This series just gets better and better. Love how the characters have changed and grown, in each book. Start with the first in series for the ultimate reading pleasure!!!

Another good addition to this beloved series.
I was happy to catch up with the well written characters and follow their evolution.
The mystery is solid , full of twists and turns, and kept me guessing.
Can’t wait to read the next installment, highly recommended
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine

When Daisy Swanson, tea garden proprietor, is asked to cater an appreciation tea for the teachers at the local high school, she doesn’t expect to be plunged into a morass of in-fighting, all seemingly revolving around the polarizing figure of Althea Higgins. Althea had been Daisy’s English teacher back in high school, and while Daisy has always respected her former teacher, she finds that time has not changed Althea for the better.

Still, it’s a shock when Daisy finds Althea dead in the school swimming pool. Despite Daisy’s growing rapport with the Willow Creek police department, she’s pretty certain she doesn’t want to be involved with the investigations this time, especially since her youngest daughter Jazzie has invited a house guest to stay for a few weeks. Brielle Horn is Jazzie’s schoolmate, and her parents have the unfortunate habit of not paying her as much attention as they ought to. In addition to playing pseudo-parent to Brielle, Daisy also has her hands full trying to repair the relationship between her boyfriend Jonas Wood and his former best friend Detective Zeke Willet after the shocking revelations of the previous book in the series. But Althea had friends in the community who are just as determined to see her killer brought to justice as the police are, and they know of Daisy’s track record solving murders. Soon, Daisy is investigating in spite of herself, and finding out a lot more than she expected about her strict former teacher who seemed to only grow more rigid with age.

As always, a large part of the charm of the Daisy’s Tea Garden mystery series lies in the fully fleshed out relationships and dramas of the supporting cast, as Karen Rose Smith explores the nuances of small-town family life. In this sixth installment, the emotional heft of the background stories is matched by the intricacies of the murder mystery. Althea had plenty of people who disliked her, for any number of reasons, and finding the one who hated her enough to kill her is going to take all of Daisy and the Willow Creek Police Department’s combined skills.

I really enjoyed catching up with Daisy and crew, and I especially enjoyed perusing the three recipes included at the end. I was very tempted to make the Cabbage And Sausage Soup, but since it has a cream of celery base, I knew my husband would not care for it at all. Instead I opted for yet another baked good, making this the third in a row for the column so far this year. Fortunately, this is another winner:

QUOTE
Blueberry Coffee Cake

¾ cup sugar
¼ cup soft shortening (Crisco)
1 large egg
½ cup plus 1 tablespoon sour cream
2 cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 cups blueberries, washed and drained well
½ cup chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix sugar and shortening. Add egg. Stir in sour cream. Mix in flour, salt, and baking powder. Blend in berries by hand to keep them whole. Pour into a 9-inch round pan. Sprinkle walnuts over batter.

Topping
½ cup dark brown sugar
½ cup flour
¾ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ cup softened butter

Blend all ingredients with fingers. Spread the crumbs over the batter. Bake the coffee cake for 35 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
END QUOTE

This was such a delectable coffee cake, both fluffy and juicy, and with the best crumb topping -- so delicious and so easy to make, too! I skipped the walnuts, as is my wont, but don’t think the cake suffered at all for it. I’m always a sucker for a sour cream cake, and this is one of the best iterations involving fresh fruit I’ve enjoyed in a while.

Next week, we head to the West Coast to whip up more (yes, more!) delicious baked goods while investigating an ice-cold killer. Do join me!

I enjoyed this book immensely as Daisy, the heroine, is a gal who is constantly trying to do the right thing to make a difference in her town, tea shop, and for family and friends. The author, Karen Rose Smith, has an eye for detail and description that made the words jump off the page and into full color illustrations for me. I endorse this cozy mystery as I believe the reader will enjoy unravelling the murder of the town's ancient English teacher with Daisy's help. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for the opportunity to preview this book for my review.

Murder with Oolong Tea is the sixth installment in the Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery series by Karen Rose Smith. Daisy Swanson moved back to her hometown of Willow Creek, Pennsylvania, after the death of her husband. She has two daughters, Jasmine, who is in high school, and Violet, who has recently given birth to her first child and is married to one of Daisy's employees. Daisy co-owns a lovely tea garden with her aunt Iris, and in this installment, is hired to cater an appreciation tea for the teachers at the local high school, when Althea, an English teacher, is found dead in the school swimming pool. Althea was disliked by many of her students and colleagues, but would any of them actually want to kill her? Daisy is determined to find out.

This is a delightful series, with well-developed characters, a sense of community and family, and mouthwatering descriptions of food and teas. Daisy is a warm and genuine protagonist, and I care about her and the people in her life. While this is more of a character-driven series, the mysteries are still very interesting and always keeps me on my toes. Definitely recommend it and of course, I will be back for another visit.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s time for Daisy Swanson to go back to school. Willow Creek High School is having their spring concert and that will be followed get-together for the faculty that is being catered by Daisy’s Tea Garden. Daisy is surprised when one of her former teachers stops by the tea garden to discuss the menu because it had already been finalized, but then Althea Higgins has always been a force to be reckoned with. Students fear her and other teachers steer clear of her but when her dead body is found in the pool in the middle of the get-together no one is more shocked than Daisy. She vows not to get wrapped up in another murder case but several people ask her to get involved so she feels she has no choice. So she takes a dip into the pool of suspects in her attempt to uncover who strangled the life out of Althea Higgins.

Again this author impresses me with her ability to take on issues within her books that inform and pull you deeper into the story for more than just an excellent mystery. Relationships play a huge role in Murder with Oolong Tea. Daisy and Jonas, Jonas and Zeke, Daisy and Zeke, Vi and Foster, Tessa and Trevor, Jazzie and her new friend Brielle, Brielle and her parents, Brielle and her grandmother, Althea, and her grandson, and more. All these characters are well-crafted and strong and their interactions are never dull. There is always something happening at the tea shop, Willow Creek, and the Amish countryside to keep people on their toes.

This story was so well-plotted. Tying all the subplots to the main mystery was not an easy task but Ms. Smith does an incredible job. Equipped with her curious nature and her ability to get people to open up to her Daisy sets up several twists and uncovers some unlikely suspects. The author brings suspense in all the right places. I really enjoyed the way the whole story unfolded. The pace was brisk and I was captivated completely following along with all the clues.

The food described within these pages made my mouth water. Daisy dished up a lot of Blueberry Coffee Cake both at work and at home. Thankfully the recipe is in the back of the book and would work with a variety of fruits.

Murder with Oolong Tea is filled with great characters and a first-rate mystery. It is a wonderful addition to the must-read cozy series. The next installment, Murder with Orange Pekoe Tea will be released on August 24, 2021. I can hardly wait.

I enjoyed each and every page of this book. I think that this is my favorite book so far of this series. I love the character development in this series and the dynamics of the family. I love the cats and the tea references. I look forward to making the recipes in the back of the book. Look forward to more in this series.

Daisy is a lovely caring woman. She wants to do what's right and help others. When Althea Higgins, her former teacher, is murdered, she tries to keep out of the investigation. However, she's drawn in. Will the killer target her next? Since Daisy has a way of finding the truth. I knew she was in danger. I find this series a wonderful combination of mystery, romance and family. The characters are interesting and easy to relate to. Daisy is a widow who has raised her daughters with love but even then problems come up. Daisy and Jonas are in a close relationship but they hit a rough patch. He resents her trying to help him deal with his feelings over the betrayal by his late wife with a friend. He won't even talk with Daisy. I was worried that he would never deal with his feelings. So much is happening in Willow Creek and in Daisy's life. I could see she was overwhelmed. I couldn't stop reading Murder With Oolong Tea. I had to know who killed Althea and make sure Daisy was safe and happy. Karen Rose Smith has a writing style that I enjoy. I can't wait to see what happens next with Daisy. I always enjoy a visit to Pennsylvania's Amish Country.

In this installment of the series, four or five people begged Daisy to solve the murder of her high school English teacher, because, of course, she has solved so many mysteries before. As I've said in previous reviews, Daisy has actually never solved anything, but has only ever managed to find the murderer by getting nearly killed by them in the end. Near the end of this one I thought she had possibly solved this one(!), but as always her clue-following, while actually somewhat impressive in this book, leads only to red herrings. I have no doubt that everyone in Willow Creek thinks Daisy solved the murder, however. Unlike Daisy, I did solve this one, but not with any clues, and only with the logic of what sort of dispensable and not-particularly-suspected character this author always picks to be the murderer.

If all this sounds like a complaint, it isn't really. I haven't been reading this series for clever crime solving, but for something utterly comforting during a stressful time, and this definitely delivered. It's so sweetly wholesome it almost makes my teeth hurt, but there's definitely something about knowing that everything will work out, loving relationships abound, and there will always be tea and cats that makes these books so soothing. If that's what you are looking for, this book delivers!

This is such a great series and I always look forward to the next one. Not only is it intriguing to watch the mystery unfold but also to watch the relationships of the characters. It is a cozy mystery. I always love the history behind Lancaster I receive In the story as well.


**I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for a honest review**

I did not like this book. I did not really like it from the get go but it never got any better as I moved through it.

Daisy owns Daisy's Tea Garden in Amish country. She delights in serving teas, baked goods, salads and soups (which she repeats ad nauseum throughout the book) to tourists and her regulars. When she agrees to serve at the teacher appreciation tea at the high school, she has no idea she will soon be embroiled in a murder investigation.

None of this book surprised me. Gee, the mean character gets murdered and everyone is a suspect because no one liked her. Been done. I realize a lot of cozies have very similar plot lines but I can deal with that if the characters, setting and the surrounding story are interesting. This one was not. I usually like foodie-type mysteries because of the recipes and the atmosphere of the protagonist running a quaint shop but I just did not like any characters in this book, Also, I have not read any of the others in the series and while I don't feel like you need to as you enter this story, some of the backstory provided is a little weird and may make more sense if starting from the beginning.

I will definitely pass on this series.

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

another wonderful book in this series! love the characcters and this story keeps you turning the page! now i must try oolong tea! a must read!

In this sixth book in the 'Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery' series, tearoom owner/amateur sleuth Daisy Swanson investigates the murder of a schoolteacher. The book works fine as a standalone.

*****

When she was left a widow with two teenage daughters, Daisy Swanson moved from Florida to her hometown of Willow Creek in the Amish region of Pennsylvania. There Daisy and her Aunt Iris run 'Daisy's Tea Garden', a charming eatery that serves soup, salad, sandwiches, pastries, and tea.

Daisy has a lot on her mind besides managing the tearoom. Daisy's daughter Vi and son-in-law Foster need advice about their finances and help with their 4-month-old baby Sammy; Daisy's 16-year-old daughter Jazzi asks permission for a classmate named Brielle - a rebellious girl with a nose ring, piercings, and tattoos - to stay over for two weeks, while Brielle's parents are traveling; and Daisy's boyfriend Jonas, a custom wood craftsman, is suffering from a friend's betrayal. In addition, Daisy is planning a children's tea AND an event for the local high school.

Willow Creek High School is organizing a student concert followed by a teacher appreciation tea, and Daisy has been hired to cater the party. To go over the menu, Daisy meets guidance counselor Stella Cotton and principal Megan Pratt in Willow Creek High School's teachers' lounge, which is filled with faculty and staff.

While Daisy, Stella, and Megan are discussing the refreshments for the appreciation tea, sixtyish English teacher Althea Higgins - who taught Daisy in her old high school days - makes loud unkind remarks about a newly hired instructor called Claudia Moore.

Later, Althea comes to Daisy's Tea Garden and confronts Daisy because no one asked her opinion about the appreciation tea. Althea wants gluten-free choices as well as organic produce. Daisy soon learns that Althea is an opinionated, outspoken, hard-nosed woman who's always complaining about someone or something.

At the appreciation tea, which is held in Willow Creek High School, Althea has a loud confrontation with Claudia, the teacher she dislikes. Afterwards, Althea's body is found in the school pool, strangled with a rope. Claudia is an early suspect for Althea's murder, as is guidance counselor Stella Cotton, who found the body. In actuality, though, there are many possible murderers because Althea angered almost everyone she met.

Daisy has previously solved homicides in Willow Creek, and several people - who fear they or their loved ones might be accused - ask Daisy to look into Althea's murder. Daisy agrees, but emphasizes that the police are the REAL detectives.

Nevertheless, the locals tend to come to Daisy with their observations and evidence, which Daisy inevitably investigates herself, planning to tell the police if things pan out.

In between interviewing people, data mining, searching apartments, making inquiries, and so on, Daisy deals with the issues in her personal life, some of which are very serious. Daisy also serves a lot of oolong tea, blueberry coffee cake, snickerdoodles, scones, cabbage sausage soup, and other goodies to family, friends, customers, and acquaintances.

Daisy is a caring woman who helps others and sticks up for the underdog, especially if someone is unfairly criticized in her presence. Daisy also has a fine support system, including her aunt and mother; the employees at Daisy's Tea Room; friends in Willow Creek; and the town police, who appreciate her assistance.

This is a fine cozy mystery with likable characters, a good plot, and recipes at the end. Highly recommended to fans of the genre.

Thanks to Netgalley, Karen Rose Smith, and Kensington Publishing Corp. for a copy of the book.

Murder With Oolong Tea by Karen Rose Smith is a Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery, the scone of the series I have read, and quite good. Daisy is a widow with two daughters, one a young mother, and the other a teenager. She works hard and she expects them to as well. The older, Vi, had a tussle with post-partum depression but seems to have come out the other end. She and her young husband, Foster, are stilling adjusting to marriage and parenthood but things are looking good. The younger, Jazzi, wants her friend, Brielle, to come and stay with them for a couple of weeks while her attorney parents go to Europe. Daisy is torn, but open. Her relationship with Jonas is good. Generally speaking her life is fine, until the day she is catering a thank you tea for the teachers at the high school and she hears screaming. It turns out it is the counselor trying to pull a dead teacher out of the pool. Things take a definite downturn with that development.

There is so much going on with each of the characters in this novel, just like real life. They all get handled, some of them well. Some get handled with interference, which is seldom helpful. Brielle turns out to be unexpected out come around after interaction with Daisy and Jazzi. Turns out she is looking for attention and getting none. Daisy is so sensible and can read most people really well. She isn't a gossip, which goes a long way toward people trusting her. This is a wonderful series full of real people with real problems just trying to live their loves. The characters are well written and have depth; they grow as time moves on. Smith writes endearing characters with real-world traits and problems. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read.

I was invited to read a free ARC of Murder With Oolong Tea by Netgalley. All opinions contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #murderwithoolongtea

Murder with Oolong Tea is the 6th in the charming Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery Series by Karen Rose Smith. I love returning to this series with wonderful charcters that feel like old friends. The receipes included are divine . This next in series is my favorite of the series with a well crafted sleuth that kept me guessing to conclusion.

Daisy is hosting a tea for a teacher appreciation event. One of her own previous teachers is attending who is contentious and difficult for everyone to get alone with. She has already had words with Daisy over her complaints about the menu. . When she is found murdered Daisy is on the case and soon clues abound of possible suspects.

I love the charcter of Daisy and her morals that she lives by. She is kind, helpful and someone we would all want to be friends with. She is savvy about solving crimes and finding clues . She works kindly with the local law enforcement. Her relationship with Jonas took a turn in this book that is promising for the future by the end. I loved how Daisy took in a neglected teen and mentored her in this book as well as cared for her own children , her new Grandson and runs the lovely tea garden . All the characters are old dear friends to readers and featured here as well as a lovely new feisty Grandmother I hope to see regularly in future books . A delightful read that i enjoyed and look forward to the next in series. This is one of my top 3 favorite cozies of 2020 ! Much gratitude to the author for continuing this wonderful series that we all adore.

I had a wonderful time visiting Daisy's Tea Garden. The descriptions of the place and the town were quite vivid. I could really picture myself being there. I enjoyed meeting Daisy and all the different characters and thought the mystery was interesting and well-written. I'll have to check out the other books in the series.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

I love this series. I look forward to reconnecting with the characters each time a new installment is released. This is the 6th book and I must say, Karen keeps my interest because the characters she creates are interesting, relatable and the plot is always strong. The dynamic between Daisy and Jazzy could be any mother/daughter relationship. It’s enjoyable to watch both of these characters grow and develop.

That said, this book seems very different to me. There is so much happening in each chapter with all the scene changes denoted by *** make me feel like too much is being crammed in. Also, this book seems to be written in a very obvious manner to say to the reader “you should consider this person is a suspect” vs a more subtle description of circumstances that should lead the reader to earmark that person as a suspect or simply a red herring.

The end was pretty exciting and overall I enjoyed the book. Karen really takes time with her characters and allows them develop and work through flaws and fully experience loss and joy. It’s powerful, in a way.

I know that there is a 7th book slated for September 2021, Murder with Orange Peoke Tea, but I wonder if this series could be coming to an end in the next year after.

I love this series. Daisy has her hands full in this story. She not only has special events, a murder to help solve, a houseguest, but also tries to help Jonas renew a friendship. That’s enough to keep anyone busy. She shows time and time again just how big her heart is and what a wonderful person she is. The storyline is wonderful as are the characters. I truly hope some of the friends I met in this story will be around for a long time. I can’t wait to hang with everyone again and see what adventures they get into. I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

It is a delight to visit Daisy’s Tea Garden in Willow Creek, Lancaster County, PA! Sixth in the series, it is a welcome addition. The characters are like old friends and are defined well through realistic dialog and actions. Picturesque descriptions invited me into each scene, and the mystery kept me guessing. Some relationships are challenged and stretched while some grow and flourish.

Daisy and her teenage daughters moved to her hometown about three years ago. Daisy and her aunt Iris own Daisy’s Tea Garden, a full-service tea house that serves various teas, soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. They offer full afternoon tea, either in the special tearoom or catered to a customer’s location.

Daisy is going to cater a tea for the high school in appreciation of the teachers. Daisy saw the English teacher she had in high school, Althea Higgins, when planning the tea with Stacy, the counselor. Althea is planning for her retirement for the following year. Mrs. Higgins was liked by very few folks, whether students or fellow teachers. She could be strict, even overbearing, and many students were afraid of her. At the next school board meeting, the topic of students wearing uniforms is on the agenda. Althea wants students to wear uniforms as she believes when students wear good clothes, they think better about themselves and tend to apply themselves more.

On the day of the tea, several of Daisy’s employees came to help serve. All was going well until Althea and a teacher she didn’t approve of had words at their table. Both women left the table. Not long afterwards Daisy was in the hallway and heard a scream. Arriving where the swimming pool is, she saw Stella, the counselor, leaning into the pool, trying to drag Althea out of the water, but it was too late. The person who wrapped the pool lane ropes around her neck made sure of that.

Daisy has helped solve murders in the past, particularly the time she was a suspect, and another when Aunt Iris was a suspect. She has no plan of getting involved this time. The Tea Garden is busy as tourist season gears up. Her older daughter, Vi, has four-month-old Sammy, and she loves spending time with them. Her younger daughter, Jazzi, is having a friend from school spend a couple weeks with them, and her birth mother will be there for a visit.

Against her best intentions, Daisy became involved in the process of gathering information from those who knew Althea, due to her friendship with one of the suspects. One of her employees has a personal interest and was willing to help with the process.

I enjoyed catching up with Daisy and her family; there is always something going on with her daughters, boyfriend, and other family members. I also enjoyed the special entertainment for one of the events at the tea garden and reading about the oolong tea and blueberry coffee cake that are highlights. The mystery kept this armchair sleuth busy trying to determine whodunit. Unfortunately, I had considered – and rejected – the real bad guy, so well are the clues planted toward other people. The resolution was satisfactory, with no outstanding items. I highly recommend this to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries, tea and food pairings, family relationships, and sweet romance.

From a thankful heart: I received a review copy from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Murder with Oolong Tea by Karen Rose Smith
(A Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery Book 6)
In Pennsylvania's Amish country, Daisy Swanson finds herself going back to school expecting to serve tea--only to get a crash course in criminal justice . . .
The faculty of Willow Creek High School are having a get-together after the spring concert with refreshments provided, courtesy of Daisy's Tea Garden. Oolong tea and chocolate biscuits are just what the staff needs to help them unwind from Althea Higgins' demanding curriculum. Her lessons on such controversial subjects as school uniforms and underqualified substitute teachers are earning her an F from her colleagues.
But a failing grade was preferable to Althea falling victim to foul play. Daisy was there when her body was discovered in the school swimming pool, murdered by strangulation. Althea was certainly a strict, opinionated taskmaster, unliked by both teachers and students, but would any of them actually want to kill her? As Daisy starts asking questions, she gets a real education in Althea's history, discovering more than enough enemies with more than enough motives to cancel her classes permanently . . .
Includes delicious recipes
This is Daisy Swanson and Jonas's story.
This is Althea's story.
This is Daisy’s friends and family's story.
“Claudia never should have been hired,” Althea Higgins proclaimed loudly enough for everyone in the teachers’ lounge to hear.
Daisy Swanson, who was consulting with the principal of Willow Creek High School along with the guidance counselor, listened in spite of herself. Mrs. Higgins had been one of her English teachers when she’d been in high school. Daisy particularly remembered Mrs. Higgins’s love of Shakespeare.
The older teacher, who Daisy gauged to be around sixty, wore her gray hair in a long ponytail that trailed down her back. With her high-necked white blouse and her midi-length tan skirt, she looked like a schoolmarm from olden days except . . . she more resembled an unhappy schoolmarm with her mouth pursed as if she’d tasted rhubarb and didn’t like it.
Daisy hurried out the door from the all-purpose room and hurried past the pool and other meeting rooms to the outside door and her van. She opened the door of the vehicle and climbed inside. The thermometer in the refrigeration unit said the temperature was on point. Relieved, she removed the mini tarts in their pastry boxes, closed the door to the van, and carried the boxes inside. As March in Pennsylvania was wont to do, the day had begun with a cold chill and it hadn’t dissipated. Wind blew across the portico leading to the inside of the building and Daisy shivered. She hadn’t bothered with her jacket to run in and out.
However, as she reentered the building, she heard a piercing scream that sent a frisson of fear up her spine. The sound had come from the pool.
Daisy dropped the boxes of tarts and ran for the double doors leading into the pool area. The frosted glass revealed nothing.
I recommend reading.
Murder with Oolong Tea by Karen Rose Smith is a wonderful well written 5 star book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Karen Rose Smith.
I read a complimentary Advanced Reader Copy of this book.