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Tea Shop Mystery #7
Blood Orange Brewing
The new mystery in the bestselling series that's growing by leaps and bounds-and serves up "just the right blend of cozy fun and clever plotting."*
Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home-and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.
Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served.
Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home-and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.
Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 4, 2006
30 people are currently reading
1973 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
88 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 235 reviews
July 14, 2020
As I have stated before in my reviews of this series, I LOVE this series! I love the protagonist. She is strong, independent, and extremely intelligent. Her love and devotion to her tea shop, her town, her friends, and her beloved dog Earl Grey, are absolutely endearing! The mystery in this book was great! It dealt with a reality that exists in current day. I highly recommend this series!
December 18, 2024
More of the same from Laura Childs. Every book in the series is the same book.
March 3, 2024
A fundraising event for the Heritage Society's latest acquisition, a historic house, is supposed to be THE social event of the season attended by southern politicos and Charleston's finest. A string quartet plays music by candlelight as Drayton brews up delicious teas to go with Haley's delectable food. Then, a door opens and a man, clearly in distress, falls and Theodosia can see part of a knife sticking out of his neck! Beloved community leader, politico and activist, Civil War reenactor, Duke Wilkes is dead and his widow wants answers. Pookie, through Delaine, begs Theodosia to investigate and in spite of her promise to Detective Tidwell, Theodosia promises Pookie to put her ear to the ground. When Theodosia and Delaine Dish explore the scene of the crime, they get more than they bargained for when they discover the murder weapon in the most unusual location. Theodosia has a dreadful feeling the murderer is a member of the Heritage Society! This case doesn't have a lot of clues or suspects. Theodosia is stumped until other devastating events occur. She's determined to scour the city for clues that link the events and find out who the murderer is if it's the last thing she does.
This one wasn't quite as charming as the previous one. While the author finally stopped head jumping for the most part, the plot was disjointed. The motive turned out to be so wild and wacky, unlike anything I've read before. The tea wasn't quite as lovely either. There was only one big event for politicians. I was super creeped out by the venerated Civil War reenactors. Confederates I assume? Also the mention of "tradition" which, along with "way of life" is code for racism. There is a decided absence of people of color in this world. It's very bizarre.
Theodosia acts super crazy here. She's trying to get ahead of the police, does things that are quasi illegal, and in the end does something really stupid that nearly gets her killed. She deserved it! She's undecided about her relationship with Jorry. As I suspected, she didn't really love him and he didn't love her if they're not even trying to make it work long distance. She has a new man in her life but she's keeping Parker at arm's length. He's trying hard to charm her and I don't think he's succeeding. The shoe is on the other foot now when he's the one calling her for advice and knowledge of the restaurant business. They always end up talking "shop" when they're together. Parker is a nice guy but he isn't floating my boat. I'm tired of the Haley/Drayton bickering. Drayton is rightfully a Nervous Nellie and he's smart to keep his investigating to a minimum. Delaine manages not to annoy me too much in this book.
We meet a whole bunch of new characters, some of whom I swear we met before. Duke Wilkes is a retired executive, war veteran (which war depends on who you ask), fair housing and environmental activist. The last two sound at odds with his passion for telling tales of life as a Confederate soldier. Super creepy and inappropriate in this century, thank you. You can honor your ancestors who fought and died for what they believed in, even if what they believed was wrong, in other ways than replicating their exploits on the battle field. They lost! He seems like a good guy in spite of the Civil War obsession. He does a lot for the community and his death is a real tragedy. His wife Pookie is a dynamo. She's younger and tough. She can hold her own with the boys club so they say. She seems nice but maybe not so grieving. Since she's the one who asked Theodosia to investigate, I don't think she's the murderer.
Clive Bonham is a slimy politician. He's sleazy and pulls out all the stops to get the vote without anything being meaningful. He creeps me out and I expect he is the murderer. Politicians always run afoul of environmental and community leaders. Of course, he has a handler, Greg Killman, who seems to be the driving force behind this campaign. How far would Greg go to win? I suspect pretty far. He doesn't seem likable to me, too demanding and bossy.
My other suspect is Jock Rowley, a developer who may or may not have his eye on a certain historic house. He's also stereotypical and two-dimensional. Making the house condos would not be such a bad thing IF he kept the historic structure in tact and respected the character of the building. Drayton acts like condos (or any change) is the end of the world.
Corky Chait is the donor who is handing over his grandfather's creepy old house/funeral parlor/Civil War era hospital to the Heritage Society. Corky is affable and seems quite sincerely glad to be rid of the albatross of a house. His wife, Claudia, owns Le Nest, a French linen shop. I thought the owner was someone else? Claudia and Delaine seem to be friendly but maybe more frenemies than friends. Her shop sounds lovely and she has a good eye for decorating. Corky and Claudia seem to be happily married and both are very nice even if she has a slight undercurrent of passive aggressiveness towards Delaine.
Bill Glass, editor/paparazzo/publisher keeps popping up where he isn't wanted. I think he's using Haley's innocence to get to Theodosia to find out what's what about the murder before anyone else. He seems very sharp and no one trusts him. His photographer, Gep Bartlett, is not very honorable but at least he's honest. He's the real paparazzo, the one stalking everyone and taking awful pictures for the front page of the rag. Sydney Chastain is another media mogul. She's new in town and has launched an all-female TV network with a variety of programming. She latches on to Theodosia businesswoman to businesswoman to get Theo to do more publicity and share marketing tips. Theo discovers Sydney was turned down for a loan by Duke Wilkes's company. Could she have murdered him in revenge? Oh good grief. I hope not! She's tough and pushy but I'll be spitting mad if the female entrepreneur is the murderer. I'm not sure I like her as a person but I respect and admire her guts for going after what she wants and helping other women. It would be a terrible shame if she was the killer. She got her loan from somewhere else so it would be a far-fetched motive if you ask me.
This wasn't my favorite of the series so far but I shall continue on shortly. I forgot to grab the next one from the library.
This one wasn't quite as charming as the previous one. While the author finally stopped head jumping for the most part, the plot was disjointed. The motive turned out to be so wild and wacky, unlike anything I've read before. The tea wasn't quite as lovely either. There was only one big event for politicians. I was super creeped out by the venerated Civil War reenactors. Confederates I assume? Also the mention of "tradition" which, along with "way of life" is code for racism. There is a decided absence of people of color in this world. It's very bizarre.
Theodosia acts super crazy here. She's trying to get ahead of the police, does things that are quasi illegal, and in the end does something really stupid that nearly gets her killed. She deserved it! She's undecided about her relationship with Jorry. As I suspected, she didn't really love him and he didn't love her if they're not even trying to make it work long distance. She has a new man in her life but she's keeping Parker at arm's length. He's trying hard to charm her and I don't think he's succeeding. The shoe is on the other foot now when he's the one calling her for advice and knowledge of the restaurant business. They always end up talking "shop" when they're together. Parker is a nice guy but he isn't floating my boat. I'm tired of the Haley/Drayton bickering. Drayton is rightfully a Nervous Nellie and he's smart to keep his investigating to a minimum. Delaine manages not to annoy me too much in this book.
We meet a whole bunch of new characters, some of whom I swear we met before. Duke Wilkes is a retired executive, war veteran (which war depends on who you ask), fair housing and environmental activist. The last two sound at odds with his passion for telling tales of life as a Confederate soldier. Super creepy and inappropriate in this century, thank you. You can honor your ancestors who fought and died for what they believed in, even if what they believed was wrong, in other ways than replicating their exploits on the battle field. They lost! He seems like a good guy in spite of the Civil War obsession. He does a lot for the community and his death is a real tragedy. His wife Pookie is a dynamo. She's younger and tough. She can hold her own with the boys club so they say. She seems nice but maybe not so grieving. Since she's the one who asked Theodosia to investigate, I don't think she's the murderer.
Clive Bonham is a slimy politician. He's sleazy and pulls out all the stops to get the vote without anything being meaningful. He creeps me out and I expect he is the murderer. Politicians always run afoul of environmental and community leaders. Of course, he has a handler, Greg Killman, who seems to be the driving force behind this campaign. How far would Greg go to win? I suspect pretty far. He doesn't seem likable to me, too demanding and bossy.
My other suspect is Jock Rowley, a developer who may or may not have his eye on a certain historic house. He's also stereotypical and two-dimensional. Making the house condos would not be such a bad thing IF he kept the historic structure in tact and respected the character of the building. Drayton acts like condos (or any change) is the end of the world.
Corky Chait is the donor who is handing over his grandfather's creepy old house/funeral parlor/Civil War era hospital to the Heritage Society. Corky is affable and seems quite sincerely glad to be rid of the albatross of a house. His wife, Claudia, owns Le Nest, a French linen shop. I thought the owner was someone else? Claudia and Delaine seem to be friendly but maybe more frenemies than friends. Her shop sounds lovely and she has a good eye for decorating. Corky and Claudia seem to be happily married and both are very nice even if she has a slight undercurrent of passive aggressiveness towards Delaine.
Bill Glass, editor/paparazzo/publisher keeps popping up where he isn't wanted. I think he's using Haley's innocence to get to Theodosia to find out what's what about the murder before anyone else. He seems very sharp and no one trusts him. His photographer, Gep Bartlett, is not very honorable but at least he's honest. He's the real paparazzo, the one stalking everyone and taking awful pictures for the front page of the rag. Sydney Chastain is another media mogul. She's new in town and has launched an all-female TV network with a variety of programming. She latches on to Theodosia businesswoman to businesswoman to get Theo to do more publicity and share marketing tips. Theo discovers Sydney was turned down for a loan by Duke Wilkes's company. Could she have murdered him in revenge? Oh good grief. I hope not! She's tough and pushy but I'll be spitting mad if the female entrepreneur is the murderer. I'm not sure I like her as a person but I respect and admire her guts for going after what she wants and helping other women. It would be a terrible shame if she was the killer. She got her loan from somewhere else so it would be a far-fetched motive if you ask me.
This wasn't my favorite of the series so far but I shall continue on shortly. I forgot to grab the next one from the library.
February 20, 2021
3.5 stars
an ok read
an ok read
March 24, 2016
For reasons known only to my dogged subconscious, I keep reading these monuments to idiocy. Theodosia is a smug, condescending, self-righteous prig with a vast overestimation of her own importance and her skills as a recreational snoop, Delaine Dish exists only to make the other characters look fabulous by comparison, and the "mystery" and its resolution are so half-arsed they bear the distinct whiff of being farted out after Childs has finished watching the latest episode of A Current Affair. The text is riddled with basic SPAG errors that writers shouldn't make and even marginally-competent editors shouldn't miss, and the plot itself strains credulity from the dognapping on.
A total waste of time written solely for the chance to moralize for the last twenty pages. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
A total waste of time written solely for the chance to moralize for the last twenty pages. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
February 3, 2018
The ending was way too abrupt with barely any explanation of what had been going on. This one felt pretty clumsy.
August 31, 2016
The first half of the book is all about tea parties, dainty food, pretty settings and buying linen. A gentleman of means who was a war re-enactor is stabbed by an unknown assailant, and Thea who runs the tea-shop investigates a slightly spooky house where it occurred.
Apart from some poking around in a few directions, there is no more drama until the last few chapters, which are a direct copy of Zero At The Bone by Mary Willis Walker; only the original is far better and more convincing. I got the distinct impression that this was fitted in at the end and had not been present in the author's head at the start, though she is entitled to switch leads of course.
I would not stop anyone reading these books who likes the fussy expensive nature of the setting around a tea shop and historic homes but with the ongoing recession it seems ever less important. Some of the recipes and flavours do sound very nice. Another worry is that it really is not safe for anyone to go exploring on their own, which Thea does although we don't see her do any fitness training or sports, as they are bound to get into trouble and need help to get out of it. The heroine of Zero At The Bone was wise enough to pick a suitable guy to help her explore.
Mainly if you like the series, read it, but if you want a good crime to solve by getting your hands dirty, read Zero At The Bone.
Apart from some poking around in a few directions, there is no more drama until the last few chapters, which are a direct copy of Zero At The Bone by Mary Willis Walker; only the original is far better and more convincing. I got the distinct impression that this was fitted in at the end and had not been present in the author's head at the start, though she is entitled to switch leads of course.
I would not stop anyone reading these books who likes the fussy expensive nature of the setting around a tea shop and historic homes but with the ongoing recession it seems ever less important. Some of the recipes and flavours do sound very nice. Another worry is that it really is not safe for anyone to go exploring on their own, which Thea does although we don't see her do any fitness training or sports, as they are bound to get into trouble and need help to get out of it. The heroine of Zero At The Bone was wise enough to pick a suitable guy to help her explore.
Mainly if you like the series, read it, but if you want a good crime to solve by getting your hands dirty, read Zero At The Bone.
January 8, 2017
I'm kind of feeling a little bogged down by the same story line approach this series is taking. Theodosia and crew are catering an exciting new event, someone illustrious and/or important to the town is murdered in front of a crowd, and then Theo and crew commence solving the mystery. How can so many people get murdered at Tea Parties? Most of the other cozy series I read the murder changes, or the location. Is this series written into a corner?
I also really didn't like the ending to this one, but for spoiler reasons I won't say why. I was really enjoying this series when I first discovered them but now they're starting to grind on me. Maybe I should have a break and read something completely different? Three stars.
I also really didn't like the ending to this one, but for spoiler reasons I won't say why. I was really enjoying this series when I first discovered them but now they're starting to grind on me. Maybe I should have a break and read something completely different? Three stars.
May 23, 2012
I'm getting slightly annoyed with Theo. She has this attitude that she's the only one who can solve the crimes, and she does things like talk to suspects and contaminate crime scenes. She deserves to get shot and beat up for taking these stupid risks. If I were Tidwell, I'd put her in jail for obstruction.
February 23, 2019
This one involves a concert, a photographer, a journalist, a Civil War reenactor, tea towels, an old house, a stray cat, and a lost dog. The animal storyline was the most enjoyable. I also liked the concert, until the end. The old house was a weird place, but it had a hidden passage, which was interesting. I didn't like the journalism storyline. That was a bit boring. The other stuff was okay. I thought there would be more with the reenactors.
February 22, 2020
Enjoyable characters, I love the "tea talk", the food all sounds delicious, and I was quite unable to solve this mystery!
April 20, 2014
Blood Orange Brewing is another fun read by Laura Childs, who also does the Scrapbooking Mysteries and the Cackleberry mysteries. Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's "Indigo Tea Shop" is once again embroiled in her seventh tea shop murder mystery--this time, the untimely demise of beloved politico and retired CEO, Duke Wilkes. At a benefit concert for the restoration of an 18th century mansion, Delaine Dish dramatically flings open the parlour doors to a lavish high tea, only to discover Duke's crumbled body for all of Charleston's well-heeled society to see. Supported by her loyal friends and Duke's widow, Theodosia's hunch that all is not as it seems, impels her to charge forth to prove her theory. Armed with her curiosity, exotic teas and Haley's decadent offerings from her kitchen, Theo discovers shady politics and personal payback, arriving at a dangerous and deadly conclusion. Laura Childs knows how to draw her Readers in and blows their minds with her fun and delicious cosies. The recipes included at the end of the book are a delicious bonus. And yes, "Blood Orange" really is a special tea.
December 22, 2012
The rating of 1 star isn't really fair; I didn't actually finish the book. In fact, I've only read one sentence. I was at the library looking for a new mystery. The title intrigued me and I saw that Laura Childs was listed as a "national bestselling author". It sounds promising, doesn't it?
As usual when choosing whether or not to read a book, I read the first sentence:
"Theodosia"? Oh my!
"Quizzical blue eyes"? Yikes!
"Hexagon-shaped room"? Eeek!
As usual when choosing whether or not to read a book, I read the first sentence:
"Fascinating," declared Theodosia Browning as her quizzical blue eyes roved about the hexagon-shaped room.
"Theodosia"? Oh my!
"Quizzical blue eyes"? Yikes!
"Hexagon-shaped room"? Eeek!
February 23, 2016
While I have enjoyed this series, the characters of Theo, Drayton and Haley, and all the tea information, Charleston scenery and the quaint tea shop, this book was very sub par and just seemed stupid. Suspects all over the place with no rhyme or reason, and the actual "problem" didn't come up until close to the end. Theodosia was no more a detective than anyone reading a newspaper and talking gossip at the water cooler. To wade through the nonsense in this book was not worth it. Very unfortunate, since I enjoy this series when I need something light. If I read another that is this subpar, may be the end for me.
June 3, 2022
A lovely little cozy murder mystery set in Charleston. I’ve read several of the tea shop mysteries and they continue to delight. Laura child’s brings a wealth of historical background to her novels that make them a pleasure to read. Would highly recommend.
June 12, 2017
Good story, but the end came out of nowhere...Wildlife Org? No clues for that at all.
July 19, 2025
3.5 When social darling Delaine Dish throws a lavish benefit for the restoration of a rundown Victorian home, Theodosia Browning donates tea and treats from her Indigo Tea Shop. But the grand unveiling of Theo’s spread proves a gruesome scene when a beloved local politico falls dead with a jagged piece of metal in his neck. Anyone at the event could be the culprit, but the police have few leads—and no suspects. Try as she might, Theodosia can’t help but wonder who the murderer is. But her investigation will lead her into places darker than the blackest tea. [amazon synopsis]
Solving crimes the way Theo does is downright illegal. She would be arrested for interference if this were real life. However, enjoyable the books are. The recipes are also quite good. I try one or more after reading each book. Delaine is very annoying.
Solving crimes the way Theo does is downright illegal. She would be arrested for interference if this were real life. However, enjoyable the books are. The recipes are also quite good. I try one or more after reading each book. Delaine is very annoying.
July 14, 2017
4 stelle e mezza, solo perché la parte gialla non mi ha "preso" molto. Adoro quando Theodosia e i suoi colleghi parlano dei vari tipi di tè (per me è arabo...) e delle varie prelibatezze che servono per accompagnarli. Alla fine di ogni libro ci sono varie ricette: prima o poi devo farmi coraggio, viste le mie scarse capacità culinarie, e proverne qualcuna...
March 12, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. Some bits made me laugh, one scenario made me gasp. I just overall enjoy Laura Childs' writing and her style of crafting a cozy mystery. Happy to check off another in the Tea Shop Mystery series!
December 18, 2023
These are like Nancy Drew books for grown-ups. Theodosia Browning's life is perfect, except for the occasional dead body. Of course, those dead bodies just provide another opportunity for her to further demonstrate her exceptionalism. Still, I'm beginning to suspect she may have a death wish.
April 1, 2024
I was in the right path but not until it was almost over. The police sure wouldn’t have to worry about my detective skills! I’m really kind of wanting to see a live match between Theodosia and detective Tidwell!
November 11, 2025
Absolutely love this series. I love the tips on teas and discussion of the teas in the stories are wonderful. The end of this mystery caught me by surprise - never saw it coming, altho I had a twinge or two I disregarded because it seemed so unlikely for the train of events. Theo, as usual, is very busy and it is at an event that she is catering that Duke Wilkes is killed. Pookie, Duke's widow, asks Theo to help in finding who killed him. Detective Tidwell keeps prompting her to butt out and quit helping, altho she does find the handle of the knife that broke off when Duke was killed. Then Theo gets to talking to Sydney Chastain, who is trying to start a new television network in the area with a focus on women in business, etc. She also has several programs that focus on investigative journalism. Sydney and Theo pick each other's brains when they discover each is a demographic junkie. Theo goes by to see Sydney about some ideas before she takes Earl Grey to the senior citizen's home for his therapy dog visit. When she gets there she finds Sydney dead - shot. Then Earl Grey is stolen at the Kennel Club show where they are to do a service dog demonstration. Theo is absolutely furious and desperate. Drayton suggests he was kidnapped to stop Theo asking questions. But it doesn't - only makes her more determined.
August 19, 2015
Didn't have the right killer for this book, it was more obscure than most. The killer only appeared in the story twice at the very beginning. On the upside, Theo actually figured out who the killer was without a trap or accidentally stumbling onto evidence.
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.
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.
February 22, 2012
Theodosia Browning and the Indigo Tea Shop gang are enjoying a candlelight concert at the Augustus Chait House, thrown by their friend Delaine Dish in an effort to raise money for the home's restoration, when tragedy strikes. They're friend, octogenarian Duke Wilkes, is murdered, stabbed in the throat. Everyone is stunned, no one more so than Duke's widow, Pookie, who enlists Theo to help uncover Duke's killer and bring him or her to justice. Will Theo be able to keep her promise to Pookie, or will the killer claim another victim first?
Once again, Ms. Child's puts out a classic cozy mystery. Unfortunately, in this book, Ms. Child seems to get bogged down in tangential facts and details even more so than normal. It greatly disrupts the flow of the book and sometimes keeps the reader from being connected to the plot and the characters. What otherwise would have been a thouroughly enjoyable read becomes tedious at time because of this.
Once again, Ms. Child's puts out a classic cozy mystery. Unfortunately, in this book, Ms. Child seems to get bogged down in tangential facts and details even more so than normal. It greatly disrupts the flow of the book and sometimes keeps the reader from being connected to the plot and the characters. What otherwise would have been a thouroughly enjoyable read becomes tedious at time because of this.
June 2, 2018
This seemed to be a typical quick read cozy mystery until the end. … Theodosia Browning owns and manages a tea shop in Charleston. Her two friends help create the wonderful food and ambiance of the shop. Haley is a chef especially in baking wonderful treats to go with tea. Drayton was raised on tea plantations in China and is a master in mixing new blends and matching teas with foods. As the story opens they are doing the food service at a benefit musical in a historic home in need of repair. Unfortunately, a murder occurs just as the music ends. From there it is the typical “smart woman deals with crusty policeman who grudgingly appreciates some of her help.” (typical of cozy mysteries) All is OK until the end when a totally new scene opens and quickly brings everything to conclusion. It was as if the ending to a totally different story was accidentally attached to the manuscript. I was left with the feeling of “What happened and Why??” Confusing.
January 16, 2020
Still going strong. Good stories
Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home-and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.
Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served.
Social darling Delaine Dish is throwing a lavish Candlelight Concert to raise funds to restore a run-down Victorian home-and Theodosia Browning is more than happy to help out with tea and tasty treats from the Indigo Tea Shop.
Unfortunately, the unveiling of Theo's opulent spread proves to be far from grand after retired CEO and beloved politico Duke Wilkes falls to the floor with a jagged piece of metal protruding from his neck. When the Widow Wilkes begs Theo to apply her sleuthing skills, she can't refuse. But her investigation opens up a simmering pot of shady politics and personal payback, and Theo soon finds herself in a situation stickier than any jam she's ever served.
May 10, 2020
I was disappointed in this one. I felt that there were a lot of unanswered questions and just a let down on the wrap up. What was the point of the dog napping other than to give Theo the ability to find the murderers? , and that wouldn't have happened without Drayton's "interesting" comment. I just felt this one was left unfinished. I still love the characters, the main ones, and will continue to read them as the library has them available but not my favorite. This one took me longer to read so maybe if I reread it straight through I'd think it worked out okay.
August 19, 2017
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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.
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.
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.
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.
June 4, 2016
Another fun tea shop adventure. This story twisted and turned and then the layers peeled back to reveal something totally different. I don't drink tea but I do like the descriptions and the teas that are put on at the Indigo Tea Shop always sound so fun!
June 1, 2013
First book in the series that I didn't guess the murderer right away, but still not a great fan.
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