Just finished reading the latest book (14th) in one of my favorite series – A Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs. The lovely city of Charleston, SC is the location for these mysteries and Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is the main character (along with co-workers Drayton and Haley).
In this installment, Theo’s flighty friend Delaine Dish is left at the alter when her groom to be is found dead in his suite at the Ravenscrest Inn just minutes before their wedding. So begins another murder investigation for Theodosia, this time at the request of the bereaved bride.
I love how the daily workings of the Tea Shop are intertwined with her ongoing investigation. One of my favorites this time was Drayton’s Scottish Tea for the Highlanders’ Club. It included a great menu with cock-a-leekie soup, smoked salmon tea sandwiches, shortbread, scones and more. He even convinced Haley to prepare cupcakes with tartan designs.
There are always lots of ideas for teatime table settings and menus, along with recipes and tea resources at the back of the book (including Peach Scones, Drayton’s Cock-a-Leekie Soup and Haley’s Espresso Bars). I’d definitely go broke eating lunch at the Indigo Tea Shop everyday if it was a real place. ☺
The murder mystery itself is exciting and entertaining, although I’m never as concerned with “who done it” as I am with just relaxing into the story with its great location and characters.
You might enjoy watching a Sweet Tea Revenge trailer and exploring the Tea Shop Mystery series, if you aren’t already a big fan like me. I should also mention that Laura Childs has a couple of other book series – Cackleberry Club Mysteries and Scrapbooking Mysteries.
2 comments:
This book is on my Wish List, but haven't read it yet. I do enjoy her books.
I'm with you in that just "relaxing into the story," as you so beautifully put it, is the best thing! Aren't you rather surprised no one in Charleston has opened an Indigo Tea Shop yet? I am!
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