Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed Murder in the Tea Leaves (Tea Shop, Bk 27) on + 860 more book reviews
While helping out with food services on a local movie set, Theodosia witnesses a producer be electrocuted. Her investigating leads to a very dangerous situation for her and Drayton.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Theodosia Browning's Indigo Tea Shop is hopping hosting their regular customers but also hosting special teas like a Poetry Tea and a Breakfast at Tiffany's Tea. The shop has also been hired to cater the craft services for the spooky movie set of Dark Fortunes. Theodosia even gets in on the action when she steps in to read tea leaves as a fortune teller. But her acting career comes to an abrupt halt when the lights go out and electrical sparks fly as the film's director is killed. Was it a freaky accident? or was it murder? The cast and crew are shocked but claim to have seen nothing because the lights were out.
When the death is ruled a homicide and Theodosia's friend, Delaine finds herself at the top of the list of suspects Theodosia starts an investigation of her own. Then the killer strikes again and Drayton and Theodosia find themselves hot on their trail. They need to catch the killer before the tables are turned and they are fighting for their own lives.
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I enjoy getting back to historic Charleston, South Carolina, to catch up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, Riley, Detective Tidwell, Delaine, and the lovable Dallbrador, Earl Grey. The characters Ms. Childs has created are so engaging and aside from chasing down killers feel very true to life. Even after so many close brushes with death, Theo is always ready for anything and she usually has Drayton right by her side trying to talk her out of her latest scheme to catch a killer. Haley, Miss Dimple, and now Haley's cousin Beth Ann handle the tea shop while Drayton and Theo follow the clues. Riley isn't happy when Theo gets involved but he is never going to change her. Earl Grey is quite a dog and will protect his person in any way he can.
I love the way the author sets a scene. Her descriptions create vivid pictures. The movie was being filmed in "dilapidated" supposedly haunted Brittlebank Manor. Theodosia just has to check the place out from top to bottom to see if the legends about the place are true and readers get to see things through her eyes. She also describes Deliane's goofy fashion show, all the fabulous special teas including the decor, teas, food, and at the Breakfast at Tiffany's Tea what everyone is wearing. We travel along on her runs and walks through the city with Earl Grey and to her and Drayton's homes. We also get to tag along as she tries to solve a murder or two. It is so easy to escape to all these places in the pages of this story.
Theodosia has a knack for questioning people in her quest to get to the truth. She also has a way are getting herself and Drayton in some situations that can quickly turn deadly. Ms. Childs has written a mystery with many twists and turns and what turns out to be a surprising motive. A motive Theo starts to put together a little too late but it leads up to an exhilarating and at points hilarious chase and an even funnier takedown. The ending was a little abrupt but there were no loose strings.
Book 27, Murder in the Tea Leaves is a hit! I was completely entertained from beginning to end and even a little breathless after the last few pages. Bring on Book 28, Peach Tea Smash, has a release date of August 6, 2024! I can't wait! You will find Murder in the Tea Leaves on my Best Reads of 2024.
Theodosia Browning's Indigo Tea Shop is hopping hosting their regular customers but also hosting special teas like a Poetry Tea and a Breakfast at Tiffany's Tea. The shop has also been hired to cater the craft services for the spooky movie set of Dark Fortunes. Theodosia even gets in on the action when she steps in to read tea leaves as a fortune teller. But her acting career comes to an abrupt halt when the lights go out and electrical sparks fly as the film's director is killed. Was it a freaky accident? or was it murder? The cast and crew are shocked but claim to have seen nothing because the lights were out.
When the death is ruled a homicide and Theodosia's friend, Delaine finds herself at the top of the list of suspects Theodosia starts an investigation of her own. Then the killer strikes again and Drayton and Theodosia find themselves hot on their trail. They need to catch the killer before the tables are turned and they are fighting for their own lives.
______
I enjoy getting back to historic Charleston, South Carolina, to catch up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, Riley, Detective Tidwell, Delaine, and the lovable Dallbrador, Earl Grey. The characters Ms. Childs has created are so engaging and aside from chasing down killers feel very true to life. Even after so many close brushes with death, Theo is always ready for anything and she usually has Drayton right by her side trying to talk her out of her latest scheme to catch a killer. Haley, Miss Dimple, and now Haley's cousin Beth Ann handle the tea shop while Drayton and Theo follow the clues. Riley isn't happy when Theo gets involved but he is never going to change her. Earl Grey is quite a dog and will protect his person in any way he can.
I love the way the author sets a scene. Her descriptions create vivid pictures. The movie was being filmed in "dilapidated" supposedly haunted Brittlebank Manor. Theodosia just has to check the place out from top to bottom to see if the legends about the place are true and readers get to see things through her eyes. She also describes Deliane's goofy fashion show, all the fabulous special teas including the decor, teas, food, and at the Breakfast at Tiffany's Tea what everyone is wearing. We travel along on her runs and walks through the city with Earl Grey and to her and Drayton's homes. We also get to tag along as she tries to solve a murder or two. It is so easy to escape to all these places in the pages of this story.
Theodosia has a knack for questioning people in her quest to get to the truth. She also has a way are getting herself and Drayton in some situations that can quickly turn deadly. Ms. Childs has written a mystery with many twists and turns and what turns out to be a surprising motive. A motive Theo starts to put together a little too late but it leads up to an exhilarating and at points hilarious chase and an even funnier takedown. The ending was a little abrupt but there were no loose strings.
Book 27, Murder in the Tea Leaves is a hit! I was completely entertained from beginning to end and even a little breathless after the last few pages. Bring on Book 28, Peach Tea Smash, has a release date of August 6, 2024! I can't wait! You will find Murder in the Tea Leaves on my Best Reads of 2024.
