Do you know what "galley" or "proof" copies of books are? I'm not sure if the term is known outside the publishing business, but these are the advance reading copies of books authors and publicists sometimes send to members of the media to help get the word out about their new releases. I've gotten plenty of these over the years, but for the first time I have received one for an upcoming tea shop mystery by Laura Childs, "The Teaberry Strangler." I was particularly happy to get this one since I am always quite eager to find out what's been going on with our beloved Theodosia Browning and friends at the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston!
As you may remember from the last book, "Oolong Dead," Theo had just decided to purchase her own home, so now she's preparing for the big move. I've enjoyed watching Theo's decorating taste and style change over the years, so I like the idea that we now see her in a new phase of her life. The murder, in fact, is always rather incidental to me in these books. Yes, it drives the plot, but it's the everyday happenings at the tea shop I most enjoy. (The murder, by the way, happens by page three in this novel, and I must confess I thought I'd spotted the killer very early on only to get to the end and realize I was dead wrong. Cool!)
There's lots going on in the business and civic community this time, including an important literary evening at the Heritage Society, the opening of a new perfume shop, and a huge fashion show at Cotton Duck. We also learn that Theo reads Tea: A Magazine just like many of us do, which was fun to see, and naturally I'm looking to order some Teaberry Tea after reading about it in this book.
Childs has included a helpful list of tea resources, and it's fun to see the magazines, vendors, websites and blogs she recommends. (I was proud to see our friend Bernideen included!) And of course there are the usual great recipes, which I keep hoping will be compiled into "The Indigo Tea Shop Cookbook" one day. Meanwhile, "The Teaberry Strangler" will be released March 2, and below is a photocopy of what the "real" cover will look like. And yes, I'll be buying a copy just like everyone else to add to my collection!
Oh! Oh! Oh! Can you see me jumping up and down in my chair? (Ooops -- that is what happens when you are too old to be jumping on the furniture!) I am SO excited to hear Theodosia's latest adventure is soon to be released -- what fun! I just KNOW that I will visit Charleston one day and find Theo, Drayton, and Haley decorating the tea room for the next big event. B-)
ReplyDeleteHmmm, I have never heard of this before... the book series or the pre-book copy! Very interesting indeed. This gives me an idea for Mothers Day, thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHave been following this series from the beginning and enjoy it very much.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice weekend.
I am reading Death By Darjeeling now!
ReplyDeleteOh I am a lover of Laura Childs Teashop Mystery I have read and own every one of them..and cant wait to get my little hands on this one..I work at a book store and we get advance copies of books to,,it is a nice way to read an author you have or have not read before free..have a great weekend..
ReplyDeleteDevon
It seems like such a long time since the last Tea Shop Mystery. Sounds like it is a good one, packed with lots of activity in the Tea Room and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to see Ms. Childs (or Schmitt) list of tea resources. Congrats to Bernideen for being mentioned.
You know, I saw the ad for this book in the newest Tea Time magazine (I was just re-reading my copy last night as a matter of fact, I SOO want to try those salted carmel scones!) and I thought about picking it up. So Angela, have you read all of this series? Can a person start with any of the books, or do you think it would be best to start at the beginning and work your way through? I'd love to hear your thoughts...
ReplyDeleteHave a fantastic Friday!
Lisa
I may have to check into these books. Thanks for sharing. Also my giveaway came today! Thanks for the tea bags as well.
ReplyDeleteOh the Cookbook would be a great idea. We pass the books around our SS class so I don't have all the books or recipes at hand.
ReplyDeleteLike you the the tea room activity is really what captures my eye-their attention to detail when they host a "theme" tea,etc.
I have indeed read the whole series, Lisa (re-read some, even) and my advice would be to start at the beginning with "Death by Darjeeling" and enjoy going through the series one by one! While each book probably stands alone, for sheer enjoyment -- which is what it's all about! -- I think you'll just enjoy it more going through the series in the order they were written.
ReplyDelete(And interestingly, those salted caramel scones are what most appealed to me in that issue of Tea Time as well!)
Angela...how sweet of you! I sell these books in my shop but now I MUST THINK OF A WAY to have a murder mystery event! Thank you for mentioning me! I need to read this one for ideas....
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds like a keeper! And the recipes sound delicious...yum. Thanks for sharing, Joanie
ReplyDeleteI'm SO behind on my Tea Shop mystery reading. Lately I've been reading the Flower Shop mysteries, which are also wonderful! We'll have to trade books!
ReplyDeleteI think I am behind in my reading of Theodosia. I have lost track of which ones I have read. I will for sure keep this one in mind. Thanks!
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