MURDER MARKS THE PAGE by Karen Rose Smith
Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Book 1 in “Tomes & Tea Mystery” series, 272 pages
4****
Blurb: The first in a new series spun off from the Daisy Tea Garden Mysteries, Daisy’s daughter Jazzi Swanson has opened her own book and tea shop, providing a variety of literature and flavored beverages for a rural New York community. But Jazzi has not only inherited her mother’s gift for brewing tasty drinks—she also has a nose for sniffing out murder. New York State’s Belltower Landing is a lakeside resort town where tourists spend their summer days boating, floating, and paddle-boarding on the water. It’s also the perfect place to cuddle up with a good book and enjoy a cup of tea, courtesy of Tomes & Tea. Owned and operated by Jazzi and her best friend Dawn Fernsby, the book bar is beloved by vacationers and locals alike, but browsers grabbing brews in the off season aren’t enough to help them make ends meet. Between brainstorming social media publicity ideas for the shop and fending off flirtatious men she has no interest in or time for, Jazzi befriends a woman named Brie who has recently made contact with her biological father. As an adopted child herself, Jazzi is more than happy to give Brie emotional support, especially as her wealthy father’s wife and children see her as a threat. But Brie is also looking to start a family of her own. Unfortunately, all the potential princes she’s met through a dating app turn out to be frogs. Then, when Brie is found murdered, Jazzi finds herself playing detective. With a list of suspects ranging from jealous half-siblings to less-than-suitable suitors, Jazzi may need to consult some of her shop’s bestselling mysteries to help her uncover a killer . . . Includes delicious recipes!
Thoughts: This is the first book in a new (spin-off) series from Karen Rose Smith, but it has ties to her “Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries”. In this one, Daisy’s daughter Jazzi is the (reluctant) sleuth. She’s living in a small resort town, sharing ownership of a bookstore/tea shop with her college roommate, Dawn, as well as an apartment — and two kittens. When a friend is murdered, Jazzi helps bring the killer to justice. She also has a possible romantic interest in two men—Oliver (Australian owner of a bar) and Parker (genius nerd who can also dance).
The characters are well-done with a realistic setting —that I want to live in! If there was anything I didn’t care for, it was so much description about the characters clothes and setting – though, this being the first book in the series, some of that is necessary. I was also surprised that, though Daisy was often referred to, we didn’t see any of her at all. The reading went pretty fast and was enjoyable. I can’t wait to see more from Jazzi and her friends in this wonderful little resort town.
Recommendation: Definitely recommended
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Sparkling Book Reviews 
I read this as a preview arc. I loved the themes, her use of several side stories within, as well as the twists and turns . She made tge resort town come to life and how resort town works behind the scenes ti build up business. Very descriptive and you could feel the lake winds, the woods, etc. Of course, I lo Ed the kittens, too! A must read! I loved the Daisy series, this one starting with her daughter should be just as well loved!
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