Murder in a Teacup (Tea by the Sea Mysteries)

Murder in a Teacup by Vicki Delany is the 2nd A Tea by the Sea Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you have not had time to indulge in Tea & Treachery. Everything a new reader needs to know is included. The author provides beautiful descriptions of North Augusta, Massachusetts where Lily's grandmother, Rose runs Victoria-on-Sea Bed and Breakfast and Lily Roberts has her cozy teashop, Tea by the Sea. Rose has her friend, Sandra visiting from Iowa along with her family. Her granddaughter, Heather is footing the bill for the family reunion. Their bickering and backbiting is fraying the staff's nerves. Lily is happy she has her cottage to retreat to at the end of the day. Unfortunately, one of the family members end up dead from poisoning casting suspicion on Lily and her staff. Lily wonders which one of the family members committed the evil deed. She intends to find out since another death has once again closed down her tea shop. I found Murder in a Teacup easy to read with a fun cast of characters. I love Lily's grandmother, Rose. She is a classy lady. I also like Lily who is an excellent baker and her cute dog, Éclair. There are some good secondary characters that include Simon, the English gardener, and Matt, the new neighbor. I am not as enamored with Lily's friend, Bernie. I find her flighty and annoying. The mystery was straightforward. There was a family of suspects along with misdirection. A piece of information early in the book provided me with the killer's identity. It also helped me guess some secrets that would be revealed at the end of the book. I wish the whodunit had been more of a challenge (I love a good puzzle). There are mouthwatering descriptions of Lily's baked goods that includes orange zest scones. I like learning about the various types of tea, foods served at teatime, and the different types of tea pots. I loved the description of Lily's special china she received when she was eighteen. There are recipes at the end of the book for the tempting teats featured in the book. I enjoyed reading this lighthearted cozy mystery set by the sea. Murder in a Teacup is a cute Cape Cod cozy with bickering brethren, delectable delights, a gifted gardener, a bespoke brew, a cat conundrum, and a malicious murder.