Murder with Cinnamon Scones

Written by Karen Rose Smith

Narrated by C. S. E. Cooney

Daisy Swanson and her Aunt Iris run a delightful shop in Pennsylvania's Amish country with an emphasis on tasty teas and treats-but murder is not so sweet . . .

As local merchants unite to attract tourists for a much anticipated weekend quilting event, business is sure to spill over into eateries like Daisy's Tea Garden. Gorgeous craftwork is hanging everywhere-but among the quilts, potholders, and placemats, one gallery owner is wrapped up in some dangerous affairs . . .

Reese Masemer had been dating one of Daisy's employees, Tessa, an artist, though their last interaction was as strained as a cup of loose leaf tea. Now Reese has been found dead near a covered bridge where Tessa's been practicing her sketches. She's the obvious suspect, but Daisy's learning that there were some major secrets in Reese's background, and several of his relationships were infused with resentment. To save Tessa, she'll have to find out who's tainted this quaint little town with murder . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Nov 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781977333278

Karen Rose Smith

Award-winning author Karen Rose Smith lives in Pennsylvania and has sold over 80 novels since 1991. Her romances have made both the USA TODAY list and the Amazon Contemporary Romance Bestseller list. Believing in the power of love, she envisions herself writing relationship novels and mysteries for a long time to come! Readers can e-mail Karen at www.karenrosesmith.com or follow her on Twitter @karenrosesmith and on Facebook.

Reviews for Murder with Cinnamon Scones

[TeresaLynnConner · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The book was okay but the narrator was awful! I hope she is replaced!

[fernemysteryreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Daisy Swanson is one of 4 members on a committee from the Chamber of Commerce group to finalize preparations for a Quilt Lovers Weekend. All merchants are hoping to attract residents and draw tourists to enjoy the festivities and plan future visits. Sadly, the loss of Reese Masemer, owner of Revelations Art Gallery, has cast shadows over the weekend and suspicion hovering over his girlfriend, Tessa Miller. Even though I prefer iced tea to any flavor of hot tea, I love visiting tea rooms in cozy mystery settings. Daisy’s Tea Garden offers an extra sweet treat for me as the author has created a lovely small town of Willow Creek within Pennsylvania, a state that has a special place in my heart for so many reasons. As I’ve often enjoyed visits with family and friends and visited small towns in Lancaster County, it is easy to imagine the tea garden's warmth, friendship, aromatic pleasure, and flavorful menu options. It would be a delight to meet and talk with Daisy and Aunt Iris and maybe even have the opportunity for time with Tessa and Foster, employees at the tea garden. Former detectives from Pittsburgh PD and Philly (Philadephia) PD, residents in Willow Creek, have key roles as business owners and in Daisy’s life. I also love the generational relationships in the storyline—a well-crafted mystery for armchair sleuths with intriguing twists.Recipes for Daisy’s Cinnamon Scones, Beef Barley Soup, and Lemon-Pepper Tomato Mozzarella Salad are provided at the end of the cozy.For your 1st visit to Daisy’s Tea Garden, I suggest you order Lemon Tea Cakes and Cinnamon Scones for your 2nd visit. The next time I visit this charming tea room, I’ll order Cucumber Sandwiches. If you’ve read the series, you remember the charming venue. If my review is your introduction, I hope you enjoy the books and cozy moments as much as I do!

[thornton37814 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When gallery owner Reese Masemer's corpse turns up by the covered bridge, Daisy's friend Tessa becomes the chief suspect. She'd been dating the man, and some say the couple fought recently. It all happens when Willow Creek's businesses host a quilting event. Although it offers a predictable cozy plot, it provides a few moments of escapism for readers who want to indulge in a cup of tea, tasty treats, and a little spot of murder.

[cyderry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This second installment of the Daisy Tea Garden Mysteries was just as good as the first. Daisy and other shopkeepers in Willow Creek are hosting Quilt Lover's Week but Reese Masemer will be missing out on all the fun - He's found murdered by the covered bridge and Daisy's best friend Tessa (Reese's girlfriend) is the prime suspect.The story moves along so well with insights into running the business, blossoming romance and delectable sounding treats all intermix with the clues for this fun whodunnit. I only wish I could find Willow Creek on a real map so I could visit the Tea Garden.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Murder with Cinnamon Scones by Karen Rose Smith is the second book in A Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series. Daisy Swanson co-owns Daisy’s Tea Garden with her Aunt Iris in Willow Creek, Pennsylvania. The town is getting ready for Quilt Lovers Weekend in three weeks. Daisy has been working with Reese Masemer, owner of Revelations Art Gallery and Tessa’s boyfriend, on the preparations. Unfortunately, Reese will not get to enjoy the fruits of his labors. He is found dead in the woods near the covered bridge and Tessa finds herself at the top of the suspect list. Matters are not helped when Chloie Laird, Reese’s attractive assistant, openly accuses Tessa of the crime at the tea shop. Knowing that Tessa did not commit the crime, Daisy takes a deep dive into Reese’s life. It seems that Reese had some secrets and one of them could have gotten him killed. Murder with Cinnamon Scones is well-written and has steady pacing. There is a lovely cast of characters and a charming town. Daisy is friendly, smart main character who is moving on with her life after the death of her husband. I think she is handling her adopted daughter’s (Jazzi) search for her biological mother very well. It is sensitive issue that the author handled thoughtfully. Daisy has starting dating Jonas Graft, but their path is bumpy. I could have done with less romance and more mystery. I prefer a romance that plays out slowly in the background. There are beautiful quilt descriptions in the book especially of the Baltimore Album Quilt. There are many cozy moments with cooking, baking, eating, tea events, family time, town events, quilting plus more. I especially like that Daisy and her kids live in a converted barn. Foster Crenshaw’s father is worried about him working at the tea garden and his relationship with Daisy’s daughter, Violet. Mr. Crenshaw does not want Foster’s college plans derailed. The mystery had some good components, a couple of suspects and misdirection. I am not a fan of Detective Morris Rappaport who is a cliché cozy mystery detective. Murder with Cinnamon Scones can be read alone if you have not had the opportunity to pick up Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes. I am rating Murder with Cinnamon Scones 4 out of 5 stars. I thought Murder with Cinnamon Scones was an engaging cozy mystery that will delight readers of this genre and Karen Rose Smith.

[gpangel_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Murder With Cinnamon Scones by Karen Rose Smith is a 2018 Kensington Books publication. A perfect cozy mystery!! As the town gears up for the onslaught of tourists expected for a quilting event, Daisy is shocked by the murder of Reese Masemer, the man her good friend, Tess, had been dating. Daisy had no intention of poking her nose into the investigation, but when Tess becomes the primary suspect, she puts on her sleuthing hat once again to keep her friend from being charged with murder. In the meantime, Daisy is worried her oldest daughter is getting too serious with her new boyfriend, while her own romantic prospect hits a disappointing snag. This second installment in the ‘Tea Garden Mystery’ series, builds upon a sturdy foundation, becoming more solid and secure as characters develop a bit more and the location becomes more vivid. But, of course, we all showed up for a murder mystery, and this one is a real head scratcher. This is a series I think I could settle into long term. Daisy is a character I could really grow to love, as she is more ‘mature’, and the issues she copes with are realistic and easy to relate to. I love the supporting cast, and their interesting and compelling relationships. The romance is just a little angsty, working on a slow build up, which is nice, as well. The mystery kept me on my toes and guessing from the start all the way to the nail biting conclusion! I loved the way this story ended, and enjoyed the awesome recipes included with the book. You really must try the cinnamon scones- they are to die for!!