by: Julia Buckley
Series: Hungarian Tea House
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: July 30, 2019
Publisher: Berkley
Amazon | Paperback | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads
Hana Keller serves up European-style cakes and teas in her family-owned tea house, but when a customer keels over from a poisoned cuppa, Hana and her tea-leaf reading grandmother will have to help catch a killer in the first Hungarian Tea House Mystery from Julia Buckley.
Hana Keller and her family run Maggie's Tea House, an establishment heavily influenced by the family's Hungarian heritage and specializing in a European-style traditional tea service. But one of the shop's largest draws is Hana's eccentric grandmother, Juliana, renowned for her ability to read the future in the leaves at the bottom of customers' cups. Lately, however, her readings have become alarmingly ominous and seemingly related to old Hungarian legends...
When a guest is poisoned at a tea event, Juliana’s dire predictions appear to have come true. Things are brought to a boil when Hana’s beloved Anna Weatherley butterfly teacup becomes the center of the murder investigation as it carried the poisoned tea. The cup is claimed as evidence by a handsome police detective, and the pretty Tea House is suddenly endangered. Hana and her family must catch the killer to save their business and bring the beautiful Budapest Butterfly back home where it belongs.
Julia Buckley has once again written a very good mystery. I’m always skeptical when an author I love writes a new series. In my mind, I keep thinking there’s no way they’re going to be able to make me love these new characters as much as I loved the previous characters in the past series. But I was wrong.
I’ve found Death in a Budapest Butterfly to be all about family. Haniska “Hana” Keller is the twenty-seven-year-old protagonist of the series. She runs her family’s Hungarian influenced tea room, Maggie’s Tea House, alongside her mother and her grandmother. I loved that the family’s Hungarian roots, customs, and beliefs are woven throughout the story. Be warned, the mention of food will definitely make you hungry.
The Magyar Women’s group from St. Stephen's parish is hosting a tea event at Maggie’s Tea House when one of its members, Ava Novak is poisoned. Leading the investigation is Detective Erik Wolf. After questioning Hana, her mother, and grandmother, he enlists their help in questioning all the ladies who attended the event. There is also a growing attraction between Erik and Hana. As the story progresses, more is learned about Ava, including her past and the past of all members of the group. Strange events start to occur, leaving Hana and Erik to wonder if someone is after her family or if the events are just coincidence.
As I mentioned, Death in a Budapest Butterfly was a really good mystery that kept me guessing until the big reveal. While I attempted to solve the murder, I was captivated by learning about Hungarian culture. The budding romance between Hana and Erik was fun to watch. Equally fun to witness was the close relationship Hana shared with her family and her brother’s girlfriend.
I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in this series. After seeing how Hana and Erik worked to solve this case, I can’t wait to see how they work together again and what becomes of their relationship.
**Received a copy from the author and reviewed voluntarily.**
Rating: 4.5
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Death of a Wandering Wolf releases June 30, 2020
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