Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Book Review: In Cold Chamomile by Joy Avon

Tea party organizer Callie Aspen learns that Cupid's arrows can be deadly when a Valentine's Day soiree ends in murder.
Callie Aspen can't think of a more appropriate place to spend Valentine's Day than her adopted hometown of Heart's Harbor, Maine. When she's not helping out at Book Tea, her great-aunt Iphy's vintage tearoom, Callie's adorning Haywood Hall with hearts and roses for the big Valentine's event, where townspeople will fall in love with sweet treats, heartwarming music, and delightful books. But tension is brewing: The librarian argues with the expert who is on hand to appraise precious volumes. And Iphy is shocked to recognize the baritone who's slated to sing at the event as an old acquaintance--one she'd hoped she'd never meet again. And then, when a dead body is discovered, the stirring spoon of suspicion points at the many people who had reasons to want the victim dead.
When Iphy's old acquaintance draws the attention of Deputy Ace Falk, Callie finds herself in a spot. Ace, as usual, doesn't want Callie involved, but how can she ignore Iphy's anguish over the fate of a man she cares for more than she will admit? Bringing the killer to justice may endanger Callie's budding relationship with Ace--and, quite possibly, her own life.
Callie and the Book Tea crew may think they have this case in the bag, but un-kettling truths are yet to be decanted.[summary via Amazon]

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and Joy Avon has a delightful cozy mystery steeped with romance and intrigue that you have to read!!!

Callie and her great-aunt, Ipsy, are working together to bring romance, tea and books to a Valentine's Day event at Haywood Hall. However, the event doesn't go as planned when a book expert ends up dead. Can Callie and Ipsy save the day, and keep an innocent man out of jail?

Before I share how much I loved this book, can we take a moment to talk about that gorgeous cover? Those pinks and purples, and Daisy looking so innocent on the cover? It's a delight to the eyes, and I absolutely love how Joy Avon (and her cover designer) have captured the essence of this book, tinged with the Valentine's Day theme! It's just gorgeous!

And... the inside is just as good, if not better!!! In Cold Chamomile was my first visit to Heart's Harbour, but certainly not my last! I really enjoyed all the picturesque places, like Books Tea, and all the different people. There are so many delightful, memorable characters, including the grumpy librarian Mrs Forrester. I felt right at home in this cozy town, with so many places and people to visit.

Joy Avon crafts a tantalizing, thrilling mystery. It's easy to get caught up in the mystery, and abandon all other activities, just so you can finish this in one sitting!! The mystery is complex and well plotted, and even the most seasoned mystery readers will be stumped by this one.

I really just loved everything about this story. In particular, I love the relationships between the characters, and not just Callie and Ace. I'm so eager to pick up on these relationships in future books, and I can't wait to see what Joy Avon has in store for her characters next!!

If you're looking for the perfect Valentine's Day read pick up In Cold Chamomile. Better yet, pick it up and enjoy it with a cup of tea and a box of chocolates. It will be your best Valentine's Day gift to yourself!

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