What do you think?
Rate this book
Teapot Collector Mystery #1
Tempest in a Teapot
Tucked away in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York is the charming town of Gracious Grove, where time moves slowly, gossip spreads quickly, and the scones are to die for�
When her fashionable Manhattan restaurant goes under, Sophie Taylor retreats to her grandmother’s cozy shop, Auntie Rose’s Victorian Teahouse, where serenity is steeped to perfection in one of her many antique teapots. The last thing Sophie expects is a bustling calendar of teahouse events, like her old friend Cissy Peterson’s upcoming bridal shower.
Not everyone is pleased with the bride-to-be’s choice of venue—like Cissy’s grandmother, who owns a competing establishment, La Belle Epoque, and has held a long-simmering grudge against Rose for stealing her beau sixty years ago. Tensions reach a boiling point when Cissy’s fiancé’s mother dies while sampling scones at La Belle Epoque. Now, to help her friend, Sophie will have to bag a killer before more of the guest list becomes a hit list�
When her fashionable Manhattan restaurant goes under, Sophie Taylor retreats to her grandmother’s cozy shop, Auntie Rose’s Victorian Teahouse, where serenity is steeped to perfection in one of her many antique teapots. The last thing Sophie expects is a bustling calendar of teahouse events, like her old friend Cissy Peterson’s upcoming bridal shower.
Not everyone is pleased with the bride-to-be’s choice of venue—like Cissy’s grandmother, who owns a competing establishment, La Belle Epoque, and has held a long-simmering grudge against Rose for stealing her beau sixty years ago. Tensions reach a boiling point when Cissy’s fiancé’s mother dies while sampling scones at La Belle Epoque. Now, to help her friend, Sophie will have to bag a killer before more of the guest list becomes a hit list�
304 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 3, 2014
86 people are currently reading
1274 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
October 10, 2014
TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT was a good start for a new series. Amanda Copper a.k.a. Victoria Hamilton provides a delightful setting in Aunt Rose's Victorian Tea House, located in the small town of Gracious Grove, New York. (I was surprise that New York was used as the state due to the adorable tea house and a town named Gracious Grove just screaming to be set in the south) There are times that I wish paperbacks included pictures because I want to see every detail. However, with this story, Ms. Cooper did a great job with firing my imagination enough that my minds eye provided the pictures.
Ms. Cooper has a varied cast of characters for this cozy and I look forward to learning more about them in the next book. The mystery was well done. Not as much sleuthing as in some mysteries, but I was okay with that. I didn't know the killer until the reveal, and then it was glaringly clear to me. >head thwack, because I should have known<
If you like a light cozy (traditional) mystery....are you ready?...I'm going to say it....This one will be your cup of tea! ;-)
Ms. Cooper has a varied cast of characters for this cozy and I look forward to learning more about them in the next book. The mystery was well done. Not as much sleuthing as in some mysteries, but I was okay with that. I didn't know the killer until the reveal, and then it was glaringly clear to me. >head thwack, because I should have known<
If you like a light cozy (traditional) mystery....are you ready?...I'm going to say it....This one will be your cup of tea! ;-)
May 20, 2014
"Tempest in a Teapot" is a cozy mystery. I almost didn't read past the prologue as I wasn't sure I'd like the heroine, but I'm glad I gave it a chance. The characters acted realistically and were more developed than in most cozy mysteries. The heroine was a mature person and someone I enjoyed reading about. I liked that she was logical and thought out all the possibilities rather than just assuming the obvious.
The mystery was a clue-based puzzle mystery. I had some strong suspicions about how everything was connected, but I wasn't sure of exactly whodunit until the big reveal. Not many authors can give enough clues to make things guessable and still keep me uncertain until the end, so excellent job! I look forward to reading more of this author's mysteries.
There was no sex. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this complex mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
The mystery was a clue-based puzzle mystery. I had some strong suspicions about how everything was connected, but I wasn't sure of exactly whodunit until the big reveal. Not many authors can give enough clues to make things guessable and still keep me uncertain until the end, so excellent job! I look forward to reading more of this author's mysteries.
There was no sex. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this complex mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
June 5, 2014
After Sophie Taylor's trendy restaurant closes, she leaves Manhattan in search of a sense of herself, she wants to find it in a sleepy little town called Gracious Grove where Sophie's grandmother runs a tearoom, Auntie Rose's Victorian Tea house, As a child Sophie spend many summers there with her grandmother and soon Sophie gets reacquainted with her childhood friends but she quickly finds out that nothing in Gracious Grove is the same. Sophie finds peace of mind in her grandmothers tea room and she helps her grandmother with running the tearoom and agrees to help with holding her childhood friend, Cissy's bridal shower at the Auntie Roses .
Cissy's grandmother, Thelma who is a rival and holds a grudge against Sophie's grandmother, Rose and also runs a competing tearoom across the street, La Belle Epoque is not happy with Cissy's choice of venue for the bridal shower. With the Cissy's bridal shower in full swing, while feasting on a delicious, hard to resist cucpake, Cissy's mother-in-law, the wealthy Vivienne Whitaker suddenly collapses and dies and it is soon revealed that the cupcake was poisoned and it is declared a murder by the police, Sophie takes it upon herself to help her friend Cissy out to find a murderer before someone else gets steeped.
In this debut series I had to have a tea while reading and you can't help but crave tea while reading, Tempest in a Teapot. A Page turner for all tea lovers, I could not put down, It has deliciously steeped characters. This was one cozy mystery that had me guessing right until the end. I knew I had to read this book when I read the synopsis and I love debut series and cannot turn one down and this one was great with beautiful writing and attention to detail. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next in this charming series.
Cissy's grandmother, Thelma who is a rival and holds a grudge against Sophie's grandmother, Rose and also runs a competing tearoom across the street, La Belle Epoque is not happy with Cissy's choice of venue for the bridal shower. With the Cissy's bridal shower in full swing, while feasting on a delicious, hard to resist cucpake, Cissy's mother-in-law, the wealthy Vivienne Whitaker suddenly collapses and dies and it is soon revealed that the cupcake was poisoned and it is declared a murder by the police, Sophie takes it upon herself to help her friend Cissy out to find a murderer before someone else gets steeped.
In this debut series I had to have a tea while reading and you can't help but crave tea while reading, Tempest in a Teapot. A Page turner for all tea lovers, I could not put down, It has deliciously steeped characters. This was one cozy mystery that had me guessing right until the end. I knew I had to read this book when I read the synopsis and I love debut series and cannot turn one down and this one was great with beautiful writing and attention to detail. I look forward to reading and reviewing the next in this charming series.
December 4, 2014
I was never really able to warm up to this book. I even tried to read it when I had nothing to distract me - like sitting in the least welcoming doctor's office in town - and had to force myself to read the book instead of listen to other people's conversations or look out the window. I had a good feeling about the main character but there was really way too much going on around her and with the second perspective I had a hard time keeping focused on either of the women and how they felt about the murder victim or the possible suspects. In the end I finished the book just to see how it ended not to actually find out who the killer was. And, here is the amazing thing - there were grandmothers in this book, I normally love books with grandmother characters.
Oh well. I won't give up. I had a good vibe about the tea shop and liked that there were a group of teapot collectors who got together. It might have been more fun if that group were the focus? I'm not sure. I am giving this book a sad little two stars but hoping that Amanda Cooper brings us back to this little town again soon. I am hoping for something great in the next book.
Oh well. I won't give up. I had a good vibe about the tea shop and liked that there were a group of teapot collectors who got together. It might have been more fun if that group were the focus? I'm not sure. I am giving this book a sad little two stars but hoping that Amanda Cooper brings us back to this little town again soon. I am hoping for something great in the next book.
August 6, 2014
If you know me, passing up a cozy mystery with Tempest In A Teapot as a title would be impossible. I read the first part and most of the ending and skimmed through the rest. Set in the small "dry" town of Gracious Grove in upstate New York where everyone knows everyone's business and more. Gossip is king. Sophie Taylor moves to her grandmother's home and teashop after her restaurant in New York fails. Sophie throws herself into helping her grandmother and getting reacquainted with Gracious Grove where she spent most of her summers. Sophie's friend, Cissy, wants to have her bridal shower at the tearoom, but that doesn't go over very well with Cissy's grandmother who owns a competing establishment across the street (La Belle Epoque). Grump is the best way to describe Cissy's grandmother. Tensions mount when Cissy's mother-in-law dies after eating at La Belle Epoque. To solve the crime, Sophie puts everyone in the same room. This is the first in a new series. Perhaps the next in the series will be "smoother" now that all the characters have been introduced.
May 9, 2019
I really thought this had potential to be a good cozy but it just seemed so wordy to me...and there didnt seem to be too many transitions in terms of time frames. Pretty sure the first 200 pages were in the same day but not really. Not to say the said writing wasnt good, the entries were very well-written and sentences had flow, but it just seemed...err....superfluous?
The switching of perspectives was weird too. Not necessarily faulting this book for that....sometimes it was beneficial to the story ...it just got messy when like 5 more characters were introduced.
The parts I did like: Likable protagonist, several supporting characters were fun, like Nana. I also like that Sophie talks about her emotions/impact from her restaurant closing down in NYC and the reason for her move back. In most cozies I feel like the life-changing event is glossed-over .
Willing to check out the second book but probably wont be in a hurry. Mixed feelings.
THIS COVER IS DEF ONE OF MY FAVES THO - the cat, the teapots, the cupcakes AH
The switching of perspectives was weird too. Not necessarily faulting this book for that....sometimes it was beneficial to the story ...it just got messy when like 5 more characters were introduced.
The parts I did like: Likable protagonist, several supporting characters were fun, like Nana. I also like that Sophie talks about her emotions/impact from her restaurant closing down in NYC and the reason for her move back. In most cozies I feel like the life-changing event is glossed-over .
Willing to check out the second book but probably wont be in a hurry. Mixed feelings.
THIS COVER IS DEF ONE OF MY FAVES THO - the cat, the teapots, the cupcakes AH
July 23, 2016
Not Really My Cup of Tea
I find it hard to put into words just why I didn’t really enjoy this book. It’s not badly written - just the opposite. The author is clearly an accomplished writer, but towards the end I was definitely skimming. The story just couldn’t hold my interest. I had no problem putting the book down for a day or two before starting the next chapter.
There are some things I enjoyed about the story. The setting in the Finger Lakes region of New York is beautiful, and I liked the idea of a ‘dry� town. The murder mystery was well crafted and kept me guessing, and the main character and her family are not unlikable.
One thing I didn’t like was the ending. It brims with clichés and even goes so far as to include the proverbial ‘fainting damsel�. The particular trope employed in this book has been used so often that you know exactly how the last few chapters are going to play out. The only open question was which suspect was finally going to break down and confess. I hoped that something out of the ordinary would happen, but it didn’t.
I think the main reason the story left me cold was the main character. Sure, Sophie is likable and sympathetic despite having some faults. She loves her grandmother and isn’t stupid, but there’s nothing that makes her stand out. She has no interesting quirks that would make me remember her character in a month’s time.
So, overall I found this book to be rather bland. It’s a solidly written cozy mystery, but I’m not going to bother buying the next book in the series.
If you really love cozy mysteries, then you might enjoy this book. Everyone’s taste is different, of course. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who isn’t a fan of the genre though.
I find it hard to put into words just why I didn’t really enjoy this book. It’s not badly written - just the opposite. The author is clearly an accomplished writer, but towards the end I was definitely skimming. The story just couldn’t hold my interest. I had no problem putting the book down for a day or two before starting the next chapter.
There are some things I enjoyed about the story. The setting in the Finger Lakes region of New York is beautiful, and I liked the idea of a ‘dry� town. The murder mystery was well crafted and kept me guessing, and the main character and her family are not unlikable.
One thing I didn’t like was the ending. It brims with clichés and even goes so far as to include the proverbial ‘fainting damsel�. The particular trope employed in this book has been used so often that you know exactly how the last few chapters are going to play out. The only open question was which suspect was finally going to break down and confess. I hoped that something out of the ordinary would happen, but it didn’t.
I think the main reason the story left me cold was the main character. Sure, Sophie is likable and sympathetic despite having some faults. She loves her grandmother and isn’t stupid, but there’s nothing that makes her stand out. She has no interesting quirks that would make me remember her character in a month’s time.
So, overall I found this book to be rather bland. It’s a solidly written cozy mystery, but I’m not going to bother buying the next book in the series.
If you really love cozy mysteries, then you might enjoy this book. Everyone’s taste is different, of course. I wouldn’t recommend it to someone who isn’t a fan of the genre though.
September 1, 2015
I started this in May, but put it aside because it got boring. I was also getting tired of Thelma. The woman seemed to have no redeeming qualities, and it was difficult to read the passages with her stubborn point of view. I just recently picked it back up. It takes a hundred pages for the story to get going. There were a lot of characters, and I mean A LOT. It was confusing remembering who was who. Even so, it was interesting. I enjoyed this for the most part and will consider continuing the series.
June 30, 2014
2.5 stars. This book just wasn't for me: too many exclamation marks, too much internal dialogue and a story that dragged on too long and buried what was a very well done mystery plot.
Full review:
Full review:
March 20, 2017
An okay start to the series.
October 1, 2020
Typically in a cozy mystery, especially in the first volume, the murder takes place in the location that will be the feature of the series. For this series, one would expect the murder to take place in Aunt Rosie's shop. Instead, it happens across the street at a rival tea shop.
From that choice onwards the pacing seems off. A lot of time is wasted on repeating the same ideas and theories with little no further forward progress.
In fact, early on, a character calls the police to finger someone. While she's not entirely correct, she's close enough that if police and the main character had explored that lead, the book would have been half the length.
From that choice onwards the pacing seems off. A lot of time is wasted on repeating the same ideas and theories with little no further forward progress.
In fact, early on, a character calls the police to finger someone. While she's not entirely correct, she's close enough that if police and the main character had explored that lead, the book would have been half the length.
February 16, 2015
3.5 Solid Stars
Sophie Taylor makes a big move back home to Gracious Grove when her fashionable restaurant goes under in Manhattan. Now she finds herself working in her grandmother's cozy shop, Auntie Rose's Victorian Teahouse. While helping her grandmother deal with a busy schedule and trying to arrange a bridal shower for her old friend Cissy Peterson - Cissy's future mother in law ends up dead at Cissy's own grandmother's tea - poisoned. So to help her friend (who believed the killer was really after her), Sophie set out to find the real killer before they add another one to their list.
Cute start to a brand new series. Sophie is going to be an interesting sleuth to follow. I enjoyed the little town of Gracious Grove and learning about the local characters, including all the corruption that was going on in the small town in the very first book.
Sophie was... well, I think her character has a bit of growing to do. Everyone in town finds her a bit stuck up, and I have to say I don't blame them. It's the things she doesn't say to them in conversation, but thinks it, that kind of confirms that she is a bit of a stuck up and maybe thinks just a bit that she knows more than anyone else. At least that was the impression I got from her aside from her conversations.
It was also so curious. I never seen a tea house before, nor did I know that a town with no alcohol rules could exist. Gracious Grove is a totally dry town, they don't even serve wine in restaurant. So a few younger characters in the book have been found in trying to break the laws and smuggle some booze into Gracious Grove or have it written in.
I also bet collecting different tea pots would probably be pretty interesting. I know that a lot of really interesting ones out there, for having seen them myself.
But anyway, did enjoy this one - despite some issues with Sophie. I do hope her character continues to grow, she does have a lot of good intentions and really loves her grandmother.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
Sophie Taylor makes a big move back home to Gracious Grove when her fashionable restaurant goes under in Manhattan. Now she finds herself working in her grandmother's cozy shop, Auntie Rose's Victorian Teahouse. While helping her grandmother deal with a busy schedule and trying to arrange a bridal shower for her old friend Cissy Peterson - Cissy's future mother in law ends up dead at Cissy's own grandmother's tea - poisoned. So to help her friend (who believed the killer was really after her), Sophie set out to find the real killer before they add another one to their list.
Cute start to a brand new series. Sophie is going to be an interesting sleuth to follow. I enjoyed the little town of Gracious Grove and learning about the local characters, including all the corruption that was going on in the small town in the very first book.
Sophie was... well, I think her character has a bit of growing to do. Everyone in town finds her a bit stuck up, and I have to say I don't blame them. It's the things she doesn't say to them in conversation, but thinks it, that kind of confirms that she is a bit of a stuck up and maybe thinks just a bit that she knows more than anyone else. At least that was the impression I got from her aside from her conversations.
It was also so curious. I never seen a tea house before, nor did I know that a town with no alcohol rules could exist. Gracious Grove is a totally dry town, they don't even serve wine in restaurant. So a few younger characters in the book have been found in trying to break the laws and smuggle some booze into Gracious Grove or have it written in.
I also bet collecting different tea pots would probably be pretty interesting. I know that a lot of really interesting ones out there, for having seen them myself.
But anyway, did enjoy this one - despite some issues with Sophie. I do hope her character continues to grow, she does have a lot of good intentions and really loves her grandmother.
I got a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange of an honest review.
June 18, 2014
Tempest In A Teapot is the first book in A Teapot Collector Mystery series.
Sophie Taylor, after closing her upscale restaurant in NYC has returned to Gracious Grove, where she spent many summers, to help her grandmother in her tea shop, Aunt Rose's Victorian Tea House.
Her Grandmother Rose's shop is right next to Rose's nemesis Thelma Rae Earnshaw, and her La Belle Epoque tea shop. Rose and Thelma Rae for some 60 years, over the fact that Rae supposedly took Thelma Rae's boyfriend away. When Cissy, whose is Thelma Rae's granddaughter, decides to have her bridal shower at Aunt Rose's. Needless to say this does not go over well, but Cissy does agree to have an engagement party at her grandmothers. When everyone has gathered and the food is being brought out, Cissy's future mother-in-law, VI, takes a bite of a cupcake and collapses to the floor. She is rushed to the hospital but was dead shortly after arriving.
Some of those in attendance thought that Thelma Rae had served tainted food as she is not that great a cook, and has a history of buying expired foods. An autopsy revealed that Vi actually died from an allergic reaction, so it was definitely a case of murder. Sophie wants to gibe Cissy some closure after this tragic event, so she begins to look into who might have wanted Vi dead and she discovers a wide choice. Vi's son should be considered, how did he get construction managers job with so little experience, Vi's sister-in-law had a big blowup at the country club. There's also, evidently, a little political corruption in the quiet little town, does this possibly contribute to killing of Vi?
This is a very enjoyable series with an interesting cast of believable characters. the series will definitely appeal to those who enjoy tea room mysteries and/or collecting tea pots. Recipe and tea brewing hint included.
Looking forward to the book and another visit to Gracious Grove.
Sophie Taylor, after closing her upscale restaurant in NYC has returned to Gracious Grove, where she spent many summers, to help her grandmother in her tea shop, Aunt Rose's Victorian Tea House.
Her Grandmother Rose's shop is right next to Rose's nemesis Thelma Rae Earnshaw, and her La Belle Epoque tea shop. Rose and Thelma Rae for some 60 years, over the fact that Rae supposedly took Thelma Rae's boyfriend away. When Cissy, whose is Thelma Rae's granddaughter, decides to have her bridal shower at Aunt Rose's. Needless to say this does not go over well, but Cissy does agree to have an engagement party at her grandmothers. When everyone has gathered and the food is being brought out, Cissy's future mother-in-law, VI, takes a bite of a cupcake and collapses to the floor. She is rushed to the hospital but was dead shortly after arriving.
Some of those in attendance thought that Thelma Rae had served tainted food as she is not that great a cook, and has a history of buying expired foods. An autopsy revealed that Vi actually died from an allergic reaction, so it was definitely a case of murder. Sophie wants to gibe Cissy some closure after this tragic event, so she begins to look into who might have wanted Vi dead and she discovers a wide choice. Vi's son should be considered, how did he get construction managers job with so little experience, Vi's sister-in-law had a big blowup at the country club. There's also, evidently, a little political corruption in the quiet little town, does this possibly contribute to killing of Vi?
This is a very enjoyable series with an interesting cast of believable characters. the series will definitely appeal to those who enjoy tea room mysteries and/or collecting tea pots. Recipe and tea brewing hint included.
Looking forward to the book and another visit to Gracious Grove.
August 10, 2016
Oh, how I enjoyed my visit to the charming town of Gracious Grove, New York. When Sophie Taylor returns to the place of her heart to help her aging grandmother run her tea house, she finds herself reuniting with old friends . . . even an ex-flame. She has some wonderful ideas for updating the tea shop, including some creative new menu items, and she's eager to put them to the test. But when a nasty murder stops her in her tracks, she's forced to seek justice, both for the victim and for the people of the town she loves. This book abounds with fascinating characters, each one distinctively different from the others. I loved Sophie for her kindness, her attentiveness to her nana, and her upbeat way of looking at the world. I hope it won't be too long before I'm back in Gracious Grove, having tea and scones with its delightful inhabitants.
July 12, 2017
This was disappointing. I never connected with the characters and found the plot repetitive. The main character, Sophie, kept talking about why she wanted to solve the murder mystery but her reasons seemed weak, especially when she and her grandmother kept talking about it. Then the author introduced a Southern character in a book set in upstate New York. That was fine until she started writing dialect. "Y'all" is a contraction of you and all and is a plural pronoun. It cannot, or should not, be directed at a single person and yet it was repeatedly in this novel. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard to me. Just no. If you don't know the linguistics of a dialect, don't use it. This was basic. In the end, I didn't care who killed the woman or why, nor did I care what happened to anyone else. I won't be continuing with this series.
February 18, 2015
Tempest in a Teapot by Amanda Cooper is the first in A Teapot Collector Mystery series. Chef Sofie Taylor returns to her grandmother's Victorian Tea House in Gracious Grove after her restaurant fails and agrees to help put on her friend Cissy's bridal shower. Unfortunately the future grooms mother dies after eating a poisoned cupcake in the tea room next door, La Belle Epoque. I enjoyed this book very much, and felt drawn into the mystery right from the start. I loved the characters and the contrast and rivalry between the two tea rooms. There was some information about collectable and antique teapots but it was not overwhelming and I enjoyed how they were incorporated into the mystery. A terrific new series and I look forward to reading more.
September 7, 2024
Tempest in a Teapot is the first in a cozy mystery series. It features Sophie Taylor a twenty nine year old woman thar used to be a restaurant chef in Manhattan. Now she's back in her hometown or Gracious Grove, New York located in the Finger Lakes region. She finds work at her grandmothers business a tearoom that also does events in the area. Her best friend's, Cissy Peterson, bridal shower.
Even though the nuptials are happening at the venue ruh by Cissy's grandmother. And the the mother of the soon to be groom dies after sampling scones. Sophie abs Cissy get involved in the investigation.
It was a fun tea based cozy. I liked the character and setting. And the Scone recipe and tea tips in the back.
Even though the nuptials are happening at the venue ruh by Cissy's grandmother. And the the mother of the soon to be groom dies after sampling scones. Sophie abs Cissy get involved in the investigation.
It was a fun tea based cozy. I liked the character and setting. And the Scone recipe and tea tips in the back.
November 28, 2015
Sophie Taylor goes home to her Grandmothers Cozy Victorian Tea House called Auntie Roses Victorian Tea House in Gracious Grove. The last thing she expects is a calendar filled with tea room events like Cissy Petersons Bridal Shower. Not everyone is pleased about it especially her Grand mother who owns LaBelle Epoque and has a long standing feud with Sophies Grandmother for stealin gher boyfriend sixty years ago. Things reach a boiling point when Cissys fiance's mother dies at Labelle Epoque after eating something. Now to help her friend Cissy Sophie will have to catch the killer before more of the guest list become murder victims.
April 4, 2016
I feel badly about only a 2 star rating but it was the best I could do for slogging through this. The sleuth/heroine (?) was pathetic along with most of the other characters. Her "sleuthing" was ridiculous and completely unrealistic, plus the little bits of teapot collecting were few and far between which is the reason I picked the book up for to begin with. The Teashop Mysteries by Laura Child are not the best cozies out there but have far more interesting lore on all things "tea".
September 3, 2015
I found the story interesting and the characters nicely fleshed out. However, this was a slow read. Hard to stay interested in it. Not a bad story, it just was a bit plodding. I will continue the series.
February 11, 2017
After her Manhattan restaurant fails, Sophie Taylor retreats to Gracious Grove, located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Growing up, Sophie spent her school vacations and summers in Gracious Grove with her grandmother, and it is truly the one place where she feels at home. Sophie's grandmother owns and runs a teahouse, Auntie Rose's Victorian Tea House. Sophie soon finds herself helping out in the tearoom. She learns one of her childhood friends, Cissy Peterson, is soon to marry Francis Whittaker and would like to have a bridal tea shower at Auntie Rose's.
The fact that Cissy wants to have her shower at Auntie Rose's does not sit well with Cissy's grandmother, irascible Thelma Mae Earnshaw. Thelma Mae owns Belle Époque, an inn and tearoom next door to Auntie Rose's, and has held a long grudge against Rose Freemont, Sophie's grandmother. To placate her grandmother, Cissy agrees to have a family tea engagement party at Belle Époque. The day of the party, Sophie hears a scream next door and arrives to find Vivienne Whittaker, Francis's mother, dying on the tearoom floor.
It is not long before Sophie learns that Vivienne Whittaker was poisoned by cyanide she ate in a cupcake. Suspicions fall on Thelma Mae Earnshaw, but as ornery as the woman is, Sophie does not believe she had anything to do with Vivienne Whittaker's death. As Sophie begins to look into the death, she finds many people who disliked Vivienne Whittaker and unearths a dodgy development deal between Francis's architecture firm, the development company, and the town mayor. There are whispers of bribery, not to mention Francis's sudden promotion above senior members in his company.
I enjoyed reading this book although I found some of the characters from the architecture and development companies hard to tell apart. I read the third book in this series first, so I was somewhat familiar with the main characters in this story already. It was a fun cozy read and made me wish I had a tearoom like Auntie Rose's Victorian Tea House near me!
The fact that Cissy wants to have her shower at Auntie Rose's does not sit well with Cissy's grandmother, irascible Thelma Mae Earnshaw. Thelma Mae owns Belle Époque, an inn and tearoom next door to Auntie Rose's, and has held a long grudge against Rose Freemont, Sophie's grandmother. To placate her grandmother, Cissy agrees to have a family tea engagement party at Belle Époque. The day of the party, Sophie hears a scream next door and arrives to find Vivienne Whittaker, Francis's mother, dying on the tearoom floor.
It is not long before Sophie learns that Vivienne Whittaker was poisoned by cyanide she ate in a cupcake. Suspicions fall on Thelma Mae Earnshaw, but as ornery as the woman is, Sophie does not believe she had anything to do with Vivienne Whittaker's death. As Sophie begins to look into the death, she finds many people who disliked Vivienne Whittaker and unearths a dodgy development deal between Francis's architecture firm, the development company, and the town mayor. There are whispers of bribery, not to mention Francis's sudden promotion above senior members in his company.
I enjoyed reading this book although I found some of the characters from the architecture and development companies hard to tell apart. I read the third book in this series first, so I was somewhat familiar with the main characters in this story already. It was a fun cozy read and made me wish I had a tearoom like Auntie Rose's Victorian Tea House near me!
May 1, 2022
Tempest in a Teapot is the first book in Amanda Cooper's "Teapot Collector" mystery series. The main character was Sophie Taylor. The story was told in third-person point of view, but it wasn't exclusively in Sophie's pov.
Left reeling and adrift after her upscale Manhattan restaurant goes under, Sophie retreats to the small town of Gracious Grove, NY, to spend time with her grandmother. Rose Freemont owns and operates Auntie Rose's Victorian Teahouse, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. In fact, Sophie's childhood friend, Cissy, wants to hold her bridal shower there. Not everyone is happy with the choice of venue, including Cissy's grandmother, Thelma Mae, who owns a competing teashop, Belle Epoque, right across the street. To placate Thelma, Cissy agrees to an engagement tea at Belle Epoque. Unfortunately, Cissy's future mother-in-law dies in the teashop after eating a cupcake. Sophie rushes next door when she hears the commotion, but it's too late for Vivienne. Unsettled that a murder happened so close to home, Sophie begins asking questions in an attempt to discover who may have wanted Vivienne dead. What she finds out is a vast network of shady deals and bribery relating to a nearby land development. When Sophie gets too close to the truth, someone attacks her grandmother, which just makes Sophie all the more determined to unmask a killer.
A wonderful example of a cozy mystery, including a small-town setting, a spunky heroine, and multiple suspects. I would have preferred that the narrative followed Sophie, even in third-person pov, instead of encompassing other characters. I didn't like that Sophie was rather overt in her sleuthing; subtlety is the key in an amateur investigation. The ending flirted with being silly, and some plot points lacked resolution.
I'll be generous and award this one a four.
Left reeling and adrift after her upscale Manhattan restaurant goes under, Sophie retreats to the small town of Gracious Grove, NY, to spend time with her grandmother. Rose Freemont owns and operates Auntie Rose's Victorian Teahouse, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. In fact, Sophie's childhood friend, Cissy, wants to hold her bridal shower there. Not everyone is happy with the choice of venue, including Cissy's grandmother, Thelma Mae, who owns a competing teashop, Belle Epoque, right across the street. To placate Thelma, Cissy agrees to an engagement tea at Belle Epoque. Unfortunately, Cissy's future mother-in-law dies in the teashop after eating a cupcake. Sophie rushes next door when she hears the commotion, but it's too late for Vivienne. Unsettled that a murder happened so close to home, Sophie begins asking questions in an attempt to discover who may have wanted Vivienne dead. What she finds out is a vast network of shady deals and bribery relating to a nearby land development. When Sophie gets too close to the truth, someone attacks her grandmother, which just makes Sophie all the more determined to unmask a killer.
A wonderful example of a cozy mystery, including a small-town setting, a spunky heroine, and multiple suspects. I would have preferred that the narrative followed Sophie, even in third-person pov, instead of encompassing other characters. I didn't like that Sophie was rather overt in her sleuthing; subtlety is the key in an amateur investigation. The ending flirted with being silly, and some plot points lacked resolution.
I'll be generous and award this one a four.
February 5, 2018
This new cozy mystery series by Amanda Cooper looks to be a warm and cozy mystery for sure! The first in "A Teapot Collector Mystery" series, "Tempest in a Teapot," was a fun read with very likeable characters, a family that spanned three generations, a long-simmering dispute between good friends of long ago, various characters with shops of their shops, and a murder in a struggling tea house that sets family member against family member, friend against friend.
Sophie Taylor is back home in Gracious Grove where her grandmother Rose owns and operates a tea house. Another tea house across the street is owned by Thelma, a good friend of Rose's back when they were young women. Thelma thinks Rose stole her husband-to-be and has carried a grudge against Rose for over 40 years. Thelma's tea house is considered second rate by almost everyone in Gracious Grove but Thelma manages to keep it running. The murder of Thelma's granddaughter's mother-to-be occurs during a bridal shower in Thelma's tea house. The mystery (and fun) begins as Sophie starts her own investigation of this woman's death while everyone initially thinks this was just an accident.
It appears that Ms. Cooper has a good start on a wonderful series. The town, the characters, and the various relationships between these characters will be fun to explore as the series continues!
Sophie Taylor is back home in Gracious Grove where her grandmother Rose owns and operates a tea house. Another tea house across the street is owned by Thelma, a good friend of Rose's back when they were young women. Thelma thinks Rose stole her husband-to-be and has carried a grudge against Rose for over 40 years. Thelma's tea house is considered second rate by almost everyone in Gracious Grove but Thelma manages to keep it running. The murder of Thelma's granddaughter's mother-to-be occurs during a bridal shower in Thelma's tea house. The mystery (and fun) begins as Sophie starts her own investigation of this woman's death while everyone initially thinks this was just an accident.
It appears that Ms. Cooper has a good start on a wonderful series. The town, the characters, and the various relationships between these characters will be fun to explore as the series continues!
January 1, 2017
"So, you're a cook, right?"
Sophie Taylor leaves Manhattan after her restaurant goes under to spend time with her grandmother in Gracious Grove, NY where she spent her childhood summers. Her grandmother owns Auntie Rose's Victorian Tea House which is next door to La Belle Époque owned by Thelma Mae Earnshaw. The two older women have been feuding for years after Thelma Mae accused Rose of stealing her beau. Thelma Mae's granddaughter, Cissy, is having her bridal tea at Auntie Rose's because of her childhood memories of the beautiful teas held there. A last minute family tea at La Belle Époque ends with Cissy's future mother-in-law dead and everyone becomes a suspect.
Although this was a quick read, there were so many characters to keep track of. The constant storyline of revenge for things that happened decades ago was tiring. I just wanted everything to be done once the questionable land deals and development arose along with the whining about being a dry town. I was surprised by the killer. I was looking in a totally different direction.
I'm not terribly fond of the author's books written as and may not continue with the series.
Sophie Taylor leaves Manhattan after her restaurant goes under to spend time with her grandmother in Gracious Grove, NY where she spent her childhood summers. Her grandmother owns Auntie Rose's Victorian Tea House which is next door to La Belle Époque owned by Thelma Mae Earnshaw. The two older women have been feuding for years after Thelma Mae accused Rose of stealing her beau. Thelma Mae's granddaughter, Cissy, is having her bridal tea at Auntie Rose's because of her childhood memories of the beautiful teas held there. A last minute family tea at La Belle Époque ends with Cissy's future mother-in-law dead and everyone becomes a suspect.
Although this was a quick read, there were so many characters to keep track of. The constant storyline of revenge for things that happened decades ago was tiring. I just wanted everything to be done once the questionable land deals and development arose along with the whining about being a dry town. I was surprised by the killer. I was looking in a totally different direction.
I'm not terribly fond of the author's books written as and may not continue with the series.
February 6, 2021
The story was kind of going everywhere, and it doesn't actually tell you much about anyone (except maybe the protagonist and close friends and family). The character's introductions were interesting, and the murder original enough, but it just felt too long.
I wasn't interested in the other mystery subplot, even though it appears to be linked to the murder, and in the end the motive was actually very simple. It's unbelievable how they didn't guess she was trying to solve the murder until the end since she was straight up asking everyone about it.
There was one small thing I liked, the mention of italian dishes she planned to cook, I appreciated how the author chose more regional and not widely known recipes though it also means the average non italian person may not know what they are. Especially since only the name and type of dish is mentioned, and nothing else.
I wasn't interested in the other mystery subplot, even though it appears to be linked to the murder, and in the end the motive was actually very simple. It's unbelievable how they didn't guess she was trying to solve the murder until the end since she was straight up asking everyone about it.
There was one small thing I liked, the mention of italian dishes she planned to cook, I appreciated how the author chose more regional and not widely known recipes though it also means the average non italian person may not know what they are. Especially since only the name and type of dish is mentioned, and nothing else.
July 13, 2017
3.5 stars
Sophie has decided to move to her grandma's in upstate New York after her restaurant fizzles and help her grandma with her tearoom. Next door one time best friend of grandma Rose, Thelma has opened her own tearoom with limited success. While Thelma is hosting an engagement tea for her granddaughter, the future mother in law is murdered. Sophie decides to investigate while getting reacquainted with her summer friends.
I enjoyed this book and want to continue reading the series but I'm sure you are wondering why 3.5 stars? It starts out quick and ends spectacularly but the middle was a tad sluggish. A few times my interest was not there.
Sophie is a very likable character and feels like someone you would run into on the street. She's caring and doesn't appear to be hung up on herself. She is just trying to figure out her life after the devastating blow of closing her restaurant.
I am left with one question: what ever happened to the dead mother in law's cat?
Sophie has decided to move to her grandma's in upstate New York after her restaurant fizzles and help her grandma with her tearoom. Next door one time best friend of grandma Rose, Thelma has opened her own tearoom with limited success. While Thelma is hosting an engagement tea for her granddaughter, the future mother in law is murdered. Sophie decides to investigate while getting reacquainted with her summer friends.
I enjoyed this book and want to continue reading the series but I'm sure you are wondering why 3.5 stars? It starts out quick and ends spectacularly but the middle was a tad sluggish. A few times my interest was not there.
Sophie is a very likable character and feels like someone you would run into on the street. She's caring and doesn't appear to be hung up on herself. She is just trying to figure out her life after the devastating blow of closing her restaurant.
I am left with one question: what ever happened to the dead mother in law's cat?
July 18, 2021
I really liked this book.. I'm currently cozy mystery obsessed but I picked up this one randomly off my shelf and I'm really glad I did.
In this book we're following Sophie Taylor whose Grandmother owns a Teashop in Small Town Gracious Grove, NY. She had spent summers here as a child. Long Story Short, The Neighboring Teahouse has a murder happen and you're following Sophie and the rest of Gracious Grove as they try to figure out who served/cooked the poisoned cupcake. There is some hinting at a romance in this book between Sophie and a boy from her youth.
There was a TON of twists and turns.. I really liked it and I gasped at the ending..
I gave it four stars because there were points where I was rolling my eyes but all in all it was a GOOD book and worth a read. I will be moving on with the other 3 books.
In this book we're following Sophie Taylor whose Grandmother owns a Teashop in Small Town Gracious Grove, NY. She had spent summers here as a child. Long Story Short, The Neighboring Teahouse has a murder happen and you're following Sophie and the rest of Gracious Grove as they try to figure out who served/cooked the poisoned cupcake. There is some hinting at a romance in this book between Sophie and a boy from her youth.
There was a TON of twists and turns.. I really liked it and I gasped at the ending..
I gave it four stars because there were points where I was rolling my eyes but all in all it was a GOOD book and worth a read. I will be moving on with the other 3 books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2018
This new series is one where you get taken back to a small town where alcohol is a no no and tea is the drink of choice. The author is very detailed and you can see yourself walking down the main street stopping at the tea house to greet friends over a scone or a tea. The suspects are many but Sophie who has just moved back decides to help the police by sleuthing on her own. Great descriptions of the characters and the characters are much better developed at the start of this series than some series I have read. Often I think the first of a new series isn't that great but this was one I couldn't put down and kept me guessing right until the end. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
May 31, 2023
Sophie Taylor is back helping with her grandmother’s tea room after her New York restaurant failed. Shortly after returning home, one of her childhood friends was having an engagement party in a neighboring tea room.During the event, the future mother-in-law was poisoned and died at the party. Old rivalries between owners of the two tea rooms, childhood rivalries and financial rivalries all play a part in figuring out who poisoned the victim. ---- The pieces were there, but I never really connected to the story. .. It was a little devoid of atmosphere. I couldn’t mentally “see� the story unfold. ... I’m not going to look very hard for a sequel
October 21, 2023
The first thing I want to say is that it was refreshing to read a cozy mystery with a female protagonist who didn't fall in love or date the police officer involved in the case. I kept waiting for it to happen in this story and it didn't happen. I like the teapot influence in this story. I have always thought teapots were cool, but I never collected them. People that collect items like this and then know the history behind them have always intrigued me. Good read. With all of the books I want to read, I am not sure that I will read another or not. It is a time issue not a subject issue.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.