It took a while for me to get interested in this story. It was slow moving at first, with not a lot happening after the dead body was found. Vivian and her shop assistants are working to find the murderer and clear Jenna from being the prime suspect in her ex-husband’s death. The action does pick up towards the end, but it was too little too late to really spark my interest. It’s entertaining, but not a great read. ( )

The book starts with a bang when a body is found lying sprawled in the rocks. The opening delves straight into the mystery starting with the first paragraph by immediately setting up the victim and the prime suspect. The story weaves between Vivian - our amateur sleuth - and Detective Lieutenant Tony Messina as he investigates the murder. His part of the plot becomes increasingly complicated as his interests shift from detective interrogating a suspect to a growing attraction to Jenna - her assistant. Jenna has a strong connection to the victim who turns out to be her ex-husband Dean - who also has a long list of enemies. From the women he's cheated on to the woman - and owner of the nightgown he was found in - he was with before he died to a gambling 'friend,' there is no storage when it comes to suspects. The growing list of suspects and motives creates a compelling mystery full of twists and turns.

Kingsbury has a flair for capturing the attitudes and personalities of her characters which provides a well-rounded picture of them through the eyes of her protagonist, specifically her two assistants. Jenna is described as rarely showing emotion and having a talent for startling other people. But while she's blunt - even rude at times - she's also loyal and always willing to lend a helping hand. Her backstory is tragic with an abusive father, the death of her brother, foster homes, and a miserable ex-husband - the murder victim. These elements are what push her desire to bury the past and create a balance to Vivian's other assistant Gracie who is described as being in a constant state of excitement with an impulsive and unpredictable nature that has her always ready to embark on an adventure. Every character has a vivid personality - for example, Natalie of the Sophisticated Grape wine shop is described as being onstage everywhere she went and "out to impress everyone who entered her realm."

Vivian has made her lifelong dream come true - which took more than sixty years to achieve - so the story has a strong voice that incorporates the pride she has. The descriptions of the tearoom are elegant, vivid, and beautifully capture the English aesthetic. Vivian is living her dream though she still carries a weight of grief around her from the loss of her husband three years prior. Despite this, she has a playful way about her that adds to the lighthearted tone of the story which pairs well with the lovely Oregan coast as a setting. Moments are provided that take you into the peacefulness of the setting through vivid details such as the fragrance of seaweed and the salty air. Reading Kingsbury's descriptions always delivers a strong presence in every scene that easily takes you into the setting with the humorous names of shops (Furry Fun pet supplies shop) and the whimsical shops such as the Beach Bums Cafe description of having a Hawaiian theme that's overdone with gaudy decor. ( )

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. ( )

In Hot Water is the first book in The Misty Bay Tea Room Mystery series by Kate Kingsbury.

Vivian Wainwright has dreamed of owning an English tearoom. Now she is getting ready to celebrate the second anniversary of the Misty Bay Tea Room in Misty Bay, Oregon. Her two employees, Jenna Ramsey, who prepares the sandwiches, scones, and pastries, and Gracie Jackson, who acted as server and handled the English items on sale.

On the anniversary eve morning, the talk around town was about the body of a dead body that had fallen from the top balcony of the Blue Surf Hotel clad only in a negligee.

It turns out the victim is Dean Ramsey, the ex-husband of Jenna, and Detective Messina arrives and takes Jenna to the police station for questioning. Jenna readily admits to being at the hotel that morning to meet with her ex to collect past due alimony. She adds that if she wanted to kill her ex, she wouldn’t have waited three years after their divorce.

Since Detective Messina still considers Jenna his prime suspect, Vivian and Gracie will work with Jenna and do their own investigation. They don’t have a lot of success until Vivian learns from a friend and nearby pet shop owner, Hal Douglass, about possible secrets at the hotel.

The book is an excellent start in this new series. I found the book well-written and plotted, with enough twists and turns, which kept me guessing until the end. The characters are believable and exciting. I would like to learn more about the characters and the community of Misty Bay.

A delicious-sounding recipe is also included in the book.

I will be watching for the next book in the series. ( )

After being widowed, Vivian Wainwright has moved to a coastal Oregon town to fulfill her dream of opening a tea room. She has hired two younger assistants - Jenna and Gracie - and is happy in her new life.

When Jenna's ex-husband is murdered by falling from the honeymoon suite of the new hotel in town, Jenna is the best suspect. She was supposed to meet him that morning to talk about the alimony that he owed her. The police think they have their suspect in her and don't seem to be looking for another.

Vivian, Jenna, and Gracie decide that have to do something if they want Jenna cleared and begin their own investigation. None of them are experienced investigators. In fact, Vivian's love of reading mysteries and the fact that her husband was a criminal prosecutor is the closest they come to knowing what they are doing.

The trio does discover that the hotel and Jenna's ex were keeping secrets which puts them in line for threats and for danger.

This was an entertaining cozy mystery even though I had a pretty good idea of who the villain was quite early on in the story. I liked the characters. Vivian's confusion about her friendship with another of the store owners widower Hal Douglass added a little romance to the book too. ( )