Three Tainted Teas (Kitchen Witch Mysteries #3)

 

Three Tainted Teas is the third book in the paranormal Kitchen Witch cozy mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. Released 26th April 2022 by Kensington, it's 272 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this first two books in the series are currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. There are also a couple of adjunct short stories for binge reading.

This is a small-town catering cozy with light paranormal overtones complete with human trapped in cat form, feisty grandma, (and a recipe for peach cobbler crisp at the back), and local law enforcement officer. This series has found its stride at this point. There were some clunky bits of dialogue scattered about, but nothing egregious which dragged me out of my suspension of disbelief. Some of the characterizations are a bit cartoonish; shapeshifters and pack dynamics and all. The story arc, denouement, and resolution are satisfying however and the author is experienced and writes well.

I do recommend the book to readers who are especially fond of small-town cat cozies with outlandish plots, but understand that there are some issues going in and bring a hefty suspension of disbelief to the party. It's gratifying to see this developing into an appealing and engaging cozy series. The language is squeaky clean and there's no on-page gore. The mystery puzzle and denouement and resolution are satisfying and well constructed.

Four and a half stars - for what it is. It's not classical deathless prose, but it is entertaining and well written.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.