Everly Swan is a 20 something culinary school dropout who has followed her dream back home to open a tea restaurant in Charm, North Carolina. Charm is just a stone’s throw away from Kitty Hawk and Nags Head. Everly had dropped out of culinary school to follow her cowboy (“Wyatt”) on the rodeo circuit. But, after having her heart broken by her cowboy, Everly decided to return to her hometown and open the tea shop that she had always dreamed of.
Just as Everly seemed to be getting her life back together, a murder occurs in Charm and Everly becomes a chief suspect! Everly begins her own investigation when she decides that the handsome new detective in town seems to not be working hard enough to find the real culprit. (What else is a girl to do?!)
Charm is, well, charming, and Everly, her family, and friends are just the type of cast of characters that a lot of us like to read about in a good and light Cozy mystery. When I use the word “light” I mean it in the best possible way. Live and Let Chai is a true Cozy. The small town, the characters, and especially the beach are all very inviting. Without a doubt, the Seaside Café Mystery Series is a Cozy series worth all of the recommendations it has gotten.
By the way, Bree Baker also writes as Jacqueline Frost, Julie Chase, and Julie Anne Lindsey.
If you are interested in reading some of the other entries about highly recommended Cozy Mystery series, you can find them at the Most Recommended Cozy Mystery Series page on the site.
Laura Weber says
I read this series over Christmas and New Year and I absolutely fell in love with all the characters and location. Bree Baker is the queen of cozy storytelling in my opinion. Sure made my holidays and looking for more in this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Laura, it’s always nice to enjoy a great series over the holiday season!
Marianne says
I have read every book in this series thus far and am absolutely crazy about them. I love the fact that we watch several characters grow through the books. I love the idea of being on the beach, little libraries, cute loving aunts, recipes, small town shops. Thinking I need to explore some of her other series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Marianne, a nice, relaxing series like this is always enjoyable, and character growth is always a necessity in a great series!
Terrie Perino says
I truly enjoy this series! Thank you for informing me of the newest addition.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Terrie, you’re welcome!
LisaM says
I like Grady in this series! The aunts are adorable. I’m reading A Call For Kelp right now, and hope there are many more in this series.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Lisa, I certainly hope that this series continues as well!
GiGi says
Partners in Lime, #6 in the series, is released on August 31, 2021.
It’s a wonderful, refreshing series!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
GiGi, thanks! I’ve added this one to the upcoming releases list!
Janice G says
I discovered this series when the first book came out and have been pre-ordering new books as soon as they are announced. I really enjoy the stories, especially the legends about the Swan women. I just finished the most recent book in the series Closely Harbored Secrets and it was as interesting as the previous books.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Janice, thanks for the recommendation! I’m always glad to hear when a series like this is still high-quality beyond where I have read (unfortunately I have to read a lot of “first of” in any given series without having a chance to continue as often as I would like!)
Gloria Lesher says
Thank you for your review of Live and Let Chai. Reviews like this help me decide whether to buy the book. And by the way, thank you for your blog! I discovered your blog about a couple months ago, and I have found your “Cozies by Themes” so very helpful!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Gloria, you’re very welcome! I’m glad to be able to help out people looking for more great mysteries to read!
Robin Gregory says
These were exceptional cozy mysteries, mostly because the main character was actually very likeable. She was not snarky or self-righteous like so many other cozy mystery women. She didn’t lie when it suited her. She didn’t stand on righteous indignation when someone told her something she didn’t want to hear, but accepted them anyway. In a nutshell– not a hater. I love her. I love Grady and Denver. I love the island. I love the mystery. Please tell me there will be more!
PLEASE TELL ME THERE WILL BE MORE!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Robin, well, I can’t promise how many there will be, but I do know that there will be a new entry out in August, so at least one more!