High Tea and Misdemeanors

Tea Shop Mystery #29

by Laura Childs

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping the bride and groom. He will pull through, but his beloved is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Tea, Halloween, Crime

320 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2025

About the author

Laura 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.

Reviews

[Julie Durnell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve loved this series since book one- but the last few have been not so good. High Teas And Misdemeanors was a mess- poorly plotted and Theodosia is way out of control in the common sense department. She does some outrageously stupid stunts. I thought her visit to the injured bridegroom in the hospital was unconscionable- bringing him scones to eat when he’s got cracked ribs and a broken nose, then waking him up to question him about the incident before the police even have a chance to. I don’t like rating a book so poorly but even the lackluster recipes at the back couldn’t raise my rating. On the positive side - the special occasion tea bookings were fun and well done.

[Dale · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read all of the Tea Shop mysteries and this one left me overly frustrated with how absolutely hair-brained and, yes, stupid, Theodosia was. She used absolutely no common sense at all. I hope the author's next book in the series does some character reform, maybe has her acting like an actual detective for once.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read this entire series and have enjoyed it until the last couple books. This was so outlandish and dumb. I cannot come up with any more words. The recipes in the back were awful. She describes all these yummy things, but those aren’t the recipes you get. Bye Theodosia ….

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the tea seatings and halloween fun, but honestly, too many characters suspected felt like a wild goose chase flimsy and short reveals and the ending. Why? Felt very rushed, and honestly, Jamie sounds like a loser. So what happens next, still a wedding? There are too many loose ends and a hurried ending.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s a beautiful day for a wedding. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley have been asked to cater Bettina and Jamie’s nuptials at the Foxtail Flower Farm. They hear a loud crash when they are setting up for the elegant affair. They soon discover the greenhouse where the dinner was to be served has collapsed on top of the bridegroom and the maid of honor. Thanks to Theodosia and Drayton’s heroic efforts the groom survives but the maid of honor succumbs to her injuries. Theodosia has no doubt the tragic event was no accident, it was murder and she is going to do everything she can to prove it.

I loved how this story started – “the killer in the camo shirt, black tactical pants, and blade sunglasses crept ever so carefully between rows of orange chrysanthemums and Chinese silver grass”. I was tuned in and totally engaged.

I love catching up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, and Miss Dimple. Riley too, but sometimes he tics me off. 🙂 Delaine was the bride’s aunt so she seemed to be everywhere. Her “hysteria and theatrics” started to annoy Drayton – “She’s driving me berserk” and that was before the greenhouse tumbled to the ground. I love how Ms. Childs’ characters come alive with her words. The dialogues always ring true and the relationships are genuine. Theodosia and Drayton make a fantastic team both at her Indigo Tea Shop and when they are sleuthing out a murderer. Theodosia is always gung-ho but sometimes Drayton needs to be convinced to take part in her escapades. He does try to talk her out of things when he believes she is going too far or putting them in unnecessary danger, but capitulation usually follows. Their banter is priceless.

What an awful way to die and Theodosia was immediately on the scene. As she was helping remove the victims from the rubble she was looking for clues and observing everything and everyone. When Riley arrives she has a great theory but it took some persuasion to get him to follow the lead. He knows she has good instincts and she is right more than she is wrong. Yes, he tics me off sometimes, but he does come through in the clutch. And boy, that was a good thing this time. What an ending! A little abrupt but there is no denying it was powerful.

Be sure to check out the recipes and tea time tips. I want to try them all.

High Tea and Misdemeanors is another excellent addition to this long-running series. At 29 books, these characters have stood the test of time and continue to entertain readers every day. I am so excited for the next book in the series, Murder at a Firefly Tea. I haven’t seen a release date for it yet but I know it will be worth the wait!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Barbara Markusic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't care for this one AT ALL and I've read them all!
Theodosia was not in character and acted Ridiculously Stupid!
This actually read like someone else wrote it!
I read the intro for the next book and in one chapter it felt more like the others.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laura Childs shows no signs of stopping! With another hit in the Teashop Mystery series, HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS is sure to win over reader’s hearts again.

There is a lot of action in the latest book by Laura Childs. Rife with intrigue and suspense, I found myself captivated by this book. The mystery moves at a fast clip, keeping readers on their toes. I love the point-of-view from the killer’s perspective too in the beginning as it adds more to the urgency of the plot.

I also loved how we could see Theodosia in action. Her mind moves faster with each book, showing how experienced she’s become as an amateur sleuth. It makes her one of my favorite heroines to read.

HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS receives high praise from me. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[Rebecca Oerman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The series is getting redundant. Someone dies, Theodosia swears she won’t look into it, she looks into it, she almost dies but solves the crime. But in this one, Theodosia is unusually stupid, using no common sense whatsoever, with Drayton right beside her. The rescue was especially unbelievable, by the way. I’ve always liked this series and looked forward to the new releases, but something’s got to change

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Indigo Tea Shop is catering Delaine Dish's niece Bettina's wedding. It is a high society event held in the country, at a flower farm. The reception will be inside the greenhouse where a killer silently creeps in to dismantle the walls. When bridesmaid Celeste tries to sneak a peek inside the decorated greenhouse and groom Jamie follows to bring her back, the greenhouse collapses and kills Celeste. Jamie is badly injured as well and Delaine is beside herself. Her niece, naturally upset, wants to know what happened. Celeste's sister arrives in town and asks Theo to investigate. Theo is reluctant to get involved- they're so busy with Halloween and autumn themed teas but the local police out in the country don't seem to be getting anywhere. Maybe she can ask around and look around after all. The killer finds it amusing to play cat and mouse with Theodosia and Drayton and provides a clue. Can Theo figure it out before it's too late?

This mystery was so-so for me. Some of the scenes are from the point-of-view of the killer which makes it a little easier to guess whodunit. The killer gives Theo a clue about 3/4 of the way into the book and I KNEW then who did it. I thought Theo was pretty stupid until the climax when the clue was revealed. It was not what I expected but I did guess the killer correctly. The story ends abruptly and I need some closure. Will Bettina marry Jamie after all? Is all his money going to drugs? Did the undercover cop get the drug dealer or did he weasel away again? I love the themed teas, especially the Victorian death tea. That sounds like fun. Reading about all the amazing teas makes me spend my money on more tea! 

Theo's investigation is WAY over the top and not even close to being on the mark. Everyone thinks she's this great sleuth but she has yet to figure out a murder without nearly getting someone killed or getting killed herself. She's really ridiculous stubborn and stupid in this book. The police are trained professionals. Theo goes around badgering and harassing people, lying, sneaking around and putting her nose where it doesn't belong. She nearly gets Drayton killed- AGAIN!  Theo makes Haley do all the clean up while Theo and Drayton run off to investigate. Poor Haley had been cooking all day and deserved a break. Miss Dimple has to come and help too and they both say they don't mind but it's really tough to like Theo when nothing she does is kind. When she's asked to help another woman start her own business, Theo sort of thinks about it, sort of dismisses it and lets Drayton do most of the work. She ends up looking at the plan but that's all. She's a terrible girlfriend, disregarding her boyfriend's fears for her safety and uses him to try to get information. He's wise to her and for some reason, Riley still loves Theo. I don't get it. Drayton is a good and loyal friend but he needs to go far away from Theodosia or he'll end up dead. The vampire ballet sounds intriguing and I'm impressed Timothy Neville was willing to think outside the box AND no murders happen.

Delaine is as selfish and annoying as ever. Her niece Bettina is understandably upset. I'm not sure how well she actually knows Jamie, her groom. She can't think of any enemies who would want to harm him. Jamie seems a little immature and lazy to me. We don't actually learn that much about him. He can only name one person who hates him. Delaine seems to like him for the prestige of having her niece married to this wealthy guy. I accidentally skipped a few books so I don't know if there's more story I'm missing but it sounds like Delaine is into the wedding and the idea of the prestige it brings more than caring about the actual guy. Even if Jamie has his faults, he doesn't deserve to be targeted and killed. The killer is a real sicko and their idea of a joke is not funny. Celeste didn't deserve to be killed. She was nosy and maybe ditzy but young and full of life. Her death was nasty and violent but quick. Who would reasonably want to kill her?

Celeste's sister doesn't seem so brokenhearted on the death of her sister. She asks Theo to investigate and then later reveals she has a strong motive to have killed her sister. I don't fully trust Sabrina. Karl Reuff, Celeste's ex-boyfriend, is a rough customer. Bettina, too, has a horrible ex. Adam Lynch He has serious anger management problems, is a terrible manager and generally an unpleasant person. If Jamie was the intended target, Martin Hunt is a suspect because he invested heavily in something Jamie said wasn't a solid thing and when Jamie's prediction proved correct, Martin blames Jamie for his mistake. Martin Hunt is a meathead, a boxing champion who could do some damage but why try to kill Jamie at his wedding by chance and not just knock him out? Like Bettina, Jamie has an ex-fiancé, Barbara "Babs" Campbell. Babs is bubbly, a little kooky and fan girls Theodosia. Babs has a business idea she wants to get off the ground and approaches Theodosia for help. I am suspicious of Babs. She shows up at Celeste's funeral because she knows Jamie is going to be there, she knows a whole lot of information (that may be public knowledge) and is a little too THERE for my personal comfort. She may be innocent, just enthusiastic and she may honestly care about Jamie as a friend. The final suspect is Slide, Charleston elite's drug dealer. He has a wealthy, influential father who manages to get the dealer out of trouble. Theodosia makes Slide her problem too, in addition to the murder, assuming he's not the killer. That would be way too obvious and stupid even for a drug dealer.

Newcomers to Charleston include Grace Warner, an antiques dealer. She has Theo's number and knows just what to sell to intrigue a "tea lady"! I really like bookseller Lois and her adorable little dog Pumpkin. I want to see Pumpkin and Earl Grey have a play date. Lois is an ex-librarian and knows where to find information at the tip of her fingers without using the internet! Yes! Books! Charlie Skipstead hosts the Charleston Shivers podcast and is very interested in Theodosia's murder solving skills and this latest case. That's a creepy interest and people actually listen to this podcast! Bill Glass has competition in the slimy reporter department. Ken Lotter is even more nosy and intrusive than Bill but at least he doesn't try to mooch free tea and food. Bill may be annoying and a moocher but he's familiar and somewhat comforting to know he's NOT a suspect.

I continue to read these books for the tea content and not for the mysteries. I hope Theo learns her lessons and quits investigating even if I will miss the tea!

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the first time since I started reading this sometimes daffy yet entertaining mystery series, I figured out who the killer was before the end! That never happens.

This series is truly an ode to Charleston, an historic southern city in South Carolina. Though the actions of the protagonist, Theodosia Browning, are impulsive and not quite realistic--honestly, as the owner of Charleston's most popular tea shop, she would be much too busy to be an amateur sleuth--the colorful characters, tempting and creative food and tea descriptions, and constant social calendar keep me coming back for more. It's the very reason I visited Charleston many years ago!

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Laura Childs has brewed up another cute cozy. Theodosia Browning owns a quaint tea shop, but somehow manages to find the time to go chasing after clues. When the wedding that she is catering literally falls apart, causing murder and mayhem, it gives a whole new meaning to the term wedding crasher. As usual, grieving relatives beg "Charleston's own Nancy Drew" to find the culprit. This time, the author stepped away from her own formula and started the novel from the killer's point of view. Most of the story is written in third person about our sleuth. But by occasionally slipping into the mind of the villain, we realize that she is not only crazy smart, but quite crazy too. This culinary cozy series always offers up several suspects, tasty red herrings, action at the end, and an afterword with recipes. The tea shop is filled with lots of fun characters, who I love to revisit with each new book. Theodosia is a smart woman who somehow manages to constantly put herself in danger. Although readers love her, I adore her trusty friend Drayton who always gets dragged into trouble with her. One of the best surprises this time was who actually comes to the rescue!

[Tiffany E-P · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just want to say thank you to the publisher/editor because the language, wording and expressions in this book were clearly cleaned up. Huge improvement in the writing. And my rating reflects that.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I may have read too many of these books!

[Bonita Slovinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book from A Tea Shop Mystery series I have read. I enjoyed the read, and thought the characters worked together well. The setting of Charleston a great one. Theodosia Browning the tea shop owner, is thoughtful of her business, employees , and clever tea themed parties.
An autumn wedding in a greenhouse started as a disaster, with the groom being injured and a guest being killed as the greenhouse collapses, Theodosia, believing that this is no accident, begins to investigate the tragedy and shares what she finds out with her significant other, Pete Riley, a police detective, who passes on the information to the local Sheriff. What she discovers puts her in danger.
When I looked at other reviews, I found that many felt this story did not stand up to others in the series. This book is #29 in the series. I will look forward to reading the first book as a comparison.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Theodosia, Drayton, Miss Dimple, Haley and Earl Grey. On the other hand, I would be thrilled if Delaine and Riley disappeared from the series. Anyway, as usual something disastrous happens at an even Theodosia is catering (remind anyone of someone visiting Cabot Cove on Murder She Wrote? or the unnamed Star Trek crew member at the beginning of an original Star Trek episode?). Theodosia begins investigating, of course. Once again my favorite parts of the book were the tea events. Sometimes it feels like the rest of the book is pretty formulaic with a bunch of red herring suspects. Oh well, I always enjoy the recipes in the back and it is a very quick read.

[Sallie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all Laura’s books. I usually love them but this one fell flat. First the murder, then Theadosia investigates against her police boyfriend’s wishes, goes on stupid wild goose chase and said boyfriend arrives just in time to save her. Book ends. I love the detail in her books, the characters are real and believable. I knew who the murderer was by chapter three. Laura do better. Maybe you’re churning them out too fast. I love your writing but please fix the plot.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts at a wedding but ends at a very different location. Theo starts asking questions and soon realizes she maybe in danger from the killer. The book was an easy read.

[Jodi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was rolling my eyes at Theodosia the whole time. Were the police just sitting around doing nothing? Is she an actual detective? Why does no one yell and her and tell her to stop, but no, really STOP. I have read all of these books, but she is losing her mind in the last few. And I knew who the killer was way before the ending. Bring back the old Theo!

[Margaret Timm]

I have never been disappointed with any of the Teashop Mystery Series. This recent publication was delightful and unexpected. I so enjoy Theodosia and Drayton. Lovely.

[Caren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really do enjoy this series, but this one was different. The writing style was different. Same characters, same setting, another murder to solve. But I prefer the old style.

[Alicia Kronick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series!!! And the recipes !!! Once again, a refreshing tea shop mystery but alas, I actually figured out the ending this time but still a great read!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another delightful outing, which I sipped in one day.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another fun, super light mystery. A greenhouse collapse kills a bridesmaid and injures the groom at a wedding Theodosia Brown, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is catering. Theodosia spends the rest of the week hosting high-end tea events and investigating various suspects while never missing a jogging session with her dog. No wonder she has no time for her sort-of-boyfriend Detective Pete Riley. I had to read the ending twice before I could figure out why the psycho killer did it. I guess some rejected women can't just slash a guys tires and get on with their lives.

[Christa (haines) Sheridan · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm done. This book has killed my interest in the series. I did not enjoy the way Theo immediately implicated herself in the investigation and really, Riley is not a strong supporting character. I've lost my desire to anxiously await the next book.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as in the past . I figured out Who the guilty party was by chapter 3,she was so obvious ,and Theodosia did some pretty stupid things .why she doesn’t confide things to her policeman boyfriend who is a homicide .detective.

The stories have lost the charm that they once had

[Sunsettowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion or my review itself.

Let me start by saying I absolutely love this series. The characters are wonderful, the setting is magical, and the mysteries are always good. This series is the definition of cozy.

In this entry to the series, a wedding is suddenly shattered when glass shards come raining down. The bride and groom are safe but a bridesmaid has been killed. Theo and her friends are on the case, finding their way through multiple suspects and motives to solve the murder. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Stacey Cormier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe my journey with Theo and Drayton ends here. 29 books is enough for me

[Darnly Motter · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was definitely not up to the quality of her earlier books. Characters words and actions were not developed as well. It seemed rushed. I hope future books are better since I have enjoyed this series so much.

[Benedetta777 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can understand why the release of this book was delayed. It's definitely not up to par with others in the series. I knew who the killer and the motive the minute they were introduced. Although I did enjoy reading the killer's thoughts when they were stalking Theodosia--that was a new technique for this series.

It is mentioned that Theodosia was instrumental in solving a murder at a winery a few months ago, but never mentions that she solved the murder of the bride, Bettina. Nor one of the many fiancé's of Delaine or proved that Delaine's beau is a murder. Poor, poor vapid Delaine.

Theodosia jumps to conclusions with no intelligence or thought at all. She gets dumber with every chapter. Drayton has become nothing but a clown in a bow tie, Haley just a parrot repeating what the others say. The remaining recurring characters such as Tidwell, Glass, and Timothy, even Earl Grey, just make cameo appearances. There's no banter about low-country history or culture. I miss the description of new teas or tea history.

Delaine has become so annoying I half hope she's the victim in the next installment.

I will probably read the 30th book, but I am desperately hoping it gets better.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another cozy mystery. This was not as good or an enjoyable as her books in the past. There is always
Something going on at the tea shop. There are recipes at the end. The plot was ok, but the action and
Suspense was lacking. Hopefully the next book will be better and not as confusing. Still an ok read.