Theodosia and Drayton are excited about the tea that they are serving at a hot air balloon rally and can't wait to fly high in the sky in a balloon just for them. While enjoying their ride they hear a noise in the distance and soon see that it is a drone flying among all the balloons. All is well and beautiful until said drone flies right into one of the balloons, ripping it to shreds and sending it hurtling to the earth. The explosion that follows is one that none in the balloon could have survived. Who could do such a thing and why? They soon learn that one of the victims is Don Kingsley the CEO of a software company. It has come to the attention of the company that someone has stolen around five million dollars from them. Theo also learns that the victim was trying to sell a very priceless flag that he owned the only problem it seems to have disappeared right after the incident. Follow along as Theo and Drayton look into Ben's life trying to discover who wanted the man dead. Was it someone from his company looking for the stolen money? Did one of the bidders on his flag decide that they didn't want to pay but would get the flag any way possible? And last but certainly not least could it have been his soon to be ex-wife who seems to be pouring money into what she hopes will be an exclusive B&B? As Theo learns more about the man and those who surrounded him a clearer picture starts to emerge but will she be able to come to a conclusion before she herself ends up in danger? It doesn't help that her boyfriend is out of town and not there to be a part of the investigation. This is a great series filled with a lovely cast of characters, a fabulous setting, and a plot that will have you looking everywhere for a killer. I look forward to seeing where the author takes the characters in her next book.

Kudos to author Laura Childs for making it to the twentieth book of her Tea Shop Mysteries!

Having just closed, BROKEN BONE CHINA, I’m still in that after-reading-a-good-book euphoria. It was wonderful to be back with Theodosia and Drayton. The teas, the atmosphere, the murder! Why wouldn’t I want to return time and again?

With her usual flare, author Childs has delivered an intriguing whodunit that had me guessing, and second guessing myself the entire way through. From the cinematic worthy murder, to the last word of the story, every detail grabbed my attention and pulled me in. Even the recipes at the end of the book hooked me!

BROKEN BONE CHINA is proof that you will get consistently good storytelling when reading a book written by Laura Childs.

BROKEN BONE CHINA, the twentieth book in the Tea Shop Mysteries by Laura Childs is an entertaining addition to an enduring series. Protagonist, Theodosia Browning, is owner of the charming Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina. During her shop’s catering job at the Top Flight Balloon Club event, Theodosia and her tea sommelier, Drayton, are witness to a horrific calamity when a drone collides with one of the balloons. I’m impressed by the way the author uses a technical and unique murder method… the tragedy could have been pulled from current day news headlines. Ms. Childs brings the action to life, starting from the very first pages, and her description of Theodosia’s balloon ride reinforces my determination that I never want to give it a try myself.

I greatly enjoyed the interaction between Theodosia and Drayton, who are long-time friends. They work well together, both at the shop and in their search for finding the murderer. Their hunt involves a priceless American Revolutionary war flag which gives the reader a peek into historic places and architectural sites. As the duo ask questions and dig into the victims’ pasts, they find many suspects to focus on. The clues are scattered throughout the story and just when I would think I had it figured out, a new clue pointed me in a completely different direction.

Ms. Childs sprinkles her tale of murder with specialty tea events at Theodosia’s shop, like a Nancy Drew Tea, a Beaux Arts Tea, and a Floral Tea Cups competition, in which miniature floral arrangements are created in tea cups… brilliant! She also provides lovely ideas for hosting your own tea party at the back of the book along with delicious recipes.

Amateur sleuth, Theodosia Browning, is at it again in the 20th installment of Laura Child’s Tea Shop Mysteries series. While catering a hot air balloon rally, Theodosia and her ever present tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, witness a drone attack on one of the balloons. All of the passengers on board are killed, including Don Kingsley, CEO of a technology company. Now Theodosia is off on the trail of the murderer. Throw into the mix the disappearance of a famous Revolutionary War flag and an abundance of suspects including the CEO’s soon to be ex-wife, two competing antique dealers and the fiancée of one of Theodosia’s best friends and the reader is soon caught up in this entertaining who-done-it.

This is a fun, upbeat cozy mystery series, set in the beautiful town of Charleston, S.C. Child’s cast of characters are all quirky and entertaining. Theodosia Browning is able to conduct her investigations while still running her tea shop, hosting high-profile tea events and judging contests. At the end the reader will again find a number of delicious recipes, tea party hosting ideas and tea buying resources. Fans of cozy mysteries, culinary mysteries and southern charm will be delighted with this latest installment!

This is the 20th book in the author's Tea Shop Mystery series, and since it's the first I've read, I was a bit concerned that I'd be at something of a disadvantage. Happily, I was not; no doubt some of the characters would have made more of an impression if I'd known them better, but this story stands alone well and, in fact, is quite enjoyable.

It's also a cozy, and I was delighted that main character Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop in historic Charleston, South Carolina, is neither a wishy-washy wimp nor one of the more commonly written-about busybodies who plunges ahead devil-may-care despite dire warnings from everyone around her to butt out. She's likable, although she doesn't hesitate to speak her mind. Another player here is a character I've come to think is a cozy requisite - the irascible police detective who's constantly annoyed at the heroine's interference with investigations; but in this case, he seems to have genuine respect for her sleuthing talents. One character almost totally missing throughout this one is Theo's main squeeze, detective Pete Riley, who's off to a training conference (I mention this for series followers who might be expecting to see more of him - he sounds like a pretty cool dude).

The story opens with a bang - literally. Theodosia and her resident tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are riding high amid a rally of hot-air balloons. Out of nowhere, a drone appears, giving their balloon an evil eye before heading toward another. That one, however, doesn't fare so well; the drone rams the balloon, causing an horrific explosion that kills everyone aboard. Among the victims is the CEO of a local technology company who'd been accused of "misplacing" some $5 million in company money, raising the probability that he was the target. As a side venture, the man was in the process of selling an extremely valuable Revolutionary War flag, with several rival bidders queuing up for the win. Just what, if anything, that might have to do with the murder remains to be determined.

Early on, the primary suspect is the fiance of one of Theo's friends, the owner of a local B and B. Not only does he own a drone, but he works for the tech company and recently blew the whistle on what he believed was a defective product. In part wanting to help her friend, who refuses to believe her fiance is involved, Theo begins to investigate - in between running her successful tea shop, hosting a couple of high-profile tea events, judging a decorative teacup contest and getting soaked in the ever-present rain everywhere she goes.

History buffs will get their fill here by way of prolific descriptions of older sections of Charleston. I'm really not one of them, but I admit that exploring all those nooks and crannies was enticing (although the thought of all that rain put a damper on my enthusiasm and made me wonder how they ever found a day to get those balloons aloft). Also worthy of note for those who enjoy baking are the at-the-end recipes for some of the tasty treats mentioned throughout. All in all, this is an easy-to-read, entertaining book, and I thank the publisher (via NetGalley) for the opportunity to read and review it.

I usually enjoy these books but they are starting to get very routine. Someone is murdered (usually at an event she is catering); she doesn't want to get involved but ends up being asked to get involved; she goes for a run with her dog; she's attacked in some way because she knows something but doesn't know she knows something; she finds the killer. At least this time someone didn't attempt to run her over with a car during one of her runs.

I think I might be done with this series unless there are some serious changes to Theo's life in some way. This is the 20th book in the series and it doesn't seem like any of the characters are changing in any way.

#20 and still going strong. Theodosia is one of my favorite returning characters along with my absolute favorite, Hayley (please please please make a spin off book or feature her more!!). While I was a little disappointed that the other two murder victims were not mentioned much in the book (it could have been some great red herrings), the group of suspects were vast and I was guessing the actual murderer up until the end. The only thing I didn't love about this book was that the Hopping John recipe that Theo creates at home wasn't featured in the back along with the other terrific recipes - us non-Southerners don't have a family recipe for this and it sounded AMAZING!

I absolutely love this series and this book did not disappoint me.
Theo is one of my favorite characters and I always love spending time with her.

This book combines modern technology, murder, and . . . tea in a most unusual way! Another excellent book in the Tea Shop Mystery series. I've really enjoyed watching the characters evolve through the series. As a tea drinker, I like learning about teas and the art of serving tea as a form of entertainment. Excellent series. Another aspect of the series i enjoy is the cleanliness of writing - no swearing and chaste romance.

Evocative descriptions of Charleston pair with charming characters in this 20th addition to the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. Enjoy a fine cup of tea, a delicious treat, and a cozy mystery. that will leave you satisfied - but with a taste for more.

Drones, hot air balloons, missing flag and multiple suspects make up this compelling mystery. Who burst the balloon killing three people and who stole the flag? This cozy is not to be missed.

Another winner by Laura childs! Includes many history and charleston highlights., while solving a triiple murder Enjoyed the creative details of the Nancy Drew tea and Beaux Arts tea.

I am astonished how the author, after 19 books in this series, could continue with new plots, tea themes, recipes, and interesting characters. This book was particularly delightful for it brought Drayton into the digital age without disrupting his pleasure of the simple past. Besides the well-thought out plot, I found the exhaustive references at the end of the book to be noteworthy for anyone who wants to learn more about Charleston and anything pertaining to tea.

I want to thank NetGalley and Berkeley Prime Crime for providing an ARC of this book to read and review.

This series is kind of like an overly idealized vacation to (a pretend version of) Charleston, where every building is historic and beautifully preserved mansion and there are fabulous parties several times a week. Don't get me wrong, I find it entertaining, but the story leaves my head almost immediately. Basically, Theodosia and Drayton witness a hot air balloon explode and kill three people while they're catering a...hot air balloon tea party? It's sabotage, of course, and T&D investigate the murder while simultaneously throwing two or three themed tea parties. As usual, there are many wrong turns and run-ins with Det. Tidwell and the murderer is apprehended publically and dramatically. This was perfect reading for a flight last week.

A good low country cozy mystery set in Charleston SC.. Most of the action takes place in a tea shop/cafe or at their catering events. The characters are lovable and the there are many suspects . Love the role the dogs and cat play also- but then I love animals . A great chic read.

This is a great series! I really love the characters. The author's writing style is easy to read and the mysteries always have me guessing until the end. I liked the hot air balloon and drone aspects. It seemed very modern. Looking forward to the next one already!

This is a wonderful series for cozy mystery fans, especially those who love tea, Southern food, and the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. This story is one of the best of the series, bringing readers more of that impeccable gentleman, tea connoisseur Drayton, who gets involved alongside his boss and tea shop owner Theodosia in solving yet another mystery. The descriptions of Charleston's historic mansions and environs are delightful. The characters are fascinating, and the mystery is intriguing to the end. My only quibble is that the author brings in some very doubtful recipes at the end of the book - what tea shop would serve Cool Whip or instant pudding these days? There's no way chef Haley would stand for this! Southern cuisine has come a long way from those mid-century recipes that use fake ingredients. I wish all the recipes reflected that higher standard.

If you like cozy mysteries, this is one of the better series, mainly because the author beautifully describes the history, beauty and c harm of Charleston. For those who like tea and tearooms, including recipes, this book is for you.

Laura Childs has done it again - another amazing Tea Shop mystery, While the plot - involving a drone, a hot air balloon and a missing antique flag- is compelling it is Theodosia and her Indigo Tea Shop - with Haley's delectable treats, Drayton's house blended teas and the specialty tea events such as the Nancy Drew Tea- along with the beautiful descriptions of historical Charleston that make this series such a joy to read.