The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth Bernier

The Bush Tea Murder

Book Summary

Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native Saint Thomas.

A new cozy mystery set in the US Virgin Islands, this charming amateur sleuth will enrapture readers of Joanne Fluke and Carrie Doyle.

Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn’t expect a side of murder with her passion fruit juice. But when her return to Saint Thomas heralds a series of troubling cases, ranging from petty theft to cold-blooded murder, that threaten her tight-knit community, that is exactly the kind of unsavory treat she must sink her teeth into.

Luckily for her neighbors, Naomi is as adept at solving puzzles as rolling johnnycake dough—a good thing, since her island community, though small, keeps serving up plenty of trouble. With the help of her friends and her crush, Mateo, Naomi must navigate the tumultuous turquoise waters of life in the Caribbean, all as her beloved father battles an illness that keeps tugging her back to her island amid her rising career stateside.

Rich with mouthwatering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun, The Bush Tea Murder has all the ingredients to make up the perfect beach read.

My Thoughts

The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley Ruth M. Bernier has a unique concept and setting.  Instead of the main character solving one mystery, Naomi Sinclair solves several mysteries. Naomi is clever and has community connections that are helpful.  I loved the lush, tropical setting of the US Virgin Islands as well as the diverse cast of characters.  Dialogue flowed smoothly and the story moved at languid pace of the islands. 

I liked how the smaller mysteries connected to the murder mystery.  Unfortunately, I was easily able to solve the whodunit before I was halfway through the story.   I wish the story were a little less predictable and I thought the ending was a tad abrupt.  I liked seeing how things fit together and uncovering the reasons behind the mysteries. Overall, The Bush Tea Murder was enjoyable, and I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

The Bush Tea Murder is available from Amazon*.  If you wish to be notified when Ashley-Ruth Bernier has a new book release, follow her on Amazon to receive notifications. Thank you for stopping by today.  

I will return on Tuesday, April 28 with The Rancher's Unlikely Match by Jill Kemerer.  It is the fourth and final book in the Tumbleweed, Texas series. I am off to dig out the shop vac out and sweep the storage area (the compressed wood shelves that disintegrated left what I call "sawdust" everywhere).  I then need to purchase wood for the shelves and cut it to fit. I'm thankful my father taught me to use power tools. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

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