Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

Daisy finds herself up to her neck in cream and death in Murder with Clotted Cream, the fifth book in the charming Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery Series.  With lots of emphasis on family, it is sure to please series’ fans who have come to love the characters and readers who enjoy a culinary theme.

Former actress Margaret Vaughn has returned to her hometown with her rich husband with aspirations of opening a community theater.  Relations are tense among the cast and crew of the premier production, but Daisy convinces Margaret to continue with her planned afternoon tea with hopes of bringing everyone closer together.  When Daisy discovers Margaret in the pantry stabbed and covered in clotted cream, she has no desire to get involved with the investigation.  After all, her last inquiry left her with symptoms of PTSD, and she has a new grandbaby on whom to dote.  However, people and circumstances keep pulling her in, and she cannot help but want to uncover the secrets of Margaret’s past and unmask a killer.

There are plenty of suspects to consider and information to ferret out.  They mystery is well plotted and executed, but it takes a back seat to everything going on with Daisy and her family.  The story is not balanced, and the mystery suffers a bit in my opinion.  This is not to say that I do not enjoy Daisy’s personal life because I do.  The characters make the series, and the author deals with some difficult subjects with a deft hand.  The realities of adoption, PTSD, and post partum depression are handled with respect and care.  I vacillated between the suspects, and the killer’s identity did not become clear until the very last moment.

As always, there is a lot of emphasis on food and all things tea, and I greatly enjoy the tea shop theme.  The genteel act of taking afternoon tea mimics the pace and atmosphere of the book.  In an ever busy world, there should always be time for a cup of tea and scone, right?

I liked Murder with Clotted Cream.  It is full of emotion with family the focus and heart of the story.  It has all of the elements that cozy fans seek out in a good read.  

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

As Thanksgiving approaches, Daisy Swanson is eagerly anticipating the birth of her first grandchild. Since she doesn’t want to stress out the expectant mom, her oldest daughter Violet, she’s keeping busy with work at her tea garden in Pennsylvania’s Amish country. While tourist season is coming to a close, Daisy has plans to keep her business in the black with special events and catering jobs, such as a tea for Margaret Vaughn, local girl made good. 

Margaret long ago left behind her Mennonite upbringing to become an actress in New York City. Decades later, she’s returned, having married wealthy local businessman Rowan Vaughn. They recently established a theater in Willow Creek, and Margaret is set to direct its debut play, Christmas In The North Woods, written by a friend from the city. Unfortunately, tensions are running high on set as cast and crew seem to disagree over nearly every aspect of production. In an effort to smooth things over, Margaret arranges to host a tea catered by Daisy, to give her co-workers time to get to know one another better outside the theater and hopefully lessen some of the strife.

Everything seems to be going to plan till the last course, when most of the guests leave the table for a myriad number of reasons, delaying service. Daisy is chagrined until she walks into the butler’s pantry and finds Margaret on the floor, stabbed in the chest and quite dead. When the cops arrive, friendly Detective Morris Rappaport and less friendly Detective Zeke Willet advise her to stay out of the case, and for once Daisy is more than happy to oblige. But when Margaret’s family comes asking for her help, Daisy doesn’t know how to turn them down. Family has always been the most important thing to her, so how can she say no to that kind of desperate plea?

Even more gripping than the murder mystery here, I thought, was the excellent, sensitive portrayal of different, often difficult mother-daughter dynamics. Series fans will know that Daisy’s relationship with her mother Rose has long been fraught, as Daisy often feels that their main interactions come in the form of harsh criticisms from her mother. Now with her own daughter entering motherhood and unexpectedly experiencing some of the less pleasant side effects of giving birth, Daisy must come face-to-face with her own upbringing as well as the secrets Rose has been keeping from her. Meanwhile, her younger daughter Jazzi is struggling to find acceptance with her birth mother’s family after finally connecting with them. Most shockingly, we discover why Zeke hates Daisy’s boyfriend so much! There is a lot going on in this latest installment of the series, and I was absolutely absorbed in all the emotional nuances.

As with all culinary cozies, this novel included several recipes. While I was very tempted to try out the one for beef and lentil soup, I figured it’s time for a sweet treat after the run of savories we’ve had for this column:

QUOTE
Apple Gingerbread

1 cup sour cream
¾ cup dark brown sugar
⅓ cup dark Karo syrup
¼ cup water
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 ½ cups flour
2 cups diced apples

Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans (unless they are nonstick.)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In mixer, beat sour cream, brown sugar, and Karo syrup. Add water. Beat in eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ginger. Mix in flour little by little until batter is smooth. Stir in apples and pour evenly into both cake pans. 

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick poked into the center of each cake comes out clean. Serve with a dollop of clotted or whipped cream.
END QUOTE

Oh gosh, I honestly don’t even know how I function without my lovely assistant Karin sometimes, as I can 100% guarantee she would have noticed in a timely fashion that I was supposed to pour the batter into cake pans and not loaf tins, as I accidentally did here. Fortunately, the gingerbread came out at a perfectly acceptable texture, so I don’t think I ruined the dish by baking them that way. This is definitely less sweet than most gingerbread recipes though, so the serving note about adding cream is less optional than recommended, in my opinion. I’ve found that a hot cup of tea also helps bring out the bread’s subtle flavors, making each slice a perfect tea time treat

Next week, we head south to my neck of the woods to bake a different kind of loaf while cracking codes and cases. Do join me!

I love being back at Daisy’s Tea Garden where tea is elegant, treats tasty, and family comes first! Willow Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania is a great location that includes local, hand-crafted living items, cooking, and values. The characters are well-defined and grow through the seasons of their lives. This season includes a women’s health challenge approached with tenderness and dignity. I love Daisy, her family and friends and their concern for others. Daisy doesn’t want to be involved in investigating the recent challenging murder, yet events kept drawing her in.

Daisy and her teenage daughters moved to Willow Creek, where she grew up, after her husband passed. Daisy and her mother’s sister, Aunt Iris, co-own Daisy’s Tea Garden, which is successful with locals and tourists alike. Along with elegant afternoon tea service and catering, their menu includes many blends of tea, sandwiches, fresh soups, and pastries. Jazzi, her sixteen-year-old daughter, is going to visit her birth mother and her family, and older daughter Vi and husband Foster are soon to be first-time parents. Family relationships are explored, and Daisy wants to improve communication with her mom and sister.

Daisy is catering a tea at the home of Margaret, a woman who left the area years ago to pursue an acting career. She married a wealthy developer and returned to Willow Creek.  She is producing the opening play written by a former actress turned playwright, at the Little Theater her husband built for her. The tea is attended by a few of those involved with the production, including Glenda, the playwright, and a New York City duo who travel to do stage management and lighting. Daisy went to the pantry while the guests take a brief break to find Margaret on the floor, murdered, with clotted cream poured over her.

Rowan, Margaret’s husband, wants Daisy to find who killed his wife, as he heard about what she has done in the past. Daisy’s plate is full with the tea garden, family, and Jonas, her beau. She still suffers from PTSD after coming too close to a killer in recent months and doesn’t want to get involved again for the sake of her loved ones.

It is mid-November, time for Thanksgiving and celebrating family and friends. As Daisy chooses tasks most suited for the season, her curiosity also keeps her questioning what happened to Margaret. The police are narrowing their search, with her husband in focus. An ‘accident’ occurred at the theater, and a ‘prank’ with her baking supplies shows someone is feeling threatened. One by one, the people Daisy sees as most suspect are eliminated, but she has no idea who the police are looking at. I was unable to pick whodunit, or even why. I was quite surprised to see who the killer really was, and relieved with the final resolution to the mystery. All loose ends were tied up, and I am looking forward to the next in series. The recipes look fabulous, especially the gingerbread! The only thing that I was disappointed with is bringing up whether Daisy and Jonas are sleeping together, or at least in those terms, TMI in a cozy, and just my own opinion. I highly recommend this novel and series to those who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries with tea, family situations, and delightful recipes! 

From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

This is the 5th book in this beloved series by cozy author Karen Rose Smith. I adore this series and have read the previous books in the series. This can be read as a stand alone however every reader will enjoy learning this series from the beginning.  This is a charming series that is like returning to warm hugs from those you love.  Daisy’s Tea Garden in Pennsylvania’s Amish country is a delightful place to visit.  The setting , charcters and sleuth is so well crafted I read it cover to cover  .  The descriptions of the food , the tea and the tea garden are heavenly.  The clotted cream is divine.  The receipes are those you will enjoy for years. Thank you to the author for including such wonderful receipes. 
Thank you to the author, to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own. 

Daisy is preparing for her first granddaughters birth and organizing a elaborate  high tea luncheon for a local actress who has returned to town .  Her adopted daughter is preparing for a stressful first visit with her Birth mother and Daisy is helping her prepare.  Daisy has a nice relationship with Jonah that is progressing and does not detract from her other endeavors.  Daisy is a favorite protagonist of mine as she is caring about people, hard working and a very savvy sleuth.   She cares deeply about her family and friends and in every book she works to make their lives better with kindness . 

 The client Margaret proves to be difficult for Daisy and is indecisive about the event that is for a local theater group.  Margaret has a reputation for being a diva.  Daisy convinces her to go forward and when the tea commences Daisy and staff witness much distention among the various attendees and Margaret.  Daisy finds Margaret dead  in a shocking crime during the luncheon. ( I love this line " I will never be able to use Clotted Cream  again") .  I leave that to your imagination !    Daisy is determined to find out what happened once she recovers from the shocking crime. She enlists the help of Jonah and her friends to help her construct the clues.  With Daisy on the case assisting the local police and making inquires many red herrings come to light about the victim and possible suspects that are many. 

The writing is so well crafted this is my favorite of the series. I found myself re reading scenes they are so well done. This is the perfect next in series with a lovely blend of Daisy's  family we have come to know , drama and mystery to please every avid cozy reader. Spending time with this series is like being with old friends .  I look forward to the next in this delightful series.

Daisy's latest catering job has put her in the middle of another murder investigation. She found the body of Margaret Vaughn, who left Willow Creek years ago to become an actress. Now she and her wealthy husband are back and to show his love he built Margaret a theater where she can stage plays for the town to enjoy. Why would someone murder her? Daisy is wary of becoming involved. Her last case almost ended her life but Daisy's heart tells her she needs to help find the culprit. I admire her strong values and her character. She's always there to support her family. Her advice is practical and well thought out. Her daughters know they can come to her for advice. Her romance with Jonas is progressing nicely. The former policeman is there to support and encourage her. I liked that. Unfortunate family matters, the tea room and murder are a heavy load for Daisy to juggle. Karen Rose Smith has a writing style that pulls me in. I like the characters and find it easy to relate to them. The mystery is well written and interesting but it doesn't obscure Daisy's personal life which is good. I want to know the real woman. I hated to see Jonas suffering. He never expected his world to be upended as it was. I hope that he can put his past in perspective. This series keeps getting stronger. I'm anxious to see what happens next in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series.

Daisy and her Aunt Iris own Daisy’s Tea Garden in rural Willow’s Creek, Pennsylvania. They do catering jobs on the side. Little do they know that, instead of Apple Gingerbread, they would soon be serving up Murder with Clotted Cream.

Former actress Margaret has returned to her home town with her millionaire husband and started a theater. The local artists and crew resent their NYC co-workers. The playwright is incensed with Margaret taking full control as the Director of the play. Margaret hires Daisy to provide a high tea to encourage teamwork among her staff. The tea is running well until Margaret is found dead, covered in clotted cream.

Daisy gets pulled in, along with her ex-detective boyfriend, to help with the investigation. Daisy already has her hands full with family issues from birth mama drama to post-natal depression to PTSD. And don’t forget running her tea shop and catering business. I’m exhausted just thinking about all of it! Exhausted and entertained!

This is my first foray into Daisy’s hectic life. And there are a lot of plots within Murder with Clotted Cream. It probably would have been easier to start with book one. However, this book can be read as a standalone too. For this book alone, 4 stars!

Thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is such a delicious cozy mystery. The setting of the delightful tea shop and the engaging characters draw you in. The mystery keeps you guessing. I like the fact that Daisy doesn't do crazy things or put herself in danger. She methodically and carefully works on the mystery at hand while the story line deals with real life issues like the baby blues. I always enjoy the sense of family that is in all of Karen Rose Smith's books. Look forward to each and every book in this series.

I am loving this series. These characters are like people I know. In this story along with the mystery, we see Vi dealing with the pains of motherhood and learning what can be done to help with the diagnosis of postpartum depression. We also get to be with Jazzi as she deals with wanting acceptance from her “other” family. And just when things seem to be going full speed ahead for Daisy and Jonas and then bam. This is all going on while we are still trying to find out what happened to poor Margaret. Great storyline and wonderful characters. I can’t wait to go to Willow Creek again and hang out with these folks. I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, but my opinion is my own. You’ll also get some yummy recipes too.

Murder With Clotted Cream by Karen Rose Smith is a cozy mystery that began as a rather ordinary example of the genre but somehow morphed into an absolutely wonderful story, full of real people with real problems and of course, a murder. Daisy Swanson is the co-owner, along with her aunt, of Daisy's Tea Garden, in Willow Creek, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Not Amish, but pretty conservative. Their business was thriving during tourist season but Daisy was constantly looking for ways to bring the locals in during the off-season. One of these was by catering an off-site tea party for the cast and crew of a local little theatre, owned and operated by Margaret Vaughn, a former New York City actress, originally from Willow Creek. It had been on-again, off-again, and finally they day had arrived. Everyone was enjoying themselves until Daisy went to the butler's pantry to retrieve her list and discovered...a body.

This terrific little book addressed some real-life issues (beyond murder) like post-partum delivery, out-of-wedlock pregnancy, birth parents (and their current spouses) getting to know the child that had been given up for adoption, and spousal cheating. The characters, both primary and secondary, were well written and multi-dimensional. Kudos to Smith for that major accomplishment! While the murder investigation progressed, the reader got to know the deceased, as well as many of those around her, exceptionally well, and began to understand how difficult it was to narrow the suspect list down. The mystery was decent; the investigation good. Cozies are, by definition, character-driven, and this, as mentioned, was no exception. I loved it. I recommend it. 

I received a free ARC of Murder With Clotted Cream from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley  #murderwithclottedcream

Daisy Swanson runs Daisy's Tea Garden with her aunt Iris in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania.  They are expanding their business by doing catering jobs.  Their latest client is actress Margaret Vaughn who wants them to cater an afternoon tea for her theater group.  The tea seems to be going well until Daisy finds Margaret dead in the pantry.  Now, with the help of her ex-policeman boyfriend Jonas, Daisy finds herself once again drawn into the investigation.  The subplots involving Daisy becoming a grandmother and her daughter dealing with post-partum depression are well portrayed.

This was another enjoyable entry in the Daisy's Tea Garden mystery series.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and Kensington Books with no requirements for a review.  I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

In this next book of the series Daisy has been bored to do an afternoon tea for the local theater group run by Margaret Vaughn.  Margaret was a local girl at.one time but she hated the simple life and ran off to bigger and better things.  She has finally returned home and with the help of her multimillionaire husband opened up her own theater.  On the day of the tea Daisy sensed tension among the group, the tea was suppose to help bring the actors together but it doesn't look like it is actually helping much.  When Daisy goes to get the items she needs to setup the next course she finds the hostess dead.  Who would have wanted to kill Margaret and why?  Even though she went through a bad experience with her last investigation she can't help but stick her nose into this one.  There are plenty of people to look at; there are the actors in her upcoming play, her sister who she hadn't seen in years before moving back, there is even her husband who could be tired of shelling out money for everything.  Meanwhile Daisy's daughter has had her baby and seems to be having problems.  Follow along as Daisy deals with everyday life, her daughter and new grandhcild, and an investigation that she feels she must help solve!

I was looking for a book by an author whose name is similar when Murder with Clotted Cream by Karen Rose Smith came up in the search results. I can't easily say no to a cozy mystery, so even though I haven't read the first 4 books in the series I went ahead and gave it a try.

It might have been better if I had read the first books. Not because it felt like there were any important plot points that carried through, but because I didn't feel a connection with the characters. I also might not have connected to the characters because there weren't any quirky characters which is usually a hallmark of the cozy mystery genre.

Murder with Clotted Cream reminded me a bit of Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen series, which I happen to be listening to as an audiobook. Even the main character's name Daisy Swenson is similar. So it might be that I'm getting genre fatigue, but the story didn't really do much for me either. 

It was a good story with good characters - I liked the character interactions, particularly a scene towards the end between Daisy and her mother. However, there wasn't anything spectacular about the book. I probably won't remember it in a week or so.

Perhaps it was the lack of quirky characters or maybe it was the underlining theme of postpartum depression, but Murder with Clotted Cream felt like a more serious cozy mystery than I usually read. The book would have a great deal of appeal to those wanting a light mystery without the silliness that usually accompanies cozy mysteries.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday, May 26 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2020/05/murder-with-clotted-cream-by-karen-rose.html

I really enjoyed reading this one. I didn't know that it was part of a series. I will definitely go and read the other books in this series. I was hooked from the beginning there were no dull moments in this one. It was very well written and I loved the twist through out the book. The author did an awesome job on this one. Looking forward to reading more from this author. If you enjoy cozy mysteries you will love this one.

Murder with Clotted Cream by Karen Rose Smith is the 5th book in a Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery, and another great addition.  Daisy Swanson is a widowed mother of two daughters, and along with her Aunt Iris own Daisy's Tea Garden, in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania.  When a well known actress, Margaret Vaughn, returns to town with her rich husband, she hires Daisy to cater afternoon tea in her home for her theater group.  The tea is going well until Daisy finds Margaret dead in her  pantry.  Daisy is determined to solve the murder with the help of her boyfriend Jonas, who is an ex detective.  I love that Daisy accepts help from Jonas, and does not put herself in dangerous situations. Once I started this book I could not stop reading it. It was a quick read that kept me guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series. I recommend this book for all cozy mystery book lovers, you will not be disappointed.  
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Daisy and her aunt Iris are very excited= they've got a job catering a party for Margaret, a "retired actress" and, oh boy, Daisy's daughter Violet is about to give birth to her first grandchild.  Uhhh, one problem- Margaret is a pain and then she's dead.  Dead and covered with the very clotted cream she picked and picked at Daisy about.  Oh course Margaret annoyed more than one person so Daisy, along with her love interest Jonas, find themselves with a healthy list of suspects.  One of the nicest things about this series- and don't worry if you're new to it- is that Smith puts a good emphasis on the family.  Daisy is a widow and her daughters, Jazzy and Violet are really important to her.  Now Violet's struggling a bit and Daisy does her best to help her.  Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.  A very good read for cozy fans.

Murder with Clotted Cream by Karen Rose Smith is book five in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series. This is the second one I have read and it's already becoming one of my favorites.
Daisy is awaiting to become a grandmother for the first time and has been hired to provide an afternoon tea for an actress, Margaret Vaughn, who has recently moved back to Willow Creek to start a theater. She also brought a few people to assist the opening production.  In between courses at the tea, Daisy finds Margaret's body with her brooch covered with the clotted cream she had ordered. Daisy really doesn't want to get involved in the investigation, but she is again thrown into it.
This story has a perfect mix of the mystery and personal life for Daisy and her family. There are plenty of suspects that have you guessing to the end. There is love of family and friends along with a new baby! You also get some romance and recipes.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.

Another excellent edition to a wonderful series! Full of twists and turns that leaves you wanting more and enjoying each moment until the end when the killer is caught!

This is a series that is continuing to get better.  Daisy's Tea Garden is always a great place to meet friends and try to solve a mystery.  After the hostess of her catering job is found dead, Daisy takes it upon herself to solve the mystery.

It is well-written and nicely paced.  I liked the twists and turns throughout the story.

Murder with Clotted Cream is the fifth book in the Daisy’s Tea Gardern Mystery series by Karen Rose Smith. Daisy has accepted a catering job for a former actress, Margaret Vaugh, that’s moved to town. While prepping for the event she stumbles upon Margaret’s body in the pantry, covered in clotted cream. Daisy joins forces with her boyfriend, Jonas, and Detective Rappaport to help solve the mystery. But Daisy’s a little shell-shocked after her last mystery adventure and there’s plenty of things going on in her personal life that need her attention. Can she help catch a killer or will she give up her sleuthing ways.

This was my first cozy mystery book, ever. Before I accepted the book to read I had to familiarize myself with the genre, and was excited to see how many of my favorite themes are encapsulated in the genre. I’ve always been a fan of shows like Murder She Wrote, small town novels, and amateur sleuths. So, when I got the ARC for Murder with Clotted Cream I was ready to get absorbed in my first cozy mystery. 

I’m happy to say that cozy was exactly how I felt as I read this book. The characters were quirky and interesting, without being too over exaggerated. I enjoyed the sense of community in the tea shop and found myself wishing such a place existed near me. I liked Daisy’s family and her relationship with Jonas and the detective. Her work on the mystery was fun and engaging for me.

I will say that coming into this book, having not read the others, made for a rough start. There were a lot of names and relationships to keep track of, and it took longer than I liked to get everything straight. It would have been better if characters that were not involved in this mystery were given less page time so that I could keep up with who was important to the plot. I also found it distracting that a lot of time was spent on story lines about Daisy’s daughters. These subplots drew me out of the mystery a bit too much, and began to feel more like a family drama than a mystery book. 

Even though Smith tackled some very difficult topics such as depression and PTSD, I enjoyed the book overall. The investigation and mystery had me guessing up until the last moments before the reveal. I liked that even thought this was a murder mystery, the book never felt too dark or gruesome unlike most mysteries I read. I definitely will be picking up more cozy mysteries in general, but specifically I plan to go back and read some of the previous entries in this series. I’d recommend this as an enjoyable read for anyone like me who loves a thrilling mystery wrapped up in a nice layer of small town life.

Lindsey

Review will be posted on blog closer to release date

One of my favorite things about the best cozies is the balance between a well constructed mystery and a deep dive into relationships and personalities. MURDER WITH CLOTTED CREAM does this successfully.  Daisy and her Aunt Iris plan to cater a tea for a hometown success story whi has returned home to establish a community theater. All was going according to plan until the hostess is found dead. While Daisy attemps to stay out of any investigation, she keeps getting drawn into it. Plenty of suspects and I missed picking the true guilty party. Along the way, Daisy deals with issues with both her daughters, her mother and her boyfriend. All are treated sensitively with an awareness of how easily relationships and situations can turn prickly if you aren't careful. Definitely recommended.