With Halloween approaching, my neighborhood suddenly becomes a place where you will likely spot a ghost, skeleton, witch, or random monster relaxing on someone’s front porch. These run-ins get me in the mood for reading that includes a touch of the other-world.
When searching for that perfect title, I discovered quite a few authors who believe tea is the perfect building block for a bit of spookiness. We associate tea with soothing, calm moments (can’t you just feel yourself relaxing?). What better way to keep readers interested than to lull them into a happy, tea-induced mood—then BAM! Throw the unexpected.
If you want an eerie read, check out these books that take one (or more) tea-loving characters and add a few ghosts, magic spells, mysteries, or even just plain murder. Enjoy some tea and books—but keep the lights on!
Key:
P: Paranormal (ghost, witches, ESP)
F: Fantasy (talking animals, magic, dragons)
All others: Strictly murder mysteries
(F) A Cold Nose for Murder
Chatty Corgi Mystery #3
by Jennifer Hawkins
A former London finance expert, Emma Reed is settling into life as a village tea shop owner in Cornwall. When fellow shopkeepers find themselves as suspects in a 40-year-old murder, they turn to Emma and her corgi Oliver (who talks, by the way – only to Emma, of course). It’s easy to pick up the thread of this fun series, even though this is the third in the series.
352 pages, Paperback
Published July 5, 2022 by Berkley
Price $8.99
ISBN 978-0593197127 (ISBN10: 0593197127)
(F) A Coup of Tea
Tea Princess Chronicles #1
by Casey Blair
In this fantasy series, Miyara turns away from her expected path – being a princess – in favor of an anonymous life at a tea shop. She thinks life will be simple but soon becomes involved in hidden magic. This series, populated by magical creatures, is best read starting with Book #1, A Coup of Tea.
324 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022, by Independent Publisher
Price $16.99
ISBN 979-8985110111
(P) Chamomile and Crystal Balls
The Tea Shop Witch #3
by Thora Bluestone
This title occurs during the annual Apple Festival; a perfect autumn read full of apples, magic, and, oops, a dead body. Can Addie, a former scientist, embrace her magical qualities and uncover the murderer? You can jump into Book #3, but if you want to experience Addie learning that she’s a witch, start with Book # 1, the Tea Shop Witch.
244 pages, Paperback
Published April 27, 2022, by Andara Publishers
Price $12.95
ISBN 978-1952156182 (ISBN10: 1952156181)
(P) For All Eterni-Tea
Pebble Cove Teahouse Mystery #8
by Eryn Scott
All Rosemary Woodmere wants to do is run her grandmother’s Victorian teahouse in peace. But people keep begging her to solve local murders. At least she has help from the local ghosts who share info with her. Jump right in with Book #8 if you like, but don’t read the related mini-series, Pebble Cove Bed and Breakfast, until you’ve read the Teahouse series because there are spoilers.
254 pages, Paperback
Published June 3, 2022, Independently Published
Price $13.99
ISBN 979-8639358906
In Too Steep
Misty Bay Tea Room #2
by Kate Kingsbury
Vivian Wainwright is the middle-aged owner of an Oregon tea shop, but a newspaper article about a local death doesn’t sit right with her. She finds too many odd connections. Could it be murder? There are only two books in this series, and they can be read as stand-alone titles.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published August 9, 2022, by Crooked Lane Books
ISBN 978-1639100668 (ISBN10: 1639100660)
Price $13.59
Murder Marks the Page
Tomes and Tea #1
by Karen Rose Smith
In the first book of the series, Jazzi Swanson (first seen in Daisy’s Tea Garden series starring her mother) is a new transplant to a New York rural community. She’s busy establishing her new tea shop when a friend is murdered. Is it an unsavory suitor? A jealous family member? Or someone else?
272 pages, Hardcover
Published March 26, 2024, by Kensington Cozies
ISBN 978-1496747037 (ISBN10: 1496747038)
Price $17.95
Murder with Chocolate Tea
Daisy’s Tea Garden #10
by Karen Rose Smith
Daisy Swanson is busy running a tea shop in Pennsylvania Amish country and planning her wedding. In her tenth book, she teams up with a local podcaster to unravel a mystery. These light-hearted books can be read in any order, however if you want to witness the evolution of the romantic relationships start with Book #1, Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes. Delicious recipes included.
320 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2023, by Kensington Cozies
ISBN 978-1496738486 (ISBN10: 1496738489)
Price $7.12
(P) Tea for Two and Murder
Le Doux Mysteries #12
by Abigail Lynn Thornton
The final book in the Le Doux series finds Wynona juggling another murder, her father, and living in a magical world without magical powers. I recommend reading the books in order to appreciate this series.
290 pages, Paperback
Published April 25, 2024 by Angel Music
ISBN 978-1956176667 (ISBN10: 1956176667)
Price $15.99
(P) Tea is for Taken
Haunted Tearoom Cozy Mysteries #8
by Karen Sue Walker
In Book #8 of the series, teashop owner April May is encouraged by a few visiting ghosts to take a road trip and solve a murder. If you’d like stories that revolve around April May’s cozy teahouse, start with Book #1, Tea Is for Trouble. Recipes included.
244 pages, Paperback
Published December 27, 2023, by Laragray Press
Price $12.99
ISBN 978-1955610230 (ISBN10: 1955610231)
(P) Tea with Isabel
by Julie Sneed Womack
Nina Blake is a romance novelist living a dreamy life, except it’s all a façade. Nina accidentally discovers that tea can help her connect with her dead grandmother and get the help she needs to get her life back on track. Friendship, love, tea, and visits from the other side…what more could a book need?
357 pages, Paperback
Published June 1, 2019, by Writing With a View Books
Price $12.50
ISBN 978-1733992107 (ISBN10 1733992103)
(P) The Tea Shop
by Bernadette Marie
(P) All Abigail wants to do is run her tea shop. But in walks, Carson, a real estate developer, starts getting feelings. Both the I-could-be-falling-for-him feelings and the I-can-see-the-future feelings. This book is for you if you want a sweet but complicated romance with a touch of tea.
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 11, 2018 by 5 Prince Publishing
Price $16.74
ISBN 978-1631122149 (ISBN10: 1631122142)
Trouble Is Brewing
Tea by the Sea #5
by Vicki Delaney
Lily Roberts’ Cape Cod tea room is hosting a wedding shower. Sweet, right? Until the family arguments, creepy doll, and dead body show up. Although this is Book #5 in the series, the author starts the book by updating everyone, including brand new readers, so feel free to dive in with Book #5.
288 pages, Hardcover
Published July 23, 2024, by Kensington Cozies
ISBN 978-1496737724 (ISBN10: 1496737725)
Price $20.49
Wrongfully Infused
Oxford Tearoom Mystery #11
by H.Y. Hanna
Head to England, where a traditional Oxford tea room is battling with a trendy tea bar. Then, someone gets murdered, and things really get crazy. You can jump in mid-series and still enjoy these books. Recipes are included.
376 pages, Paperback
Published January 30, 2022, by Wisheart Press
Price $14.99
