Description: Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native Saint Thomas.
A new cozy mystery set in the US Virgin Islands, this charming amateur sleuth will enrapture readers of Joanne Fluke and Carrie Doyle. Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn't expect a side of murder with her passion fruit juice. But when her return to Saint Thomas heralds a series of troubling cases, ranging from petty theft to cold-blooded murder, that threaten her tight-knit community, that is exactly the kind of unsavory treat she must sink her teeth into. Luckily for her neighbors, Naomi is as adept at solving puzzles as rolling johnnycake dough--a good thing, since her island community, though small, keeps serving up plenty of trouble. With the help of her friends and her crush, Mateo, Naomi must navigate the tumultuous turquoise waters of life in the Caribbean, all as her beloved father battles an illness that keeps tugging her back to her island amid her rising career stateside. Rich with mouthwatering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun, The Bush Tea Murder has all the ingredients to make up the perfect beach read.Review Quotes: Praise for The Bush Tea Murder
"Zigzagging between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, this debut offers plenty to enjoy . . . Fun-filled and fulfilling."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
--First Clue Reviews
"Enhanced for the reader's benefit with mouth-watering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun . . . A deftly crafted 'whodunnit'"
--Midwest Book Review "Everything a good mystery needs from captivating characters to amazing imagery and everything in between."
--Kings River Life
"This book is filled with the island spirit and a culture that only makes this mystery more interesting."
--Wonder Women Sixty "Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier's The Bush Tea Murder is the perfect blend of intrigue, family drama, mystery and Caribbean culture. You'll want to savor it to the last drop."
--Olivia Matthews, author of the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries. "At its heart, this is a charming, immersive cozy mystery steeped in Caribbean culture, vibrant characters, and sun-drenched intrigue--a fresh and flavorful delight. The mystery unfolds at a measured, satisfying pace, allowing the rich worldbuilding and character dynamics to shine. I especially loved the subtle tension between Naomi's stateside ambitions and her deep-rooted love for her island home, which adds emotional depth beyond what's typical for the genre. With engaging twists, well-developed characters, and a beautifully flowing plot, this is a cozy mystery that lingers long after the final page."
--Debra Sennefelder, author of the Food Blogger mystery series