Theodosia Browning serves tea and solves crimes in Charleston, a city steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.It is Sunday afternoon, and Theodosia and Drayton are catering a formal tea at a hot-air balloon rally. The view aloft is not only stunning, they are also surrounded by a dozen other colorful hot-air balloons. … colorful hot-air balloons. But as the sky turns gray and the clouds start to boil up, a strange object zooms out of nowhere. It is a drone, and it appears to be buzzing around the balloons, checking them out.
As Theodosia and Drayton watch, the drone, hovering like some angry, mechanized insect, deliberately crashes into the balloon next to them. An enormous, fiery explosion erupts, and everyone watches in horror as the balloon plummets to the earth, killing all three of its passengers.
Sirens scream, first responders arrive, and Theodosia is interviewed by the police. During the interview she learns that one of the downed occupants was Don Kingsley, the CEO of a local software company, SyncSoft. Not only do the police suspect Kingsley as the primary target, they learn that he possessed a rare Revolutionary War Union Jack flag that several people were rabidly bidding on.
Intrigued, Theodosia begins her own investigation. Was it the CEO’s soon-to-be ex-wife, who is restoring an enormous mansion at no expense? The CEO’s personal assistant, who also functioned as curator of his prized collection of Americana? Two rival antiques’ dealers known for dirty dealing? Or was the killer the fiancée of one of Theodosia’s dear friends, who turns out to be an employee—and whistle-blower—at SyncSoft?
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
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Dollycas’s Thoughts
The story opens with Theodosia and Drayton high in the air in a hot-air balloon. They were catering the rally and were gifted to fly in the air themselves. While enjoying the spectacular views and the other balloons the clouds start to roll in and Theo noticed a buzzing and then a strange object flying between the balloons. She soon realizes it is a drone. She doesn’t really get excited at first thinking it is carrying a camera taking pictures of the event. But then the drone crashes into the balloon right next to them. There is a huge explosion and as the rain starts to fall and so does the fiery balloon, crashing to the ground killing the three souls aboard.
Theo and Drayton’s balloon makes a hasty descent followed by a bumpy landing. Theo saw the whole thing and reports the drone’s deliberate attack. It is then she learns one of the people killed was Don Kingsley, the CEO of a local software company, SyncSoft. It later comes out that Kingsley is the owner of a rare Revolutionary War Union Jack flag that was recently part of a bidding war and is now missing. He was also in the process of divorcing his wife who had been spending tons of money to renovate a mansion to open it as a B&B.
After witnessing such a tragic event, Theodosia is driven to distraction. Even though she is warned to leave the case to the police she just can’t stop herself from investigating the deaths herself, pulling Drayton along with her. It doesn’t help that the prime suspect is the fiancée of one of her friends and the evidence is piling up.
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Wow, this is the 20th Tea Shop Mystery and the author always delivers a fresh and exciting mystery. I mean a drone taking down a hot air balloon, that catches a reader’s attention and the investigation keeps it until the last page.
What makes these stories great is the wonderful cast of characters and the Indigo Tea Shop where everyone seems to gather to pick up their morning tea and scones, or stop by for a lunch of soup and sandwiches or the fantastic tea events that are held there several times a week. The Nancy Drew Tea is one I wish I had been able to attend. While Theo and Drayton venture out to sleuth, most of the key figures find their way to the tea shop eventually and some are there numerous times. Ms. Childs’ descriptive talents really bring time, place, and people to life.
I found the historical information about the Union Jack flag was very interesting. It was a unique element playing a big part in a mystery that was full of twists and turns. Theodosia has built a reputation for solving crimes before the police so expectations are always high and she doesn’t let us down.
The author plots her stories so well and truly fills them with Southern charm. They are perfectly paced and flow so well they are almost impossible to put down. I read this one incredibly fast and totally enjoyed every page.
Broken Bone China is a delightful addition to this long-running series. If you’re not already of fan of this series the author always provides plenty of background so you can jump in the series at any time. Of course, I recommend you read them all
This series is light hearted and easy to read. Its strength is the imagery the author creates in everything from the city of Charleston to the tea shop to the delectable tea and treats they serve. Drayton had a more prominent role in this book, which as a fan of the series, I enjoyed. The method of murder was interesting – I don’t think I’ve ever read of anyone dying by drone before. There was also a mention of my favorite tea company, which was neat to see. An enjoyable book in a series that is a flagship of the cozy mystery genre.
Kudos to author Laura Childs for making it to the twentieth book of her Tea Shop Mysteries!
Having just closed BROKEN BONE CHINA, I’m still in that after-reading-a-good-book euphoria. It was wonderful to be back with Theodosia and Drayton. The teas, the atmosphere, the murder! Why wouldn’t I want to return time and again?
With her usual flare, author Childs has delivered an intriguing whodunit that had me guessing, and second guessing myself the entire way through. From the cinematic worthy murder, to the last word of the story, every detail grabbed my attention and pulled me in. Even the recipes at the end of the book hooked me!
BROKEN BONE CHINA is proof that you will get consistently good storytelling when reading a book written by Laura Childs.
Beginning with an adventure turned deadly, this book is a page turner. Full of delicious secrets and many events and characters you’ll enjoy spending time with, a Laura Childs’ book can be read as a stand alone mystery even as I know you will enjoy each series.
Theodosia Browning has a reputation around town as an amateur sleuth. She is seeing a local detective but this time he is out of town as she follows clues and builds a case against several worthy suspects. As much as I enjoyed the mysteries, (plural,) I was intrigued by the tea shop happenings.
I love Laura Childs’ attention to detail and everything I learn as I get lost in her small town worlds.
While I am not a tea drinker, I want to be included in Theodosia and friends’s parties.
This book seemed very timely with weather aspects and technology.
Broken Bone China may be the twentieth A Tea Shop Mystery, but you can read alone. I highly recommend reading this entire delightful cozy mystery series. I am happy that I discovered Laura Childs’ A Tea Shop Mystery (and the cozy mystery genre) while perusing a bookstore eighteen years ago. I thought Broken Bone China was well-written and proceeds at a steady pace. The book contains developed characters like Theo, Drayton, Haley and Detective Tidwell. I just love Theo’s adorable dog, Earl Grey. Haley, Drayton and Theo have become close friends and have a good working relationship. I enjoy the interactions between the three of them. I appreciate Laura Childs wonderful descriptions of the Indigo Tea Shop, Charleston, the beautiful antiques, books, Haley’s tasty dishes and the entrancing teas (I can just imagine how they would smell). The authors descriptive prose transports me into the world of A Tea Shop Mystery series. I wanted to attend the charming Nancy Drew tea that the shop hosted with the creative decorations and I liked the reference to Trixie Belden (I am a Cherry Ames girl myself). The mystery was multifaceted with a murder and a missing flag. I loved the ingenious method of killing employed by the author. There are good clues to assist readers in solving the mystery with misdirection to throw you off track. There is one little loose end at the end of the book regarding the secret sipper from Tea Faire magazine (I am hoping the author will address it in the next book with a positive review for the tea shop). There are recipes from the tea shop at the end along with tea time tips. A preview of Mumbo Gumbo Murder is included (the next A Scrapbooking Mystery). Ms. Childs has created another winner with Broken Bone China. The only sad part is that I now must wait a year to revisit Theo and the Indigo Tea Shop. If you are looking for an uplifting cozy mystery, look no further than Broken Bone China.
Imagine floating in a hot air balloon high above scenic, historic Charleston amid a flying parade of a half dozen others in flight. Theodosia Browning gave it a try and thought this must be the coolest thing she’d ever done. Her long-time friend and tea sommelier Drayton Conneley disagreed, deciding it was terrifying. He was about to be proven right. Suddenly a drone narrowly missed them and wildly crashed into another balloon floating next to them, killing three. A terrible accident, or was it intentional?
Scared by their near miss, and concerned about the direction of the investigation under Detective Tidwell, Theodosia finds herself gathering clues and analyzing suspects. It’s a fascinating collection of characters, and a fun puzzle to try your hand solving as you read along and Theodosia shares her clues and observations with you.
While detecting, Theodosia still has the fabulous Indigo Tea Shop to run along with Drayton and also beloved cook and baker Haley. Along with the everyday delicacies and custom tea blends served both in the café and to go, special events are routinely scheduled. Delight in reading about the Nancy Drew tea, and be on the alert for suspect activity. Savor the detailed description of the elegant Beaux Arts event as it is planned, decorated, and enjoyed. There are so many tasty tidbits of historical, baking, and tea information for the reader too, as Drayton says at the Beaux Arts Tea, “And now that we’ve got you half-tipsy on tea, champagne, and knowledge, I’d like to introduce our hostess, Miss Theodosia Browning.”
At the end of the book the author shares Haley’s recipes, and a couple from other characters, great ideas for tea parties, and an extensive list of tea resources. Laura Childs is a prolific mystery writer with her multiple series – Scrapbooking Mysteries, Cackleberry Club Mysteries, Tea Shop Mysteries, Anthologies, and Afton Tangler Thrillers (written as Gerry Schmitt).
You can find more information about the author and her books at Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries with Laura Childs. Included in the podcast is an interview at our own friends at Edmonds Treasures and Teas Shopwhere a personally blended Laura Childs Mystery Tea was blended and sent to the author. She loved it, of course! Recommend you stop by and try a mystery blend of your own to enjoy while you read.
“This whole murder and missing flag business was so confusing. Theodosia wondered sometimes if even she was in the loop.”
The twentieth Tea Shop Mystery starts out, as they often do, with a murder… one that has a tech savvy twist but leads to a very twisted, old fashioned cause- greed. In the six years since Indigo Tea Shoppe opened in Charlestown, Theo, Haley, Drayton and Miss Dimple have conquered many fears, figured out many mysteries, and helped Lt. Burt Tidwell find more than a few criminals. However, this time, there are more suspects popping up on every corner! Can Theo solve the case? And how will Drayton feel about being dragged into the 21st century? You’ll have to read and find out! Highly Recommended 5/5
[disclaimer: This was a library book that I read and reviewed
Great who done it mystery. I didn’t see it coming. A must read.
Love these books and I don’t even drink tea!
Great, enjoyable mystery by Laura Childs!
The action begins from the first page of the book. Theodosia and Drayton are taking a ride in a hot-air balloon while catering the formal tea for the event. Theodosia is enjoying it a lot more than Drayton, but the fun soon turns deadly when a drone narrowly misses them, hitting a balloon right next to them. This begins a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
As usual, Theodosia begins her own little investigation into the murder of Don Kingsley, a CEO of a software company. The list of suspects is long, so her investigation won’t be easy. Childs gives her readers a tale full of secrets and intrigue. I really enjoyed the way she developed the story and her characters. She also writes in such a way that you are there in the story with the characters. That is evident in the very first pages of the book when the other balloon crashes to the ground. I could feel the same shock and horror as Theodosia and Drayton did. She has a way of completely hooking her readers.
I have to say that I love the setting, Charleston, SC, but it’s my hometown! Childs does a phenomenal job of showing others what a beautiful, special town Charleston is!!!! I highly recommend reading if you love a great mystery with great characters and a wonderful, beautiful setting.
Quick easy read. Would love to visit Charleston. Recipes are great
BROKEN BONE CHINA by Laura Childs
The Twentieth Tea Shop Mystery
A delightful tea for the Top Flight Balloon Club turns deadly when a drone targets one of the hot-air balloons and sends its flaming husk down to the earth. Not only is the Blue Indigo picnic table destroyed, all three occupants of the balloon are killed. As a witness, Theodosia Browning feels compelled to look into the incident, especially when people ask for her help. The attack was surely planned, but was it due to business malfeasance, or an attempt to gain a priceless piece of Americana?
Now in her twentieth outing Theodosia Browning is no stranger to murders…and solving them. In fact, she’s recently came to the conclusion that she gets a thrill from investigating. Needless to say, when a murder happens right in front of her, she’s going to get involved.
The mystery here was interesting. While it started out as murder…and quite a unique method at that!…it was really about theft. What lengths a person would go to to gain a priceless piece of Americana – a Union Jack flag. A variety of characters made for an interesting suspect pool, from the murdered CEO’s right hand man who’s been acting hinky, to his flamboyant widow who was poised to be his ex. We can’t forget the bidders interested in the flag. Could the staid woman representing a museum or the shady antiques dealer be involved? Or Theo’s friend’s new fiance?
There was a very modern method of murder here, which I found fascinating…and a bit worrisome. Is anyone safe from these drones? I’m all for the birds of prey snatching them from the sky! I’m sure Theodosia is too! I enjoy creative murders and this certainly was a unique one.
As a tea enthusiast I love reading all the details about the tea and the descriptions of the tea events. What mystery fan wouldn’t enjoy a Nancy Drew tea, and history fans, myself included, can gawk over the details of a Beaux Arts tea. It’s these details that capture readers and draws them in…and inspires them to return.
I love how Drayton has become more involved and engaged in solving the mystery, while being the staid voice of reason that Theo oftentimes ignores. I love how their partnership and friendship have developed. While Drayton could easily have become a caricature, he’s evolved into a real person, albeit persnickety at times, but that’s part of his charm.
BROKEN BONE CHINA melds high quality tea and refinement with a desperate bid for a piece of history resulting in murder. A commitment to characterization and attention to detail make the twentieth Tea Shop Mystery a winner.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Loved this book. Kept me reading until the end
Theodosia and Drayton are at it again! I never know where I will find these two. What started out as a pleasant hot air balloon ride ends tragically as the balloon next to them is hit by a rogue drone. Broken Bone China by Laura Childs is book twenty in the Tea Shop Mystery Series and it is a good one. There are a lot of things going on this story and it seems like one thing just keeps going on after another to where there are more than one suspects being juggled in the air. It is a complex plot that took some twists and turns with some bad weather in the mix.
Drayton never fails to disappoint with all his wit and wisdom. He is a font of historical knowledge and there is good information for people who enjoy American history as I do. Laura Childs’ research is impeccable from her knowledge of tea, to southern culture, fabulous recipes, history, and of course, the sleuthing. I always look forward to her next book because they are so enjoyable, especially with a cup of tea.
Theodosia and Drayton are excited about the tea that they are serving at a hot air balloon rally and can’t wait to fly high in the sky in a balloon just for them. While enjoying their ride they hear a noise in the distance and soon see that it is a drone flying among all the balloons. All is well and beautiful until said drone flies right into one of the balloons, ripping it to shreds and sending it hurtling to the earth. The explosion that follows is one that none in the balloon could have survived. Who could do such a thing and why? They soon learn that one of the victims is Don Kingsley the CEO of a software company. It has come to the attention of the company that someone has stolen around five million dollars from them. Theo also learns that the victim was trying to sell a very priceless flag that he owned the only problem it seems to have disappeared right after the incident. Follow along as Theo and Drayton look into Ben’s life trying to discover who wanted the man dead. Was it someone from his company looking for the stolen money? Did one of the bidders on his flag decide that they didn’t want to pay but would get the flag any way possible? And last but certainly not least could it have been his soon to be ex-wife who seems to be pouring money into what she hopes will be an exclusive B&B? As Theo learns more about the man and those who surrounded him a clearer picture starts to emerge but will she be able to come to a conclusion before she herself ends up in danger? It doesn’t help that her boyfriend is out of town and not there to be a part of the investigation. This is a great series filled with a lovely cast of characters, a fabulous setting, and a plot that will have you looking everywhere for a killer. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters in her next book.