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Tea Shop Mystery #18
Pekoe Most Poison
In the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs, Theodosia Browning attends a "Rat Tea," where the mice will play...at murder.
When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is invited by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston's most prominent hostesses, to a "Rat Tea," she is understandably intrigued. As servers dressed in rodent costumes and wearing white gloves offer elegant finger sandwiches and fine teas, Theo learns these parties date back to early twentieth-century Charleston, where the cream of society would sponsor so-called rat teas to promote city rodent control and better public health.
But this party goes from odd to chaotic when a fire starts at one of the tables and Doreen's entrepreneur husband suddenly goes into convulsions and drops dead. Has his favorite orange pekoe tea been poisoned? Theo smells a rat.
The distraught Doreen soon engages Theo to pursue a discreet inquiry into who might have murdered her husband. As Theo and her tea sommelier review the guest list for suspects, they soon find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse...
INCLUDES RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS
When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is invited by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston's most prominent hostesses, to a "Rat Tea," she is understandably intrigued. As servers dressed in rodent costumes and wearing white gloves offer elegant finger sandwiches and fine teas, Theo learns these parties date back to early twentieth-century Charleston, where the cream of society would sponsor so-called rat teas to promote city rodent control and better public health.
But this party goes from odd to chaotic when a fire starts at one of the tables and Doreen's entrepreneur husband suddenly goes into convulsions and drops dead. Has his favorite orange pekoe tea been poisoned? Theo smells a rat.
The distraught Doreen soon engages Theo to pursue a discreet inquiry into who might have murdered her husband. As Theo and her tea sommelier review the guest list for suspects, they soon find themselves drawn into a dangerous game of cat and mouse...
INCLUDES RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2017
315 people are currently reading
2499 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 355 reviews
April 7, 2017
I hate to rate this book so low as I have totally enjoyed this charming series from the beginning. However, I have noticed a change over the last few books - this one in particular. Where did all that snarkiness from Theodosia come from? She was never like that before - and I don't find it appealing in the context of this series. I am the queen of snark usually, but it belongs in other types of books, not this series. I also found Drayton's character to be inconsistent in this one - he has always been described as a "Luddite", technologically challenged, yet in this story he knows what eBay is? The story seemed to just spin and spin around going nowhere until about 85% through when it picked up the pace for a decent conclusion to the story (although the suspect came out of nowhere) as well as returning to what has worked in the past for this series - descriptions of the Indigo Tea Shop's wonderful themed events and the charm and lush descriptions of the tea shop food. And I do enjoy the recipes and tea party ideas at the end. I did find the "rat tea" a weird thing...
October 29, 2024
Theodosia and company are catering a Rat teas, which goes back to olden days in Charlotte. Naturally, someone is poisoned. Desperate to clear her shop's name, Theodosia goes on the case. There's the usual secrets and crimes involved.
Predictable, but not bad.
Predictable, but not bad.
March 27, 2017
It's hard to believe that after 18 books in this series, Ms. Childs succeeds wonderfully with another engaging mystery. I also love this series because Charleston is one of my favorite cities so it makes me feel close to the Carolinas.. The main characters of Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley continue to evolve and "minor" characters like Delaine and Timothy of the Heritage Society also have their roles. New characters are brought in to reflect the "nouveau riche" entering the area known as "South of Broad", also eloquently painted by the late Pat Conroy. But back to the mystery at hand: Who killed Beau Briggs? Many red herrings, differing but compelling motives, an off the wall PR representative, and FINALLY--a possible romantic interest for Theodosia. No spoilers here.. Read the book and then.. like me.. wait for Number 19!!
March 31, 2017
The history of the "rat tea" was fasinating but left me a little squimish as the servers at the tea that Theodosia and Drayton attended were dressed as rats. I was not fond of the way Theodosia was protrayed in the beginning of the book with her perfectly waxed eye brows, it made her seem like a unrelatable character.
She redeems herself quite nicely along with the employees of the Indigo Tea Shop, Drayton, the tea sommenier and Hailey the chef and when she teams up with Drayton to solve the murder of Beau Briggs.
Revenge, intrigue along with a unique method of the murder. Charleston's high society characters that you come to expect from Laura Child's Tea Shop Mysteries and the tea time and delicious tea time fare.
She redeems herself quite nicely along with the employees of the Indigo Tea Shop, Drayton, the tea sommenier and Hailey the chef and when she teams up with Drayton to solve the murder of Beau Briggs.
Revenge, intrigue along with a unique method of the murder. Charleston's high society characters that you come to expect from Laura Child's Tea Shop Mysteries and the tea time and delicious tea time fare.
May 21, 2017
Rant ahead!
The first half of the book was excellent, but at some point toward the middle, I started losing interest and getting frustrated with Theodosia. I understand her curiosity drives the story, but this was ridiculous. Theodosia became very defiant in regard to the Detective's orders (more so than in previous books) to stay away from the investigation, she seemed to make serious accusations without anything more than a hunch, and other than a passing comment about "eating crow", she never seemed to give a thought to apologizing for the lives and/or reputations she may have ruined. Her "I know everything" attitude became a real turnoff. I also found myself growing increasingly perturbed at the lack of reality in the story (yes, still realizing this is fiction). For example, the constant interjection on Theodosia's part into what should be official police business was very far-fetched, even for a fictional scenario.
Other than this, my displeasure at this particular book seemed to stem from the writing style. I don't know if Ms. Child's publisher requires a certain number of words per manuscript or if pushing to meet the requirements simply led to a less-than-natural style of storytelling, but I felt the dialogue between characters was forced. I don't know anyone who constantly refers to their own business by it's full name every time they mention it. For example, most people in Theodosia's position would likely say "I'm going back to the shop" or "We're hosting the event here" rather than constantly saying "I'm going back to the Indigo Tea Shop" or "We're hosting the event here at the Indigo Tea Shop" or something along these lines. Additionally, when talking to people who are all involved in a common situation, chances are she would not continually refer to "the Spa" as "the Gilded Magnolia Spa". It became frustrating for me as most normal people just have a much more natural speaking style and this certainly wasn't it.
It was not my favorite book. I hope the next one will provide a more satisfying read.
The first half of the book was excellent, but at some point toward the middle, I started losing interest and getting frustrated with Theodosia. I understand her curiosity drives the story, but this was ridiculous. Theodosia became very defiant in regard to the Detective's orders (more so than in previous books) to stay away from the investigation, she seemed to make serious accusations without anything more than a hunch, and other than a passing comment about "eating crow", she never seemed to give a thought to apologizing for the lives and/or reputations she may have ruined. Her "I know everything" attitude became a real turnoff. I also found myself growing increasingly perturbed at the lack of reality in the story (yes, still realizing this is fiction). For example, the constant interjection on Theodosia's part into what should be official police business was very far-fetched, even for a fictional scenario.
Other than this, my displeasure at this particular book seemed to stem from the writing style. I don't know if Ms. Child's publisher requires a certain number of words per manuscript or if pushing to meet the requirements simply led to a less-than-natural style of storytelling, but I felt the dialogue between characters was forced. I don't know anyone who constantly refers to their own business by it's full name every time they mention it. For example, most people in Theodosia's position would likely say "I'm going back to the shop" or "We're hosting the event here" rather than constantly saying "I'm going back to the Indigo Tea Shop" or "We're hosting the event here at the Indigo Tea Shop" or something along these lines. Additionally, when talking to people who are all involved in a common situation, chances are she would not continually refer to "the Spa" as "the Gilded Magnolia Spa". It became frustrating for me as most normal people just have a much more natural speaking style and this certainly wasn't it.
It was not my favorite book. I hope the next one will provide a more satisfying read.
March 3, 2018
Eighteen books in and the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs are still strongly brewed and refreshing!
What can I say about PEKOE MOST POISON that hasn’t already been said about the other seventeen books in this series? I think all of the positive adjectives have been used, and rightly so. The one thing I can say . . . the very fact that this is book eighteen speaks to the brilliant writing talent of Laura Childs. Her middle name must be diversity, because she always manages to make each book in this series unique.
One thing for sure that I can say about this book is, rats! Yes, like the rodent. Author Childs introduces us to the tradition of a Rat Tea. It’s a fascinating piece of history that I knew nothing of. (You’ll learn about it when you read this book!) It also happens to be where the victim in this book is murdered. Very original idea!
This excellent installment of the Tea Shop mysteries had a wonderfully complex plot. With more than a few suspects surfacing in the murder investigation, and business at Indigo Tea Shop being as brisk as ever, protagonist Theodosia “Theo” Browning, and her friend and tea sommelier Drayton really had their hands full trying to solve this murder, and keep things at the shop running smoothly. By the end of the book I was breathless from all the perfectly planned twists in the plot.
And as always, the fun isn’t over after the story is. The back of the book contains recipes, a list of tea resources, and a sneak peek of, SHADOW GIRL, from the suspense thriller Afton Tangler series by Laura, writing under her own name, Gerry Schmitt!
What can I say about PEKOE MOST POISON that hasn’t already been said about the other seventeen books in this series? I think all of the positive adjectives have been used, and rightly so. The one thing I can say . . . the very fact that this is book eighteen speaks to the brilliant writing talent of Laura Childs. Her middle name must be diversity, because she always manages to make each book in this series unique.
One thing for sure that I can say about this book is, rats! Yes, like the rodent. Author Childs introduces us to the tradition of a Rat Tea. It’s a fascinating piece of history that I knew nothing of. (You’ll learn about it when you read this book!) It also happens to be where the victim in this book is murdered. Very original idea!
This excellent installment of the Tea Shop mysteries had a wonderfully complex plot. With more than a few suspects surfacing in the murder investigation, and business at Indigo Tea Shop being as brisk as ever, protagonist Theodosia “Theo” Browning, and her friend and tea sommelier Drayton really had their hands full trying to solve this murder, and keep things at the shop running smoothly. By the end of the book I was breathless from all the perfectly planned twists in the plot.
And as always, the fun isn’t over after the story is. The back of the book contains recipes, a list of tea resources, and a sneak peek of, SHADOW GIRL, from the suspense thriller Afton Tangler series by Laura, writing under her own name, Gerry Schmitt!
May 22, 2020
RIP, Theodosia. You were a lady once. Your poise, confidence, courage, loyalty, curiosity, civility, and cozy refinement are truly missed.
April 1, 2017
3 stars...I didn't think I could ever give a book in this series such a middle of the road rating. I found Theo to be completely unreasonable/unhinged in this book when it came to finding the murderer and making sure they were apprehended. HOW does a tea shop owner go and demand someone be arrested, especially with such weak evidence?? What kind of cop listens to her and doesn't do more thorough research?? I missed having Tidwell around (surprisingly!)
February 20, 2017
Theodosia Browning and Drayton attend a Rat Tea Party given by Doreen Briggs, one of Charleston hostess to commemorate a time when rats had overran the area. At the party, a fire is accidentally started at the head table and the host collapses and dies. How was the poison from the tea or another source? Doreen cohesive Theo to investigate the murder by dangling a large grant to the Heritage Foundation. Reluctantly, Theo begins to look into the matter. She needs an answer before she is no more. Recipes and tea tips are included. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Berkley through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.
April 30, 2017
Theodosia Browning owns Indigo Tea Shop and has a volunteer sideline going on by investigating murders. Theo and her partner Drayton show up at wealthy Doreen's rat tea party where Doreen's husband starts convulsing and dies. Doreen asks Theo to help investigate and, since she unfortunately observed the debacle, Theo agrees. Suspects abound and Theo follows up on leads as she serves up tasty scones and other foods along with fragrant teas.
As a cozy mystery, I rate this one as 5 stars. Here's what I liked best: strong female lead who thinks rationally but with a bit of an attitude, scrumptious food with recipes, and, of course, companionship of a dog. I haven't read even one of the previous 17 books in this series, but I didn't feel like I missed anything. I've read other books by Laura Childs which I really enjoyed and I would certainly read others in this series.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway
As a cozy mystery, I rate this one as 5 stars. Here's what I liked best: strong female lead who thinks rationally but with a bit of an attitude, scrumptious food with recipes, and, of course, companionship of a dog. I haven't read even one of the previous 17 books in this series, but I didn't feel like I missed anything. I've read other books by Laura Childs which I really enjoyed and I would certainly read others in this series.
I received this book for free in an author giveaway
March 1, 2017
Rec'd ARC from Netgalley -- thank you!
My first tea shop mystery, but I don't think I will be continuing this series. Delectable descriptions of food and drinks, but the mystery wasn't too engaging to me. I did like the main characters - Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley - and I liked a particular scene where Theodosia is looking around her home and thinking how much she loves it and how content she is there.
My first tea shop mystery, but I don't think I will be continuing this series. Delectable descriptions of food and drinks, but the mystery wasn't too engaging to me. I did like the main characters - Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley - and I liked a particular scene where Theodosia is looking around her home and thinking how much she loves it and how content she is there.
April 21, 2021
Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs is the 18th book in the Tea Shop Mystery series. Theodosia and Drayton are attending a rat tea when their host is poisoned and they are asked by the hostess to investigate his death. Another charming and engaging addition to the series. I enjoyed reading about the various events and happenings at the Indigo Tea Shop, but I found the investigation a bit chaotic and especially the ending where Theodosia uncharacteristically attacks her suspect virtually just on a hunch. I love the setting and especially the food and teas but the mystery was a bit of a letdown this time.
November 17, 2024
Theodosia and Drayton have been invited to a "rat tea" at the home of philanthropist Doreen Briggs. The theme is unusual but fun- until a table catches on fire and Doreen's husband drops dead. A big fan of Orange Pekoe tea, Theo worries someone poisoned Beau's tea. Thankfully Indigo Tea Shop wasn't catering this time! A new detective is on the case and he agrees with Theodosia's assessment of poison. Who could have poisoned Beau Briggs and why? A distraught Doreen latches on to Theo's voice of calm and reason during the chaos and informs Drayton she'll make a substantial donation to the Heritage Society if Theo can investigate what happened. Theo doesn't want to get involved this time but the Heritage Society is important to Drayton and it will cease to exist if they don't get an influx of money soon and Theo is curious enough to want to know who did it and why. Can she solve the crime before someone else ends up dead?
I didn't enjoy the plot of this novel very much. I didn't care who the murderer was and I didn't like Theo's investigation methods. The rat tea is weird but the history behind it is interesting. As always, the tea is lovely and adds to my tea wish list! I find it a bit hard to believe the tea room serves lunch AND afternoon tea with only Haley to cook and Theo and Drayton and sometimes Miss Dimple to help out. I've only heard of tea rooms that serve "high tea" (with food) and afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, and sweets) and none are walk in! I'm tired of the Charleston elite. Where are the normal people? There is at least one new Black woman in the story but ONE doesn't reflect reality. I still think the Heritage Society needs a new vision to make history more relevant and interesting for more people and less of the old guard. Sure it's the old guard who have the money but now they don't so time for some new blood. A little bit helps.
Theo is the most annoying investigator. She's told not to tell anyone the murder method and she goes around telling everyone, even the suspects and witnesses! It's a bizarre method and she doesn't bother to find out how someone could have done it. Theo goes around accosting and accusing suspects, calling the cops of them with no evidence and nearly kills the murderer at the end! She's nuts! She also needs to tell Delaine to back off. I'm tired of reading about her beauty too. There's also a new romance brewing for her which she instigates to get what she wants. What about the art dealer guy? What happened with him? Drayton should know better than to encourage Theo and he nearly pays for it with his life. When did he get a dog and why? He seems too fastidious for a pet or at least for a dog. He shows a remarkable amount of disregard for his own health and safety in this book. Haley is sweet and shows she truly does care about Drayton even if she likes to push his buttons.
Delaine is obnoxious but for once doesn't latch on to a suspected killer as her newest gentleman caller or whatever the southern term is for boyfriend. Bill Glass is sleazy and a mooch but he does share what he knows with Theo and he does have to make a living, even if it isn't an honorable one. When Theo learns of the murder weapon, she should have contacted Timothy at the Heritage Society because their newest exhibit may have been burgled. No one seems to think of that.
Doreen Briggs is described as scatterbrained at the best of times but Theo suspects Doreen might be faking it. She's certainly flummoxed when her husband dies and seems to be grieving and unable to function. Is she really or is it an act? She's out and about quickly and she's aware enough to hold the Heritage Society over Drayton to get Theo to investigate instead of waiting for the cops. Theo can't seem to wait for the cops either. It's hard to know what Beau was really like. Doreen indicates that his views were old-fashioned and he wasn't very good at judging sound investments. He squandered her family money, making these characters sound like they're right out of Regency England. Newsflash! Married women can have their own money and property, at least at the time the story takes place in the 2010s. She should have seen a lawyer about separating their finances and getting her money he didn't have permission to invest back.
Doreen's household is weird. Her adult son Charles would be my first choice of suspect. Unlike Doreen, he doesn't have any legal way of stopping Beau from spending all Doreen's money. I'm sure Charles expects to inherit all that sooner than later. I'm sure he was furious with his stepfather. Yes, yes, poison is a woman's weapon but the method of administering the poison leads me to think we're looking for a male suspect. Beau's stepdaughter Opal Anne, seems nice. She is a comfort to Doreen and a big help to Theo. Yet, Theo doesn't want to wait for the cops to look into the information Opal Anne provides. Theo just assumes it's correct and doesn't even ask how Opal Anne knows. She trusts Opal Anne. After all, what motive could she have? Now, Starla Crane, on the other hand, is the obvious suspect. A PR guru with a firm no one's heard of, she practically lives in Doreen's house. Starla is rude and antagonistic to Theo who is rude back. Theo doesn't trust Starla. Starla seems like she's creating situations to leach money from Doreen. Could she have killed Beau to create a situation in which Doreen needs her? Or did she do it because he was doing something that was bad PR for his new spa?
Doreen's neighbors, Honey and Michael Whitley are vultures. They're eager to get their hands on Doreen's house to expand their B&B. They're trying to profit from her grief and are determined to wear her down when she's vulnerable. I'm not sure that makes them murderers but certainly not very moral people. Did they approach Beau first and he turned them down? Did they think Doreen would be easier to convince if Beau was out of the picture? Theo has her sights set on Beau's business partner, Reggie Huston. Reggie is allegedly embezzling money from their new spa venture and other slightly shady business practices. He's not too bright, a total egomaniac and his girlfriend is probably using him but he won't care. I'm not sure he's the murderer. He doesn't seem smart enough to have planned it or smart enough to know where to get the poison! What about Robert Steele, the venture capitalist with whom Beau invested Doreen's money unwisely? Robert Steele won't give the money back. Did he kill Beau over the money? He seems like an unsavory, shady character according to the little Theo knows about him and his business. A smooth talker and a charmer, he may be a snake oil salesman! I'm not sure he's actually committed any crimes including murder but may be unethical and may actually be running a scam.
Marcus Covey, a freelance waiter, was working for the catering company at the rat tea. He's either a suspect or a witness. Theo thinks he seemed nervous and may have lied to the cops. Did he or is she just imagining things? I'm not sure she got a good look at Marcus enough to know for sure. She's determined to question him but never gets the chance and doesn't even think about the consequences of telling people she wants to question him! She doesn't show remorse either.
This wasn't the best mystery in the series but I enjoyed the tea tips and information. I hope the next one is better.
Detective Riley is very nice - too nice. He has a thing for Theo and her scones and lets it cloud his judgment. For a brief moment he goes into cop mode on her and seems like he's going to do the right thing but then he lets his feelings take over. I hope Tidwell comes back soon!
I didn't enjoy the plot of this novel very much. I didn't care who the murderer was and I didn't like Theo's investigation methods. The rat tea is weird but the history behind it is interesting. As always, the tea is lovely and adds to my tea wish list! I find it a bit hard to believe the tea room serves lunch AND afternoon tea with only Haley to cook and Theo and Drayton and sometimes Miss Dimple to help out. I've only heard of tea rooms that serve "high tea" (with food) and afternoon tea (sandwiches, scones, and sweets) and none are walk in! I'm tired of the Charleston elite. Where are the normal people? There is at least one new Black woman in the story but ONE doesn't reflect reality. I still think the Heritage Society needs a new vision to make history more relevant and interesting for more people and less of the old guard. Sure it's the old guard who have the money but now they don't so time for some new blood. A little bit helps.
Theo is the most annoying investigator. She's told not to tell anyone the murder method and she goes around telling everyone, even the suspects and witnesses! It's a bizarre method and she doesn't bother to find out how someone could have done it. Theo goes around accosting and accusing suspects, calling the cops of them with no evidence and nearly kills the murderer at the end! She's nuts! She also needs to tell Delaine to back off. I'm tired of reading about her beauty too. There's also a new romance brewing for her which she instigates to get what she wants. What about the art dealer guy? What happened with him? Drayton should know better than to encourage Theo and he nearly pays for it with his life. When did he get a dog and why? He seems too fastidious for a pet or at least for a dog. He shows a remarkable amount of disregard for his own health and safety in this book. Haley is sweet and shows she truly does care about Drayton even if she likes to push his buttons.
Delaine is obnoxious but for once doesn't latch on to a suspected killer as her newest gentleman caller or whatever the southern term is for boyfriend. Bill Glass is sleazy and a mooch but he does share what he knows with Theo and he does have to make a living, even if it isn't an honorable one. When Theo learns of the murder weapon, she should have contacted Timothy at the Heritage Society because their newest exhibit may have been burgled. No one seems to think of that.
Doreen Briggs is described as scatterbrained at the best of times but Theo suspects Doreen might be faking it. She's certainly flummoxed when her husband dies and seems to be grieving and unable to function. Is she really or is it an act? She's out and about quickly and she's aware enough to hold the Heritage Society over Drayton to get Theo to investigate instead of waiting for the cops. Theo can't seem to wait for the cops either. It's hard to know what Beau was really like. Doreen indicates that his views were old-fashioned and he wasn't very good at judging sound investments. He squandered her family money, making these characters sound like they're right out of Regency England. Newsflash! Married women can have their own money and property, at least at the time the story takes place in the 2010s. She should have seen a lawyer about separating their finances and getting her money he didn't have permission to invest back.
Doreen's household is weird. Her adult son Charles would be my first choice of suspect. Unlike Doreen, he doesn't have any legal way of stopping Beau from spending all Doreen's money. I'm sure Charles expects to inherit all that sooner than later. I'm sure he was furious with his stepfather. Yes, yes, poison is a woman's weapon but the method of administering the poison leads me to think we're looking for a male suspect. Beau's stepdaughter Opal Anne, seems nice. She is a comfort to Doreen and a big help to Theo. Yet, Theo doesn't want to wait for the cops to look into the information Opal Anne provides. Theo just assumes it's correct and doesn't even ask how Opal Anne knows. She trusts Opal Anne. After all, what motive could she have? Now, Starla Crane, on the other hand, is the obvious suspect. A PR guru with a firm no one's heard of, she practically lives in Doreen's house. Starla is rude and antagonistic to Theo who is rude back. Theo doesn't trust Starla. Starla seems like she's creating situations to leach money from Doreen. Could she have killed Beau to create a situation in which Doreen needs her? Or did she do it because he was doing something that was bad PR for his new spa?
Doreen's neighbors, Honey and Michael Whitley are vultures. They're eager to get their hands on Doreen's house to expand their B&B. They're trying to profit from her grief and are determined to wear her down when she's vulnerable. I'm not sure that makes them murderers but certainly not very moral people. Did they approach Beau first and he turned them down? Did they think Doreen would be easier to convince if Beau was out of the picture? Theo has her sights set on Beau's business partner, Reggie Huston. Reggie is allegedly embezzling money from their new spa venture and other slightly shady business practices. He's not too bright, a total egomaniac and his girlfriend is probably using him but he won't care. I'm not sure he's the murderer. He doesn't seem smart enough to have planned it or smart enough to know where to get the poison! What about Robert Steele, the venture capitalist with whom Beau invested Doreen's money unwisely? Robert Steele won't give the money back. Did he kill Beau over the money? He seems like an unsavory, shady character according to the little Theo knows about him and his business. A smooth talker and a charmer, he may be a snake oil salesman! I'm not sure he's actually committed any crimes including murder but may be unethical and may actually be running a scam.
Marcus Covey, a freelance waiter, was working for the catering company at the rat tea. He's either a suspect or a witness. Theo thinks he seemed nervous and may have lied to the cops. Did he or is she just imagining things? I'm not sure she got a good look at Marcus enough to know for sure. She's determined to question him but never gets the chance and doesn't even think about the consequences of telling people she wants to question him! She doesn't show remorse either.
This wasn't the best mystery in the series but I enjoyed the tea tips and information. I hope the next one is better.
Detective Riley is very nice - too nice. He has a thing for Theo and her scones and lets it cloud his judgment. For a brief moment he goes into cop mode on her and seems like he's going to do the right thing but then he lets his feelings take over. I hope Tidwell comes back soon!
April 17, 2017
Unlikeable heroine, awful end
It's been a long time since I last read a tea shop mystery but I thought I'd liked them. I guess I was wrong. I found theodosia to be a pompous know-it-all. I didn't like her at all. I found her to be mostly just annoying until the terrible ending. The ending of this book was just ridiculous. And you can't assault & batter and nearly murder a person simply because you think they're a murderer. Even if they are actually a murderer. It's not even self defense. The ending was too silly and unbelievable. I also hate how Theo bosses around the cops and they just take it, how she's the only one who can get anything done because apparently everyone else is useless and she's just so clever. Really, she's not. She's just pushy and self righteous, self important, extremely nosy, and blindly accusatory. I kept wishing the cops would finally say, "you need to leave; this is actually none of your business; you're not helping and you're actually preventing us from doing our job." No such luck
It's been a long time since I last read a tea shop mystery but I thought I'd liked them. I guess I was wrong. I found theodosia to be a pompous know-it-all. I didn't like her at all. I found her to be mostly just annoying until the terrible ending. The ending of this book was just ridiculous. And you can't assault & batter and nearly murder a person simply because you think they're a murderer. Even if they are actually a murderer. It's not even self defense. The ending was too silly and unbelievable. I also hate how Theo bosses around the cops and they just take it, how she's the only one who can get anything done because apparently everyone else is useless and she's just so clever. Really, she's not. She's just pushy and self righteous, self important, extremely nosy, and blindly accusatory. I kept wishing the cops would finally say, "you need to leave; this is actually none of your business; you're not helping and you're actually preventing us from doing our job." No such luck
August 31, 2017
I didn't like this as much as her previous Tea Shop Mystery books. It felt forced. Also there was too much attempt at false humor as if Laura Childs was trying to write like Janet Evanovich. I like the Tea Shop books for Theodisa's heart and intelligence in solving the mysteries. I don't need her doing crazy things to get a "laugh". Save that for Stephanie Plum. I can't say much more without spoiling. Safe to say the last 1/4 of the book rang too false with me.
October 10, 2017
Is it possible this was ghost written? None of the characters rang true, dear goodness Theodosia was a shrew! The director of the museum did not know about deacquisition? The poorly paced mystery was like a Scooby and the gang! And the romance, how oddly timed! Maybe Ms. Childs spent too much time on her new series.
February 14, 2022
Questa serie è una delle mie preferite, quindi la leggo sempre con piacere. In questo caso, poi, non avevo proprio capito chi fosse il colpevole. E continuo a non capire del tutto il movente... Il finale lascia immaginare che la protagonista inizierà una storia col nuovo detective, un tipo che mi è stato subito simpatico. Spero che duri più a lungo delle precedenti... Cosa è questo? Il terzo o quarto boyfriend? Mi piacerebbe un po' più di costanza nella sua vita amorosa...
September 27, 2020
I very much enjoyed this book. The characters were well developed, the plot believable, and the writing was excellent, as usual for Laura Childs' books. I read part of this book physically and listened to the rest on audiobook. It was a fun read!
March 9, 2017
Book 18, how does she do it? I found this one to be very pleasing! A touch of history with the mystery and a deviously delightful. Drama, high tea and mystery, themed tea parties and a touch of class. I loved how this one played out! I also loved how the book paired beautifully with my new spring tea cup and matching napkin rings!
March 7, 2017
I’m a big Laura Childs fan but this is the first book that I’ve read from her Tea Shop Mysteries series. I know what you’re thinking, this series is probably the one she is most famous for, but I did a little backtracking and out of order reading so now I’m just getting myself acquainted with Theo and the gang. Not surprisingly I love it.
Despite the fact that I haven’t read the other books in the series, it was incredibly easy to get into this book. Theo is such a wonderful character and when compared to the other two Childs series, I would say she is the most reserved heroine out of all of them. I want to say that she’s a little more proper and less likely to piss other people off in order to find out what happened. However, she is still an amazing amateur sleuth.
In this book, the host of a tea party drops dead in the middle of his speech and obviously everyone is just shocked over the event. Theo seems to be the only level headed one in the bunch and she kickstarts an investigation immediately. I liked that this book was so easy to follow. I think that’s why these books are so popular, they are simple yet Childs doesn’t make them predictable. There’s enough interesting twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the very last page.
I’m so happy to have finally start this series and I look forward to going back and catching up on the previous books in the series.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann
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December 22, 2016
review to come
March 20, 2022
Palmettos swayed lazily in the soft breeze, daffodils bobbed their shaggy heads as Theodosia Browning stepped quickly along the brick pathway that wound through a bountiful front yard garden and up to the polished double doors of the Calhoun Mansion.
Theo and Drayton have been invited to a "Rat's Tea" by wealthy Doreen Briggs. During the course of the tea, Doreen's husband dies in a rather spectacular way.
I am a huge tea fan and enjoy visiting Charleston. I had never heard of a rat's tea until this book. Apparently, they were popular during World War II when Charleston had a population boom that included an influx of rodents. Prominent society ladies had teas to promote the campaign to irradicate rats. I don't believe the use of rat costumes were used ad they were in the book.
It always amazes me how Theo gets involved in the investigations of murders. There is a new homicide detective in town that actually allows her to be a part of the sleuthing. I foresee a bit of romance between the two of them.
My favorite part of these books are always the tea pairings and the food served at the Indigo Tead shop. I would love to attend one of their events like the Candlelight Tea.
The mystery is good although I had pretty much discovered the killer before it was revealed. It was still a good read that kept my attention. I have skipped around with this series and need to go back to see what happened with certain characters that are no longer mentioned.
I adore Drayton and would love to have a tea sommelier in my world.
3.5 stars
Theo and Drayton have been invited to a "Rat's Tea" by wealthy Doreen Briggs. During the course of the tea, Doreen's husband dies in a rather spectacular way.
I am a huge tea fan and enjoy visiting Charleston. I had never heard of a rat's tea until this book. Apparently, they were popular during World War II when Charleston had a population boom that included an influx of rodents. Prominent society ladies had teas to promote the campaign to irradicate rats. I don't believe the use of rat costumes were used ad they were in the book.
It always amazes me how Theo gets involved in the investigations of murders. There is a new homicide detective in town that actually allows her to be a part of the sleuthing. I foresee a bit of romance between the two of them.
My favorite part of these books are always the tea pairings and the food served at the Indigo Tead shop. I would love to attend one of their events like the Candlelight Tea.
The mystery is good although I had pretty much discovered the killer before it was revealed. It was still a good read that kept my attention. I have skipped around with this series and need to go back to see what happened with certain characters that are no longer mentioned.
I adore Drayton and would love to have a tea sommelier in my world.
3.5 stars
March 21, 2017
Pekoe Most Poison by Laura Childs.
Tea Shop Mystery #18. I've been fortunate to have read all 18 and reviewed most.
Theodosia Browning Has been invited to a "rat tea" by Doreen Briggs. These rat teas were held in order to promote healthier conditions in the community and go way back in Charleston's history.
Theodosia arrives with Drayton (a tea connoisseur and my favorite character in the series) and a butler (?) dressed with a rats hat ushers them inside.
The main table suddenly bursts into flames and within a few moments the host, Beau Briggs, goes into convulsions. Paramedics arrive but it's no use. Beau Briggs dies. It becomes apparent that this was not natural death but a murder.
Doreen Briggs, learning of Theodosia's sleuthing successes, beseeches her to find her husbands killer. Drayton, a member on the board of the Heritage Society, needs Theodosia's power of deduction just as much as Doreen. It seems with the drop in the stock market funding for the Heritage Society has bottomed out. Doreen had promised a huge donation but now she's holding out until Theo finds the murderer of her husband.
I love this series and many of the characters but I must admit that one gala affair after another is not as creative as it could be. There are so many possibilities for the next Tea Shop Mystery and hopefully it may happen outside of Theo's usual setting. Still the plot line, Theo and Drayton sleuthing together and of course Hailey making it a trio always bring me into the scene. L.C. is definitely an educator when it comes to fine and exotic teas.
Tea Shop Mystery #18. I've been fortunate to have read all 18 and reviewed most.
Theodosia Browning Has been invited to a "rat tea" by Doreen Briggs. These rat teas were held in order to promote healthier conditions in the community and go way back in Charleston's history.
Theodosia arrives with Drayton (a tea connoisseur and my favorite character in the series) and a butler (?) dressed with a rats hat ushers them inside.
The main table suddenly bursts into flames and within a few moments the host, Beau Briggs, goes into convulsions. Paramedics arrive but it's no use. Beau Briggs dies. It becomes apparent that this was not natural death but a murder.
Doreen Briggs, learning of Theodosia's sleuthing successes, beseeches her to find her husbands killer. Drayton, a member on the board of the Heritage Society, needs Theodosia's power of deduction just as much as Doreen. It seems with the drop in the stock market funding for the Heritage Society has bottomed out. Doreen had promised a huge donation but now she's holding out until Theo finds the murderer of her husband.
I love this series and many of the characters but I must admit that one gala affair after another is not as creative as it could be. There are so many possibilities for the next Tea Shop Mystery and hopefully it may happen outside of Theo's usual setting. Still the plot line, Theo and Drayton sleuthing together and of course Hailey making it a trio always bring me into the scene. L.C. is definitely an educator when it comes to fine and exotic teas.
February 5, 2018
Pekoe Most Poison is the eighteenth book in the Tea Shop Mystery series.
I never tire of reading this series, being well-plotted and told stories. It always easy for me to envision Drayton bustling about the Indigo Tea Shop and seeing the elegant furnishings of the tea shop.
Theo and Drayton have been invited to a “rat” tea party, parties that date back to post WWII Charleston days, at the home of socialite Doreen Biggs. As more tea is brought to the head table, a burning candle is inadvertently knocked over and in the confusion of putting out the fire Beau Briggs, the husband of Doreen, becomes ill and is soon dead. Theo suspects poisoning as the cause and later the autopsy confirms.
Drayton does something very un-Drayton like, as he is able to get Theo to agree to look into what happened at the tea party and who wanted this to be Beau’s last party. It seems that Doreen is holding a hefty contribution to the Heritage Society, which Drayton is a loyal member, “ransom” in order to encourage Theo to investigate her husbands poisoning.
There seems to be no shortage of suspects. As the paramedics were working on Briggs, Theo notices that one of the “rat” tea servers is acting suspicious. She also learns from Opal Anne that “Big” Reggie Huston, manager of the spa, has reportedly been embezzling funds from the spa and the Whitley’s who own the B&B next door to Doreen and want to by her house to convert into another B&B. Will the old saying about “follow the money” hold true?
Ms. Childs once again provides the reader with a very interesting story and a great cast of characters. It kep me guessing till the end.
Once again Chef Haley, chef at the Indigo Tea Shop, provides us with some wonderful recipes.
I never tire of reading this series, being well-plotted and told stories. It always easy for me to envision Drayton bustling about the Indigo Tea Shop and seeing the elegant furnishings of the tea shop.
Theo and Drayton have been invited to a “rat” tea party, parties that date back to post WWII Charleston days, at the home of socialite Doreen Biggs. As more tea is brought to the head table, a burning candle is inadvertently knocked over and in the confusion of putting out the fire Beau Briggs, the husband of Doreen, becomes ill and is soon dead. Theo suspects poisoning as the cause and later the autopsy confirms.
Drayton does something very un-Drayton like, as he is able to get Theo to agree to look into what happened at the tea party and who wanted this to be Beau’s last party. It seems that Doreen is holding a hefty contribution to the Heritage Society, which Drayton is a loyal member, “ransom” in order to encourage Theo to investigate her husbands poisoning.
There seems to be no shortage of suspects. As the paramedics were working on Briggs, Theo notices that one of the “rat” tea servers is acting suspicious. She also learns from Opal Anne that “Big” Reggie Huston, manager of the spa, has reportedly been embezzling funds from the spa and the Whitley’s who own the B&B next door to Doreen and want to by her house to convert into another B&B. Will the old saying about “follow the money” hold true?
Ms. Childs once again provides the reader with a very interesting story and a great cast of characters. It kep me guessing till the end.
Once again Chef Haley, chef at the Indigo Tea Shop, provides us with some wonderful recipes.
March 25, 2017
2.5, I think is more accurate. For the most part the book moves along at a good pace and I did find myself wishing the Indigo Tea Shop was real so I could visit. So that's a plus.
However there were... issues. The first is something that I think requires a bit of work to avoid in a long running murder mystery series, and that's how you deal with the victims of a murder when this ain't your first rodeo. The morning after the murder, Drayton and Theo are having brunch (breakfast?) and Drayton is complaining mightily that the widow called him up at the crack of dawn to demand help. If everyone and their brother didn't know that when a murder happens in front of her, Theo investigates, I could maybe understand Drayton's annoyance... but it's what she does. And Drayton is Doreen's link to Theo, so of course she's going to use it to try and get justice for her husband's murder. There's plenty of time to be annoyed by Doreen later in the book, so having them be so off-put by her grief so early in the game is just not a good look for either character. It annoyed me so much I put the book down and walked away for a day or three.
The second is oh, look, another Theo romance. Meh. I don't think writing romance is something Laura Childs does well, or at least Theo's romances tend to be quite dull once the flirting stage has been passed. This go round even the flirting is just... meh. Also, when flirty cop tells Theo something and then tells her to keep it quiet, maybe telling everyone she runs across is not the way to go. Especially if one of those people is Delaine. Theo got lucky that for once in her life, Delaine didn't tell everyone that Theo was investigating and what she'd found out as it happened.
Third, and this is probably more of a quibble, but when the police descend on our red-herring character and say they're taking him "downtown" for questioning- dude. You ARE downtown. King Street is literally part of downtown Charleston. I haven't the words so just find your best exasperated gifs to fully get this piece of wtf-ry across.
Finally: why did OA do it? Seriously, why?
However there were... issues. The first is something that I think requires a bit of work to avoid in a long running murder mystery series, and that's how you deal with the victims of a murder when this ain't your first rodeo. The morning after the murder, Drayton and Theo are having brunch (breakfast?) and Drayton is complaining mightily that the widow called him up at the crack of dawn to demand help. If everyone and their brother didn't know that when a murder happens in front of her, Theo investigates, I could maybe understand Drayton's annoyance... but it's what she does. And Drayton is Doreen's link to Theo, so of course she's going to use it to try and get justice for her husband's murder. There's plenty of time to be annoyed by Doreen later in the book, so having them be so off-put by her grief so early in the game is just not a good look for either character. It annoyed me so much I put the book down and walked away for a day or three.
The second is oh, look, another Theo romance. Meh. I don't think writing romance is something Laura Childs does well, or at least Theo's romances tend to be quite dull once the flirting stage has been passed. This go round even the flirting is just... meh. Also, when flirty cop tells Theo something and then tells her to keep it quiet, maybe telling everyone she runs across is not the way to go. Especially if one of those people is Delaine. Theo got lucky that for once in her life, Delaine didn't tell everyone that Theo was investigating and what she'd found out as it happened.
Third, and this is probably more of a quibble, but when the police descend on our red-herring character and say they're taking him "downtown" for questioning- dude. You ARE downtown. King Street is literally part of downtown Charleston. I haven't the words so just find your best exasperated gifs to fully get this piece of wtf-ry across.
Finally: why did OA do it? Seriously, why?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2016
This is a really good series and this addition to the series was superb.
I love the cozy feeling with Theo, Drayton & Haley. The three of them make a wonderful setting for this tea themed cozy mystery.
The tea house not only serves up a delightful cup of tea and a wonderful fresh baked scone, it also serves up a dash of murder and mayhem.
When a local couple throw a Rat Tea Party, everyone is shocked when the host drops dead.
The hostess is frantic and decided to ask Theo and Drayton for help, unfortunately, there is a catch. If Theo and Drayton refuse to help, then there won't be a huge contribution made to the historical society. Knowing how much Drayton loves his historical society, Theo agrees to help and soon find herself involved in an investigation to bizarre to imagine.
Fans of this series will be thrilled to read this wonderful addition to the tea shop series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
I love the cozy feeling with Theo, Drayton & Haley. The three of them make a wonderful setting for this tea themed cozy mystery.
The tea house not only serves up a delightful cup of tea and a wonderful fresh baked scone, it also serves up a dash of murder and mayhem.
When a local couple throw a Rat Tea Party, everyone is shocked when the host drops dead.
The hostess is frantic and decided to ask Theo and Drayton for help, unfortunately, there is a catch. If Theo and Drayton refuse to help, then there won't be a huge contribution made to the historical society. Knowing how much Drayton loves his historical society, Theo agrees to help and soon find herself involved in an investigation to bizarre to imagine.
Fans of this series will be thrilled to read this wonderful addition to the tea shop series.
I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
February 6, 2017
I found myself quickly turning the pages as I became absorbed in this murder mystery, and in an opulent setting, can you imagine sitting at a table being served by a rat? We are attending a “Rat Tea”, doesn’t that sound exciting? Now if I were having a tea I would not invite Theodosia Browning to attend, why you ask, well death seems to follow this young woman around, and this tea is no exception.
Our girl owns a teashop named Indigo, and the word descriptions of the food and tea are amazing, and I sure would love to go there, and some of the recipes are shared at the end of the book.
This story is going to keep you on your toes and keep your mind guessing and guessing, and just when you think you have it, nope, or maybe you do. Another great sleuthing mystery about to unfold, and you are going to have a front seat to the action.
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
Our girl owns a teashop named Indigo, and the word descriptions of the food and tea are amazing, and I sure would love to go there, and some of the recipes are shared at the end of the book.
This story is going to keep you on your toes and keep your mind guessing and guessing, and just when you think you have it, nope, or maybe you do. Another great sleuthing mystery about to unfold, and you are going to have a front seat to the action.
I received this book through Great Escapes Book Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 3, 2017
Slightly better than the last book, but only slightly. I've read this series since the beginning, but think this will be the last. I enjoyed things more when Theo was more of an accidental sleuth & the series seemed to focus more on her tea shop & friends. Now she actively goes to places she has no reason to & interviews people who have no reason to talk to her. A new romantic interest is introduced, the investigating detective she met briefly before. At one point in the story he tells her, in confidence, how the murder was committed; not only was it dumb/unbelievable, but her not keeping the confidence & blithely repeating her information to others without any repercussion was equally unbelievable.
This was never a great series, but it's started to be annoying rather than a fun way to spend an afternoon.
This was never a great series, but it's started to be annoying rather than a fun way to spend an afternoon.
March 13, 2017
I don't think I like the change in Theodosia's character. She's starting to cross the line between amateur sleuth and annoying investigator.
I was also unhappy with the Riley character. Theodosia often jumps to a conclusion too quickly and it seems that he blindly followed her.
It is time for another character to come into the picture, but I don't think Riley is going to be the right fit.
I was also unhappy with the Doreen Briggs character. She was whiny and manipulative and the plot particulars surrounding her were not resolved satisfactorily.
I was also unhappy with the Riley character. Theodosia often jumps to a conclusion too quickly and it seems that he blindly followed her.
It is time for another character to come into the picture, but I don't think Riley is going to be the right fit.
I was also unhappy with the Doreen Briggs character. She was whiny and manipulative and the plot particulars surrounding her were not resolved satisfactorily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2017
3.5 stars
I love the Tea Shop Mysteries, but as was the case with Devonshire Scream, Theodosia's voice and actions seem different from the earlier books. Drayton is my favorite character yet he too seems slightly different. The mystery here is fine and moves along at a steady pace. Detective Tidwell is noticeably absent, and the ending had me shaking my head.
I love the Tea Shop Mysteries, but as was the case with Devonshire Scream, Theodosia's voice and actions seem different from the earlier books. Drayton is my favorite character yet he too seems slightly different. The mystery here is fine and moves along at a steady pace. Detective Tidwell is noticeably absent, and the ending had me shaking my head.
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