Tea maven Theodosia Browning brews up trouble in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.It is the week before Halloween and Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, and her tea sommelier, Drayton, are ghosting through the dusk of a cool Charleston evening on their way to the old Bouchard Mansion. Known as the Gray Ghost, this dilapidated … Gray Ghost, this dilapidated place was recently bequeathed to the Heritage Society, and tonight heralds the grand opening of their literary and historical themed haunted house.
Though Timothy Neville, the patriarch of the Heritage Society, is not thrilled with the fund-raising idea, it is the perfect venue for his grandniece, Willow French, to sign copies of her new book, Carolina Crimes & Creepers.
But amid a parade of characters dressed as Edgar Allan Poe, Lady Macbeth, and the Headless Horseman, Willow’s body is suddenly tossed from the third-floor tower room and left to dangle at the end of a rope. Police come screaming in and Theodosia’s boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is sent to Willow’s apartment to investigate. But minutes later, he is shot and wounded by a shadowy intruder.
Timothy begs Theodosia to investigate, and shaken by Riley’s assault, she readily agrees. Now, she questions members of the Heritage Society and a man who claims the mansion is rightfully his, as well as Willow’s book publisher and her fiancé, all while hosting a Sherlock Holmes tea and catering several others.
But the Gray Ghost holds many secrets, as do several other key suspects, while this murder mystery plays out on the eve of Halloween.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
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Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is the 13th A Tea Sop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or have missed a book or two. I look forward to reading the latest Tea Shop Mystery each year. This first cozy mystery that I read was Death by Darjeeling and I have been hooked on cozy mysteries since then. Theodosia Browning is back with Drayton and Haley for a new adventure. The Heritage Society inherited the Bouchard house and has turned it into a literary-and-history inspired haunted house. Theodosia and Drayton are attending the opening night when a scream rings out. Willow French, author and Timothy Neville’s niece, is hanging from a rope out of third story window. Theodosia quickly calls Detective Pete Riley who arrives with Detective Tidwell. Pete gets dispatched to the victim’s apartment where he is shot. Theodosia is determined to uncover the identity of the guilty party. I thought Haunted Hibiscus was well-written with developed, engaging characters and a beautiful setting. I look forward to catching up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, and Earl Grey with each new book. The author captures Charleston, South Carolina with her vivid descriptions. I was drawn into Haunted Hibiscus from the very first page. The mystery was intriguing. There are several viable suspects. Any one of them could have committed the crime. I enjoyed the subtle clues. You must pay close attention if you are going to catch them and see how they relate to the whodunit (if you want to solve the crime). There is action that keeps things suspenseful plus helps propel the book forward toward the delightful conclusion. There were some fascinating revelations as well as a little twist (or two). There is humor mixed into the story as well. There are mouthwatering food descriptions as well as tasty teas. I liked learning more about the tea blends that Drayton serves and unique information about tea trays. I did not want Haunted Hibiscus to end. I am looking forward to reading Twisted Tea Christmas in October. Haunted Hibiscus is a charming Southern cozy mystery with tasty teas, haunted happenings, an energetic Earl Grey, a wounded detective, a tenacious Tidwell, curious clues, and a haunted house.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Child’s has created another fantastic cozy!! Theo runs an adorable tea shop that I would absolutely love to visit. She stress to go to a literary haunted house hosted by the historical society. Things are going great and running superbly well until the author there for a book signing suddenly appears hanging by a rope outside a tower window. At first they think it is part of show but reality quickly sets in as the police arrive. Theo tries to stay out of it but her friend Timothy begs her to look into things. That is something she is good at so she agrees and her Southern charm helps along the way. Makes for a fantastically fun cozy that really comes to life as the story progresses. Keeps you guessing as the story evolves leading to a interesting conclusion. A must read for fans of the genre. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
HAUNTED HIBSCUS was the book I needed to read, just at the right time. With summer looming (Yes, looming. I don’t like summer), getting to read a cozy set during Halloween returned me to cool autumn days, and the promise of frost. But, onto the review.
Author Laura Childs is cozy mystery royalty. All of her series are followed by adoring readers who just can’t get enough of her remarkable prose. HAUNTED HIBCUS is the perfect example of why.
This 22nd installment to Laura Childs’ Teashop Mysteries held me enthralled. From the excitement of a Halloween party, the heartbreakingly tragic death of a young women filled with promise of a wonderful life to come, and a killer who just plain torked me off until the satisfying reveal, HAUNTED HIBSCUS was a one sitting read for me. I simply couldn’t put it down.
With the exception of poor, shot Riley, our favorite Teashop Mystery characters are stronger than ever as the investigations heats up in the death of Willow French, the unfortunate author who will never know just have many copies her book would sell, and the afore mentioned poor, shot Riley. Who is the killer and what is he/she hiding that it’s worth killing for? The author doesn’t make it easy for us to guess.
I suggest that you keep yourselves seatbelted in until the twists and turns of HAUNTED HISICUS come to an end. It’s totally worth the roiling ride!
The Tea Shop cozy mysteries penned by Laura Childs is still as fresh today as it was when the series began many years ago. Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop in the beautiful southern city of Charleston, South Carolina, and her master of tea, Drayton, are invited to a Halloween fundraising party to benefit the Heritage Society at the Bouchard Mansion, known to locals as the Gray Ghost. Just as the party is getting started, there’s a murder and the police, including Theo’s boyfriend, Reilly, are immediately called to the scene. When Reilly is shot by an unknown assailant while checking out the victim’s home, it’s up to Theo and Drayton to find the perpetrator. Lots of fun, with tea parties and menus galore, and the city of Charleston has never looked spookier. Check it out!
Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is quite the doozy of a Halloween read.
Will Theodosia figure out who killed Willow for Timothy’s sake?
Theodosia Browning
Our sleuth is Theodosia Browning, and she is quite the character. I would have to say I wouldn’t mind having her job. Okay, minus the sleuthing that she has to do. Theo, as a lot of people call her, is at the opening of a new haunted house when as she is leaving for the night, she sees the young lady who was signing books earlier die. She is thrust into the world of sleuthing not only because she wants to know herself who would do that to Willow French but also because someone hurt her boyfriend. I have to say that Theo is a lovely character, and it was a fabulous treat to have someone like this as a sleuth.
Pete Riley
Pete Riley is the boyfriend of Theodosia but also her police contact. Okay, and more of the whole reason with why Theo is even more thrust into the world of solving this crime. She wanted to find out who would shoot at her boyfriend and if it was connected. Pete is a great character as well, and I love how concerned he is for Theo. He would make a marvelous boyfriend.
The Mystery
The mystery all starts with who would kill Willow French on the opening night of a haunted house. There are a whole lot of red herrings and so much sleuthing going on in this book. I thought I had it, but then I was like, no, that has to be red herring. There were many suspicions, though, I had about a certain character, and I was right. Be careful of those red herrings. While reading this book, be sure to have a notebook handy to write down the suspects. I had to do that. Also, have food handy. I found that I eat a bit more than I needed to.
5 Stars
Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is a great book to start in on this series. Granted, I didn’t mean to start on the 22nd book, but it sounded so good. I loved everything about this book, from the characters to the mystery, to the food they were touting off in there and everything that Theodosia does at her tea shop. It just sounded all so sublime. I can’t wait to read another book in this series.
Don’t forget to check out the recipes in the back, and if you want to host your own tea time, there are tips back there. The recipes include Haley’s Pumpkin Soup, Tarragon Chicken Salad, Chai-Flavored Cupcakes, Crab and Avocado Tea Sandwichs, Southern Peach Crisp, Ham, and Corn Muffins, Herbed Chevre Butter, Haunted Hibiscus Cooler, Charleston Apple Pudding, Best Banana Bread Ever, and Haley’s Pork Tenderloin. All of these sound so good. I might have to try one of these recipes in the future.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s almost Halloween in Charleston, South Carolina and Theodosia and Drayton are excited to check out the literary and historical themed haunted house at the old Bouchard Mansion, also known as the Gray Ghost. The Heritage Society was recently bequeathed the place and thought the event would be a great fundraiser. In addition to the haunting characters Willow French, grand-niece of Timothy Neville, head of the Society is signing copies of her new book, Carolina Crimes & Creepers.
It’s opening night and the place is packed then screams ring out. Drayton and Theodosia rush outside to see young Willow hanging from a rope outside a 3rd-floor window. The police arrive and Detective Pete Riley, Theodosia’s boyfriend, is almost immediately sent to check out Willow’s apartment for clues to her death. He barely arrives and a shot is fired. Riley is hit and the shooter escapes.
Theo is beside herself worrying about Riley but when she is pressed to investigate by Willow’s great uncle she can’t say no. There are a lot of events planned at the Indigo Tea Shop but she knows with a little help from her friends she can find time to interview the growing number of suspects and do some general snooping. Heck, who wouldn’t want to search a creepy old house for clues so close to Halloween. Theo just hopes she isn’t the killer’s next victim.
I made the mistake a while back and got behind on this series. I will never make that mistake again. Now I anxiously await each new installment eager to see what Theo, Drayton, and Haley are up to. Ms. Childs never disappoints. This story did have a trigger moment for me but I was forewarned and I passed over that section quickly. My heart just broke for Willow and her family.
Opening this book I felt like I was visiting old friends. I settled right in with these lively characters and they took me on quite a journey. I love that even after 22 stories these characters are still fresh and continue to evolve. That is not an easy feat for an author. She also introduces some compelling new characters/suspects who all seem to be hiding something. Even the old Brouchard Mansion becomes a pseudo character as it has some secrets of its own.
The mystery is so well-written. Clever clues are filtered through all the twists and turns. My thinking was diverted so many times I gave up on counting. I certainly didn’t figure out whodunit until all was revealed and that is due to the author’s brilliant writing style. Ms. Childs words set the scene and everything that happens in great detail. Every page came alive in my mind’s eye. She even had my stomach growling with all the food descriptions.
Haunted Hibiscus was a very entertaining read with engaging characters. Riley and Theo’s relationship always makes me smile. Fans of this series with be delighted with this story full of Southern charm and suspense, humor, and romance all in perfect amounts. But if you are new to this series, don’t hesitate to pick up this book. Laura Childs writes this book to be easily read and enjoyed all on its own. I can’t promise you won’t want to go back and read the rest.
HAUNTED HIBISCUS is the twenty-second book in the TEA SHOP MYSTERY series. Although this is the first book in the series that I’ve read it won’t be my last. Set in Charleston, South Carolina I was drawn in by the characters, the city, the mystery, and all things Halloween. The descriptions of the food, the teas, the city, the architecture, the businesses, and the people made me feel like I was there. There was a vividness and colorfulness throughout.
The Indigo Tea Shop owned by Theo with her coworkers, Drayton the tea sommelier, and Haley, the chef who prepared delightful foods and desserts, was front and center. Theo’s boyfriend Pete is a detective and she’s an amateur sleuth who is always in the thick of things no matter who thinks she should be on the sidelines. There are many stories being told and they are woven seamlessly together. The story had a wonderful flow with lots of twists and turns and a multitude of characters. There are family and friends, acquaintances, murders, crimes committed, injuries, parties, and festivities along with some mysteries to solve. There is nice closure and I didn’t guess whodunnit even with lots of clues given throughout the telling of the story. The cover was apropos and successfully fit the season portrayed in the book. The many recipes in the back of the book piqued my interest and I will definitely give some of them a try. The Tea Time Tips were a nice addition and I could see readers giving some of the suggestions a try.
Ms. Childs is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.
When the historical society inherits an impressive old mansion, is it a windfall or a nightmare?
I love the idea of a literary inspired haunted house fundraiser. I hope places near me will be inspired to copy this idea.
Unfortunately for the young author signing books at this event, the experience was life ending.
Another positive aspect to this series is that all generations are represented. I appreciate how well all meld together. As with the generations and varieties of people mixing together with an appreciation for history, the motives for the murder at the fundraiser also all seemed plausible. Who was the real target?
Was it the poor young woman or the society or was she just a convenient yet in the way obstacle?
As the local cafe can be a center for rumors and gossip, Theo’s Teashop sees its share of quirky characters and ranges of emotion. It makes for a great setting to get together and devise plans on how to trap a murderer or solve mysteries and crimes.
This book works well alone but the characters and mysteries are all so well done that you should enjoy the whole series.
Haunted Hibiscus is the second book I’ve read in the Tea Shop Mystery series, and like when I read Lavender Blue Murder, I thought to myself, “How have I not read this entire series?”! Yes, it’s only the second I’ve read (and it’s book 22!), but I honestly have to say, it is one of my favorite series ever now. As I was reading, I made sure I texted my sister to tell her she HAS to read these books.
In Haunted Hibiscus, Theodosia gets tangled up in another murder investigation when a young author is hanged and shortly after, her boyfriend Pete is shot! Of course, Pete wants her to stay out of it, but, of course, she doesn’t “really” listen. And it wouldn’t be a cozy mystery if she didn’t get involved!
As much as I loved the mystery in Haunted Hibiscus, it’s the characters and setting that really make this book a five star book. I am a tea drinker. Sure, I drink coffee too, but I drink it much less often than I drink tea. There’s just something so comforting in a good cuppa. Plus, I can indulge in my “I’m in the UK or Ireland” fantasy while I drink it! Theodosia owns the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, SC, and I want to visit! Sure, it exists in a pretend world. Regardless, I still need to go, and when you read the series, you will too! In addition to the tea shop, the creepy Bouchard mansion, where the haunted house (and murder!) take place, is the perfect backdrop for a Halloween cozy.
What would a cozy mystery be without its wonderful characters? Not much! Haunted Hibiscus checks the box with a variety of wonderfully written characters. When you meet Drayton, you’ll be amazed by his knowledge of tea and charmed by his warm personality. I’d have to say he’s my favorite.
I could literally go on and on about the things I loved, but I won’t. You’ve got to find these things out for yourself as you read! Haunted Hibiscus, with its atmospheric setting, well-written characters, and page turning mystery, will keep you up all night reading! Make yourself a cup of tea, get comfy, and read Haunted Hibiscus.
Haunted Hibiscus earns 5+/5 Hanging Mysteries…Entertaining Page-Turner!
There’s Christmas in July, so why not Halloween in March! This twenty-second adventure is steeped in images of the holiday with Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, and Drayton Conneley, her tea sommelier, attending opening night of a haunted house event inspired by literature and history in masterful displays and costumed characters roaming the halls. The old, somewhat dilapidated, Bouchard Mansion, dubbed the Grey Ghost, was gifted to the Heritage Society, and despite a challenge by a distant Bouchard relative, the Society owned the grand gem…all of it! Timothy Neville, the Society’s leader, is “busting his buttons” having his grandniece holding her first book signing at the event. Her book, “Carolina Crimes and Creepers,” is appropriately themed with true crime and haunted legends for which Charleston’s and the low country’s history is wildly painted. The evening is full Halloween excitement, but it all turns dark. Screams. A body hanging from the eerie tower. It isn’t one of the event’s displays. It’s murder!
I greatly enjoy Laura Childs’ writing style; it’s what has made me an eager fan. First, I have to say this series has fueled my passion for tea with all of the tidbits hidden in the drama sending me to various purveyors, trying special accoutrements, but it’s the traditional cozy formula she uses that keeps me returning. The murder occurs early, really early, so it’s the journey through the mystery, the investigation, misdirection, twists, and turns, challenging me to uncover the killer before her final “Oh, my!” The victim was a sad surprise, not one with my preferred level of karma-style comeuppances, but it made finding the killer all that more immediate; a few times I had to stop myself from leaping to end just to find some nice closure. Suspects seemed hard to find and trouble seems to be ‘round every corner, but when Theodosia and her friends taken a closer look, we see suspicious raised with the Society itself. Childs’ story is well-developed and steady paced with side trips of humor with the tea shop…witch’s broom puerh? different versions of…beige? and electric tea brewers…sending messages? She uses such rich descriptive language to paint a “bucket-list” worthy setting with inviting southern charm along with the ins and outs, darks and scary, and murderous events. Her witty banter illustrates personalities making her characters entertaining literary friends. I love it!
Of course, if the engaging mystery wasn’t enough, Laura provides a marvelous mini cookbook from the Indigo Tea Shop with recipes from starters to entrees, quick treats to luscious dessert, sweet to savory, and a delicious Haunted Hibiscus Cooler. She also includes delightful Tea Time Tips with suggestions for the most wonderful tea parties from creating a romantic setting or recreating a romantic movie, from something classy and crystal to casual backyard. Last, she includes Tea Resources for the beginning sipper to the master totaler with links to magazines and publications, plantations, websites and blogs, purveyors of fine teas, and some sites to plan a visit to Charleston. It’s not just a cozy delight…Enjoy!