Laura Childs Reviews

Page One

Added June 26, 2003

Gunpowder Green

A Tea Shop Mystery

Author: Laura Childs
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Mystery: Cozy
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0-42518-405-6
Author Email/Website: www.laurachilds.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

The annual Isle of Palms Yacht Race was underway and the Indigo Tea Shop's latest iced tea blend, White Point Green, was disappearing rapidly. After the first initial rush, Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, had plenty of time to straighten, socialize, and even watch the yachts cross the finish line. A perfect day with one tiny exception: Oliver Dixon, the man given the honor of officiating at the finish line, was dead.

Oliver Dixon's death occurred at the exact moment he fired an antique pistol signifying the end of the race. Apparently, the pistol had misfired. His death was deemed an accident, but something inside compelled Theodosia to look for another cause. There were certainly plenty of suspects to investigate: Ford Cantrell who argued with the victim moments before his death; Doe Belvedere, the twenty-five-year-old wife; Giovanni Loard, a second cousin who's a little too helpful to the recent widow. Not to mention, Mr. Dixon's crafty business partner, Booth Crawley.

Between supervising her tea shop, devising a line of tea-inspired bath products, social events and sleuthing, Theo has her hands full. Can she solve the mystery before its too late?

Once again, author Laura Childs brings Charleston to life in Gunpowder Green, the second book in the Tea Shop Mysteries. Her incredibly detailed descriptions of houses, historical buildings, and landmarks paint a vivid picture, capturing the essence of the city. This, woven together with a suspenseful plot, dastardly villains and amusing secondary characters, creates a novel filled with excitement and intrigue that never lets up. To top it all off, Ms. Childs offers tea: bits of wisdom, taste, aroma, suggestions, and brew times cleverly hidden with the storyline.

I have to admit it wasn't the mystery, superbly written as it was, that drew me to Gunpowder Green: it was the opportunity to revisit Theo, Drayton, Haley and the other wonderful characters populating the world of the Tea Shop Mysteries. I can't help it; I fell in love with these characters, wearing out my copy of Death by Darjeeling waiting for the next novel in the series. The relationships between Theo, Drayton and Haley go beyond coworkers, employer/employee into family. A close-knit family recognizing each other's strengths and weakness and using them to further a common goal. Finding a novel, much less a mystery, where this relationship is featured is rare and I cherish the novels containing it. It goes without saying perhaps, that Gunpowder Green holds a position of honor on my keeper shelf.

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Added September 4, 2002

Death by Darjeeling

A Tea Shop Mystery

Author: Laura Childs
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Available at:Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Mystery: Cozy
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0425179451
Author Email/Website: www.laurachilds.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Once a vice president in advertising agency, Theodosia Browning is now the proud owner of a tea shop. The Indigo Tea Shop was a cozy place nestled between others on historic Church Street in Charleston, South Carolina. Offering a range of delectable baked goods and many varieties of teas, Theo enjoyed her work and her customers.

Everything was great until the annual Lamplighter Tour. As part of the tour, Theo was serving tea at one of the historic houses. Unfortunately, one of the guests, Hughes Barron, died while drinking her tea. Was his death an accident or murder? Whatever it was, Theo has to prove the Indigo Tea Shop wasn't involved before her business is ruined.

Her sleuthing turns up many suspects with plenty of motive. Was it the young activist Tanner Joseph? Or Mr. Barron's disgruntled partner? Time is running out for Theo and her friends. Will she be able to find the murderer before tea time?

A delightful read from beginning to end. Ms. Childs brings the beauty, mystery and charm of Charleston to life wonderfully. Those familiar with area will feel right at home. Theo and her employees, master tea taster Drayton, energetic Hayley and the adorable Dalbrador Earl Grey are endearing and unforgettable. Brilliantly weaving suspense and tea knowledge, this a true gem. Not to be missed.

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This page was last updated on January 1, 2008

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