Plum Tea Crazy by Laura Childs is the nineteenth story in A Tea Shop Mystery series. Theodosia “Theo” Browning owns the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carlson. Theo is aided by her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley and chef, Haley Parker. Drayton and Theo are enjoying the Gaslights and Galleons Parade from the widow’s walk of Timothy Neville’s Archdale Street mansion. When the cannon volleys begin a scream rings out, and Carson Lanier slides down the roof to his death atop a fleur-de-lis fence finial. Upon inspection of Carson’s body, it is discovered he was shot by a quarrel (type of arrow used in a crossbow) which caused him to tumble over the railing of the widow’s walk. Timothy requests that Theo use her skills to investigate Carson’s murder. It turns out that there are several viable suspects that include a protestor of the upcoming antique firearms display at the Heritage Society, Carson’s estranged wife, a co-worker, and the manager of a local bed-and-breakfast. Who shot Carson and why? Theo works in her sleuthing in between working at the tea shop, handling catering gigs, taking care of Earl Grey, and specialty tea events they have scheduled at the Indigo Tea Shop. The killer, though, does not appreciate Theo’s snooping and attempts to dissuade her (the person evidently does not know Theo). Will Theo be able to expose the guilty party before she ends up the next victim?

Plum Tea Crazy may be the 19th book in the series, but it can be read alone. I do, though, highly recommend reading each book in this charming cozy mystery series. A Tea Shop Mystery series is one of the first cozy mystery series I discovered. I found the books in my local bookstore (before e-books) and quickly devoured Death by Darjeeling. I then returned to the store and purchased the other books in the series that were out at the time. I look forward to a new book in this series each year. Plum Tea Crazy is well-written, has a steady pace and engaging. I love when I am drawn into the books world as I was with Plum Tea Crazy. The book contains delightful characters that are well established, and they continue to grow as the series progresses. Theo is an intelligent woman who is warm, thoughtful and has a big heart. I like the interactions between Theo, Haley, Drayton and Earl Grey is just adorable. The only character that I dislike is Delaine Dish. She is overbearing, pushy, annoying and seemed a little off balance (she grates on my nerves) in this book. Delaine is one of those people that can only be taken in small doses. The setting of Savannah, South Carolina sounds just lovely. Laura Childs provides beautiful descriptions of the area, homes, the featured stores and the Indigo Tea Shop. The mystery is complex, and it will perplex readers. There is a clue to the killer’s identity, but you will need a keen eye to spot it. The book contains delectable food and tea descriptions. I especially enjoyed the cozy moments in Plum Tea Crazy. I did feel that Plum Tea Crazy needed an epilogue to tie up all the loose threads (details seemed to be lacking). There are recipes and tea tips at the end of the book as well as a preview of Glitter Bomb. Plum Tea Crazy is an engaging, light hearted cozy mystery that will delight fans of Laura Childs.

3.5 Stars

Theodosia Browning, owner of a tea shop in historic Charleston, is having fun at a local event with her employee and friend, Drayton. Banker Carson Lanier is also present at Timothy Neville’s mansion to watch the Gaslights and Galleons Parade in the harbor and falls three stories over a railing. Theodosia and Drayton are shaken and later are shocked when they learn Carson’s death wasn’t an accident. Neville wants to know who is behind the death of one of his guests and asks Theodosia, who has a history of amateur sleuthing, to find the killer. Theodosia can’t resist getting involved in this unusual, tragic murder.

This book is part of a long-running series, but I’ve only read some of the books. I’ve found it’s easy for new or casual readers to become engaged and enjoy the story without reading all the prior books. The book has likeable characters, vivid descriptions of the Charleston setting, and plenty of information about all of the delicious-sounding teas served in Theo’s shop. I especially enjoy the close-knit friendship between Theodosia, Drayton, and Theo’s other employee Haley. I also like that much of Theodosia’s investigating is done at various society and charitable events that she attends as a guest or caterer. This helps liven up the story and gives the reader a glimpse of various events including gallery openings, designer clothing samples sale, and other happenings that are part of Charleston’s social scene.

The downside of the book is that parts are too drawn out without adding much to the story. I’m also not a fan of slapstick in my mysteries and unfortunately there are a few of these scenes, including a catfight between two possible suspects. Luckily, this is the exception not the rule and the rest of the book is an enjoyable cozy mystery that kept my interest until all of the unanswered questions are resolved at the end. After the story concludes, the author shares a variety of recipes for dishes referenced in the story, tips for themed tea parties, and a list of websites and books to help plan your own visit to Charleston to tide you over until Theo’s next adventure.

~ Christine

It’s always a pleasure visiting Charleston, South Carolina on the pages and catching up with Theodosia Browning and the crew at the Indigo Tea Shop! From the inviting cover of PLUM TEA CRAZY, the nineteenth book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs, to the very last page, this brand new release kept me entertained and reading late into the night. This latest installment finds Theodosia and her good friend and tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, participating in the city’s Gaslights and Galleons Parade event. Sailing ships from around the world are converging on Charleston and the pair have a bird’s-eye view at one of the spectacular mansions situated on the route. When a gruesome tragedy happens during the event, Theodosia jumps in right away. She is a take charge type of gal and the action starts right off the bat. When it’s determined that it was a murder and not a horrible accident, Theodosia gets involved in solving the case after her host begs her to.

Her hunt takes her on searches for antique weapons, high society fashion shows, a Japanese art gallery, and a “Hair Ball” black-tie event benefiting homeless cats. Theodosia is one busy woman with all the special events going on all over the city along with hosting several events at the Indigo Tea Shop, including the Plum Blossom Tea event! I enjoyed the descriptions of the events and could envision the settings perfectly. Theodosia’s supportive friends are there to help her out from Drayton to Haley, the talented shop’s chef, and Haley’s young nephew, Jamie. The supporting characters are well thought out and add fun to the storyline. Theodosia’s relationship with Detective Pete Riley is progressing and I find it refreshing that he doesn’t demand that she stop snooping. He accepts her for who she is… although I wish he’d tell her to stop running down dark alleys late at night! The exciting, suspenseful reveal surprised me with how it played out but it wrapped up the plot and subplots nicely. I was greatly entertained by this newest installment in this series and look forward to the next one!

Ms. Childs provides several delectable tea time recipes at the back of the book along with Tea Time Tips and links for Tea Resources, which you’ll want to bookmark.

The review is now online in the monthly eMagazine Gumshoe Review's March 2018 issue.

Murder Haunts the Tea Shop Duo

Theo, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, and Drayton, tea blender extraordinaire, are attending a party at Timothy Neville’s Charleston Mansion, to view the Gaslights and Galleons Parade. Theo is enjoying the parade until a local banker, Carson Lanier, appears to fall from the balcony landing three floors below. Carson is dead, but not from the fall. He was shot with an antique crossbow bolt.

Timothy is appalled by the accident and begs Theo to investigate. She agrees even though it will bring her into conflict with her old nemesis, Detective Tidwell. There are plenty of suspects and fast paced action.

The descriptions of old Charleston are a delightful background for the sleuthing. The food and tea served in the tea shop are mouth watering. As a treat, the recipes are included at end of the book. There are also suggestions for special teas that would be fun to host.

This book is part of a much longer series, but I found it easy to read as a standalone. If you enjoy cozy mysteries in beautiful settings, this is a good one.

I received this book from Net Galley for this review.

Theo, a tea shop owner in Charleston is invited to a party to watch a parade from a mansion. While viewing the parade, they see a man fall from a building while loud cannon fire occurs in the parade. Timothy, the host of party asks Theo to look into the crime. I loved the name of the dog, Earl Grey, and the recipes included with the book. There are some funny moments and a well-paced plot. This is my tea shop mystery, and now I’ll have to go back to the beginning of the series.

I have been a fan of Laura Childs Tea Shop mysteries for a long time. I love the tea shop setting, the information about Charleston, and I adore Drayton and Miss Dimple. I expected to enjoy this entry in the series as well. Unfortunately, I don't know if it was the story line or just me but this one just did not hold my interest and I disliked the characters around the main events. I'm giving this 3 stars because I may just be in the wrong frame of mind at this time. I'm sure I'll be back to enjoying the series with the next book.

This book follows Theodosia Browning who is at the mansion of Timothy Neville when her and Drayton witness the murder of a banker Carson who plummets to his death. Theo hoping to catch the killer sets off in a chase after him which leads them to a inn. When she returns with Drayton to Timothy's house they find him asking her to look into the murder and who might have done it. This leads to his wife, business co-workers, to multiple of other characters. Will Theo figure it out in time or will this web get deeper and deeper with a possible killer running away free.

This book was great the series seems to get better with each book. In this one Theo finds herself going in many directions without getting the answers she's seeking. I found myself drawn in not able to put the book down as it was a real page turner. I loved watching as Drayton and Theo tried to put the pieces of the puzzle together until at the end the puzzle was finally solved!

When you think about a quaint and elegant tea shop you may picture delightful pottery and scents and delicious scones. I generally do not expect murder and weaponry. Only Laura Childs can combine such things and make me want to keep turning pages.
The book begins with a celebration that quickly turns tragic! Was it an accident or a devious plot?
Theodosia Browning is developing a habit of being in the right (or wrong) place at opportune times.
Her business partner once again is by her side. I adore the characters in this series. Theodosia never fails to surprise me.

Moving from venue to venue and following the clues and catfights, this was quite the adventure to read. I admire how Ms. Childs seamlessly blends the town events into an engaging and intriguing action filled mystery.

I can never get enough of this fabulous series by Laura Childs.
I remember the first time I picked up one of these books, I was automatically hooked.
I feel like I would know Theo and Drayton anywhere.
The dynamic duo not only brew up an amazing cup of tea, but their unique way of solving mysteries are just as fun.

While attending a private party, Theo watches a man drop to his death, she thinks surely it was an accident.
When Theo runs to his aid, she makes a gruesome discovery which leads her and Drayton into a mysterious world of the rich, where answers are waiting to be discovered.

The recipes always sound delicious and the mouthwatering tea will have you brewing up your own special blend in no time.
Fans of this series will be delighted with Plum Tea Crazy.

I voluntarily read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

I devoured the first 6 in this series and then somehow lost track of the author. It was a pleasant surprise to see this one appear. Being a tea drinker in a coffee world and having a strong affection for cozy mysteries is what first attracted me to this series. The main character Theodosia is still going strong. What I like about this character is that she has common sense and an intelligent mind which makes her adventures even better. In this story there is no shortage of interesting suspects as well as characters in Theodosia’s work and personal life. I would suggest reading any and all in this series.

They're watching a water parade of pretty boats and displays from the widows walk on a big house. When one of the guests topples over the railing and falls, they think he has been hit by a cannon from one of the boats. No, it's worse than that. He's got an arrow in him...

Berkley and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published March 6th.

This is a cozy mystery set in a tea shop with lots of discussion of tea flavors and food. The rear of the book has some yummy sounding recipes for you.

Theodosia is asked to look into the murder by the owner of the home. She says she will but she knows the police won't want her to. It's especially hard since she's dating one of them. But she asks questions and gets answers and then shares them with the police. The senior police officer doesn't like her interference but he does get more info from her than he did in his own interviews. It gets even more dangerous when someone appears to be on her tail. She gets a rock thrown her window at work, the young man working for her gets hit by a car taking out the garbage, and she's still investigating.

This was a good read with multiple suspects and not many clues. I liked it. Why don't you give it a try?

Do NOT read this book on an empty stomach, or without your favorite tea handy! Otherwise you will have to put it down and go cook! LOL Not only is the book full of interesting recipes and tea combinations, it also includes some wonderful ideas for planning your own special teas, like White Tea, Fairy tea and French tea! But before you get to all of that, there is a decent little mystery to solve! Charleston serves as a wonderful setting, and all the characters are so unique, that you'll feel like you know them. You may find yourself staying up late into the night, to finish this page turner, like I did!

This is actually book 19 (!!) in this adorable series, and I have NO idea HOW I missed it! Even though I had guessed who the suspect was by about mid-book, the story was so enchanting, I had to finish it! I will definitely be reading the rest of the series and catching up on all the goings on at the Tea Shop and in the characters' pasts! Check out this series and you will be too!

I’ve followed the tea shop series from book one, and the latest installment is just what I expected and trusted from a Laura Childs book. Plum Tea Crazy can be read as a stand-alone, but why deprive yourself? Start at the beginning of the series and get to know everyone, watch them grow, and get involved in the neighborhood. I can’t decide which I love best: following Theodosia on her run with Earl Grey down the streets of Charleston, visiting the local shops and owners, salivating over the pastries and teas on the menu, or trying to solve the murder mystery that falls into Theodosia’s tray of cinnamon scones.

This particular episode gives us more of Drayton. I just love him. Two (of many) favorite Drayton moments: Jaime flatters him, and Drayton accepts the praise in his most Drayton way; and his line, “What have I got to lose? Except my stellar record as a law-abiding citizen.” You’ll see what he’s up to with that comment. And be prepared for some crashing good fun with a not-so-ladylike fight scene at the Silk Road Show.

Riley points out, “Lady, you pack a lot of living into one day.” Well, Ms. Childs packs a lot of fun and coziness into her Indigo Tea Shop series. No reservations needed. Open to page one and snuggle up with good friends, fun dialogue, delicious food and aromatic teas, some haiku, and enticing settings. Enjoy your trip to Charleston!

Always love a Laura Childs book. The Tea series is my favorite. You will enjoy this one if you loved her other Tea stories.

Another great effort from Laura Childs. Always a pleasure to read.

I was delighted to be able to receive an early review copy through NetGalley for one of my favorite cozy mystery series. 19 books into the series, and the writing remains strong, evokes the Charleston setting, and whets my appetite for tea. Theo and company do find their way into a lot of social events, don't they?!

Theo - and the other guests at Timothy's dinner party - witness the astonishing death of one of the guests when a canon fire muffles the sound of what appears to be a gun shot that sends a man careening down the roof to his death. Because Timothy is a close friend of Theo and Dreyton, Theo agrees to investigate and help the police find the killer.

Theodosia and Drayton once again have a mystery to solve in Charleston. I'm between serving tea and scones and delectable tea party lunches, they help solve a mystery of a local resident killed in a roof nearby during a party. There are a handful of suspects, but Theodosia puts all the information together to solve the mystery of whodunnit. a quick fun read!

In the latest Tea Shop mystery, Theodosia investigates the fall of a banker from Timothy Neville's balcony. Is it murder? These are such fun, well written mysteries with recipes!

A very cozy mystery set in the beautiful locale of Charleston SC. The author is able to build a word picture of the area that made this reader for feel he was there last week and not 40 years ago. The story moves long quite nicely and will keep the reader engaged. The author gives a hint to solving the mystery if the reader is astute and able to grasp it's value. Overall a clean cut story with minimal violence.

I have given this book a four star rating.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion.