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Tea Shop Mystery #25
Lemon Curd Killer
High tea and high fashion turn deadly in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series. Tea shop entrepreneur Theodosia Browning has been tapped to host a fancy Limón Tea in a genuine lemon orchard as a rousing kickoff to Charleston Fashion Week. But as fairy lights twinkle and the scent of lemon wafts among the tea tables, the deadly murder of a fashion designer puts the squeeze on things. As the lemon curd begins to sour, the murdered woman's daughter begs Theodosia to help find the killer. Tea events and fashion shows must go on, however, which puts Theodosia and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, right in the thick of squabbling business partners, crazed clothing designers, irate film producers, drug deals, and a disastrous Tea Trolley Tour. INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 7, 2023
269 people are currently reading
979 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
93 books2,253 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 249 reviews
March 11, 2023
I gave this book a 4 star rating because I really liked the mystery. What I didn't care for, however, is Theodosia's arrogance. And I am not sure why the author even bothers giving Theo a boyfriend. She doesn't seem all that into him anyway. She comes across as though she could take him or leave him. I feel no chemistry between them at all. And their relationship doesn't add much to the story. I think Theo has let all this crime solving go to her head. I hope in future books the author will write the character as having a little more humility.
March 18, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Who knew Charleston Fashion Week could be so deadly?
Theodosia Browning finds another body. This one during the elegant Limón Tea. This was the first event to kick off the weeklong event and before the last cup of tea and lemon scone can even be served the creative director of Lemon Squeeze Couture is found dead in a walk-in cooler with her face “submerged in a bowl of lemon curd”.
It isn’t long before the woman’s daughter begs Theo to find her mother’s killer. With all the fashion shows and tea events planned for the rest of the week, Theo and tea sommelier, Drayton will be rubbing shoulders with plenty of suspects so she agrees to do her best. Theo didn’t realize where her investigation would take her or who she would “tea” off in the process but her boyfriend Detective Pete Riley is not going to be happy she is getting mixed up in another murder.
Ms. Childs has created such great characters for this series and even in this 25th book in the series they continue to surprise us, engage us, and make us root for them from the first page to the last. Theodosia Browning is a terrific amateur sleuth with a keen mind and strong instincts. Her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, tags along with her, even when he doesn’t really want to, as she follows clue after clue. He is also a great sounding board. Hayley bakes up a storm and does her best to stay out of the action but sometimes she slams in at just the right time. Riley loves Theo and knows he can’t change her but he is scared one of these days he could lose her.
The author also introduces a quirky crew of fashionistas, managers, and directors in this story including a pair of sisters that appear to be in over their heads even before one of them ends up dead. The remaining characters make up the suspect list for an extra twisty mystery. It was really hard to pin the guilty party down for both Theo and this reader. The author did an excellent job of distraction with some nicely placed red herrings. I fell for every one of them and was surprised when the actual Lemon Curd Killer was revealed. The way the scene played out was intense and suspenseful and I enjoyed it very much.
I do love the way Ms. Child sets a scene. From The Orchard Inn where the Limón Tea takes place to Theo’s Indigo Tea Shop, to the Featherbed House B&B, and every place in between her descriptions made it so easy to visualize everything. From the tea and treats being served to the china they were served in and on and the silverware used to partake in the delectable delights readers are right there. The only thing better would be if we could jump into the pages and taste everything ourselves. For now, we are provided with several recipes so we can make them on our own. Killer Lemon Cream Scones, Haley’s Lemon Bars, and Yummy Butterscotch Brownies to just name a few. Just reading them makes my mouth water.
Lemon Curd Killer is a superb addition to this series. Remarkable characters, and a masterful mystery, set in beautiful places all come together to make this book A Perfect Escape.
Don’t be put off because this is long-running series. You can read this book all on its own and go back to read earlier stories if you wish. The next book in the series Honey Drop Dead will be released on August 8, 2023. I can’t wait to return to Charleston to see what Theodosia gets into next.
Who knew Charleston Fashion Week could be so deadly?
Theodosia Browning finds another body. This one during the elegant Limón Tea. This was the first event to kick off the weeklong event and before the last cup of tea and lemon scone can even be served the creative director of Lemon Squeeze Couture is found dead in a walk-in cooler with her face “submerged in a bowl of lemon curd”.
It isn’t long before the woman’s daughter begs Theo to find her mother’s killer. With all the fashion shows and tea events planned for the rest of the week, Theo and tea sommelier, Drayton will be rubbing shoulders with plenty of suspects so she agrees to do her best. Theo didn’t realize where her investigation would take her or who she would “tea” off in the process but her boyfriend Detective Pete Riley is not going to be happy she is getting mixed up in another murder.
Ms. Childs has created such great characters for this series and even in this 25th book in the series they continue to surprise us, engage us, and make us root for them from the first page to the last. Theodosia Browning is a terrific amateur sleuth with a keen mind and strong instincts. Her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, tags along with her, even when he doesn’t really want to, as she follows clue after clue. He is also a great sounding board. Hayley bakes up a storm and does her best to stay out of the action but sometimes she slams in at just the right time. Riley loves Theo and knows he can’t change her but he is scared one of these days he could lose her.
The author also introduces a quirky crew of fashionistas, managers, and directors in this story including a pair of sisters that appear to be in over their heads even before one of them ends up dead. The remaining characters make up the suspect list for an extra twisty mystery. It was really hard to pin the guilty party down for both Theo and this reader. The author did an excellent job of distraction with some nicely placed red herrings. I fell for every one of them and was surprised when the actual Lemon Curd Killer was revealed. The way the scene played out was intense and suspenseful and I enjoyed it very much.
I do love the way Ms. Child sets a scene. From The Orchard Inn where the Limón Tea takes place to Theo’s Indigo Tea Shop, to the Featherbed House B&B, and every place in between her descriptions made it so easy to visualize everything. From the tea and treats being served to the china they were served in and on and the silverware used to partake in the delectable delights readers are right there. The only thing better would be if we could jump into the pages and taste everything ourselves. For now, we are provided with several recipes so we can make them on our own. Killer Lemon Cream Scones, Haley’s Lemon Bars, and Yummy Butterscotch Brownies to just name a few. Just reading them makes my mouth water.
Lemon Curd Killer is a superb addition to this series. Remarkable characters, and a masterful mystery, set in beautiful places all come together to make this book A Perfect Escape.
Don’t be put off because this is long-running series. You can read this book all on its own and go back to read earlier stories if you wish. The next book in the series Honey Drop Dead will be released on August 8, 2023. I can’t wait to return to Charleston to see what Theodosia gets into next.
January 11, 2023
Another fun installation in the tea shop series by Laura Childs.
Theo, Drayton and Haley find themselves wrapped up in another murder investigation, and do what's needed until the mystery is solved.
I enjoyed the book and it's always interesting to read about the different tea themes they come up with.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#LemonCurdKiller #NetGalley
Theo, Drayton and Haley find themselves wrapped up in another murder investigation, and do what's needed until the mystery is solved.
I enjoyed the book and it's always interesting to read about the different tea themes they come up with.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#LemonCurdKiller #NetGalley
May 29, 2023
It kept my attention, and I’ve read the whole series, but this one was very unrealistic at the end ….
April 21, 2023
DNF @ 20%
I really want to like this series more then I do. I find the covers to be quite lovely and all the tea descriptions to be delicious. But, I just can’t connect to the story or the characters. I’ve read a couple books in this series and found myself with the same dilemma with each book so I think that’s it for this series for me. However, I would recommend this to other readers of culinary cozies since I could definitely see other readers really enjoying this series.
ARC Provided by NetGalley
I really want to like this series more then I do. I find the covers to be quite lovely and all the tea descriptions to be delicious. But, I just can’t connect to the story or the characters. I’ve read a couple books in this series and found myself with the same dilemma with each book so I think that’s it for this series for me. However, I would recommend this to other readers of culinary cozies since I could definitely see other readers really enjoying this series.
ARC Provided by NetGalley
March 27, 2023
I have long enjoyed this series, but am disappointed in the changing character of Theodosia. She has become reckless and overconfident in her actions, puts her assistant in danger, and deliberately disregards her detective boy friend. This is the first book in this series that I had to force myself to finish, and it has not left me looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2023
Love love love this series. Always satisfying. I actually missed Tidwell in this installment. He only had brief appearances in this one. Love the cast of characters but I'm still in the fence about Riley TBH. I don't really see him as a love interest in their interactions. It’s tepid and boring. I have edited review to add that I am a bit undone that Theodosia thinks it’s ok to break into someone’s home and poke around (key or not). I think her character would feel violated if shoe was on the other foot. All in all a great read though.
March 13, 2023
Always a fun favorite! Another adventure with Theodosia & the tea shop crew is a welcome delight. Escaping quickly, I find myself in Charleston within the first few pages & deep into the mystery of who done it! Adding in the bits & pieces of the personal lives of the tea shop locals helps spins a creative tale of fun.
January 9, 2023
This was a cute book and I really enjoyed all the time spent in the tea shop serving tea and doing events since it just made me want to go to a tea room. Tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is our amateur sleuth along with her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley and this time a fashion designer is murdered during one of her tea events and she is tasked by murdered woman’s daughter to help find the killer. She goes around investigating against the advice of her boyfriend who is a cop since it turns out it could involve drugs which is super dangerous for civilians to poke their noses in. The killer was definitely not even on my radar and overall I enjoyed the plot and the characters especially. I haven’t read any other books in this series and I feel like I wasn’t lost at any point since they didn’t really reference any past cases.
Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
Thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for the complimentary copy of this book in e-book form. All opinions in this review are my own.
May 1, 2023
April
This story involves fashion and food. It has fashion lines, fashion shows, tea parties, and fancy dinners. There is murder and drugs and threats. The mystery was interesting, but Theo made some bad decisions trying to solve it. The food was my favorite part of the story. Everthing sounded delicious. Riley is my least favorite part of the story. I don't like his character, and he doesn't add to the story.
This story involves fashion and food. It has fashion lines, fashion shows, tea parties, and fancy dinners. There is murder and drugs and threats. The mystery was interesting, but Theo made some bad decisions trying to solve it. The food was my favorite part of the story. Everthing sounded delicious. Riley is my least favorite part of the story. I don't like his character, and he doesn't add to the story.
March 27, 2024
This was a fun romp! I love the last line of the first chapter:
"And the very last thing {character name redacted} was cognizant of before she winked out for good, for all eternity, was being dragged... dragged into a place that was cold and dark and sticky."
MWAH-hahahahahahahahaha! (In the deepest darkest depths of your subconscious you could probably hear my long fingernails clicking together fanatically as you read the line.)
So fun! (And remember this is still a cozy, so that's as dark as it got, but dang! that's a good line!)
"And the very last thing {character name redacted} was cognizant of before she winked out for good, for all eternity, was being dragged... dragged into a place that was cold and dark and sticky."
MWAH-hahahahahahahahaha! (In the deepest darkest depths of your subconscious you could probably hear my long fingernails clicking together fanatically as you read the line.)
So fun! (And remember this is still a cozy, so that's as dark as it got, but dang! that's a good line!)
June 4, 2023
https://freshfiction.com/review.php?i...
Laura Childs doesn’t play around with the 25th book in the Tea Shop Mystery series. This time, Theodosia is hosting a Limon Tea party. However, when the fashion designer ends up dead, things get serious as her daughter asks Theodosia to find the killer.
I’ve always enjoyed the way Childs writes her stories because she doesn’t wait to get to the good stuff. Within the first few pages of the book, she dives right into the mystery and the first murder, which then sets the pace for the rest of the book. Expect lots of interesting hints and a fast-pace with this book. I think many readers will enjoy this one due to the lemon orchard theme and the fashion fusion it has. It definitely kept me reading all through the night.
Normally, the main heroine sticks out to me often in these Cozy Mystery novels. But Theodosia’s tea sommelier, Drayton, is always fun to read about it too. I think that’s why I find myself coming back to this series again and again. There’s a lot of fun and interesting characters in the main cast and the secondary cast, so there’s a lot to love.
LEMON CURD KILLER is definitely a hit! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one!
Laura Childs doesn’t play around with the 25th book in the Tea Shop Mystery series. This time, Theodosia is hosting a Limon Tea party. However, when the fashion designer ends up dead, things get serious as her daughter asks Theodosia to find the killer.
I’ve always enjoyed the way Childs writes her stories because she doesn’t wait to get to the good stuff. Within the first few pages of the book, she dives right into the mystery and the first murder, which then sets the pace for the rest of the book. Expect lots of interesting hints and a fast-pace with this book. I think many readers will enjoy this one due to the lemon orchard theme and the fashion fusion it has. It definitely kept me reading all through the night.
Normally, the main heroine sticks out to me often in these Cozy Mystery novels. But Theodosia’s tea sommelier, Drayton, is always fun to read about it too. I think that’s why I find myself coming back to this series again and again. There’s a lot of fun and interesting characters in the main cast and the secondary cast, so there’s a lot to love.
LEMON CURD KILLER is definitely a hit! You definitely don’t want to miss out on this one!
December 23, 2023
*2.75* Stars
Lemon Curd Killer is long-running series featuring Theodosia and her fascinating tea shop. I have long been a fan of the interesting recipes and decadent desserts that have been mentioned throughout the books. The mysteries have often been interesting, and while this one is interesting as well, I am having a lot of difficulty with this series as I am no longer a fan of the main character.
Theodosia, the owner of the tea shop, has slowly been changing throughout the books, and not in a positive way. I have commented about this over several books now and still don't like the way her character is being developed. From a person who was kind and caring, we now have this arrogant woman who is also reckless and somewhat overconfident, and thinks she knows better than everyone around her, including law enforcement, constantly putting everyone around her in danger. She withholds relevant information as if it's her right and then gets upset when she is called out on her immature behaviour, which rarely happens, the author always trying to justify her actions. Honestly, the amount of times I rolled my eyes at the things she said and did...crazy. Now, if Drayton became the main character, that would make my day completely. I don't care how this is done, but please!!
The mystery itself was actually interesting and I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the cavalier actions of said MC did not constantly interrupt the flow of the story. There were quite a few twists and turns and I did find them amusing. However, that being said, I do wish the author paid more attention to her characters and the relationships they had in previous books. There was the issue with Bill Glass and Nadine in this one, acting as if they didn't really know each other, and I also wish the author would develop Riley's character a bit more as all it does it make me wish he would thump Theodosia once in a while (rhetorically, of course).
Lemon Curd Killer seems to have lost its shine. While I didn't dislike the mystery, I was not a fan of the character developments happening for the past few books as I don't think it has been favourable. There used to be quite a few historical facts about the area and about the tea which were a huge bonus, but lately these have been lacking so this rather charming cozy mystery series has developed into a weak oblong tea that is ready to be thrown out. I gave it a few books when the changes started happening, but I think I am done with the series.
Lemon Curd Killer is long-running series featuring Theodosia and her fascinating tea shop. I have long been a fan of the interesting recipes and decadent desserts that have been mentioned throughout the books. The mysteries have often been interesting, and while this one is interesting as well, I am having a lot of difficulty with this series as I am no longer a fan of the main character.
Theodosia, the owner of the tea shop, has slowly been changing throughout the books, and not in a positive way. I have commented about this over several books now and still don't like the way her character is being developed. From a person who was kind and caring, we now have this arrogant woman who is also reckless and somewhat overconfident, and thinks she knows better than everyone around her, including law enforcement, constantly putting everyone around her in danger. She withholds relevant information as if it's her right and then gets upset when she is called out on her immature behaviour, which rarely happens, the author always trying to justify her actions. Honestly, the amount of times I rolled my eyes at the things she said and did...crazy. Now, if Drayton became the main character, that would make my day completely. I don't care how this is done, but please!!
The mystery itself was actually interesting and I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the cavalier actions of said MC did not constantly interrupt the flow of the story. There were quite a few twists and turns and I did find them amusing. However, that being said, I do wish the author paid more attention to her characters and the relationships they had in previous books. There was the issue with Bill Glass and Nadine in this one, acting as if they didn't really know each other, and I also wish the author would develop Riley's character a bit more as all it does it make me wish he would thump Theodosia once in a while (rhetorically, of course).
Lemon Curd Killer seems to have lost its shine. While I didn't dislike the mystery, I was not a fan of the character developments happening for the past few books as I don't think it has been favourable. There used to be quite a few historical facts about the area and about the tea which were a huge bonus, but lately these have been lacking so this rather charming cozy mystery series has developed into a weak oblong tea that is ready to be thrown out. I gave it a few books when the changes started happening, but I think I am done with the series.
April 13, 2023
Why did I thought I'd get something completely different than what I read? I mean, Theodosia was even MORE involved with inserting herself into the crimes (which, frankly, was weak at best. I got to the end and was like "THAT was your reason?!) She's very much an older version of a Nancy Drew which while not bad gets annoying.
This book also felt very much like the author got financial kickbacks for mentioning a certain tea company. As someone who has read countless Tea Shop Mysteries, I do not recall that level of name dropping before. So another annoying element.
I want more tea moments. I said that before and I think I will keep saying it again. I just think my lack of a tea room here in Boise Idaho is influencing my feels. Give me tea parties and bring Theo back to how she used to be. Tidwell even took a backseat this time. Not cool.
Not all was bad. The fashion side of things was fun to read (and completely in keeping with the vibe and setting Laura Childs has created)
This book also felt very much like the author got financial kickbacks for mentioning a certain tea company. As someone who has read countless Tea Shop Mysteries, I do not recall that level of name dropping before. So another annoying element.
I want more tea moments. I said that before and I think I will keep saying it again. I just think my lack of a tea room here in Boise Idaho is influencing my feels. Give me tea parties and bring Theo back to how she used to be. Tidwell even took a backseat this time. Not cool.
Not all was bad. The fashion side of things was fun to read (and completely in keeping with the vibe and setting Laura Childs has created)
March 24, 2023
These are so badly written it’s become entertaining to read them. Just when I think I’ve read the most ridiculous, oddly descriptive thing, it gets topped by something else
November 30, 2025
I have been reading the author for years. Somehow, I got a little behind on her books and have a few to catch up on. I know she has other murder mystery book series, but this has been the one that I have been reading.
I think what’s appealing for me in this series is the Tea shop with all the different types of tea. Also the location is intriguing for me. I love all the characters and how it’s written. Drayton, how he picks out the Tea blends and is quite the gentleman. Yet he gets roped into helping Theodosia solve the mysteries. Haley who’s the cook is a sweet character and I always love learning about what she’s up to in the kitchen! There are recipes in the back of the book too! Lots of times there are links to having your own tea party and researching types of tea, etc. the author definitely has researched Tea as a topic. And of course, Theodosia, who is the brains behind the business and the murder mystery solving.
I listened to this book on audiobook and enjoy the narrator. The plot was interesting. There are some unique characters in the community of small business people in the area where the tea shop is located.
I think what’s appealing for me in this series is the Tea shop with all the different types of tea. Also the location is intriguing for me. I love all the characters and how it’s written. Drayton, how he picks out the Tea blends and is quite the gentleman. Yet he gets roped into helping Theodosia solve the mysteries. Haley who’s the cook is a sweet character and I always love learning about what she’s up to in the kitchen! There are recipes in the back of the book too! Lots of times there are links to having your own tea party and researching types of tea, etc. the author definitely has researched Tea as a topic. And of course, Theodosia, who is the brains behind the business and the murder mystery solving.
I listened to this book on audiobook and enjoy the narrator. The plot was interesting. There are some unique characters in the community of small business people in the area where the tea shop is located.
June 28, 2023
Theodosia Browning hosts a Lemon Tea Party in a lemon orchard as part of Fashion Week in Charleston. A fashion designer is murdered and she is asked to help solve the murder. This book mixes tea, food, and fashion with murder. While reading this book, I realized I missed reading about Theodosia's adventures. Now I must search the library for the ones I have not read so I can enjoy this wonderful cozy series, again.
April 16, 2023
I love this series. The characters are wonderful and so relatable. This one kept me guessing until the big reveal. In this one I learned a lot more about the fashion industry.
I also enjoy all the references to various teas and the recipes. These books make me hungry as I love special teas with the enjoyable special dishes!
I listened to the audiobook which brought the story to life
I also enjoy all the references to various teas and the recipes. These books make me hungry as I love special teas with the enjoyable special dishes!
I listened to the audiobook which brought the story to life
October 22, 2023
This is another good entry in the Teashop Mystery series. During a fashion show at a lemon grove, Theo finds the dead body of the woman who was supposed to be a designer of some of the fashions. It turns out to be more than just a dead body; there is drug smuggling and more. Theo and Drayton eventually figure out what is happening, and solve the murder.
March 20, 2023
This story is set around a murder in the fashion world of Charleston. Another murder happens before Theodosia begins to put all the puzzle pieces together. The book had numerous special tea parties and some of the recipes are in the back of the book. It was an easy read.
March 25, 2025
Audiobook, 2.5, I believe it could have been less annoying if I read it on kindle. Vapid nonsense about purses, clothes, and high tea with a murder or two thrown in. This book was a gift from someone who obviously doesn’t know me well.
September 1, 2023
This was a little lighter than the previous book in the series which had a serial killer of women.
July 8, 2024
Hands down the worst book I have read in years. Do we need to know what every character is wearing at every moment t if the day? And how every room is decorated. It was like reading a Jay Peterman catalogue (Seinfeld reference)
August 19, 2024
This was one of the better books in the series. I have read all books up to this point. The books take place in Charleston. The author spends some time describing the sites, restaurants and general feel of Charleston. Since I have been to Charleston many times, I can picture the locations, etc. Adds an additional fun factor to the reading.
July 10, 2025
I always love reading about the Tea Shop Mysteries and the zany crew. And this one did not dissappoint. Please keep writing Laura Childs
May 17, 2025
This book had an amazing storyline. The killer was someone you couldn’t figure out until the end. This book had a much smoother ending than the last book I read by Laura Childs. The recipes are amazing and a super fun part of reading the book.
July 9, 2024
Another light read - perfect audio book for a summer road trip.
April 21, 2023
The plot was good with a lot of red herrings. What I found disappointing is how the main character changed. She came across as totally self absorbed with no concern for the feelings of others.
She actually was pretty stupid at times. Her boyfriend is a police Detective but she doesn’t tell him things because he would be upset with her investigation. I’m disappointed if this is the way the
Stories and character development Is headed.
I may read the next book,but if it’s more of the same I’ll be done with the series.
She actually was pretty stupid at times. Her boyfriend is a police Detective but she doesn’t tell him things because he would be upset with her investigation. I’m disappointed if this is the way the
Stories and character development Is headed.
I may read the next book,but if it’s more of the same I’ll be done with the series.
October 2, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I loved all the pairings of the teas. Who knew there were so many types of teas.
March 16, 2023
Theodosia Browning, who owns a Charleston tea shop, is hosting an event tea in a lemon orchard when she discovers an unpleasant guest has been murdered. She sets about to solve the mystery, with the help of her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton.
I wanted to read this novel because of the Charleston setting, and the tea/foodie emphasis. I have read several books in this series, but not all, but found Lemon Curd Killer worked fine as a standalone mystery.
The thing I love most about this series is how immersive it is. Laura Childs does such a wonderful job at setting the scene in Charleston, and at the tea shop.
If you are a foodie, you will absolutely love the food descriptions in this book, like:
“It’s lovely to see all of you today for our springtime Irish Cream Tea— and I do thank you for coming. Since you’re probably eager for lunch— and to see what our chef has dreamed up— I’m delighted to give you the rundown.” There was a spatter of applause and then Theodosia continued. “Today’s luncheon will begin with Irish soda scones served with Irish creamery butter and your choice of strawberry preserves or orange marmalade. The scones will be followed by a bowl of house -made potato-leek soup. For our main course, we’ll be serving baked brown sugar salmon with sides of caramelized asparagus and heritage tomato salad. And the tea you’re sipping right now is Irish Breakfast Tea from Simpson and Vail.” (eBook location 2633).
Theodosia is a determined amateur detective (and she's very brave, venturing out late at night looking for clues!). There were several strong suspects and I was surprised to see who the killer actually was.
I recommend Lemon Curd Killer and the Tea Shop Mystery series, for fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who has an interest in Charleston, tea, or wonderful foodie details.
I wanted to read this novel because of the Charleston setting, and the tea/foodie emphasis. I have read several books in this series, but not all, but found Lemon Curd Killer worked fine as a standalone mystery.
The thing I love most about this series is how immersive it is. Laura Childs does such a wonderful job at setting the scene in Charleston, and at the tea shop.
If you are a foodie, you will absolutely love the food descriptions in this book, like:
“It’s lovely to see all of you today for our springtime Irish Cream Tea— and I do thank you for coming. Since you’re probably eager for lunch— and to see what our chef has dreamed up— I’m delighted to give you the rundown.” There was a spatter of applause and then Theodosia continued. “Today’s luncheon will begin with Irish soda scones served with Irish creamery butter and your choice of strawberry preserves or orange marmalade. The scones will be followed by a bowl of house -made potato-leek soup. For our main course, we’ll be serving baked brown sugar salmon with sides of caramelized asparagus and heritage tomato salad. And the tea you’re sipping right now is Irish Breakfast Tea from Simpson and Vail.” (eBook location 2633).
Theodosia is a determined amateur detective (and she's very brave, venturing out late at night looking for clues!). There were several strong suspects and I was surprised to see who the killer actually was.
I recommend Lemon Curd Killer and the Tea Shop Mystery series, for fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who has an interest in Charleston, tea, or wonderful foodie details.
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