Dollycas's Thoughts
The Friends of the Opera are hosting a Mad Hatter Masquerade fundraiser on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier and friend Drayton Conneley find a body caught on the paddles and chains of the grist mill. While trying to get the body down it fell fifteen feet landing badly on the cobblestone floor. Blood was streaming down the person's face and mask. The victim was identified as the event's chairwoman, Cricket Sadler's husband Harlan. Harlan was a popular person who was loved by everyone. Why would anyone want to murder this fine man? Was it a case of mistaken identity? Their son Duke is not well-liked and more than a few people may have wanted him dead. Knowing this Cricket implores Theodosia to look into the murder. It was a big event where anyone could have committed the murder so Theodosia, "Charleston's own Nancy Drew" finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery.
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Theodosia Browning is such a wonderful protagonist. In Peach Tea Smash she has a lot on her plate with a variety of special teas at her Indigo Tea Shop and catering several events before adding a murder investigation. With Drayton Conneley by her side, reluctantly for the amateur sleuthing, they seem to juggle it all. Theo does do some snooping on her own while Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, and Beth Ann keep things going at the shop. But she does talk Drayton into a couple of adventures and they can be comical, with Drayton's "long legs and all". Riley is not happy with them investigating but knows they will not stop. Same with Detective Tidwell, especially when they uncover new evidence and don't share it with him immediately. All of these characters remain fresh after 28 books and counting. It is always fun to catch up with them.
I loved the Mad Hatter Masquerade event and the grist mill setting for the murder. The "twisty walkways, jagged walls, and flaming torches all near the City Marina, filled with masked figures and strolling musicians, dancing fairies, and a dozen or more characters from Alice in Wonderland" with foods and beverages come together for a "first-class high society soiree". Ms. Childs takes her readers there and all around the beautiful city of Charleston and her Indigo Tea Shop easily with her words. She also describes how the victim was tangled up in the gears of the ancient grist mill and the scene in front of everyone. The "giant paddles, the chains, wooden levers, the dust and chaff, the clanging, people screaming, and screeching noise when the machinery ground to a halt". I could see the whole terrifying scene in my mind's eye.
The author served up a fine lot of suspects. Theodosia did her best to figure out who killed Harlan Sadler and she had some good theories. Ms. Childs peppered the story with twists, turns, and red herrings. Just when Theo thought the case was closed and she could relax, she sees something that feeds a different theory. And of course, she has to follow that lead. She had choices but made the wrong one putting herself in a dangerous situation. But that woman can think on her feet. The takedown that followed was epic and included a "bone-rattling whomp". It was exciting and humorous too. I was shaking my head. Theodosia Browning is what the kids are calling "Brat" these days. She is bold, confident, fun, honest, and a little volatile. I would love to be her friend.
Peach Tea Smash is a smash hit! A Perfect Escape! I love this series and am already excited to read Book 28, High Tea and Misdemeanors. It will be released on March 5, 2025.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The Friends of the Opera are hosting a Mad Hatter Masquerade fundraiser on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier and friend Drayton Conneley find a body caught on the paddles and chains of the grist mill. While trying to get the body down it fell fifteen feet landing badly on the cobblestone floor. Blood was streaming down the person's face and mask. The victim was identified as the event's chairwoman, Cricket Sadler's husband Harlan. Harlan was a popular person who was loved by everyone. Why would anyone want to murder this fine man? Was it a case of mistaken identity? Their son Duke is not well-liked and more than a few people may have wanted him dead. Knowing this Cricket implores Theodosia to look into the murder. It was a big event where anyone could have committed the murder so Theodosia, "Charleston's own Nancy Drew" finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery.
_____
Theodosia Browning is such a wonderful protagonist. In Peach Tea Smash she has a lot on her plate with a variety of special teas at her Indigo Tea Shop and catering several events before adding a murder investigation. With Drayton Conneley by her side, reluctantly for the amateur sleuthing, they seem to juggle it all. Theo does do some snooping on her own while Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, and Beth Ann keep things going at the shop. But she does talk Drayton into a couple of adventures and they can be comical, with Drayton's "long legs and all". Riley is not happy with them investigating but knows they will not stop. Same with Detective Tidwell, especially when they uncover new evidence and don't share it with him immediately. All of these characters remain fresh after 28 books and counting. It is always fun to catch up with them.
I loved the Mad Hatter Masquerade event and the grist mill setting for the murder. The "twisty walkways, jagged walls, and flaming torches all near the City Marina, filled with masked figures and strolling musicians, dancing fairies, and a dozen or more characters from Alice in Wonderland" with foods and beverages come together for a "first-class high society soiree". Ms. Childs takes her readers there and all around the beautiful city of Charleston and her Indigo Tea Shop easily with her words. She also describes how the victim was tangled up in the gears of the ancient grist mill and the scene in front of everyone. The "giant paddles, the chains, wooden levers, the dust and chaff, the clanging, people screaming, and screeching noise when the machinery ground to a halt". I could see the whole terrifying scene in my mind's eye.
The author served up a fine lot of suspects. Theodosia did her best to figure out who killed Harlan Sadler and she had some good theories. Ms. Childs peppered the story with twists, turns, and red herrings. Just when Theo thought the case was closed and she could relax, she sees something that feeds a different theory. And of course, she has to follow that lead. She had choices but made the wrong one putting herself in a dangerous situation. But that woman can think on her feet. The takedown that followed was epic and included a "bone-rattling whomp". It was exciting and humorous too. I was shaking my head. Theodosia Browning is what the kids are calling "Brat" these days. She is bold, confident, fun, honest, and a little volatile. I would love to be her friend.
Peach Tea Smash is a smash hit! A Perfect Escape! I love this series and am already excited to read Book 28, High Tea and Misdemeanors. It will be released on March 5, 2025.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
