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.

Did I mention it's cold?

Hi there, my lovelies. I may have metioned it a time or two over the last few days, that it's getting cold.  Today I really mean it... I'M COLD!  As I sit here typing, I have a hot water bottle snuggly sitting on my lap, some woolly wrist warmers keeping my wrist warm (obviously), layered long sleeve shirts, a beanie, track pants (uh, sweat pants in America?) and warm woolly socks with Ugg boots on.  If I could, I'd be rugged up in my thick blanket as well.

There's a hot water bottle underneath all the blankets as well!

Last night I took a photo of my cat snuggling up to my hot water bottle - she also snuck under the blankets some time during the night! - just to show you I'm not kidding.  And to add insult to injury, it's toasty warm outside in the sun.  (Whoever designed these units needed to run his designs by his mum to make sure it would work in 'real life' and not just on the page as the living rooms share the internal wall!)  Anyhow, I'm off to enjoy a hot lunch and try to find a sunny spot to read.  Fingers crossed I thaw out soon ;-D

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.

Found Book Three!

Yesterday I hit the local shopping centre to try and find the first book in K.J. Taylor's Fallen Moon Trilogy - The Dark Griffin.  I love the artwork on the covers, but unfortunately Book Depository only has the new covers available (boring).  So when I found book 3 in the cheap bin at my local Collins Bookstore I was thrilled {yiippppeeee!} so I asked the lady behind the counter if they had seen book 1.  Sadly they hadn't gotten a copy of Dark Griffin in the palette load, but she'd check the computer to see if it was still available.  Great!  So as I waited I browsed the shelves.  Turns out that I could get my hands on a copy... for the full price of $22.95!  WTF?!

Seriously, why are books in Australia so bloody expensive when compared to America and England?  No wonder most people are buying their books online from overseas retailers, because even with P&H (or if it's free) you pay less than half the price as you would in Australia! {sorry, rant over ;-D } So after that price shock, I'm going to spend today combing the online retailers looking for a better deal.  I need to go make a strong cup of tea just thinking about it.

PS - just before posting this I was searching for Dark Griffin and happened to check Fishpond.  Couldn't believe the price they wanted originally for the paperback.  I nearly fainted!

 now I really need a drink ;-D

Review: Concealed in Death

Concealed in Death
In Death, Book 38
J.D. Robb

Published: 27 February, 2014

Piatkus, Trade, 416p.

ISBN: 9780749959401 

In a decrepit and long-empty New York building, a man begins the demolition process by swinging a sledgehammer into a wall. When the dust clears, he finds two skeletons wrapped in plastic behind it.

The man is Lieutenant Eve Dallas’s billionaire husband, Roarke, and he summons her immediately. His latest real estate project is going to be on hold for a while, because by the time Eve and her crew are finished searching the premises, there are twelve murders to be solved….

After a little digging reveals that the place housed a makeshift shelter for troubled and homeless teenagers back in the mid-2040s, Eve tracks down the people who worked there. Between their recollections and the brilliant work of the force’s new forensic anthropologist, Eve begins to put names and faces to the skeletal remains. They are all girls. A tattooed tough teenager who dealt in illegal drugs. The runaway daughter of a pair of well-to-do doctors. They all had their stories. And they all lost their chance for a better life.

Everyone has something to hide. And when Eve discovers a stunning connection between the victims and someone she knows, she is even more driven to reveal the secrets of the place that was called The Sanctuary—and to find the evil concealed in one human heart.

I can't believe this review was still stuck in my draft folder.  Even though it's more than overdue, better late than never - right?  So here goes nothing, and I hope you enjoy my very late review of Concealed in Death (CiD).

Random Question #1

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars in the night sky, but check when you say the paint is wet?

More new books

One of the local discount warehouse stores in town is closing down - relocating? - and a big trestle table full of books was down to $2.40 ea!  Yes, that's not a misprint.  Hardcover, paperback, trade, you name it, they're $2.40.  Unfortunately I already had my arms full with a big shopping bag and only managed to find 3 books amongst everything on the table, but they sound interesting.

LOVE this cover!

•  The Griffin's Flight - K.J Taylor (Aussie author)

•  Eon - Alison Goodman (Aussie author)

•  A Cup of Light - Nicole Mones

•  Dreams of Gods and Monsters - Laini Taylor

The fourth book actually came from Big W, but I just couldn't pass it up as this trade size book was only $12.96!  Cheap as chips.  What surprised me the most was that 2 of the books I picked up were by Australian authors, and I had not read books by 3 of these authors!  I have book one in the trilogy by Laini Taylor and I'm now hunting for book 2 so I can get up to date before beginning Dreams of Gods and Monsters.  Fingers crossed I'll have be able to get through a few of the books in my TBR pile before my MUST buys next month - Cast in Flame, Book of Life and Magic Breaks.

Happy reading!

Yes, Carl too

Picked up Wicked Appetite and remembered how much I loved Carl.  So when I was playing around on Photoshop, I couldn't resist making this in honor of the smelliest little guy formerly of Trenton ;-D

A Callie Parish Mystery series

A Callie Parrish Mystery series
by Fran Rizer

1. A Tisket, A Tasket, A Fancy Stolen Casket
2. Hey Diddle Diddle, the Corpse and the Fiddle
3. Casket Case

Phryne Fisher's a winner

The things Phryne does to catch Detective Inspector Jack Robinson's attention ;-P

Have just finished having a Miss Fisher marathon.  I love this TV series.  Phryne is a modern woman investigating murder and mayhem in 1920's Melbourne.  Ahead of her time, Phryne bulldozers her way through long standing social barriers and cultural divides with style.  Always at the ready with a flirty smile and a helping hand.  This show has a little bit of everything - minus the gratuitous sex, language and violence - and the costumes are divine!  One of my favourite episodes is 2x01 "Murder Most Scandalous".  This is the fan dance episode where Phryne goes undercover at a gentleman's club.  As you can see from the pics, the costume is just so beautiful.... {please excuse the poorer quality - I took these photos straight from the TV!}

My favourite shot.  The embellishment on the shoulder-spine jewellry is beautiful.

So far there has been no word about Season 3.  Aparently the ABC is procrastinating because it is so popular, but it doesn't appeal to the demographic range they're trying to get.  A poor excuse, but I'm hoping that public support will win through and we'll get a new season in 2015.  If you haven't seen the Miss Fisher Murder Mystery series, and you love Miss Marple and Poirot, then try Phryne.  It's truly divine ;-D

Cat's meow

Trying to take a photo of a cat that can't seem to stay still is a pain in the butt!  However, I did manage to snap this one a little while ago.  This is the first time I've seen it since I took it, and I just had to share it as I may never get her to sit still again ;-D

Review: Dead of the Day

Dead of the Day
An Annie Seymour Mystery, Book 3
Karen E. Olson

Published: 06 November, 2007

Signet, mass market paperback, 309p.
ISBN: 9780451222473

April has hit New Haven, Connecticut, bringing with it something less fragrant than May flowers; an unidentified body in the harbor.  The strange fact that there were bee stings on the floater gives New Haven Herald police reporter Annie Seymour an intriguing excuse to put her profile of the new police chief on hold – although the piece does become a lot more interesting when the subject is gunned down.

And this is only the beginning of a killer expose.  As she connects the dots between the John Doe, the police chief, and the city’s struggling immigrant population, Annie draws a line between herself and someone who doesn’t want her to learn the truth. . .or live to report it.

Annie Seymour is a 30 something workaholic journalist who is trying to get on with her journalism while trying to figure out the men in her life.  After trying to make things work with sometime squeeze Vinny DeLucia, Annie now finds herself up to her bangs in trouble as she tries to cope with both Vinny’s apparent desertion and the seedy world of crooked cops and by-line stealing co-workers. Unlike other tough-talking modern women, Annie seems to go from being a hardnosed journalist to behind the eight ball lover with amusing regularity.   In this third instalment, Annie is trying to get the scoop on the new police chief – until his sudden death.  It’s fun to watch Annie deal with Dicky, the journalist that seems to be always trying to one-up her.  Dicky seems to have eyes and ears in places Annie can’t access, and it just chaps her butt that he keeps getting the juicy details.

Fabulous find @ library sale

Found 3 books in a series I've had for years at my local library.  They have books for sale there all the time - unwanted donations or weeded out stock - and for a gold coin donation they can be yours.  During my last Book Club meeting, I was poking around the tables while I was waiting and came across said books (#2 - #4) in the Spellcrackers.com series by Suzanne McLeod.  They were in excellent condition, and although they aren't the same print as my book, I wasn't going to let them go home with anybody else!

It's been about 3 years since I've read the first book so I'm going to have to go back and read it again to familiarize myself with that world.  Not a chore really, but it will have to wait until I've motored through the last of the Chronicles of Elantra {2 books left and counting!}.  However, I can't wait to dive in as I have such high expectations from what I remember of this series.  The last book (?), The Hidden Rune of Iron, is due for release in December this year so it looks like I've found the others at a good time.

Happy reading, my lovelies!

New Mugs

Again, this is another great find that has taken me so long to post.  I found this set of mugs in my local ALDI store about 6 weeks ago and couldn't resist them.  They are great for when visitors come -  I had to keep a close eye on them when my mum was here as she loved them.  Perhaps I should search the internet to see if you can d.i.y. this project.  Would make a great handmade birthday gift ;-D

Couldn't resist it.

An unexpected visitor

I was cleaning up some of my photo files and came across this picture I took while visiting my family in early March this year.  Can't believe I forgot to show you some more of the wildlife around here ;-D

This huge snake skin was left on the ornamental Fountain Grass on the front porch.  Mum's neighbour, Mrs L, was not happy with our unexpected visitor (totally terrified actually), but I'm just sorry we missed seeing the large Carpet Snake in his shiney new skin.

Oh, and the skin was about 6ft when we stretched it out on the lawn ;-D