Bree Baker

As an author of seven action/adventure/thrillers and a judge for the Adventure Writers Competition, I am decidedly not a cozy mystery fan. However, my wife is, and she suggested I try my hand at a mystery. Now, I’ve read all the classic noir-esque mysteries like Chandler, Hammett, Parker, and Sanders but never a contemporary cozy. As research for my new endeavor, she handed me Live and Let Chai. Nice pun. Beyond that, I held out little hope. Much to my surprise it was a fun, light, sunny, show more and undemanding read—a perfect cozy. Baker’s craft is excellent. Her first-person voice superb. Her characters are vibrant and distinct including the cat. Her scene settings, descriptions, humor, and use of backstory are expertly done. Even her occasional schmaltz is endearing. To my surprise it completely held my interest and I read it in two days—quick given my busy life. And I immediately started Book 2, No Good Tea Goes Unpunished. show less

Number 3 in the series. I figured out the murderer right from the beginning of the book. Never mind. I loved the interplay between Everly and Grady and, if truth be told, that is why I read this series. It is fantastic and I actually re-read chapters just relishing the sparks. I do not read romances so this is as good as it gets for me. I love it. This is my second favorite in this series, right behind Live and let Chai

I am so delighted that this author/series was highlighted on a favorite cozy FB group page as I might not have discovered it independently and I absolutely loved it!

From the opening sentences of
Welcome to Sun, Sand, and Tea. I perked up at the precious sound of seashell wind chimes bouncing and tinkling against the front door of my new cafe. "I'll be right with you."

I was captivated to the beach setting of the new cafe in Charm, North Carolina and felt as though I had been personally show more welcomed into the beach town setting and far, far away from the cold wintry mix that I could hear outside as the 1st nor'easter snowstorm of the season.

And as if I didn't love everything about Everly's cafe, her seagull buddy, and a cat who adopts her, her best friend Amelia owns a bookstore next to Everly's aunts' shop called "Blessed Bee" and Amelia has several Little Libraries around town with 2 on the boardwalk. But it wouldn't be a cozy mystery without a murder to solve and there's a new detective that may shake up more than just evidence. I'll only give a hint to share that dimples are involved which as Everly states, "Dimples were deceiving."

For all those that love to discover recipes at the end of a cozy, there are a few enticing delights. I'm looking forward to trying the "Summer Strawberry and Sweet Tea" recipe as I can easily picture myself enjoying a reading break on our porch with this treat using my own mason jar glasses that I keep in the freezer and are always ready for the next glass of iced tea. I've never been a big fan of cucumbers but after reading the recipe of Everly's "Carolina Cucumber Sandwiches" I'm ready to give them a try too.

p.s. I learned that Bree Baker is a pseudonym used by Julie Anne Lindsey and that she also writes using the names Julie Chase and Jacqueline Frost. I read the 1st novel in the "Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Series" by Jacqueline Frost last Christmas and have the 2nd in queue to read this year. So delighted to know I have so many more titles to investigate as I love this author's writing. I think I'll investigate the "A Kitty Couture Mystery Series" by Julie Chase next. I'm sure our 2 yr. old feline Holly will approve as she supervises all of my reading. show less

I am so glad I found the Seaside Cafe Cozy Mystery series by Bree Baker! And even better there are five books out in the series right now with the sixth coming out on my birthday! I love when you find a series with a bunch of books in it so you can binge read.

There are two things in Cozies that keep me coming back; great character development or detailed descriptions of the town or hobby that is the theme of the series. Many cozy authors do one really well, but Baker does both show more fantastically.

All of the characters have so much depth, even the seagull Lou. I love that there is a touch of the paranormal to this series… even if there isn’t meant to be one. Everly and her aunts combined with their professions just feel a bit witchy to me. And throw in the ghost stories and Maggie, the white cat… well, if you keep that in mind while reading Live and Let Chai you may see what I mean.

I’m also studying to be an herbalist and make my own teas so there’s a special place in my heart for Everly and her family’s tea recipes… and the recipes at the end of the book sound delicious and seem easy… I will definitely be making the Summer Strawberry and Peach tea!

And the way that Baker describes this North Carolina town and all the shops is magical. I would love to not only visit, but live in the town… maybe even join Everly in investigating all the murders that will be happening. ;)

Of course, I have to touch on the romantic aspect. A lot of times in cozies they are just kind of background and I often don’t particularly care if they get together… as long as there is no love triangle that keeps going. But her interest in Detective Hays actually has me wanting to root for more. His tragic story, coupled with him having a sweet son just seems to fit perfectly with the series… and perhaps there will be a bit of magic between them.

A fantastic book that I highly recommend and I’m looking forward to the rest of the Seaside Cafe Mystery series!!! show less