The 22nd Tea Shop Mystery from the incomparable Laura Childs is out this week, and it's a page-turner. As the Magic 8-Ball might say, "All signs point to an exceptionally spooky Halloween for Theodosia Browning and friends." First, Theo and her tea sommelier friend, Drayton Conneley, show up for a literary-themed haunted house event that benefits the Heritage Society. But something goes terribly awry, and the costumed ghouls end up being the least scary folks in sight when an author at the event is murdered and her body shoved out a third-floor window for all to see. To make matters worse, the detective later sent to investigate at the victim's home is shot in the line of duty.
Regular readers of this series will be familiar with both victims—the deceased woman and the injured officer—and the personal connections make it plain that Theo will be unusually eager to find the person or persons responsible for these crimes.
The Indigo Tea Shop plays its usual starring role in the book, and those who love fall—and fall teas—will find much to enjoy, from a Sherlock Holmes Tea to a Pumpkin and Spice Tea featuring "Drayton's special cinnamon spice tea." (Question: Has anyone ever packaged specialty teas in conjunction with the Tea Shop Mysteries? I'd be first in line to buy anything Drayton conjures for the shop!) And young chef Haley seems to outdo herself in the kitchen this go-round. It's astonishing how quickly she can turn an ordinary day's lunch special into a specialty tea for ten unexpected guests from a local B and B.
As always, Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley are so simpatico that they feel like old friends we get to check in on once a year, making these books a perennial delight for tea lovers. With many twists and turns and lots of red herrings, this tea shop tale was one of my favorites of recent years. Cheers to Childs for another fine mystery!
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley
Looks interesting! Thanks for the review....and also for the pretty thank you card. It is so pretty - will keep with my teapots!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the alert! I was wondering when a new "Tea Shop Mystery" from Ms. Childs would be out. So I've just now put a copy on hold at my public library, and I look forward to reading it. I do like the three main characters in the series, and like reading about the tea shop and the city of Charleston, although I find Childs' style of writing to be annoying sometimes. I really like the cover on this one!
ReplyDeleteI love and been following the Indigo Tea Shop and the cast of characters since the beginning. It would be so neat to visit this tea shop and try all of Dayton's teas. Can't wait to read this latest adventure.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the review! I also adore this series and love how the tea party ideas and recipes are included. These books definitely bring out the cozy!
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ReplyDeleteI tried to comment from my phone but I think it got lost in cyberspace. I love the Tea Shop mysteries and look forward to reading this one.
ReplyDeleteOK, now I am ordering it. I saw it at the book store, but was in a hurry and didn't grab it.
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