Spring is the perfect season to slow down, sip something warm (or iced!), and savor a sweet treat—or a little murder mystery. In today’s post, I’m sharing five charming recipes perfect for a spring tea party, book club gathering, or cozy afternoon on the porch. And if you’re looking for the perfect reading companion, I’ve also included four cozy mysteries that pair beautifully with a plate of scones and a steaming cup of tea.

Here are some recipe inspirations for you. Enjoy!

The Recipes:

1. Talk about brightening your table! The Lemon Tarts recipe is from LoveFromTheOven.com

2. Love this twist on blondies. The Strawberry Blondies with Lemon and White Chocolate is from MilkGlassHome.com

3. Pour a cold glass of Peach Iced Tea and sit back to enjoy conversation or a good book. The recipe is from Coffeecopycat.com

4. Scones are perfect for a tea party. These Cranberry Orange Cream Scones are from BrunchandBatter.com

5. These Lavender shortbread cookies are a beautiful and tasty addition to your tea service. The recipe is from IHeartEating.com

The Books:

MURDER AT THE LEMONBERRY TEA ( A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery) by Darci Hannah

When British celebrity chef Vivi Lemonberry arrives in Beacon Harbor to escape scandal, Lindsey Bakewell’s charming lighthouse bakeshop is swept up in the chaos of hosting her for a summer tea party event. But Vivi’s diva behavior, flirtations with Lindsey’s boyfriend, and a dramatic confrontation during a live baking demo stir up more than just gossip. When Vivi’s body is discovered floating in Lake Michigan, Lindsey must sift through a long list of suspects and secrets to uncover who wanted the chef permanently out of the kitchen.

HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

TEA WITH JAM & DREAD (A Tea by the Sea Mystery) by Vicki Delany

Tearoom owner Lily Roberts travels from Cape Cod to the English countryside for a grand birthday celebration at the now-luxury Thornecroft Castle, where her grandmother once worked. While reconnecting with family history and visiting her boyfriend, Lily finds herself in the midst of aristocratic drama involving missing heirloom sapphires, generational tension, and a suspicious death at the party. When a guest dies after eating one of Lily’s sandwiches laced with hidden almonds, she must steep herself in secrets and scandal to catch a killer hiding in the halls of the stately manor.

THE CORPSE AND THE GAZEBO ( A Food Blogger Mystery) by Debra Sennefelder

Food blogger Hope Early is riding high on the success of her brand—until her nosy neighbor Birdie Donovan winds up dead after publicly trying to run Hope out of town. With her muffins found at the scene and her sleuthing reputation working against her, Hope becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation. Now, with her business and freedom on the line, she must whip up the truth before everything she’s built falls apart.

Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply treating yourself to a quiet moment, these recipes and reads are sure to add a touch of charm to your season. I’d love to know which mystery you’re reading—or what’s on your tea tray—so feel free to share in the comments below. Happy sleuthing and sipping!