogation skills are top-notch. But she’s got troubles too. She’s trying to figure out what kind of witch she is. She also is getting up the nerve to profess her love to Gage. You know, just your average stuff. While I’m not a witch or anything, I connect with Lily on so many levels. The rest of the characters are well-written, and I’m drawn to them, too. What makes the characters so wonderful to read is their quirkiness and relatability. The hard work of Lucinda Race pays off huge for the reader.
The mystery itself is a well-constructed plot with effortless flow and a fair number of suspects. The more I read, the more red herrings emerged. As Lily and Gage investigate, the quicker I raced through the pages. Impressive writing makes this mystery an enjoyable experience.
There’s a romantic subplot that’s been building over the previous two books. The time is here for Lily and Gage to confess their mutual feelings for one another. Huzzah! I’ve been waiting for this and what happens next will surprise you, as it did me. I can’t wait for the next book!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Let’s start with the characters. Lily is my favorite cozy sleuth. She may not have a badge, but she’s got a sharp mind. Her interrogation skills are top-notch. But she’s got troubles too. She’s trying to figure out what kind of witch she is. She also is getting up the nerve to profess her love to Gage. You know, just your average stuff. While I’m not a witch or anything, I connect with Lily on so many levels. The rest of the characters are well-written, and I’m drawn to them, too. What makes the characters so wonderful to read is their quirkiness and relatability. The hard work of Lucinda Race pays off huge for the reader.
The mystery itself is a well-constructed plot with effortless flow and a fair number of suspects. The more I read, the more red herrings emerged. As Lily and Gage investigate, the quicker I raced through the pages. Impressive writing makes this mystery an enjoyable experience.
There’s a romantic subplot that’s been building over the previous two books. The time is here for Lily and Gage to confess their mutual feelings for one another. Huzzah! I’ve been waiting for this and what happens next will surprise you, as it did me. I can’t wait for the next book!
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Nancy
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
July 30, 2023
Tea & Trouble, #3 - There's another murder with all kinds of "I did it" confessions. Dax and Gage open Lily's eyes. With plenty of secrets coming to light, an interesting mystery and our loveable characters blending together to make this a one sitting read. Sourece: Booksprout. 5*
Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series:
Books and Bribes, #1 - Usually a romance writer, Ms. Race tells a good witchy tale quite a lot better than the usual dumb down Cozy. Good characters, talking animals and a sweet romance made for an entertaining, enjoyable read. 5*
Catnaps & Crimes, #2 - Interesting. Romance becomes more of a focal point for the two best friends. It was easy to figure out the killer but still a good story with a good core of regular characters. 4*
Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series end.
Marie: Always A Bridesmaid - 5*
Sugar Plum Inn - 4*
Holiday Heart Wishes - 4*
A Secret Santa Christmas - 5*
The Loudon Series:
Between Here and Heaven, #1
Lost and Found, #2 - 5*
The Journey Home, #3 - 5*
Ready to Soar, #5 - 5*
Love in the Looking Glass, #6 - 4*
Cowboys of River Junction:
Stars Over Montana, #1 - 4*
Hiding in Montana, #2 - 5*
Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series:
Books and Bribes, #1 - Usually a romance writer, Ms. Race tells a good witchy tale quite a lot better than the usual dumb down Cozy. Good characters, talking animals and a sweet romance made for an entertaining, enjoyable read. 5*
Catnaps & Crimes, #2 - Interesting. Romance becomes more of a focal point for the two best friends. It was easy to figure out the killer but still a good story with a good core of regular characters. 4*
Bookstore Cozy Mystery Series end.
Marie: Always A Bridesmaid - 5*
Sugar Plum Inn - 4*
Holiday Heart Wishes - 4*
A Secret Santa Christmas - 5*
The Loudon Series:
Between Here and Heaven, #1
Lost and Found, #2 - 5*
The Journey Home, #3 - 5*
Ready to Soar, #5 - 5*
Love in the Looking Glass, #6 - 4*
Cowboys of River Junction:
Stars Over Montana, #1 - 4*
Hiding in Montana, #2 - 5*
August 3, 2023
Tea & Trouble
Blurb: Enjoy this clean, small-town, paranormal cozy mystery by award-winning and bestselling author, Lucinda Race.
Welcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murders are multiplying.
A fall festival, reading tea leaves and a few clues propel Lily into a new murder investigation.
We are back with Lily, who owns the bookstore Pembroke Cove and the rest of the wonderful characters that we have fallen in love with. There's another murder in the town, can Lily solve this case or will she end up being a victim herself? Will Lily and Cage see what others see? Will Dax make a move on Lily?
Oh, I loved this book, the characters are wonderful and the storyline is tremendous. Lucinda has you guessing until the end. Tea & Trouble has been written brilliantly, you fall into the story from the beginning. You can read this as a standalone, but I would recommend getting books 1 & 2 first, just so you get to know the characters.
If i could give more than 5* I would, I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Blurb: Enjoy this clean, small-town, paranormal cozy mystery by award-winning and bestselling author, Lucinda Race.
Welcome to Pembroke Cove, where witches and murders are multiplying.
A fall festival, reading tea leaves and a few clues propel Lily into a new murder investigation.
We are back with Lily, who owns the bookstore Pembroke Cove and the rest of the wonderful characters that we have fallen in love with. There's another murder in the town, can Lily solve this case or will she end up being a victim herself? Will Lily and Cage see what others see? Will Dax make a move on Lily?
Oh, I loved this book, the characters are wonderful and the storyline is tremendous. Lucinda has you guessing until the end. Tea & Trouble has been written brilliantly, you fall into the story from the beginning. You can read this as a standalone, but I would recommend getting books 1 & 2 first, just so you get to know the characters.
If i could give more than 5* I would, I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
New witch Lily has a knack for finding trouble when she should be studying her magic. However, she finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time once more in this story. This is the third book in the series, but can be read as a standalone.
Lily has resigned herself to the fact that Gage doesn't return her feelings of love, so she decides to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, Gage wants to declare his love to Lily, but feels he may have missed his opportunity when she goes out with Dax, another detective.
While reading tea leaves at the town's Fall Festival, Lily sees a bad sign in the cup of Dean, a garden club member that has had many people upset with him during the festivities. Dean mentions to Lily that several of the garden members feel he stole a hybrid rose, an act he denies. This, however, leads Lily to yet another investigation.
Will Lily keep herself out of trouble while the case is being investigated? Probably not.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily has resigned herself to the fact that Gage doesn't return her feelings of love, so she decides to look elsewhere. Meanwhile, Gage wants to declare his love to Lily, but feels he may have missed his opportunity when she goes out with Dax, another detective.
While reading tea leaves at the town's Fall Festival, Lily sees a bad sign in the cup of Dean, a garden club member that has had many people upset with him during the festivities. Dean mentions to Lily that several of the garden members feel he stole a hybrid rose, an act he denies. This, however, leads Lily to yet another investigation.
Will Lily keep herself out of trouble while the case is being investigated? Probably not.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
Just as I was feeling like giving Lily a stern talking to (in my mind of course!), things came around in this story that I'd been wishing for since the first book lol. The case was a good one and I didn't have any idea of whodunit until Lily started suspecting. The showdown was so cool because she had to do battle with a perp who ended up being a more experienced witch, and Lily did pretty darn well! Maybe she'll listen to Milo and practice more now.
I was super proud of her and what she'd accomplished in this book! I was also proud of Gage because he also took care of something pressing, but when he was curious about something else, he just didn't ask and eventually found out. Just didn't wanna spoil anything specifically, but whoever's been following this series, you're gonna love this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
I was super proud of her and what she'd accomplished in this book! I was also proud of Gage because he also took care of something pressing, but when he was curious about something else, he just didn't ask and eventually found out. Just didn't wanna spoil anything specifically, but whoever's been following this series, you're gonna love this book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the author via BookSprout, and my opinions are my own.
August 1, 2023
Lily is going to be a tea leaf reader at the Pembroke Cove fair at her mother's tea selling booth. She has done this in the past but this is the first time since she found out she is a witch. Arguements aplenty revolving around the garden club members catch Lily's eye and when Dean Harley has his reading it reveals a sinister future. When he is found dead at his green house by Lily and Nikki later that day the investigation is on. Lily's curiosity compels her to insert herself into the investigation, much to Gage's chagrin. Stumbling along with her magic training and investigating murder, can Lily find the culprit before they find her? A well done mystery with engaging characters and a strong plot.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2023
Great read. Finally Lily and Gage admit their feelings for each other. Lily does tea leaves readings and only one is bad, it gives her chills. The reading she does for Dean is a bad omen but ignores it. Lily goes to drop off some teas to Dean and finds him dead. Lily can't pass up a chance to solve a mystery even if it puts her in danger. We find out some interesting stuff about Gage and Lily's magical book. I can't wait to see what happens next between Gage and Lily.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 29, 2023
I love cosy mysteries, and I thought this looked like my type of book.
I thought this was delightful. I warmed to the characters really quickly, and I identified with Lily quite a lot. This ticked all the boxes for me, and it felt like a comfort read. If you love cosy mysteries with a paranormal twist, or cosy mysteries with an adorable animal sidekick, I would recommend this.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought this was delightful. I warmed to the characters really quickly, and I identified with Lily quite a lot. This ticked all the boxes for me, and it felt like a comfort read. If you love cosy mysteries with a paranormal twist, or cosy mysteries with an adorable animal sidekick, I would recommend this.
Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
I love this series even more with every book and once again Lily can't let it go much to Gage's chagrin when there is yet another murder to solve, but thankfully they clear the air on other things which made me so so happy. The more you learn about the characters the more you love them and in turn with the likes of Lily you get worried the danger that she dodges by luck, Mile, her Aunt or magic etc might hit it's mark this time around.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
Lily is a new witch who owns a bookstore and reads tea leaves and fortunes at her family's booth at the festival. One reading was dire though. It involves a man named dean and the next day turns up dead. I thought this book was pretty captivating. In my opinion this is the best book from this series so far. It has a lot happening and the characters are so likeable and realistic. I always have a great time reading these stories. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
Lily and Detective Gage have another murder to solve and it is a duzzy. A great addition to this series as it grips you at the start and will not let you go. Familiar Milo gives warnings and she needs to start listening to him. Good job with the perp as I had no clue until the very end. Great characters and the storyline has suspense, danger, intrigue, twists, surprises, entertaining situations and more, with a great ending.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2023
There's another murder. Not long after Lily sees something troubling in Dean's tea leaves, he's dead. Lily does her best to be front and center in the investigation, while Gage (a/k/a Detective Cutie) tries to solve the murder and keep her safe. I hope they find the courage to get together; Lord knows how perfect they would be as a couple. Milo, Lily's familiar, is a fat and mostly lazy cat, but quite charming, and he's always there when she needs him. This is the third book in a quite enjoyable series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
Lily tries her hand at reading tea leaves for a client. However, this client is found dead and now Lily is caught in a murder investigation with limited collaboration with Gage. For readers, the chapters switch between Lily and Gage so there is a great overall view of the case. This is a cosy mystery and romance story, following the relationship between Lily and Gage as they struggle to admit their feelings for each other amidst a murder investigation.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 22, 2023
I get so much pleasure out of reading the books in the series A Book Store Cozy Mystery.
Lily Michaels and her cat Milo are a pair that can solve murders! This is an easy read and you will be so glad you have spent time with the characters in this book.
It makes you look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily Michaels and her cat Milo are a pair that can solve murders! This is an easy read and you will be so glad you have spent time with the characters in this book.
It makes you look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
Lily and Gage are at it again, solving the puzzle of who killed a local rose grower as well as coming to terms with their feelings for each other. I thoroughly enjoyed it - it's an easy read with plenty of humour too, so if you enjoy cosy mysteries with a little magic thrown in then you should give this a go, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 31, 2023
New witch Lily Michaels has a knack for finding dead bodies. When she finds another one her best friend Detective Gage Erikson tries his best to keep her out of the investigation with no luck. Lily and Gage both want to be more than friends. Will one of them finally speak up? Cute cozy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2023
When you think a series couldn't get any better, this one continues to get better and better. This book will keep you turning pages until the very end, and then the author tosses in a surprise you NEVER saw coming. Milo is still my favorite. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. Kudos!
July 24, 2024
Lily is still learning about her skills as a witch. Of course, we have another murder and she gets involved with her "friend" Gage.....but the best news in this book. They finally tell each other how they feel. Milo was pushing especially when she accepts a "date" for coffee with Dax. So now we can relax and look forward to the relationship develop..
July 19, 2023
This is a super fun paranormal witch/cozy mystery! I really enjoyed it.. It is clever and witty, sweet and entertaining..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2023
This was a good book with good characters. Lily and Gage are involved in a new case with a few suspects. Good short read, I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 5, 2023
This was a fantastic book with intriguing characters and excellent writing. Lily and Gage are investigating the latest case involving multiple suspects. The entire series is recommended highly and I truly hope it continues.
August 17, 2023
A little romance, a little mystery, and suspense!
I am not big on paranormal stories but this one had my full attention! Love the story, the characters especially Milo the familiar cat. Can't wait for the next one to be released! Thank you Lucinda Race for sharing your stories!
I am not big on paranormal stories but this one had my full attention! Love the story, the characters especially Milo the familiar cat. Can't wait for the next one to be released! Thank you Lucinda Race for sharing your stories!
April 20, 2024
A wonderful book by author Lucinda Race.
I really enjoyed reading and highly recommend...
Really wonderful characters. Can't wait to read more by this author...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading and highly recommend...
Really wonderful characters. Can't wait to read more by this author...
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 2, 2023
I love the story I would recommend kind of reminded me of Agatha Christie with witches. I love the familiar, very sassy.
August 22, 2023
Adorbs!!
November 12, 2023
Totally delightful and a fun read.
January 17, 2024
I continue to enjoy this series.
February 21, 2024
Oh gosh this one was so great. I loved all the secrets that were revealed. Totally looking forward to the next chapter in Lily and Gage’s relationship.
September 27, 2024
Excellent storyline
Very good story. Great characters. Couldn't wait for chapter after chapter. Kept you in suspense until it all falls into place. Totally enjoyable.
Very good story. Great characters. Couldn't wait for chapter after chapter. Kept you in suspense until it all falls into place. Totally enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews