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Tea Shop Mystery #24
A Dark and Stormy Tea
A possible serial killer on the loose sends tea maven Theodosia Browning into a whirlwind of investigation in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
It was a dark and stormy night, but that was the least of Theodosia Browning's troubles. As she approaches St. Philips Graveyard, Theodosia sees two figures locked in a strange embrace. Wiping rain from her eyes, Theodosia realizes she has just witnessed a brutal murder and sees a dark-hooded figure slip away into the fog.
In the throes of alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim--it is the daughter of her friend, Lois, who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.
Even though this appears to be the work of a serial killer who is stalking the back alleys of Charleston, Lois begs Theodosia for help. Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, and the sage words of Drayton, her tea sommelier, amateur-sleuth Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead girl's boyfriend, nefarious real estate developer, private-security man, bumbling reporter, and her own neighbor who is writing a true-crime book and searching for a big ending.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
It was a dark and stormy night, but that was the least of Theodosia Browning's troubles. As she approaches St. Philips Graveyard, Theodosia sees two figures locked in a strange embrace. Wiping rain from her eyes, Theodosia realizes she has just witnessed a brutal murder and sees a dark-hooded figure slip away into the fog.
In the throes of alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim--it is the daughter of her friend, Lois, who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.
Even though this appears to be the work of a serial killer who is stalking the back alleys of Charleston, Lois begs Theodosia for help. Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, and the sage words of Drayton, her tea sommelier, amateur-sleuth Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead girl's boyfriend, nefarious real estate developer, private-security man, bumbling reporter, and her own neighbor who is writing a true-crime book and searching for a big ending.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
320 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2022
392 people are currently reading
1058 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 275 reviews
August 8, 2022
A Dark and Stormy Tea was not my favorite book in the “Tea Shop Mystery” series. In fact, you might say I truly disliked it! The premise was intriguing, and the idea of a serial killer in a cozy mystery is different. Unfortunately, it didn’t work well. A tea shop is one of my favorite locations for a book, and Theodosia’s shop sounds beautiful, but it wasn’t enough to keep me invested in the story. The book is functionally well written, and the characters were developed long ago; it’s too bad they stopped growing. The location of Charleston should play a bigger role as it is a delightfully beautiful place.
Theodosia’s tea shop is bustling with customers, mainly tourists, out to enjoy a proper English tea. On her way home one foggy evening after a hectic and long day, Theodosia comes across what she thinks are two people dancing in the graveyard, but it turns out it was a murder. It doesn’t take long after discovering the victim for rumors that the victim was killed by a serial killer who had been active in the town several years before to circulate. Theodosia, of course, sticks her nose in and starts an investigation by interviewing everyone she thinks are viable suspects. The killer isn’t happy about Theodosia getting herself involved and decides maybe it's time to make her his next victim.
On the surface, the murder and the subsequent investigation into the motives of several people connected to the victim are routine. Theodosia jumps in without looking and falls flat on her face. First off, Theodosia comes to conclusions and suspects faster than a diva changes clothes. She has no basis for suspecting anyone and no evidence, only rumor, and supposition. She leaves her tea shop at all hours to look for a killer. She ignores the police’s warning to stay out of the investigation, and considering that they are tracking a serial killer, you would think she might show some restraint. None of the evidence presented in the murder point to any of her suspects. Yet she goes after them as if she has something concrete to base her false accusations on and doesn’t give her safety or anyone else’s a second thought. Who in their right mind would go out after dark jogging knowing that a serial killer is on the loose or sends a young girl off on her own to run an errand? Yet Theodosia does without a second thought. The police let her do whatever she wants and don’t even try to stop her.
Unfortunately, I knew who the killer was when he was introduced. I kept reading A Dark and Stormy Tea, hoping that I was wrong and, like Theodosia, just jumping to conclusions. However, that was not the case, and I was disappointed that the identity was so easy to figure out. To me, Theodosia is far too immature and naive for a woman her age. The love interest, if you can call it that, is non-existent and might as well not be in the books at all. I feel that Drayton, Haley, and Miss Dimple have real substance; a series centered around them would be interesting. Even the serial killer didn’t hold much in the way of fascination. Maybe I have been reading this series too long, or perhaps it has been going on for too long, and maybe I have become too nit-picky. About the only thing I liked in this book was the tea shop. This is not to say that all of the books in this series are bad because most are very enjoyable, and I encourage readers to check them out.
Theodosia’s tea shop is bustling with customers, mainly tourists, out to enjoy a proper English tea. On her way home one foggy evening after a hectic and long day, Theodosia comes across what she thinks are two people dancing in the graveyard, but it turns out it was a murder. It doesn’t take long after discovering the victim for rumors that the victim was killed by a serial killer who had been active in the town several years before to circulate. Theodosia, of course, sticks her nose in and starts an investigation by interviewing everyone she thinks are viable suspects. The killer isn’t happy about Theodosia getting herself involved and decides maybe it's time to make her his next victim.
On the surface, the murder and the subsequent investigation into the motives of several people connected to the victim are routine. Theodosia jumps in without looking and falls flat on her face. First off, Theodosia comes to conclusions and suspects faster than a diva changes clothes. She has no basis for suspecting anyone and no evidence, only rumor, and supposition. She leaves her tea shop at all hours to look for a killer. She ignores the police’s warning to stay out of the investigation, and considering that they are tracking a serial killer, you would think she might show some restraint. None of the evidence presented in the murder point to any of her suspects. Yet she goes after them as if she has something concrete to base her false accusations on and doesn’t give her safety or anyone else’s a second thought. Who in their right mind would go out after dark jogging knowing that a serial killer is on the loose or sends a young girl off on her own to run an errand? Yet Theodosia does without a second thought. The police let her do whatever she wants and don’t even try to stop her.
Unfortunately, I knew who the killer was when he was introduced. I kept reading A Dark and Stormy Tea, hoping that I was wrong and, like Theodosia, just jumping to conclusions. However, that was not the case, and I was disappointed that the identity was so easy to figure out. To me, Theodosia is far too immature and naive for a woman her age. The love interest, if you can call it that, is non-existent and might as well not be in the books at all. I feel that Drayton, Haley, and Miss Dimple have real substance; a series centered around them would be interesting. Even the serial killer didn’t hold much in the way of fascination. Maybe I have been reading this series too long, or perhaps it has been going on for too long, and maybe I have become too nit-picky. About the only thing I liked in this book was the tea shop. This is not to say that all of the books in this series are bad because most are very enjoyable, and I encourage readers to check them out.
August 29, 2022
I loved this cozy mystery, it is set in one of my favorite southern cities, Charleston. The story was a quick read, a perfect cozy mystery with likable characters. I felt that the ending was rushed, I wanted to know a bit more about the killer's psyche, and why he was murdering these women and we got no explanation. That is my only gripe about the book. I am happy to have discovered this author, I will be sure to read the other books in the series.
August 15, 2022
“A Dark and Stormy Tea” is the 24th instalment in the A Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I absolutely love this series! I have said this before and I will say it again everything about this series enthrals me! The story had me wrapped up in the goings on of protagonist Theo, the Indigo Tea Shop, Drayton, and Haley once again, it was like visiting old friends.
A possible serial killer on the loose sends tea maven Theodosia Browning into a whirlwind of investigation
As for the mystery itself I found it suspenseful, intriguing, and well thought out.
Make sure you have a hot cup of tea and a snack when reading as I’m always hungry when I hear Haley’s menus! Good thing there are recipes from the tea shop at the end of the book.
If you are looking for a light, fun read then this series fits the bill.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley and Berkley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
A possible serial killer on the loose sends tea maven Theodosia Browning into a whirlwind of investigation
As for the mystery itself I found it suspenseful, intriguing, and well thought out.
Make sure you have a hot cup of tea and a snack when reading as I’m always hungry when I hear Haley’s menus! Good thing there are recipes from the tea shop at the end of the book.
If you are looking for a light, fun read then this series fits the bill.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from NetGalley and Berkley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
August 14, 2022
This is a new-to-me series, although I'm not sure how I've managed to miss it since this is the 24th installment. But with a tea shop, a bookstore and murder involved, I couldn't pass up a chance to try a sample. The Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina, is owned by Theodosia Browning, capably assisted by tea sommelier Drayton and young chef Haley. Judging from the extensive food and drink selections at various times of day, it appears that the shop does a thriving business (and made me wonder how on earth Haley could produce such delicacies in such quantity and timeliness when she's basically all alone in the kitchen). But on the fateful stormy night when the story begins, Theodosia walks past a cemetery and, through no fault of her own, sees what she believes is a woman being murdered right before her fog-clouded eyes.
And she's right; turns out the victim is the daughter of the aforesaid bookstore owner just down the street. As the police - including Theodosia's boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley - begin their investigation, similarities to the work of a known serial killer who was active in the area some seven years earlier. An amateur sleuth, Theodosia is eager to do some investigating on her own, but she's cautioned against doing so by Pete and his police cohorts (as is customary in every cozy mystery I've ever read). And just as customarily, Theodosia ignores their warnings and sets out on her own. After all, you see, the victim, an intern at a local TV station, was the daughter of a friend, who asks for Theodosia's help.
To be sure, there's no shortage of suspects - ranging from a former boyfriend to a neighbor who's writing a true crime book to a big real estate developer who's intent on making his mostly unwelcome mark on the historic neighborhood. Theodosia convinces herself each one is the killer, searching for clues to bolster her suspicions at least till the real police find real evidence of their innocence. The requisite ditzy cozy heroine sidekick - the one who's usually obnoxious and headstrong - makes herself known a couple of times, but she doesn't have much of a role in this story. Neither does Theodosia's boyfriend Pete, actually; in fact, they don't seem to have much of a relationship (I'm new to this series, so I'll assume he is as well).
Of course, Theodosia's unauthorized poking around doesn't sit well with the killer, who would very much prefer to be left unidentified. And that, also of course, spells big trouble for Theodosia, "forcing" her to resort to all kinds of devious activities - and one that's downright illegal, which certainly doesn't sit well with me - to get what she's after. The trouble that ensues and how it all ends I can't reveal, but I can say that when it does end, foodies whose mouths watered over some of the scones and tea sandwiches mentioned liberally throughout the book will be delighted to find recipes and other tea-related resources. All in all, it's a fun story that's not too scary to read sitting alone in a big old house in front of a cozy (pun intended) fire. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy to read and review.
And she's right; turns out the victim is the daughter of the aforesaid bookstore owner just down the street. As the police - including Theodosia's boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley - begin their investigation, similarities to the work of a known serial killer who was active in the area some seven years earlier. An amateur sleuth, Theodosia is eager to do some investigating on her own, but she's cautioned against doing so by Pete and his police cohorts (as is customary in every cozy mystery I've ever read). And just as customarily, Theodosia ignores their warnings and sets out on her own. After all, you see, the victim, an intern at a local TV station, was the daughter of a friend, who asks for Theodosia's help.
To be sure, there's no shortage of suspects - ranging from a former boyfriend to a neighbor who's writing a true crime book to a big real estate developer who's intent on making his mostly unwelcome mark on the historic neighborhood. Theodosia convinces herself each one is the killer, searching for clues to bolster her suspicions at least till the real police find real evidence of their innocence. The requisite ditzy cozy heroine sidekick - the one who's usually obnoxious and headstrong - makes herself known a couple of times, but she doesn't have much of a role in this story. Neither does Theodosia's boyfriend Pete, actually; in fact, they don't seem to have much of a relationship (I'm new to this series, so I'll assume he is as well).
Of course, Theodosia's unauthorized poking around doesn't sit well with the killer, who would very much prefer to be left unidentified. And that, also of course, spells big trouble for Theodosia, "forcing" her to resort to all kinds of devious activities - and one that's downright illegal, which certainly doesn't sit well with me - to get what she's after. The trouble that ensues and how it all ends I can't reveal, but I can say that when it does end, foodies whose mouths watered over some of the scones and tea sandwiches mentioned liberally throughout the book will be delighted to find recipes and other tea-related resources. All in all, it's a fun story that's not too scary to read sitting alone in a big old house in front of a cozy (pun intended) fire. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy to read and review.
August 10, 2022
I would say A Dark and Stormy Tea is my favorite of the books I've read in A Teashop Mystery series.
Once again we have tea maven Theodosia Browning butting her nose in, err helping to investigate a murder committed by a possible serial killer.
On a dark and stormy night on her way home from working at her delightful teashop ,Theodosia Browning cuts through a cemetery and witnesses a brutal murder. Because of the cloaked figure she can not identify who it was but the victim is her friend's daughter who owns a bookshop next to her teashop, the Indigo Teashop.
Her boyfriend is a police detective so we get an inside scoop on how the investigation is going which makes it interesting,
I enjoyed the descriptions of the the types of tea in the shop,the china and the fancy parties taking place there.
Earl Grey is a great name for her dog.
There are other similar types of murders taking place at different places and times so this just may be the work of a serial killer.
Theodosia Browning's gotten herself into a bit of hot water with her investigating, see how a teakettle and a bit of tea helps her out.
Recommended to fans of foodie cozy mysteries also teashops.
Absolutely delightful food and drink recipes included in the book.
Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Once again we have tea maven Theodosia Browning butting her nose in, err helping to investigate a murder committed by a possible serial killer.
On a dark and stormy night on her way home from working at her delightful teashop ,Theodosia Browning cuts through a cemetery and witnesses a brutal murder. Because of the cloaked figure she can not identify who it was but the victim is her friend's daughter who owns a bookshop next to her teashop, the Indigo Teashop.
Her boyfriend is a police detective so we get an inside scoop on how the investigation is going which makes it interesting,
I enjoyed the descriptions of the the types of tea in the shop,the china and the fancy parties taking place there.
Earl Grey is a great name for her dog.
There are other similar types of murders taking place at different places and times so this just may be the work of a serial killer.
Theodosia Browning's gotten herself into a bit of hot water with her investigating, see how a teakettle and a bit of tea helps her out.
Recommended to fans of foodie cozy mysteries also teashops.
Absolutely delightful food and drink recipes included in the book.
Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
June 22, 2022
"A Dark and Stormy Tea" is a cozy mystery. While there were potential clues and both the police and Theodosia actively investigated, it's not a puzzle mystery. You get some motives and that's about it. If you guessed whodunit before Theo's attacked at the end, it's a wild guess as there were no concrete clues that could narrow down suspects. Theo's so annoying in this story. She just did whatever she wanted to, sensible or legal or not. There's a killer strangling women who are out alone on dark, foggy nights? Why, that's the perfect time for her to go out alone, right? Repeatedly. Her boyfriend asked her to be careful and the head detective asked her not to do a certain thing. She nodded but went ahead and smugly did it as if she got a kick out of defying them. Of course, she also felt totally justified in snooping through other people's private property.
There was no bad language and no sex. It's the 24th book in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this story, and this book didn't spoil the previous ones.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
There was no bad language and no sex. It's the 24th book in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this story, and this book didn't spoil the previous ones.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
October 3, 2022
I've read all the books and my favorite part has always been the "tea parties" which drew me into the series since book one. That said...Will probably discontinue the series, as this one jumped the shark. How is it that Theo knows better than the police and the detectives let her investigate, and in this book, she purposely puts herself in harm's way (serial killer loose killing women at night and she continued to go out at night). The worst was she didn't figure it out (or did I miss something because I was so irritated by her behavior) and no reason given why the murderer was killing women, nor how all the killings were connected (besides the same murderer). And, who burned down the bookstore? So many loose ends. How sad the series has come to this.
August 2, 2022
A Dark and Stormy Tea by Laura Childs is the 24th A Tea Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series (though, you will be missing out on a charming cozy mystery series). A Tea Shop Mysteries is one of the two series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries. I look forward to reading a new book each year. I thought A Dark and Stormy Tea is well-written with developed, realistic characters. I enjoyed the vivid word imagery that brought Charleston alive. It is rainy and foggy in Charleston which gives it a creepy atmosphere especially at night. It is the perfect setting for a murder. It is great to catch up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, and Earl Grey. Detective Pete Riley is in the periphery in this book while Detective Tidwell takes lead. Detective Tidwell manages to stop by the Indigo Tea Shop a couple of times to question Theo, see if she has learned any new details, and enjoy Haley’s delectable food. The mystery was intriguing. It suited the creepy atmosphere of Charleston. There are several good suspects along with a red herring. There are clues, but they are subtle. Details are important when trying to solve a crime. While I was able to identify the killer early in the book (I knew who, but I did not know why), I still enjoyed following the investigation. Both men should know by now that Theo is not going to stay out of a crime. She is curious by nature and when a friend asks for help, Theo will give it. I did feel that there needed to be a better wrap up. I was left with a couple of unanswered questions which is unusual for this author. I enjoyed the tea events hosted at the Indigo Tea Shop with the mystery tea being my favorite. The food descriptions will have your mouth watering (recipes at the end of the book). I cannot wait to see what Theodosia gets up to next time in Lemon Curd Killer. A Dark and Stormy Tea is a chilling whodunit with wet weather, a creepy cemetery, a serial killer, tempting tea treats, a determined developer, and an inquisitive Theo.
August 25, 2022
The 24th book in the Teashop Mystery series, but the first one I have read. I enjoyed it very much and it could be read as a standalone, although it always best to read the whole series to get more character background. It was surprising that this story started with a murder by a serial killer. It made this story seem that much serious. As the murder victim is the daughter of one of Theo's friends, Theo commits to trying to find the murderer. This seems especially dangerous for all involved.
I also loved the setting of the tea shop and the cast of supporting characters. I don't quite believe that a tea shop could have so much business, but maybe that is realistic. All I know is I would like to visit the shop and sample some teas. I did enjoy this book, and can see myself reading more in the series and more by the author. She writes with a nice, comforting style.
I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.
I also loved the setting of the tea shop and the cast of supporting characters. I don't quite believe that a tea shop could have so much business, but maybe that is realistic. All I know is I would like to visit the shop and sample some teas. I did enjoy this book, and can see myself reading more in the series and more by the author. She writes with a nice, comforting style.
I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 20, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Theodosia Browning owner of the Indigo Tea Shop usually has no qualms about walking home after she closes the shop, but this dark and stormy night feels different. In fact, when she walks by the St. Philips Graveyard she sees something in the fog. Two people hugging, no that’s not right. When a dark hooded figure creeps away she realizes she just witnessed a murder. Calling the police she sees that the victim is the daughter of her friend, Lois who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.
When Lois asks Theodosia for help, how can she refuse? Her boyfriend Detective Pete Riley thinks the murder is the work of a serial killer and wants Theodosia to leave the investigation to him, afraid she will be the next victim but she already has a list of suspects to interview. She promises to be careful but that doesn’t ease Riley’s mind one bit.
Seeing that cover I knew this story was going to be different. Dark and stormy nights and some days throughout this mystery give the whole story an eerie feeling and darn if that Theodosia doesn’t keep going out at night when there is a killer on the loose, a killer that may be as close as her neighbor next door. She’s a risk taker and she is a dynamic protagonist with a lot of layers. When she teams up with her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton they are unstoppable. No matter if they are brainstorming special tea events or trying to steep out a killer they can’t be beat. Throw in Haley with her culinary masterpieces and Mrs. Dimple putting in her 2 cents, along with local law enforcement, Pete, and Detective Tidwell you have a wonderful cast of core characters.
So much happens within these pages. The mystery Ms. Childs enveloped her characters in was spooky from the beginning due to the weather. The rain and the fog were ever present and almost characters on their own. Theo had a lot of theories but all the clues did not fall in place for her until she was in a dangerous predicament and could have been breathing her last breath. I did have the killer on my personal suspect list but I would have been right there next to Theodosia because I couldn’t figure out a motive. Let me tell you though I was sitting right on the edge of my seat during the wild and exciting showdown.
The icing on the teacakes of every book in this series is the description of foods and teas. The author also shares recipes of a few at the back of the book so we can try them in our own homes. In this book, you will find recipes like Haley’s Cioppino, Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches, Killer Cranberry Scones, and more.
A Dark and Stormy Tea is a marvelous cozy read with a thrilling ending. I loved every minute of it. I escaped right into this story and it held my full attention until the final page. I need more Theodosia and her friends as soon as possible so I am excited about Lemon Curd Killer which is slated to be released on March 7, 2023.
You will find A Dark and Stormy Tea on my Best Reads List of 2022 and recommend you get your own copy of this book today!
Theodosia Browning owner of the Indigo Tea Shop usually has no qualms about walking home after she closes the shop, but this dark and stormy night feels different. In fact, when she walks by the St. Philips Graveyard she sees something in the fog. Two people hugging, no that’s not right. When a dark hooded figure creeps away she realizes she just witnessed a murder. Calling the police she sees that the victim is the daughter of her friend, Lois who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.
When Lois asks Theodosia for help, how can she refuse? Her boyfriend Detective Pete Riley thinks the murder is the work of a serial killer and wants Theodosia to leave the investigation to him, afraid she will be the next victim but she already has a list of suspects to interview. She promises to be careful but that doesn’t ease Riley’s mind one bit.
Seeing that cover I knew this story was going to be different. Dark and stormy nights and some days throughout this mystery give the whole story an eerie feeling and darn if that Theodosia doesn’t keep going out at night when there is a killer on the loose, a killer that may be as close as her neighbor next door. She’s a risk taker and she is a dynamic protagonist with a lot of layers. When she teams up with her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton they are unstoppable. No matter if they are brainstorming special tea events or trying to steep out a killer they can’t be beat. Throw in Haley with her culinary masterpieces and Mrs. Dimple putting in her 2 cents, along with local law enforcement, Pete, and Detective Tidwell you have a wonderful cast of core characters.
So much happens within these pages. The mystery Ms. Childs enveloped her characters in was spooky from the beginning due to the weather. The rain and the fog were ever present and almost characters on their own. Theo had a lot of theories but all the clues did not fall in place for her until she was in a dangerous predicament and could have been breathing her last breath. I did have the killer on my personal suspect list but I would have been right there next to Theodosia because I couldn’t figure out a motive. Let me tell you though I was sitting right on the edge of my seat during the wild and exciting showdown.
The icing on the teacakes of every book in this series is the description of foods and teas. The author also shares recipes of a few at the back of the book so we can try them in our own homes. In this book, you will find recipes like Haley’s Cioppino, Smoked Salmon Tea Sandwiches, Killer Cranberry Scones, and more.
A Dark and Stormy Tea is a marvelous cozy read with a thrilling ending. I loved every minute of it. I escaped right into this story and it held my full attention until the final page. I need more Theodosia and her friends as soon as possible so I am excited about Lemon Curd Killer which is slated to be released on March 7, 2023.
You will find A Dark and Stormy Tea on my Best Reads List of 2022 and recommend you get your own copy of this book today!
June 2, 2022
This is a great addition to the series by Laura Child’s.
Theodosia owns the most adorable tea shop and I always wish I could stop in and visit with some of my favorite friends.
Theo is always finding herself caught up in a murder investigation and she’s always ready to find the killer and make sure justice is served.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ADarkandStormyTea #NetGalley
Theodosia owns the most adorable tea shop and I always wish I could stop in and visit with some of my favorite friends.
Theo is always finding herself caught up in a murder investigation and she’s always ready to find the killer and make sure justice is served.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ADarkandStormyTea #NetGalley
April 14, 2023
So disappointing. This series was on the top of my favorite cozy series list for years. I loved everything about this series and could not wait for each new release. I have them all up to this one. This is the first one in the series I did not even finish reading. The last few books have not lived up to expectations. The characters' personalities have changed drastically (especially Theodosia and Drayton). They are nothing like they started out and I don't care for the new ones. Theodosia acts so immature now and at times quite rude. Drayton says and does things he never would have done. Detective Tidwell's character has seriously changed as well and not for the good. The disrespect for law enforcement is obvious throughout the last few books. Theodosia does not even seem to have respect for her own boyfriend's job as a law enforcement officer and does not treat him well at all. I don't enjoy these books anymore and long for the old characters, the formality and rich history that is Charleston, and the respect for the people who live and work in historic downtown Charleston and the culture that comes with it. I just don't understand why the author made such a drastic change.
September 28, 2022
Boring, unbelievable, nonsense! Readers are supposed to believe that the Charleston cops are so inept that after a woman is murdered, they wouldn't process her apartment right away? That a nosy tea shoppe owner is the one who goes there, finds some clues then calls them so they rush right over like a cavalry? Not to mention that said tea shoppe owner gets inside information about the investigations and is even allowed at the crime scenes because she is so stubborn and bullheaded she won't take no for an answer. Theodosia has to be one of the most annoying characters there is in a cozy book. Yes, she always ends up solving the murder....by almost being murdered herself in the end by the killer! Every. Single. Book. Lame. I have read several books by Laura Childs, most of them in the tea shoppe series. But I am done with this series and this author.
February 10, 2023
Okay, I’m done. Theo has become completely unlikable. All the judging of other characters who are pushy and pressing into the investigation of the murder(s). Except she is the same, if not worse than the crime writer or the freelance reporter or the TV news personality. All the justifications, the “you’re right, I should stop”, the excuses. I’m just done.
October 24, 2022
Another cozy Tea Shop Mystery..this time Theodosia, Drayton and the Charleston PD search for a potential serial killer
March 27, 2023
I like these mysteries!
March 13, 2024
I liked this one a lot better! Though I'm still amazed this character has survived 20 something books. Her friend is attacked while wearing the main character's rain coat, she finds two bodies of women she knew personally, there's a serial killer on the loose, and she STILL goes on runs alone at night with her dog.
August 30, 2022
I like to read about Charleston and the tea shop but at this point I think this book was ridiculous. Theodosia is obnoxious and the police are worse than inept. MC goes to the murder victim’s home before the police? Wouldn’t that be one of the first places the police would go to search for clues.
There is a serial killer on the loose so let’s go jogging alone after dark. Theodosia belongs in the too stupid to live category. Then Haley is going out after dark and the only thing Drayton asks her is if she has an umbrella because it’s raining.
Theodosia sics the cops on so many innocent people she would be sued. She illegally searches a man’s room at the B and B and the owner gives her the key? I wouldn’t want to stay at that B and B.
I don’t understand the relationship with the boyfriend. They never spend time together and the only thing she does is pump him for information about the case when she does talk with him. Tidwell has become another phantom.
Theodosia always acts big and bad but always has someone to rescue her.
I think I may be done with this series which makes me sad. The earlier books were much better.
There is a serial killer on the loose so let’s go jogging alone after dark. Theodosia belongs in the too stupid to live category. Then Haley is going out after dark and the only thing Drayton asks her is if she has an umbrella because it’s raining.
Theodosia sics the cops on so many innocent people she would be sued. She illegally searches a man’s room at the B and B and the owner gives her the key? I wouldn’t want to stay at that B and B.
I don’t understand the relationship with the boyfriend. They never spend time together and the only thing she does is pump him for information about the case when she does talk with him. Tidwell has become another phantom.
Theodosia always acts big and bad but always has someone to rescue her.
I think I may be done with this series which makes me sad. The earlier books were much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
Read this review on
Fresh Fiction
Wow, twenty-four books in the Tea Shop Mystery series? Laura Childs shows no signs of stopping with A DARK AND STORMY TEA!
As a huge fan of Laura Childs’ writing, I was very much looking forward to reading this book and not surprisingly, this book delivered on all fronts! It has amazing mystery, charming and interesting characters, and an aura that captures readers’ attentions and doesn’t let go until the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a bit of a dark, spooky vibe to it, so I think the title fits it perfectly. I just love coming back to this world. The writing is always so well done; it has incredible pacing and execution, making it one of my favorite Cozy Mystery series. You really can’t go wrong with Laura Childs. When it comes to Mysteries, she is simply the best!
Wow, twenty-four books in the Tea Shop Mystery series? Laura Childs shows no signs of stopping with A DARK AND STORMY TEA!
As a huge fan of Laura Childs’ writing, I was very much looking forward to reading this book and not surprisingly, this book delivered on all fronts! It has amazing mystery, charming and interesting characters, and an aura that captures readers’ attentions and doesn’t let go until the last page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a bit of a dark, spooky vibe to it, so I think the title fits it perfectly. I just love coming back to this world. The writing is always so well done; it has incredible pacing and execution, making it one of my favorite Cozy Mystery series. You really can’t go wrong with Laura Childs. When it comes to Mysteries, she is simply the best!
August 8, 2022
An enterprising and convoluted cozy Mystery presenting a multiplicity of suspects and a cleverly concealed killer, A DARK AND STORMY TEA is Book 24 in Laura Childs' A TEA SHOP MYSTERY Series. Intrepid heroine Theodosia and Tea sommelier Drayton, proprietors of the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston's Historic District, delight in delivering comfort and respite in the Shop, and for Theodosia's insatiable curiosity, amateur investigations on the side. This time, a recent cold case, and past history, come into play as she is inextricably caught up in the plans of a serial killer akin to Jekyll and Hyde in the ability to present a charming front concealing the internal monster.
May 19, 2023
Way more intense stressful scenes than a typical cozy, but just as much fun!
September 2, 2022
First of all, I have to say that I love this series. I’ve been a fan for a long time. But I was SO disappointed with this new book. First off, I was able to guess the killer right off the bat. Second of all, Theo acts like a complete idiot in this book. I mean, there’s a serial killer on the loose, stalking women at night in the historical district, and what does she do? She repeatedly goes jogging at night by herself in the historical district!! I just felt like this whole book was a letdown. The secondary characters seemed flat, the lovely descriptions of Charleston were missing, Theo’s relationship with Riley was pretty much non existent, even the murder mystery tea party seemed to lack the sparkle and excitement I usually pick up on during the tea shop’s special event teas. Haley, Drayton, and Miss Dimple continue to be good characters, but even they were just sort of cookie cutter/status quo this time around, just filling up space in the background. I was very surprised that I disliked this book so much, seeing as how I’ve really enjoyed the vast majority of this series, up to and including the book before this one (Twisted Tea Christmas). I really hope this book was just a fluke and next time around Theo and the gang will be back in all their usual glory.
December 10, 2022
I've read most of this series by now. I enjoy the tea shop and the themed teas and learning about tea.
Theo has become too much a creature of habit. I mean, really, a serial killer is out there and yet you still decide to go out running with your dog after dark? (Sounds like the plot of a bad horror movie to me.)
And, as if there's not enough murders, they decide to stage a murder mystery tea at their shop. Which, while it sounds like fun, may not have been in the best taste given that their neighbor's daughter had been murdered a week or so before.
Theo has become too much a creature of habit. I mean, really, a serial killer is out there and yet you still decide to go out running with your dog after dark? (Sounds like the plot of a bad horror movie to me.)
And, as if there's not enough murders, they decide to stage a murder mystery tea at their shop. Which, while it sounds like fun, may not have been in the best taste given that their neighbor's daughter had been murdered a week or so before.
November 12, 2022
I've read this series from the very start and have always loved it, though I have been very disappointed in the five I've read. These are suppose to be cozy mysteries not thrillers, but I feel the author is getting more and more gruesome with each book. The personalities of the characters have also changed dramatically. I really hope Ms. Childs goes back to her original style of writing. If not, I will not continue to read her books.
December 20, 2022
Formulaic and so poorly put together. A waste of good reading time.
August 10, 2022
This is the 24th Tea Shop mystery. I’ve read them all, and they’re all entertaining to read. Theodosia and Drayton are serving up tea and scones and solving crimes, usually murders, at the same time. I really like the plot in this book and there is a surplus of possible suspects, which makes guessing “whodunnit” even more intriguing. The characters are well developed, and the descriptions of Charleston are amazing.
I want to visit there, and I hope I find a tea shop as special as the Indigo Tea Shop and eat some of the mouthwatering food described in the book! There are delicious recipes at the end if you want to cook some of them yourself. This is a book to enjoy with a cup of tea and a scone, 5 stars.
Synopsis:
A possible serial killer on the loose sends tea maven Theodosia Browning into a whirlwind of investigation in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
It was a dark and stormy night, but that was the least of Theodosia Browning's troubles. As she approaches St. Philips Graveyard, Theodosia sees two figures locked in a strange embrace. Wiping rain from her eyes, Theodosia realizes she has just witnessed a brutal murder and sees a dark-hooded figure slip away into the fog.
In the throes of alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim--it is the daughter of her friend, Lois, who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.
Even though this appears to be the work of a serial killer who is stalking the back alleys of Charleston, Lois begs Theodosia for help. Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, and the sage words of Drayton, her tea sommelier, amateur-sleuth Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead girl's boyfriend, nefarious real estate developer, private-security man, bumbling reporter, and her own neighbor who is writing a true-crime book and searching for a big ending.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
I want to visit there, and I hope I find a tea shop as special as the Indigo Tea Shop and eat some of the mouthwatering food described in the book! There are delicious recipes at the end if you want to cook some of them yourself. This is a book to enjoy with a cup of tea and a scone, 5 stars.
Synopsis:
A possible serial killer on the loose sends tea maven Theodosia Browning into a whirlwind of investigation in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
It was a dark and stormy night, but that was the least of Theodosia Browning's troubles. As she approaches St. Philips Graveyard, Theodosia sees two figures locked in a strange embrace. Wiping rain from her eyes, Theodosia realizes she has just witnessed a brutal murder and sees a dark-hooded figure slip away into the fog.
In the throes of alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim--it is the daughter of her friend, Lois, who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.
Even though this appears to be the work of a serial killer who is stalking the back alleys of Charleston, Lois begs Theodosia for help. Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, and the sage words of Drayton, her tea sommelier, amateur-sleuth Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead girl's boyfriend, nefarious real estate developer, private-security man, bumbling reporter, and her own neighbor who is writing a true-crime book and searching for a big ending.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
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August 9, 2022A Dark and Stormy Tea will have you hooked from the get go.
A Dark and Stormy Tea is the 24th book in the A Tea Shop Mystery Series and will have you on your seat from the very first chapter. The weather is dreadful in Charleston, setting the tone for a very well plotted and written mystery. There was such a creepy sense to the story. Playing on the wonderful ghost stories of Charleston I definitely set the tone for the novel. This story could have easily been a Halloween release and it would’ve fit right in with the season.
Theodosia witnesses a murder without even realizing it and discovers A body while trying to take a shortcut to get out of the rain. Believing she knows the witness makes this one even harder. Theodosia does her best to try to keep out of things but yet when the mother of the deceased asked her to poke around with her reporter person friend to get some information that they may not know leads her to do what she does best. Well second best that is. She gets to the bottom of this mystery.
A Dark and Stormy Tea has everything you need for a well-rounded cozy mystery. The characters are charming and intriguing whether you are just meeting them or you have known them for quite a while. The atmosphere is amazing. You feel like you’re walking down the streets of Charleston as you’re reading the book. Theodosia makes me shake my head many times but she does what she does and she entertains me while she’s doing it. Although I may not make all the choices that she does, even when she warns not to do things she does get to the bottom of the mystery. You have to give her that. Oh my goodness, for the love of tea and scones, A Dark and Stormy Tea Will give you an afternoon or two, depending on how fast you read, of wonderful entertainment filled with delectable treats that you just want to eat right out of the pages.
A Dark and Stormy Tea is the 24th book in the A Tea Shop Mystery Series and will have you on your seat from the very first chapter. The weather is dreadful in Charleston, setting the tone for a very well plotted and written mystery. There was such a creepy sense to the story. Playing on the wonderful ghost stories of Charleston I definitely set the tone for the novel. This story could have easily been a Halloween release and it would’ve fit right in with the season.
Theodosia witnesses a murder without even realizing it and discovers A body while trying to take a shortcut to get out of the rain. Believing she knows the witness makes this one even harder. Theodosia does her best to try to keep out of things but yet when the mother of the deceased asked her to poke around with her reporter person friend to get some information that they may not know leads her to do what she does best. Well second best that is. She gets to the bottom of this mystery.
A Dark and Stormy Tea has everything you need for a well-rounded cozy mystery. The characters are charming and intriguing whether you are just meeting them or you have known them for quite a while. The atmosphere is amazing. You feel like you’re walking down the streets of Charleston as you’re reading the book. Theodosia makes me shake my head many times but she does what she does and she entertains me while she’s doing it. Although I may not make all the choices that she does, even when she warns not to do things she does get to the bottom of the mystery. You have to give her that. Oh my goodness, for the love of tea and scones, A Dark and Stormy Tea Will give you an afternoon or two, depending on how fast you read, of wonderful entertainment filled with delectable treats that you just want to eat right out of the pages.
August 27, 2022
Okay this might be a little lengthy. Well I do love the tea shop Mysteries, I have to agree with a few of the others who commented that Theodosia is getting a little out of control. She not only put herself and friends in danger but her dog as well who primarily sits home by himself all day. At the end she's hurt badly by the killer and insists on waiting for her boyfriend who's in another state and she barely has a relationship to speak of. I love the earlier books I am hoping that the author can get her back to this or maybe it's time for the series to end. This book was very morbid. I hate leaving this type of review but I feel the author needs to know how her readers feel. Having said that I still give this book 4 stars.
August 11, 2025
4 stelle e mezza
Al ventiquattresimo libro devo dire che ormai li leggo perché mi sono affezionata ai personaggi... Sono diventati una di quelle letture che fai quando vuoi qualcosa di leggero e piacevole, cozy direi usando una parola sicura: qui vado a colpo sicuro. In questa storia c'erano un sacco di colpevoli possibili, ma d'istinto ho subito sospettato della persona giusta. Devo dire che ho trovato il finale troppo veloce: succede tutto in una decina o poco più di pagine! E trovo che siano rimaste un paio di questioni in sospeso, almeno secondo me. Comunque, il libro mi è piaciuto e come al solito avevo l'acquolina in bocca a leggere cosa era possibile mangiare nel tea shop della protagonista.
Al ventiquattresimo libro devo dire che ormai li leggo perché mi sono affezionata ai personaggi... Sono diventati una di quelle letture che fai quando vuoi qualcosa di leggero e piacevole, cozy direi usando una parola sicura: qui vado a colpo sicuro. In questa storia c'erano un sacco di colpevoli possibili, ma d'istinto ho subito sospettato della persona giusta. Devo dire che ho trovato il finale troppo veloce: succede tutto in una decina o poco più di pagine! E trovo che siano rimaste un paio di questioni in sospeso, almeno secondo me. Comunque, il libro mi è piaciuto e come al solito avevo l'acquolina in bocca a leggere cosa era possibile mangiare nel tea shop della protagonista.
November 13, 2022
Theodosia is heading towards the tea shop during a storm and happens upon a man who appears to be killing a woman but she is unable to see who he was. She quickly calls the police and they come quickly. It appears that she was too late and the woman is dead. It appears to be a killing similar to one's that were done 7 years before. Theodosia takes it personally especially after she finds out that it is the daughter of her friend. Can Theodosia keep herself out of harm's way while trying to find out who is this person who has come back to kill again.
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