Synopsis

Don’t marry into murder…

Catering her childhood friend’s beachfront wedding was a dream come true for Everly Swan—and, with hundreds of guests in attendance, great exposure for her new iced tea shop and café. But when the well-to-do groom is found floating facedown in the surf, the locals of Charm, North Carolina turn their suspicions on his new bride. Could she have been so desperate to lay hands on his fortune that she arranged for his murder even before they set off on their honeymoon?

Everly knows her lovestruck friend couldn’t be behind the murder, but with clues pointing in several directions, she can’t decide which wedding guest is the most likely culprit. Meanwhile, the frustratingly handsome Detective Hays has made it clear that Everly should stay out of the investigation altogether. But with a killer on the loose and a feeling that someone is watching her café very closely, Everly knows that if she can’t solve this murder soon, her cake might be iced for good.

Review

No Good Tea Goes Unpunished by Bree Baker

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was fun! Anyone looking for a sweet, lighthearted beach read will enjoy this one, plus it has recipes which are always a bonus.

The Story
It was the continuation of the lovely seaside theme taking place in the friendly, cozy village of Charm. With Sun, Sand, and Tea café, all the characters come full circle once again with a bit of a murder mystery twist.

I enjoyed it. Was a great book to kick off summer as I read it out by the pool.

I was not as keen over it as #1 which is my favorite so far. Then #3 after that. The mystery and beach scene was fun as always, but the plot just felt less intriguing and I think it was just more or less related to tone and depth of character.

The Writing
I absolutely loved the beach setting, charming and clever names names, description of all the lovely food and beverages, and of course the recipes in the back are always a nice touch!

Tone
Loved the seaside vibe which gave it that gorgeous scenery and lifestyle I was looking forward to diving into.

Parts of the allure and curiosity I had in the first and third in series; however, was much more strong. Overall the tone in this one was a little drab for me. It was a heavier, introspective start that cascaded to more of the same without the fresh swooping dynamic of starting over, newness, and chivalry that I wanted.

Characters
The presence and reunion of characters was great, but the main character felt less dimensional. I think it was because she didn’t really have as much to offer or much to lose in this one.

Whereas in the first, it was the exciting challenge of starting a new business, a new place, new friends, and a new love. Much more development and fascination with the love story in her life in particular, which let us into her being and character as she interacted with everyone.

In this 2nd in series, I was becoming annoyed that she was so much in her head. The beginning was more exhaustive review than I wanted to read about. I would have much rather have had a much shorter recap introducing this as next in series. I also would have rather seen her play out all what we learned in the beginning chapter in real time as it related to her reconnections in life, life staging, and bodily insecurities sprinkled throughout the book instead.

I just love the aunties. Would have also liked to have seen them develop as well rather than being told about their physically distinguishing characteristics and personalities.

Very fun nonetheless, will look forward to the next in series!

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