| Title | : | Death in a Budapest Butterfly (A Hungarian Tea House Mystery #1) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1984804820 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781984804822 |
| Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 304 |
| Publication | : | First published July 30, 2019 |
Hanna Keller and her family run Maggie's Tea House, an establishment heavily influenced by the family's Hungarian descent and specializing in a European-style traditional tea service. But truthfully, one of the shop's largest draws is Hanna's eccentric grandmother, who's known for her remarkable ability to read the future in the leaves at the bottom of their customers' cups. Lately, however, her readings have become alarmingly ominous...
Hanna is also an avid teacup collector and especially takes pride in the Anna Weatherley butterfly cup she recently procured. But the exquisite piece of porcelain soon becomes the center of a murder investigation, when it's suspected of delivering poison to one of the guests at their most recent event. Hanna's determined to find the true killer, exonerate her family, their business, and in the process, reclaim her beautiful Budapest Butterfly.
Death in a Budapest Butterfly (A Hungarian Tea House Mystery #1) Reviews
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Vasorrú Bába!
Hungarian folklore, European high tea, and just a touch of the paranormal come together to make DEATH IN A BUDAPEST BUTTERFLY a delightful start to a new cozy mystery series!
Three generations of the Horvath/Keller family run Maggie’s Tea House in suburban Chicago. Hana, her mother Maggie, and grandmother Juliana are shaken when a guest is poisoned to death at one of their events. With a murderer on the loose and their business in danger, Hana is willing to help Detective Erik Wolf with his investigation and do a bit of sleuthing on her own.
The Hungarian history, culture, and myths blended throughout this book made for an enjoyable and unique cozy mystery. I also loved the budding romance between Hana and Erik. Looking forward to seeing what happens next!
P.S. How amazing is that book cover!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Penguin’s First to Read Program in exchange for an honest review. -
Death in a Budapest Butterfly by Julia Buckley is the first book in the cozy Hungarian Tea House Mystery series. As with most cozy mysteries this first book does contain it’s own mystery to solve so it could be read as a standalone if choosing to do so. The character development however will carry over from book to book for those continuing the series.
The Keller family own and operate Maggie’s Tea House, which specializes in a European-style traditional tea service influenced by their Hungarian heritage. Hana Keller works along side her grandmother who also gives tea readings to their customers. Hana’s noticed that lately the readings have gotten a little more ominous but Hana never expected to find a guest is poisoned at a tea event. Hana knows she needs to find the murderer quickly to save the family business.
While Death in a Budapest Butterfly by Julia Buckley is a cozy mystery it did have a touch of paranormal involved with the tea reading which for me is a plus as I love crossing genres. While I did enjoy getting to know the characters in this first book of the series I felt that it wasn’t quite as quirky and over the top as I’m drawn to but still a promising beginning to a solid mystery read. I’d rate this first edition at three and a half stars and would be interested to read more in the future from this series.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
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I really loved this book! For more of my thoughts on this book subscribe to my YouTube channel:
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I will be interviewing This author may 15th. So excited!! It will be live on my channel @2pm, so please join us, the discussion, and the fun!! -
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hana works at her family's Hungarian tea house and loves her job. When the Magyar Women, a group of older Hungarian women, rent out the space for an afternoon tea, she expects it to be gossip, “when you going to meet a nice boy” talk, and friendship sharing, she does not expect murder.
With the reputation of their tea house on the line, Hana and her mother and grandmother work with Detective Wolf to help solve who wanted Ava Novak dead. Hungarian myths, legends, magic, food, and new and old mysteries swirl around as Hana wonders who could do such a thing and if maybe she should let a Wolf into her heart.
“They’ve got poor Mrs. Kalas out there, looking all deflated and nervous. Can you really picture one of these old ladies committing murder?”
“Of course I can. They’re a scary batch of Old Country women, full of superstition and paprika-scented resentment.”
The first in a new series, Death in a Budapest Butterfly, introduces us to Hana. She's of Hungarian descent and even though she is American, the Hungarian culture plays a big part in her life. She helps her mother and grandmother run Maggie's Tea House, a business that has been in her family for generations. When Hana sees that one of the members of the Magyar Women is drinking from her very rare Butterfly tea cup that was only supposed to be a for looks center piece, she makes a move to rescue it. When she sees a Hungarian message about a witch written inside the cup, she immediately searches for Ava, the woman drinking from the cup, and discovers her dead in the bathroom. This starts off the mystery of who could have poisoned a woman in such a public setting and why.
I liked the beginning way the author started off the mystery, the murder happens fairly quickly and then we get relaying of events with each chapter having a specific character giving their account to Detective Wolf. This helps to introduce us to the characters, set the scene, and engage the reader in who is and isn't telling the truth while shifting through the character's testimony.
While I thought the layout of the murder mystery started off strong, I would have liked to have felt like I knew Hana and her family better. It is not until the latter half of the story that I finally felt like I “knew” them, cared, and felt settled in their world. The murder mystery is obviously the highlight of the story but I like to care about the main characters we are following along with.
“You’re falling prey to an illusion. They’re elderly, and they have accents, but they’re not automatically harmless.”
My stomach felt sick. “Jekyll and Hyde,” I said.
“You bet. And it’s my job to find Hyde. In everyone.” His face was solemn.
The relationship between Erik Wolf and Hana was a bit too immediate. Wolf's character was very dry and not fleshed out enough for me; he felt like a blank slate. I did like how the author created a plausible excuse for Hana to be somewhat involved in the investigation, her and her family translate Hungarian to English for him and explain some Hungarian cultural norms and structures.
The story structure reaches out from Hana and her mother and grandmother, this was a matriarchal cozy mystery. There was some supernatural or mystic elements added with Hana inheriting “gifts” or “sight” from the female line in her family. The Jekyll and Hyde theme is threaded throughout with the how could the killer be a “little old woman”?
Later, I realized it was because we had innocent hearts, and my grandmother had always told me that the innocent heart cannot see the evil one, but that evil could see evil because “they live in the same darkness, and they learn to see in the dark.”
I thought the mystery was wrapped up well, the author gave us meaning and backstory for reasons and it wasn't all Scooby Doo dumped at the end. I did think this had a little bit of a heavier feel than the usual light cozy mystery. The inclusion of recipes at the end was delightful as the author will make you hungry with all the descriptions of food throughout the story.
Detective Wolf was too much of a blank slate for me and his romance with Hana lacked depth in its immediacy. The murder mystery started off strong, lost some steam in the middle, but had a satisfactory explanation, and sad one. Hana's family supernatural abilities added a fun twist and all the Hungarian folklore, food, and culture additives gave this a special feel. A pleasing start to a series where I'll look for more depth to certain characters and relationships when the next mystery pops up. -
This is my first book by Julia Buckley and I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised. I picked up this book because I had no idea what a Budapest Butterfly was and was curious. But it turns out, there’s quite a lot of interesting things about this book.
First off, this is a first in a new series and it has a real focus on the Hungarian culture. I’m always a big fan of series that do this. Not only do you get something interesting to read, but you can also learn about different cultures as well. Another book that this reminded me of are Vivien Chien’s book, which covers the Chinese culture. I think it’s great to see the diversity in books and I hope more books do this.
Secondly, I really like how family was such a big part of this book. I love learning about the different generations and relationships. It gives the characters and also the mystery something even greater to work with.
So, although this book was my first by Buckley, it will definitely not be my last. I am looking forward to the next books in the series and the other books by this author. -
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to Maggie’s Tea House where Hana, her mother Maggie, and grandmother Juliana, serve cakes and tea focused on the family’s Hungarian heritage. A real treat is that Juliana can read tea leaves and predict the future. The ladies have a vast tea service collection for their customers and Hana has a private collection too. She just added a beautiful butterfly cup, one that she has put on display at their latest event.
With the event well underway Maggie notices her cup is not where she left, but on a table being used by a woman, she doesn’t recognize. Her grandmother is busy reading leaves and Hana overhears some ominous predictions. She looks back to see the woman who was using her cup hurrying off to the bathroom. After a few minutes, Hana heads that way to find the woman dead.
Detective Erik Wolf arrives on the scene, the butterfly cup is bagged as evidence and he and his partner start getting everyone’s information. When he does start questioning witnesses he asks for Hana, Maggie, and Juliana’s help because they are familiar with the woman and the Hungarian language. With their business labeled as a crime scene, they agree but that doesn’t stop them from doing some snooping on their own.
This series is off to a fine start!
Hana Keller is 26 years old and still single much to her mother and grandmother’s dismay. She lives with her cats Anthony & Cleopatra and she has a passion for promoting her family’s Hungarian culture. Her mother Maggie is the force behind the tea house, but her grandmother is also very involved. I really enjoyed getting to know them, but feel we have just scratched the surface of who they are. There is a thread that purposed that Hana may have a gift similar to her grandmother that seems to have skipped her mother’s generation. I am interested to see how this is featured in future stories.
We are also meet several women/suspects from the neighborhood, the hunky Detective Wolf and his partner. Detective Benton. We are also introduced to pastry chef Francois, Hana’s brother Domo, and her dad too. It is a large cast but the author takes time to make each unique and has left plenty of room for growth. There are some sparks between Hana and Detective Wolf but it is very early in the series and hard to classify as a relationship YET, but we know where they are headed. 🙂
The mystery was filled with intrigue. I did like that Hana and Detective Wolf stayed in constant communication and she passed on everything she uncovered. I was also pleased that the family was not automatically pegged as suspects and were treated with respect whenever they needed to answer questions. There were twists and turns too and clues were released in unique ways. The author’s detailed writing style played well for this type of plot.
The Hungarian theme and language continued throughout the story. I had known a little about the culture and was happy to learn more. When Detective Wolf was around it was necessary for words to be translated and as a reader, not familiar with the language that was appreciated. I love that recipes are included in the back of the book. To learn that Grandma Juliana is partly based on the author’s grandmother brought me even more joy about this book. What a wonderful to pay tribute to someone important in her life.
I found Death in a Budapest Butterfly to be delightfully entertaining. I want to get to know these characters better and visit the tea room again soon. -
The first book in the Hungarian Tea Shop mysteries is fun read where it explains family life in a Hungarian family. Hana Keller works alongside with her Mother and Grandmother in the family business, Maggie Tea House. The story is a cozy mystery with a twist of paranormal as the woman in the family have inherited the gift of sight. It is refreshing to read a book will the police are willing to work with the protagonist.
Hana has a collection of teacups which treasures highly. She receives a gift of a Hungarian teacup, a Budapest teacup that is decorated with a butterfly. Hana uses it to decorate the tea room when they are hosting a Hungarian group of ladies. Someone uses the cup, adds tea, a poison, and hands to the victim, Ava Norvak. She drinks some of the tea and collapsed. Hana aids the police providing information on the Hungarian background. The homicide detective is named Wolf. What does the name mean in Hungary? I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
Recipes from Nana's kitchen are included.
Disclosure: Thanks to Berkley for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own. -
I really liked this first in a new series from Julia Buckley. I was especially intrigued by the Hungarian folklore aspects.
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Review to post soon
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Being the kind of reader who is attracted to a book by its cover, it is no wonder I was eager to read this book. I just find the cover to be adorable! Death in a Budapest Butterfly is the first book in the A Hungarian Tea House Mystery series and what a delightful cozy mystery this turned out to be. I loved the inclusion of Hungarian culture and folklore which permeated everything in this story. At the start I was introduced to Hana, her mother and grandmother, who are all co-owners of Maggie’s Tea House. They were getting ready for a high tea event for the Magyar Women group, which was a group of ladies who were all of Hungarian decent, like a club. It was during this event that a murder most foul was committed and Hana and her family were quickly drawn into an investigation that would open their eyes to danger and mystery as well as bring a family secret out into the open.
I was so excited that the murder happened at the start because the police were immediately brought in and the action began. I especially loved the chapter titles during the interrogation portions because the title named who was being interviewed, it was clever. Each chapter was a different accounting from eye-witnesses and I felt like I was a part of the mystery itself rather than a bystander. Since the murder happened up front, it is not till later in the book that I really got to know Hana and her family and I came to really like them! There was also a burgeoning romance taking place but I wish there had been more of a romantic buildup because as it was, I was not drawn to the romance. Additionally, there was a slight paranormal element introduced in this book and I think it is going to have a larger focus as the series continues. Overall, Death in a Budapest Butterfly was a wonderful cozy mystery that will appeal to mystery lovers and tea aficionado’s everywhere!
This review is based on a complimentary book I received from Berkley Prime Crime. It is an honest and voluntary review. The complimentary receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating. -
Got a third of the way through and could not finish it.
I've tried to like the "cozy mystery" type books, and hoped this would be better than previous ones I'd tried. The blurb and preview seemed promising, and the Hungarian elements appealing, but I was sorely disappointed once again. Banter between characters feels forced. Characters in their late twenties/early thirties think and behave like naive white high schoolers.
I specify white here in particular because holy smokes, the main character, Hana, has an eugenics-level obsession with ethnicity. It's understandable to be wrapped up in her own Hungarian heritage, especially with the event for the Magyar Women. But she's commenting constantly on others: the French pastry chef, the detective who must be Norwegian because his name is Erik with a "k," the friend whose family name was French yet whose parents studied Russian literature (utterly inexplicable to her, apparently).
I was curious about the outcome of the mystery, but not enough to make up for the ridiculous (and a little unnerving) flaws. My reading list is too long to labor through the other two-thirds of this one.
Edit: I can't believe I forgot to mention the weird subplot with the brother's girlfriend. Immediately upon meeting her, he worked to insert himself into her life and disrupt it because he felt she was just too shy; she was a "social challenge" for him to fix, essentially, and did things like schedule outings with social goals for her, which was a big YIKES. -
I loved this book! Certainly I have enjoyed other books by Julia Buckley, but in this one I was immediately drawn into the story and in love with the characters. Hana, her mother and grandmother run a teashop specializing in European high tea when there is a death there during a tea for a Hungarian Ladies group. Charmingly written and immersed in Hungarian culture. There's even a touch of the paranormal as Hana realizes she has a touch of extreme intuitiveness like her grandmother. Highly recommended!
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I'm not a huge fan of cozy mysteries. I like the edge-of-your-seat thrillers more, but there is something about a mystery with food, cats, and a bit of romance that's comfortable and a nice change of pace sometimes. I enjoyed the tea house parts, as well as the Hungarian language and culture. The mystery of who killed Ava wasn't that exciting to me and felt more secondary to the plot. What was really cool was Hana's family's abilities to sense things like danger, sickness, and emotions. I wish I had an extra sense like that!
Hana and Erik were kind of cute, but I agree with Domo that their relationship seemed a bit fast. At least he seemed on board with the extra senses and was interested in Hana's culture. I don't know that I'll continue the series, but it's an easy, light read. -
I loved all of the cultural elements of this cozy mystery so much! I was also pleasently surprised that the author included so much Hungarian mythology and folklore! Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
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Death in a Budapest Butterfly is the first novel in A Hungarian Tea House Mystery series written by Julia Buckley (A Writer’s Apprentice Mystery series). Hana Keller is twenty-six years old and of Hungarian descent. Hungarian food and the culture are a big part of the family’s lives. We get a comprehensive account of the various Hungarian dishes prepared. It was interesting to learn more about the Hungarian culture, cuisine, traditions and folklore. I wish, though, that the Hungarian words had come with a pronunciation guide (next to each word). Hana works with her mother (Maggie Keller) and her grandmother (Juliana Horvath) to run Maggie’s Tea House which features high tea and delicious pastries made by Francois, a French culinary student. I enjoyed hearing about Hana’s teacup collection. The mystery starts off with a bang early in the book. Since many of the suspects are Hungarian, Detective Wolf asks them to be present while he conducts interviews to help with translations. This allows readers to be introduced to various characters plus we find out what they knew about the victim. Hana stays involved in the case as she uncovers information and relays it to Det. Wolf. While I was able to pinpoint the who, I did not know the why. Clues are revealed as Hana talks to various people in the community. I appreciated that we are given all the details of the murder for a complete wrap-up. There were instant sparks between the single Hana and the fetching detective. Hana’s grandmother is happy to give them nudge or two since she would like to see Hana wed. Erik Wolf needs more fleshing out because I thought he was one-dimensional (lacks life). There is a hint that Hana and her grandmother have special psychic abilities. I hope this will feature more prominently in future books. Julia Buckley is a detail oriented writer. She needs to find a balance between not enough and too much which would greatly help the flow and pacing of the book (in my opinion). My favorite phrase was when Detective Wolf said to Hana, “You’ve got the bug, haven’t you? Solving puzzles exhilarates you.” I can certainly understand the feeling. There are recipes at the end for Chicken Paprikash, dumplings and stuffed cabbage. Death in a Budapest Butterfly has Hungarian charm, dainty teacups, a poisoned patsy, a canny killer, a dashing detective, and a neophyte sleuth. 3.5 out of 5 stars
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A Budapest Butterfly china teacup is a thing of
beauty but can it be turned into a weapon of death??
Hana Keller sets up a special display for the Anna
Weatherley butterfly teacup in Maggie’s Tea House
for a function hosting a group of Hungarian women.
Somehow the teacup is removed from the display. A
Hungarian saying is written inside the cup, poison
added then the cup is served to one of the attendees
by a non employee of the Tea House. After drinking
from the cup, she dies. Who removed the cup, added
poison to the team and gave it to the woman???
This is a very informative read as the reader will learn
about Hungarian customs, folklore, common saying and
many delicious Hungarian food specialties.
Hana, her mother, her grandmother and her mother have
a paranormal gift of sight which will aid in the solving of
the murder.
Characters are vivid, very colorful, well define, quirky
and extremely interesting. There are several fur babies
that add to the story: Hana’s cats: Anthony & Cleopatra
(one black & one gray), Boris the wolfhound, Serena the
Siamese cat, Inspektor the store cat and a Major a house
cat.
The plot is complicated by mixing the past and present.
It is a fast moving story, intense with plenty of thrills and
chills, intrigue plus some humor and romance.
This is the first book in the A Hungarian Tea House Mysteries
series. A very enjoyable read!!!
Hungarian Recipes included at the end of book.
I volunteered to read Death in a Budapest Butterfly. Thanks
to Penguin’s First-to-Read Program for the opportunity.
My opinion is my own. -
2020 bk 75. A cute mystery with 'gifted' women in a family of Hungarian Americans. I forget how close in time the Hungarian emigration was (1950's -1980's) and this book reminded me of the fairly recent immigration patterns of eastern Europe. The mystery involves the death of the most recent immigrant in the tight knit community and the discovery that she was poisoned while drinking tea at the main character's tea house, after Hana's grandmother predicts dark things for her. I found it to be a typical cozy, with another handsome police detective thrown in. It was enjoyable - but took me four tries before I finally sat down and finished it. I think I found Hana a little naive and the side piece with her brother's girlfriend who is so introvert that she can't go to a store by herself - what was that all about anyway?
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This was a very pleasant surprise. I didn't really know what it was about, only that my friend had to read it for a cozy group she is in [that I got turfed out of] and she asked me to read it with her [and then she powered it out before me LOL] and it was already on my list so I figured why not and there was an audiobook so away I went.
This was absolutely delightful [minus the weird romance writing - I am not a romance fan, but I have read romance and this was cringe-worthy. I was tempted multiple times to just fast forward through these scenes] I hope that she works on that before the next one] and filled with some amazing facts, stories and fairytales [some which are quite horrifying] from Hungary. The narrator was good and did the Hungarian accents and pronunciations very well and the story was really good because of all these interesting tidbits. I was surprised by the killer and the why and I cannot say that the reveal is a "happy ending" with this one. It was very well done.
So glad I picked this one up. -
Loved it!
I really enjoyed this one. I liked Hana and the rest of the characters. Hard to pick out a murderer in a roomful of little old Hungarian women. I don’t know much about Hungarian culture and it was fun learning about it. There could have been a little more translating on some of the Hungarian phrases. Can’t wait to see what happens next. Another good pick by #readforkimberly -
Three generations of Hungarian women own and manage Maggie’s Tea House, specializing in the European high tea. Grandmother Juliana is known for her ability to read the future in a person’s tea leaves. The tea house is named from Hana Keller’s mother, Maggie. The three women are getting ready for a special event for the Magyar Women.
During the high tea, Ana Novak’s tea is poisoned. Detective Erik Wolf comes to investigate and through the course of inquiry learns that Hana and Juliana both have special abilities for sensing what’s going on around them. Hoping to help catch the killer before their business is ruined, Hana does her own sleuthing, feeding what she finds to Erik.
Julia Buckley incorporates the rich Hungarian culture throughout the story adding layers of interesting background on Hungarian food, art and mystical beliefs. Ms. Buckley fabricates an imaginative mystery with twists and a suspense driven pace. The first Hungarian Tea House Mystery is truly a treat to be savored. -
I want my money back, and I want to buy the book that the other reviewers read! I obviously got the wrong book because this was one of the most horrible cozies I have ever read.
The crime itself and wanting to know who did it kept me skimming; also, learning about my Hungarian heritage kept me skimming, and those are the ONLY reasons I kept reading this book.
Here is one issue I had: the main character is in her mid-twenties...what person in their mid-twenties would know the term "sock it to me"??? I'm 62, and I barely remember Laugh-In!
Hana is indeed an annoying character, one minute young and frivolous, and the next minute is acting like she is in her 70's and the fact that this crime is on their tea house property is trite cliche and annoying. Actually, ALL of the characters seemed to be out of place, stilted in their conversations, and not described very well. Some things are overly described, some things that need more get nothing.
The romance seems to appear out of thin air and should have gone a little more slowly, like maybe wait until the second book for "making out"(another expression that I don't think modern young people use) sessions.
You need to stretch your imagination muscles to the nth degree to believe that the cop in charge of the murder (and Hana's love muffin)needs three generations of the same family to help him with his case without his boss's approval.
I was so happy to see a book about my heritage that I ignored the fact that EVERY review is glowing; I read the preview and went for it...I very nearly bought the upcoming books too. I am so glad I waited.
Oh, I did learn a little about Hungarian cuisine (nothing I didn't know being a second-generation), but it will be interesting for a non-Hungarian. I did learn more than I ever wanted to know about porcelain.
But to each his own and you may love all the things I hated so happy reading! -
What a great start to a new series! There are several things I like about it, including excellent writing, strong, gentle female characters, and a challenging mystery. It is the first one I can recall reading for a long time that I was in denial about who the real killer might be, even after the confession, because the person just didn't seem like a cold-blooded killer! I also enjoyed learning about the interesting ideals and backgrounds of those who immigrated from Hungary.
Hana's mother Maggie had been brought to America from Hungary when she was a child by her parents, Juliana and Joseph. Her maternal grandmother, Natalia, came with them also. Maggie and Juliana opened Maggie's Tea House almost 30 years ago, and it is very well-known in Riverwood, just outside of Chicago. Hana joined the family tradition of working at the tea house. She is learning about another family tradition of the women of the family who have intuition or even the ability to "see" where there is something to be concerned about in the future.
Her grandmother gives tea readings at some of the teas, and the monthly Magyar Women group sees the tradition upheld. One difference this time is that Hana's new treasure, the Budapest Butterfly, a costly collectible teacup with a butterfly handle is the central decoration at the tea reading table. It disappeared from the table during the time the ladies were eating their special sandwiches, then reappeared at the table of Ava Novak, a first-time visitor with the group who was sitting alone at a table. She was drinking from it, too!
Juliana had a warning for one of the ladies at the tea reading, that something bad is coming to one of her friends or family members. This is not a typical reading; they are often more for fun than anything serious. Hana went to Ava's table; Ava seemed to be heading to the restroom a short time earlier with an unhappy tummy and had not returned. Someone had written inside her treasured Butterfly in a wax pencil; when her mother and grandmother translated the terrible words, she went to find Ava. She was too late, as Ava was dead just outside the restroom.
This mystery is mind-boggling, as who could suspect any of the ladies present who were in their sixties and seventies? It will definitely require a few twists and turns to come up with more than one suspect for the murder of this lady who has only been in the US for a few short years! Hana decides to help the lead detective, Erik Wolf, as she finds information and understands Hungarians much better than he - and her analytical mind simply doesn't let her questions go without answers.
I highly recommend this novel to fans of the author and of well-written cozy mysteries, have an interest in Hungarian foods and ideals, and the possibility of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel; a review was not required. -
Series: A Hungarian Tea House Mystery - Book 1
Author: Julia Buckley
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Coffee/Tea Shop/Paranormal
Publisher: Berkley
Page Count: 304
Publishing Date: July 30, 2019
The first cozy book Death in a Budapest Butterfly in a new series “A Hungarian Tea House Mystery “from author Julia Buckley hits stores on July 30, 2019, published by Berkley.
This new series has stout, gifted women, tasty food, exotic teas, a delightful teacup collection, and a look at Hungarian culture. There are plenty of recipes and tasty treats for those who spend time at Maggie’s Tea House. The main character, Hana, is stubborn, set in her ways and at times naïve. Her mother and grandmother are special and love what they do. Hana’s budding relationship with Detective Wolf will be interesting to watch. With just a hint of the paranormal, this cozy book will make readers smile.
Although this is a sweet story and the murder itself intriguing, there was just a bit too much emphasis on the Hungarian side of the women’s lives. There are times when the reader may have to remind themselves that this book is set-in modern-day America. The cultural aspects are fun but seem to be used more for filler than real background information on the characters. I would like to see the paranormal aspects of the three women more defined and enlarged in future books as I felt this was one of the more engaging inclusions in the storyline.
Ms. Buckley knows how to write a cozy book. Her story is littered with twists and turns, insightful commentary, and heartfelt family values. Death in a Budapest Butterfly is a cozy book that will entertain readers of all types of mysteries.
I am looking forward to seeing the direction this series takes, and the continued development of the characters. -
As I mentioned in my review of "Death of a Wandering Wolf" it's unusual for me to read a series out of order when I am aware of the series order before adding the novel on GoodReads but my 'stash' of tbr novels has dwindled away as books have been my company for bedtime reading more than ever this year. For the multiple reasons listed in review of the 2nd novel of the series it was most enjoyable to meet the debut of the characters, setting, etc.
A true compliment to the series is that I'd love to visit Maggie's Tea House and I don't even like hot tea. Another reason why I find this series so pleasurable is that as I'm reading the different descriptions of the food Hana makes with her grandmother or as Hana is cooking for herself and/or her boyfriend/police detective Erik I remember different dishes served at family dinners and holidays that are very similar. The multiple generations are no longer here but taste buds remember the delectable bounty of offerings as part of a treasury of family memories when we were all together.
The mystery in the series opener takes place at a special event at Maggie's Tea House and once again armchair sleuth that I am I didn't put the clues together in time to solve one of Julia Buckley's mysteries. One of my favorite cozy authors that I'll continue to enjoy reading as I've tried three (3) of her series so far and love each one for distinctive reasons. If you love cozy mysteries, be sure to add Julia Buckley's name to your "to-read" list! -
Well Julia Buckley has done it again! This is a great start to a new series with some fun characters. The main three are a Grandmother, mother and daughter who run a Hungarian tea house (with a fantastic pastry chef from France called François), on this day they are hosting a Hungarian Woman's club and as Hana (the daughter) has just purchased a stunning butterfly cup and saucer they decide to use that as the theme, the cup and saucer themselves will take pride of place on the table where Juliana (the Grandmother) will read tea leaves. Everything seems to be going smoothly until Hana sees that her precious butterfly cup is missing, the next thing is the death of one of the ladies and the arrival of the police!
Before Hana knows what has hit her she is dragged into the murder investigation, led by the seriously distracting Erik Wolf, can Erik and Hana find out whodunit before the tea shop goes under or someone else is hurt? -
4 stelle e mezza
Confesso che all'inizio sono stata un attimo travolta da tutto il folklore magiaro e le tante parole in ungherese, ma poi ho preso il via, anche perché è tutto spiegato quando si fa riferimento alle cose ungheresi. Anche il fatto che le donne della famiglia della protagonista abbiano tutte una specie di sesto senso mi ha un attimo perplesso, ma poi ci ho messo una pietra sopra. Anche perché mi piace il modo di raccontare che ha questa autrice. Morale della favola: libro promosso a pieni voti! -
This is the first book in the Hungarian Tea House series. Hana along with her mother and grandmother run Maggie's Tea House. When a death occurs during one of their events using Hana's valuable butterfly tea cup, the police ask them for their help since they know the Hungarian culture. I absolutely loved this book. I loved the connection that Hana has with both her mother and grandmother. I really connected with Hana and her family. I loved mystery. I liked the interview process and how everything came together. I can't wait for the next book so I can catch up with these characters.
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Ever since I went with my husband on a river cruise on the Danube, which included Budapest, I have been drawn to all books that have something to do with Hungary. Hungarian authors such as Sandor Marai, Magda Szabo and Miklos Banffy have been wonderful to read. So as soon as I this title, I knew I had to pre-order it.
I really enjoyed all the Hungarian culture included in this book. -
Thoroughly enjoyed this elegant little book! Loved the characters, the setting and the lovely bits of information about Hungarian lore and customs.
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4.5⭐️
