Agony of the Leaves

Laura Childs continues to come up with entertaining and original plots.  Agony of the Leaves, her 13th Tea Shop Mystery, is no exception. 

Tea shop owner Theodosia is attending the opening gala of the Neptune Aquarium when she slips away for a few quiet moments in front of one of the five-hundred-thousand-gallon tanks.  Instead of quiet she discovers the body of former boyfriend, Parker Scully floating in the tank.

True to form Theodosia is convinced that this was not an accidental drowning.  She begins an investigation despite the warnings of Detective Tidwell.  Once again she is reminded that tracking down a killer can be a dangerous hobby. 

In addition to the seeking the murderer we are treated to Charleston's society activities, historic sites, area locations, and wonderful tea shop food.  The recipes are included so I plan to make the honey scones very soon. 

Ms. Childs also writes other mystery books including a Scrapbooking Mystery series and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.  Check out her web page here. 

The only negative I have to say about this reading experience is that I would not reccomend the Kindle format.  I love my Kindle and that has become my first choice when I read a new book but the digital copy is of very poor quality.  Every page has one or more run on word which really slows down the reader's pace. 

More Tea with Your Murder?

This weekend I finished a light murder mystery.  Scones & Bones, Tea Shop Mystery # 12, has been sitting in my stack for a while.  I have been a long-time fan of this series by Laura Childs having read them all.  Agony of the Leaves, book 13, will be available tomorrow. 

As with all the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scones & Bones is set in the Historic District of Charleston.  Along with sponsoring benefits and promoting the art and culture of Charleston Theodosia runs a highly successful tea shop.  Theodosia and her master tea blender, Drayton, are always nearby when a crime occurs.  Despite urgings and scoldings from Detective Tidwell Theodosia just can't help getting involved. 

In Scones & Bones the mystery centers around a pirate gala, the skull of Blackbeard the Pirate which was fashioned into a cup, clues to Blackbeard's treasure, a murder and a kidnapping.  Childs also offers up thematic tea party ideas and some yummy recipes providing something for everyone.  Grab a cup of tea.  This is a perfect day to indulge in a murder and a cuppa!

Tea, Mystery and Charleston's Historic District

One of my favorites.

If you are an avid tea drinker, a mystery lover and hold a fondness for anything historic here is a series of books just for you.  While this series will never win the Nobel Prize for literature, they will bring many hours of enjoyment and suspense.  Laura Childs is the author of several specialized mystery series but I have only read the Tea Shop Mystery books.

Theodosia Browning is the owner of The Indigo Tea Shop in the historic district of Charleston.  What makes her really interesting is the she has a knack for getting involved in local crime investigations.  She is surrounded by a group of likable and caring friends including Detective Tidwell who tries to keep Theodosia out of trouble but doesn't really succeed.  My favorite character is Drayton, professional tea blender, history buff and man of class and breeding.

While mystery and history should be enough, there is tea.  I actually take notes as I read so that I can find the more elusive teas via internet shopping.  With tea you get fancy tea cups, tea cloths and tea towels.  Plus there are benefit events, centerpieces and decorations.  Then, there is food--scones, muffins, cookies, tea cakes and more hearty offerings with some recipes at the back of the book. 

There are currently twelve books in the series.  The next book, Agony of the Leaves, can be pre-ordered as it is due in March 2012.  These are quick enjoyable reads if you don't stop to try all the recipes before going to the next book.  Although these books can stand alone I would recommend beginning with the first, Death by Darjeeling.  Let's face it, you can try one, get hooked and read them all by March.