Four Puddings and a Funeral: Oxford Tearoom Mysteries, Book 6

...found this latest book in the Oxford tea room series to be mediocre at best. It's too bad, because I really have enjoyed H.Y's Hanna's offerings to date and had greatly looked forward to this one. Plotting is poor and it was c,ear early on who the guilty party was. I had a hard time believing that all those people in positions of trust -detectives, doctors and lawyers- would spill confidential information so easily to our heroine when she popped up in their offices or rooms. One, maybe but all of them? Villains - even that snarky mother of Lincoln's, were too broadly drawn to be believable. And one of Hanna's strengths in previous books, her vivid descriptions of Oxford life, seemed pale in comparison to her earlier work. Frankly, it seemed as if she rushed to publication on this one, and I will hope that she gets back on track with the next installment.

While I guessed the murderer way too early, I still enjoyed this sixth book in the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries. I had been offered a free copy by the author, but since I don't read reviews that aren't verified purchases, I bought my copy. It was worth it. I really enjoyed seeing a different side of Mabel Cooke, leader of the octogenarian amateur detectives and the cameo appearances of Caitlyn from H Y Hanna's new Bewitched by Chocolate series. Perhaps my favorite part was getting to know the hero who saves Gemma from the murderer. All in all, I'm very glad I paid for my copy, although I always appreciate the offer for a free book. This was worth the money, and it left me wanting not only the next in the Oxford Tearoom Mystery Series but wanting more of Caitlyn and the Bewitched by Chocolate Mysteries. While it may not be necessary to read the books in order, I'd definitely recommend doing so.

"Four Puddings and A Funeral" is the 6th book of the Oxford Tearoom Mysteries series. The book is set in the quaint Cotswolds villages of Meadowford-on-Smythe and Oxford. Gemma Rose is the owner of the Little Stables Tearoom, located in a 15th-century Tudor building in Meadowford-on-Smythe. Gemma and Cassie, Gemma's best friend who also works for her, are catering the funeral of Rex Clifford, a prominent local businessman. All is going well until the widow, Adele Clifford, collapses at the funeral reception. Unfortunately, one of Gemma's friends is accused of poisoning her. With the help of Devlin O'Connor, a local Oxfordshire police detective and also Gemma's boyfriend, Gemma starts to do some investigating to prove her friend's innocence. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes all things British and surprise endings!

I love my visits to Oxford via H.Y. Hanna's books, and Four Puddings and a Funeral was truly a delight. Gemma has grown so much as a protagonist, but at the same time, there is still a bit of the unsure girl she was when she moved back to Oxford from Australia. However, that doesn't stop her from trying to solve the poisoning murder of the widow at a funeral that Gemma's tearoom catered -- after all, her reputation, and also that of the Old Biddies is at stake. All of my favorite characters were at their best in this book, including Muesli, the Old Biddies and Gemma's Mum (who has lost her iPad -- egad!), as well as a surprising new character, Pricklebum the hedgehog.Additionally, two characters from H.Y. Hanna's new Bewitched by Chocolate series, Caitlyn LeFey and her cousin Pomona, were introduced and given some background in this book, which I found to be a nice tie-in. If you have read Dark, Witch and Creamy or Witch Chocolate Fudge, you will especially appreciate the role of the chocolates that Gemma's mother serves at an extremely uncomfortable dinner party.I highly recommend Four Puddings and a Funeral and anxiously await my next visit to Oxford!

I have enjoyed all of the Tearoom Mysteries so far. But in my opinion, this one is the best of them all.Gemma and Cassie are doing their fist ever full catering job. It's for a funeral reception. There is lots of drama played out as is with many funerals. The new widow is gloating about the daughter being cut out of the will of her very rich husband. Suddenly, the widow drops dead also. Now the daughter gets to plan her Step-mothers funeral also. We also have a stranger make an appearance claiming to be related to the original deceased.This is a fun story, with well defined characters and lots of laughs along the way. Gemma is still having problems trying to get her mother to accept her boyfriend, trying to run a tea shop, and trying to keep one of the old bitties out of jail at the same time.There is also a guest appearance from a couple of characters from the Bewitched by Chocolate series, which I discovered a couple of weeks ago.

Gemma Rose has a big catering job. A funeral for a well respected and much loved man. To bad his wife wasn't thought of the same way. When she dies after the funeral one of the old biddies, Mabel Cooke is suspected by DC Pratt. And he lives up to his name.With the will changed, a long lost love child showing up and Gemma's mother still trying to direct her love life it seems that Gemma and her boyfriend Devlin have their hands full.In this book Caitlin LeFay, MC of a new series is introduced. Also included is a recipe for a sticky toffee tart.

Mueslli steals the show, but she has some competition from priclebum! I have read all of the tea room series by H.Y.Hanna, and each is better than the previous. The characters are well developed, interesting and sometimes quirky. The suspense is real, and this one had an ending that really took me by surprise. I love the way she leads into her new series about the enchanted candy store in this book. Elaine Hall

I don't know what it is about these stories that I like so much. Perhaps it is a life less complicated than ones own, or the underlying sweetness of the main characters, but I enjoy them despite figuring out a lot of things a head of time or knowing when a paragraph should be heeded as it will be important in the solution later. Our author creates a cozy mystery world many of us would love to visit. She might want to throw a few red herrings in for future tales, but still it's wonderful escapist reading.

I love this series of books. Cosy they may be, but nothing wrong with that. As in previous books, our heroine gets drawn into investigating a murder, reluctantly. This time her boyfriend, a D. I., isn't against her investigating, because he's been shut out of the case too, and it is being conducted by an obnoxious young D. I. who is determined to pin the murder on one of the Old Biddies. Lots going on as usual in the background, and it makes for a highly enjoyable read, not taxing, not demanding, just cosy.

Another fun read. Now that she has started catering outside jobs she is in seventh heaven however her first big job, a funeral, ends with another death. Death, scams and inheritance are all wrapped up in this delightful light humorous read. The Old Biddies are outstanding as always and their antics really make this series. Just wish her two BFF's would either get together or find other partners.

This is a real good story and it certainly shows Gemma in a new light. I'd hate to undergo a cross-examination from her. I also liked the way Caitlyn was introduced, and she may well end up as a central character in one of Gemma's adventures. I'd rate this as my joint favorite with "Two Down, Bun To Go.Looking forward to July for the next episode.

Couldn't wait to read this next chapter of the Oxford Tearooms Mysteries and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I love reading about the Old Biddies and Museli as they feel like old friends now. This is a great read which flows nicely on from the previous book, can't wait for the next one.

Just what is ordered for lovers of mystery and cake. Even a cute cat to add to the mix. Love the Oxford setting too as I mentally follow through the streets but a knowledge of the city not essential for enjoyment. I have followed through the series but you can just pick this up and still be intrigued by the story and caught up in the lives of the main characters.