Customer Reviews

Dragonwell Dead (A Tea Shop Mystery)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The eighth book in a series called The Tea Shop Mysteries. Like the others, it is set in a charming tea shop in the beautiful historic district of Charleston, South Carolina run by the very likable Theodosia Browning. This one involves poisoned tea (something unfortunately already used in this series), rare orchids, charity fund raising, and international finance. I read this series for the charm and atmosphere of both the tea shop, and of Charleston, and both are fully present.

This is very nice series of very "cozy" mysteries. I love to read them in my big easy chair with a cup of tea. ;-)

The Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston's historic district is doing well. Theodosia Browning even has a line of T-Bath products. Drayton, their tea blending expert, is planning new signature teas for the shop and getting used to the idea of an intern working with him. Then tragedy strikes at the Annual Plantation Ramble where Theo had supplied the refreshments. At first the death is ruled to be from natural causes but later it's found to be murder and Theo promises to help find the killer, as the victim's wife is overwhelmed with disaster on top of disaster.

This, the eighth of the Tea Shop Mysteries, continues to develop the characters that have been introduced and continued in the series. As much as one might read the book for the whodunit and whodidit, it's a chance to visit again with people we know and care for. The major part of series is that when you read the story it's like catching up with a yearly letter..

Childs manages to bring us into the story and the setting. There's information about teas and their blends. Descriptions of the historic houses, clothes, and food, reading becomes a very sensual experience filled with vivid descriptions. Because of the descriptions you get caught up in Theo's life and experiences. She's a woman who manages to be at the center of things -- outgoing and friendly with a strong organizational sense, people confide in her and trust her. So, it seems natural that she'd be asked to look into the murder by the victim's wife. Childs doesn't have Theo charge around like a PI but simply listen, observe and report to the authorities as often as she can. However, when the authorities don't take her hints, well then she may follow up on her own because she has to be sure that all avenues are explored.

Theodosia Browning loves living in Charleston, South Carolina, especially in the spring when flowers are blooming and several wealthy people open their gardens to the public for what is known as the Spring Plantation Ramble. Things go well until Mark Congdon, one of Theodosia's friends, collapses of an apparent heart attack, which later proves to be a poisoning. Out of friendship Theodosia promises his widow, Angie, that she will do some amateur sleuthing and try to find Mark's killer. There is no shortage of suspects, especially among Mark's former co-workers. There are lots of red herrings and the revelation of the murderer at the end is a surprise. Again, author Laura Childs writes a charming novel filled with characters who have become familiar to readers during the previous seven books in the series. Charleston is a wonderful setting and Childs always includes recipes, decorating tips, and of course, descriptions of exotic teas from Theodosia's Indigo Tea Shop.

I have been a fan of the tea shop series since the first book hit stores. I stumbled on them quite by chance - but now - several years later - I can't wait for the next installment each time I finish a book!

Dragonwell Dead was, in my opinion, a more solid mystery than its predecessor, Blood Orange Brewing. No question - I enjoyed both books just due to the wonderful, fun characters and colorful descriptions of Charleston - but Dragonwell Dead is closer in tone and feel to the first books in the series. The mystery seems more clever - and the ending ties together much better.

Laura Childs offers a wonderful respite for tea and mystery lovers in her warm and charming series. The characters in the books feel like old friends - and each time, I just can't wait to hear more about them!

The one and only thing that bothered me (simply as a fan of the series) about Dragonwell Dead was the lack of interaction with detective Burt Tidwell. I have grown to like Theodosia's constant sparring with Det. Tidwell - and, to me at least, the local sheriff was not nearly as interesting as our good detective would have been. As well - although all of the major players were back for this book (except Tidwell, who made only a minor appearance), I missed hearing about Theo's therapy dog and pet, Earl Grey.

All this in stride - the book is a good, solid read and contains most of the great characters that we've come to know and love, plus some wonderful new mouth-watering recipes as well!

Does anyone know when the next book - The Silver Needle Murder - will be out? I can't stand the wait!

Karen

Laura Childs does it again. I love her tea time series. This one provides the mystery and suspense, as expected, mingled with a lovely amount of tea room interaction. The whole series is worth the read. I can't say any one is better than the other. Enjoy!

Fans of Laura Child's previous 'Charleston Tea Shop' mysteries will find another satisfying culinary mystery in DRAGONWELL DEAD, the latest installment, which continues to tradition of serving up recipes and tea time tips within the context of a riveting mystery story. Here Charleston's annual Spring Plantation Ramble finds Theodesia serving tea on a lovely plantation when the collapse of a nearby b&b owner leads to her investigation of murder. Theodesia narrows the focus - and finds herself the next target in this absorbing, fun mystery.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

In Charleston, South Carolina, the annual Spring Plantation Ramble gala begins as the city's affluent open their gardens to the public. A festive atmosphere permeates the entire town as flower shows and rare plant auctions are everywhere. Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning loves the annual event that symbolizes spring to her and not just because business booms which it does during the festivity. She just loves the flowering of Charleston that the Ramble represents. This year she has the added pleasure of selling her new brew, Dragonwell Sweet Tea.

Theodosia and her master tea blender Drayton provide the tea stand as a favor to the Broad Street Garden Club at the Carthage Place Plantation where a rare plant auction occurs. Commodities broker Mark Congdon has the high bid for a rare monkey-face orchid for $900. Mark is euphoric over his win, but almost immediate his body goes into a violent fit with foam coming out of his mouth. In spite of Theodosia's CPR efforts he dies. Everyone assumes it is a fatal heart attack until Sheriff Billings' report states cause of death is unspecified toxin. Mark's widow Angie asks Theodosia, who has solved some mysteries, to investigate her husband's death; she reluctantly agrees as her tea is considered the prime suspect by many.

As always with a Tea Shop Mystery, readers will appreciate Theodosia's investigation as this time she has the motive of clearing her tea's reputation. The story line is fast-paced as the heroine makes inquiries including out of state that frighten a killer who believes the shop owner may be getting to close to reading the tea leaves. Fans of the series will enjoy this amateur sleuth's latest exploits while savoring the Indigo Tea Shop's recipes with some tips to improve your brewing techniques.

Harriet Klausner

When I have the latest Tea Shop Mystery in my possession, I take the time to create a cozy ambience with my pot of tea within easy reach, my favorite comfy chair and my phone switched off. Slipping into a Theodosia Browning mystery is like catching up with an old friend - you can't read fast enough, but you definitely don't want the visit to end. I love all the history of the area which is told in such a charming way that you almost feel as if you'd know your way around when you finally get to visit. I love the way that Laura Childs has been building the characters in this series and I love the recipes, hints and tips on the use of tea. Can't wait for the next one!

Laura Childs has done it again! Her eighth book in the series is another winner. The setting is the historical city of Charleston, SC and the focus is the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia Browning, owner of same and central character manages to find herself in the middle of a mystery and surrounds herself with wonderful characters. Drayton, her tea master is a delightful 60ish connoisseur and Haley, the young, exuberant chef brings just the right amount of edge to the dialogue. She introduces new regulars in this book, a fun addition for the reader.

Childs mixes wonderful characters from the police force, fellow shop keepers, a love interest restaurateur and an assortment of characters that add to the interest and the plot. Now, which one is the murderer?

The plot is simple, the characters are inviting and the flow of the writing is cozy and pleasant. What more could a reader ask for on a quiet weekend than to settle into a gratifying book filled with scrumptious sounding lunches and tea accompaniments? What a way to relax and forget your troubles for a few hours!!!!

I loved Dragonwell Dead. It kept me guessing right until the end who the murderer was. I have always liked the way Laura writes on the way her charactors interact with each other. I can't wait until the next book is out.