In case you missed it, we’re now doing seasonal themes here at Sleuth Hero Alien, and this is the summer of cozy tea! Join us for charming tea-related posts, delightful book lists, and all the warm vibes your summer needs. Subscribers, you can also join our new chat space on Substack, to share your pictures of tea and books!
Dear Cozy Reader,
I’ve always had what my high school friends called grandma vibes. Even in my early twenties, I was going to bed at 8 p.m., and a fun night out meant a trip to Barnes & Noble.
After college, my inner grandma really blossomed when I fell in love with tea. I’d been a coffee drinker until then, but herbal teas snuck up on me. Then green teas. Then fancy black teas from places like the Prince Edward Island Tea Company. I was in deep.
I remember a friend once saying it was weird how I drank tea all the time—like it was a regular drink, like soda. Ha! Depending on where you live, tea culture is more or less common, but growing up just north of Boston, where Dunkin’ Donuts is practically a religion, I definitely stood out. Tea made me feel a little on the outside of the culture, and honestly, I liked that.
I started seeking out herbal shops and fancy tea places, and it didn’t take long before I realized: teapots were going to be a big part of this hobby.
Not only do they make for a better steeping experience, they also look adorable on a table with cookies and candles. But what I love most is how teapots turn tea from just a drink into a ritual.
There’s something so grounding about it—spooning out fragrant loose-leaf tea, filling the pot with hot water, laying out your tea strainer, and slowly pouring that first cup. The whole process invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in those cozy, comforting vibes.
Over the years, my collection has shifted and shrunk. I’m definitely the kind of person who could have an entire bookshelf dedicated to teapots, but after moving a lot, I’ve pared it down to a minimalist crew of four. Each one has its own aesthetic and purpose, and they all earn their spot on the shelf.
Today, I’m sharing a peek into my collection—along with a cozy mystery recommendation to go with each one, because tea and reading are a match made in heaven.
🍓 The Strawberry Dunoon Teapot
This is the star of the show. My husband gave it to me as an anniversary gift, and it’s perfect for tea parties. It’s gorgeous, and it pours without a single dribble. The only catch? It was expensive, and I’m always a little nervous I’ll break it. So while I adore it, it’s reserved for special occasions and mostly lives on display.
Pairs well with: A classic British cozy with garden parties, scones, and a hint of murder, like The Perils of Lady Catherine de Bourgh by Claudia Gray.
🌿 The Mint Green Unfussy Pot
This one’s big and sturdy. It wasn’t too pricey, the ceramic is thick, and it goes in the dishwasher. I use it a lot, especially during allergy season when I’m making endless pots of nettle tea. The only downside is that the spout dribbles a litte.
Pairs well with: Your classic detective procedural with a no-nonsense lead, a loyal sidekick, and a town full of secrets steeping just under the surface, like Death in Brittany by Jean-Luc Bannalec.
🫖 The Tea-for-One
I love tea-for-one sets. They’re just so cute! I hunted for the perfect one for years and finally found this at a Japanese grocery store near me. The mug isn’t too wide (which means it keeps heat longer), and the teapot has a rubber ring that helps it sit snugly on top. The infuser basket goes deep, which is great for herbs that need a long steep. I use this when I want just one cup, not an all-day pot.
Pairs well with: A cozy mystery with some depth, where you get to know and love the characters—and maybe shed a few tears between tea sips and plot twists, like The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman.
🫖 The Little Tea Press Pot
This little pot has a press-style infuser, which is perfect for teas that turn bitter if they steep too long. I like the clear glass—it looks lovely on the counter—and it’s great in a pinch. But the spout? A total dribbler. I end up wiping the table every time. It’s not my favorite, but every now and then, it’s exactly the one I need.
Pairs well with: That cozy book you reach for when you need a specific kind of comfort. It might not be high literary fiction, but it’s just right for you—familiar, soothing, and exactly what the moment calls for, like Aunt Dimity & the Heart of Gold by Nancy Atherton.
Okay, cozy readers—your turn!
Do you have a favorite teapot? I’d love to hear about it—and even more, I’d love to see it! Substack comments don’t allow photo uploads, so I’ve opened a subscriber chat space for us. It’s open to all subscribers of Sleuth Hero Alien (free and paid), and I’ve already posted a teapot thread there.
Come on in and share your teapots. I can’t wait to see what you’re brewing in!
With love (and tea),
Emma
Hi there! I’m Emma Veritas, your cozy reading enthusiast. I delight in escaping to small towns filled with endearing characters—and a touch of mystery, dragons, or aliens! When I'm not sharing bookish musings here, you’ll find me crafting fictional tales in my notebooks, spending quality time with my adorable pet bunny, or savoring a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
You might also enjoy my other newsletter, Mystics Reading Society, a welcoming space where books, personal growth, and magic intertwine, nurturing your soul one page at a time. Read the most recent post: What Does it Mean to Be a Seeker?
This is so cute! I love your teapot/book pairings, and now I want to try them out.