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, ...
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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.
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Add this copy of The Bush Tea Murder (a Caribbean Island Mystery) to cart. $9.99, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2026 by Crooked Lane Books.
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Add this copy of The Bush Tea Murder to cart. $14.14, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2026 by Crooked Lane Books.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 336 p. A Caribbean Island Mystery. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of The Bush Tea Murder to cart. $16.97, new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2026 by Crooked Lane Books.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 336 p. A Caribbean Island Mystery. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of The Bush Tea Murder to cart. $21.05, new condition, Sold by Paperbackshop rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Bensenville, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2026 by CROOKED LANE BOOKS.
Add this copy of The Bush Tea Murder to cart. $21.22, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2026 by Crooked Lane Books.
The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley Ruth M. Bernier has such a fun concept and a setting that immediately drew me in. Instead of Naomi Sinclair solving just one mystery, she has several to untangle, and I really enjoyed seeing how her cleverness and her connections within the community helped her along the way. The U.S. Virgin Islands setting is lush and tropical, and the diverse cast of characters adds so much life to the story. The dialogue felt natural, and the story moved at a relaxed, island pace that suited the setting well. I also liked how the smaller mysteries eventually connected to the main murder investigation. My only real drawback was that I figured out the culprit before I was halfway through the book, so I wish the whodunit had been a little less predictable. The ending also felt a bit abrupt to me. Even so, I enjoyed watching everything come together and learning the reasons behind each mystery. Overall, The Bush Tea Murder was an enjoyable read, and I�m looking forward to seeing what Naomi Sinclair investigates next. This is one island mystery series I�ll happily return to for another cup of intrigue.
Lori
May 10, 2026
A COMPELLING MAIN CHARACTER
Dollycas�s Thoughts
Naomi Sinclair hosts A Word from the Kitchen on EAT TV. She and her co-worker, Travis Spriggs, have been given the opportunity to submit an unsolved food-based mystery to determine who will host a new true crime show on the network. Naomi picks a cold case that takes her home to St. Thomas, where, in addition to the cold-blooded murder of the woman who opened the first teahouse there, there are several other cases that could use Naomi�s attention. It will also allow her to check on her dad, who is having medical issues.
Soon, Naomi is back at home working to solve a decades-old mystery, and some current mini mysteries, all while catching up with friends, including a certain hunky EMT, and ensuring that her father gets the care he needs.
The Bush Tea Murder stands apart from typical cozy mysteries. It features a grittier tone and uses coarse language, which places it outside the traditional cozy mystery genre. The narrative introduces several subplots, bringing in new characters and separate mysteriesâ�"one of which Naomi witnesses firsthand. The story also moves between present-day events and occurrences from a year prior, often within the same chapter. While this structure takes some adjustment, it ultimately develops a readable flow.
Naomi is portrayed as a resilient and proud character, deeply connected to her heritage. Even though she currently resides in North Carolina for work, her heart remains in St. Thomas. She is gentle, respectful, and kind, taking her investigative work seriouslyâ�"regardless of the scope of each case. Naomiâ��s relationship with Mateo is particularly touching and sometimes overshadows the mysteries themselves. Her concern for her father is evident, and she rekindles friendships from her high school days. The depiction of St. Thomas offers a look at authentic island life, showing that drama can unfold anywhere, even in paradise.
The main mystery was multifaceted and emotional for many involved. Naomi is pulled in many different directions, as was this reader. The cold case she selects is an excellent choice for the network, and her investigation would likely be captivating on television. However, the resolution of the clues comes together somewhat abruptly, though Naomi�s detailed explanations help clarify the process.
The Bush Tea Murder is an enjoyable story featuring a compelling main character, a diverse supporting cast, and intriguing mysteries, all set against the beautiful backdrop of St. Thomas. Despite some issues with explicit language and the narrative structure, Naomi�s character stands out and provides a solid foundation for the series. I am already looking forward to the next Caribbean Island Mystery.
