⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – 5- stars
H.Y. Hanna has done it again. Apple Strudel Alibi is another successful installment to the Oxford Tearoom Mystery series. In it we find ourselves on a trip to Vienna, Austria, where we’re introduced to a few new characters that become suspects in a murder investigation that Gemma Rose and the Old Biddies find themselves entangled in.
When Gemma’s planned holiday for a trip to Malta with her beau, Devlin O’Connor, is derailed yet again because of a last-minute work assignment she’s devastated. That is until her mother convinces her that it’s a perfect opportunity for Gemma to attend the rewards ceremony in Vienna. Gemma’s Little Stables Tearoom has won a contest for the best scones in Oxfordshire thanks to her dear senior citizen friends, the “Old Biddies,” who entered her tearoom in the contest without her knowledge. Gemma takes her mother’s advice and heads off to Vienna, availing herself of the invitation to stay in her mother’s friend’s newly-opened, pet-friendly hotel at a reduced rate, if ever she were in Austria. So Gemma finds herself in Vienna, sharing a suite with Muesli and the Old Biddies, and things seem perfect. That is until an art critic is murdered at the hotel, and the suspect could still be amongst them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery. I learned much about Austrian cuisine, culture, architecture and art. Of particular interest to me were facts about the Austrian artist, Gustav Klimt, and the Spanish Riding School where Lippizaner horses are trained to perform. Listening was like receiving a brief history lesson pertaining to these subjects and I loved it. Equally satisfying were the new characters, as well as those that’ve been present from the start of the series. And the mystery kept me in suspense until the jaw-dropping denouement. I appreciate H.Y. Hanna’s subliminal message of love, honor and respect for all humanity, and how everyone’s contributions to the world benefit all of mankind. It has been enlightening and gratifying becoming acquainted with characters from various countries and backgrounds while reading many of the books in this series.
Regarding the audio narrator, Pearl Hewitt, her voice is absolute perfection. Her depictions of the various characters, (including Muesli the tabby cat’s audible expressions), is incredible. Her masterful narration brings this series to life in a way that can only be fully described if you listen for yourself. Extraordinary talent. I always look forward to listening to Ms. Hewitt’s narration. I highly recommended Apple Strudel Alibi.
Thank you, H.Y. Hanna, for a complimentary download of Apple Strudel Alibi. In exchange I have provided an honest review.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! Thanks for stopping by. 😊
This sounds like a good one! Love the high five.. ✋ have a super weekend! 😊
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Great review, Laurie ❤ Whoa, the narrator sounds so fabulous! I might as well check out this series!
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Thanks, Noriko!! She was particularly good in this book. Her name is Pearl Hewitt, and she’s a perfect fit for this series. She even sounds like a real feline when imitating Muesli the cat!! 😺
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Another awesome review from this series. I have book one on my kindle to read thank to you! Lol
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Thanks, Nina. 💕 I enjoyed the first book in the series, but they just get better and better. 😊
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Love everything about it! Including that adorable cover. Great review Laurie!
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Thanks, Holly!! 💕
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Ooh! I wish I had gotten in on the first of this series. It sounds like so much fun, and I am always up for learning something new. This is a great review; it makes me want to read or listen to this book.
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Thank you, Linda. I think you’d LOVE this series!! The author really attended Oxford University and she often gives us insight into the area and the various colleges. I love it!! And she does an impeccable job with international locations and characters.
Thanks so much for visiting. 😊
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Lovely review, Laurie. This sounds like such a winner. It seems everything worked out from the mystery to the narrator. Always good to find books that teach us something new 🙂
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This book checked off all of the boxes that make for a great read. HY Hanna does an amazing job with this series. She’s a very skilled writer.
Thanks, Diana. 😊
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This sounds like so much more than a cozy story with all that information about Austria. You make me want to listen to it.
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I loved listening to this one, Kathryn. I think the audio version is a real asset to this series. 😊
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I love your review Laurie. It is great when we can learn something while enjoying a cozy mystery, and a jaw dropping ending? Time to get back to this series.
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Yes, Carla. I love learning new things when I read books. I do believe this series gets better and better. Listening is a real joy. 😊
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I will have to see if I can get some of the audiobooks on hoopla.
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I LOVE this series on audio!! The narrator really is wonderful.
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I will have to see if I can find it on hoopla.
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Such a lovely review, Laurie! I love learning about a new culture when I read! Happy weekend! Xoxo
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Thank you, Jennifer. 💕
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great review. i enjoy a jaw-dropping end. and those books full of facts of new cultures and stuff.
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Then you’d love this one, Jina. Thanks for visiting. 🙂
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Glad you enjoyed it, Laurie! Sounds educational! That cover is so neat too. ❤ Awesome review. 🙂
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Thanks. 💕 I loved it so much, Mischenko.
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Great review, Laurie. It sounds as though you were able to take a little trip to Austria…a place I’ve always wanted to visit. 🙂 I love the title and the cover, too. Enjoy your weekend.
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I’ve always wanted to go to Austria too, Jill. It looks like such a wonderful place. HY Hanna posted the most incredible pictures I’ve ever seen of her trip to Austria in her newsletter. I was swooning away over them.
Thanks for stopping by, Jill. 😊
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