Apple Strudel Alibi: The Oxford Tearoom Mysteries - Book 8

It was okay. I liked the story taking place in Vienna but with only the "old biddies" along it was somewhat flat. Would have been more fun and more realistic if, along with the OBs, Cassie had joined her or her other male friend - forget his name but he has a crush on Cassie. Anyway, I found it sort of blah to only have them to play off. That said, the sauna scene was too funny and wouldn't have been the same without the OBs.There were interesting characters in the form of other hotel guests - they provided some lift to the story, along with possibilities in terms of the murderer. I found Gemma's behavior with Mei Mei more than a little bit off though. First, I can't believe any parents in this day and age would allow their child to go off with a virtual stranger no matter where she was educated. It also seemed out of character to me that Gemma would lie and deceive the parents even if she felt the ends justified the means. Yes, when all was said and done she was sorry but it felt completely off to me.Like the other 3 star review, this won't put me off Ms Hanna's books - I liked this one, didn't love it, but in general find her books absolutely charming and fun to read. I look forward to the next book in this series and the next in the "Bewitched by Chocolate" series as well.

All of us have favorite desserts that we tease and say, 'Its to die for.' What happens if a dessert might actually be? Well, that is exactly what went through my mind as I read this title. The Strudel plays throughout the book, but you will be surprised at it's real purpose there. I was.Gemma Rose, owner of the Little Stables Tearoom, is England's winner for tearooms. The ceremony is in Vienna, Austria. Gemma is regretful, but delighted that she is to be in Malta with her love for vacation...He cancels for work.Vienna here Gemma, and to her surprise, the Little Ole' Biddies, all four of them, come! Gemma and gang are staying at Gemma's mother's friends hotel. A beautiful upscale boutique hotel. They are thrilled. Glenda even finds a gentleman who invites her to dine with him.Until the screaming begins...said suitor is dead! Glenda is besides herself, and the Biddies are off to investigate. The Austrian police have labeled it a suicide. Nope, they know better. Gemma is roped in. There are Spa visits not to be missed (oh boy that was a surprise scene.) There are possible art forgeries, there are the precious Royal Lipizaner's 'Airs Above The Ground,' and underground railroads. There is a murderer as well. Then, the tourists and hotel residents. All this surrounded with luscious desserts and coffees.This book was great reading. I'm so fond of the horses and was lucky to have seen them perform in Las Vegas years ago. I have never forgotten the experience, so this book was tailored to me.Ms. Hanna never writes a mediocre book. She has the ability to grab the reader, put them in a gentle environment, lull them into a cozy mood, and wham! Humor, action, and a darn good murder mystery occurs. What more can you want? A recipe for Apple Strudel and Ms. Hanna gives us one at the ending. Muesli, the kitty is vastly important in this book, as well. Keep an eye on her.Enjoy, Enjoy, Enjoy!!!

I’ve enjoyed this series to this point, but this book fell short. It reminded me of television series- when they run out of stories in the established village, they start shipping the heroine around the world, hoping to generate new interest. This never works, and usually signifies the beginning of the end - “jumping the shark”, if you will. Sending Gemma to Vienna was a drag. I missed the quaint village in the Cotswolds, as well as the established characters. Being introduced to all new characters was depressing. Sure, the Old Biddies came along, but they weren’t enough to carry the plot. Don’t know why the author even bothers to mention Devlin, as he doesn’t seem to be of any use anymore. Clearly, there’s nothing left between him and Gemma. Sad. I’ve already purchased Book 9, so I’ll read it in the hope that this story and it’s characters get back on track.

I was eagerly anticipating this book when I preordered it months before. But I was so disappointed. First, it felt more like a guidebook to Vienna, rather than a mystery. And then there were the characters! The Old Biddies are always guaranteed to be a good time, and the sauna scene was hilarious, but even their usual antics seemed subdued. The rest of the cast was so unlikeable and flat. The murder victim was an arrogant, obnoxious jerk, and by the end I really didn't care who did it. I hope this book was just a one off, because I love the rest of the series.

Gemma and the Old Biddies go to Vienna when her Tea Shoppe has been chosen to represent England in a contest for the best Tea Shoppe of Europe. They stat at a new hotel ran by an old friend of her mother's.Of course with this being Gemma and the old Biddies, murder and intrigue is not far behind.In the course of the investigation, we get to learn about rare and valuable painting, the marvelous White stallions of Lippiza, and many of the foods and desserts that Vienna is famous for.This is another fun story from H.Y. Hanna. It has a solid story line, well defined characters, lots of humor, many twist to keep you guessing. And a feisty cat to save the day, not to mention a little girls safety and well being.

This was a surprise. I wasn't to sure how having Gemma going on a trip without Devlin was going to play out yet it works perfectly. The old biddies are up to their sleuthing and the description of Gemma and them in the spa is a hoot. Especially Ethel's comment.And the talk of the Sacher Tort and all the Viennese pastries has given me the desire to run to the kitchen and begin baking. Or running to the kitchen and watching Great British Baking Show while having a cup of coffee.Either way H.Y. Hannah has again captured a feeling of being in an idyllic place and hanging around with fun characters while never having to leave your home.And a bonus, Apple Strudel recipe.

This was my least favourite of all these books, and I've read them all to date, as it was too much like a Tourist Guide book! Vienna sounds amazing and well worth a visit but this murder story really lacked content, it was very 'surgery'! I have really enjoyed all the stories in this series so far but it was a big mistake to take Gemma, Muesli and the old buddies out of Oxford and the other familiar surroundings of the tea room.

Found this one harder to get into than the previous titles, possibly because it was a murder in another country this time. Though the tea room was mentioned, it just was not the same. Still love the characters in story and they make it worth reading.

I have read all the books in the series, they are annoyingly addictive for a quick read and just because I like a mystery. The cat gets on my nerves and adds nothing to the books. This one in particular about the cat going on holiday with the main character was even more ridiculous.

Oxford teashop is a lovely setting for the characters and have enjoyed their stories the mysteries are great and have got them all and look forward to the next ones in the series

l just love these books can't get enough of them