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Tea Shop Mystery #10
Oolong Dead
Delicious recipes, tea-time tips, opera, and murder-in a national bestselling mystery series that's "quickly become a favorite of readers."(Mystery Reader)
While riding her horse in a race through the South Carolina Lowcountry, Theodosia Browning finds her arch nemesis, Abby Davis, dead. What's more, the victim's brother is Theodosia's old flame. Who'd have guessed they'd be reunited through cold-blooded murder? Theodosia's investigation takes her from the Lowcountry thicket to the backstage maze of a darkened theater where a maestro of murder waits for the next cue. All proving that when it comes to high drama, Theodosia can give Verdi a run for his money.
While riding her horse in a race through the South Carolina Lowcountry, Theodosia Browning finds her arch nemesis, Abby Davis, dead. What's more, the victim's brother is Theodosia's old flame. Who'd have guessed they'd be reunited through cold-blooded murder? Theodosia's investigation takes her from the Lowcountry thicket to the backstage maze of a darkened theater where a maestro of murder waits for the next cue. All proving that when it comes to high drama, Theodosia can give Verdi a run for his money.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published March 3, 2009
21 people are currently reading
1736 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 233 reviews
January 20, 2018
4 stelle e mezza
Negli ultimi mesi ho letto un sacco di libri di questa autrice, ma le sue due serie che sto seguendo sono fra le mie favorite. Meno male che continua a scriverle entrambe!
Questo libro mi è piaciuto, soprattutto per i soliti, numerosi riferimenti al mondo del tè. Per quanto riguarda la storia gialla è ben orchestrata: avevo capito parte della soluzione, anche se il colpevole principale è risultato una vera sorpresa.
Negli ultimi mesi ho letto un sacco di libri di questa autrice, ma le sue due serie che sto seguendo sono fra le mie favorite. Meno male che continua a scriverle entrambe!
Questo libro mi è piaciuto, soprattutto per i soliti, numerosi riferimenti al mondo del tè. Per quanto riguarda la storia gialla è ben orchestrata: avevo capito parte della soluzione, anche se il colpevole principale è risultato una vera sorpresa.
April 3, 2024
While riding in Charleston Point-to-Point Race, Theodosia's horse stumbles and runs off leaving her to tumble to the ground where she discovers a dead body. Not just any dead body, but Abby Davis, local TV anchor and sister of Theo's former boyfriend, Jory Davis. Abby Davis, a woman with whom Theodosia was spotted having words a few weeks ago. Surely the authorities won't think Theodosia killed Abby? Actually, Detective Tidwell does NOT think Theodosia killed Abby and goes so far as to hint that she should be asking questions among the family. Then Jory returns and reenters Theodosia's life, begging for help solving his sister's murder. There's also teas to plan and a fundraiser for the opera coming up and an adorable cottage for sale that Theodosia just has to have but can't afford. Can she juggle all her duties and figure out who killed Abby?
This was the twistiest mystery yet! I only figured out one small piece of the puzzle. That was super obvious but the rest was not. I thought it was something else entirely but that turned out to be a secondary mystery. The focus was more on the mystery this time and less on the tea. I didn't learn as much as I usually do.
This was book 10 and we have the first appearance of a person of color! Miss Josette, a Gullah woman, makes the sweetgrass baskets Theodosia uses to display her T-Bath products. Her nephew, Dexter, comes along to help unload the baskets. The main focus is still on the elite of Charleston and revering plantations as a symbol of Charleston's history and culture but we're getting there. Hopefully by the newest books we'll see Miss Josette and her family more and fewer Confederate reenactors and old plantation houses.
Theodosia is rather dumb. She keeps getting herself in the same situation. She never solves the murder at all before the person comes after her. Then she manages the most impossible escapes from the most improbable situations. It's a little silly. She can't hang on to a boyfriend because she's too busy being nosy and investigating murders. She didn't appreciate Jory or care to try to work things out with him and she doesn't seem to like Parker enough to work at a better relationship. I don't blame her. I would ditch him for being jealous and possessive. The posturing with Jory was unnecessary and antiquated. Theo is her own woman and can associate with whom she chooses. She never did end things with Jory or talk about why they broke up. She's a poor communicator.
I'm tired of the bickering between Hayley and Drayton. He's rigid and unbending but so is she. She has her menu all planned out in advance and doesn't like to switch gears but she CAN and he can't. She needles him on purpose which isn't necessary and they act like children. Drayton is Theodosia's most loyal and devoted friend. He puts up with a lot for her and he's one of the first people she calls in an emergency. Delaine is a little less obnoxious but still snoopy and man hungry. She sure knows how to pick them. We meet Claire Bouchon and Thandie McLean, local women involved with the Bravissimo Club, the women's society that raises money for the opera. They're creative fundraisers. Thandie is rather nosy, pretending to express concern for Theodosia but also pumping her for information. She also seems to be trying to manipulate Theodosia into doing the publicity for the Opera Society. First Delaine, now Thandie, poor Theo can't catch a break. At least this time Theo is starting to grow a backbone and offers to provide names of others who can help. Claire has a cameo broach similar, or the same as, one Abby was wearing when she died. Does it mean something? It came from a local shop run by Julian Bruno.
Jory is back in Theodosia's life and he seems to want to pick up where they left off. He doesn't treat her like a friend or estranged girlfriend, he's trying to go on dates with her and even encourages her to leave work early, proving he still doesn't understand what the tea shop means to Theodosia or what it takes to run a successful small business. However, in this case, Theodosia is lucky Jory still loves her so the family doesn't try to have her prosecuted for killing Abby. Wasn't Abby his cousin when she was first introduced? Now she's his sister. Abby was an awful person and it seems Jory is attracted to a new woman who, like his sister, has an abrasive personality but is nowhere near as intelligent.
Abby was an awful person. She was rude and snippy with women but all over men. She used men to get what she wanted and didn't care about who got hurt in the process. All she cared about was her career but probably more about fame and fortune. I'm not surprised she was killed. An investigative reporter, Abby was digging up dirt on a whole lot of people and trying to expose shady stuff. However, she seemed to have a great relationship with her husband. He loved her and was devoted to her. Drew gave Abby expensive jewelry and wrote her love notes every day. How awful for him! He seems sincere in his grief.
The one man Abby did not get along with was Joe Fanning, Trident Media's news director. They worked closely together but were at odds. He would prefer to do the investigating himself. So they were rivals? Was he sexist or did he have seniority and thought Abby flirted her way into the job? Did he kill her to get his dream job? Linus Gillette, Abby's boss, is not a likable person. He caused a lot of problems when he hired her. Abby replaced the local news anchor, Webster Hall. Linus refused to renew Webster Hall's contract and now Webster is out of a job. He's very bitter and angry about it too. Did he kill Abby? It doesn't seem like something a folksy, down home style person would do and it seems more like he would harm her out of anger in an argument but her murder looks more like it was planned.
Julian Bruno who sold the cameo broaches is not very likable. He's quick to temper and doesn't provide Theodosia with any information. He's not cooperative with the police much either. Theo leaps to conclusions about Julian and Abby's relationship and how she got the cameo. There's no information to go on though. Abby was also working on a story about the missing (adult) son of wealthy software king Truman McBee. While Truman and his son, Travis, did not get along, Truman was devastated when his son disappeared during a carjacking. He has offered a substantial reward for information. Travis was a spoiled rich kid, in and out of rehab and probably didn't want to do anything with his life. His mother is rather obsessed with him and yes I DO think it's too much and creepy, sorry lady you lost your kid. That's terrible and truly I am sympathetic to her grief but a shrine is creepy, especially during an open house.
Abby was also working on a story about the Peninsula Club, a secret society. While they seem like good people for their fundraising and philanthropy, I don't understand why it has to be a secret and why it's just men. These men were originally the founding fathers, the White men of the city, who passed membership down to their sons. What other secret societies are they members of? The whole thing makes me uncomfortable and very wary. Theodosia and Drayton really wimped out there and were very disappointing. One other story Abby was pursuing involved paper company, Despard Industries. Something environmental Theodosia goes out on the river very close to Despard's property. Then something scary happens. Is she getting close? Did Abby discover something about Despard Industries they don't want anyone to know? Whoever killed Abby was a cunning killer.
This was the twistiest mystery yet! I only figured out one small piece of the puzzle. That was super obvious but the rest was not. I thought it was something else entirely but that turned out to be a secondary mystery. The focus was more on the mystery this time and less on the tea. I didn't learn as much as I usually do.
This was book 10 and we have the first appearance of a person of color! Miss Josette, a Gullah woman, makes the sweetgrass baskets Theodosia uses to display her T-Bath products. Her nephew, Dexter, comes along to help unload the baskets. The main focus is still on the elite of Charleston and revering plantations as a symbol of Charleston's history and culture but we're getting there. Hopefully by the newest books we'll see Miss Josette and her family more and fewer Confederate reenactors and old plantation houses.
Theodosia is rather dumb. She keeps getting herself in the same situation. She never solves the murder at all before the person comes after her. Then she manages the most impossible escapes from the most improbable situations. It's a little silly. She can't hang on to a boyfriend because she's too busy being nosy and investigating murders. She didn't appreciate Jory or care to try to work things out with him and she doesn't seem to like Parker enough to work at a better relationship. I don't blame her. I would ditch him for being jealous and possessive. The posturing with Jory was unnecessary and antiquated. Theo is her own woman and can associate with whom she chooses. She never did end things with Jory or talk about why they broke up. She's a poor communicator.
I'm tired of the bickering between Hayley and Drayton. He's rigid and unbending but so is she. She has her menu all planned out in advance and doesn't like to switch gears but she CAN and he can't. She needles him on purpose which isn't necessary and they act like children. Drayton is Theodosia's most loyal and devoted friend. He puts up with a lot for her and he's one of the first people she calls in an emergency. Delaine is a little less obnoxious but still snoopy and man hungry. She sure knows how to pick them. We meet Claire Bouchon and Thandie McLean, local women involved with the Bravissimo Club, the women's society that raises money for the opera. They're creative fundraisers. Thandie is rather nosy, pretending to express concern for Theodosia but also pumping her for information. She also seems to be trying to manipulate Theodosia into doing the publicity for the Opera Society. First Delaine, now Thandie, poor Theo can't catch a break. At least this time Theo is starting to grow a backbone and offers to provide names of others who can help. Claire has a cameo broach similar, or the same as, one Abby was wearing when she died. Does it mean something? It came from a local shop run by Julian Bruno.
Jory is back in Theodosia's life and he seems to want to pick up where they left off. He doesn't treat her like a friend or estranged girlfriend, he's trying to go on dates with her and even encourages her to leave work early, proving he still doesn't understand what the tea shop means to Theodosia or what it takes to run a successful small business. However, in this case, Theodosia is lucky Jory still loves her so the family doesn't try to have her prosecuted for killing Abby. Wasn't Abby his cousin when she was first introduced? Now she's his sister. Abby was an awful person and it seems Jory is attracted to a new woman who, like his sister, has an abrasive personality but is nowhere near as intelligent.
Abby was an awful person. She was rude and snippy with women but all over men. She used men to get what she wanted and didn't care about who got hurt in the process. All she cared about was her career but probably more about fame and fortune. I'm not surprised she was killed. An investigative reporter, Abby was digging up dirt on a whole lot of people and trying to expose shady stuff. However, she seemed to have a great relationship with her husband. He loved her and was devoted to her. Drew gave Abby expensive jewelry and wrote her love notes every day. How awful for him! He seems sincere in his grief.
The one man Abby did not get along with was Joe Fanning, Trident Media's news director. They worked closely together but were at odds. He would prefer to do the investigating himself. So they were rivals? Was he sexist or did he have seniority and thought Abby flirted her way into the job? Did he kill her to get his dream job? Linus Gillette, Abby's boss, is not a likable person. He caused a lot of problems when he hired her. Abby replaced the local news anchor, Webster Hall. Linus refused to renew Webster Hall's contract and now Webster is out of a job. He's very bitter and angry about it too. Did he kill Abby? It doesn't seem like something a folksy, down home style person would do and it seems more like he would harm her out of anger in an argument but her murder looks more like it was planned.
Julian Bruno who sold the cameo broaches is not very likable. He's quick to temper and doesn't provide Theodosia with any information. He's not cooperative with the police much either. Theo leaps to conclusions about Julian and Abby's relationship and how she got the cameo. There's no information to go on though. Abby was also working on a story about the missing (adult) son of wealthy software king Truman McBee. While Truman and his son, Travis, did not get along, Truman was devastated when his son disappeared during a carjacking. He has offered a substantial reward for information. Travis was a spoiled rich kid, in and out of rehab and probably didn't want to do anything with his life. His mother is rather obsessed with him and yes I DO think it's too much and creepy, sorry lady you lost your kid. That's terrible and truly I am sympathetic to her grief but a shrine is creepy, especially during an open house.
Abby was also working on a story about the Peninsula Club, a secret society. While they seem like good people for their fundraising and philanthropy, I don't understand why it has to be a secret and why it's just men. These men were originally the founding fathers, the White men of the city, who passed membership down to their sons. What other secret societies are they members of? The whole thing makes me uncomfortable and very wary. Theodosia and Drayton really wimped out there and were very disappointing. One other story Abby was pursuing involved paper company, Despard Industries. Something environmental Theodosia goes out on the river very close to Despard's property. Then something scary happens. Is she getting close? Did Abby discover something about Despard Industries they don't want anyone to know? Whoever killed Abby was a cunning killer.
October 14, 2018
Another good entry in the tea shop series with another exciting ending. As much as I don’t enjoy tea I enjoy reading about the tea shop and the wonderful food they serve there. The mystery was entertaining and I liked seeing Jory back again.
May 14, 2010
It's funny that for all I am not a tea drinker I desperately wish the Indigo Tea Shop really existed. It's a big reason as to why I keep reading these books.
I normally love the interaction between Drayton/Theo/Hayley, along with Tidwell and Parker. Delaine tends to vex me, but she's probably one of the more realistic characters for her obnoxiousness. This go round, however, Parker was a glorified cardboard cutout and the rest of the characters just never managed to get into their groove or something. It just never got going, I guess.
The final reason is I like the bits of information thrown in about Charleston. But not necessarily for the reason the author might like. Page one brings us this gem:
And wouldn't you know it? This was one of those amazing October days when the sky was a curtain of cerulean blue and every shrub and tree blazed red and gold.
Very pretty imagery. Too bad Charleston is not known for our spectacular displays of Autumn. Generally speaking, October is the tail end of summer around here and the shrubs and bushes are either still green, or all the leaves died in the middle of the night when no one was looking.
Then there's the little matter of a well known news anchor's contract not being picked up in favor of a younger, prettier newshound. Despite the fact that one of our local stations has had the same co-anchors since I was a child, if Web Hall were as big a name as Theo and company make him out to be, trust me. No one would just think he'd retired to his lovely home out in the country. Word would have gotten around about his firing/contract trouble.
Anyway, the mystery itself wasn't bad, it just didn't really seem to be one you could solve short of randomly guessing. Points are given for using the bride plays hide and seek ghost story and me still not getting the twist until, well, the twist happened.
I normally love the interaction between Drayton/Theo/Hayley, along with Tidwell and Parker. Delaine tends to vex me, but she's probably one of the more realistic characters for her obnoxiousness. This go round, however, Parker was a glorified cardboard cutout and the rest of the characters just never managed to get into their groove or something. It just never got going, I guess.
The final reason is I like the bits of information thrown in about Charleston. But not necessarily for the reason the author might like. Page one brings us this gem:
And wouldn't you know it? This was one of those amazing October days when the sky was a curtain of cerulean blue and every shrub and tree blazed red and gold.
Very pretty imagery. Too bad Charleston is not known for our spectacular displays of Autumn. Generally speaking, October is the tail end of summer around here and the shrubs and bushes are either still green, or all the leaves died in the middle of the night when no one was looking.
Then there's the little matter of a well known news anchor's contract not being picked up in favor of a younger, prettier newshound. Despite the fact that one of our local stations has had the same co-anchors since I was a child, if Web Hall were as big a name as Theo and company make him out to be, trust me. No one would just think he'd retired to his lovely home out in the country. Word would have gotten around about his firing/contract trouble.
Anyway, the mystery itself wasn't bad, it just didn't really seem to be one you could solve short of randomly guessing. Points are given for using the bride plays hide and seek ghost story and me still not getting the twist until, well, the twist happened.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2014
Theo and the gang at the Indigo Tea Shop investigate the murder of Theo's former boyfriend's sister. Theo is asked to investigate by the former boyfriend and the local detective, which is a switch because Det. Tidwell generally wants her to stay out of his cases. She is drawn into a web of deceit, and the story includes a red herring that throws the reader off track. Once again I must complain about the treatment of the new boyfriend, Parker. He is a nice character and could be very integral to the stories, but instead seems to be a convenient date for society events and someone to hold her hand when she's injured during her sleuthing. Drayton, her master tea-blender, always knows more about her than poor Parker. I'm offended on his behalf. Anyway, a fun outing in Charleston with atmosphere and recipes.
March 11, 2009
Theodosia's old boyfriend, Jory Davis, returns to town after the death of his sister, newscaster Abby Davis. Theodosia stumbled across her body at a charity equestrian event and Jory, of course, wants her to inquire into her death, along with the police. All the old favorites return, Drayton, Timothy Newell, Delaine, in this tenth outing of murder for our tea shop owner.
June 21, 2009
Another charming tea shop mystery from Laura Childs, where a murder brings Theodosia back into contact with her ex-boyfriend. I love the setting (Charleston and the tea shop) and the connections to society and Gullah culture in this particular mystery were a nice touch. Can't wait to try some of the recipes!
March 24, 2009
I'm very excited to be reading this book. I love this series, great Charleston Tea Shop atmosphere, and lots of fun, light harmless mysteries.
This book was definitely one of the best in the series.
This book was definitely one of the best in the series.
September 7, 2017
Of course I loved the book as Laura Childs is my first love when it comes to cozy mysteries. A couple of things I liked that were mentioned in the book were the Lamplighter Tour. I would love to be able to tour some historic homes. I also liked Drayton's superstitions when it comes to tea bubbles in tea means romance ahead and froth means riches. Drayton will also be my favorite character next to Theo and Earl Grey. As many of these books that I have read I still can't find make myself like Delanie. She is quite annoying to me and she seemed to be a big part of this book. Haley did seem a little toned down this time though. When Theo and Delanie found themselves in a muddy moldy basement I had to laugh because Delanie was dirty but also would not have liked to be there even though there was a puzzle solved while they were there. I was a little upset with Theo this time when she was around Jory as I don't like him. I really like her and Parker together. And once again the author throws a loop in the story and the murderer is not who you expect and there is yet another puzzle solved towards the end. I will be looking forward to when I start the next book in this series.
November 22, 2021
An interesting cozy mystery set in Charleston in a charming tea shop- where a murder brings Theodosia back into contact with her ex-boyfriend and her investagation skills are put to use!!! Many interesting characters along the way with as many twist & turns. - I always enjoy Laura Childs books and the Tea Shop Mysteries.
September 12, 2024
Theodosia is helping out a a charity event, when someone is poisoned via tea.
She spends most of the book worrying about a secret society.
She spends most of the book worrying about a secret society.
May 9, 2009
Theodosia finds herself tangled in another murder, finding the body of her ex-boy friend’s sister on a steeple chase course. It doesn’t help that she had a rip-roaring fight with the now deceased TV anchor several months ago in front of witnesses. Theo is drawn further in the web of intrigue when Jory – the ex-boy friend – show’s up at her tea shop, asking her to help solve Abby’s murder. Soon after, Detective Burt Tidwell also puts in an appearance to ask the same thing.
Theodosia’s snooping takes her down to Savannah, out into the low country to the Mobley Plantation, and to and Italian Masked Ball. But the big question throughout the book, is how will she afford to buy the Carriage House Cottage of her dreams down by the Battery? (Which, having just been to Charleston, SC, and seen how MUCH it costs to live in the Historic District, is indeed a very good question.)
Like I said, a very quick read. I am finding Childs conclusions a bit to pat and to quick – I think the resolutions could be fleshed out just a bit more. I always feel like there could be just a bit more explanation at the end – one more chapter to wrap things up after the “climatic capture of the criminal”.
I did find myself being jarred out of the story once – Theo is zooming around the salt marsh on a Ski-Doo (which I have issues with for environmental reasons, but that aside), “Overhead, a pileated woodpecker drilled noisily into a tree and…” Ahh…no. Between the sound of the Ski-doo and the wind in one’s ears, a person is NOT going to hear even a pileated.
So, fun read and I look forward to the next.
Theodosia’s snooping takes her down to Savannah, out into the low country to the Mobley Plantation, and to and Italian Masked Ball. But the big question throughout the book, is how will she afford to buy the Carriage House Cottage of her dreams down by the Battery? (Which, having just been to Charleston, SC, and seen how MUCH it costs to live in the Historic District, is indeed a very good question.)
Like I said, a very quick read. I am finding Childs conclusions a bit to pat and to quick – I think the resolutions could be fleshed out just a bit more. I always feel like there could be just a bit more explanation at the end – one more chapter to wrap things up after the “climatic capture of the criminal”.
I did find myself being jarred out of the story once – Theo is zooming around the salt marsh on a Ski-Doo (which I have issues with for environmental reasons, but that aside), “Overhead, a pileated woodpecker drilled noisily into a tree and…” Ahh…no. Between the sound of the Ski-doo and the wind in one’s ears, a person is NOT going to hear even a pileated.
So, fun read and I look forward to the next.
July 26, 2009
Theodosia and the gang are back in their latest adventure. Theodosia is entered in a riding event, but when her horse gets spooky, she is thrown to the ground...right next to a dead body. It's Abby Davis, a reporter who verbally attacked Theodosia two months earlier for no apparent reason. Even worse, Abby is the sister of Theodosia's ex-boyfriend, Jory Davis.
She is drawn into the investigation by Detective Tidwell, who has been asked by the local police department to help them. Jory draws her further into the chaos of Abby's life by asking her to help on behalf of his family. What's a girl to do?
The investigation leads to an old abandoned plantation that Abby and her husband have donated to a preservation group. The plantation has its own secrets, which Theodosia and her friend Delanie discover when they get trapped in the basement of the main house. It doesn't help when Paxton, Theodosia's main squeeze, discovers that she is looking into Abby's death at Jory's request. While Theodosia lose Paxton because of Jory?
Stolen gems, a missing heir and a fire figure prominently into the story as Theodosia tries to put all the pieces together. But will she live long enough to tell the truth?
Laura Childs has always been able to capture my attention with her books, and this is another delightful book in her Tea Shop mystery series. I enjoy it because you also get a lesson in the history of tea, and I learn about new types. Oolong tea, anyone?
She is drawn into the investigation by Detective Tidwell, who has been asked by the local police department to help them. Jory draws her further into the chaos of Abby's life by asking her to help on behalf of his family. What's a girl to do?
The investigation leads to an old abandoned plantation that Abby and her husband have donated to a preservation group. The plantation has its own secrets, which Theodosia and her friend Delanie discover when they get trapped in the basement of the main house. It doesn't help when Paxton, Theodosia's main squeeze, discovers that she is looking into Abby's death at Jory's request. While Theodosia lose Paxton because of Jory?
Stolen gems, a missing heir and a fire figure prominently into the story as Theodosia tries to put all the pieces together. But will she live long enough to tell the truth?
Laura Childs has always been able to capture my attention with her books, and this is another delightful book in her Tea Shop mystery series. I enjoy it because you also get a lesson in the history of tea, and I learn about new types. Oolong tea, anyone?
August 25, 2015
Didn't have a clue on this one, as there wasn't an obscure enough character that stood out as the potential murderer.
Ironically enough, when they first started talking about the husband, I thought "when is she going to investigate the spouse in a book, after all, statistics say the spouse is the most likely murderer".
And low and behold, it is the husband, with the help of a character who went "missing" long before the story started.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Ironically enough, when they first started talking about the husband, I thought "when is she going to investigate the spouse in a book, after all, statistics say the spouse is the most likely murderer".
And low and behold, it is the husband, with the help of a character who went "missing" long before the story started.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2009
A pleasing entry into an ongoing cozy/amateur sleuth series. I enjoy spending time in the Indigo Tea Shop with Theodosia, Drayton and Haley. In this book, Theodosia is actually invited to do a little investigating by both the police and her ex-boyfriend Jory, as it was his sister Abby Theodosia found murdered. As the mystery unfolds, Abby's career and lovelife are brought to light, a interesting jeweler enters the picture, and a plantation with a ghost story provides a scary setting. Add romantic conflict between Theodosia's former and current beaus and an adorable cottage for sale, Theodosia has her hands full!!!
One quibble I have with this series is that Theodosia doesn't seem to totally click with her romantic suitors, although Ms. Childs writes excellent friendships. I'm not sure if I want more or less romance, but a little more spark would be welcome.
I want to go to Charleston, and have tea at the Indigo Tea Shop!!!
One quibble I have with this series is that Theodosia doesn't seem to totally click with her romantic suitors, although Ms. Childs writes excellent friendships. I'm not sure if I want more or less romance, but a little more spark would be welcome.
I want to go to Charleston, and have tea at the Indigo Tea Shop!!!
November 28, 2015
Ok, just finished a cozy mystery, Oolong Dead by Laura Childs. Very lightweight but enjoyable. I actually loved the descriptions of the various oolong teas sampled-I had no idea there were so many!- as well as the locale & the lady sleuth. The plot was not gripping but that didn't bother me. In a series, what matters most to me is that I like to be there, with the people, and I did. It was a pleasant mini-vacation.
Recommended: to people who like cozy mystery series accompanied by delicious-looking recipes.
Recommended: to people who like cozy mystery series accompanied by delicious-looking recipes.
August 19, 2017
This woman sleuth happens to own a tea shop. Who knew there were so many different types of tea and ways to serve them? Not me, this book taught me something there.
Theo stays busy, busy, busy. But she always finds time to investigate the current murder. Each book delivers a cozy read for enjoyable entertainment.
Each book is able to stand on its own and deliver an HEA, which is an important attribute in a series when I chose to read it.
Theo stays busy, busy, busy. But she always finds time to investigate the current murder. Each book delivers a cozy read for enjoyable entertainment.
Each book is able to stand on its own and deliver an HEA, which is an important attribute in a series when I chose to read it.
February 13, 2016
I enjoyed this. As usual, Nevertheless, it's good if you like cozy mysteries.
April 1, 2013
Ms. Childs' tea cozy mysteries are nice, predictible reads with a cast of eccentric recurring characters set in Charleston, South Carolina. Each book usually includes a murder or some other crime solved by Indigo teashop owner, Theodosia Browning. The best part of the books for me are the recipes at the end of the book. If you like light reads, then this is a great series.
June 2, 2009
I grabbed this more or less at random at the library. It's the tenth in a series, apparently, and it's not bad.
The protagonist runs a frou-frou tea shoppe in Charleston, S.C. and gets dragged into murders. Fine.
The mystery itself is OK, but the descriptions of the various types of tea (and tea sandwiches) got me.
Includes recipes.
A pleasant diversion.
The protagonist runs a frou-frou tea shoppe in Charleston, S.C. and gets dragged into murders. Fine.
The mystery itself is OK, but the descriptions of the various types of tea (and tea sandwiches) got me.
Includes recipes.
A pleasant diversion.
July 12, 2009
The atmosphere of the tea room, and Charleston in particular, is always enjoyable. I love reading about the teas and all the different soups, tea sandwiches, desserts, etc. which Haley cooks up. Theo, Drayton and Delaine are always an interesting group!
This ended up being one of my favorites in the series!!
This ended up being one of my favorites in the series!!
August 17, 2009
#10 in the Charleston, S.C. tea shop owner Theodosia Browning mystery series. As usual in the series, Theo finds a dead body and becomes involved in solving the murder. This is an enjoyable series with a lot of tea information, well developed supporting characters with a good mix of Theo's day-to-day life, and a good mystery to solve.
March 23, 2009
I just finished this book. As soon as I found out Ms. Childs had a new book out, I bought it. These are "cozy" mysteries and easy to read when you just feel like relaxing. I love the Tea Shop as well as the Scrapbooking Mysteries.
September 1, 2009
Very enjoyable read. Even if you don't care for this type of mystery, the recipes are worth getting the book. Strawberry Cream Cheese Tea Sandwiches, Pineapple Tea Sandwiches, Chocolate Sour Cream Scones, plus many more. The tea tips arn't too shabby either.
March 12, 2009
Another fun mystery in this tea shop series.
April 15, 2009
I really loved this book! Laura Childs does it again!
April 15, 2009
An easy, light read. Her best book yet.
May 19, 2009
An OK mystery about the adventures of a tea shop lady in Charleston, SC. There ae recipes for your tea party and a generally cozy tea shop atmosphere, a harrowing adventure, making for an easy read.
June 4, 2009
always enjoy these characters
June 15, 2009
These books are very light. I started reading the series because I had been in Charleston. Theodosia is so perfect in the previous books you almost dislike her. In this one she seemed more human.
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