A review by coffeedragon
The Demon in the Teahouse by Dorothy Hoobler

3.0

Compared to the first book, I felt that this story was lacking.

We got to see Seikei solve another mystery but it wasn't as exciting as the first case. I didn't really get to interact with the antagonist which was rather sad since I wanted to know more. The reason for the killings/fires was explained at the end but even then I felt dissatisfied. The characters felt too distant. They were introduced and then taken away, only to reappear once more for some important event.

For example:

Spoiler

The nephew at the beginning. We 'meet' him when the tea house owner kicks him out, we don't even get a description from him so I think, probably not important anyways. Later he starts a fire and then he suddenly has some important information that may lead to the solution of the demon case? Only to then be taken away once more. Did he get punished for starting that fire? Or was he pardoned because he had some information? Did he go back and get his job back? etc.

Other 'problems' I had with the book included how dull even the main character was and that it didn't set the stage correctly, I felt no danger, no urgency in the case. If people are dying, shouldn't there be a more tense atmosphere?

While I did have all these issues I do have to say it was an okay read and a quick one at that, which is why I gave it a 3/5, otherwise I'd probably give it a 1.

Perhaps the next book will be better?