Theodosia Browning investigates a Charleston steeped in tradition and treachery in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.While viewing the harbor’s Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow’s walk of Timothy Neville’s Charleston mansion, local banker Carson Lanier seemingly tumbles over a narrow railing, then plunges three stories to his death. But a … stories to his death. But a tragic accident becomes something much more sinister when it’s discovered that the victim was first shot with a bolt from a crossbow.
At the request of the mansion owner, Theodosia investigates the tragedy and is soon neck deep in suspects. An almost ex-wife, a coworker, a real estate partner–all had motives for killing the luckless banker, but one resorted to murder to settle accounts.
INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!
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As always Laura Child has written another great installment in this series. Love it!! Can’t wait till the next one.
Love this series and this author. Looking forward to her next books. This series is my favorite, though I do love them all. Her characters and interesting and smart and it has been fun to see them develop over this series. They are like friends who stop in to tell you what is going on in their lives.
I am a total fan of the tea shop mysteries. I recommend them all.
As always the author delivers a scrumptious story filled with murder, mystery and a wonderful assortment of teas to try out. The characters are classy and intriguing. It’s not long into the story until a murder occurs which sets in motion an adventure that is like a cat and mouse game. I simply adore Theodosia. She is charming and has a knack for finding out information very cleverly. I would love to sit with her at her shop and sip tea and eat scones . I could visualize the beautiful and delicate tea cups and setting that is calming and inviting.
The victim is a surprise to some in the town, but his enemies start to line up in this fast paced story. The author captures the untimely death with a very unexpected fall and ends with a painful injury that was vividly described. Someone sure wanted to make sure our victim was dead. I really like the theme in cozy mysteries where there is a detective dating or married to the person who eventually figures out who the killer is. Riley is a very smart detective who happens to be dating none other than Theodosia. I liked how he at times seemed to be exasperated by Theodosia’s interference in the investigation.I had to laugh when she continued to bombard him with questions that he knew he shouldn’t answer.
If you have ever witnessed a physical fight between two women, you know it can be funny at times. The scene that the author writes between the wife and mistress of the deceased is nothing short of hysterical and over the top entertaining. It is probably not a great idea to invite them both to an event unless you are prepared for fireworks to go off. The fight has tongues wagging as it becomes front page news. Theodosia can add two more suspects to her ever growing list after this escapade.
The more Theodosia delves into the mystery, the more her life is in danger along with her friends and associates. Someone is not happy that Theodosia is involved in the investigation and is pulling out all the stops to encourage her to not play detective. The story is very well written and had me on the edge of my chair till the end. I loved the twists and turns and suspense as the author leaves a trail of subtle hints to the killer’s identity. I love the way the author is able to give such precise details of weapons and the history behind some of them.
The more I read the book, I realized how talented the author is. She can weave a tale of mystery that captures your attention right away, while enticing you with witty sayings like, “Sweet Fanny Adams,” or “You’re like a danger magnet.” I love that she can make you laugh while still adding intense drama to the story. The ending is one you don’t want to miss as it reaches a level of high danger for Theodosia. Don’t miss this wonderful addition to A Tea Shop Mystery Series that is Laura Childs at her best.
I received a copy of this book from The Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour. The review is my own opinion.
PLUM TEA CRAZY by Laura Childs
The Nineteenth Tea Shop Mystery
Theodosia Browning and her friend Drayton are enjoying the Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow’s walk of Timothy’s home when a local banker falls to his death. The horrific accident turns out to be murder as it wasn’t the fall that killed him, but rather the quarrel he was shot with! Now Theo is off and running, literally, as she tries to catch a killer.
I’m delighted to return to the Indigo Tea Shop to spend time with Theo and the gang. As always, I wish I could try some of Drayton’s tea blends, not to mention Theo’s T-bath products and Hailey’s treats. I love the plum blossom motif and how it contrasts with the antique weapon angle. It proves a fitting combination for the mystery as well as the behind the scenes relationships.
Theo is a bit more eager to get involved in murder than perhaps she should be, running blindly after a killer with only Drayton behind her (no offense, Drayton) when she doesn’t even know what’s going on or who could be involved. And doing some, not quite legal, digging for answers. Still, this is her nineteenth outing and so with plenty of experience behind her, I guess she feels competent. It’s no secret that Theo does love the adrenalin rush, whether from solving murders or going for a run, even without chasing any criminals!
PLUM TEA CRAZY is a fast paced, action packed mystery with tons of fun and tea! I devoured this book, reading it quickly as it spurred me on to keep turning pages as I was so caught up in the action. One scene in particular is still fresh in my mind, it was so memorable. I still find myself chuckling, I won’t give any spoilers, but watch out for a certain fashion show!
Recipes and Tea Time Tips included.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Plum Tea Crazy by Laura Childs is the nineteenth story in A Tea Shop Mystery series. Theodosia “Theo” Browning owns the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carlson. Theo is aided by her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley and chef, Haley Parker. Drayton and Theo are enjoying the Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow’s walk of Timothy Neville’s Archdale Street mansion. When the cannon volleys begin a scream rings out, and Carson Lanier slides down the roof to his death atop a fleur-de-lis fence finial. Upon inspection of Carson’s body, it is discovered he was shot by a quarrel (type of arrow used in a crossbow) which caused him to tumble over the railing of the widow’s walk. Timothy requests that Theo use her skills to investigate Carson’s murder. It turns out that there are several viable suspects that include a protestor of the upcoming antique firearms display at the Heritage Society, Carson’s estranged wife, a co-worker, and the manager of a local bed-and-breakfast. Who shot Carson and why? Theo works in her sleuthing in between working at the tea shop, handling catering gigs, taking care of Earl Grey, and specialty tea events they have scheduled at the Indigo Tea Shop. The killer, though, does not appreciate Theo’s snooping and attempts to dissuade her (the person evidently does not know Theo). Will Theo be able to expose the guilty party before she ends up the next victim?
Plum Tea Crazy may be the 19th book in the series, but it can be read alone. I do, though, highly recommend reading each book in this charming cozy mystery series. A Tea Shop Mystery series is one of the first cozy mystery series I discovered. I found the books in my local bookstore (before e-books) and quickly devoured Death by Darjeeling. I then returned to the store and purchased the other books in the series that were out at the time. I look forward to a new book in this series each year. Plum Tea Crazy is well-written, has a steady pace and engaging. I love when I am drawn into the books world as I was with Plum Tea Crazy. The book contains delightful characters that are well established, and they continue to grow as the series progresses. Theo is an intelligent woman who is warm, thoughtful and has a big heart. I like the interactions between Theo, Haley, Drayton and Earl Grey is just adorable. The only character that I dislike is Delaine Dish. She is overbearing, pushy, annoying and seemed a little off balance (she grates on my nerves) in this book. Delaine is one of those people that can only be taken in small doses. The setting of Savannah, South Carolina sounds just lovely. Laura Childs provides beautiful descriptions of the area, homes, the featured stores and the Indigo Tea Shop. The mystery is complex, and it will perplex readers. There is a clue to the killer’s identity, but you will need a keen eye to spot it. The book contains delectable food and tea descriptions. I especially enjoyed the cozy moments in Plum Tea Crazy. I did feel that Plum Tea Crazy needed an epilogue to tie up all the loose threads (details seemed to be lacking). There are recipes and tea tips at the end of the book as well as a preview of Glitter Bomb. Plum Tea Crazy is an engaging, light hearted cozy mystery that will delight fans of Laura Childs.