Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Plum Tea Crazy (Tea Shop, Bk 19)

Plum Tea Crazy (Tea Shop, Bk 19)
PianoLady357 avatar reviewed on + 157 more book reviews


To see the nineteenth book in a series published ⦠what a credit to the creative writing of Laura Childs! I came late to the tea shop mysteries, having only read the last two or three, but became an instant fan. This is my favorite series of all that Childs writes and each book can stand alone, but it is so great to visit with old friends Theodosia, Haley, and Drayton in Plum Tea Crazy. And kudos to the design team for creating such an attractive cover!

I love all things southern, so the Charleston setting that Childs conveys so well is one of my favorite parts. This story is filled with delightful charm and gentle humor â along with the sights, sounds and tastes of the city. Theodosia is a warm, caring lead character who solves some great murder mysteries.

Secondary characters add lots of interest. In fact, Timothy Neville is the catalyst for getting Theodosia involved, and he's quite a character himself ⦠âthe octogenarian director of the Heritage Society, a multimillionaire, and old guard Charlestonite.â And Delaine is back in full force, a little rough around the edges, to say the least. According to Drayton, âshe was one of those women that most men â and some women, too â considered difficult. Which, of course, was code for crazy as a loon.â

Theodosia's method is different from many protagonists who solve the murder by slowly gathering evidence as they chat with characters, listening and observing. But Theodosia kind of runs from one character or social event to another, making wrong assumptions and keeping readers totally off track, which is what makes this story unique and enjoyable. I didn't really try to figure out the murderer's identity and just enjoyed going along for the fun ride.

I thoroughly enjoyed Plum Tea Crazy and hope this series keeps on going. Recommended to all cozy mystery fans.

I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.