Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott is a paranormal cozy mystery, but it is so much more. From family dynamics, small town relationships, friendship, murder, and sisterhood to cultural heritage, this story has it all. Shay Myers owns an eclectic tea shop and is descended from an Irish witch. She’s been living in Bray Harbor, California for about a year. She is learning how to operate her business while dealing with her visions and her ability to sense other people’s energy. When a customer had a group tea reading dies and an employee is suspected of the murder, Shay is determined to prove her innocence.

Shay stands up for those she knows are innocent, but she doesn’t believe in or is afraid of her psychic abilities. This lack of confidence bothered me at times. She’s also stressed over the changes in her life. Her friend Liam helps her with her investigations and her dog Spirit protects her and others. My favorite character was Liam’s grandmother. Gran has recently moved the town from Ireland and is helping Shay learn about her heritage.

The novel moves at a decent clip and has a good mix of rounded and dynamic characters. The conflict advances the story line through a few twists and turns. There are several sub-threads that expand the story. I’m looking forward to seeing where they go in future books. Themes include jealousy, greed, family, resentment, a sense of losing control, and much more.

Overall, this cozy mystery keeps the reader guessing. Excellent characterization and a solid mystery made this one an enjoyable read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

Kensington Books - Kensington Cozies and Lauren Elliott provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 28, 2023.
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My 3.86 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.mystery-thriller-suspense netgalley-2023 read-2023102 s12 comments Mallory1,500 209

This is the second book in Lauren’s new series and I really enjoy it although I do believe it could be read as a standalone. I thought it works well as a cozy mystery series as I really the setting, characters, and amateur sleuth. I that Shay, the amateur sleuth has some magic she’s working on her connection to and while it may point her in the right direction but it doesn’t solve mysteries for her. I think the timing with Liam thing was a bit overdone and I am over him as an interest and I would her to find someone else. When Tassi’s new stepmother (who she hates) drops dead in Shay’s shop she is dismayed to learn that Tassi is the main suspect and instead of being focused on clearing his daughter’s name Tassi’s father is focused on proving Shay is a witch and a horrible influence on his daughter. Of course Shay can’t leave all the sleuthing to the police even though she does trust her brother in law to investigate fairly. Lauren Elliott is one of my favorite cozy mystery writers. I really her writing style and her mysteries are always interesting and full of some fun twists. 23 s BonnieM??311

Murder in a Cup is the second book in the Crystal & CuriositiTEAS series. It takes place in the town of Bray Harbor, CA. Shayleigh (Shay) Myers is the main character and owns the Crystals and CurositiTEAS tea shop. She inherited the shop and a cottage from her mother, Bridget Early, who she had never known. She was also left an amulet pouch with a blue bottle in it that she was to keep around her neck at all times.. She is a searer. Her sister, Jen helps her in the shop. A young girl named Tassi works for her part-time as her assistant. Her dog, Spirit, a german shepard attached himself to Shay when she arrived back to town after 16 years away. She has a greenhouse at the top of her shop with plants that she uses to make her tea.

There are the characters that make up the town in the first book as well as new characters that add to the story. There are two parts to this story. One has to do with her assistant, Tassi, whose father has come to town to get full custody of her, He has brought his girlfriend, Jasmine who is interested in Shay as Peter has told her that she is a witch. The second part is her father, Doyle, who wants the amulet that Shay has.

The story opens with Shay is in her greenhouse and feels something is off with the plants. Her dog will not leave the area but she can't put her finger on it. Dr. Mia Harper, a botanist who works at the University is interested in the poison plants that are also in the greenhouse and is coming to get them and take them back to her lab to study them.

Her friend, Liam who owns the pub next door has come back from Ireland with his grandmother who has come to live with him. She is from the same town that her mother and grandmother came from. She is very interested in Shay and tells her that she knew both her grandmother and mother. Gran believes in fairies.

The white glove ladies group comes every day at the same time for tea in the morning. Jasmine comes as part of their group and wants her fortune read. Shay does not want to read her fortune but others in the group decide they would to have their fortunes told. They all decide to met later after closing. Shay with the help of Tassi does a séance, Jasmine wants to go first and when she stands up she coughs, turns red and falls to the floor dead. Later it is told by Dean, the police chief and Jen's husband that she died from poison.

This is where the story takes off on an adventure for the reader. There is so much that goes on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the surprising end.

I enjoyed both the first and second book in this series. It is filled with many surprises and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.19 s1 comment Judy1,283 33

I missed the first book in the Crystals & CuriosiTEAs Mystery series, but this one can easily be read as a stand alone. I love a good cozy mystery and this one fit the bill. I enjoyed the read and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good cozy - especially with a paranormal twist.

Description:
As an eclectic tea shop owner descended from an Irish witch, intuitive Shay Myers has been living her most authentic life since moving home to California’s scenic Monterey Peninsula. Yet not even her heightened senses can predict how to run a business—or catch a killer . . .

Self-taught “seer” Shay has much to learn as autumn hits the quaint coastal town of Bray Harbor. Since attempting the art of blending herbs at her popular shop, Crystals & CuriosiTeas, she’s set on growing ingredients in the mysterious greenhouse on the second floor—if only she can separate the medicinal plants from the deadly ones. Her new skills are put to the test when she meets pub owner and ex-detective Liam Madigan’s Gran. A psychic from Ireland known for interpreting tea leaves and people, Gran encourages Shay to build upon her natural talents and hold her own group reading . . .

Despite Shay’s reservations about putting herself in the spotlight, the evening goes off without a hitch. At least, until she does a reading and a customer goes from chatty to dead in a flash, poisoned after sipping a toxic substance recently grown in the greenhouse. Worse, Shay’s assistant is suspected of intentionally serving the lethal brew and committing cold-blooded murder. Now, aided only by Liam and her dog Spirit, Shay must exonerate her employee and save the future of Crystals & CuriosiTeas. But when clues start lining up leaves in a teacup, she’ll need to understand the signs right in front of her to catch the manipulative murderer before it’s too late . . .

My Thoughts:
Shay is a good character and I d her adventures learning about her particular gift. The family history is interesting and provided context. Loved Spirit and the way he intuitively went where he was needed! This was an interesting mystery and following the clues didn't give anything away too early. Oh - and Liam seems a dream guy! The setting of the tea shop seemed nice, with tea ingreadients growing upstairs. I wouldn't want those poison plants in my shop either - it would worry me all the time.

Thanks to Kensington Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on November 28, 2023.15 s Carrie3,377 1,615

Review coming soon.
netgalley6 s Linda Langford1,329 14

Good magical-twist mystery. I the main characters, and Gran was a great addition!2024-cozies-read contemporary cozy-mystery ...more6 s Laura322 53

DNF !! I got to page 190 and I couldn’t do it anymore. Too many things were annoying for me to mention….. I feel maybe it’s me. It got so many five stars?6 s Lisa~Ilovemypug~ Currier1,915 69

#MurderinaCup #NetGalley is a great addition to this unique cozy mystery series. Shay is learning about her gifts, but a bizarre murder has her working hard to prove her young assistant is innocent.
Deadly plants, lies, and secrets are bound to grab your curiosity and have you reading long into the night.
This author is becoming a favorite of mine and I'm always happy to recommend Lauren Elliot to other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.6 s Sue Em1,380 100

I was such a fan of the first book that I immediately read the second one jumping it up over many many books in my queue. And I loved the second book just as much. My only disappointment is now how long I will have to wait for the third one. Shayleigh is growing into her Inheritance of the tea shop and the amulet with the blue diamond when during a group tea reading a woman drops dead. One of her employees becomes suspect number one and Shay is compelled to prove her innocence. The characters are interesting and I love the addition of Gran. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.netgalley5 s samantha vogel-Hespos 164 10 Read

Descended from an Irish witch, Shay Myers, the intuitive owner of Crystals & CuriosiTeas in California's Monterey Peninsula, faces a challenge when a deadly incident disrupts her quaint coastal town. As she explores the art of herb blending in her shop's mysterious greenhouse, Shay's newfound skills are put to the test after a fatal poisoning occurs during a group reading. Now, with suspicions falling on her assistant, Shay, assisted by pub owner Liam and her dog Spirit, must unravel the clues in front of her to clear her employee's name and safeguard the future of her eclectic tea shop.This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.Show full review3 s Elizabeth McFarland 387 51

I'm really enjoying this series so far! This was a delightful and fun cozy mystery with witchy vibes. It's nice seeing Shay grow into her craft, and the addition of Gran to help her with her magic was wonderful. I'm also getting very invested in the building relationship between Shay and Liam.

The story is well written, entertaining, and filled with plenty of twists along the way. I had an inkling of the identity of the culprit but still enjoyed everything leading up to the reveal.

I highly recommend Murder in a Cup to anyone who s a good witchy cozy mystery!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.3 s Karen Stallman 720 70

Murder in a Cup by Lauren Elliott the 2nd instalment in the "A Crystals & CuriosiTeas Mystery " series. What a great follow up to book one! As with Lauren’s other series, I’m now a huge fan of this one and just as invested in the characters.

Another thing I enjoyed was the ongoing close relationship between Shay and Tassi. I love the introduction of Gran from Ireland and can see her playing a big part in helping Shay.

The story is well-written and I found it entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Shay did.

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.4 s Sarah B1,123 20

A Delightful Murder Mystery

So this was a fun read. I truly enjoyed stepping into the tea shop and seeing what Shay was up to this time. And all too soon there was a murder, a woman dropping dead at a tea reading right before her startled eyes! The real puzzle was how did it happen? And why not to mention who? I didn't try to guess who the killer was but I just enjoyed the story.

All the stuff with crystals and magic and faeries mentioned certainly makes this a very fascinating series. And I am a tad confused as to why there isn't another book? Because there are plot elements that carry over from the first book about a larger plot involving Shay's history and I sure would to see that carried further...

The stuff in here about the various plants from that famous old rhyme was absolutely shocking!! So "eye of newt" is actually a plant's nickname and not the eye from a lizard?? And "toe of frog" and "wool of bat" are plants too??? Here I had thought they were taking hair off of actual bats! I guess the rest of the ingredients in that song are plants too... I never would have dreamed that.

Plus how the murder had actually been carried out - in front of a large group of people - was absolutely perfect and oh so clever!!

But one reason I this series is because I feel that I can relate to Shay. This magical stuff certainly seems rather confusing. I mean how do you know which rock is for what? And how do you use these stones \ rocks?? I know they say they have different qualities but it all seems rather confusing.

Will Shay ever get together with Liam?

The book definitely ended with a surprising twist of events so it makes me wonder what will happen next..2 s Micky Cox2,134 27

Murder has blown into the tea shop again and this time Shay may not be able to untwist the mystery until it is too late for her especially if she doesn't hurry up and embrace her gifts! This series is shooting up to my favorites list in a hurry! Wonderfully plotted, fantastic character development and interactions that draw you in and keep you turning pages are two of my favorite aspects of the series. However, there is so much more. The dynamics between the characters is blossoming and so very engaging. The paranormal aspect is delightfully intriguing and draws you further into the story. I absolutely can't wait to see where the series goes from here as there are big things on the horizon for the characters, I'm just not sure yet if they will bring good or bad tidings that our characters have to unravel in the future!netgalley-books2 s Luis Nuñez95 7 Read

I loved the first book in this series, so I was waiting for an opportunity to read the second installment.

It took me a while to get into the story. I thought it had not much content in the first couple of chapters, but as I read on, threatening events started happening, and then more and more subplots were thrown in for good measure. In my humble opinion, there were too many threatening situations, and I felt sorry for the poor protagonist, who is rather more insecure in this book than in the first one.

I Ms. Elliott’s smooth writing style and have read all of her books, so even with the overabundance of threats to the wellbeing of our heroine, I still the cozy elements of this series, and the locale. I really d the new addition of the Irish Gran, and her Irish accent.

As in the previous mystery series by Ms. Elliott, I am not a fan of the heroine’s extremely wishy-washy feelings in the romance department. I just wish she would make up her mind regarding a partner, and that the romantic aspect of these books would not take so much of the story with a lack of decision on the heroine’s part.

I did not suspect who the murderer was, and was surprised at the end, which I d.

The last chapter was a whirlwind of explanations trying to close all gaps and tie all loose ends…however, there was another bucket of cold water poured on poor Shay’s head, and an ongoing threat is still not resolved…I will have to wait until book number 3 to find out more…

Thank you, Net Galley and Kensington Cozies, for allowing me to read an Advance Reader’s Copy and leave an honest personal review.2 s Gabriela Garcia Maloucaze11 3

I loved the setting! The beach, the CuriosiTeas tea shop with its greenhouse… It’s a very nice light read, a simple mystery (no twists for those who love them, but I wasn’t expecting any). I enjoy the mix of cozy plus psychic abilities – it’s a cupful of tropes, pardon the pun. So if that’s what you are looking for, go for it. If you want some serious reading, look somewhere else. Nice characters, as is to be expected. The one thing I did not as much were the “ye”, “yer”, “dese”, “dat” for the Irish characters – it was a little heavy handed for my taste, but understandable, and the granny was a nice addition, anyway.
Suffice to say I had not read the first book of the series and now I will – and the next in the series, which I hope will continue. I look forward to read what will happen to Shay – and to Spirit, the dog!
Update: so I went back and read the first book before posting. Mild spoiler ahead:
Really, if the vet was just a friend of Liam, why did they end up living together in what seems a matter of weeks? And now it seems he’s hooking up with someone else. So I don’t care about his electric blue eyes –Shay deserves someone better ;)
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book and get to know the series.2 s Tracy Wood1,051 13

Shay Myers loves running the Crystals and CuriosiTEAS shop in Bray Harbour, California, that she recently inherited from her mother, Bridget. Being able to work alongside her sister, Jen, means every day is a pleasure apart from one thing. Unfortunately, Shay doesn't remember her mum, but from other inherited items, she is beginning to understand more of what Bridget hoped the future would hold for her.

When Liam, a near neighbour and ex-detective returns from a trip to Ireland he bring his grandmother with him meaning Shay finally meets someone who knew her mother as a young woman and understands the gifts she's been given. When an evening event at Crystals and CuriosiTEAS ends in disaster, Shay needs her friends, family, and Gran around her, especially as discovering what happened seems far from simple. With a grieving relative determined to make everyone they think is involved pay heavily, could Shay’s new life be over before it’s hardly begun?

The second in Lauren Elliott's new series definitely fleshes everyone and everything out, and it was a pleasure to visit with Shay once again. I the way her new abilities have been accepted even if she is still hesitant to use them fully. The addition of Liam's grandmother, called Gran by everyone she comes into contact with, is a brilliant step. She enjoys talking about Bridget whilst also sharing similar abilities to Shay and should become an empathetic and understanding role model for future adventures, of which I hope there will be many.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to reading more very soon. Recommended. 4.5 rounded up to 5*.02-netgalley-20232 s Mackenzie Busalacchi192 10

Murder in a Cup is a cozy mystery with magical/fantasy elements. Shay and her sister Jen have just opened a tea shop in Bray Harbor. They offer locally harvested teas, snacks, and tea readings. When the White Glove Ladies group decides to make Shay's tea shop their new meeting location, they insist on setting up a reading. One of the newest members of the group is Jasmine, who happens to be Tassi's father's young girlfriend. Tassi's father has just recently decided to fight for custody of Tassi, who is NOT happy with the situation. During the White Glove Ladies reading, Jasmine is poisoned, and the prime suspect is Tassi. Shay is determined to ensure that Tassi does not go to jail for murder.

Unfortunately, this cozy was just not for me. To begin with, I found most of the characters to be unlikable. Shay, as the main narrator, is quite annoying. While I understand that Tassi is a teenager, she is quite whiney. I didn't think there was any sort of chemistry between Shay and Liam. Finally, Gran just sort of comes out of nowhere and then just happens to be friends with Shay's family. I also did not understand the magic. I thought that the magic definitely could have been explained better, especially since it seems to be such a big part of this series. I did actually find the mystery to be intriguing and d who the murderer turned out to be.

Based on the , a lot of readers are thoroughly enjoying the book. It simply wasn't for me.2 s1 comment Deborah Almada1,010 29

I am enjoying the opportunity to spend more time with Shay, a thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read the next chapter. Shay has had her hands full after her old life imploded, but she has gamely embraced her inheritance from her birth mother. The tea shop is something she has cleaned up and made her own, her new talents are a little bit harder. I found in this new book we are really dragged down with Shay as she struggles to understand her talents, over come her fear of using them and worry about consequences. Fortunately some help is provided for her in the person on Liam's grandmother, who comes to stay with him, as Shay has her hands full when a customer dies in the tea house, Tassi is the main suspect and Shay is being sued and accused of practicing witchcraft! You will not want to miss this one.2 s Jenna (readinginjennaland)683 21

Shay is slowly getting her teashop under control with her sister Jen's help and her young friend Tassi. When Tassi's Dad comes into town and starts creating drama. His girlfriend Jasmine keeps coming into the shop for a tea reading. Shay finally relents to doing a group tea reading then Jasmine drops dead during the reading. Tassi is a suspect and her Dad is trying to get full custody and keep her away from Shay and the shop. Liam's Gran comes to town and helps Shay. Shay must investigate to find out who the real killer is.

I loved this mystery and am so excited to see what happens next.2 s Amy L1 review2

If you d the first book in the series, you will enjoy this one too. The addition of new characters keeps the book fresh while honoring the original crew. I love the way the author intersperses magic with real life scenarios. The addition of all of the facts about tea also makes in educational. Will definitely read the next in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC.2 s Dawn Michelle2,591

Not nearly as good as the first one [MUCH more eye-rolling romance issues that borderline on ick and the whole "it is ALL my fault" issues made me crazy - until Gran practically smacks it out of Shay - hallelujah] with a very rushed ending [WHY is this a thing now with cozies/mysteries?? HOW can readers make it stop?? It is so frustrating] that was so...meh [I had guessed the killer, and soon after, the why] that I was left...disappointed. I will say that I d it well enough that I will read book 3 [because, you know there will be another one due to the ending] and hope that the magic that was in the first one returns to that one. I will also say that this was better than some I have read as of late and I am grateful for that. It wasn't horrible, just not as magical as book one.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Elliot, and Kensington Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. already-own audiobook-hoopla books-read-in-2023 ...more1 PlansWithTea Mikayla & Oliver the cat28

It was so wonderful to dive back into Shay’s world of crystals and curiosiTEAS. I actually loved the audiobook narrator so much on the first book that I waited for the audiobook of this one. I think it’s the Irish accents she does for Gran and Liam, I just love listening to it.
Murder in a Cup takes place a year after the events of Steeped in Secrets. Shay seems to have really mastered the art of running a tea shop, but she’s still having trouble with the witchy seeing the future tea leaf reading stuff. Luckily, Liam has brought home his gran from Ireland, and she is excited to teach Shay everything her mother wanted to teach her.
Gran is an absolute gem and really brings in some more cozy found family elements to the story. Plus she’s answering all the questions i still had from the first book. Gran teaches Shay a bunch about Irish fairy lore, and it’s so lovely to listen to on the audiobook.
Once again we’re getting new knowledge of plants and crystals and their properties, and it’s very interesting and helpful to the plot. The mystery itself really kept me guessing once again, though some parts were a little predictable and I find that Shay is often too nice/naieve. But she is also a nice person who wants to think the best of everyone, and I am not that type of person
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