It was supposed to be like any other day for co-owner Hana Keller at Maggie’s Tea House. The Magyar Women’s group is set to attend a tea service with a side of tea leaf readings by fellow owner and Hana’s grandmother, Juliana. The main center of attraction is sure to be Hana’s, new-to-her, antique Budapest Butterfly teacup. As the event gets underway, it is clear member Ava Novak is not as welcome by the other Hungarian ladies, especially when she is spotted drinking out of Hana’s newly acquired teacup. When Hana finds Ava dead in the hallway, the Magyar Women’s group, folklore legends and Detective Erik Wolf come together to find out who amongst them could possibly be capable of murder. 

What a strong debut cozy mystery series by Julia Buckley! This book flows seamlessly and kept my attention from page one. Also keeping my attention was Hana’s family and their dynamic. Usually with some cozies, a few minor characters get lost in translation as the story unfolds, but that is not the case here. Readers will be equally enamored with each family member as they are with Hana. The sprouting relationship between Hana and Detective Wolf is natural and well-paced. The list of unlikely suspects will keep you guessing and then second guessing what you thought you knew until the very end.

For those unfamiliar with Hungary, their recipes, traditions and folklore, let this book be your guide. We know all cozies come with a theme and what a refreshing treat this one is! Not only do readers get the cozy tea house setting, we get a French pastry chef, Hungarian folklore and some very intuitive family members. As an added bonus readers will also get a few recipes from Hana’s recipe box.

DEATH IN A BUDAPEST BUTTERFLY is the first book in this series and is definitely one not to be missed or added to a to-be-read pile for too long. Book two, Death of a Wandering Wolf, will be released in June of 2020 and is destined to be a hit amongst cozy fans.