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Tea Shop Mystery #12
Scones & Bones
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is lured into attending the Heritage Society's "Pirates and Plunder" soiree. But it's an antique diamond skull ring that gets plundered by someone who murders a history intern in the process. Theodosia knows she'll have to whet her investigative skills to find the killer among a raft of suspects.
305 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2011
30 people are currently reading
1790 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
93 books2,255 followersLaura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 285 reviews
July 12, 2024
The first thing Childs wants everyone to know about Theodosia is that she is with a group of friends. This is promising. The next most important thing, though, is that she is gorgeous. "Her abundance of auburn hair could have inspired Raphael; her fair English skin seemed tempered by the cool, rainy weather of the Salisbury Plain. Theodosia's blue eyes sparkled with barely contained energy" She also has high cheekbones, and a full mouth. Is anyone else thinking of young Anne Shirley's "raven tressed" heroines? Only me?
I read for a while longer. The prose in Scones & Bones was, as you may have gathered from that description, colorful. It tended to intrude itself at odd moments, and I never was sure what to think of characters who talk about tea in tea-catalog terms.
Also, while realism is not my highest priority in cozy mysteries, I'm pretty sure EMTs don't put their stethoscopes on a man's chest, decide he's dead, and leave.
I skipped a few pages, and a few more, and then a few more. And then I ran across this:
"the answer bubbled up inside Theodosia's brain like saber tooth tiger bones being spit from the depths of the La Brea tar pits."
What does one do with a metaphor like that? Hang caution tape around it? Circle admiringly? Stutter to a disbelieving halt before reading it out loud to any and all passers by?
Note: Originally written as part of a multi-book review over at my blog, Bookwyrme's Lair
I read for a while longer. The prose in Scones & Bones was, as you may have gathered from that description, colorful. It tended to intrude itself at odd moments, and I never was sure what to think of characters who talk about tea in tea-catalog terms.
Also, while realism is not my highest priority in cozy mysteries, I'm pretty sure EMTs don't put their stethoscopes on a man's chest, decide he's dead, and leave.
I skipped a few pages, and a few more, and then a few more. And then I ran across this:
"the answer bubbled up inside Theodosia's brain like saber tooth tiger bones being spit from the depths of the La Brea tar pits."
What does one do with a metaphor like that? Hang caution tape around it? Circle admiringly? Stutter to a disbelieving halt before reading it out loud to any and all passers by?
Note: Originally written as part of a multi-book review over at my blog, Bookwyrme's Lair
June 28, 2011
I finished this in about four hours, it was truly horrible. Sad really, because when I found this series it seemed sweet. I finished the book in the hopes that things would improve, they did not. The author has crossed the line from being proud of Charleston to outright snobbery. The characters were over the top and obnoxious. Theodosia's sense of entitlement is quite ridiculous; demanding to be keep in the police investigation loop and removing evidence from the scene of the crime before the police even got there.
July 27, 2011
I don't know why I keep reading this series, other than the fact that I greatly enjoy reading about a teashop and all the little extras. There has been no character development, the love interest changes at the drop of a hat with no warning, rhyme or reason and I always figure out who the murderer is way before the main character does. If you see me reading the next one, take it away!
April 14, 2025
I must admit that one of the bigger lures for me in reading the Tea Shop mystery series is the ability to poke holes in the description of certain aspects of Charleston (I still cannot imagine anyone thinking it was a particularly good idea to go running at 10PM along the Battery, even with a dog along to act as back-up), but I also enjoy the idea of the Indigo Tea Shop even if I don't care for tea. I love the interaction between Haley, Drayton, and even Theodosia, as well as the occasional visit from Miss Dimple.
Everything else tends to be a mixed bag. Sometimes you get an actual mystery you can solve, sometimes you get half of one, sometimes Theodosia is incredibly annoying in her perfect beauty or the way she tends to read as far older than she's supposed to be, and sometimes things work. There is one constant: I loathe Delaine Dish. I'm not all that fond of her sister, Nadine, either, and I'm hoping that sometime before the series ends (whenever this may be), Delaine is run out of the city one way or another.
Scones and Bones was a really enjoyable read until the final few chapters. I got the thrill of correctly identifying whodunnit, and while the why was never really in question, it would have been nice to get a confession from the guilty party. Theo seemed less perfectly put together this go round and she also seemed younger. Possibly this is due to the fact that she changed boyfriends again, and a new relationship (or simply the promise of one) is enough to bring new life into a character. While I never really bought Parker/Theo as an epic sort of love, I really hope that he gets a proper sendoff, because as it is, Theo's cheating on him and should be called out by someone other than just Delaine. (Though I can't say I'm not looking forward to the fireworks that could follow since Max left Delaine to be with Theo.)
As quickly as I read the book, I do have to say that the end was just a little... weird. Haley gets kidnapped, Theo uses Tidwell as her personal taxi, but he waits until he actually is on Johns Island to call for backup, despite the fact that the ride from the Historic District is long enough to have called it in and had people waiting for when they did have an exact address, and then when Haley is returned home safe and sound, the stolen items are also returned with her, even though one was used in the rescue effort. Wouldn't the police want that kept around for evidence?
Or when Nadine is kidnapped, even though she has been busted lying to the police previously, but escapes, still dripping in all kinds of ick, Tidwell refuses to take a statement or take her seriously, despite the fact that it actually makes sense that the killer would kidnap her after reading the paper's report that she was the only eyewitness to the attacks.
Oh, and no one who claims to be as knowledgeable as Theodosia is about the old cemeteries in Charleston would do a grave rubbing (that is never used for anything that I recall) without at least mentioning that many cemeteries in the city have banned this practice, especially on the centuries old headstones.
Everything else tends to be a mixed bag. Sometimes you get an actual mystery you can solve, sometimes you get half of one, sometimes Theodosia is incredibly annoying in her perfect beauty or the way she tends to read as far older than she's supposed to be, and sometimes things work. There is one constant: I loathe Delaine Dish. I'm not all that fond of her sister, Nadine, either, and I'm hoping that sometime before the series ends (whenever this may be), Delaine is run out of the city one way or another.
Scones and Bones was a really enjoyable read until the final few chapters. I got the thrill of correctly identifying whodunnit, and while the why was never really in question, it would have been nice to get a confession from the guilty party. Theo seemed less perfectly put together this go round and she also seemed younger. Possibly this is due to the fact that she changed boyfriends again, and a new relationship (or simply the promise of one) is enough to bring new life into a character. While I never really bought Parker/Theo as an epic sort of love, I really hope that he gets a proper sendoff, because as it is, Theo's cheating on him and should be called out by someone other than just Delaine. (Though I can't say I'm not looking forward to the fireworks that could follow since Max left Delaine to be with Theo.)
As quickly as I read the book, I do have to say that the end was just a little... weird. Haley gets kidnapped, Theo uses Tidwell as her personal taxi, but he waits until he actually is on Johns Island to call for backup, despite the fact that the ride from the Historic District is long enough to have called it in and had people waiting for when they did have an exact address, and then when Haley is returned home safe and sound, the stolen items are also returned with her, even though one was used in the rescue effort. Wouldn't the police want that kept around for evidence?
Or when Nadine is kidnapped, even though she has been busted lying to the police previously, but escapes, still dripping in all kinds of ick, Tidwell refuses to take a statement or take her seriously, despite the fact that it actually makes sense that the killer would kidnap her after reading the paper's report that she was the only eyewitness to the attacks.
Oh, and no one who claims to be as knowledgeable as Theodosia is about the old cemeteries in Charleston would do a grave rubbing (that is never used for anything that I recall) without at least mentioning that many cemeteries in the city have banned this practice, especially on the centuries old headstones.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2011
I am starting to realize that I really enjoy Cozy Mysteries. They are a lot of fun with out all the sometimes gruesome details of other mystery and suspense novels and it's also fun to watch an amateur solve the case. And Ms. Childs makes some very interesting characters in her books that I found endearing and I enjoyed watching through the book.
This is the first book I have read in The Tea Shop Mystery series, and it's the 12th book in the series. But don't let that stop you if you haven't read any in the series. I know I would know and understand the characters more if I had read the earlier books, but I never felt lost and I got to know the characters well and found that this book is a good stand-alone cozy mystery. Will I go back and read the series now? Sure I will and I will continue to read from this point. The characters and the setting have really drawn me in and I look forward to having another series to read.
Let's talk a little about characters. Theodosia, Drayton and Hayley seem to be the main characters. They are the owners and workers at their tea shop in Charleston, South Carolina. I loved getting to know them a little in this book and found I really liked all three of them and liked how the work together even though they are all three very different people. Theodosia (Theo) takes the lead role in the book and she and Drayton work together to solve the mystery with help from some other friends, while running the tea shop and participating in the Food and Wine week that is going on in the city. To go along with the mystery there may also be some romance brewing.
I also found the setting to be fascinating. Charleston is a town I would like to visit and since I live just a few hours north on the North Carolina coast I loved the setting. I also loved the pirate lore in this book. Using Blackbeard is a great plot device. Everyone knows about Blackbeard and I loved seeing our own beloved Beaufort Inlet mentioned in the book (I live and work just a few miles from there and that is where the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's ship has been found). Ms. Childs does a wonderful job with pirate lore and incorporating it into the story and into the Charleston area.
The mystery was fun. I liked following Theo and Drayton around as they met other people and began to put the pieces together. Though I did somewhat suspect who did it, it still came as a surprise once they figured it out. It makes a great cozy mystery and I enjoyed reading every minute of it.
My only problem with the whole book was I felt the ending was a little rushed. I understand that this happens sometimes. Even though I was a bit disappointed with this, it did not take away from my overall love for the book. And I will definitely be picking up the next one in this series to see where a storyline from this book goes and to see what kind of mystery Theo and Drayton get to solve next.
This is the first book I have read in The Tea Shop Mystery series, and it's the 12th book in the series. But don't let that stop you if you haven't read any in the series. I know I would know and understand the characters more if I had read the earlier books, but I never felt lost and I got to know the characters well and found that this book is a good stand-alone cozy mystery. Will I go back and read the series now? Sure I will and I will continue to read from this point. The characters and the setting have really drawn me in and I look forward to having another series to read.
Let's talk a little about characters. Theodosia, Drayton and Hayley seem to be the main characters. They are the owners and workers at their tea shop in Charleston, South Carolina. I loved getting to know them a little in this book and found I really liked all three of them and liked how the work together even though they are all three very different people. Theodosia (Theo) takes the lead role in the book and she and Drayton work together to solve the mystery with help from some other friends, while running the tea shop and participating in the Food and Wine week that is going on in the city. To go along with the mystery there may also be some romance brewing.
I also found the setting to be fascinating. Charleston is a town I would like to visit and since I live just a few hours north on the North Carolina coast I loved the setting. I also loved the pirate lore in this book. Using Blackbeard is a great plot device. Everyone knows about Blackbeard and I loved seeing our own beloved Beaufort Inlet mentioned in the book (I live and work just a few miles from there and that is where the Queen Anne's Revenge, Blackbeard's ship has been found). Ms. Childs does a wonderful job with pirate lore and incorporating it into the story and into the Charleston area.
The mystery was fun. I liked following Theo and Drayton around as they met other people and began to put the pieces together. Though I did somewhat suspect who did it, it still came as a surprise once they figured it out. It makes a great cozy mystery and I enjoyed reading every minute of it.
My only problem with the whole book was I felt the ending was a little rushed. I understand that this happens sometimes. Even though I was a bit disappointed with this, it did not take away from my overall love for the book. And I will definitely be picking up the next one in this series to see where a storyline from this book goes and to see what kind of mystery Theo and Drayton get to solve next.
May 2, 2011
Laura Childs writes 3 different series, this series is set in Charleston, SC, and features an owner of a Tea Shop. The Tea Shop Mystery series centers on historic Charleston and all the finer aspects of that old town with quaint shops, fine dining, gala parties, and charming gentry. Childs seems to write formula novels with each following the same pattern, which by number twelve has lost a little of the charm of this series. This story centered on pirates, especially Blackbeard and his supposed treasure. I enjoy the historic jaunt, but the formula mystery is trite and boring.
February 1, 2024
I enjoyed the pirate theme in this one. The mystery was good and I was surprised at the culprit, although I wish we had heard more about motive. Some interesting developments in Theo’s personal life too.
March 6, 2011
Reading a new Tea Shop Mystery is like visiting with old friends. Even though this is the 12th installment in the series, it is a stand alone book. New readers will be able to keep pace with the unique cast of characters without feeling lost.
Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is talked into attending the Heritage Society’s ‘Pirates and Plunder’ party by Drayton Conneley, master tea blender for the shop and Heritage Society booster. One of the main attractions of the gala is an antique skull drinking cup set with a huge diamond. It’s alleged to be the actual skull of Blackbeard.
The party takes a horrible turn when the skull is stolen, the society’s office manager is injured, and a history intern is killed.
Theodosia can’t help but get involved to find the skull and bring the killer to justice. Along the way she is also busy hosting a housewarming party to show off her new carriage house, participating in the Charleston Food and Wine Festival by sponsoring a tea and cheese tasting, having tingling feelings for the handsome new PR Director of the Gibbes Museum of Art, and of course, running her tea shop.
Author Laura Childs blends pirates, secret societies, buried treasures, mystery, murder, and mayhem with a touch of humor. Just when you think you have figured out who the killer is, a new twist introduces another possible suspect and another clue as to why the skull was taken.
This is a fast pace, enjoyable read from beginning to end. You don’t have to be a tea drinker to enjoy this delightful cozy mystery. But if you do enjoy tea, Drayton may just tempt you with a new flavor or two. Though I’m a huge coffee drinker, Theodosia and the gang at the Indigo Tea Shop have lead me to try some wonderful new tea blends and even collect a tea pot or two.
As an added bonus to SCONES & BONES, readers will find delicious recipes (such as Lemon Chess Pie), tea time tips and tea resources in the back of the book. There is also a preview of Laura Childs’ next Scapbooking Mystery, SKELTON LETTERS, coming in October from Berkley Prime Crime
Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is talked into attending the Heritage Society’s ‘Pirates and Plunder’ party by Drayton Conneley, master tea blender for the shop and Heritage Society booster. One of the main attractions of the gala is an antique skull drinking cup set with a huge diamond. It’s alleged to be the actual skull of Blackbeard.
The party takes a horrible turn when the skull is stolen, the society’s office manager is injured, and a history intern is killed.
Theodosia can’t help but get involved to find the skull and bring the killer to justice. Along the way she is also busy hosting a housewarming party to show off her new carriage house, participating in the Charleston Food and Wine Festival by sponsoring a tea and cheese tasting, having tingling feelings for the handsome new PR Director of the Gibbes Museum of Art, and of course, running her tea shop.
Author Laura Childs blends pirates, secret societies, buried treasures, mystery, murder, and mayhem with a touch of humor. Just when you think you have figured out who the killer is, a new twist introduces another possible suspect and another clue as to why the skull was taken.
This is a fast pace, enjoyable read from beginning to end. You don’t have to be a tea drinker to enjoy this delightful cozy mystery. But if you do enjoy tea, Drayton may just tempt you with a new flavor or two. Though I’m a huge coffee drinker, Theodosia and the gang at the Indigo Tea Shop have lead me to try some wonderful new tea blends and even collect a tea pot or two.
As an added bonus to SCONES & BONES, readers will find delicious recipes (such as Lemon Chess Pie), tea time tips and tea resources in the back of the book. There is also a preview of Laura Childs’ next Scapbooking Mystery, SKELTON LETTERS, coming in October from Berkley Prime Crime
March 3, 2012
So, Theodosia really began to bug me in this book, #12 in the series. The mystery was ok, but not resolved completely at the end of the book. Another rescue of someone the killer has abducted, not Theo this time but still, this has been done too often in this series. I think it's time I moved to a different series.
August 7, 2016
I keep coming back to this series because I like the setting so much, but I think I may be hitting my limit. The writing is starting to seem formulaic enough to break into my enjoyment of the books.
February 10, 2019
3.5 stars
I liked the pirate stuff. I liked the tea shop. I want to get hold of a print copy for the recipes at the end because some of them sound delicious.
I liked the pirate stuff. I liked the tea shop. I want to get hold of a print copy for the recipes at the end because some of them sound delicious.
June 30, 2019
4 stelle e mezza
Buon libro, anche se il finale mi è sembrato un po' affrettato, visto che non sono spiegate le motivazioni del colpevole. È vero che possono sembrare ovvie, ma due righe in più non sarebbero state sprecate. Oltretutto il colpevole era il meno ovvio di tutti.
Buon libro, anche se il finale mi è sembrato un po' affrettato, visto che non sono spiegate le motivazioni del colpevole. È vero che possono sembrare ovvie, ma due righe in più non sarebbero state sprecate. Oltretutto il colpevole era il meno ovvio di tutti.
April 3, 2012
I've always enjoyed this series but I'm just not 'feeling the love' with this latest offering. It was a little thin on everything - plot, good mystery, scrumptious recipes, and really good events. There were those things, of course, but they didn't seem as deep or well thought out as in previous books. I used to feel like I was in the tea room savoring the delicacies and tea.
Delaine Dish seemed even more annoying than usual. I have trouble believing that someone as sophisticated and assertive as Theodosia would continue to put up with her.
I'll give the next book Agony of the Leaves a chance before ditching this series. Everyone can have an off day or an off book. If, however, Agony is no better than Bones, the tea shop series will be history for me.
Delaine Dish seemed even more annoying than usual. I have trouble believing that someone as sophisticated and assertive as Theodosia would continue to put up with her.
I'll give the next book Agony of the Leaves a chance before ditching this series. Everyone can have an off day or an off book. If, however, Agony is no better than Bones, the tea shop series will be history for me.
April 28, 2011
I like Charleston and I like tea, so I've been a fan of the Tea Shop mystery series. That may end, however, since there was precious little of either in this book. The ending of this book seemed too abrupt and I couldn't imagine a police office ignoring proper procedures as Detective Tidwell did at the end. I don't think there was any way to guess who the killer was since Drayton and Theodosia ran all over the countryside attempting to solve the mystery and there didn't seem to be a real focus to their investigation. In addition to these faults, the book was riddled with similies. The worst (in my opinion) was "and then the answer bubbled up inside Tehodosia's brain like saber tooth tiger bones being spit from the depths of the La Brea tar pits." Huh??? Who uses imagery like that? It distracted me from the weak plot, though.
January 27, 2012
Southern hospitality, tea, and gourmet food mixed with pirates, robbery, and murder. What could make for a better mystery! It was truly a joy to follow along as Theodosia and Drayton served up cup after cup of oolong, chai, and intrigue, while surrounded by a supporting cast that includes the token grumpy cop, a pirate obsessed antiques dealer, and a skull-wearing proprietress of an art gallery, not to mention a couple of neurotic sisters and a smarmy attorney. Who killed the intern and stole Blackbeard's skull cup? Can Theo find out before the killer strikes again, or will she find herself or someone she loves the next victim of Blackbeard's curse?
July 31, 2012
Finished this cozy in three days. The plot behind it involved Blackbeard, pirates, and South Carolina history, which I actually found interesting. It was a fairly standard outing for Childs. Lots of awesome tea tastings, recipes, and well illustrated settings. The murder mysteries are never really the point in a series like this. I was annoyed that Theodosia let Delaine walk all over her (again), but then had no problem accosting the poor little history professor who had no idea what was going on. I'm kind of hoping Childs eventually kills off Delaine, because she serves no purpose but to annoy the main circle of characters. But whatever, I'll keep reading.
March 24, 2011
One of her best in the teashop mystery series-really enjoyed it! Solving the mystery was almost secondary to the other sub-plots in Theodosia's life.
May 4, 2011
This series seems to be running out of steam. This was a lot of same old same old.
February 23, 2015
Another great Tea Shop Mystery! Love this series!
July 16, 2017
I like the series a lot and I'm so glad that someone other than Theodosia was in danger at the end of the book. It was beginning to feel like she was always being kidnapped, stuck in a hole, tunnel, some place dank and dark and falling apart. She still looked a wreck at the end but I liked the growing list of suspects and enough motive for each. This one had me guessing who was the creep until the end.
March 15, 2019
This one involves a pirate, a diamond, a concert, a treasure hunt, and a breakup. I enjoyed the treasure hunt, for the most part. There were a couple of disappearances that I didn't like, but I enjoyed the rest of the hunt. The concert was interesting, and I was happy about the breakup.
March 16, 2019
Another mystery series offering recipes along with teatime. New to me characters and settings, quite busy plotting, I'll admit, my attention was most captured by the various tea recipes!
A new cozy addition to my #March Mystery Madness reading...
A new cozy addition to my #March Mystery Madness reading...
January 29, 2024
I love all of Laura Childs’ series. This was a great mystery. She never disappoints.
April 21, 2025
Pirates, treasure hunters and stolen artifacts are featured in this adventure of the Indigo Tea Shop. An enjoyable cozy mystery series, I look forward to the next.
April 26, 2019
Of course I loved this book as well as the others in this series. I like that it had a pirate theme, which is an interesting subject to me. I still wish Haley would grow up a little. I just do not like her, I think she is rude. Nadine and Delanie were a little more odd than usual in this story. And I loved that Drayton had a big part in this one as he is my favorite character.
January 16, 2021
I started this series years ago then stopped when they started to feel the same. I decided to pick up where I left off just for something familiar and fun. Theodosia Browning owns a tea shop in historic Charleston and has a dog named Earl Grey. How can you go wrong? Again, they are formulaic but with Charleston as the backdrop they are atmospheric and cozy at the same time and have lots of lovable and endearing characters.
May 20, 2024
3.5 stars
Theodosia and Drayton are guests at the Heritage Society's new pirate exhibition. A drinking cup said to be made from Blackbeard's skull, encrusted with a giant diamond, is all anyone can talk about. When Theodosia suggests the curators turn down the lights to make it more atmospheric, she soon regrets that suggestion when the case holding the skull cup is smashed leaving the Heritage Society's office manager and intern on the floor, one lying insensible and the other dead! Who killed Rob Commers, the Society's intern? Theodosia feels awful for the poor young man and when Timothy suggests she look into things, make inquiries about the skull cup, she doesn't hesitate too much. In between catering events, planning the perfect gift for Drayton's birthday, Theodosia is busy planning a housewarming party in her new carriage house/cottage. Earl Grey approves of his new home and the party but when Delaine's new man seems to have eyes only for Theo, will Earl Grey approve? Will the next murder victim be Theo when Delaine finds out?
This story started off kind of slow. I was mad the historian intern was killed and sad for him but we never learned anything about him or his life. It was all about the cup and Blackbeard and Theo's romantic drama. There wasn't as much tea as usual. I recognized the black and gold tin which must be from Harney & Sons. The second half of the book was better, although there were some parts that were unbelievable, and the last third was unputdownable. I managed to figure out whodunit pretty much at the last minute, when Theo should have. I didn't spot any clues pointing to that person, however. I'm kind of tired of the sexist tropes in this story. Theo is SO gorgeous that every man wants to make a pass at her and every man is into Haley because she's an amazing cook/baker.
Theo is pretty naïve and dumb at times. How can she live in South Carolina her whole life and not know who Edward Teach is? I live in New England and I know that! She also seems to have forgotten all the times she was nearly killed in her investigations and refuses to listen to the trained detective about following protocols in a certain situation. She runs off metaphorical guns blazing without a plan and nearly gets Tidwell hurt. Theo also needs to grow a backbone and stand up to Delaine. Delaine takes advantage of Theo ALL the time. This time she did really need help but did she pay Theo for the loss of time at her own business? Did she appreciate Theo's help? No. She's as selfish as ever. Theo also needs to learn to communicate with the men she's dating about what she wants out of the relationship instead of ignoring the problems and hope they go away. She did it with Jory and does it with Parker. Parker is a jealous, possessive jerk. Yes he cares about Theo and that's why he doesn't like it when she investigates but he doesn't have the right to be a jerk about it. He also seems jealous of Theo's time spent elsewhere, like he thinks she should be pining away at home waiting for him to return just so she can go on a date with him. Sexist much? He needs to go.
Drayton is always the perfect gentleman and charms the ladies. He's a good friend to Theo and helps her out too much. His tea blends are always unique and creative. I do not like his constant bickering with Haley. He's too old for that. Theo is kind of mean to Haley at times too. Haley is loyal, not to mention creative, business savvy and an amazing baker. For once I wanted to eat her entire menu, at least if she could make the scones without raisin. I was disappointed in the recipes provided though. Delaine is still horrible. She's selfish and rude to Theo. Her sister Nadine is almost worse. Her romance or whatever it is with Bill Glass is heating up and the two are obnoxious. Nadine is a pathological liar and like Theo, I fear her lie is going to get her in trouble. She did it to get attention and now she'll pay. Delaine's new man, Max, is probably a murderer or shady character given her history. He seems more into Theo which could be a problem. I don't trust him. Nonconsensual kissing is very much NOT cool, especially when one has a romantic partner. He didn't even ask if Theo had a boyfriend. Yeesh. I think he's using her to find out more about the skull cup and Blackbeard's treasure. He said something that pinged my radar.
We don't learn much about the victims. Camilla Hodges has worked for the Heritage Society for many years and very devoted to the Society and the collections. Rob was a new intern, young and just starting his career. He was passionate about history and probably could have been the best thing that happened to that Society. Timothy needs to resign now and bring in some new blood! First they need to catalog their inventory and store it properly before they mount any more exhibitions. Nick Van Buren, a journalist (of sorts) loves Haley because of her food. He's interested in the scoop about the cup but Theo doesn't know anything yet. She needs to be nice so she can get information from him. Um how about he send the photos to Tidwell instead of Theo?
There are rumors about secret societies and pirate treasure floating around Charleston. Theo's neighbor, Granville, is a lawyer and from an old family. He seems interested in pirates - Theo had to break a law and trespass to find that out - and not very friendly. He'd old school, sexist and a general pig. He's not neighborly at all and though he's wealthy, he's cheap. I think he enjoys stalking and needling Theo just because. I wouldn't put murder past him. He's a lawyer, he'll know how to get away with it. Thomas Hassel, an antique jewelry dealer is also on the suspect list. Theo's friend Burke claims Hassel's business practices are less than ethical. He may be unethical but there's no proof he's done anything illegal - so far. He would be attracted to the pirate cup for the monetary value. Professor Irwin Muncie is a pirate expert and interested in knowing more about the information Theo is searching... for his pirate database or himself? Theo doesn't quite trust him but he seems nice. He doesn't seem obsessed with pirates too much. Just a historian who enjoys the subject. His intern, Peter Grace, seems friendly and sincere too. He's also into Haley because of the food.
Scarlette Berlin, a wealthy art dealer, is a man killer. She enjoys humble bragging a lot, sucking up to men and putting other women down. She's into skull jewelry which seems weird for someone like her. She has an alibi for the time of the murder, or so she says. I don't think she'd get her hands dirty doing the deed. If she is a murderer, she's an accomplice and someone else did the deed. She's creepy for reasons other than giving off a murderer vibe.
Tidwell has every right to lose his cool with Theo and be truly angry with her. She claims she's not doing anything illegal but she knows she's skirting the line. It's not her job to gather information, it's his and he's trained to know what to do in the situation at the end of the book. Their relationship has moved back to antagonist territory.
I liked this story well enough to continue the series but I sure hope Theo gets smarter and Delaine shuts up.
Theodosia and Drayton are guests at the Heritage Society's new pirate exhibition. A drinking cup said to be made from Blackbeard's skull, encrusted with a giant diamond, is all anyone can talk about. When Theodosia suggests the curators turn down the lights to make it more atmospheric, she soon regrets that suggestion when the case holding the skull cup is smashed leaving the Heritage Society's office manager and intern on the floor, one lying insensible and the other dead! Who killed Rob Commers, the Society's intern? Theodosia feels awful for the poor young man and when Timothy suggests she look into things, make inquiries about the skull cup, she doesn't hesitate too much. In between catering events, planning the perfect gift for Drayton's birthday, Theodosia is busy planning a housewarming party in her new carriage house/cottage. Earl Grey approves of his new home and the party but when Delaine's new man seems to have eyes only for Theo, will Earl Grey approve? Will the next murder victim be Theo when Delaine finds out?
This story started off kind of slow. I was mad the historian intern was killed and sad for him but we never learned anything about him or his life. It was all about the cup and Blackbeard and Theo's romantic drama. There wasn't as much tea as usual. I recognized the black and gold tin which must be from Harney & Sons. The second half of the book was better, although there were some parts that were unbelievable, and the last third was unputdownable. I managed to figure out whodunit pretty much at the last minute, when Theo should have. I didn't spot any clues pointing to that person, however. I'm kind of tired of the sexist tropes in this story. Theo is SO gorgeous that every man wants to make a pass at her and every man is into Haley because she's an amazing cook/baker.
Theo is pretty naïve and dumb at times. How can she live in South Carolina her whole life and not know who Edward Teach is? I live in New England and I know that! She also seems to have forgotten all the times she was nearly killed in her investigations and refuses to listen to the trained detective about following protocols in a certain situation. She runs off metaphorical guns blazing without a plan and nearly gets Tidwell hurt. Theo also needs to grow a backbone and stand up to Delaine. Delaine takes advantage of Theo ALL the time. This time she did really need help but did she pay Theo for the loss of time at her own business? Did she appreciate Theo's help? No. She's as selfish as ever. Theo also needs to learn to communicate with the men she's dating about what she wants out of the relationship instead of ignoring the problems and hope they go away. She did it with Jory and does it with Parker. Parker is a jealous, possessive jerk. Yes he cares about Theo and that's why he doesn't like it when she investigates but he doesn't have the right to be a jerk about it. He also seems jealous of Theo's time spent elsewhere, like he thinks she should be pining away at home waiting for him to return just so she can go on a date with him. Sexist much? He needs to go.
Drayton is always the perfect gentleman and charms the ladies. He's a good friend to Theo and helps her out too much. His tea blends are always unique and creative. I do not like his constant bickering with Haley. He's too old for that. Theo is kind of mean to Haley at times too. Haley is loyal, not to mention creative, business savvy and an amazing baker. For once I wanted to eat her entire menu, at least if she could make the scones without raisin. I was disappointed in the recipes provided though. Delaine is still horrible. She's selfish and rude to Theo. Her sister Nadine is almost worse. Her romance or whatever it is with Bill Glass is heating up and the two are obnoxious. Nadine is a pathological liar and like Theo, I fear her lie is going to get her in trouble. She did it to get attention and now she'll pay. Delaine's new man, Max, is probably a murderer or shady character given her history. He seems more into Theo which could be a problem. I don't trust him. Nonconsensual kissing is very much NOT cool, especially when one has a romantic partner. He didn't even ask if Theo had a boyfriend. Yeesh. I think he's using her to find out more about the skull cup and Blackbeard's treasure. He said something that pinged my radar.
We don't learn much about the victims. Camilla Hodges has worked for the Heritage Society for many years and very devoted to the Society and the collections. Rob was a new intern, young and just starting his career. He was passionate about history and probably could have been the best thing that happened to that Society. Timothy needs to resign now and bring in some new blood! First they need to catalog their inventory and store it properly before they mount any more exhibitions. Nick Van Buren, a journalist (of sorts) loves Haley because of her food. He's interested in the scoop about the cup but Theo doesn't know anything yet. She needs to be nice so she can get information from him. Um how about he send the photos to Tidwell instead of Theo?
There are rumors about secret societies and pirate treasure floating around Charleston. Theo's neighbor, Granville, is a lawyer and from an old family. He seems interested in pirates - Theo had to break a law and trespass to find that out - and not very friendly. He'd old school, sexist and a general pig. He's not neighborly at all and though he's wealthy, he's cheap. I think he enjoys stalking and needling Theo just because. I wouldn't put murder past him. He's a lawyer, he'll know how to get away with it. Thomas Hassel, an antique jewelry dealer is also on the suspect list. Theo's friend Burke claims Hassel's business practices are less than ethical. He may be unethical but there's no proof he's done anything illegal - so far. He would be attracted to the pirate cup for the monetary value. Professor Irwin Muncie is a pirate expert and interested in knowing more about the information Theo is searching... for his pirate database or himself? Theo doesn't quite trust him but he seems nice. He doesn't seem obsessed with pirates too much. Just a historian who enjoys the subject. His intern, Peter Grace, seems friendly and sincere too. He's also into Haley because of the food.
Scarlette Berlin, a wealthy art dealer, is a man killer. She enjoys humble bragging a lot, sucking up to men and putting other women down. She's into skull jewelry which seems weird for someone like her. She has an alibi for the time of the murder, or so she says. I don't think she'd get her hands dirty doing the deed. If she is a murderer, she's an accomplice and someone else did the deed. She's creepy for reasons other than giving off a murderer vibe.
Tidwell has every right to lose his cool with Theo and be truly angry with her. She claims she's not doing anything illegal but she knows she's skirting the line. It's not her job to gather information, it's his and he's trained to know what to do in the situation at the end of the book. Their relationship has moved back to antagonist territory.
I liked this story well enough to continue the series but I sure hope Theo gets smarter and Delaine shuts up.
August 27, 2015
Didn't have a guess regarding who may have been the killer, I was having too much fun with the pirate subplot. Come on, everyone loves pirates :)
Really though, this series isn't as much about the mystery as it is about the tea and food served at the tea shop. As a mystery addict, this series is a dud. The author follows the same formula for the entire series.
Theo spends the entire book chasing red herrings.
The killer is always someone who Theo never suspected or did any investigating one.
The motive and killer often play such a small roll in the book, that if you look for minor characters that have walk on rolls, you'll find the killer amongst them, and the motive is more often something super obscure that no one could ever guess, or so generic that even if you guessed it, it's still hard to pair with the murderer.
Theo never actual solves the murders, but stumbles onto the murderer in one of three ways:
1. A scooby doo trap
2. The villain thinks Theo is smarter than she is and goes after her.
3. Theo manages to trip over a clue that exposes the murderer, seconds before the murderer shows up and catches her in the act.
On a side note, Theo has Grass is Always Greener syndrome with men. She is just unable to maintain a relationship. All of the men are written more like eye candy, they all start out concerned and supportive and when the author is ready to ditch them and move on to the next they suddenly are telling her not to investigate. It seems like the author wants romance, but not a meaningful relationship,
Really though, this series isn't as much about the mystery as it is about the tea and food served at the tea shop. As a mystery addict, this series is a dud. The author follows the same formula for the entire series.
Theo spends the entire book chasing red herrings.
The killer is always someone who Theo never suspected or did any investigating one.
The motive and killer often play such a small roll in the book, that if you look for minor characters that have walk on rolls, you'll find the killer amongst them, and the motive is more often something super obscure that no one could ever guess, or so generic that even if you guessed it, it's still hard to pair with the murderer.
Theo never actual solves the murders, but stumbles onto the murderer in one of three ways:
1. A scooby doo trap
2. The villain thinks Theo is smarter than she is and goes after her.
3. Theo manages to trip over a clue that exposes the murderer, seconds before the murderer shows up and catches her in the act.
On a side note, Theo has Grass is Always Greener syndrome with men. She is just unable to maintain a relationship. All of the men are written more like eye candy, they all start out concerned and supportive and when the author is ready to ditch them and move on to the next they suddenly are telling her not to investigate. It seems like the author wants romance, but not a meaningful relationship,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 7, 2011
I'm not sure exactly why I like these books, but I do.
Not the most complicated mysteries, though I don't always know the murderer by the end. Not the most complicated plot - mostly because the author is not always up front about providing all information you need to solve the murder. Plenty of allusion's, but not enough facts.
I really think I like the interplay between the main characters - Theodosia, the owner of the tea shop, Drayton Connelly, her master tea blender and expert on teas, and Haley, her chef extraordinaire. I truly think the camaraderie between these characters keeps me coming back, because the mysteries are not all that extraordinary or complicated.
Nice, light read.
Not the most complicated mysteries, though I don't always know the murderer by the end. Not the most complicated plot - mostly because the author is not always up front about providing all information you need to solve the murder. Plenty of allusion's, but not enough facts.
I really think I like the interplay between the main characters - Theodosia, the owner of the tea shop, Drayton Connelly, her master tea blender and expert on teas, and Haley, her chef extraordinaire. I truly think the camaraderie between these characters keeps me coming back, because the mysteries are not all that extraordinary or complicated.
Nice, light read.
September 4, 2017
.
This woman sleuth happens to own a tea shop. Who knew there were so many different types of tea and ways to serve them? Not me, this series has taught me something there.
Theo stays busy, busy, busy. But she always finds time to investigate the current murder. Each book delivers a cozy read for enjoyable entertainment. I liked this one, just not as much as some of the others in this series. These characters are like friends and its always great to see them again.
Each book is able to stand on its own and deliver an HEA, which is an important attribute in a series when I chose to read it.
This woman sleuth happens to own a tea shop. Who knew there were so many different types of tea and ways to serve them? Not me, this series has taught me something there.
Theo stays busy, busy, busy. But she always finds time to investigate the current murder. Each book delivers a cozy read for enjoyable entertainment. I liked this one, just not as much as some of the others in this series. These characters are like friends and its always great to see them again.
Each book is able to stand on its own and deliver an HEA, which is an important attribute in a series when I chose to read it.
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