"Theodosia's outdoor tea party was an elegant affair set in Charleston's new Petigru Park. But when a shot rings out, Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, falls to the ground--dead. Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asked Theodosia to cater the tea, begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery's good name. Theodosia questions everyone that had a bone to pick with Claxton, but the investigation becomes a political hot potato following a second murder, the revelation of a messy ...
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"Theodosia's outdoor tea party was an elegant affair set in Charleston's new Petigru Park. But when a shot rings out, Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, falls to the ground--dead. Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asked Theodosia to cater the tea, begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery's good name. Theodosia questions everyone that had a bone to pick with Claxton, 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"--Back cover.
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Publisher:
Thorndike Press a Part of Gale a Cengage Company
Published:
2023
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
17708469056
Shipping Options:
Standard Shipping: $4.62
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Library binding. Cloth over boards. 425 p. Tea Shop Mystery, 26. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Publisher:
Thorndike Press a Part of Gale a Cengage Company
Published:
2023
Language:
English
Alibris ID:
17708470272
Shipping Options:
Standard Shipping: $4.62
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Library binding. Cloth over boards. 425 p. Tea Shop Mystery, 26. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Theodosia, Hayley, and Drayton are catering a Honey Bee Tea for gallery owner Holly Burns in Charleston's new Petigru Park. Chaos ensues when a rogue beekeeper crashes the party spraying toxic gas at the guests. Before the smoke clears a candidate for the state house is shot dead. Many other guests are injured and suffering from the effects of the gas. The paintings the gallery had on display are damaged and torn. Theodosia did try to chase the killer but they got away. The police arrive but don't get a lot of answers and Holly is devastated because this event was supposed to get her gallery off to a great start. Now she is afraid it is going to be forced to close. She knows Theodosia's reputation so she asks her for help to find the person responsible. It could be the only way to save her business.
So while her Indigo Tea Shop has several special tea events coming up Theodosia tries to help Holly by looking into Candidate Osgood Claxton III to see who he may have "tea-d" off enough to publically gun him down. There are several worthy suspects. A second murder, a crazy chase, and even scary threats do not stop Theodosia from buzzing around trying to get the answers she needs to put the killer bee-hind bars. Especially when someone she cares about is in the line of fire.
_______
I was delighted to return to Charleston and the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, and Riley are like old friends and I love to visit them. Theodosia is so smart and business savvy. She has also become quite an astute amateur sleuth. Drayton, usually right by her side, is up for almost anything even when he thinks Theodosia's sleuthing ideas are way over the top. Hayley is a fantastic chef with such creative ideas. She has a new man in her life which makes things with her even more interesting. I do enjoy the "family" these three have become. They work so well, in sync, whether it be serving tea or riddling out clues. Riley, is well, Riley, grousing around telling Theodosia to stay out of his investigations even though he knows she will never do that. I applaud Ms. Childs for being able to keep these characters fresh and evolving with this being the 25th book in the series.
She has also set up such a clever mystery. The suspense and tension erupt from Chapter 1 with toxic gas and gunfire in a park full of people and Theodosia giving chase. With the exception of a few special teas, the suspense continues throughout the whole book. Her detailed descriptions put her readers right on the scene for many exciting events. Soon after I started reading Chapter 30 I found myself sitting truly on the edge of my seat. When Theodosia found a huge clue my heart rate started to increase and the pages started to really fly. The showdown was riveting and surprising. Had this been a movie I probably would have been watching through my fingers. The banter when Riley arrived was so good! and Theodosia's final actions were even better. At first, I thought the ending was a little abrupt but within a few minutes, I realized it was absolutely perfect.
Ms. Childs continues to top herself. I love this series! Honey Drop Dead is a SWEET addition! The characters are genuine. The mystery is extraordinary. The setting is fun and fabulous. This book receives my top rating and has earned a spot on my Best Reads of 2023.
I do recommend series like this be read in order to really get to know the characters, but Ms. Childs does an excellent job at making new readers feel welcome with enough character history and backstory. So please, while this is the 25th book in the series, don't hesitate to pick it up. After reading it you may want to go back and read previous books in the series or just wait for the next, Murder in the Tea Leaves will be released on March 5, 2024.
Kristina
Aug 8, 2023
A honey of a crime!
Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs is the twenty-sixth A Tea Shop Mystery. This is one of the two series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries. I look forward to each new installment. Honey Drop Dead is well-written with developed characters. Theo, Drayton, and Hayley are busy at the Indigo Tea Shop plus they have several special events including the Honey Bea Tea. Theodosia Browning is a smart, friendly, and caring woman. She has good business instincts plus Theo has a knack for solving crimes. I enjoyed the description of the Honey Bea Tea. It sounded lovely until someone used the event for nefarious purposes. I found myself quickly drawn into the story. The mystery was thought out. The way the murder was carried out was certainly unique. I liked that there was action and suspense throughout. I had fun following Theo and Drayton as they worked to solve the crime. I like that Drayton accompanies Theo on sleuthing forays. I get tired of Riley, Theo�s beau, telling her to keep her nose out of the investigation. He should know by now that Theo has no intention of sitting on the sidelines. I would love to see Theo get a new boyfriend (someone who understands her curious nature). The whodunit had a good wrap up at the end. I delighted in catching up with Theo, Drayton, Hayley, Miss Dimple, and Earl Grey. There are delectable descriptions of Hayley�s creations and Drayton�s tasty tea blends. Theo comes up with creative ideas for the special tea events. I enjoyed my latest visit to Charleston and the Indigo Tea Shop (and I look forward to returning soon). While Honey Drop Dead is the twenty-sixth A Tea Shop Mystery, the author does provide the needed background information on the main characters for new readers. Personally, I have enjoyed reading the series from the beginning. I like that Honey Drop Dead gave us something different. Honey Drop Dead is a diverting tale with a malicious smoker, scrumptious scones, gallery quandaries, tasty teas, an excess of suspects, and an intrepid Theo.
