Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble - A Spotlight

I love autumn and spooky season, so I thought I'd shine a spotlight on this new release. Bubble, Bubble, Tea & Trouble by Vicki Delany is the seventh book in the Tea by the Sea Mystery series.

Blurb:

When Lily stumbles across five middle-aged women gathered in a dark corner of the tearoom for a “book club,” she firmly reminds them that the inn’s no-smoking policy also applies to their oddly ritualistic candles. As they head outside, Lily overhears them chalking their bad luck up to the absence of their leader, Katya. Whatever they’re doing, it certainly isn’t reading—and their cover is starting to sound like weak tea . . .

While they enjoy Lily’s homemade banana bread the next morning, they make their intentions clear—grilling Lily about any past paranormal activity in the cliffside mansion. Their attempts to contact spirits have been falling flat, it seems, and the mysterious Katya is catching the heat. Levelheaded Lily thinks the real reason is that there’s no such thing as ghosts.

But Lily’s pal Bernie has found another explanation: the half-baked spirit-seekers have the wrong house. The haunted reputation belongs to the place next door—where Lily’s gardener boyfriend is currently staying. But before they can inform the luckless ladies, the missing medium shows up—dead on the rocks at the bottom of the cliff. Now, Lily has two jobs: serving afternoon tea, and solving a murder before someone else gets sent to the great beyond . . .  

Death at a Firefly Tea - A Spotlight & Giveaway

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on the latest Tea Shop Mystery. Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs is the thirtieth book in the series and was released earlier this month.

 Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Death at a Firefly Tea 

Death at a Firefly Tea (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 30th in Series
Setting - South Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Berkley
Publication Date: ‎ March 10, 2026
Print Length: ‎ 336 pages

A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets.

As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.

About Laura Childs

 

 Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are: The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston. The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here! The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.  

Laura’s Links: Website – Facebook  

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenquinRandomHouse

High Tea and Misdemeanors - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

 

HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Ninth Tea Shop Mystery 

It should have been a glorious autumnal wedding, even if Delaine Dish was running around like a chicken with her head cut off. Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, and Drayton Conneley, her friend and tea sommelier had the catering well in hand and the dining space was all set up in the greenhouse when a mighty crash sent the pair rushing out to see what happened. The walls and roof of the greenhouse collapsed killing a bridesmaid and seriously injuring the groom who was sent to get her. This was no accident, however. A killer fully intended to disrupt the wedding. Theodosia, never content to sit by the sidelines decides to run her own shadow investigation. The killer hasn't finished and Theodosia just might become the next victim.

HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS pits a killer against tea shop owner and sleuth Thedosia Browning. What's unusual is that readers are privy to part of the killer's point of view. Although not given the exact motivation or plans, readers are privy to some of the thoughts, ideas, and actions, as well as the killer's thoughts about Theo! I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel as it brings something fresh to the twenty-ninth book in the series! 

One of my favorite aspects of this book, indeed the whole series, is the description, be it the scenery, design, and architecture of Charleston, or the amazing food, teas, and events at the Indigo Tea Shop! Those food descriptions, as well as the recipes and tips found at the end of each book, make my mouth water and have me dreaming of my own tea parties.

The mystery was compelling, but yet again Theo takes matters into her own hands, running her "shadow investigation". Asking questions is one thing, but it seems she thinks breaking and entering is fine now. She's even cajoled Drayton into helping her against his better judgement. I wish she'd stop breaking the law in order to solve the crime. She's also developed a know it all attitude which is off putting. I wish she'd take a vacation and let Drayton and Miss Dimple solve a mystery on their own!

HIGH TEA AND MISDEMEANORS is a fast paced thrillzy that will have you wondering just who-dun-it as your mouth waters over the delectable food and tea offered by Theo and her friends at the Indigo Tea Shop.

*********************************************************************

 High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About High Tea and Misdemeanors

High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 29th in Series
Setting - South Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (March 4, 2025)
Hardcover: ‎ 320 pages

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder. INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links:  

Website – Facebook  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - PenquinRandomHouse 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Peach Tea Smash - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

PEACH TEA SMASH by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Eighth Tea Shop Mystery

 

Theodosia Browning has gained another catering gig that lands her in the midst of the Mad Hatter’s Masquerade. During this fundraiser for the Charleston Opera Society Theo and her tea sommelier, Drayton, take a break from the festivities to explore the old grist mill. The historic building is spooky, but gets terrifying when they discover a body mangled in the chains of the mill. Calling for help they can’t stop the body’s ascent and dramatic fall. Who could have killed Harlan Sadler? Honoring his wife’s request for help, Theo begins investigating, soon uncovering several shady characters, including the murdered man’s son. Will she solve the murder or become a victim herself?

 

One of the things I like best about the Tea Shop Mystery series are the inventive teas that Theo holds in the Indigo Tea Shop. Not only do I learn a little something about the theme, I get to hear about matching food and teas! Other events are equally interesting. I am a huge Alice in Wonderland fan, so was thrilled to learn that the book featured a Mad Hatter’s Masquerade. I only wish we would have spent more time here; still, I guess a dead body stops the party fairly quickly.

The mystery included some pretty horrible people who made great suspects, Emily and Duke in particular. I must say that I am pretty disappointed in Theodosia. Once again she's overstepped her bounds-not only does she go around blatantly accusing people of murder, this time she actually breaks into a suspect's house to "snoop around". And when she tells her detective boyfriend he just shakes his head. Hasn't she heard of fruit from the poisonous tree? She may be a civilian, but she is dating a cop! Personally, I think she needs to be arrested-anything else is just an adrenaline rush, which she likes. I love Drayton and wish his cooler head would prevail. I said it before and I'll say it again-I'd love a mystery with him and Miss Dimple.

Thrilling scenes highlight this fast paced mystery that will leave you longing for a tea party of your own.

 

***********************************************************************

 Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Peach Tea Smash

Peach Tea Smash (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 28th in Series
Setting - South Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (August 6, 2024)
Hardcover: ‎ 320 pages

Murder at an Alice in Wonderland–themed event threatens to send Theodosia Browning through the looking glass in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series.

During the Mad Hatter Masquerade, a fundraiser hosted by the Friends of the Opera on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill, Harlan Sadler, husband of Cricket Sadler, the chairwoman, is killed. He’s been hit in the head with a croquet mallet, and his body hung on the chains and paddles of the grist mill. Nobody can figure out why since Harlan was much beloved by everyone. It’s only after Cricket and Delaine beg Theodosia to investigate that she realizes the killer might have mistaken Harlan for his crazy son, Duke. After all, Duke is a slum landlord and recently injured a woman in a boating accident. INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links: Website – Facebook  

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - PenquinRandomHouse 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs. This book is the twenty-eighth book in the Tea Shop Mystery series and was released yesterday.

Theodosia Browning has gained another catering gig that lands her in the midst of the Mad Hatter’s Masquerade. During the fundraiser for the Charleston Opera Society Theo and her tea sommelier, Drayton, take a break from the festivities to explore the old grist mill. The historic building is spooky, but gets terrifying when they discover a body mangled in the chains of the mill. Calling for help they can’t stop the body’s ascent and dramatic fall. Who could have killed Harlan Sadler? Honoring his wife’s request for help, Theo begins investigating, soon uncovering several shady characters, including the murdered man’s son. Will she solve the murder or become a victim herself?

Murder in the Tea Leaves - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

MURDER IN THE TEA LEAVES by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Seventh Tea Shop Mystery 

The movies have come to Charleston, South Carolina and Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, has landed the sweet gig of providing craft services. Josh Morro, the film's director, is disgusted with the actors and the script and Theo soon finds herself on set as a tea leaf reader! The scene is running smoothly until there's a hiss, crack, and sparks, resulting in a dead director. Who had it in for Josh? The scriptwriter he accused of plagiarism?  The new director who was so conveniently available? The electrician with a debt? Even Delaine Dish is a suspect. When Theo finds a member of the Charleston Film Board murdered she's determined to dig even deeper until she finds a killer and justice is served.

Making movies can be murder, as Theodosia Browning discovers in the twenty-seventh Tea Shop Mystery. Theo is at it again, running her tea shop, creating new and inventive tea parties, expanding her catering business, helping friends, and solving murders! I don't know how she manages to cram so much activity into a day. I thoroughly enjoy the tea events and the description of the teas and food, plus the fact that recipes and tips are included at the end of the book. 

In MURDER IN THE TEA LEAVES we also get involved in movie making. I enjoyed the realistic portrayal of the filming of Dark Fortunes and the harsh reality of production. As for the mystery, I loved the misdirection and how everything finally came together. As usual there were fast paced, pulse pounding scenes making the book a quick read. There were also times I shook my head at Theo is disbelief. Why not report the attack to the police? It's not like you were in a restricted place. And the whole breaking into places to snoop. Ugh. 

Cozy teas and thrilling action combine in MURDER IN THE TEA LEAVES making a fun addition to this long running series.

************************************************************************

 Murder in the Tea Leaves (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Murder in the Tea Leaves

Murder in the Tea Leaves (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 27th in Series
Setting - South Carolina
Publisher: ‎ Berkley (March 5, 2024)
Hardcover: ‎ 304 pages

It’s Lights, Action, Murder as tea maven Theodosia Browning scrambles for clues in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

When Theodosia Browning reads the tea leaves on the set of the movie, Dark Fortunes, things go from spooky to worse. Lights are dimmed, the camera rolls, and red hot sparks fly as the film’s director is murdered in a tricky electrical accident.

Or was it an accident? Though the cast and crew are stunned beyond belief, nobody admits to seeing a thing. And when Theodosia’s friend, Delaine, becomes the prime suspect, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. But who among this Hollywood cast and crew had murder on their mind? The screenwriter is a self-centered pot head, the leading actress is trying to wiggle out of her contract, the brand new director seems indifferent, and nobody trusts the slippery-when-dry Hollywood agent.

Between hosting a Breakfast at Tiffany’s Tea, a Poetry Tea, and trying to launch her own chocolate line, Theodosia doggedly hunts down clues and explores the seemingly haunted Brittlebank Manor where the murder took place. And just when she’s ready to pounce, a Charleston Film Board member is also murdered, throwing everything into total disarray. But this clever killer will go to any lengths to hide his misdeeds as Theodosia soon finds out when she and her tea sommelier, Drayton, get caught up in a dangerous stakeout.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links: Website – Facebook  

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse – 

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I'm currently reading Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs. This book is the twenty-seventh in the Tea Shop Mystery series and was released last week.

The movies have come to Charleston, South Carolina and Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, has landed the sweet gig of providing craft services. Josh Morro, the film's director, is disgusted with the actors and the script and Theo soon finds herself on set as a tea leaf reader! The scene is running smoothly until there's a hiss, crack, and sparks, resulting in a dead director. Who had it in for Josh? The scriptwriter he accused of plagiarism?  The new director who was so conveniently available? The electrician with a debt? Even Delaine Dish is a suspect. When Theo finds a member of the Charleston Film Board murdered she's determined to dig even deeper until she finds a killer and justice is served.

Honey Drop Dead - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

HONEY DROP DEAD by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Sixth Tea Shop Mystery 

With its nearby bee hives, picturesque Petigru Park is the perfect setting for Theodosia Browning's Honeybee Tea. The delightful and delicious event for Imago Gallery is cut short when a beekeeper approaches and sprays noxious fumes. In the ensuing chaos a shot rings out and Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, is found dead. Known to be a connected and dirty politician with fingers in multiple pies, Theo is warned to stay clear of the investigation. But when the gallery owner begs Theo to help solve the murder, she just can't resist.  

Theodosia Browning and the Indigo Tea Shop Crew are knee deep in tea events once more. The gang is catering events such as the Honeybee Tea as well as special parties at the Indigo Tea Shop like the Wind in the Willows party and running the shop itself, yet they still have time to not only attend trunk shows and go out to dinners, but investigate another murder. I really love the details about the various teas and tea events as well as descriptions of Charleston and the various locations, making me feel that I'm actually in the Lowcountry.

HONEY DROP DEAD is a fast paced mystery fit for adrenaline junkies. With shootings and multiple chases, danger for Theo and Drayton reaches an all time high in this, their twenty-sixth outing. It's part of what makes the book eminently readable. You're compelled to keep turning the pages and, if you don't think too much, you'll enjoy the ride. It's when you do think the problem rears its ugly head. While the mystery was very well crafted, the protagonist goes too far. Theo doesn't listen, takes big, stupid, chances, and puts everyone at risk. She's become an unlikable vigilante.

HONEY DROP DEAD is an action packed adventure replete with delectable food descriptions and divine tea inspiration.

*************************************************************************

 Honey Drop Dead (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Honey Drop Dead

Honey Drop Dead (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 26th in Series
Setting – South Carolina Berkley (August 8, 2023)
Hardcover: ‎ 320 pages

The murder of a political bigwig at a Honey Bee Tea sends Theodosia Browning buzzing for answers in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series. Theodosia’s Honey Bee Tea was an elegant affair set in Charleston’s new Petigru Park amid newly planted native grasses and a community beekeeping project. But when a phony beekeeper shows up and sprays toxic smoke at the guests, the party erupts in chaos. Worse yet, a shot rings out and Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, falls to the ground—dead. Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asked Theodosia to cater the tea, is understandably heartbroken. A man is dead, her guests are angry and injured, and the paintings that were on display are left in tatters. When the police don’t seem to have a clue, when old-line politicos don’t want questions asked, Holly begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery’s good name. Between hosting a Wind in the Willows Tea and a Glam Girl Tea, Theodosia questions everyone that had a bone to pick with Claxton. This includes Booker, an angry outsider artist; Lamar Lucket, Claxton’s political opponent; and Mignon Merriweather, the dead man’s soon-to-be ex-wife. But the investigation becomes a political hot potato following a second murder, the revelation of a messy affair, a chase through a swamp, and a vandalized shop. INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links: Website – Facebook

Purchase Links – Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse –

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Currently Reading...

I’m currently reading Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs. This is the twenty-six book in the Tea Shop Mystery series and was released last week.

With its nearby bee hives, picturesque Petigru Park is the perfect setting for Theodosia Browning's Honeybee Tea. The delightful and delicious event for Imago Gallery is cut short when a beekeeper approaches and sprays noxious fumes. In the ensuing chaos a shot rings out and Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, is dead. Known to be a connected and dirty politician with fingers in multiple pies, Theo is warned to stay clear of the investigation. But when the gallery owner begs Theo to help solve the murder, she just can't resist.

Death by Bubble Tea - A Spotlight

Today I'd like to shine a spotlight on a book nominated for Best Humorous Novel at the Lefty Awards. It's also on my TBR pile. Death by Bubble Tea by Jennifer J. Chow is the first book in the L.A. Night Market Mystery series.

Blurb:

When Yale Yee discovers her cousin Celine is visiting from Hong Kong, she is obliged to play tour guide to a relative she hasn’t seen in twenty years. Not only that, but her father thinks it’s a wonderful idea for them to bond by running a food stall together at the Eastwood Village Night Market. Yale hasn’t cooked in years, and she hardly considers Celine’s career as a social media influencer as adequate experience, but because she’s just lost her job at her local bookstore, she feels she has no choice.
 
Yale and Celine serve small dishes and refreshing drinks, and while business is slow, it eventually picks up thanks to Celine’s surprisingly useful marketing ideas. They’re quite shocked that their bubble tea, in particular, is a hit—literally—when one of their customers turns up dead. Yale and Celine are prime suspects due to the gold flakes that Celine added to the sweet drink as a garnish. Though the two cousins are polar opposites in every way, they must work together to find out what really happened to the victim or the only thing they’ll be serving is time.

Lemon Curd Killer - A Review & Giveaway

 Review

LEMON CURD KILLER by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Fifth Tea Shop Mystery

 

Fashion is the word in Charleston as the town braces for its own Fashion Week. Delaine's sister, Nadine, has started working for Lemon Squeeze Couture and Theodosia Browning and the gang are catering their first major event. When Theo returns to the kitchen to get more goodies for the masses she finds Nadine dead, face down in the lemon curd.

 

If you love fashion, food, and a fast paced mystery, LEMON CURD KILLER is a fantastic read. If you get frustrated with cozy protagonists who think they're above the law, you might get a bit annoyed by the twenty-fifth Tea Shop Mystery. You see, Theodosia Browning is at it again, insinuating herself in a murder investigation. While her motives are good, Nadine's daughter did ask her to find the murderer, her actions crossed the line for me twice. Police specifically told her to keep a clue quiet. Everyone knows she'll tell Drayton, and that's fine, but she told a suspect! And it wasn't even an accident, blurting out the information. It was a calculated move to check his reaction. Later, after finding something important, instead of giving it to the police she uses it to break in to a suspect's house to snoop! I used to really like Theo, now... 

The mystery leads readers on exciting twisty ride with many possible motives and suspects clouding the waters. There's action, suspense, and danger along with details about fashion and delectable descriptions of the food and tea served by the Indigo Tea Shop. As always, Drayton brings style and sensibility to the story while Miss Dimple radiates joy.

With a focus on fashion LEMON CURD KILLER is a mystery both tart and sweet.

 

******************************************************************* 

 Lemon Curd Killer (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs

About Lemon Curd Killer

Lemon Curd Killer (A Tea Shop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery 25th in Series
Setting - South Carolina
Berkley (March 7, 2023)
Hardcover: ‎ 320 pages

High tea and high fashion turn deadly in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

Tea shop entrepreneur Theodosia Browning has been tapped to host a fancy Limón Tea in a genuine lemon orchard as a rousing kickoff to Charleston Fashion Week. But as fairy lights twinkle and the scent of lemon wafts among the tea tables, the deadly murder of a fashion designer puts the squeeze on things.

As the lemon curd begins to sour, the murdered woman’s daughter begs Theodosia to help find the killer. Tea events and fashion shows must go on, however, which puts Theodosia and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, right in the thick of squabbling business partners, crazed clothing designers, irate film producers, drug deals, and a disastrous Tea Trolley Tour.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

The Tea Shop Mysteries – set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries – a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

The Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura’s Links: Website – Facebook

Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - IndieBound - PenguinRandomHouse -

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Oolong, Farewell - A Review

 Review

OOLONG, FAREWELL by Kristen Weiss
The Third Tea and Tarot Mystery

Abigail Beanblossom is happy in her tearoom in the daytime while she fights zombies in video games at night. Mother issues scare her more than zombies, however, so when the mother who abandoned her as a toddler returns Abigail is desperate to avoid her. Thus when Archer calls saying his neighbor has been murdered and he's a suspect, Abigail is happy to help. Now she and her business partner Hyperion will try to narrow down the multitude of suspects who wanted this noisy neighbor dead! 

I love this series as it brings together the ridiculous and the sublime in a mystery that grabs your emotions and makes you think of your own relationships while making you laugh.

Avoidance and acceptance are the driving forces behind OOLONG, FAREWELL. Abigail is so desperate to avoid dealing with her mother she jumps headlong into a murder investigation. Then there's her relationship with Brick. More than one character is avoiding instead of accepting.

I love the twists and turns of this third Tea and Tarot Mystery. And the twists don't apply just to the murder mystery aspect. Surprises about relationships abound. I did gasp at one. I'm wondering, OK, hoping, that the events at the end may change someone's mind. There's depth behind the fun as serious topics the characters deal with are shown and dealt with...or avoided. But you can't forget about the fun. There were several laugh out loud moments, usually at Abigail's expense. I'm still grinning when I think of the closet scene. As for the murder, let's put it this way, I'd be a prime suspect in a noisy neighbor's murder. The owner of a party house being killed makes for tons of obvious suspects, but there is a lot more to it as Abigail and Hyperion discover.

OOLONG, FAREWELL tugs at your heart while simultaneously making you laugh in this complex murder mystery. I love the characters, the food, the tea and the Tarot and can't wait to find out what happens next!