When real estate developer Jack Ford--who was trying to drive her and her grandmother, Rose, out of business--is found dead on Rose's property, Lily, the owner of a traditional English tearoom, discovers that Ford was brewing trouble all over town as she tries to clear Rose's name.

Tea by the Sea is a traditional English tearoom on the picturesque bluffs of Cape Cod. Lily Roberts is the proud proprietor and head pastry chef. Her grandmother, Rose, operates the Victorian B & B next door. Jack Ford, an aggressive real estate developer, is pushing hard to rezone nearby land, with an eye toward building a sprawling golf resort. When Ford is found dead at the foot of Rose's property, she becomes the chief suspect. Lily needs to sift through the suspects and uncover the real killer before Rose is left holding the tea bag. -- adapted from jacket