In Hot Water (Misty Bay Tea Room)

In Hot Water by Kate Kingsbury is the beginning of A Misty Bay Tearoom Mysteries. Vivian Wainwright owns Willow Pattern Tearoom in Misty Bay, Oregon. Jenna and Gracie are her two employees. When Jenna's ex-husband, Dean is found dead on the cliffs under the Blue Surf Hotel, Jenna becomes Detective Lieutenant Tony Messina's prime suspect. Vivian, Jenna, and Gracie work to clear Jenna and find the guilty party. I thought In Hot Water was easy to read with good characters. The characters suited the story. I liked Vivian Wainwright who is an older protagonist (in her 60s). I like that we are seeing more mature characters in cozy mysteries. Normally in the first book in a series, we are introduced to our characters and given their background. I found that lacking in this book. We are given some background information, but I wanted more. The point-of-view alternates between Vivian and Messina. I am not sure how I like this format. It is unique and it does allow readers to see how the police investigation is progressing (which was slow). The mystery is straightforward. It can be solved early in the book. I wish it had been more of a challenge to solve. I was easily able to discern the who and why. There was a detail that came out later that was a surprise. The three ladies kept busy asking questions. They were able to obtain some helpful details. They do receive threats which, of course, they ignore. The mystery is wrapped up at the end. I like the humor in the story. I also like how well Jenna, Vivian, and Gracie get along. I enjoy the friendship between Hal and Vivian as well. In Hot Water is a lighthearted cozy mystery that provides a nice diversion from real life. In Hot Water is a cute cozy mystery with teatime treats, a pink negligee, a nosedive death, a direct detective, hotel happenings, bothersome reporters, and three snoopy amateur sleuths.