Opening the pages of a Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series feels like actually walking into the Indigo Tea Shop and experiencing the sights,
sounds and mouth-watering aromas found within. Sweet Tea Revenge, the latest installment in the series, begins with a wedding that was never meant to be - and someone makes sure of that.
Theodosia Browning is serving as maid-of-honor for her friend, Delaine Dish, who is marrying Theo’s neighbor, Charleston attorney Dougan Granville. Despite terrible weather for June and a few other minor problems, the wedding is about to begin when the groom is a no-show.
Unfortunately for Theo, she finds him dead in his room just down the hall from the bride. At first it appears Dougan may have overdosed. But soon it’s discovered his death was no accident. Detective Burt Tidwell arrives and Delaine becomes a prime suspect. A short time later ghost hunters show up wanting to connect with the dearly departed since it’s rumored Ravencrest Inn, where the wedding was to be held, is haunted.
After a desperate plea from her friend, Theo begins to make a few inquires on her own. Theo has her hands full between running her business, the Indigo Tea Shop; searching for Dougan’s killer; assisting the ghost hunters; and trying not to be the killer’s next victim.
The cast of characters fans of the series have come to love return, along with a number of new and zany ones. The story flows quickly, pulling you in and holding you spellbound until the last drop of Sweet Tea Revenge.
The author combines mystery, suspense, friendship, and humor for a tantalizing cozy. The suspense will keep you guessing. Childs’ vivid descriptions will place you in the center of the action in historical Charleston with its beautiful scenery, alluring structures, and enchanting residents.
Sweet Tea Revenge is the 14th installment in the Tea Shop Mystery series, but can be read alone. However, to fully appreciate how Theo and her friends have developed and evolved since the series began the books should be read in order.
In addition, in the back of the book Childs has included delicious recipes, tea time tips, tea resources, and a sneak preview of her next Scrapbooking Mystery, Gilt Trip, coming soon.
You don’t have to like tea in order to enjoy Sweet Tea Revenge. Just have a thirst for intriguing mysteries and charming characters and this story will quench that sensation with ease.
Author Laura Childs’ website is www.laurachilds.com
Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs, A Tea Shop Mystery, Berkley, @2013, ISBN: 978-0425252888, Hardcover, 336 Pages
FTC Full Disclosure - An ARC of this book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope everyone is having a safe, happy and good weather weekend. Have you read a cozy lately?
Mason - Thanks as ever for this thoughtful review. I've always thought a tea shop would be a great setting for the kinds of interactions that lead to a good murder mystery. And there's nothing quite like a wedding to add a layer of both stress and excitement to a story...
ReplyDeleteLaura is one of my favorite authors. I own all of her books. I just finished Fiber and Brimstone this week and can't wait to get caught up with all her series.
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