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

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.