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Tea Shop Mystery #14
Sweet Tea Revenge
In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Agony of the Leaves, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning may always be a bridesmaid, never a bride, but this groom is never going to make it to the altar…
Theodosia Browning’s dear friend, Delaine Dish, has asked her to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. But when the big day arrives, everything seems to be going wrong. First, a massive storm is brewing over Charleston. A bad omen? Second, Delaine’s maid of honor is late for the ceremony. And finally, the groom not only has cold feet—his whole body is cold. A murderer has crashed the wedding.
As Theodosia comforts a devastated Delaine, she needs to sort out the suspects on the groom’s side from the suspects on the bride’s side. One thing soon becomes apparent—revenge won’t be the only dish served cold at this wedding. And if Theodosia doesn’t watch her step, a cold-blooded killer may have a rude reception in store for her…
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
Theodosia Browning’s dear friend, Delaine Dish, has asked her to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. But when the big day arrives, everything seems to be going wrong. First, a massive storm is brewing over Charleston. A bad omen? Second, Delaine’s maid of honor is late for the ceremony. And finally, the groom not only has cold feet—his whole body is cold. A murderer has crashed the wedding.
As Theodosia comforts a devastated Delaine, she needs to sort out the suspects on the groom’s side from the suspects on the bride’s side. One thing soon becomes apparent—revenge won’t be the only dish served cold at this wedding. And if Theodosia doesn’t watch her step, a cold-blooded killer may have a rude reception in store for her…
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2013
322 people are currently reading
1943 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
93 books2,251 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 405 reviews
April 25, 2013
Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs.
I was surprised and very disappointed in this book. In fact, so horrified by the main character and waaaaay too long descriptive cliched sentences that I have decided to go back and re-read an early book in this series to see if things have always been this way. I don't remember Theodosia Browning, the main character, as being so flighty and panic-y and illogical in earlier books. Theo seemed sharp and snippy a lot of times. Perhaps it has just been such a long time since reading the earlier books that my memory has failed me. I do know that I LOVED these books when I first discovered them. In several places the story became inconsistent, i.e. the Garden Tour is happening in two days, next paragraph - it's happening tomorrow, then in the next paragraph it's back to 2 days again. Theo can't go a museum concert with her boyfriend due to being roped into helping Delaine with the Garden Tour, then pages later Theo is wondering why Max isn't at home that night. The writing was painful in spots to read, sentences chock full of cliched adjectives piled onto more adjectives. "You never know," Haley barked sharply while flipping her long expresso-black hair over one shoulder and rolling her expressive midnight blue eyes. (that's a made up example) If Haley was barking sharply, wouldn't we have an exclamation point to emphasize it? I dislike reading conversational words presented in a neutral tone then being told how I should interpret them afterward.
Perhaps could have used a few more rounds through editing?
I do remember Theo having a propensity to jump to conclusions, thus annoying Detective Tidwell and for every 3 jumps, one is actually spot on. I don't know, I was so excited to finally have a new Tea Shop mystery but this just didn't live up to my memories and expectations. I wonder if this type of thing happens when an author gets several different series going. Does it become more difficult to maintain consistency or keep track of characters' growth when you are bouncing back and forth? Maybe pay more attention to the writing and less on the recipes and Tea Time Tips in the back of the book?
I'm not as big a fan of the Scrapbooking mysteries but I did really like the Cackleberry Club series and hope to see a new one in that series soon. In the meantime, I'll re-read an earlier Tea Shop Mystery and see if I was just infatuated with a new series and missed the things that annoyed me in this book.
I noticed that Sweet Tea Revenge has a 4-star rating so obviously not very many others agree with my opinion. Read it, then comment and let me know what you think.
I was surprised and very disappointed in this book. In fact, so horrified by the main character and waaaaay too long descriptive cliched sentences that I have decided to go back and re-read an early book in this series to see if things have always been this way. I don't remember Theodosia Browning, the main character, as being so flighty and panic-y and illogical in earlier books. Theo seemed sharp and snippy a lot of times. Perhaps it has just been such a long time since reading the earlier books that my memory has failed me. I do know that I LOVED these books when I first discovered them. In several places the story became inconsistent, i.e. the Garden Tour is happening in two days, next paragraph - it's happening tomorrow, then in the next paragraph it's back to 2 days again. Theo can't go a museum concert with her boyfriend due to being roped into helping Delaine with the Garden Tour, then pages later Theo is wondering why Max isn't at home that night. The writing was painful in spots to read, sentences chock full of cliched adjectives piled onto more adjectives. "You never know," Haley barked sharply while flipping her long expresso-black hair over one shoulder and rolling her expressive midnight blue eyes. (that's a made up example) If Haley was barking sharply, wouldn't we have an exclamation point to emphasize it? I dislike reading conversational words presented in a neutral tone then being told how I should interpret them afterward.
Perhaps could have used a few more rounds through editing?
I do remember Theo having a propensity to jump to conclusions, thus annoying Detective Tidwell and for every 3 jumps, one is actually spot on. I don't know, I was so excited to finally have a new Tea Shop mystery but this just didn't live up to my memories and expectations. I wonder if this type of thing happens when an author gets several different series going. Does it become more difficult to maintain consistency or keep track of characters' growth when you are bouncing back and forth? Maybe pay more attention to the writing and less on the recipes and Tea Time Tips in the back of the book?
I'm not as big a fan of the Scrapbooking mysteries but I did really like the Cackleberry Club series and hope to see a new one in that series soon. In the meantime, I'll re-read an earlier Tea Shop Mystery and see if I was just infatuated with a new series and missed the things that annoyed me in this book.
I noticed that Sweet Tea Revenge has a 4-star rating so obviously not very many others agree with my opinion. Read it, then comment and let me know what you think.
April 23, 2021
Another great book in this series. Have never been disappointed by any book in it.
March 4, 2013
Opening the pages of a Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series feels like actually walking into the Indigo Tea Shop and experiencing the sights, sounds and mouth-watering aromas found within.
Sweet Tea Revenge, the latest installment in the series, begins with a wedding that was never meant to be - and someone makes sure of that.
Theodosia Browning is serving as maid-of-honor for her friend, Delaine Dish, who is marrying Theo’s neighbor, Charleston attorney Dougan Granville. Despite terrible weather for June and a few other minor problems, the wedding is about to begin when the groom is a no-show.
Unfortunately for Theo, she finds him dead in his room just down the hall from the bride. At first it appears Dougan may have overdosed. But soon it’s discovered his death was no accident. Detective Burt Tidwell arrives and Delaine becomes a prime suspect. A short time later ghost hunters show up wanting to connect with the dearly departed since it’s rumored Ravencrest Inn, where the wedding was to be held, is haunted.
After a desperate plea from her friend, Theo begins to make a few inquires on her own. Theo has her hands full between running her business, the Indigo Tea Shop; searching for Dougan’s killer; assisting the ghost hunters; and trying not to be the killer’s next victim.
The cast of characters fans of the series have come to love return, along with a number of new and zany ones. The story flows quickly, pulling you in and holding you spellbound until the last drop of Sweet Tea Revenge.
The author combines mystery, suspense, friendship, and humor for a tantalizing cozy. The suspense will keep you guessing. Childs’ vivid descriptions will place you in the center of the action in historical Charleston with its beautiful scenery, alluring structures, and enchanting residents.
Sweet Tea Revenge is the 14th installment in the Tea Shop Mystery series, but can be read alone. However, to fully appreciate how Theo and her friends have developed and evolved since the series began the books should be read in order.
In addition, in the back of the book Childs has included delicious recipes, tea time tips, tea resources, and a sneak preview of her next Scrapbooking Mystery, Gilt Trip, coming soon.
You don’t have to like tea in order to enjoy Sweet Tea Revenge. Just have a thirst for intriguing mysteries and charming characters and this story will quench that sensation with ease.
FTC Full Disclosure - An ARC of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Sweet Tea Revenge, the latest installment in the series, begins with a wedding that was never meant to be - and someone makes sure of that.
Theodosia Browning is serving as maid-of-honor for her friend, Delaine Dish, who is marrying Theo’s neighbor, Charleston attorney Dougan Granville. Despite terrible weather for June and a few other minor problems, the wedding is about to begin when the groom is a no-show.
Unfortunately for Theo, she finds him dead in his room just down the hall from the bride. At first it appears Dougan may have overdosed. But soon it’s discovered his death was no accident. Detective Burt Tidwell arrives and Delaine becomes a prime suspect. A short time later ghost hunters show up wanting to connect with the dearly departed since it’s rumored Ravencrest Inn, where the wedding was to be held, is haunted.
After a desperate plea from her friend, Theo begins to make a few inquires on her own. Theo has her hands full between running her business, the Indigo Tea Shop; searching for Dougan’s killer; assisting the ghost hunters; and trying not to be the killer’s next victim.
The cast of characters fans of the series have come to love return, along with a number of new and zany ones. The story flows quickly, pulling you in and holding you spellbound until the last drop of Sweet Tea Revenge.
The author combines mystery, suspense, friendship, and humor for a tantalizing cozy. The suspense will keep you guessing. Childs’ vivid descriptions will place you in the center of the action in historical Charleston with its beautiful scenery, alluring structures, and enchanting residents.
Sweet Tea Revenge is the 14th installment in the Tea Shop Mystery series, but can be read alone. However, to fully appreciate how Theo and her friends have developed and evolved since the series began the books should be read in order.
In addition, in the back of the book Childs has included delicious recipes, tea time tips, tea resources, and a sneak preview of her next Scrapbooking Mystery, Gilt Trip, coming soon.
You don’t have to like tea in order to enjoy Sweet Tea Revenge. Just have a thirst for intriguing mysteries and charming characters and this story will quench that sensation with ease.
FTC Full Disclosure - An ARC of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
July 6, 2013
Very sadly, this series is on the usual downhill slide which occurs with almost all series authors nowadays. It started out fresh and interesting, but with the author adding more and more series to her work load, certainly this one has become a victim. The recipes are overall good, however, a redeeming quality. But, like many other modern series, I prefer to go to the library at some point (usually after about the fifth edition) and just copy recipes on their machine and return the books to the shelves. Most of the series of this genre start out with very interesting characters and scenarios. Unfortunately, not even those have survived at this point. I look into the latest edition from the library each year in hopes of an upturn, but so far, sadly disappointed. I did read this one. It is better than the last travesty, showing improvement, but has a far cry to go to return to even credible.
March 26, 2013
I am starting to lose my enthusiasm for these books. I enjoy the teashop and the main characters, and the tea and the food and the recipes! But this one barely held my attention. The murderer was hardly mentioned and seemed to make a surprise appearance at the end; Theodosia is becoming a bit too pompous about her detective skills (still snagging evidence, yet Tidwell doesn't seem to care anymore she is messing with crime scenes); and I think she is yet again about to dump a boyfriend and start up with someone new (and it is obvious who that will be).
June 18, 2024
Delaine Dish is finally getting married. She's landed Theodosia's wealthy, curmudgeonly neighbor, Dougan Granville, and is about to walk down the aisle on a stormy day when things can't seem to go right. While Theodosia is present as maid of honor, Delaine's sister Nadine is late to arrive. Delaine can't walk down the aisle without her bridesmaid! Then Drayton arrives with more bad news. The groom is AWOL! When Theo heads to his room to investigate, she finds Granville dead, possibly of a cocaine overdose. When she looks more closely, Theo discovers Granville seems to have been hit over the head with something heavy, a paperweight from the shelf in his room perhaps? A distraught Delaine blames Granville's ex-girlfriend, Simone, for her fiancé's death and begs Theodosia to find proof. Theo isn't so sure what she'll find but she agrees, as a favor to her friend. She discovers there are several other people with motive for murder. Can she figure out which one did it this time before she or someone she loves is nearly killed? Meanwhile, some ghost hunters come to Charleston and want to investigate the scene of Granville's death, bringing along Theodosia. Will they make contact and discover who killed Granville? There are also teas to cater, luncheons to serve and business as usual to attend do.
This mystery was rather weak. I figured out whodunit right away based on the pattern of Theodosia's investigating. There was a little bit less tea but more baking so that kind of evened the score for me. I enjoyed the Scottish tea very much and Haley's creative bakes. I was disappointed the one thing I wanted to try wasn't included in the recipes. C'mon Haley! I ALMOST tried the espresso brownies for Father's Day but didn't have time to bake. I am so over the ghost hunters after working with one every Sunday and select weekdays for years. I know the guys on TV fake evidence and make up stories to get ratings. I know the tricks ghost tour leaders use to make the tours more "scary" and "fun."
Theodosia is one of the worst sleuths! She does something TSTL and she KNOWS it too! She should have listened to her instincts. I would have ignored it. She does something else dumb and even involves her dog. Earl Grey is smarter than her! He's the best good boy and deserves a better Mommy who doesn't send him into danger. What if the person had a weapon? Theo proclaims to LOVE Earl Grey but she didn't stop to think what she would do and how she would feel if he was killed.
Dougan Granville was not a nice guy. He was an old curmudgeon, sexist, probably a womanizer and now we learn, drug user. He was roped into marrying Delaine who is an obnoxious gold digger. I don't think he deserved to die but I wasn't sad he was killed. Delaine doesn't seem too overwrought either. She's distraught at first but soon seems to get over it. All she cares about is 1)being the center of attention and 2)money. Doesn't she make enough at The Cotton Duck? Delaine's sister, Nadine, seems more upset about Granville's death than Delaine does. Nadine no longer seems to be involved with Bill Glass. I'm wondering if she WAS involved with Dugan Granville? She was late to join the wedding party, didn't answer her phone and then cries a lot. Sounds suspicious to me. I don't like she killed Granville though. She, like her sister, longs to be married to SOMEONE and has been married and divorced several times. I wouldn't put it past Granville to have an affair even after engaged.
Delaine points fingers elsewhere. She's suspicious of Granville's ex, Simone. Simone is a canny woman. She is cheerful and chatty before she realizes what Theo wants. She's intelligent enough to figure it out and becomes cagey. I don't get the impression she's the murderer but I think she was up to no good with Granville. I can't tell you if it was an affair or something else. I think it was more business. How does she get the money for those vintage clothes and estate jewelry?
The next suspect is Granville's stepson, Charles Horton. He seems affable, kind and open but someone is making business decisions before the will is read and someone breaks into Granville's house at night. I think that was Charles, looking for a copy of the will or something. Another excellent suspect is Allan Grumbley, Granville's law partner. This guy is wily, a shark and knows how to answer questions without saying anything at all. He doesn't give anything away. He seems suspicious to me. Delaine needs to fight fire with fire. Another creepy candidate for murderer surely must be Bobby St. Cloud, smuggler of Cuban cigars. Perhaps Granville wanted out of a deal or didn't pay or wasn't even smuggling cigars. It's a weak motive but it's all Tidwell has. Corey Rhodes, manager of D.G. Stogies claims to know nothing about anything. He doesn't know about smuggled Cuban cigars, or so he claims. He seems to know enough. If he didn't guess, he's intolerably stupid. If he didn't ask, he doesn't want to know. Perhaps he killed Granville to take over the operation or even because he was angry about the possibility of taking the fall if he got caught carrying the contraband?
Tim and Jed Beckman, ghost hunters, were inspired by the cast of a popular show on the (then) Sci-Fi/SyFy channel. Their subplot made me roll my eyes. HOWEVER, having a ghost hunt broadcast on TV is excellent for business. If I had a dollar for every person who asked about hauntings or wanted to get on the waiting list for the ghost tours, I could have and would have quit my job! That particular subplot makes me drop my rating of the novel. It was unnecessary and nearly as tedious as hearing the real life stories. If it enhanced the storyline that would have been OK. Like suddenly there's an uptick in business in the B&B with some different clientele, that would have made sense. Drayton's negative reaction seemed out of proportion for what it was. Sure I love history tours but I enjoy a good historical ghost tour as well and I did like the TV show for awhile, as entertainment. I liked Max in the previous book. He started growing on me but he, too, had a really out of proportion to the ghost hunters even before he learned of Theo's proposed role. He was so negative. I can see being concerned for her safety, yes but his reaction was over the top. Can't she find a man who helps with her sleuthing?
What about Sarah and Frank Ratting? They own the B&B where the murder happened. They surely know who the mysterious guest in the room next to Granville's was and when he checked out. They play dumb. They're a very gloomy couple and truly too lazy and cheap to run a successful B&B. Why on earth would Delaine get married there even if it was the only place available? Why not have a garden wedding? These innkeepers sure seem suspicious to me. Did they cover up a murder to bring in the ghost hunters in order to make money? I also think the murder is related to some kind of mysterious business deal involving the inn and other properties.
Another character mentioned only a few times is Millie Grant, Granville's secretary. I think she loved him. She is friendly and helpful to Theo and Delaine and seems open enough. I'm not sure she wasn't having an affair with her boss though. She may even know more about whatever shady business got him killed than she's letting on.
I'm taking a break from this series for the week and will return possibly next week.
This mystery was rather weak. I figured out whodunit right away based on the pattern of Theodosia's investigating. There was a little bit less tea but more baking so that kind of evened the score for me. I enjoyed the Scottish tea very much and Haley's creative bakes. I was disappointed the one thing I wanted to try wasn't included in the recipes. C'mon Haley! I ALMOST tried the espresso brownies for Father's Day but didn't have time to bake. I am so over the ghost hunters after working with one every Sunday and select weekdays for years. I know the guys on TV fake evidence and make up stories to get ratings. I know the tricks ghost tour leaders use to make the tours more "scary" and "fun."
Theodosia is one of the worst sleuths! She does something TSTL and she KNOWS it too! She should have listened to her instincts. I would have ignored it. She does something else dumb and even involves her dog. Earl Grey is smarter than her! He's the best good boy and deserves a better Mommy who doesn't send him into danger. What if the person had a weapon? Theo proclaims to LOVE Earl Grey but she didn't stop to think what she would do and how she would feel if he was killed.
Dougan Granville was not a nice guy. He was an old curmudgeon, sexist, probably a womanizer and now we learn, drug user. He was roped into marrying Delaine who is an obnoxious gold digger. I don't think he deserved to die but I wasn't sad he was killed. Delaine doesn't seem too overwrought either. She's distraught at first but soon seems to get over it. All she cares about is 1)being the center of attention and 2)money. Doesn't she make enough at The Cotton Duck? Delaine's sister, Nadine, seems more upset about Granville's death than Delaine does. Nadine no longer seems to be involved with Bill Glass. I'm wondering if she WAS involved with Dugan Granville? She was late to join the wedding party, didn't answer her phone and then cries a lot. Sounds suspicious to me. I don't like she killed Granville though. She, like her sister, longs to be married to SOMEONE and has been married and divorced several times. I wouldn't put it past Granville to have an affair even after engaged.
Delaine points fingers elsewhere. She's suspicious of Granville's ex, Simone. Simone is a canny woman. She is cheerful and chatty before she realizes what Theo wants. She's intelligent enough to figure it out and becomes cagey. I don't get the impression she's the murderer but I think she was up to no good with Granville. I can't tell you if it was an affair or something else. I think it was more business. How does she get the money for those vintage clothes and estate jewelry?
The next suspect is Granville's stepson, Charles Horton. He seems affable, kind and open but someone is making business decisions before the will is read and someone breaks into Granville's house at night. I think that was Charles, looking for a copy of the will or something. Another excellent suspect is Allan Grumbley, Granville's law partner. This guy is wily, a shark and knows how to answer questions without saying anything at all. He doesn't give anything away. He seems suspicious to me. Delaine needs to fight fire with fire. Another creepy candidate for murderer surely must be Bobby St. Cloud, smuggler of Cuban cigars. Perhaps Granville wanted out of a deal or didn't pay or wasn't even smuggling cigars. It's a weak motive but it's all Tidwell has. Corey Rhodes, manager of D.G. Stogies claims to know nothing about anything. He doesn't know about smuggled Cuban cigars, or so he claims. He seems to know enough. If he didn't guess, he's intolerably stupid. If he didn't ask, he doesn't want to know. Perhaps he killed Granville to take over the operation or even because he was angry about the possibility of taking the fall if he got caught carrying the contraband?
Tim and Jed Beckman, ghost hunters, were inspired by the cast of a popular show on the (then) Sci-Fi/SyFy channel. Their subplot made me roll my eyes. HOWEVER, having a ghost hunt broadcast on TV is excellent for business. If I had a dollar for every person who asked about hauntings or wanted to get on the waiting list for the ghost tours, I could have and would have quit my job! That particular subplot makes me drop my rating of the novel. It was unnecessary and nearly as tedious as hearing the real life stories. If it enhanced the storyline that would have been OK. Like suddenly there's an uptick in business in the B&B with some different clientele, that would have made sense. Drayton's negative reaction seemed out of proportion for what it was. Sure I love history tours but I enjoy a good historical ghost tour as well and I did like the TV show for awhile, as entertainment. I liked Max in the previous book. He started growing on me but he, too, had a really out of proportion to the ghost hunters even before he learned of Theo's proposed role. He was so negative. I can see being concerned for her safety, yes but his reaction was over the top. Can't she find a man who helps with her sleuthing?
What about Sarah and Frank Ratting? They own the B&B where the murder happened. They surely know who the mysterious guest in the room next to Granville's was and when he checked out. They play dumb. They're a very gloomy couple and truly too lazy and cheap to run a successful B&B. Why on earth would Delaine get married there even if it was the only place available? Why not have a garden wedding? These innkeepers sure seem suspicious to me. Did they cover up a murder to bring in the ghost hunters in order to make money? I also think the murder is related to some kind of mysterious business deal involving the inn and other properties.
Another character mentioned only a few times is Millie Grant, Granville's secretary. I think she loved him. She is friendly and helpful to Theo and Delaine and seems open enough. I'm not sure she wasn't having an affair with her boss though. She may even know more about whatever shady business got him killed than she's letting on.
I'm taking a break from this series for the week and will return possibly next week.
March 8, 2013
Sweet Tea Revenge is the 14th book in the A Tea Shop Mystery series. It's always a treat for me to enter the cozy confines of the Indigo Tea Shop. Child's writing puts me right inside the store and I can literally see Theodosia, Haley, and Drayton scurrying around helping the customers of shop.
Delaine Dish has asked Theodosia to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. the wedding day has arrived and as time is approaching for the ceremony, Theodosia goes to Dougan Granville, the groom, and finds him dead with his nose close to unknown powder. What with a heated argument have being heard between the couple just a couple hours earlier, Delaine immediately becomes a person of interest. Of course Delaine asks Theodosia to do her own little investigation, much to Detective Tidwell's disapproval.
As Theodosia is organizing her thoughts on how to proceed with her inquiries, Jed and Tim Beckman arrive at Ravencrest Inn. Jed and Tim and want to film at Ravencrest for a segment Southern Hauntings. They excited to hear a death has just occurred, because they feel there is a better chance of making contact with the spirit world. Theodosia is reluctant to allow it, hopes that they may be of some help.
As Theodosia starts getting involved, she finds out that Dougan's estranged stepson wants into the law firm that Dougan is a partner in. From Delaine, she learns that Allan Grumley, the other partner in the law firm, seems hesitant to share with Delaine the terms of Dougan Will.
Child's once again kept me guessing to end of the book.
Tasty sounding recipes are included, as well as an extensive list of tea related link.
I am looking forward to #15.
Delaine Dish has asked Theodosia to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. the wedding day has arrived and as time is approaching for the ceremony, Theodosia goes to Dougan Granville, the groom, and finds him dead with his nose close to unknown powder. What with a heated argument have being heard between the couple just a couple hours earlier, Delaine immediately becomes a person of interest. Of course Delaine asks Theodosia to do her own little investigation, much to Detective Tidwell's disapproval.
As Theodosia is organizing her thoughts on how to proceed with her inquiries, Jed and Tim Beckman arrive at Ravencrest Inn. Jed and Tim and want to film at Ravencrest for a segment Southern Hauntings. They excited to hear a death has just occurred, because they feel there is a better chance of making contact with the spirit world. Theodosia is reluctant to allow it, hopes that they may be of some help.
As Theodosia starts getting involved, she finds out that Dougan's estranged stepson wants into the law firm that Dougan is a partner in. From Delaine, she learns that Allan Grumley, the other partner in the law firm, seems hesitant to share with Delaine the terms of Dougan Will.
Child's once again kept me guessing to end of the book.
Tasty sounding recipes are included, as well as an extensive list of tea related link.
I am looking forward to #15.
October 3, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery and the twists that the story took. I did not guess who the killer was. I also liked the tea and food and recipes, which has been consistent throughout this series. I was surprised that this story involved ghost hunting. I was also surprised that it didn't make this story weird.
June 14, 2013
I found the story boring and I didn't care about the characters. No one bothered to proofread or edit the copy, so I guess the author and publisher also don't care.
October 25, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Più che per il mistero (anche stavolta la protagonista inciampa nella soluzione per caso) questo libro, come gli altri della serie, è più interessante per tutte le notizie relative al tè che vi si trovano. Però mi sembra sempre di tornare a trovare dei vecchi amici....
Più che per il mistero (anche stavolta la protagonista inciampa nella soluzione per caso) questo libro, come gli altri della serie, è più interessante per tutte le notizie relative al tè che vi si trovano. Però mi sembra sempre di tornare a trovare dei vecchi amici....
July 1, 2024
Very cool plot, but Theodosia annoyed tf outa me lol
December 21, 2013
Theodosia Browning is once again serving up tea and tasty treat along with a side of mystery. When her neighbor and fiance of her good friend is murder on the wedding day, Theodosia is brought onto the case by Delaine Dish, the grieving almost widow. With possible inheritance, smuggled Cuban cigars, jealous ex-girlfriends, smarmy business partners, angry inn keepers, cocaine, and prodigal step-sons being just a few of the issues involved, Theo definitely has her work cut out for her in uncovering the identity of the murderer before she or one of her friends become the next victim.
The fourteenth installment of this series is pretty much the same as the earlier books. The same characters, the same bumbling investigation, the same drawn out discussions of tea and Theo's bath products. If anything in this book, the plot seems to be slightly more tea with a side of mystery instead of mystery with a side of tea. Theo also seems to be growing a bit more self-righteous and judgmental in her take on other characters and facts that may or may not be relevant to the case. She's more likely to assume that anyone she dislikes in the slightest is almost definitely the killer and that any piece of "evidence" she finds is the most important piece in the case. She also seems to assume that the police don't know how to do their jobs nearly as well as she does, and that if test results don't turn out the way she expects then they must have been done incorrectly. This not only blinds her to facts and suspects, but makes her hard to like or even relate to. The plot in this installment seems slightly rushed and disjointed as well. Regular readers of this series may find these things disappointing, but will still enjoy seeing the old characters.
The fourteenth installment of this series is pretty much the same as the earlier books. The same characters, the same bumbling investigation, the same drawn out discussions of tea and Theo's bath products. If anything in this book, the plot seems to be slightly more tea with a side of mystery instead of mystery with a side of tea. Theo also seems to be growing a bit more self-righteous and judgmental in her take on other characters and facts that may or may not be relevant to the case. She's more likely to assume that anyone she dislikes in the slightest is almost definitely the killer and that any piece of "evidence" she finds is the most important piece in the case. She also seems to assume that the police don't know how to do their jobs nearly as well as she does, and that if test results don't turn out the way she expects then they must have been done incorrectly. This not only blinds her to facts and suspects, but makes her hard to like or even relate to. The plot in this installment seems slightly rushed and disjointed as well. Regular readers of this series may find these things disappointing, but will still enjoy seeing the old characters.
February 17, 2014
Passed a few delightful hours with Laura Childs' latest installment in the world of Theodosia. Isn't it crazy that just seeing the cover of this book and thinking the names of the supporting cast in this series can make me feel cheerful. Surely that is an unreasonable expectation to put on an unsuspecting cozy murder mystery? Not at all. The book did the trick as all of Laura Childs' books do because they manage to straddle the divide between frothy and serious with such success.
I'll be a little picky with this story and say that I didn't think that there was enough actual tea room action for my taste and I am not enchanted by Theodosia's current love interest. There isn't much going on there to keep my interest so I'm sure she can't be that fascinated by him. The appearance of a handsome FBI agent seemed more interesting than the dates she was on so I hope that she comes to her senses and drops him soon.
Drayton Conneley continues to be a strong force in the tea shop and in Thodosia's life. This particular murder had a side story involving ghost hunters. Two young men hunt ghosts as a part of a reality tv show and Drayton was in fine form as he shared his feelings about ghosts and this tv show but ends up being a more supportive and hilarious as the story continues to the end.
Wonderful story. Wonderful characters and the recipes in the back were, as usual, delightful.
I'll be a little picky with this story and say that I didn't think that there was enough actual tea room action for my taste and I am not enchanted by Theodosia's current love interest. There isn't much going on there to keep my interest so I'm sure she can't be that fascinated by him. The appearance of a handsome FBI agent seemed more interesting than the dates she was on so I hope that she comes to her senses and drops him soon.
Drayton Conneley continues to be a strong force in the tea shop and in Thodosia's life. This particular murder had a side story involving ghost hunters. Two young men hunt ghosts as a part of a reality tv show and Drayton was in fine form as he shared his feelings about ghosts and this tv show but ends up being a more supportive and hilarious as the story continues to the end.
Wonderful story. Wonderful characters and the recipes in the back were, as usual, delightful.
Read
September 9, 2013I've always said you should read mysteries that are set in a place you love, and I have been reading these Charleston-based Tea Shop mysteries since I moved to South Carolina. Compared to what I'm reading most of the time, they are a bit lighter, but I love sticking my nose into their world. It is very southern, very Charleston, and the details of the place surround me like a comfortable sweater. I try to go to Charleston at least once a year, but it's never enough.
In Sweet Tea Revenge, a groom is killed right before he is supposed to get married. Theodosia, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, tries to help get more information for her friend Delaine while running a busy shop.
The funny thing about these books is that you will get hungry reading them. I had to go make myself darjeeling tea as the characters had some. I will write a bit more once I have tried out a few of the recipes in the back. I have my eye on some of the scone recipes!
Slight disclaimer - ever since I featured some foodie lit in my baking blog in 2007, the author has listed me in the back of her books as a tea time resource. This book came in the mail with a hand-written note. So nice! So southern!
In Sweet Tea Revenge, a groom is killed right before he is supposed to get married. Theodosia, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, tries to help get more information for her friend Delaine while running a busy shop.
The funny thing about these books is that you will get hungry reading them. I had to go make myself darjeeling tea as the characters had some. I will write a bit more once I have tried out a few of the recipes in the back. I have my eye on some of the scone recipes!
Slight disclaimer - ever since I featured some foodie lit in my baking blog in 2007, the author has listed me in the back of her books as a tea time resource. This book came in the mail with a hand-written note. So nice! So southern!
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 really liked this one, even more than alot 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 really liked this one, even more than alot 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.
June 2, 2013
Someone suggested I try this series. I had recently visited Charleston and loved it and I love tea so I thought, why not? Well, it's not my cup of tea. I couldn't connect with the main character and I was not impressed with her role in solving "the mystery" and exposing the killer. As I read the other reviews for this book, I see that others who enjoy the series weren't thrilled with this particular one either but I still doubt that I'll try another.
April 16, 2014
Laura Childs has done it once again. I love this series. Theo is such a wonderful and warm character that I feel like I should be living in a cottage in Charleston, right next door. Once again she is thrown into another murder mystery and sets out to find the true killer. This book is funny and keeps your attention from beginning to end. Somehow, I miss Agony in the Tea Leaves. But, I will remedy that very soon. Fantastic read.
February 25, 2015
Time for a wedding but is anything as it should be with the friends of the Indigo Tea Shop? This is a perfect book for those who enjoy a little bit of extra creepy in their mysteries. I was being transported back to days of Halloween and feeling like I needed to turn on the lights.
There are as usual wonderful goodies and tea parties that I wish I could attend. A great mystery to add to the Tea Shop collection!
There are as usual wonderful goodies and tea parties that I wish I could attend. A great mystery to add to the Tea Shop collection!
July 5, 2018
While I will keep reading these novels for Childs' fun characters, the fact that the killer is NEVER on Theo's (or the police's) list of suspects is wearing super thin. I can't imagine reading these books straight through with as much as the repetition bothers me. However, this novel did have my favorite defense weapon of all time - the thermos of sweet tea was brilliantly conceived and carried out.
September 3, 2013
I really enjoy this series. I love tea so I always take away a bit of knowledge. The characters are always great, old stuffy Drayton even seems a to have bit of a good time in this installment. I started at the beginning of this series when it first came out and I loved watching the characters mature and Ms.Childs has done a great job rounding them out, I wish we had Indigo Tea Shop around here.
June 6, 2013
The characters need to grow in this series, usually by now a relationship has been established with the main character and partner. Not so here, Theo gets a new boyfriend every few books. Theodosia was better in this book, she actually worked in the tea shop and treated her employees better than the last book. It may be time to wrap this series and start something fresh.
July 12, 2018
this was pretty good, I didn't know who did it till near the end and had some idea. I'm a tea drinker and it was interesting reading about the different teas and desserts. the story moves along and I think I have read some others of this series and may look for the others in the future.
February 6, 2014
This is such a fantastic read!!!
September 11, 2015
Tea
Love reading this series as much for the tea and recipes as for the characters. Could not put it down
Love reading this series as much for the tea and recipes as for the characters. Could not put it down
March 28, 2014
After serial dating the rich and famous for years, Delaine Dish finally got one to propose to her, and now she is rushing to tie the knot with Dougan Granville, a very rich attorney. Theodosia is her maid-of-honor, and has been helping with the preparations. Delaine is nervous about it all, but at last everything is in order and she is ready to descend the stairs of the old Inn where they are having the wedding and reception. If only the groom would appear … Thinking he must be working on something and forgetting the time, Theodosia intents to fetch him. But when she enters his dark hotel suite, something does not feel right, and that is when she finds his dead body in front of a platter of white powder …
Delaine is hysterical, and Theodosia has a hard time restraining her, after all, this is a crime scene. It was not a simple case of drug overdose after all, Dougan has been hit on the head hard enough to be killed. The police will have to investigate, and as the wedding guests are all important people, politicians and businessmen foremost, they are not happy to be detained and questioned. Tidwell, the police lieutenant in charge, does not want Theodosia to “help” with this investigation, but Delaine does ask for her help in finding the killer. She wants her revenge, and she has set her sights on her fiancée’s ex-girlfriend.
Still, there are more people with a possible motive, Dougan’s stepson who entered his life again just recently and scored a job at his law firm, or perhaps his business partner. And what about the illegal Cuban cigars Dougan was always smoking and perhaps selling in his cigar store? Someone must have smuggled them into the country.
And so Theodosia is busy with her tea shop, the special catering events and finding Dougan’s killer. And now Delaine also wants her to help her with the catering as Dougan’s mansion is scheduled to be one of the houses open for the public on the famous Garden Tour.
There are also two young men set on making a documentary on ghosts, and they want to try to find Dougan’s ghosts. Theodosia is sceptic of course, but Delaine is all for saying goodbye to her Dougan like that. But back at the Inn where it all happened, they are interrupted by Tidwell, who is not finished with his investigation of the crime scene yet. Nor has the murder weapon been found.
Many years ago, this was one of the first cozy mystery series I started reading in English. I fell in love with book 1 and never fell out of love. The series is still going strong, and I love following up on Theodosia Browning, the owner of the Indigo Tea Shop and her two employees / friends Drayton and Hailey. Drayton is the tea master, he brews and blends the most amazing sounding teas, and Hailey is a phenomenal baker. I would love to visit Charleston one day and find out if this tea shop exists for real. Charleston is almost a secondary character in this series, as Theodosia is always visiting some famous landmarks and musea, mansions and gardens and such are described in great and lovely detail.
Laura Childs writes two more cozy mystery series and I love those as well. She has a way to create characters you love and have them live in towns you want to visit or feel like you already know your way around them. The mysteries are fresh and never easy to figure out before the main character does it.
I do love and admire Theodosia. She gave up a lucrative career in marketing and advertising to open up her tea shop. She loves her job, she lovers her new cottage and she has a great boyfriend. Her employees are her good friends as well, and she is very good at finding out things that help the police solve murders. Theodosia has style and elegance and is still someone I want to be friends with, even though I am none of those things myself.
The mystery part, now that was a big surprise in the end. Never did I see that coming.
I don’t really like Delaine Dish however, she is pushy and she manages to rope Theodosia in all kinds of things and does not really appreciate her. But she is very good at organizing charity events and has a big heart for all kinds of animals in need. Her sister is a different story, she is really bad news and I think Delaine hopes she goes back where she came from very soon.
I like Detective Tidwell. He sounds like a big and burly man but he is much smarter than he looks, and he has saved Theodosia many times already. He is not a potential love interest though, he does visit the tea shop regularly but that is more to sample Hailey’s baking I think. And to warn Theodosia to quit snooping around and putting herself in danger. Still, they do make a great team, and he does listen to her suggestions and the things she finds out.
And last but not least, there is Earl Grey, Theodosia’s dog. A sweet mix of dalmation and Labrador she found abandoned in the alley behind the tea shop and took in. And now he is a very well behaved gentleman dog and they visit hospitals and nursery homes together.
All in all, I love visiting Theodosia and friends and reading about her newest adventure. Reading a Laura Childs book is like visiting with old friends and catching up.
9 stars.
Delaine is hysterical, and Theodosia has a hard time restraining her, after all, this is a crime scene. It was not a simple case of drug overdose after all, Dougan has been hit on the head hard enough to be killed. The police will have to investigate, and as the wedding guests are all important people, politicians and businessmen foremost, they are not happy to be detained and questioned. Tidwell, the police lieutenant in charge, does not want Theodosia to “help” with this investigation, but Delaine does ask for her help in finding the killer. She wants her revenge, and she has set her sights on her fiancée’s ex-girlfriend.
Still, there are more people with a possible motive, Dougan’s stepson who entered his life again just recently and scored a job at his law firm, or perhaps his business partner. And what about the illegal Cuban cigars Dougan was always smoking and perhaps selling in his cigar store? Someone must have smuggled them into the country.
And so Theodosia is busy with her tea shop, the special catering events and finding Dougan’s killer. And now Delaine also wants her to help her with the catering as Dougan’s mansion is scheduled to be one of the houses open for the public on the famous Garden Tour.
There are also two young men set on making a documentary on ghosts, and they want to try to find Dougan’s ghosts. Theodosia is sceptic of course, but Delaine is all for saying goodbye to her Dougan like that. But back at the Inn where it all happened, they are interrupted by Tidwell, who is not finished with his investigation of the crime scene yet. Nor has the murder weapon been found.
Many years ago, this was one of the first cozy mystery series I started reading in English. I fell in love with book 1 and never fell out of love. The series is still going strong, and I love following up on Theodosia Browning, the owner of the Indigo Tea Shop and her two employees / friends Drayton and Hailey. Drayton is the tea master, he brews and blends the most amazing sounding teas, and Hailey is a phenomenal baker. I would love to visit Charleston one day and find out if this tea shop exists for real. Charleston is almost a secondary character in this series, as Theodosia is always visiting some famous landmarks and musea, mansions and gardens and such are described in great and lovely detail.
Laura Childs writes two more cozy mystery series and I love those as well. She has a way to create characters you love and have them live in towns you want to visit or feel like you already know your way around them. The mysteries are fresh and never easy to figure out before the main character does it.
I do love and admire Theodosia. She gave up a lucrative career in marketing and advertising to open up her tea shop. She loves her job, she lovers her new cottage and she has a great boyfriend. Her employees are her good friends as well, and she is very good at finding out things that help the police solve murders. Theodosia has style and elegance and is still someone I want to be friends with, even though I am none of those things myself.
The mystery part, now that was a big surprise in the end. Never did I see that coming.
I don’t really like Delaine Dish however, she is pushy and she manages to rope Theodosia in all kinds of things and does not really appreciate her. But she is very good at organizing charity events and has a big heart for all kinds of animals in need. Her sister is a different story, she is really bad news and I think Delaine hopes she goes back where she came from very soon.
I like Detective Tidwell. He sounds like a big and burly man but he is much smarter than he looks, and he has saved Theodosia many times already. He is not a potential love interest though, he does visit the tea shop regularly but that is more to sample Hailey’s baking I think. And to warn Theodosia to quit snooping around and putting herself in danger. Still, they do make a great team, and he does listen to her suggestions and the things she finds out.
And last but not least, there is Earl Grey, Theodosia’s dog. A sweet mix of dalmation and Labrador she found abandoned in the alley behind the tea shop and took in. And now he is a very well behaved gentleman dog and they visit hospitals and nursery homes together.
All in all, I love visiting Theodosia and friends and reading about her newest adventure. Reading a Laura Childs book is like visiting with old friends and catching up.
9 stars.
© 2014 Reviews by Aurian
July 25, 2024
Entertaining, however a most abrupt ending!
May 7, 2015
I have read the entire Tea Shop series. I love the main character Theo and fell in love with her immediately. I'm very drawn to strong female characters, they provide me inspiration and strength to get through my illnesses, not to mention passing my days reading a lovely book doesn't hurt. Honestly, I love the whole environment that has been created and most of the people in the series. I do wish that it was a real Tea Shop and I could meet Theo, Drayton and Haley. I would probably try to weasel my way into their lives. I'm obsessed with my tea time and just want to absorb every knowledgable tidbit about tea and Haley's finesse in her kitchen. Every reader would probably want to do the same when they come across a great writer and their books. Her other series are quite wonderful as well, if you haven't yet pored through them already. I'm infatuated, I know. sigh...
Normally I can figure out some of her mysteries but this one however kinda threw me for a loop. Perhaps, it was because I didn't read her last book in a while, I am not entirely sure because in the end I was berating myself for having missed the obvious. However, t's become the best mistake ever made! I'll just have keep doing that to experience each book as though it's my first dip into this series.. I found that when I read the entire series of Tea Shop books in order, jumping into the next one as soon as I put the last one down that the tactics and commonalities begin to show and I saw the consistency in each mystery before I was halfway through. I mean no disrespect whatsoever to Ms. Childs. This is just something I've noticed about myself as a reader. I also analyze movies and shows to see the mistakes from one scene to another. It is just the way my mind works. But I'm glad I found a solution to my dilemma and I will continue to keep gaps between books within a series instead of forging on as if each book would disappear if I didn't get to it quick enough. I loved the journey I was going through, just like when I discovered her work for the first time.
I was quite surprised in this book. Not only by the real murderer but the changes as well. She reveals more about the reoccurring characters that I find slightly intriguing. For example, Theo who is a multi-tasker extraordinaire is much more hesitant to put her nose to the ground to sniff out the killer this time. Delaine seems even more odd than usual, if it's possible. To be frank, I don't like Delaine at all, I know her place in the book but I can't ever imagine being able to tolerate listening to her for more then 10 seconds without just walking away while she's still speaking. But I guess it's what annoying characters are meant to do, irk you and make you irate. Like the phenomenally over the top suffocating mom that Diane Keaton plays in "Because I Said So". Back to Delaine, even with her particular uh, let's call it 'circumstances' in this book, she seems to behave even more peculiar than the norm. I don't recall her having anywhere near as much of her usual tantrums and hysterics which I thought would be more frequent given her situation. Nadine too, she's become more than just the kleptomaniac/drama Queen. It made me sit back and truly feel sorry for Delaine, to have this crazy bit attached to her hip. It's as though Nadine is to Delaine what Delaine is to Theo without any blood relation but with that soft spot; except Nadine and Delaine are related and Theo simply tolerates Delaine and seems to be more accepting of their growing friendship. Well, either that or she's truly given up and letting her have her way - Definitely not the sort of friendship I would gravitate towards. So that whole issue is even more confusing to me than ever. Theo's love life seems to be more detached from her investigating instead of having her beau at the epicenter of the whole murder, chaos and drama with her. This time he's got just as much work, obligations and seems to be working the whole time. His presence is much more subdued in this book, than Theo's past partners were earlier. If you find my lack of mentioning his name odd it's because I can't remember it. I only remember her cooking for him, I think it was pizza.
A very long thought about the changes I know. Hate putting spoilers in any review. I need to leave you with this thought; if you are a fan of Laura Childs' work than you will not be disappointed in this book. I had my nose in the book from beginning to end. I was hardly able to put it down. Go read it, you'll be glad you did.... 4.5 stars simply because I want to see where her character development is going. Can't wait for her next installment!!!
Normally I can figure out some of her mysteries but this one however kinda threw me for a loop. Perhaps, it was because I didn't read her last book in a while, I am not entirely sure because in the end I was berating myself for having missed the obvious. However, t's become the best mistake ever made! I'll just have keep doing that to experience each book as though it's my first dip into this series.. I found that when I read the entire series of Tea Shop books in order, jumping into the next one as soon as I put the last one down that the tactics and commonalities begin to show and I saw the consistency in each mystery before I was halfway through. I mean no disrespect whatsoever to Ms. Childs. This is just something I've noticed about myself as a reader. I also analyze movies and shows to see the mistakes from one scene to another. It is just the way my mind works. But I'm glad I found a solution to my dilemma and I will continue to keep gaps between books within a series instead of forging on as if each book would disappear if I didn't get to it quick enough. I loved the journey I was going through, just like when I discovered her work for the first time.
I was quite surprised in this book. Not only by the real murderer but the changes as well. She reveals more about the reoccurring characters that I find slightly intriguing. For example, Theo who is a multi-tasker extraordinaire is much more hesitant to put her nose to the ground to sniff out the killer this time. Delaine seems even more odd than usual, if it's possible. To be frank, I don't like Delaine at all, I know her place in the book but I can't ever imagine being able to tolerate listening to her for more then 10 seconds without just walking away while she's still speaking. But I guess it's what annoying characters are meant to do, irk you and make you irate. Like the phenomenally over the top suffocating mom that Diane Keaton plays in "Because I Said So". Back to Delaine, even with her particular uh, let's call it 'circumstances' in this book, she seems to behave even more peculiar than the norm. I don't recall her having anywhere near as much of her usual tantrums and hysterics which I thought would be more frequent given her situation. Nadine too, she's become more than just the kleptomaniac/drama Queen. It made me sit back and truly feel sorry for Delaine, to have this crazy bit attached to her hip. It's as though Nadine is to Delaine what Delaine is to Theo without any blood relation but with that soft spot; except Nadine and Delaine are related and Theo simply tolerates Delaine and seems to be more accepting of their growing friendship. Well, either that or she's truly given up and letting her have her way - Definitely not the sort of friendship I would gravitate towards. So that whole issue is even more confusing to me than ever. Theo's love life seems to be more detached from her investigating instead of having her beau at the epicenter of the whole murder, chaos and drama with her. This time he's got just as much work, obligations and seems to be working the whole time. His presence is much more subdued in this book, than Theo's past partners were earlier. If you find my lack of mentioning his name odd it's because I can't remember it. I only remember her cooking for him, I think it was pizza.
A very long thought about the changes I know. Hate putting spoilers in any review. I need to leave you with this thought; if you are a fan of Laura Childs' work than you will not be disappointed in this book. I had my nose in the book from beginning to end. I was hardly able to put it down. Go read it, you'll be glad you did.... 4.5 stars simply because I want to see where her character development is going. Can't wait for her next installment!!!
February 24, 2013
Sweet Tea Revenge, Laura Childs
The moment had finally arrived. My Gunpowder Green tea was brewed, blanket heated and ready, pillow fluffed, and a fresh new copy of Laura Child’s Sweet Tea Revenge beckoning from my night table. With a huge grin, I opened the book to the first pages and immediately tumbled into the story. Laura Childs has a way of making that happen.
Sweet Tea Revenge is Laura Child’s latest episode in her Tea Shop Mysteries set in Charleston, South Carolina. As thunder rolls and rain pelts the windows in our opening scene, our main character, Theodosia, is racing up the stairs of Ravencrest Inn to assist her friend, Delaine, who is getting married. The bride is dressed, flowers are strewn about, and guests await the big moment. Unfortunately, the moment is bigger than intended. Something borrowed was taken care of, but something blue was not supposed to be the groom.
Hopefully you’ve read each book from the Indigo Tea Shop series because you are reunited with friends: Haley, Draper, Delaine, and Theodosia. No I did not forget Officer Tidwell. How could I? In this latest mystery, Tidwell has become delightfully enriched with a few charming enhancements. All I will say is, do enjoy his new “appreciation” for the fine art of Tea. Utterly endearing.
The storm continues as guests are presented before us like a southern buffet: the Ravencrest Innkeepers, Simone the leggy ex of the groom, Nadine’s boyfriend, the curmudgeon real estate partner, ghostbusters Tim and Jed, and an elusive Bobby St. Cloud.
Ms. Child’s characters are deliciously filled out with dimension and memorable traits with a few new folks to meet along the way. In between murder, chaos, and panic, Laura Childs gives us a respite as we are treated to the aromas of creamy scones and tea simmered chicken.
I adore the attention to detail Childs gives us. She uses all five senses to treat us to an afternoon around the southern streets, through heady, jasmine-filled gardens, and back to the Indigo Tea Room in time to hear the snap of crisp, bright tablecloths spread onto the tables. Be prepared to smell Haley’s warm peach scones or cinnamon raisin biscuits arriving on a tray. This tale will leave you hanging by a thread with enough clues and red herrings to keep you guessing to the end. Don’t peek – enjoy the ride.
Along with yummy recipes and tea ideas, something very special awaits us at the end. Her new nonfiction book, “Living a Tea Shop Life” is in the works. I'm first in line.
The moment had finally arrived. My Gunpowder Green tea was brewed, blanket heated and ready, pillow fluffed, and a fresh new copy of Laura Child’s Sweet Tea Revenge beckoning from my night table. With a huge grin, I opened the book to the first pages and immediately tumbled into the story. Laura Childs has a way of making that happen.
Sweet Tea Revenge is Laura Child’s latest episode in her Tea Shop Mysteries set in Charleston, South Carolina. As thunder rolls and rain pelts the windows in our opening scene, our main character, Theodosia, is racing up the stairs of Ravencrest Inn to assist her friend, Delaine, who is getting married. The bride is dressed, flowers are strewn about, and guests await the big moment. Unfortunately, the moment is bigger than intended. Something borrowed was taken care of, but something blue was not supposed to be the groom.
Hopefully you’ve read each book from the Indigo Tea Shop series because you are reunited with friends: Haley, Draper, Delaine, and Theodosia. No I did not forget Officer Tidwell. How could I? In this latest mystery, Tidwell has become delightfully enriched with a few charming enhancements. All I will say is, do enjoy his new “appreciation” for the fine art of Tea. Utterly endearing.
The storm continues as guests are presented before us like a southern buffet: the Ravencrest Innkeepers, Simone the leggy ex of the groom, Nadine’s boyfriend, the curmudgeon real estate partner, ghostbusters Tim and Jed, and an elusive Bobby St. Cloud.
Ms. Child’s characters are deliciously filled out with dimension and memorable traits with a few new folks to meet along the way. In between murder, chaos, and panic, Laura Childs gives us a respite as we are treated to the aromas of creamy scones and tea simmered chicken.
I adore the attention to detail Childs gives us. She uses all five senses to treat us to an afternoon around the southern streets, through heady, jasmine-filled gardens, and back to the Indigo Tea Room in time to hear the snap of crisp, bright tablecloths spread onto the tables. Be prepared to smell Haley’s warm peach scones or cinnamon raisin biscuits arriving on a tray. This tale will leave you hanging by a thread with enough clues and red herrings to keep you guessing to the end. Don’t peek – enjoy the ride.
Along with yummy recipes and tea ideas, something very special awaits us at the end. Her new nonfiction book, “Living a Tea Shop Life” is in the works. I'm first in line.
May 6, 2014
I’ve read several of Laura Child’s books, including the Tea Shop Series, and was very disappointed in SWEET TEA REVENGE.
The day of Theodosia’s friend Delaine’s wedding (they’ve been engaged for four weeks), the groom is late. Theodosia finds him in his room at the Inn, cold and pulseless, white powder on a table next to him. Further investigation reveals that he has also been hit on the head turning his death into a homicide. Since his death had been recent, how cold could his body have been?
As usual, Theo works with Detective Tidwell. As usual, she and her friends don’t think much of his crime solving abilities (they expect the murderer to be caught with a few hours) and Theo gets involved. While she does check out several suspects, some of their extreme negative reactions to her and Delaine are not explained. She also finds some evidence that the police missed and removes it, placing it into an envelope and giving it to them, jeopardizing it’s reliability as evidence.
Two days after the murder, Delaine asks Theo to help prepare the groom’s house, which is next door to Theo’s, for the annual garden tour. It would seem that all the arrangements would have been made much earlier.
There are sections dealing with the Tea Room and about clothes as well as some ghost chasing. I don’t understand why neither Theodosia never seems to know what Haley is planning for the food every day. Doesn’t she have to buy the food? The recipes and party plans at the end are not exciting but the list of tea resources is helpful.
There isn’t much serious investigation and the ending almost comes from thin air and ends quite suddenly.
SWEET TEA REVENGE is a quick read and only slightly satisfying. Laura Childs can and has done better.
The day of Theodosia’s friend Delaine’s wedding (they’ve been engaged for four weeks), the groom is late. Theodosia finds him in his room at the Inn, cold and pulseless, white powder on a table next to him. Further investigation reveals that he has also been hit on the head turning his death into a homicide. Since his death had been recent, how cold could his body have been?
As usual, Theo works with Detective Tidwell. As usual, she and her friends don’t think much of his crime solving abilities (they expect the murderer to be caught with a few hours) and Theo gets involved. While she does check out several suspects, some of their extreme negative reactions to her and Delaine are not explained. She also finds some evidence that the police missed and removes it, placing it into an envelope and giving it to them, jeopardizing it’s reliability as evidence.
Two days after the murder, Delaine asks Theo to help prepare the groom’s house, which is next door to Theo’s, for the annual garden tour. It would seem that all the arrangements would have been made much earlier.
There are sections dealing with the Tea Room and about clothes as well as some ghost chasing. I don’t understand why neither Theodosia never seems to know what Haley is planning for the food every day. Doesn’t she have to buy the food? The recipes and party plans at the end are not exciting but the list of tea resources is helpful.
There isn’t much serious investigation and the ending almost comes from thin air and ends quite suddenly.
SWEET TEA REVENGE is a quick read and only slightly satisfying. Laura Childs can and has done better.
June 26, 2014
The " Tea Shop Mystery" series is a wonderful mystery series for avid tea drinkers and non tea drinkers alike. Sweet Tea Revenge is the fourteenth book in the series. The books main character is a women named Theodosia Browning. Theodosia is burned out from a marketing career and decides to start her own tea shop in Charleston South Carolina. The Indigo Tea Shop is in the historical district of Charleston. She hires Drayton who is the master tea maker and connoisseur. Drayton serves everyone their tea and educates the customers on new and different teas to try. Haley is the female chef for the Indigo Tea Shop. Haley is known for her fabulous scones, tea sandwiches and pastries. At the back of each book, there is recipes for all of the dishes that are mentioned in each book. Along with Haley and Drayton, there are other shop owners near by who frequent customers of the Indigo Tea Shop. In Sweet Tea Revenge, Theodosia is going to be a bridesmaid in her friend Delaine Dish's wedding. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong. As they are about ready to start the wedding, the groom is found in a third floor room murdered. The action spirals from their. The characters in all of The Tea Shop Mysteries are totally charming and human. I found the mysteries to be so captivating that I literally wanted to step right into the tea shop and have a cup of tea. The series is a "easy read" series that teaches you about different kinds of teas and familiarizes you with the historical district of South Carolina.
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