The Bush Tea Murder (A Caribbean Island Mystery)
Cozy-ish Culinary Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – St. Thomas – Virgin Islands
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books
Publication date : April 21, 2026
Print length : 336 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-13 : 979-8892425223
ASIN : B0FJD3P2SG
Paperback
ISBN-13 : 979-8892425230
ASIN : B0FJD75QL7
Kindle
ISBN-13 : 979-8892425247
ASIN : B0FJD7PX45
Audiobook
ASIN B0FY439W3M
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.
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 mysteries—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 seriously—regardless of the scope of each case. Naomi’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.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the Author
Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier’s short fiction has appeared in Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, Stone’s Throw, Smoking Pen Press, The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2023, Malice Domestic’s Mystery Most Devious and Mystery Most Humorous, and The Caribbean Writer. Originally from Saint Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Ashley-Ruth writes mysteries highlighting the vibrant culture of her home. Ashley-Ruth is a 2023 Derringer nominee (novelette category, Short Mystery Fiction Society), a 2023 and 2024 Killer Nashville Claymore finalist (Best Short Story Collection), and one of the 2024 recipients of MWA’s Barbara Neely grant for Black mystery writers. She is an active member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Color, the Short Mystery Fiction Society, Mystery Writers of America, and the North Carolina Writers Network. Ashley-Ruth currently lives with her husband and four children in North Carolina, where she teaches first grade and finds very few things more valuable than uninterrupted writing time.
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