It’s sink or swim for Everly with her most bizarre case yet!Everly Swan is busy as a bee running her beachside iced tea shop, and the small island of Charm, North Carolina is abuzz-Mitzi Calgon, an iconic Hollywood actress, is in town! Everly’s great-aunts are making a documentary about beekeeping and Mira has agreed to help. But when the actress turns up dead, reporters and fans swarm the … reporters and fans swarm the island, muddying the water and disrupting the peaceful lives of the townspeople.
Everly’s never been good at minding her own beeswax, so she starts following her own leads and combing through the evidence. Then there’s the mystery of Detective Hays-ever since their kiss under the mistletoe, he’s been acting distant. And he’s annoyingly determined to keep Everly away from the case. But when she receives a cryptic warning to “Bee Careful”, Everly realizes that she’s gotten herself into a really sticky situation…
The fourth book in Bree Baker’s Seaside Café Mystery series, readers of Joanne Fluke and Kate Carlisle will love A Call for Kelp!
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The Seaside Café Mysteries written by Bree Baker are charming, fun books that build a wonderful community setting, offer snappy and memorable characters, and entertain me for several hours. I’ve just finished the 4th in the series, A Call for Kelp. In this installment, Everly Swan, a mid-to-late-twenties single woman has been running her seaside iced tea shop for just under a year. Her great aunts are making a movie to support their bee hives, and Everly’s late grandmother’s best friend from her Hollywood days has agreed to star in it. Except she’s deadly allergic to bees.
You guessed it! She dies, and pretty quickly, too. But was it really from the bee stings or part of an elaborate cover-up? A few of the movie staff, plus the woman’s ex-husband and stepdaughter look guilty, as well as the dubious head of her underground fan club. When a second suicide/murder occurs, Everly knows there is something horrible going on. Except the killer, like usual in this series, captures Everly and nearly murders her. Poor Grady, the detective who’s moved to town to get away from an interfering former mother-in-law, can’t keep up with solving the case and protecting Everly. He’s beginning to crush on her, even if he’s staying far away to protect her from something in his past.
Another good book in this series. It has a calming influence, despite the murders and the worry about poor Everly’s safety. She does put herself in a few bad situations, but truthfully, sometimes she has awful luck. Before she even began investigating this one, the criminal did something to her as a warning – sort of… “don’t investigate the murder I’m about to commit.” In a way, it was quite funny, but at the same time, this happened in all 4 books, where the murderer taunts poor Everly. I’m hoping we go a different route in the next book (so so so minor tho, it’s actually kinda quirky in a good way, too).
Looking forward to the 5th one next week… then I have the 6th one thru NetGalley and I’m all caught up. #7 is set for an early 2022 release, so I want to be ready to stay current.
I’m enjoying Bree Baker’s series set in Charm, NC in the OBX. What’s not to love…the beach, iced tea, quirky characters, and some murder and mayhem mixed in.
This is a fun series to read especially when you are craving beach time. The sleuth, Everly, likes to be independent but knows how important friends and family can be to a balanced life. Her aunts provide entertainment throughout each book.
A Call for Kelp is book 4 in the Seaside Mystery series and we are starting to get more into her heritage which I find very interesting. I hope we continue to see the “magic” recipes as we did in this book. We have been given her rum cake recipe in the back and I am planning on fixing for Labor Day for my family.
The romance is very secondary and light throughout each book. It gives realness to the plot without dragging it down.
Fans of cozy mysteries need to swim, run, or power walk to your nearest book dealer (whether it be store or library) and get started on this series. I admit I read book three first and then went back and read the first two. While I was ok in following the storyline I recommend starting from the beginning.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, through NetGalley. Any opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker is the 4th A Seaside Café Mystery. It can be read on its own if you are new to the series. Personally, I would read the series in order so she can follow the characters from the beginning. I thought A Call for Kelp was well-written with friendly characters in a cozy seaside town. The story moved along steadily thanks to all the action in the story. Everly lives in Charm, North Carolina where she owns the iced tea café called Sun, Sand and Tea (in a Victorian on the beach). Her great-aunts, Clara and Fran live in the family home where Everly was raised. There are some delightful characters in this series. They are the highlight of this character driven series. Everly is upset when Mitzi is killed before she can talk to her about her grandmother. She was looking forward to learning more about her grandmother and maybe the identity of her mysterious grandfather. The mystery starts off with a bang when Mitzi is found dead inside a plexiglass educational hive. There are several promising suspects, a variety of clues and misdirection. Detective Grady Hays does not want Everly investigating, but we know her curiosity will win out. Everly gets several scary threats. They frighten her, but it does not stop her from sleuthing. All the details of the whodunit are wrapped up at the end. There is a side story involving Detective Grady Hays and the case he has been working on for his mother-in-law, Senator Olivia Denver. I like the humor sprinkled throughout the story as well as the hint of magic. There are recipes at the end of the book for items served at Sun, Sand and Tea (the Swan Family Rum Cake is one of them). A Call for Kelp is an enchanting cozy mystery with buzzing bees, threatening texts, sharp stings, documentary drama, and tasty teas.
You’ll want to make a beeline for the bookstore the day this book goes on sale! Sun, Sand and Tea is a delightful seaside tea shop owned by Everly Swan in scenic Charm, North Carolina. You could find me any day sitting in the warm ocean breezes enjoying an iced cold flavored tea!
As Everly’s great aunts, Clara and Fran Swan continue their quest to educate the masses on how to save the honeybees, a documentary production to be narrated by aging actress, Mitzi Calgon is stalled by a horrific murder.
Detective Grady Hays now has this case to deal with plus wrapping up an investigation he’s been working on for his ex-mother-in-law, Senator Olivia Denver. Naturally, Everly can’t keep her nose out of the developing news and begins to receive threatening texts and a break-in at home. Mitzi’s biggest fan, an eclectic guy called Canary provides clues about Mitzi’s past and who the probable killer is, putting Grady and Everly in a dangerous position. I was surprised by the culprits identity. The author keeps the storyline tightly paced and swift moving. Book four is a fantastic addition to the previous stories in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press. Thank you.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Bees, bees, bees, it’s all about the bees as Hollywood icon, Mitzi Calgon, comes to town to lend her voice to a documentary about beekeeping and saving the bees for Clara and Fran Swan. Before the project even gets off the ground there is a buzz in the air and one dead actress. Everly’s focus should be on her ice tea shop but she can’t get her mind off that Mitzi knew her grandmother and that she has to get her justice even when she is given a huge warning to “Bee Careful”.
The Sun, Sand, and Tea in Charm, North Carolina is a place I would love to spend day after day even with all the drama of a murder.
Ms. Baker gas penned a multifaceted story. We have the recent murder, Detective Grady Hays is dealing with a family issue that has been building over the course of the series. He has also been pulling away from Everly. The excellent character development continues as all the core characters are still evolving nicely. The characters added for this story brought some intrigue. I just wish Mitzi hadn’t been the victim. She was a woman full of stories.
The mystery was very well-plotted and written. I did enjoy that Everly gets help from someone other than Grady and that there were plenty of suspects, secrets, twists, and a surprising reveal. The pace was perfect and I was totally delighted with this book.
Ideal setting, a captivating mystery, and terrific characters make A Call for Kelp a fun and entertaining cozy mystery readers will love. Each book leaves me wanting more. I can’t wait to return to Charm.
Tea shop owner Everly Swan is thrilled to have Mitzi Calgon, a famous Hollywood actress, and friend of her late grandmother, in town to help her great aunts with their documentary about beekeeping. When she is found dead, Everly is determined to get justice for her grandmother’s friend.
A Call for Kelp is a delightful, well-written cozy mystery, with a picturesque setting, an intelligent, relatable main character, and a well-plotted murder mystery. This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and each book gets better and better. Bree Baker did an excellent job of developing Denise’s character in this book, and I’m really happy that we finally got some answers to the mystery surrounding her and Grady’s in-laws. Although I have a feeling that there is more to come with that storyline. I did correctly guess who the culprit was halfway through the story but couldn’t figure out their motive. Overall, I was very satisfied with the conclusion. This is a fun, entertaining series and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Everly Swans’s aunts, Clara and Fran, are making a documentary about saving the honey bees. When a well-known actress, Mitzi Calgon, arrives on the island to participate in the documentary, Everly is over the moon with excitement. Mitzi was Everly’s grandmother’s best friend. She has so many questions to ask her about her grandmother. When the time comes to start the presentation, the curtains are pulled back, a gasp arises from the audience, then screams ensue. Mitzi, who is highly allergic to bees, is found in the bee display box, dead. Fans and reporters swarm the small town of Charm, North Carolina, bringing a new challenge to solving Mitzi’s murder. Not only does Everly feel the need to avenge the actor’s death, her best friend’s father, Mr. Butter’s becomes the prime suspect in the case. Everly isn’t about to be deterred, even when she receives ominous texts to “bee” careful!
Bree Baker’s Seaside Café Series, is one of my favorites. Everly is a strong woman, owns her own café known as the Sun, Sand & Tea Shop, and has a penchant for solving crimes. A perfect escape from the cold, winter days to an enchanting small, sea side town with delightful characters. The plot is well-thought out, there are plenty of suspects, and a bit of romantic tension between Everly and the town detective, Grady Hays. The twists and turns, will keep you guessing, and a suspenseful ending when the killer is revealed. The setting and story, kept me delightfully entertained, and looking forward to my next visit to Charm, North Carolina. An engaging cozy mystery full of sand, surf and murder! Don’t forget to check out the delicious tea and food recipes at the end of the book!
A Call for Kelp the 4th instalment in the A Seaside Cafe Mystery Series by Bree Baker. For those that know me or see my Facebook feed you will know that I dream of living by the sea. You will also know I’m a huge fan girl of this author and love ALL of her cozy series!
I fall more in love with this series with each new book. This time it’s all about the honey bees as a documentary is being filmed around her aunts and the honeybees. It’s sad that Mitzi died before Everly was able to really talk to her, find out who her grandfather was but I’m hoping the letters will help.
The more I read the series the more I want to go to the outerbanks, North Carolina. The setting is so peaceful except the murders that keep happening. I love Lou and Maggie her adopted pets that seem to of come with the old Victorian. I liked how Denise, Ryan and Wyatt are becoming part of Everlys inner circle besides her aunts, Amelia and Grady.
I did suspect the killer a few times but then was like nah, as there were just enough red herrings and twists and turns to keep me enthralled and guessing.
I have owned the book for almost a year and only read now for some reason, but I’m starting book 5 tonight without any break between books …
I cannot recommend this series enough!
Ah-Maze-Ing!!! This book was fantastic! Definitely a favorite series for me. I love Everly and cannot wait to see what happens next. I love the friends & relationships she has created. Can I meet her?? I did not guess the killer, and was totally surprised (in a good way) at how the killer was caught. Great author. Great book. If you haven’t yet, you need to read this series!!
Terrific book! Everly’s aunts, Clara and Fran, are preparing to the film their documentary on honeybees. They obtain the assistance of retired actress, Mitzi Calgon, who turns out to have been a friend of Everly’s grandmother when she was in Hollywood. Mitzi ends up dead at the luncheon to launch the documentary. Everly’s friend, Amelia’s, father is a prime suspect. Mr. Butters had been a big fan and was even part of a fan club for the actress. Everly sets out to help investigate and gets some help from one of Mr. Butters’ fan club friends, the Canary. He provides her with a folder of information on the actress; however, Everly is attacked and the folder stolen before she can look at it. After another attack where she is locked in a room with honeybees, it is clear someone is out to get Everly for investigating. The Canary contacts her to arrange a meeting to let her know who the killer is and he ends up falling from the lighthouse and dying. It seems the Canary was the killer, but Everly isn’t so sure. Very delightful with fun characters and a quaint little town. Nothing is ever boring around Everly. I love her growing relationship with Grady and hope to see that evolve more. It was fun to see the pairing up of Amelia and Ryan as well as Denise and Wyatt in this book. I enjoyed getting to know Denise more. I look forward to seeing what’s next for Everly, Grady, and Everly’s aunts! I highly recommend this fun series!
A Call for Kelp by Bree Baker is the fourth in the Seaside Café Mysteries. This series is one of my of favorites. I want to visit Charm and have lunch at Sun, Sand, and Tea.
Everly’s great aunts have a documentary being filmed about the importance of honey bees and an older actress is in town to narrate it. Mitzi Calgon has a cult following due to her films so the town is buzzing. She has also agreed to speak at a luncheon but, before she can step on stage , her body is found in a display case full of bees and it was a known fact, she was highly allergic.
Everly really doesn’t want involved in another murder investigation but everyone keeps dragging her in. After all, she has helped solved past murders in Charm. Of course, Detective Grady Hayes has already told her to stay out of it. Everly just can’t help herself and her curiosity gets the best of her but will it be the end of her…..
This is a well written cozy mystery with a great side story. The plot twists have you guessing until the end. The main characters are likeable and relatable, the setting will have you craving the beach, then throw in some humor and romance and you have a perfect cozy. There are also recipes included.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review.
Bree Baker does it again with the wonderful Everly Swan and the delightful characters of Charm!
I love cozies, and this series continues to entertain and delight me. This newest book isn no exception. When trouble comes to Charm once again, this time smack dab in the middle of Everly’s aunts fundraiser, Everly once again finds herself in the middle of a mystery she just as to solve.
And the sexy Detective Hays still isn’t amused, even though there’s no denying the attraction and budding relationship between these two!
Summer time is the perfect time to come back to the beach and see how Everly handles this new adventure.
Everly Swan’s beekeeping great-aunts were involved in a documentary to save the American honeybee but on the first day of filming a chilling murder changed the focus to the death of someone famous. Detective Grady Hays, Everly’s sort of boyfriend, is on the case but he has been acting strangely. Also, there is something fishy about Everly’s new employee who also works for Grady.
I enjoyed every aspect of this story from how the relationships developed, the setting, the mysteries, and her annoying fitness bracelet. I am anxious for book #5 in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series to see how things progress with all the characters. Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
A Call for Kelp is another winner in the Seaside Cafe Mystery series! As with most cozy mystery series books, you don’t have to have read the other books in the series to enjoy it. However, your enjoyment will greatly increase if you do! And since this is only the fourth book, you voracious readers should be able to catch up quickly.
I love reading well-written, clean cozy mystery books. A Call for Kelp, as well as the other books in the series, fits the bill. Bree Baker’s use of descriptive language transports me to Charm, NC with each book, and I never want to leave. Being in Ohio makes me envious of ocean town residents. Here’s an example: Everly stands on her deck where she re-centers herself “in the stillness, absorbing the blessed white noise of endless rolling waves, inhaling the uniquely seaside scent of sand, salt, and sunblock.” Ahhhh. Perfect.
The characters leap off the page. They make you feel like you could head to Charm and become friends. The main characters continue to endear themselves to you (well, most of them do). Ryan is quickly becoming one of my favorite characters. He’s a reporter, but you’d never know it by the way he dresses. Ryan is annoying, but you can’t help but be charmed by him.
The side characters that popped into Charm for A Call for Kelp are entertaining additions. They are in town for Aunt Clara and Aunt Fran’s bee documentary which is being narrated by former movie star Mitzi Calgon. Mitzi and her movies have a cult following, so when she ends up dead, even more fans head to Charm. Keep an eye out for one particularly quirky character! I have the perfect actor in mind to play him/her (spoilers, sweetie), so this series needs to head to Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I’ll be the casting director!
A Call for Kelp will keep you turning the pages, make you hungry, and thoroughly entertain you. I highly recommend it!
Just what I needed on a blustery, gloomy day or two. Book #4 in this delightful series set in the town of Charm, North Carolina. Everly Swan lives over the shop, on the beach – I’d love to trade places with her. Her home is a house with her iced tea shop downstairs. She is looking forward to learning more about her grandmother from a retired actress, Mitzi Calgon as they had been close friends. Mitzi has come to town to help Everly’s great aunts, Clara and Fran, who are local beekeepers. They are making a documentary about saving the bees and Mitzi will narrate. What could be sinister about any of that? Well, before Everly has a chance to sit down and question Mitzi about her friendship with Everly’s beloved grandmother, a killer strikes and the answers go with her to the grave.
Everly is drawn into investigating when there is a break-in and threats against her. With the help of her boyfriend, Detective Grady Hays, they track down the killer. Along the way there is time spent with her great aunts and other people in her life, each one very well developed. The mystery is solid and I never came close to guessing who dunnit. It was a very satisfying puzzle and a great get away. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I’m positive it won’t disappoint me.
My thanks to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
north-carolina, cozy-mystery, law-enforcement, amateur-sleuth, family-dynamics, friendship, romance, murder-investigation, small-town, small-business
Death by bees, no kelp in sight. Obnoxious journalist, creepy fan, cozy tea and lunch shop, and more of the story dedicated to shop owner/sleuth’s problematic relationship with the local police detective than to sleuthing. If this is what you’re looking for, you’ll love it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley.