I’m delighted to share a review of The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier – a Caribbean Island Mystery. Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native Saint Thomas.
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for: 2 $20 Gift Cards; Winner’s Choice of Amazon OR B&N ENTER HERE! ⬅️
Book Details:
Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery
Published by: Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: April 21, 2026
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 9798892425230
Series: A Caribbean Island Mystery, Book 1
About the Book:
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.
Book Links:
My Review:
It is one of my favorite things to get in on the ground floor of a new cozy mystery series. And what a unique and interesting start to a series we have here!
First, dear reader, give yourself time to start this well, as it takes a minute to settle in. I first started while waiting for a high school choir concert to start and that was a bad move. I need to get comfy and spend some time with the book, which I did the next day and then I was sailing along and turning pages quickly. Give yourself time to trust the narrative and see where it is going and you will not be disappointed. This would be a great summer read!
Solving multiple mysteries within a mystery made for a unique cozy mystery reading experience and created lots of suspense. In addition to a strong voice and wonderful storytelling, the setting adds a lot to the experience of the story. I felt as though I was there in the US Virgin Islands with Naomi. And let’s not forget the recipes included as well.
Looking forward to future adventures with Naomi!
About the Author:
Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier’s work has appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, Stone’s Throw, Smoking Pen Press, Malice Domestic’s Mystery Most Devious and Mystery Most Humorous, The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2023, and other esteemed anthologies. Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Ashley-Ruth writes mysteries highlighting the vibrant culture of her home. Ashley-Ruth is a 2022 winner of NCWN’s Jacobs-Jones award, a 2023 SMFS Derringer finalist, a Killer Nashville Claymore finalist, a 2024 recipient of MWA’s Barbara Neely grant for Black mystery writers, and a 2026 Agatha Award nominee. THE BUSH TEA MURDER (Crooked Lane Books, 2026) is her first novel-length work. She currently lives with her family and teaches first grade in Apex, North Carolina.
Catch Up With Ashley-Ruth Bernier:
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours for Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited. The giveaway is for: 2 $20 Gift Cards; Winner’s Choice of Amazon OR B&N ENTER HERE! ⬅️
TheBushTeaMurder #AshleyRuthMBernier #CaribbeanIslandMystery #CulinaryCozyMystery #CozyMystery #CozyMysteries #CozyMysterySeries #CozyMysteryBooks #CulinaryMystery #MysteryBooks #SaintThomas
sarahcantstopreadingbooks.com 
Leave a comment