Earl Grave Tea

I’ll admit, I rolled my eyes at the premise initially—*another* Halloween-themed cozy? But *Earl Grave Tea* disarmed me within chapters. Rue’s writing thrives in the gaps between the genre’s expectations: the improv troupe isn’t just a gimmick, they’re a catalyst for exposing Raven Creek’s simmering resentments, and the Agatha Christie play-within-the-play isn’t just meta, it’s a *tool*. The murder feels organic, sprung from the town’s petty rivalries and performative chaos, not plopped in for plot convenience. That said, the middle act sags slightly under the weight of its own cleverness—there’s a 20-minute stretch where the play rehearsal scenes start to blur together, and I found myself craving more forward momentum. Kristin Price’s narration, though, never lets the energy flag. Her timing is *impeccable*, especially in the book’s funniest moments (the scene where the troupe’s method-acting barista “becomes” a latte is *gold*). She also handles the shift from comedy to genuine menace with ease—when the tone darkens, her voice drops into something colder, more precise, and it’s chilling. My only critique? A few male voices lean a touch too broad, verging on cartoonish, but it’s a minor quibble in an otherwise stellar performance. The production quality is flawless—no distracting edits or volume jumps—letting the story’s strengths shine. If you love mysteries that balance brainy plots with heart (and a side of snark), this is your next listen. Just maybe skip the backstage gossip if you’re in a hurry.