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kimdavishb's review
5.0
ANOTHER ONE BITES THE CRUST by H. Y. Hanna is the highly anticipated seventh book in her Oxford Tearoom Mystery series and it lived up to my expectations! This delightful cozy series features protagonist Gemma Rose, the owner of Little Stables Tearoom in Meadowford-On-Smythe along with her adorable cat, Muesli. Gemma is preparing for the grand summer ball of Oxford’s colleges. The author provides such inviting descriptions of the quaint and charming area, painting a vivid picture of each scene. Attending the ball and providing a special presentation is celebrity chef, Josh McDermott. While the general female viewing population adores him, Gemma finds he has a dark side when his manager accuses her of stealing the chef’s Egg Custard Tart recipe. But when Gemma stumbles across Josh who had been murdered at the ball, she’s pulled into the investigation. The plot is well-written with a good pace while the sub-plots are judiciously woven in, never detracting from the murder mystery. One of the sub-plots revolves around Gemma finally meeting Detective Inspector Devlin O’Connor’s (her boyfriend) mother. His mother is nothing like Gemma’s strict, straight-laced mother, and Ms. Hanna uses their interaction for added humor to the story.
Gemma’s friends, the four Old Biddies, decide they need to jump into the investigation as well, and it’s all Gemma can do to keep them out of trouble. This creates more humorous scenes that add to the appeal of this book. The four older ladies are quite the characters and in addition to their sleuthing take it upon themselves to provide an influx of crocheted doilies for Gemma’s tearoom, along with a pair of crocheted lace doily earrings for her to wear. I can imagine the look of disbelief on Gemma’s face when presented with the gifts. Yet, Gemma has a kind heart and would never say anything to hurt their feelings. Her compassionate personality also shows up when Muesli is cat-napped and Gemma comes up with a heartwarming solution. I also admire the author for bringing to the forefront the issue of feral cats and some of the ways to humanely control their population and provide care for them.
Gemma’s baker provides many lovely tea time treats for the tearoom that will make you drool as you read. Fortunately, the author has included a recipe for the classic English Egg Custard Tart that is central to the plot.
Gemma’s friends, the four Old Biddies, decide they need to jump into the investigation as well, and it’s all Gemma can do to keep them out of trouble. This creates more humorous scenes that add to the appeal of this book. The four older ladies are quite the characters and in addition to their sleuthing take it upon themselves to provide an influx of crocheted doilies for Gemma’s tearoom, along with a pair of crocheted lace doily earrings for her to wear. I can imagine the look of disbelief on Gemma’s face when presented with the gifts. Yet, Gemma has a kind heart and would never say anything to hurt their feelings. Her compassionate personality also shows up when Muesli is cat-napped and Gemma comes up with a heartwarming solution. I also admire the author for bringing to the forefront the issue of feral cats and some of the ways to humanely control their population and provide care for them.
Gemma’s baker provides many lovely tea time treats for the tearoom that will make you drool as you read. Fortunately, the author has included a recipe for the classic English Egg Custard Tart that is central to the plot.
lisakimmence3's review
5.0
I'm giving this a 5 because I'm so in love with this series and am sad that I'm getting closer to the end of it. Love Gemma Rose and the old biddies. This is my favorite cozy mystery series by far!
katy82's review
4.0
Not my favorite of the series. The reason for the murder made no sense to me. Also - I could have done without the drama of the cat. Still, loved spending time with the folks from the Oxford Tea Room.
madlain's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
lolasreviews's review
4.0
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed this book.
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I happily started reading this. Another One Bites the Crust is a great seventh book in this series. There's a new murder mystery, more from the already familiar characters and a bunch of fun side plot lines. This book was so much fun and it felt like I flew through it. I really enjoyed it!
The mystery was a good one. From the start I was so sure I knew who the murderer was and then it turned out I was wrong. It was a great twist to find out who the murderer was and it all fell nicely on it's place. There was a hint we got earlier book and it was obvious it was a clue, but for a long time the main character and I both couldn't figure out the relevance of it. And then when we find out who the murderer was it all makes sense. It was great!
Besides the mystery, there is a bunch of side plot lines going on. Devlin's mother is visiting and meeting Gemma for the first time, Gemma's mother is trying to set her daughter up with some new products, there is a lady who tries to catnap Muesli and then there are the characters and possible suspects we meet that are play part of the mystery. I like how there is always something new going on in these books and they keep my attention with a great mystery and fun side plot lines.
I liked returning to Oxford and spending time with Gemma, her friends and family. We get to see the Old Biddies again, who try to help solve the murderer and even Cassie gets involved this time. I liked seeing how Gemma handled the meeting with Devlin's mom. There are some funny scenes throughout the book as well. Although it did bother me a bit that Gemma lied to Devlin twice.
Everything got wrapped up nicely toward the end and I really liked the epilogue and how one of the side plot lines got resolved exactly as I hoped. It was such an awesome scene and I was happy to see what happened.
To summarize: HY Hanna has written another great book! This seventh book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series is another success. I had fun trying to figure out who the murderer was and from the start I was so sure I knew who the murderer was. But there was a great twist and it turned out my guess was wrong, but once the murderer was revealed I did realize we got some hints in that direction. It was very well done. There is a bunch of fun side plot lines and it's great to spend some time with these familiar characters again and meet some new ones. All in all this was a great cozy mystery and I am already looking forward to the next book!
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I happily started reading this. Another One Bites the Crust is a great seventh book in this series. There's a new murder mystery, more from the already familiar characters and a bunch of fun side plot lines. This book was so much fun and it felt like I flew through it. I really enjoyed it!
The mystery was a good one. From the start I was so sure I knew who the murderer was and then it turned out I was wrong. It was a great twist to find out who the murderer was and it all fell nicely on it's place. There was a hint we got earlier book and it was obvious it was a clue, but for a long time the main character and I both couldn't figure out the relevance of it. And then when we find out who the murderer was it all makes sense. It was great!
Besides the mystery, there is a bunch of side plot lines going on. Devlin's mother is visiting and meeting Gemma for the first time, Gemma's mother is trying to set her daughter up with some new products, there is a lady who tries to catnap Muesli and then there are the characters and possible suspects we meet that are play part of the mystery. I like how there is always something new going on in these books and they keep my attention with a great mystery and fun side plot lines.
I liked returning to Oxford and spending time with Gemma, her friends and family. We get to see the Old Biddies again, who try to help solve the murderer and even Cassie gets involved this time. I liked seeing how Gemma handled the meeting with Devlin's mom. There are some funny scenes throughout the book as well. Although it did bother me a bit that Gemma lied to Devlin twice.
Everything got wrapped up nicely toward the end and I really liked the epilogue and how one of the side plot lines got resolved exactly as I hoped. It was such an awesome scene and I was happy to see what happened.
To summarize: HY Hanna has written another great book! This seventh book in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series is another success. I had fun trying to figure out who the murderer was and from the start I was so sure I knew who the murderer was. But there was a great twist and it turned out my guess was wrong, but once the murderer was revealed I did realize we got some hints in that direction. It was very well done. There is a bunch of fun side plot lines and it's great to spend some time with these familiar characters again and meet some new ones. All in all this was a great cozy mystery and I am already looking forward to the next book!
shaekin's review
4.0
For whatever reason I knew exactly who had done it and why from the beginning of the book, but still enjoyed the journey.
avigail's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Cozy mysteries are something that I enjoy reading. I usually read series in order, but due to a reading challenge, I had to start the book from the seventh book of the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries.
I like our main character and how she solves the crime and helps her boyfriend, the detective in charge. I don't like the nosy Old Biddies, who I understand are keen to help resolve the crime, but how they do it can jeopardize the investigation.
Every time there is a scene with the Old Biddies, I said to myself oh! Here comes the trouble.
The truth is I was surprised who the murderer was; on the other hand, I can understand why that person acted with drastic action.
After reading the seventh book, I want to start with the first of the series and continue. It looks like a good cozy mystery, and the characters are loveable, except sometimes the nosy Old Biddies.
I like our main character and how she solves the crime and helps her boyfriend, the detective in charge. I don't like the nosy Old Biddies, who I understand are keen to help resolve the crime, but how they do it can jeopardize the investigation.
Every time there is a scene with the Old Biddies, I said to myself oh! Here comes the trouble.
The truth is I was surprised who the murderer was; on the other hand, I can understand why that person acted with drastic action.
After reading the seventh book, I want to start with the first of the series and continue. It looks like a good cozy mystery, and the characters are loveable, except sometimes the nosy Old Biddies.
healingtothemax's review
4.0
My new favorite installment in author H.Y. Hanna's ongoing Oxford tearoom cozy series. Why? Spoilers: feral cat lovers who have ever been chosen by one will understand the nail-biting scenes in trapping the savvy tomcat and the rewards in human-feline relationships when it all pays off with a satisfying match-up. Rest of the plot is nicely laid out and baked (in more ways than the main mystery!) throughout the book as our heroine takes on amorous bakers, limelight makers, and Museli-takers. Both main mystery is fun and character relationships across the whole gang (c'mon Cassie, give Seth a looksee!) are solidly developed. Standout additions: the lil ole lady who'll make you cry Mrs. Purdy and the feral tomcat with a discerning eye for bravely foolish sleuths in need of a distraction. Pip pip for the TNR promotion and the continued soft spot for cakes and cats. Now go on and have a bite of Maderia cake, m'luv, with a bowlful of whipped cream for your moggy.
sarahfett's review
4.0
I always enjoy returning to Gemma's tearoom! This is another great mystery in the series and I enjoy the fun cast of characters. While I suggest starting the series from the beginning, you could read this book on it's own and still enjoy it.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
pugmomsbookblog's review
5.0
Another One Bites the Crust (you just sang that, didn’t you?) is the 7th book in the Oxford Tearoom series and it will leave you wanting to read the next!
Gemma and her friends are star struck when they meet some celebrity chefs but the fun is snuffed out when one of them is murdered! The old biddies have a few theories but so do Gemma and her best friend Cassie! Also thrown in is a slight case of cat-napping and you will even meet Devlin’s mom who is…um…quite interesting. I’ll let you come to your own conclusion on that one!
This series is as cozy as they come so there’s no gore or violence! Just lots of enticing dessert descriptions, some kooky characters, and an engaging well-planned mystery!
There are lots of twists and turns throughout so there’s a good chance end up reading this book in one sitting! As they say, bookmarks are for quitters!!
Gemma and her friends are star struck when they meet some celebrity chefs but the fun is snuffed out when one of them is murdered! The old biddies have a few theories but so do Gemma and her best friend Cassie! Also thrown in is a slight case of cat-napping and you will even meet Devlin’s mom who is…um…quite interesting. I’ll let you come to your own conclusion on that one!
This series is as cozy as they come so there’s no gore or violence! Just lots of enticing dessert descriptions, some kooky characters, and an engaging well-planned mystery!
There are lots of twists and turns throughout so there’s a good chance end up reading this book in one sitting! As they say, bookmarks are for quitters!!