Book Review || Chamomile Mourning

Chamomile Mourning
A Tea Shop Mystery #6
Laura Childs

Published: March 2006

Berkley Prime Crime, mass market pbk, 306p.
ISBN: 978-0-425-20618-8

Charleston, South Carolina, is alive with music, dancing, and the arts as the Spoleto festival gets underway  But Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning feels far from festive when the inaugural Poet's Tea is forced into one of the Heritage Society's austere halls by rain.  And when it rains, it pours - as proven when a respected auction house owner plummets from the balcony, landing dead on Theodosia's specially-prepared cake.  Worse yet, it looks like someone helped him over the edge.  With a full kettle of suspects, Theodosia pursues an investigation into the murky swamps of the Low Country, where she uncovers a thriving criminal enterprise of art forgery, fraud - and murder...

 

 

What I liked?  Well, this is the book where Parker is introduced.  I liked him more than Jory as a character, but he's still not stellar.

The relationship between Theo and Drayton is also very sweet and paternal.  Earl Grey is always a favourite.  Such a sweet and loyal friend to Theo, and so adorable in his role as a service dog in the nursing home and hospital.

Those recipes people!  I don't think I have to say anything else on that score.  I only wish that I had a tea shop like this near me.

But on the flip side...

I say this for every book.  Theo needs to learn how to say 'NO!' to people.  She is such a people-pleaser that I find this aspect of her personality very frustrating.  Also, Delaine is such a selfish and pushy person that I wish she'd develop laryngitis, or take a world cruise, at some stage so we could have some Delaine-free time.

Theo's insatiable curiosity - and the need to stick her nose into a police investigation - is very predictable plot device and really I think there needs to be a shake-up of what's happening in the story arc in general.

Unfortunately I've had to read these books out of order.  My library only has a few, and I pick them up where I can so I've been all over the place in terms of continuity.  However, Theo has remained a constant character with no extremes of behaviour so reading books out of order is not such a huge deal.  The only glitch is the spoilers as to whom she is currently dating if you happen to pick up a book further on in the series.

So, despite all the gripes that I have about this series in the way the characters never seem to develop and lose some of their more annoying traits, I do enjoy diving into the world of the Indigo Tea Shop.  Will definitely be filling in the gaps in my bookshelves, and eagerly await getting my hands on the latest book.

Not the best book in the series, but a good way to spend an hour or two.

Overall I rate this book

Oh, and if you can recommend a good cosy mystery series then please let me know in the comments  down below.  I'm in desperate need of a new series to sink my teeth into ;-D

Until next time,

 

Review: The Silver Needle

The Silver Needle
A Tea Shop Mystery, Bk 9
Laura Childs

Published: 2008

Berkley Prime Crime, mass market, 260 p.
ISBN: 978-0-425-22676-6

Theodosia Browning and the staff of the Indigo Tea Shop are feeling the heat, and not just because it's August.  The Charleston Film Festival has brought them a busy week of catering jobs - and first up is the opening night gala at the historic Belvedere Theatre.  But the festival starts off with a bang when famous director Jordan Cole is shot on his way to the podium and the entire audience witnesses his death silhouetted across the scrim.

When two of the judges quit, festival organizer Timothy Neville asks Theodosia to stand in.  He also wants her to help him deflect suspicion from his granddaughter, who worked with Cole.  Reluctantly, Theodosia agrees - only to get pulled into an ivestigation as perilous as any big-screen thriller...

As I can't seem to read these book in the order they were written I hope I'm not giving away too many spoilers.  Once again Theo finds herself dragged into the middle of a murder investigation that really has nothing much to do with her - but her soft heart has her delving into matters best left to the professionals - often against her own better judgement!  Emotional blackmail seems to be the running theme when it comes to roping Theo into the business of murder - and everyone around her seems to know it.

Is it eau de toilette?

Image source: Shutterstock

Going through a real tea kick at the moment.  Since I've been reading, or should I say re-reading, some of the books in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs I've felt compelled to try some of the different types of tea that Drayton and Theodosia seem obsessed with.  Feeling a tad cautious, I decided to try something simple and not too fussy, so a couple of weeks ago I bought a small box each of Earl Grey, Darjeeling and Assam teas.  That night I tried the Earl Grey ... yuck! {seriously, it tasted like mouldy flowers}.  After I took that first sip of tea the song Earl Grey by Enda Kenny popped into my mind...

Review: Oolong Dead

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.

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.

Review: Steeped in Evil

Steeped in Evil
A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 15
Laura Childs

Published: Feb, 2014

Wheeler Publishing, LT HC, 406p.
ISBN: 978-1-4104-6402-6

Theodosia Browning has never considered herself a wine connoisseur - tea has always been her forte.  But that doesn't nean she's going to pass up an ivitation to a wine tasting party at the Knighthall Winery.  A sweet evening takes on a bitter aftertaste when a dead body is discovered in a wine barrel.  The sone of proprietor Jordan Knight has been murdered.  Dissatisfied with the police investigation, Knight turns to Theo for help.  She's heard through the grapevine that there are family and business problems at Knighthall.  They say in vino veritas, but everyone at the winery seems to be lying through their teeth.

How does Theo keep getting pulled in to these messes?  After all these murder investigations that she's done either because of her own curiosity, or because people have asked her to, she should know by now that it's not good for her health to stick her nose into other people's business...  But if Theo said 'No!', then what kind of story would we have, eh?

I picked this book up from my local library yesterday (hence the Large Type) and found that once I got home I couldn't resist visiting with Theo and the gang.  There is just something so inviting about her Tea Shop and Hazelhurst cottage.  As usual, the run through of the recipes that Haley gives everyone sound delicious and have you drooling from the first course {I've still to make one of the recipes from the book, but I'll get there eventually!} and since I love Miss Dimple, I'm so glad she's made a return in this book.  Now I know that everyone seems to be going a little Downton Abbey crazy at the moment - and references to it keep popping up all over the place - but it seemed just right to host a Downton Abbey inspired tea at a Tea Shop.  If not here, where?  Of course I have yet to indulge in the series (yes, I know. Simmer down, I'm waiting for the boxed set) but it's moments like these that can really make a book.

The deliciously handsome Max Scofield spends more time with us in this book.  Like all Theo's previous beau's, Jory and Parker, he is less than impressed with Theo's need to delve into her dark little addiction of solving murders.  However he does seem to be more mature and less inclined to have jealous turns which is a blessing as Jory and Parker drove me potty.  I was surprised at the back seat that Det. Tidwell took this time.  He only makes a few appearances, but as always he is a presence you can't ignore.  Thankfully Delaine has more of a supporting role.  I know people love her, but she just annoys the heck out of me.  Her very pushy nature combined with her instant simpering (?) behaviour as soon as a cute man comes into the picture is quite tiresome.  However, because she is such a pushover for pets I'll let it slide.  She can't be all that bad if Earl Grey likes her, can she?

As to the murder and investigation - I really should address that, huh - I found that I disliked the right people from pretty much the get go.  The identity of our murderer came as no surprise to me, only the reason for it was.  I don't know why I this person caught my attention so early on, but I just had a 'feeling' about them.  Sometimes this works, sometimes I'm waaay off.  {It's so hard to talk about the identity of the murderer and NOT give away their identity!}  In this investigation Theo seems to be having more difficulty in locating not only the reason for the murder, but any clue as to who could have shot our victim.  With secrets being kept by everyone, Theo's in for a tough time.

Anyway, in the end it comes down to whether or not I enjoyed this book.  Happily I did, and even though the series does faulte times, I would recommend this series to anyone who loves a good cosy mystery, or a great cup of tea.

Book Review: The Teaberry Strangler

The Teaberry Strangler
A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 11
Laura Childs

Published: Hardcover March, 2010 / Paperback March, 2011

Berkley Prime Crime Mystery, mass market paperback, 303p.
ISBN: 978-0-425-24020-5

The narrow cobblestone alleys of Charleston are bustling with shoppers looking for bargains on antiques, heaping bowls of crab chowder - and of course Theodosia Browning's delicious teas.  But when the clock strikes ten, the alleys clear, except for one body - discovered by a horrified Theodosia.  It's the strangled form of Daria, the map store's owner.

Many locals have shown interest in buying Daria's shop - but enough to kill?  Plus there's the customer hell-bent on getting his hands on a certain not-for-sale map.  One can hardly throw a scone without hitting a suspect.  Most alarming, however, is Detective Tidwell's theory: that the killer mistook Daria for Theodosia.  Because that would mean the killer's work isn't yet done...

I'm still feeling under the weather, but felt like adding another review.  Please forgive the abridged version below, but I just can't manage too long at the computer at the moment :-(

Okay, to read this book - which sounded so interesting online - I've skipped a few titles in the series, which was annoying at times when I realized that I'd missed some backstory in Theo and Jory's life.  I was surprised that Theo had bought her dream cottage (even if she was still waiting for the sale to go through) however, that was put aside when she was walking into the house and mentally placing her furniture here and there.  As I'm contemplating moving in the near future, it just struck me as exciting some how?

Book Review: Scones & Bones

Scones & Bones
A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 12
Laura Childs

Released: Hardcover - March, 2011.  Paperback - March, 2012.

Berkely Prime Crime Mystery, mass market paperback, 295p.
ISBN: 978-0-425-24664-1


A search for a missing treasure stirs up the waters of the Charleston social set in the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Teaberry Strangler.

Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is lured into attending the Heritage Society's Pirates and Plunder show by her master tea blender.  Amid the gold earrings and doubloons, and antique skull cup with a huge diamond steals the show - and gets plundered by someone who murderes a history intern in the process.

Even with that on her plate, Theodosia still has to attend Charleston's Food and Wine Festival, where she's hosting a tea and cheese tasting - the latest culinary trend.  But as her thoughts keep drifting to the victim, Theodosia knows she'll have to whet her investigative skills to find the killer among a raft of suspects.

This recent offering had me feeling a little let down by a series that has so far been a joy.  The relationship dynamics between the characters is starting to get a tad stale.  There never seems to be any change between their interactions.  Delaine is a monumental pain, but everyone puts up with her because of her money-making/raising skills for local causes.  Theo even comments that she caves because its for a good cause.  Just once I'd like to see someone really put Delaine in her place (Nadine too) for all their gossiping and insensitive ways.

Book Review: Death by Darjeeling

Death by Darjeeling
A Tea Shop Mystery, Book 1
Laura Childs

Released: May 2001

Berkley Prime Crime Mystery, mass market paperback, 242p.
ISBN: 978-0-425-17945-1

Meet Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's beloved Indigo Tea Shop.  Patrons love her blend of delicious tea tastings and Southern hospitality.  And Theo enjoys the full-bodied flavour of a town steeped in history - and mystery ...

It's tea for two hundred or so at the annual historic homes garden party.  And Theodosia, as event caterer, is busy serving steaming teas and blackberry scones while guests sing her praises.  But the sweet smell of success turns to suspence when an esteemed guest is found dead - his hand clutching an empty teacup.  All eyes are on Theo... who is now trying desperately to save her reputation and track down the real killer.  If only she can make sense of it all - before someone else takes their last sip...

It was nice to go back to where it all started and finally see how all the characters were introduced.  I was surprised to find that the Indigo Tea Shop was already a budding success, and that our three main characters, Theo, Drayton and Haley, were already working together.

From reading her later books in the series, I was never quite sure of Theo's age (36yo), or whether Delaine had always been a part of the scene - she was, and is not one word different than she is in future books.  Where had Theo met Jory (have answer now), and where did Det. Tidwell, and his slightly adversarial relationship with Theo, come from.  I now have answers for all the questions I had regarding the nitty gritty of the characters.  Anal I know, but I do like to get all the facts about my series characters ;-D

Cosy Kick

New bookshelf.  Double sided - double the books ;-D

Hi there!  I've been on a Cosy Kick for the last week or so.  It all started when I bought a big cube bookshelf - so I could create a separate nook - and had to decant the books that were shelved all over the place in the new bookcase.  This led to me finding my long forgotten stash of cosy mystery books that had been pushed to the very back of the bottom shelf (with 2 more rows in front of it!) and not being able to resist reading a page or two... or 200 ;-D