AGONY OF THE LEAVES by Laura Childs

With March comes the promise of a new book by an author that I have enjoyed following and reading long before I began blogging.

That promise becomes a reality next week when the latest installment in author Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series, AGONY OF THE LEAVES, is released.

I had the pleasure of getting an early look at the book, the 13th installment in the series. The series just keeps getting better and better. All the wonderful and familiar characters I’ve come to love return, along with a number of new and intriguing ones.

The Indigo Tea Shop has been hired to cater tea, scones, and tea sandwiches for the opening-night private party of the Neptune Aquarium in Charleston, S.C. Tea shop owner Theodoisa Browning takes a few minutes away from the party to view the Ocean Wall exhibit.

What she never expected was to see a dead man in the tank entangled in a net. To make matters worse, the dead man is Theo’s former boyfriend, Parker Scully. Parker’s restaurant, Solstice, was also helping cater the affair.

At first the authorities believe Parker’s death is an accidental drowning. But Theo doesn’t think so, especially when she sees defensive-like wounds on his hands. Theo is determined to find Parker’s killer no matter what.

As Theo’s investigation gets underway, a number of Parker’s business associates begin to top the suspect list. When Theo learns Parker’s current girlfriend has inherited Solstice and then sold it within days, more names are added to her suspect list. The closer Theo gets to uncovering the killer, the more dangerous it gets for her and those around her.

Author Laura Childs once again takes readers back to beautiful and historical Charleston where she immerses them in the world of tea, scones, murder, mystery, and mayhem. The characters are charming and lovable. The story is fast-pace, action-filled with bits of humor in all the right places. While it’s a story of intrigue and murder, it also captures the loyalty of family and friends, the love of history, and the feeling of small town delight.

Readers don’t have to be tea drinkers to enjoy this cozy mystery. But there are nuggets of tea history and information woven throughout the story. In addition, the book includes numerous tea time tips and delicious recipes mentioned in the story such as Parmesan Crisps and Honeybee Scones. An added bonus is a sneak preview of Child’s next Scrapbooking Mystery, POSTCARDS FROM THE DEAD, slated for an October 2012 release.

AGONY OF THE LEAVES is a delightful and entertaining read to relax with. It will hold you spellbound from the first page to the last line. Childs keeps you on your toes with twists and turns, a host of plausible suspects, and a surprise at the end.

Author Laura Childs’ website is www.laurachilds.com

  
Agony Of The Leaves by Laura Childs, A Tea Shop Mystery, Berkley, @2012, ISBN: 978-0425245538, Hardcover, 320 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author and publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Have you learned a craft or to enjoy a beverage because of a book? I’ve learned a great deal about tea from this series and even found a couple of new tea flavors I enjoy. Thanks so much for stopping by.

**BTW, be sure to stop by on Friday, March 9, when author Laura Childs is the special guest blogger here.**