Plum Tea Crazy (A Tea Shop Mystery)
by Laura Childs
About the Book
Plum Tea Crazy (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
19th in Series
Berkley (March 6, 2018)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451489609
Digital ASIN: B071K4DPRH
Cozy Mystery
19th in Series
Berkley (March 6, 2018)
Hardcover: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0451489609
Digital ASIN: B071K4DPRH
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 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!
My Review
Theodosia “Theo” Browning, along with her sidekick and employee, Drayton Connelly is enjoying the Gaslights and Galleons Parade at Timothy Neville’s Charleston mansion. Suddenly a body shockingly falls over the railing to his death. The victim is Carson Lanier, a local banker and this is not looking like an accident at all. Timothy pleads with Theo to use her investigative skills to find out who could have done such a thing.
Theo and Drayton are immediately on the case. They dig through Carson’s life and begin to uncover his involvement in some mysterious things. There’s a soon-to-be ex-wife who seems to have a lust for money, a secret business partner and a secret mistress. There is no end to the suspect list, but Theo is determined she will uncover the true culprit.
This is the 19th book in Laura Childs’ “Tea Shop Mystery” series. I haven’t read the previous ones and I was hesitant to jump in this late in the game, but I loved every minute of it. I’m a fan of Laura Childs’ “Scrapbooking Mystery” series and I’ve been wanting to try her other cozy mystery series. So, when I had an opportunity to read this one, I grabbed it. My only complaint is that I didn’t start this series sooner.
I had no problem getting to know the characters right from the start. I didn’t feel as if I was coming into the middle of a movie. I felt a part of the story rght away. The mystery begins and ends with this book. There isn’t a cliffhanger or any kind of mystery which needs to be read in order. At least I didn’t feel as if there were any.
There’s a romance brewing for Theo with the local detective. I’d be interested to see where that leads.
The storyline moved at a fast pace and kept me guessing almost to the end. It’s very well-written. I can see me getting involved in this series from book #1. The characters and the tea shop setting are perfect for a cozy mystery. The word “charming” fits this series perfectly. I had a very enjoyable visit to Charleston, South Carolina and I plan to visit more often.
For reading challenges:
Cloak & Dagger Reading Challenge 2018
Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge 2018
Literary Escapes Reading Challenge 2018 (South Carolina)
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Author
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries
, Scrapbook Mysteries
, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries
. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries
– set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.The Scrapbooking Mysteries
– a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!The Cackleberry Club Mysteries
– set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.Laura’s Links:
Website – http://www.laurachilds.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/laura.childs.31
Purchase Links
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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
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March 20 – Melina's Book Blog – REVIEW
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A brave move to jump in so late in the series! I'm glad it worked out for you and I love this book's cover design :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your review and information on "Plum Tea Crazy" as well as being part of the book tour. I'd love the opportunity to read the book.
ReplyDelete2clowns at arkansas dot net
I love cozy mysteries-and this has such a pretty cover!!
ReplyDeleteA tea shop does sound perfect for it
ReplyDeleteThis is a great series. I love the tea shop setting in Charleston SC. Can't wait to read "PlumTea Crazy".
DeleteThis sounds like a fabulous series! I will add a link to this giveaway to my blog's sidebar. Thank you for hosting this, Yvonne.
ReplyDeleteI was so surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I really like her Scrapbook store series but was worried about coming in this late in the series. It makes me want to take a trip to Charleston!
ReplyDelete