Perfect for Lorna Barrett and Jenn McKinlay fans, this festive series debut introduces book-themed tea party organizer Callie Aspen and her lovable Boston terrier
This Christmas, Callie Aspen returns to her childhood hideout Heart's Harbor, Maine where her great aunt runs Book Tea, a vintage tearoom where every sweet treat contains a bookish clue. Upon arrival in the fairy-tale snowy town, Callie is drawn into the preparations for a special tea party at Haywood Hall, the rambling house of Heart's Harbor's oldest resident, rich but lonely widow Dorothea Finster, who invited her estranged relatives, old friends and the elite of the town to make a mysterious announcement about her will.
Believing they can touch a part of her fortune, everybody is determined to come, despite not liking each other or even their hostess. And Callie's old friend Sheila complicates things by using the tea party to announce her daughter's engagement, even though her daughter isn't sure she's in love with the young lawyer her mother thinks so perfect for her.
Catering to people who each have their own agenda isn't easy for the Book Tea crew, especially once the valuable engagement ring goes missing and a dead body turns up in the conservatory. Can Callie and her great aunt use their love of clues to dig into the crimes and show their unhappy hostess and squabbling guests the true Christmas spirit?
This book was just OK for me. The mystery was well done and kept me guessing right up until the end, but none of the characters were particularly likable. Plus, the dialogue came off very stiff and formal at times. This was especially noticeable with the deputy, who came across so wooden and flat personality wise. I enjoyed it enough to finish it, but I doubt I'll be picking up any more books in the series.
