Sweet Tea Revenge

Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs just came out in early March.  Of course I had pre-ordered it to my Kindle since I read everything in that series; this is number fourteen. 

For those of you who are new to the Tea Shop mysteries a little background information will be helpful.  They are all set in Charleston, South Carolina.  The main character, Theodosia, has given up a stressful professional career to open a tea shop in the historic district of Charleston.  Two trusted friend/employees help her to run the shop.  Haley is a young woman with an amazing talent in the kitchen with many special and unique offerings.  Her soups, scones, sandwiches and candies are a mainstay of the shop as are Theodosia's gift baskets, teacup wreaths and tea beauty products.  Drayton, slightly older and "fatherly" is one part master tea blender, one part tea pot and tea cup collector, and one part greeter/educator for the shop's many programs and special guests.

From Theodosia's arrival in Charleston she becomes embroiled in murders.  Much to the dismay of gruff Detective Tidwell she snoops around and asks questions, usually at her own risk.  However Tidwell is known to drop in for meals or tea time and listens to Theodosia's ideas while warning her to stay out of his investigations. 

In Sweet Tea Revenge Delanie Dish, a local merchant and friend of Theo's is getting married to a wealthy local who owns, among other things, a Cigar Store.  When the groom fails to appear at the wedding Theo checks his room and finds him dead.  As bridesmaid she realizes it is her job to inform the bride and keep the guests milling about downstairs so the Tidwell can interview them upon his arrival.  Drayton and Haley continue to service their delightful teas and food then go on to help, reluctantly, to solve the murder.

From Theodosia's sleuthing to Drayton's tea and teapot selections to Haley's inspired food (recipes in the back) there is much to like about this series. While I like to read books in order each of these books is stand-alone and a wonderful treat with a cup of tea! Try any of them, but be sure to read Sweet Tea Revenge.

NEXT POST:  Just Like Us by Helen Thorpe

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.