Tea & Alchemy

A tea leaf reader in nineteenth-century England falls in love—and in danger—with a reclusive alchemist in an enthralling historical fantasy by the author of Salt & Broom and Grimm Curiosities.

Cornwall, 1854. The people of Roche have always whispered about the recluse in the black granite tower that looms above the moorland. But one young woman is driven to discover the truth behind the old tales.

Her life overshadowed by family tragedy, Mina Penrose escapes her lonely days by working at The Magpie, a cozy tearoom on the village’s edge. Lately she’s been seeing shapes in the sodden leaves that hint at the future. After one such omen, Mina stumbles upon a murdered man on the heath. Villagers immediately suspect Harker Tregarrick, a living, breathing mystery who never ventures beyond the bounds of his centuries-old estate.

Until the day after the murder, when the handsome and compelling recluse visits The Magpie…leading to a meeting that will change both their fates. Captivated by a man around whom danger and rumors of death swirl, Mina has never felt more alive. Can she uncover Harker’s heartbreaking history—and the truth about the murder—before tragedy strikes again?

©2026 by Sharon Lynn Fisher. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Fisher deftly combines adventure and romance in this atmospheric historical fantasy.”—Booklist

An old school murder mystery with a sweet, slow burn romance intertwined.

The story reminded me of Dracula because of the character names and the vampire elements, but the mystery was different than anything I expected. I enjoyed the story and that the romance was secondary to the plot, but helped to push it along.

Tender, intellectual, heartwarming. Lyrical writing; superior narration.

My favorite book of the year to date, by far. Engaging plot from the start, never a lull in movement, perfectly paced. Characters developed exactly as the story requires and heartbreakingly empathetic.
Lessons in curiosity, humility, compassion, and integrity abound—so timely for our hyper judgmental and conflict-laden time in history.
I will return to this story for comfort and inspiration often, I am sure.

The story was entrancing.

I love the voices and the story even more. I definitely be looking for more titles by the author and the voice artists.

Not my cup of tea

Overall just wasn’t my cup of tea (pun intended) but interesting concept. I also didn’t love the narration, it felt a bit silly and over the top.

interesting twist to vampires

this story caught my attention right from the start. its an interesting telling of vampires and how they come to be and how one tried to change history of the life and bloodline.