Oonlong Dead
A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 10
Laura Childs
Published: March, 2010 (pbk)
Berkley Prime Crime, mass market, 307p.
ISBN: 978-0-425-233339-9
While riding her horse in a race through the South Carolina Lowcountry, Theodosia Browning finds her arch nemesis, Abby Davis, dead. What’s more, the victim’s brother is Theodosia’s old flame. Who’d have guessed they’d be reunited through cold-blooded murder? Theodosia’s investigation takes her from the Lowcountry thicket to the backstage maze of a darkened theater where a maestro of murder waits for the next cue. All proving that when it comes to high drama, Theodosia can give Verdi a run for his money.
I do enjoy a good cosy mystery, and A Tea Shop Mystery series is right up at the top of my list. This book sees death touch a little closer to home as a tumble from a horse leaves Theo stumbling across the body of her ex-boyfriend Jory's sister, Abby. The investigation itself seemed to fly all over the
place. Some clues were seemed so insignificant, yet had a huge part in unmasking the
killer. It wasn't until Theo put it together at the end that I realised
who the murderer was, and why they'd killed Abby. In that respect it
was a good mystery, but I like it when I have a rough idea much earlier
on and get to see if I'm right ;-D
Of course, Jory Davis comes rushing back to Charleston - and back into Theo's life - and I have to say, he's annoying and clingy. Even though his sister is dead, he seems to try and get his own way in regards to Theo. For a lawyer, this behaviour comes across and quite juvenile. At least Theo has Parker waiting in the wings ... that is until he gets a tad jealous and assumes that Theo is stepping out on him to have a fling with Jory. On the whole, Parker seems more mature, but he does have his flaws. I find him to be a better match for Theo, but something in their relationship seems to be lacking.
Of course, Jory Davis comes rushing back to Charleston - and back into Theo's life - and I have to say, he's annoying and clingy. Even though his sister is dead, he seems to try and get his own way in regards to Theo. For a lawyer, this behaviour comes across and quite juvenile. At least Theo has Parker waiting in the wings ... that is until he gets a tad jealous and assumes that Theo is stepping out on him to have a fling with Jory. On the whole, Parker seems more mature, but he does have his flaws. I find him to be a better match for Theo, but something in their relationship seems to be lacking.
There were some funny moments in Oolong Dead, but my favourite is when Theo gets to meet Jory's surprise on-again-off-again fiance who has flown down to Charleston to be with Jory. Beth is the total opposite of Theo in just about every way. Loud, ditzy, flirty and a good-time gal. I think Jory's got his just dessert much to the amusement of Theo. My other favourite moment was when Theo claps eyes on the inside of Hazelhurst.
All in all, Oolong dead is a great book. I've already ordered The Silver Needle (to be reviewed in the near future). When you read the Tea Shop Mystery books, don't be surprised if you get the sudden desire to pour a hot cup of tea in your finest teacup, and munch on some deliciously gooey finger food while you catch up with Theo and the gang.
All in all, Oolong dead is a great book. I've already ordered The Silver Needle (to be reviewed in the near future). When you read the Tea Shop Mystery books, don't be surprised if you get the sudden desire to pour a hot cup of tea in your finest teacup, and munch on some deliciously gooey finger food while you catch up with Theo and the gang.
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