Tea-Maven Theodosia Browning brews up trouble in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.Tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley are guests at a bird hunt styled in the precise manner of an English shooting party. Which means elevenses (sloe gin fizzes), gun loaders, the drawing of pegs, fine looking bird dogs, and shooting … pegs, fine looking bird dogs, and shooting costumes of tweed, herringbone, and suede.
But as gunshots explode like a riff of Black Cat firecrackers, another shot sounds too close for comfort to Theodosia and Drayton. Intrigued but worried, Theodosia wanders into the neighbor’s lavender field where she discovers their host, Reginald Doyle, bleeding to death.
His wife, Meredith, is beside herself with grief and begs Theodosia and Drayton to stay the night. But Theodosia awakens at 2:00A.M. to find smoke in her room and the house on fire. As the fire department screams in and the investigating sheriff returns, Meredith again pleads with Theodosia for help.
As Theodosia investigates, fingers are pointed, secrets are uncovered, Reginald’s daughter-in-law goes missing presumed drowned, and Meredith is determined to find answers via a séance. All the while Theodosia worries if she’s made a mistake in inviting a prime suspect to her upscale Lavender Lady Tea.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
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*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Tea anyone? If you do not want some before starting this book then the tasty mentions will have you going to get some. Theodosia is on a hunting trip with friends when she hears a strange shot and when she goes to look she finds their host shot in the chest. As if that is not enough the dead man’s house catches fire the same night and his daughter in law is kidnapped. Asked by the widow to investigate she starts asking questions only to find herself in danger before it is all said and done. Overall a fun mystery that will have you guessing who did it mixed in between the tea and goodies. Makes for a great read. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Lavender Blue Murder by Laura Childs is the twenty-first A Tea Shop Mystery. I look forward to each new installment of A Tea Shop Mystery series. This is one of the two series that got me interested in cozy mysteries. I picked up Death by Darjeeling and quickly devoured it. I hurried back to the bookstore to pick up the next two books in the series (that was all that was out at that time). Theodosia Browning and Drayton Conneley are at Reginald Doyle’s estate participating in an old English bird hunt. Well, Theo is shooting while Drayton is holding his gun like it is a “plague infested rat”. The hunting party ends when their host is found shot in a nearby lavender field. That night the mansion is set on fire and then Fawn Doyle, the victim’s daughter-in-law, disappears. A distraught Meredith asks Theo to investigate and find who is responsible for these terrible events. Theo is too curious to say no. Lavender Blue Murder is a well-crafted novel with developed characters set in a beautiful city. I just love descriptive images of Charleston and Theo’s charming shop plus her home (makes me want to live there and own a bookshop next to the Indigo Tea Shop). At the tea shop, they have a Gone with the Wind Tea complete with the staff in costumes and a Lavender Lady Tea. The mystery had a multiple suspects, secrets were revealed and good clues. The story moved along quickly with Theo asking questions and nosing around. The take down scene was delightful. I like the relationship Theodosia has with Drayton. They are more than co-workers. They are good friends who respect each other and enjoy each other’s company. I like how Drayton participated in the mystery. It added humor to the story with Drayton’s reactions. Haley, Miss Dimple, and Detective Burt Tidwell are back along with Theo’s beau, Detective Pete Riley. Theo is having her kitchen remodeled (new cabinets made with reclaimed barnwood). It will be beautiful when it is done, but Theo is having a hard time with chaos (you know how she loves to cook). Lavender Blue Murder was over far too soon and now I must wait a year for the next A Tea Shop Mystery. Lavender Blue Murder is an enchanting cozy mystery with a weeping widow, a surplus of suspects, tasty tea, loads of lavender, blaring bagpipes, and a spooky séance.
Lavender Blue Murder is the 21st instalment in the ”A Tea Shop Mystery” series by Laura Childs. I love this series and have been reading from the very beginning, I have missed a few books recently but they are in my tbr pile. I had forgotten how much I enjoy reading about Theo, Drayton, Haley and Earl Grey.
Tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley are guests at a bird hunt styled in the precise manner of an English shooting party. Which means elevenses (sloe gin fizzes), gun loaders, the drawing of pegs, fine looking bird dogs, and shooting costumes of tweed, herringbone, and suede.
But as gunshots explode like a riff of Black Cat firecrackers, another shot sounds too close for comfort to Theodosia and Drayton. Intrigued but worried, Theodosia wanders into the neighbor’s lavender field where she discovers their host, Reginald Doyle, bleeding to death.
I have said this before and I will say it again everything about this series enthrals me! The story had me wrapped up in the goings on of protagonist Theo, the Indigo Tea Shop, Drayton, and Haley once again, it was like visiting old friends. The authors description of Charleston has made me want to live in the South. If I had a dream job it would be to own my own quintessential tea shop/book store just like Theo. As for the mystery itself I found it intriguing, and well thought out.
We not only had a Gone With the Wind tea and a Lavender Lady tea in this story we were teased by Haley’s menus! Good thing we are blessed with wonderful recipes from the tea shop at the end of the book.
If you are looking for a light, fun read then this series fits the bill.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Berkeley Publishing Group and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
LAVENDER BLUE MURDER is the twenty-first book in The Tea Shop Mysteries. These are light & fun reads with yummy recipes in the back of each book! The characters are old friends now, and I still enjoy references to teas. This is a good cozy series made even better on audiobook.
Get ready, mystery enthusiasts and amateur sleuths, because Laura Childs’ latest Tea Shop Mystery starts off with a bang. It’s a Lavender Blue Murder in the fields of the low country of South Carolina.
When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley attend an invitation-only English shooting party, with all the trappings, they had no idea that anyone other than the birds were in danger. When shots ring out too close for comfort, the partiers scatter and run for safety. Theodosia ends up wandering into a lavender field, where she discovers their host, Reginald Doyle, bleeding to death. Now there is a party full of suspects, but who among them has a motive that would drive a person to carry out such a dire act?
This expertly crafted plot is a challenging puzzler. Theodosia is put to the test as she looks for clues, talks with witnesses, and analyzes suspects. The reader is immersed in the adventure from beginning to end. The descriptions of settings are vivid and detailed. Characters are unique and so interesting. Those who are recurring in the series are fresh and daring, yet they feel familiar like a favorite earl grey tea that has been blended with unexpected highlights that complement, delight, and yet taste new. Oh, and there are some skillfully planted surprises in store.
There’s more than one reason to read to the end. Not only do you want to find out if you have named the right suspect as the killer. You want to try the tantalizing recipes from the Indigo Tea Shop that are printed in full at the back, along with Tea Time Tips, and for tea connoisseurs there are also Tea Resources.
Once again, being from Charleston this was a very, very enjoyable series of books. The characters and locations are so enjoyable.
What an awesome story! It starts with a bang and ends with a crash!! Loved it!
All the characters we love are back. Theo, Drayton, Haley, Riley, Miss Dimple, Detective Tidwell and of course Earl Grey fill these pages with drama, laughter, Southern charm, and some exciting action too. This is the 21st book in this series and these characters still are fresh and continue to evolve in fantastic ways. Theo never disappoints as she gets down and dirty smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation. Riley tries to reel her in but that is near impossible. Haley and Mrs. Dimple take care of the Indigo Tea Shop while Theo and Drayton chase down leads. But Theo is still front and center for all the special tea events put on at the shop, like the Lavender Lady Tea. She keeps her ears wide open because you never know who will provide a clue that catapults the case forward.
Ms. Childs has not only created a great group of core characters but she introduces a stellar group of new characters to fit this story. Most are suspects but they are all interesting in their own way. She describes them so vividly they are so easy to visualize.
The author’s vivid descriptions also bring each scene clearly into focus, from the field of lavender, the Doyle Mansion, Drayton’s home and Theo’s, which is undergoing a kitchen renovation, to the tea shop itself with each type of china, silverware, and candlestick used. The descriptions of the scones, soups, and sandwiches will make your mouth water. Ms. Childs has perfected the way to bring each scene alive, never going overboard or getting too wordy.
The mystery builds to a fast-pace with a plethora of suspects. Twists, turns, red herrings, this story has it all. Theo is so smart and thinks on her feet. She has so much experience she knows a crime scene must be protected. I was afraid this time she may have had to get physical to protect that scene. Talk about physical the ending had me breathing hard, my blood pressure rising and me sitting right up at the end of my seat.
Amongst this cozy mystery is all kinds of tidbits of information. I love lavender and have a spray I use on my pillow each night that helps me sleep like a baby. I loved all the lavender facts scattered through this book, I would love to live near a field of lavender. Readers are also treated to tea time tips, Drayton is a very knowledgeable tea sommelier and very creative with his blends. There are more tea tips at the end of the book along with several recipes for food served in the story.
I loved everything about this story. It is one of the best books I have read this year! It is so worth a Paradise Rating.
It is always a pleasure to sit down with a Tea Shop Mystery. This is one of the first cozy mystery series I found and it never disappoints. It always makes me crave a cup of tea and a visit to Charleston, South Carolina.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3237439859
If I’m honest, my review would be 2 stars for part of this book, and 4 stars for the rest. I enjoyed the story. I love cozies, and overall I’ve loved the Tea Shop series from Laura Childs.
But I did feel a bit ‘meh’ through parts of this book.
One of the joys of cozies is that you suspend reality a little. Things tend to be a little over the top. In this one, I found moments where I was like–no, just no, that definitely wouldn’t happen like that.
So overall, I enjoyed the book but it wasn’t my favourite in the series.
I read so many books that I often miss out on great cozy mystery series. That is obviously what happened with The Tea Shop Mysteries! I knew that by jumping in at book 21, I might be a little lost; however, I wasn’t at all. This book is so well written, and I feel like I knew the characters just as well as if I’d begun with book one. I love books like that! Sure, Theodosia might not have had a boyfriend in the beginning of the series, but that’s not a spoiler! Most cozy mystery books eventually have a well established relationship in them.
Side note: Theo and her boyfriend seem to have a perfectly clean relationship. There weren’t even any innuendos, and I really appreciate that! I don’t want my cozy mystery characters sleeping together. Like I said, I haven’t read the entire series, so I don’t know what happens between them in the other books.
I love Drayton, Theo’s tea sommelier. He certainly knows his teas, and he knows how to “hang on” when Theodosia is on the trail of a murderer. I absolutely want to visit this imaginary tea shop and taste all of the brews Drayton serves and eat all of the food Haley cooks! The setting is perfect for a cozy, and I want to stroll the historic district in Charleston after reading this book. Who wants to go with me?
The mystery in Lavender Blue Murder is well plotted, and if you’re like I am, you’ll be in the dark as to who the murderer is until near the very end. This book has great pacing and will keep you engaged throughout.
5 huge stars! I can’t wait to read more Tea Shop Mystery books. Thanks, NetGalley & Berkley, for the advanced reader copy. This review first appeared on my blog, Christy’s Cozy Corners.
LAVENDER BLUE MURDER by Laura Childs
The Twenty-First Tea Shop Mystery
Theodosia Browning and her friend and tea sommelier, Drayton, decide to do something different and enjoy a shooting party at the home of an anglophile friend. Upon hearing what sounds like a pistol shot among the gunfire, Theo goes to investigate, only to find their host bleeding out. As Theo calls for help, the remaining guests gather round, stunned, as Reginald Doyle dies before their eyes. When his high strung wife asks Theo for her help, the curious tea shop owner can’t resist getting involved. Will Theo be able to sort through the various suspects and help the grieving widow?
There’s lots to love in this long running series. The mystery here in intriguing and complex. There are several legitimate suspects, many of whom are nasty and unpleasant, all with good motives. As she investigates Theo uncovers very interesting family dynamics, a needy wife, an angry son, and a mousy daughter-in-law…each one suspicious in their actions.
I appreciated how Theo went about the business of running her shop and didn’t go overboard in her sleuthing…until the end. As for the penultimate scene, I understood the first step Theo took, and don’t fault her for following the car. I had a problem when, once again, her adrenaline rush apparently stopped her brain and she continued to follow, chase, and confront the murderer. That being said, her actions did make for a pulse pounding, page turning, finale.
The special tea events held during each of the Tea Shop Mysteries are always so special, and generally also relevant to the plot. I am a huge lavender fan and really enjoyed the attention it received. Although I still consider Delaine more an annoying frenemy than anything else, I do thank her for bringing Madame Emilia and a séance to the story. I hope to see more of the medium in the future.
LAVENDER BLUE MURDER is an intricately plotted mystery imbued with Southern grace, exemplary food, and fine tea. Sit back with a lavender scone and a cup of steaming Asaam and prepare for a delightful read.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Continuing on with a much loved series, this most recent book takes us from the elegance and upscale activities and locations of an organized game hunt, (reminescent of Rita Msae Brown) to the fields of a lavender farm, Theo’s beloved tea room and to less refined localations.
When a wealthy land owner is murdered and his estate nearly burnt to the ground, members of his family reach out to Theodosia for her assistance in tracking down a murderer. Of course her boyfriend repeatedly advises her to stay away from getting involved, but she and her dedicated friends still find themselves in the THICK of the action. And action there is – heart stopping, breath holding action!
Quite exciting.
Even if you have not read previous books in this long running series, if your heart can take it, pick up a copy of this book!
We are also treated to delicious pairings of various teas and scones.
Lavender Blue Murder earns 5/5 Tweed Jackets…Engaging Entertainment!
Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley are enjoying their participation in an English-inspired shooting party at Creekmore Plantation hosted by Drayton’s good friend, Reginald Doyle, CEO of a major pharmaceutical company. He and his wife are self-professed Anglophiles and went all out with shooting costumes, gun loaders, bird dogs, and a traditional “elevenses” of bourbon and gin fizzes. Theodosia knows her way around a gun bagging herself a grouse, but Drayton, however, needs lessons in gun safety and a lot more practice with accuracy. Ready to bag another, Theodosia hears a distinct “Pop,” more associated with a handgun rather than the shotguns everyone had been using, coming from an area not suppose to used for the party. Theodosia goes off to explore, and finds a terrible sight…Reginald Doyle has been shot! She goes into rescue-mode: yelling for help, putting pressure on the wound, and making a 9-1-1 call. Drayton, the caretaker, and a party guest show up; an ambulance is dispatched. But, his injury was too grave. He’s dead, and his son and now-widow demand answers. Theodosia stops the men who wish to move the body; it’s now a crime scene.
Laura Childs and her Tea Shop Mystery series is a favorite and instrumental in reenergizing my passion with tea blends and accoutrements. Her writing style, using a third-person narrative, is well-written and descriptive bringing to life the elements of the South Carolina low country, Southern phrases and manners, costumes, tea shop, and the tea party. The interactions, reactions, and personalities are illustrated well through her expressive dialogue, and I was fascinated by all the lavender information and tea talk. I am taken with language and its use to show personalities and motives, and although Theodosia has found countless bodies over twenty-one books, she isn’t flippant or look at death in a dismissive “oh, well, there’s another one” manner. She still seems shocked and often disturbed. However, her actions to secure the crime scene and the subsequent investigation with questioning, theorizing, and concluding show growth, in a way, maturity and experience. The murder investigation with which Theodosia gets involved was clever…Centuries-old land dispute? Business conflicts? Family problems? And with suspects aplenty, further capital crimes, perilous predicaments, and a final solution I almost saw coming, this is a page turner I totally recommend!
What a bonus treat…a mini Tea Shop cookbook! Favorite Recipes From The Indigo Tea Shop include some easy-to-follow and tempting treats: Hayley’s Hawaiian Tea Sandwiches, Pear Butter, Drayton’s Ham and Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta, Ginger-Cardamom Tea Cookies, Chicken Breast with Lemon Caper Sauce, Cream Cheese and Green Olive Tea Sandwiches, Poogan’s Porch Buttermilk Biscuits, Parsley and Bacon Tea Rounds, Drayton’s London Fog Latte, Chai-spiced Fruit Compote, Parmesan and Prosciutto Puff Baby, and Candied Edible Flowers. Also included are Tea Time Tips From Laura Childs for Lavender Lady Tea, Queen’s Tea, Music Tea, Paint and Sip Tea, Color Me Pink Tea, and Flowering Tea Party. I appreciated the Tea Resources for further personal exploration: Tea Magazines and Publications, American Tea Plantations, Tea Websites and Interesting Blogs, Purveyors of Fine Tea, and Visiting Charleston. There’s also a Sneak Peek into the next Cackleberry Club Mystery “Egg Shooter” with an intriguing excerpt. Totally enjoyable!
Coming soon from Berkley Publishing, the 21st book Lavender Blue Murder in the tasty tea cozy series, “A Tea Shop Mystery” from author Laura Childs.
“A Tea Shop Mystery” tea cozy series and the latest addition in this series is a fantastic read by a talented and ingenious writer who knows how to describe her subject and makes tea into a mystery everyone will want to solve.
Theo and Drayton are captivating characters that readers will want to spend endless hours with. Other characters play a smaller role but are equally impressive. And Earl Gray is just adorable. The setting of Charleston is romantic, historical and gives readers a sense of stepping back in time into the high society days of the Victorian and Gilded age. This book could have used a bit more of Theo’s boyfriend and could have benefitted from a more in-depth background on Theo and other characters for those who have not read the series from the beginning.
The suspects in this tea cozy book are intriguing, the motives understandable and straightforward, but curious enough that readers have to pay attention to the evidence. When the murderer and the kidnapper are finally revealed, it becomes apparent who did it and why. I figured out who the killer was almost from the beginning but had enough doubt to keep reading to the end to verify my guess. Unfortunately, I did not buy the car chase scene and felt that Theo’s carelessness with Drayton and an injured Fawn’s well being was foolish and dangerous. The solution to the kidnapping was too obvious.
Some say that tea is a way of life, in my case, it is in my DNA. Tea is enjoyed around the world by people from all walks of life. Lavender Blue Murder is sumptuous, compelling, and built around a good old fashioned mystery. Readers should sit back with a hot cup of their favorite blend and enjoy a couple of peaceful hours. In the end, this tea cozy is worth the read. The recipes at the end are so good you can almost taste them.
A good mystery is delicious, especially if it is served at the Indigo Tea Shop. Set in historic Charleston, South Carolina, the Lavender Blue Murder is elegance right alongside of murder. Theodosia Browning and her faithful tea expert Drayton Conneley are two wonderful characters who run a not so quiet tea shop where one can count on good tea, delicious food and of course savory characters. When crime strikes, the tea shop is the place to be all who want to be in the know.
I enjoyed this book because the plot kept me thinking from the moment Theodosia heard a gunshot while attending a shooting party on an old country plantation. The plot got thicker as things went from murder to arson to kidnapping. Were they connected or random acts? In the end, the solution seemed easy but took me on some winding roads to get there. For a fun mystery and good recipes, look no further!