The Bush Tea Murder - A Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

 Review

THE BUSH TEA MURDER by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier
The First Caribbean Island Mystery 

EAT TV has a concept for a new television series, an unsolved food-related mystery, and have tasked two of their best journalists to come up with an episode to determine who will host the show. Travis Spriggs, the picture perfect host, thinks he has the job in the bag, but Naomi Sinclair is about to give him a run for his money. Naomi's choice of mystery is the murder of a tea shop owner. The locked room mystery has baffled St. Thomians for years and investigating it allows Naomi visit her childhood home. With multiple visits to the Caribbean Naomi solves several mysteries, spends time with her parents, and rekindles an old romance. She also gets involved with family drama and danger. But will she be the one to finally solve the bush tea murder?

Trained as an investigative journalist Naomi Sinclair knows how to get to the bottom of a mystery, but the manner in which she does so is often slow, tangential, and roundabout. The same can be said for this author. THE BUSH TEA MURDER takes its time revealing itself, reveling in a relaxed Caribbean atmosphere, even when tensions run high and danger lurks. But both get the job done, and done well. The story goes back and forth in time, from Naomi presenting her story to the network executives to trips back and forth to St. Thomas to investigate. This method works allowing readers to get to know the characters while evoking a laid back island charm. The mini mysteries were a delicious addition, not taking away from the main draw, but enhancing it and showcasing Naomi's talents.

Islanders' speech is written in a St. Thomian dialect which took a bit for me to acclimate, but it added authenticity. Tea and food descriptions made my mouth water and long for an island vacation...even if I don't like the heat.

THE BUSH TEA MURDER is a delightful trip to the tropics loaded with delicious food, savory characters, and a splash of murder. Now, how can I get a slice of passionfruit meringue pie and a cup of bush tea on the mainland?

*************************************************************************** 

THE BUSH TEA MURDER

by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier

April 20 - May 15, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

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.

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.

Praise for The Bush Tea Murder:

"Zigzagging between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, this debut offers plenty to enjoy . . . Fun-filled and fulfilling."
~ Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Rich in history and culture . . . Fans of Joanne Fluke, Vivian Chien, and Mia P. Manansala will delight in this mystery-plus-food concoction."
~ First Clue Reviews

"Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier’s The Bush Tea Murder is the perfect blend of intrigue, family drama, mystery and Caribbean culture. You’ll want to savor it to the last drop."
~ Olivia Matthews, author of the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries

"At its heart, this is a charming, immersive cozy mystery steeped in Caribbean culture, vibrant characters, and sun-drenched intrigue—a fresh and flavorful delight. The mystery unfolds at a measured, satisfying pace, allowing the rich worldbuilding and character dynamics to shine. I especially loved the subtle tension between Naomi’s stateside ambitions and her deep-rooted love for her island home, which adds emotional depth beyond what’s typical for the genre. With engaging twists, well-developed characters, and a beautifully flowing plot, this is a cozy mystery that lingers long after the final page."
~ Debra Sennefelder, author of the Food Blogger mystery series

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
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Penguin Random House

Read an excerpt from The Bush Tea Murder:

Chapter One

Present

I’ve been told my entire life that the perfect cup of bush tea is magic, and this morning I hope with every fiber of my being that this is true. There are some hard truths I have to spill, and I’ll take every ounce of help I can get. I’m settled in one of the scarlet chairs in the EAT TV conference room, directly across the table from Travis Spriggs and his nauseating brand of bright, crisp-cut perfection—just right for television, but less like sunshine and more like a fluorescent spotlight at four in the morning. He’s flanked by two people whose names I’ve only seen in producer credits at the end of some of the highest performing shows on network television: my boss’s bosses, both sporting dark suits and expressions like cliff faces. Bronwyn, the studio exec who oversees me, Travis, and the other on-air talent at EAT TV, sits in the plush chair at the head of the table, her usual pleasant expression as drained as the tumbler of coffee in her hand.

They’re all here for me.

“I’ll get things started, Miss Sinclair,” Bronwyn says, looking at me but speaking to the executives. She hasn’t called me Miss Sinclair since the interview when she hired me three years ago. “Mr. Revilla and Ms. Abbott called this meeting. I’m sure you know why. They’re very ready to start work on the show—”

“My show,” Travis murmurs with a smug smile.

“That hasn’t been officially decided,” Bronwyn says. “We can’t have a conversation about our next steps because—well— because we don’t have your ending yet, Naomi.”

“You’ve given us a lot, Miss Sinclair. Lord knows—” Mr. Revilla gestures with a meaty hand at the chunky beige file folder in front of him. “You’ve given us a hell of a lot here.”

“But you haven’t closed the case,” Ms. Abbott speaks up. Woman’s got a twist-out with impressive volume, and I’m glad I’m not the only hair naturalista in the room. Her coils jiggle as she leans toward me. “You still haven’t told us who killed Ursula Merchant.”

I glance at my mug. The Universe seems to be following a recipe for an uncomfortable morning, blending each ingredient together artfully like the chefs I interview on A Word from the Kitchen. But if there’s a recipe for a poisonous morning afoot, I’ve got the antidote here in the cup in front of me. Bush tea—balsam, mint, and lemongrass—picked from the window herb garden in my townhouse kitchen, and brewed fresh daily the way my parents and Virgin Islanders before me have done for generations. Even with the early morning, smarmy coworker and hard truths, one sip can take my mind away from the over

cast Charlotte cityscape beyond the conference room window straight to the sunny green hills of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. I’ve lived in North Carolina for eight years now, but St. Thomas will always be home—and anything that gets me there this fast is magic indeed.

But not right now. I need to stay here, in everything this moment means. Immersed in all that’s led to it. Focused on the possibilities it will usher through. A sip will have to wait.

“That’s what you’ll get from Naomi, Ms. Abbott,” Travis says, injecting his tones with the most bored affect he can muster up. “She’s supposed to be giving you the details for one story, but instead you’ve got—what, five of them in here?” “Six,” Mr. Revilla mutters.

Travis’s brown eyes go wide. “Well, damn, sir, she’ll go off on a tangent or two, but I wouldn’t have guessed as high as six! For a journalist like me, who focuses like hell on the one story he’s got, that’s incomprehensible.”

“We read all six. And we enjoyed them,” Ms. Abbott is quick to assure me.

“But that’s not the point, is it?” Travis asks. “We were each asked to investigate one unsolved food-based mystery for this show you conceived. I gave you that. Naomi’s brought more stories than you can count on one hand, but she hasn’t given you what you asked for. She hasn’t answered the big question.” There’s enough sauce in the smile he beams at me to cover ten full racks of ribs. “You even know who killed her, Nay?”

Bronwyn looks caught between checking Travis’s tone and waiting out my answer. Her bosses follow suit. I sip my tea, still piping hot, and decide to address both. “Of course I know who killed Ursula Merchant,” I answer. “It’s right there in that folder I gave Mr. Revilla. That’s what these are—my notes on the investigation.”

Mr. Revilla and Ms. Abbott exchange a look. She’s ultimately the one who responds. “There’s . . . certainly a story here. Several. You’ve solved quite a few problems on St. Thomas over the past year. But when it comes to the story of Ursula Merchant, the one you were supposed to be investigating the whole time . . . there doesn’t seem to be much of anything.” “Nothing at all,” Mr. Revilla echoes.

“Naomi, they’d really like to make a decision,” Bronwyn says. “Travis presented a fine investigation on the Barbecue Sauce Killings—”

“The Carolina Barbecue Murders,” Travis speaks up. Bronwyn waves him away.

“He’s given us history, interviews, and a compelling hypothesis . . . along with a deep sense of the process, flavor, and sizzle of both styles of Carolina barbecue,” Bronwyn says. “The case you’ve been investigating, this—tea maven in St. Thomas being shot to death in her locked office—it’s equally intriguing. But while you’ve given us so much, you still haven’t given us an ending.”

“You’re right. I haven’t,” I say. “That was intentional. I’m hoping to do that today. Right now, as a matter of fact.” I clasp both hands around my mug.

Travis leans back in his seat, pressing the tips of his fingers together. “You sure that’s what you want? Naomi’s going to take you on a circular journey, which is the way she operates on A Word from the Kitchen. A ton of loose threads—”

“—which she always weaves together. The connections are there,” Bronwyn interrupts. “The best thing we can do right now is just hear you out, Naomi. You say you know how the story ends and what happened to Ursula Merchant. So let’s hear it. Who killed her, and how did all of this lead you there?”

I’m not at the head of the table, but all eyes are on me— Bronwyn’s perfectly lined and shadowed gray eyes are full of hope and curiosity, Mr. Revilla’s and Ms. Abbott’s are expectant behind their eyeglasses, and Travis seems to be trying to will his into lasers capable of slicing me to shreds. I take a deep breath, letting the scent of the brew in my cup ground and fortify me. I’d had a hot cup of bush tea that morning, too. The morning that started it all. The magic in my mug was what set this whole thing into motion—as bush tea always manages to do.

***

Excerpt from The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Copyright 2026 by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Reproduced with permission from Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

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 M. Bernier:

www.ashleyruthbernier.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
YouTube - @ashley-ruthm.bernierauthor7192
Instagram - @armbernier
Threads - @armbernier
X - @armbernier
Facebook

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Sip, Savor, and Solve… Bush Tea Bonus Time 🫖

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

THE BUSH TEA MURDER by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier | Gift Cards

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

The Bush Tea Murder - An Interview, Excerpt, & Giveaway

I'm pleased to welcome Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier to Cozy Up With Kathy today. Ashley writes the Carribean Island Mystery series. THE BUSH TEA MURDER is the first book in the series and was released last month.

Kathy: In THE BUSH TEA MURDER we meet Food journalist Naomi Sinclair. Naomi is adept at solving puzzles. Aside from plotting murders, do you enjoy puzzles? What kind?

ARMB: I love brain teasers and riddles! My kids and I enjoy looking for new opportunities to stump each other, but the older they get, the harder this is! I also enjoy word-based puzzles and games like Wordle and Connections. Sudoku? Not so much!

Kathy: Naomi has recently returned to St. Thomas. What makes this island the perfect setting for your series?

ARMB: I’m a 7th generation Virgin Islander, and I grew up on St. Thomas and had my 3 oldest kids there. My grandmother was also a culture-bearer, author, and historian (after a long career in elementary education!) . Because of this, I have a deep love for St. Thomas and want to convey this love in the stories I write. The Virgin Islands might not be as well known as larger islands like Jamaica and Trinidad, but our culture is vibrant and strong. St. Thomas is a smaller island, full of deep community ties that may be harder to come by somewhere larger. It also has plenty of delightful vistas and a lovely historic downtown area which I feature in the novel.

Kathy: You include recipes in the book. Do you enjoy cooking yourself? Do you have a favorite Carribean recipe?

ARMB: I do enjoy cooking—just not so much all the cleaning up afterwards! Luckily, my husband is happy to clean up after I cook something delicious and messy. We have 5 kids, and although life gets VERY busy, we certainly want them to grow up with the special flavors and cuisine of the Virgin Islands (and Caribbean as a whole!). Like Naomi, I’m a fan of simple dishes done well—johnnycake and cheese, coconut dumbread; saltfish “pate” (which is almost like an empanada, but with fluffier dough). I’m also a huge fan of sweets like Virgin Islands Vienna Cake, coconut or guava tart, and sugar cake, which is made with grated coconut. My favorite recipe? There are so many to choose from, but I know my kids would likely vote for my johnnycake or my saltfish fritters.

Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?

ARMB: It all started with my grandmother, who loved her some “Murder, She Wrote”! When Jessica Fletcher was on, nobody in the house was allowed to change the channel, and I wound up falling in love with the quirky characters in Cabot Cove. It’s all about the community connections for me—a cozy done well means a town full of characters a reader would love to live in, and who doesn’t love that?

Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?

ARMB: I don’t write in any other genres, but I do write in both short and long form! I have 13 short stories in print, with several others scheduled to come out this year. THE BUSH TEA MURDER reads like a big, overarching mystery with six smaller mysteries embedded within. Three of those smaller mysteries were originally published as short stories over the years.


Kathy: Tell us about your series.

ARMB: My series follows the adventures of St. Thomian food journalist Naomi Sinclair, who juggles clues, connections, and Caribbean cuisine in the mysterious situations that always seem to pop up when she’s around.


Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?

ARMB: My grandmother—who I mentioned in a previous answer—had a library room in her house full of the books she collected over her 99 years of life. I inherited most of them when she passed away 8 years ago. Many of the books are 50-70 years old!

Those books included a set of books featuring Virgin Islands recipes and advice about local plants, herbs, and bushes. It’s no secret that Naomi’s adventures were inspired by the contents of these books!

Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?

ARMB: I first wrote about Naomi in a short story called “Rise”, which came to me while I was walking through a grocery store. Over the next two weeks, I wrote the story of a missing johnnycake recipe and the sleuth who dug into the mystery, and by the time I’d finished writing “Rise”, I knew I’d be writing more stories featuring Naomi. I sent “Rise” to my dream publication, Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, on a whim. Nobody was more shocked than I was when it was accepted! That acceptance gave me all the encouragement I needed to keep writing and submitting.

Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?

ARMB: Agatha Christie and Barbara Neely to talk about mysteries, and Shel Silverstein and Louis Sachar to talk about funny children’s books. I don’t write for children, but I teach first grade and have five children, so I read a lot of books for young readers!

Kathy: What are you currently reading?

ARMB: I just bought WRECK YOUR HEART by Lori Rader-Day a couple days ago, and I can’t wait to start reading!

Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?

ARMB: I love, love, love to get outside in nature! Since we moved to North Carolina, we’ve tried to hike in as many state and county parks as possible. Getting on a quiet trail is such a mood-booster–and it does wonders for writers block, too!

Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.

ARMB: Spindrift sparkling water (my kids might say I have a minor obsession!), a variety of tea bags, almond essence, and cheese sticks.

Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?

ARMB: I hope so! I definitely have more adventures for Naomi and crew in mind. I’d love to tell more of her stories.

Other series? Now that I’ve written lots of stories centered on food, I’d like to try to do something similar with music. We shall see!

Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?

ARMB: I love the joy of seeing my words and characters “exist” on the page in magazines, anthologies, and now, my novel! It feels like such a full-circle moment from the multiple drafts on my computer and with my critique group. I love the evolution of a story from first to final draft. And, of course, there’s nothing like a reader reaching out and saying, “Hey, you did a great job. I loved what you wrote.”

*************************************************************************
 

THE BUSH TEA MURDER

by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier

April 20 - May 15, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

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.

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.

Praise for The Bush Tea Murder:

"Zigzagging between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, this debut offers plenty to enjoy . . . Fun-filled and fulfilling."
~ Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Rich in history and culture . . . Fans of Joanne Fluke, Vivian Chien, and Mia P. Manansala will delight in this mystery-plus-food concoction."
~ First Clue Reviews

"Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier’s The Bush Tea Murder is the perfect blend of intrigue, family drama, mystery and Caribbean culture. You’ll want to savor it to the last drop."
~ Olivia Matthews, author of the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries

"At its heart, this is a charming, immersive cozy mystery steeped in Caribbean culture, vibrant characters, and sun-drenched intrigue—a fresh and flavorful delight. The mystery unfolds at a measured, satisfying pace, allowing the rich worldbuilding and character dynamics to shine. I especially loved the subtle tension between Naomi’s stateside ambitions and her deep-rooted love for her island home, which adds emotional depth beyond what’s typical for the genre. With engaging twists, well-developed characters, and a beautifully flowing plot, this is a cozy mystery that lingers long after the final page."
~ Debra Sennefelder, author of the Food Blogger mystery series

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
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Penguin Random House

Read an excerpt from The Bush Tea Murder:

Chapter One

Present

I’ve been told my entire life that the perfect cup of bush tea is magic, and this morning I hope with every fiber of my being that this is true. There are some hard truths I have to spill, and I’ll take every ounce of help I can get. I’m settled in one of the scarlet chairs in the EAT TV conference room, directly across the table from Travis Spriggs and his nauseating brand of bright, crisp-cut perfection—just right for television, but less like sunshine and more like a fluorescent spotlight at four in the morning. He’s flanked by two people whose names I’ve only seen in producer credits at the end of some of the highest performing shows on network television: my boss’s bosses, both sporting dark suits and expressions like cliff faces. Bronwyn, the studio exec who oversees me, Travis, and the other on-air talent at EAT TV, sits in the plush chair at the head of the table, her usual pleasant expression as drained as the tumbler of coffee in her hand.

They’re all here for me.

“I’ll get things started, Miss Sinclair,” Bronwyn says, looking at me but speaking to the executives. She hasn’t called me Miss Sinclair since the interview when she hired me three years ago. “Mr. Revilla and Ms. Abbott called this meeting. I’m sure you know why. They’re very ready to start work on the show—”

“My show,” Travis murmurs with a smug smile.

“That hasn’t been officially decided,” Bronwyn says. “We can’t have a conversation about our next steps because—well— because we don’t have your ending yet, Naomi.”

“You’ve given us a lot, Miss Sinclair. Lord knows—” Mr. Revilla gestures with a meaty hand at the chunky beige file folder in front of him. “You’ve given us a hell of a lot here.”

“But you haven’t closed the case,” Ms. Abbott speaks up. Woman’s got a twist-out with impressive volume, and I’m glad I’m not the only hair naturalista in the room. Her coils jiggle as she leans toward me. “You still haven’t told us who killed Ursula Merchant.”

I glance at my mug. The Universe seems to be following a recipe for an uncomfortable morning, blending each ingredient together artfully like the chefs I interview on A Word from the Kitchen. But if there’s a recipe for a poisonous morning afoot, I’ve got the antidote here in the cup in front of me. Bush tea—balsam, mint, and lemongrass—picked from the window herb garden in my townhouse kitchen, and brewed fresh daily the way my parents and Virgin Islanders before me have done for generations. Even with the early morning, smarmy coworker and hard truths, one sip can take my mind away from the over

cast Charlotte cityscape beyond the conference room window straight to the sunny green hills of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. I’ve lived in North Carolina for eight years now, but St. Thomas will always be home—and anything that gets me there this fast is magic indeed.

But not right now. I need to stay here, in everything this moment means. Immersed in all that’s led to it. Focused on the possibilities it will usher through. A sip will have to wait.

“That’s what you’ll get from Naomi, Ms. Abbott,” Travis says, injecting his tones with the most bored affect he can muster up. “She’s supposed to be giving you the details for one story, but instead you’ve got—what, five of them in here?” “Six,” Mr. Revilla mutters.

Travis’s brown eyes go wide. “Well, damn, sir, she’ll go off on a tangent or two, but I wouldn’t have guessed as high as six! For a journalist like me, who focuses like hell on the one story he’s got, that’s incomprehensible.”

“We read all six. And we enjoyed them,” Ms. Abbott is quick to assure me.

“But that’s not the point, is it?” Travis asks. “We were each asked to investigate one unsolved food-based mystery for this show you conceived. I gave you that. Naomi’s brought more stories than you can count on one hand, but she hasn’t given you what you asked for. She hasn’t answered the big question.” There’s enough sauce in the smile he beams at me to cover ten full racks of ribs. “You even know who killed her, Nay?”

Bronwyn looks caught between checking Travis’s tone and waiting out my answer. Her bosses follow suit. I sip my tea, still piping hot, and decide to address both. “Of course I know who killed Ursula Merchant,” I answer. “It’s right there in that folder I gave Mr. Revilla. That’s what these are—my notes on the investigation.”

Mr. Revilla and Ms. Abbott exchange a look. She’s ultimately the one who responds. “There’s . . . certainly a story here. Several. You’ve solved quite a few problems on St. Thomas over the past year. But when it comes to the story of Ursula Merchant, the one you were supposed to be investigating the whole time . . . there doesn’t seem to be much of anything.” “Nothing at all,” Mr. Revilla echoes.

“Naomi, they’d really like to make a decision,” Bronwyn says. “Travis presented a fine investigation on the Barbecue Sauce Killings—”

“The Carolina Barbecue Murders,” Travis speaks up. Bronwyn waves him away.

“He’s given us history, interviews, and a compelling hypothesis . . . along with a deep sense of the process, flavor, and sizzle of both styles of Carolina barbecue,” Bronwyn says. “The case you’ve been investigating, this—tea maven in St. Thomas being shot to death in her locked office—it’s equally intriguing. But while you’ve given us so much, you still haven’t given us an ending.”

“You’re right. I haven’t,” I say. “That was intentional. I’m hoping to do that today. Right now, as a matter of fact.” I clasp both hands around my mug.

Travis leans back in his seat, pressing the tips of his fingers together. “You sure that’s what you want? Naomi’s going to take you on a circular journey, which is the way she operates on A Word from the Kitchen. A ton of loose threads—”

“—which she always weaves together. The connections are there,” Bronwyn interrupts. “The best thing we can do right now is just hear you out, Naomi. You say you know how the story ends and what happened to Ursula Merchant. So let’s hear it. Who killed her, and how did all of this lead you there?”

I’m not at the head of the table, but all eyes are on me— Bronwyn’s perfectly lined and shadowed gray eyes are full of hope and curiosity, Mr. Revilla’s and Ms. Abbott’s are expectant behind their eyeglasses, and Travis seems to be trying to will his into lasers capable of slicing me to shreds. I take a deep breath, letting the scent of the brew in my cup ground and fortify me. I’d had a hot cup of bush tea that morning, too. The morning that started it all. The magic in my mug was what set this whole thing into motion—as bush tea always manages to do.

***

Excerpt from The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Copyright 2026 by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Reproduced with permission from Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. All rights reserved.

 

 

Author Bio:

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 M. Bernier:

www.ashleyruthbernier.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
YouTube - @ashley-ruthm.bernierauthor7192
Instagram - @armbernier
Threads - @armbernier
X - @armbernier
Facebook

 

Tour Participants:

Click through the other tour stops for can’t-miss reviews, insider interviews, exclusive guest posts, and more chances to win!

Click here to view the Tour Schedule

 

 

Sip, Savor, and Solve… Bush Tea Bonus Time 🫖

This giveaway is hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

THE BUSH TEA MURDER by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier | Gift Cards

Can't see the giveaway? Click Here!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

Juliet Montague Capshaw Comes to Visit - Guest Post & Giveaway

Juliet Montague Capshaw Comes to Visit

By Ellie Alexander

 
Thanks so much for giving me a chance to come chat with your readers about two of my favorite things: pastries and Ashland, Oregon. First, I suppose I should introduce myself. I’m Juliet Montague Capshaw, but please call me Jules. My parents named me after their favorite Shakespearean heroine. The name comes with a bit pressure, especially when it comes to love. In any other town, people probably wouldn’t think twice when hearing my name, but in Ashland, home of the world-famous Oregon Shakespeare Festival, a name like Juliet practically denotes royalty. Don’t get me wrong I love sharing a name with one of literature’s greatest romantics, but Jules suits me better.

My parents’ love of the Bard is evident in more than just the name they gave me. Our family bakeshop, Torte, sits in the heart of Ashland’s charming downtown plaza where every shop and restaurant is designed to resemble an old English village. The bakeshop is no exception with its colorful awnings, bright red and teal walls, and a giant chalkboard with a rotating weekly quote from Shakespeare. It’s a homey and welcoming space. Everyone who walks through the front door is treated like family.

When I returned home to Ashland over a year ago I thought it would be a temporary stop. I needed some time to figure out what was next for me after leaving my husband and my job as a pastry chef for a cruise ship. Being back in Ashland made me realize that I had been longing for roots and a place to call home. I had worked through my sadness by kneading mounds of bread dough, losing myself in the art of frosting a cake with light and airy buttercream, and managing a team of young and talented baristas and pastry chefs in training.

Imagine my surprise when my estranged husband called to ask me to come back to the ship to fill in for a week. My initial response was to decline, but after giving it some thought returning to the ship might be just the thing I needed to permanently put that part of my life in the past. Of course, it also helped that he buttered me up by offering to bring my mom and her beau, the Professor (Ashland’s resident detective and Shakespeare aficionado) along on an all-expenses paid getaway. The fact that we had had an unusually cold and dreary winter probably tipped the scales in favor of me jetting off to the Caribbean for a week.

The minute we boarded the ship I felt the familiar tug of adventure. There was something magical about the scent of the salty sea air, the feeling of sun on my skin, and the palpable energy of guests waving and toasting with fruity cocktails as we pulled away from the dock. Soon I was immersed in a busy kitchen, whipping up pineapple soufflés and coconut cream tarts. The ship’s massive, industrial kitchen dwarfed Torte’s cozy, small kitchen. But bigger isn’t always better and within a few days of cutting through wide-open azure waters, I found myself homesick for Ashland’s quaint streets and the warmth of a crowded kitchen. I missed the fact that at Torte my hands were always coated in flour. On the ship, running the pastry kitchen had less to do with act of baking and more to do with production.

If comparing the two work spaces hadn’t validated my decision to return home to Ashland, finding the body of a young stowaway floating face-down in the pool certainly did. Now I was focused on solving the mystery of who the young woman was and why someone had killed her. The sooner we tracked down the murderer, the sooner I could return home to my beloved Ashland.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Criminal Kind Interview & Giveaway

I'm happy to welcome Mary Anne Edwards back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Mary Anne writes The Charlie McClung Mystery series. Criminal Kind, the third book in the series, is being released today!

Kathy: The Charlie McClung Mystery series is a traditional mystery series. While staying true to yourself, do you sometimes try to channel some of the authors of the Golden Age of detective fiction, such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers?

MAE: I love the Golden Age detectives and I truly hope my stories has at least a tiny bit of that spirit woven into them. Someone once compared my writing style to that of Agatha Christie. I was thrilled by the compliment, not that I think I’m anywhere near her caliber. Maybe one day. An old lady can dream, right?


Kathy: Speaking of these great authors of the past, many were very interested in true crime and often studied cases and came up with their own theories. Are you interested in true crime as well? If so, stories of the past only, or current true crime cases as well?

MAE: Love true crimes of the past! So interesting to see how crime-solving has evolved over the years. Current crime cases can be interesting as well. Even with the advancements we have now, solving a mystery can still prove to be most difficult.


Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pansters, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a panster, or do you fall somewhere in between?

MAE:  I fall somewhere in between. For each story, I have a three-ring binder with loose leaf paper. I first come up with the crime, then the characters, and then write a few lines for each chapter. The chapters always change but at least I have a beginning, middle, and an ending.


Kathy: Your protagonist in the Charlie McClung Mystery series is a man. Is there a reason you chose to have a man instead of a woman take the lead role in your series?

MAE: Good question! Well, I wanted to write a traditional mystery and I’ve always liked a man in the lead. I’m old fashion, I guess. So, I decided to have a strong male who could handle a strong, yet feminine, female. They are equals as well. My characters are based on real people and real situations.


Kathy: In Criminal Kind Detective Charlie McClung takes a Caribbean cruise. Have you ever been on a cruise?

MAE: Yes, I’ve been on 10 or 11 cruises. Love cruising! I did take a few liberties with the staff and their job duties. But it’s fiction, right? Sometimes facts are not that exciting. I hope I will be forgiven.


Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story?

MAE: I do a lot of people watching during a cruise. I wonder how many of the passengers are criminals in disguise. If any one of them, could toss someone over the side of the ship or push someone down the stairs without a second thought. My mind begins to spin and different scenarios pop into my head. I wonder how many people assume a different persona while on board and then return to their “real” life once they’re off the ship.


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Charlie?

MAE: Charlie’s career advances. His and Marian's relationship will deepen. There will be surprises and tragedies.


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books?

MAE: The fourth book, “Sins of My Youth,” will be focused on Joan, Marian’s best friend. And you’ll see the stalker, again. Right now, I have a total of 10 books planned for this series. Who knows how far Charlie and Marian will go.

******************************************************************************

The author has an e-book for two lucky readers. One reader will win a Kindle copy of Brilliant Disguise, the first book in the Charlie McClung Mystery series and the other a Kindle copy of A Good Girl, the second in the series.To qualify, simply leave a comment on this post no later than 11:59 EDT Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Tell us if you've ever been on a cruise. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so that I may contact you if you win along with which book you'd prefer to win.