The Silver Needle Murder

Tea Shop Mystery #9

by Laura Childs

When the Charleston Film Festival opens with a bang?the real-life murder of a famous director?Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is pulled into an investigation as perilous as any big-screen thriller.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Tea, Adult Fiction, Mystery Thriller

274 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Laura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading this series is sort of like a guilty secret, because the writing is not super-fantastic or anything, but the setting is so relaxing. I think I read these not so much for the mystery to be solved or even for the characters, but because I feel like I get to visit the tea shop when I read them. It's kind of strange to find myself reading a series more for the incidental tea knowledge and descriptions of baked goods than for the actual stories, but it has become addictive anyway. I wish I had a real tea shop somewhere nearby.

[Lisa Cornelius Ashby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book #9 in The Tea Shop mystery series. I adore this series! It is truly one of my favorite cozy series. I love the protagonist, Theodosia. She is intelligent , independent, loyal, caring, and brave. I adore her little shop, her close friends, and neighbors who are the wonderful characters in the series. The author writes with such vivid description that I feel as if I’m right there in the little town, in the little tea shop, in South Carolina. The story was wonderful. The murder mystery was great, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Glen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another book with the exact same plot as the others in the series. This one is set at a film festival.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good entry in the series. I liked the setting of this one in the newly refurbished Belvedere Theater during the first annual Charleston Film Fest. The mystery kept me guessing and I liked the ending. As always yummy sounding recipes are included.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

At the Charleston Film Festival, everyone is looking forward to seeing the inside of an old, restored theater and raising money for the Heritage Society. No one expects to see a murder happen before their very eyes! Theodosia catches a glimpse of the killer's ring or cuff links as they escape into the dumbwaiter and down to the kitchen where Drayon is preparing tea. Aside from a nasty knock on the head, Drayton is fine but can't identify the killer. Timothy Neville is horrified when his granddaughter falls under suspicion. He asks Theo to investigate and clear Isabelle's name. Theodosia is also asked to be a judge on the film festival panel which will give her more insight into the people involved in the film festival - if she can didge the slimy Hollywood director who clings to her like a leech. Can she figure out who the murderer was before anyone else gets hurt or worse?

This mystery was OK. It's not my favorite of the series. I figured out who the murderer was right away, based on process of elimination and a hunch. I wasn't 100% positive though and I wasn't sure of a motive. It ended up pretty simple and rather boring. The climax was exciting though. I think this novel must have been released around Halloween because it has a spooky vibe and relies on ghosts and seances and a spooky atmosphere. As always, the tea sounded yummy and now I really want Devonshire cream and scones. I used to make it all the time. I found a new tea I must try thanks to Drayton!

Theo was the star in this one while Drayton took a back seat. I was pleased to see her act more level-headed than her friends but also disappointed that she didn't learn her lesson after the last investigation. She only learns a lesson after getting spooked in this investigation. I'm not a fan of her romance. It's heating up, at least on Parker's end. I did not appreciate his jealous and possessive nature. That was uncalled for. Theo made it clear she didn't enjoy the attention from the other man and was able to handle herself. Parker seems to feel more for Theodosia than she does for him. She hasn't even told him about Jory yet! That doesn't bode well for a future relationship.

Timothy Neville better quit while he's ahead. While I hate to see the Heritage Society shut down, every time he organizes a fundraising event, someone ends up dead! Maybe someone new can think of a fundraiser that doesn't involve the cream of Charleston Society! It was uncalled for to ask Theodosia to help clear his granddaughter's name. He doesn't have all the facts and she could very well be guilty. It puts Theodosia in enough danger than everyone knows she caught a glimpse of the killer's jewelry and I would think investigating would be even more dangerous. Of course then we don't have a story... As much as Delaine annoys me, she was not so bad in this novel and I was happy to see she's human after all. Detective Tidwell also shows he's human and not so infallible. I don't find him infuriating the way Theodosia does. She's a nosy civilian and he doesn't have to tell her anything.

Jordan Cole, big time award-winning movie director, has come to town for the festival. He surrounds himself with an entourage of beautiful women. That leads me to believe he was a womanizer, like fellow director C.W. Dredd. Cole may have been murdered by one of his women or perhaps someone whose film he refused to direct or another director passed over for an award or a staff member he was rude to/fired?

Timothy's granddaughter, Isabelle, worked as a location assistant on one of the films being screened at the festival. He loves his granddaughter and seems to dote on her. She comes across as spoiled and jaded. She isn't very forthcoming with Theodosia who is trying to help her. Isabelle has secrets and has omitted to share those with her grandfather. She sure looks like she has a motive for murder to me. Nina van Deidrich is a diva. When she wants something, she can be friendly but she doesn't take no for an answer. She's sometimes nervy and odd though, Theodosia describes her as "manic" . She has a favorite film and seems like she is pressuring the judges to vote for one in particular. Theodosia is too smart and honest for that but it could make her a suspect!

C.W. Dredd is dreadful. He's sleazy, smarmy and when he hears the word "no", it spurs him on to behave worse and worse. He comes on to Theodosia and she's unimpressed. He better be careful. If I were her, I'd slap him with a sexual harassment lawsuit so fast his Hollywood lawyers heads would spin. He gets a taste of his own medicine when Delaine pursues him relentlessly, though he is uninterested. Good! He's quick to jump into Jordan Cole's shoes as the big shot celebrity in Charleston. Could he have killed Jordan out of jealousy?

Homer Hunt, one of the judges, owns a local editing studio. He had beef with Jordan Cole and a few words from Jordan would close his business for good, even though Jordan was a jerk. Homer is an odd man. He's socially awkward, enjoys murdering defenseless fish and seems to be simmering with anger towards Jordan Cole. Sounds like a good candidate for murderer to me. Linus Gillette, local TV producer, once worked with Jordan Cole before Jordan was famous. It did not go well. There are a couple things that ping Linus Gillette as a good suspect! But he works for the local TV station, Channel Eight so I don't think that puts him in the running. I wish it was his anchor, Constance Broactto, she's a pushy diva obsessed with TV and doesn't seem to consider Theodosia's busy life as a tea shop owner and film festival judge worth upending because Theodosia's work is not nearly as important as a good TV spot. (eyeroll) What about Madame Zelda, the medium? She must be in league with Nina and/or the murderer. I don't trust so-called mediums.

I like this series for a nice Friday night read when I'm tired after work. It's not a top favorite but I plan to continue, if only for an education in tea and for the recipes!

Kassie Byrd, a young filmmaker, is a Theodosia fangirl. She's always around offering to help and do things for others. She wishes Theodosia would judge her film because then she might have a chance. Kassie seems nice but a bit odd. She's interested in ghosts, apparently.

[Rachel Garber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th in a series of books about a woman in SC who owns a tea room and winds up becoming embroiled in solving murders. The stories are well written, with a mostly regular cast of characters and an occasional "newcomer" who is usually the murder victim. I love mysteries (this would fall under the category of "cozy", mystery readers should be familiar with the term, as well a "tea" which is my favorite beverage. Each book includes several recipes for food that is mentioned in the books. The heroine, Theodosia (Theo)Browning also has a mixed breed dog, Earl Grey who is a therapy dog at a local nursing home. Each story is set in against various backdrops, the Charleston Film Festival in this book, and a yacht race, a historic homes garden party, and other events that take place in the historic district of Charleston. Theo's tea shop is called the Indigo Tea Room and she runs it with the assist of a master tea blender, Drayton Conneley and her chef a young woman named Haley who does amazing things in a tiny kitchen. Theo had an attorney bf, Jory Davis, however he is no longer featured. My only quibble with this series is that the 6th book came out in hardback. I don't usually save mysteries, preferring to borrow them or pass them on if I do buy, I collect this series and now have to wait over a yr before the book comes out in paperback.

[Mikka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful mystery by Laura Childs, who always keeps you on your toes, and guessing until the very end. I am very pleased with the end of this book and the humor that surrounds it. Anyone who reads this will enjoy it from beginning to end.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Film festival in Charleston South Carolina showcases short films, food, clothing, tea, murder and other local color. Theodosia Browning and quirky friends are in good form as they bake, steep, cater and mystery solve.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

As amusing, charming & delicious as ever with an improbable film like chase scene.

[Leigh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good cozy

[Gale Penton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great series. I loved this book. The characters and plot were superb.

[Guera25 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ngggh. Usually, the character interactions carry these mediocre mysteries for me, but this time, everyone seemed shrill. They were caricatures, not solid characters, and I found myself wishing someone would tell Haley to shut up. Yes, yes, Drayton is such a fusty old killjoy, blah, blah, blah, aren't I so spunky and cute? No, not really. You're irksome and obnoxious. Drayton can be neurotic and fussy, but there's nothing wrong with prudence, and you could certainly use a few lessons in it.

Don't get me started on Theodosia. Everyone's lives revolve around her. She's smart, plucky, and effortlessly beautiful, and her every business decision is an unqualified success. Her dog is the best service dog EVER and gets a standing ovation from wealthy patrons and Hollywood hotshots. Famous directors want to bone her, and when she walks the red carpet at the local film festival, she's such a stunner that paparazzi take her picture. She's clearly an avatar for Childs' fantasies, and in this book, it bordered on the crass.

The mystery was no great shakes and took a cramped backseat to the lavish tea parties and Hollywood glamor show. When Childs bothers with it at all, it's amateurish and ham-fisted and reads like bad dinner theater. Two of the most egregious offenders were the theater seance scene wherein Our Friends are assailed by a ghost, and the food tent scene in which a body is discovered under the ice on the VIP seafood buffet. The latter scene was ludicrous in its pitifully-contrived horror, and what's more, it never goes anywhere. It's never explained how the killer managed to conceal the body thus, nor is it confirmed who the killer was, though the inference can easily be made. The scene was pure window-dressing and added nothing to the story.

The writing was sloppy and riddled with mistakes. A brief list:

-It's "Hear, hear," as in, "Hear these wise words," not "Here, here." An experienced writer should know this.

-At one point, Theodosia says that the tea shop will be filled with two hundred people for a tea. A few pages later at the tea, she says there are only one hundred guests. She's lost half her attendees in a few pages.

-When first we meet her. Abby Davis is Jory's cousin. In this book, Abbie Davis is now his sister.

On a petty note, if I never see "tasty" used as an adjective to connote lavish, high-end objects or decor, it will be too soon. Maybe it's a Charleston colloquialism, but it brings to mind blue-rinsed biddies, and it sounds ridiculous in the mouth of a young businesswoman.

Good for a brainless read if you want to play voyeur to the writer's doe-eyed fantasies of the high life in tony Charleston, but a total bust as a mystery.

[M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I purchased a few more in the series a while back, having not read one of them. I did that based upon the high ratings the series receives here on Goodreads. And I did like this installment...somewhat.

The setting is wonderful (Charleston, South Carolina), the tea shop in which the regular characters work sounds like a place I'd love to visit and the characters are clearly defined and very likeable. And mystery is afoot! In this, my first meeting with them, it felt like entering a well-established television series that quickly welcomes the new audience member into the fold without the need of having seen prior episodes. So what is the problem?

The problem is not the concept, but its execution. If placed on a set of scales, with the murder mystery on one side and the daily lives of the cast of characters on the other, I suspect they would balance out. That's not a bad thing; many television dramas have the "A" story for that episode, along with a "B" story involving the personal drama of a lead or supporting character. In this book, there really is no "B" story; it is the daily lives of the cast but without any real conflict. They make tea and food, cater and kid each other. That flaw is accentuated by the fact that all of the main characters are just so darn perfect. Tea shop owner Theodosia is a nearly flawless heroine (to a ridiculous level in the final chapters); tea master Drayton is marvelously efficient; chef Haley never fails to make a scrumptious dish; Miss Dimple is just so helpful and never complains; and Theodosia's love interest Parker always says the right thing. A series like this would be served by a "B" story focusing on one character, which moves that character along an inch or two (Miss Dimple becomes a foster mother; Drayton gets a boyfriend but he has a secret; Haley gets a great job offer from a rival shop).

The murder mystery was also a disappointment (although there were a few genuine shocks and some decent suspense along the way). The unmasking of the killer - and the motivation - was a letdown, and that made the previous events in the mystery look a bit like a pointless muddle.

I think I have three or four more from later in the series. Perhaps I'll try again someday.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

LoL guessed this one right, the character that was barely introduced and we know nothing about (except that she submitted a film to the festival) turns out to be a jilted ex-gf turned stalker/murderer.


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.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
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 series has 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. I really liked this one, even more than alot of the others in this series.

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.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me a little longer to get into. The film festival setting wasn't as intriguing as I thought it might be. And the murder was completely unexpected for Theodosia, but not for Detective Tidwell. And that's a good thing. It's good to see the cops keeping up with a cozy detective. I am also so grateful for the lack of focus on romance. There is a little, but no love triangles or quadrangles. And it teaches me so much about tea as well. This is one of my favorite series.

[Writerlibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The plot was more decorative than mystery in this one. The gang is all there : Theodosia, Drayton, Hayley, Delaine. Set within a film festival the novel is more a series of tea party full of fun facts about tea, food and wine. The mystery part is an accessory in this one. A nice bauble but not really deep or interesting and the villain is a rabbit out of the hat at the end.

[Gail Strickland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another southern cozy from Laura Childs. I enjoy her Tea Shop series, but the description of the food served in the tea shop always makes me hungry so that I raid the refrigerator and the descriptions of Charleston have me wondering how soon I can make my escape to the Holy City-what Charlestonians call their hometown.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy reading the books in this series and #9 was no exception. This time Charleston is hosting a film festival and on opening night a famous director is murdered in front of an audience with a most unusual weapon. With many red herrings with motives to want the man dead start to appear and with Timothy's niece being a high suspect, Theo and her gang investigate to find out who really killed the director.
By far the characters and the setting are my absolute favorite things about this series. Laura Childs really has a special gift with her writing to take you right to the Lowcountry and completely immerse you in its charm. I also love the characters, Theo is an amazing main character and Drayton is one of my favorite characters of all time. I also really like Theo's new boyfriend Parker and don't really care for the prospect of Jory returning in future books as was suggested here.
The mystery in this one was pretty good, but I solved it VERY early in the book. It was still an enjoyable read and I liked watching Theo and the gang solve it as they went along. I also liked the film festival aspect of this book. The old Belevedere Theatre was a spooky setting. There was a little too much filler in the middle, one scene, especially where everyone attends a seance added absolutely nothing to the story at all. The ending also was a little abrupt, and even though I knew who the killer was, her MO was not super believable or fleshed out.
Overall though I really did enjoy this entry in the series and I am excited to see what is next for the Indigo Tea Shop and the residents of Charleston. 4/5 stars!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ninth book in Laura Childs' tea shop mystery series, opens with Theodosia and the gang catering events at the recently renovated Belvedere Theatre. First up is the opening of the Charleston Film Festival. Timothy Nevilles' granddaughter, Isabelle, has a short film being screened. Isabelle has actually worked with Jordan Cole, the well known director. The Indigo Tea Shop's Silver Needle (white tea from China) might be tasty, but the feeling of the festival takes a nose dive when Jordan Cole is shot and killed! Neville stresses out when 2 panel judges need to be replaced so he asks for Theodosia's help. He's hoping that her sleuthing skills will keep people from pointing a finger at Isabelle! Theodosia agrees to help which puts her and Drayton in danger.
I really liked Laura Childs' image of soft music playing--a piece from the Come Away With Me album by Norah Jones! I continue to enjoy this series and I am looking forward to reading Oolong Dead!

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 9 of A Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I have not read the books in order.
At the Charleston Film Festival a director, Jordan Cole, is shot on the way to the podium. Two of the judges quit and Theodosia Browning is asked to be a judge by Timothy Neville, the festival organizer.
Timothy has asked Theodosia to help with the investigation because his granddaughter is being questioned by Detective Tidwell.
Not a great page turner for me as her other books, but still a good read and a 5 star.
For any one interested in teas, this book is full of information of different teas. I would have liked to have a list of teas mentioned in the book along with the recipes in the back of the book.
Along with Theodosia at the Indigo Shop is Drayton, Haley, and Miss Dimple.
Haley's Simple Devonshire Cream
1 (3oz) pkg cream cheese
1 Tbsp sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup heavy cream
Cream cream cheese, sugar, and salt and then beat in cream to make stiff peaks. Chill. Makes 2 cups.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The staff at the Indigo Tea Shop are feeling the heat, and not just because it's August. The Charleston Film Festival has brought them a busy week of catering jobs – and first up is the opening night gala at the historic Belvedere Theatre. But the festival starts off with a bang when famous director Jordan Cole is shot on his way to the podium and the entire audience witnesses his death silhouetted across the scrim. When two of the judges quit, festival organizer Timothy Neville asks Theodosia to stand in. He also wants her to help him deflect suspicion from his granddaughter, who worked with Cole. Reluctantly, Theodosia agrees – only to get pulled into an investigation as perilous as any big-screen thriller. [amazon synopsis]

Don't care about tea sets, tea brewing, or tea party hints. I care about a mystery. Theo, as usual, gets immersed in the mystery. Great recipes!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 9th in the series but the first one I have read. The main Character is Theodosia who owns a tea shop in Charleston. She is catering an event at the first film festival in Charleston. Almost before her eyes there is a murder and the murdered escapes by taking the dumbwaiter down to the underground kitchen. Theodosia catches a glimpse of a greenish ring or cuff link and that is about all anyone has to go on. Before you know it there is a second murder. As Theodosia gets closer to figuring it out there are threats to her life as well. I enjoyed reading about how she figured it out and look forward to reading more of her adventures.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

. I’ve read several of these Tea Shop Mystery Novels. They are good cozy mysteries and you don’t have to have read any others to enjoy them. Although the stories revolve around Theodosia Brown and her tea shop, they aren’t “little old ladies tea stories.” … They are good solid mysteries with interesting people. In this story Charleston, SC, is about to host its first film festival. The old Belvedere Theater has been remodeled and will be the focus of the festival. Theodosia is not only providing many of the refreshments but winds up on the judges committee when one of the judges is murdered! …. What a start to a festival!!

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting week in the live of Theo... Good book!!

The Charleston Film Festival has brought Theodosia Browning and the staff of the Indigo Tea Shop a busy week of catering jobs. First up is the opening night gala at the historic Belvedere Theatre. Tinseltown and local luminaries seem to be mingling happily in the glamorously renovated lobby, but Theo notices that the atmosphere backstage is tense. Then famous director Jordan Cole is shot on his way to the podium, and the entire audience witnesses his death silhouetted across the scrim. Never has a festival started off with this big a bang.

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book in the series, the Charleston Film Festival has the Indigo Tea Shop doing a number of catering jobs at the Festival. On the first night of the festival, a director is murdered. How Theodosia ends up doing some investigating after being asked to do so by Timothy Neville leads to her accidentally discovering the murderer. The ending was quite surprising and I really was not expecting the murderer to turn out to be who it did. In the beginning of the book there is a mix up in the text on the names of characters but otherwise the book was well edited. I am really enjoying this series.

[Agnesxnitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another thrifted read and while this is a way into an established series, the author gives you enough character detail to make it an easy read.
I don't know about anyone else but I am struggling to maintain my focus on a book, so I have reverted to (for me) easy reads like this as I can dip in and out of them while I juggle life under the Coronavirus outbreak in the UK.
A fair read, and one I will be sending to my BFF down in Bristol along with the other book in the series I got at the same time, 'The Teaberry Strangler' (currently reading, June 2020).

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I still like this series. But so much was not explained this time. The seance. Why was it even there? The body in the ice. How did the killer pull that off with caterers around all the time? And it was never mentioned again. I had to really think for a minute to remember who Kassie was, she hadn’t been mentioned for a while. How do Drayton and Hayley manage the Teashop so often when Theo goes off all the time? But I love the tea shop, and all the explanations of different teas, and the food. I will definitely continue reading this series.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charleston has become the whole city for a film festival that has come to town. All the good looking people and all the beautiful ladies are part of this Gala. Directors producers actors cameraman will all be in attendance to see who will win the award for the best film. But in the midst of all the hoopla a murder occurs backstage at the Belvedere theater where the awards are due to be given. Theodosia amateur sleuth and owner of the Indigo tea shop, will do her best to solve the mystery and discover who the murderer is.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

During the Charleston Film Festival famous director Jordan Cole is shot and killed. Festival organizer Timothy Neville asks Theodosia to investigate since his granddaughter is a suspect.

The mystery was enjoyable, and I did not guess the killer right away. I loved reading about the Charleston setting and the activity in the tea shop. I find it exciting learning what is being served in the tea shop and the fact that recipes are included is always an awesome extra. Theodosia and the quirky secondary characters always keep me coming back for more.