*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Child's has created another fantastic cozy!! Theo runs an adorable tea shop that I would absolutely love to visit. She stress to go to a literary haunted house hosted by the historical society. Things are going great and running superbly well until the author there for a book signing suddenly appears hanging by a rope outside a tower window. At first they think it is part of show but reality quickly sets in as the police arrive. Theo tries to stay out of it but her friend Timothy begs her to look into things. That is something she is good at so she agrees and her Southern charm helps along the way. Makes for a fantastically fun cozy that really comes to life as the story progresses. Keeps you guessing as the story evolves leading to a interesting conclusion. A must read for fans of the genre. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.

I love that Laura Childs includes recipes at the end of her books, I am always excited to see which treats from the book have been included.

This was my first Tea Shop Mystery and it will not be my last, I have already requested an ARC of the next book! I like that you don't have to read the previous books to understand the characters. Laura does a great job of introducing the characters and catching you up on anything important from previous books.

Looking forward to reading Twisted Tea Christmas this winter.

This is book 22 in the Teashop mystery series set in Charleston. It's the week of Halloween and a haunted mystery house seems like a perfect fund raiser for the Historic Society. Theodosia and Drayton are attending since his niece is holding a book signing about ghost of Charleston. When she is murdered the police are called. With more than a few suspects they must narrow the list before Theodosia becomes the next victim. This is a great series with lots of interesting facts on tea and the society of Charleston. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Daniele

After twenty-two books in this long running series, reading Haunted Hibiscus is like visiting your favorite friends in a beautiful location for a few days. As always, the characters are well developed, the scene gorgeously set, and the mystery full of misdirection and possibilities.

It is almost Halloween in Charleston, South Carolina, and tea shop owner Theodosia and her trusty tea sommelier side-kick Drayton find themselves enjoying the historical society’s haunted house fundraiser. That is until the head of the society’s grand-niece Willow dies during the festivities. At Timothy’s urging, Theodosia feels obligated to look into things, and she is driven even more when her policeman boyfriend Pete is shot in the line of duty.

I really enjoy the subtle Halloween theme here. The mystery is well thought out and executed with several possible motives and suspects that make total sense. That said the killer’s identity took me by surprise. I really enjoyed Drayton’s increasing role in the investigations. My only problem is that this time around, Theodosia comes across as thinking she knows more and is better than the police. She is somewhat brash in approaching and questioning the suspects, and this feels out of character for this Southern Lady sleuth. Hopefully, she will be back to herself in the next book.

As much as I enjoy the murder mysteries in this series, I would be lying if I said the characters and all things tea are not just as important to me. I often find myself salivating over the delicious menus and recipes and often interrupt my reading to Google any unfamiliar china patterns mentioned. I have purchased several teas based on them being mentioned within these pages. I appreciate the tea/luncheon/party tips and theme ideas.
Haunted Hibiscus is another delightful entry in one of my favorite cozy series. Highly recommended to any cozy mystery reader, especially those interested in culinary and southern settings.

It’s a week before Halloween in Charleston. Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley are hosting special tea parties in honor of the season. They do take time to visit the haunted mansion owned by the Historical Society. It’s been partially restored and is fittingly spooky. Employees of the Society are dressed as monsters like Frankenstein or favorite authors like Poe, adding to the atmosphere. Timothy Neville is president of the Society and his grandniece, Willow, is signing copies of her book, Carolina Crimes and Creepers. He’s not crazy about the fund-raising idea, but donations have been much lower and renovating the house was expensive.

Things are going well when Theodosia notices Willow isn’t at the signing table. As Theo and Drayton leave, there’s a commotion and Willow’s hanging body is thrown out the third floor window. Theo’s boyfriend, Pete Riley, is a police detective. He leaves the scene to secure Willow’s apartment and no more than steps inside the door when he’s shot and the shooter escapes.

Normally there would be a long list of suspects, but Willow didn’t seem to have enemies, was a guest at the event, and was due to be married in a few weeks. Timothy asks Theo to see what she can find out and report back. Because Timothy and Drayton are friends and Riley was shot, Theodosia is more than willing to track down the person responsible. Willow had a few secrets but the people around her had more. As Theo asks questions, she finds at least three who had a motive to kill. The question is, will the killer strike again?

This is book thirteen in the popular series. Theodosia is busier than ever with the day to day operation of the tea shop, special events, catering, stocking tea products like lotions and candles, making time to see her boyfriend, and making sure her dog, Earl Gray, gets plenty of exercise. It may be a bit early to read about Halloween, but it’s never the wrong time to read about the delicious food Haley makes or new teas Drayton is urging customers to try.

Recipes include pumpkin soup, tarragon chicken salad, chai flavored cupcakes, crab and avocado tea sandwiches, Southern peach crisp, ham and corn muffins, herbed chèvre butter, haunted hibiscus cooler, Charleston apple pudding, best banana bread ever, and pork tenderloin.

Childs also includes ideas for hosting a French cottage tea, Agatha Christie tea, pretty in pink tea, crystal tea, under the Tuscan sun tea, and a family reunion tea. Find links to tea magazines and publications, the locations and web addresses for US tea plantations, interesting tea websites and blogs addresses, a list of purveyors of fine teas, and a list of where to go and what to see in Charleston—because after reading the book, you’ll surely want to visit.

I have read all of the Tea Shop mysteries and have noticed that Theodosia has gotten more annoying over the last few books. She has a feeling of entitlement, is very rude to people and very judgmental. Fat-shaming Detective Tidwell has lost any humor. I find it unbelievable that someone would ask her to investigate a murder instead of letting the police take care of it. She has no jurisdiction anywhere to do that. She is pushy and thinks nothing of asking a grieving fiancé why the deceased woman isn’t wearing an engagement ring in her coffin. This was asked at the funeral luncheon. Calling another person a”flunkie” because they inflated their resume is rude. Looking through personnel records at the Heritage Society is totally unacceptable behavior on Theodosia’s part. I just wonder why people keep letting her get away with it. The murder was very interesting and there were many possibilities of who the murderer was. Instead, it seems like the author tossed the names of everyone who appeared in the book, into a paper bag and pulled one out. Then arranged the ending to accommodate that name. It was very unsatisfactory. I think I’ll take a break from this series now.

Title: Haunted Hibiscus

Author: Laura Childs

Publisher: Berkley

Series: A Tea Shop Mystery

Format: Hardcover, $26.00

Published on: March 2, 2021

Set in: Charleston

Received this book from NetGalley and Berkley for an honest review.

During the grand opening of the literary and historical themed haunted house a tragedy unfolds. The Heritage Society’s first fundraising effort for The Bouchard Mansion was intended to help raise funds for renovations.

Enjoying the role-playing opportunity are actors portraying Edgar Allan Poe, Lady Macbeth and other literary figures. An honored guest is Willow French, the grand niece of Timothy Neville, a long-time supporter of the Heritage Society. Willow’s book “Carolina Crimes & Creepers” is hot off the press and she had a book signing during the event. Tragically, she becomes a future story for a crime book. To the horror of the event’s guests, they witness Willow’s death. Among those attending are Theodosia Browning, the owner of Indigo Tea Shop, and Drayton, her tea sommelier. Being close with Timothy, they will not let this terrible event end without answers.

If that wasn’t difficult enough, Theo’s boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is shot at the door of Willow’s apartment when he goes to search for clues of who may have killed her. The next thing he knows, he’s being guided through the sliding doors of the hospital. The only thing he recalls is Willow’s computer is missing and the place was ransacked.

Shortly after, Theo mentally recovers from the shock of Riley’s brush with death, she goes to the Heritage Society to speak with Timothy. Timothy begs Theo to investigate and, of course, Theo can’t refuse. She’s known Timothy for years and feels terrible about Willow’s death.

There are so many possibilities here for who the guilty party is. For one, the house is allegedly haunted. Then there’s the rantings from the man that should have inherited the Bouchard Mansion, but it was willed to the Heritage Society. Anger brewing there. What about Willow’s fiancé inheriting their new home and they never got married. But there are far more clues and motives presented that will leave the reader guessing to the end. And I did.

Haunted Hibiscus is another enjoyable read by Laura Childs. I don’t know how she continues to write all these interesting to the last page novels. They are always the first book I want to read in my TBR pile (which is growing by the minute). What drew me to the book was an author as the victim, a haunted house with secrets, portrayal of literary characters for a fundraiser and, of course, Theo, Drayton, Pete and Haley. Don’t forget the themed tea parties. What I didn’t like: it ended.

four cups of Indigo Tea Shop special blended tea out of five

Denise Fleischer

gottawritenetwork.wordpress.com

April 2, 2021

I can’t believe that there are so many books in this series. HAUNTED HIBISCUS is book 22 in the Teashop Mystery series. I feel like I always say this in my reviews of this series, but I absolutely love this series. Laura Childs always does a great job of pacing her novels so that each mystery unravels beautifully. I found that especially true for this book.

If you’re brand new to Cozy Mystery or would like something well-written and easy to devour, I recommend this series to anyone. It’s an entertaining, engaging read with interesting characters and good writing. I especially love the main cast. Theodosia and Drayton aren’t like many other amateur sleuths I know and that’s kind of why I love them. While sometimes I think this series targets an older audience, I do think younger audiences like me can still appreciate it, especially since it is so well written.

This book does have a bit of a Halloween theme to it, so I liked that added touch. But I do feel like you can enjoy this any time of the year. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this series. Laura Childs is simply a must-read!

Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is quite the doozy of a Halloween read.

Will Theodosia figure out who killed Willow for Timothy's sake?

Theodosia Browning
Our sleuth is Theodosia Browning, and she is quite the character. I would have to say I wouldn't mind having her job. Okay, minus the sleuthing that she has to do. Theo, as a lot of people call her, is at the opening of a new haunted house when as she is leaving for the night, she sees the young lady who was signing books earlier die. She is thrust into the world of sleuthing not only because she wants to know herself who would do that to Willow French but also because someone hurt her boyfriend. I have to say that Theo is a lovely character, and it was a fabulous treat to have someone like this as a sleuth.

Pete Riley
Pete Riley is the boyfriend of Theodosia but also her police contact. Okay, and more of the whole reason with why Theo is even more thrust into the world of solving this crime. She wanted to find out who would shoot at her boyfriend and if it was connected. Pete is a great character as well, and I love how concerned he is for Theo. He would make a marvelous boyfriend.

The Mystery
The mystery all starts with who would kill Willow French on the opening night of a haunted house. There are a whole lot of red herrings and so much sleuthing going on in this book. I thought I had it, but then I was like, no, that has to be red herring. There were many suspicions, though, I had about a certain character, and I was right. Be careful of those red herrings. While reading this book, be sure to have a notebook handy to write down the suspects. I had to do that. Also, have food handy. I found that I eat a bit more than I needed to.

5 Stars
Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is a great book to start in on this series. Granted, I didn't mean to start on the 22nd book, but it sounded so good. I loved everything about this book, from the characters to the mystery, to the food they were touting off in there and everything that Theodosia does at her tea shop. It just sounded all so sublime. I can't wait to read another book in this series.

Don't forget to check out the recipes in the back, and if you want to host your own tea time, there are tips back there. The recipes include Haley's Pumpkin Soup, Tarragon Chicken Salad, Chai-Flavored Cupcakes, Crab and Avocado Tea Sandwichs, Southern Peach Crisp, Ham, and Corn Muffins, Herbed Chevre Butter, Haunted Hibiscus Cooler, Charleston Apple Pudding, Best Banana Bread Ever, and Haley's Pork Tenderloin. All of these sound so good. I might have to try one of these recipes in the future.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

Laura Childs gives us another Tea Shop cozy in Haunted Hibiscus. Theodosia Browning owner of the Indigo Teashop has murder and Halloween on her mind. A young author is dead and Theodosia's beloved, a policeman, is wounded. Haunted houses, fancy tea treats and missing antiquarian books. Theodosia tries to find the killer so that things can settle down. Many suspects, interesting heritage events. Read and enjoy.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

It’s almost Halloween in Charleston, South Carolina and Theodosia and Drayton are excited to check out the literary and historical themed haunted house at the old Bouchard Mansion, also known as the Gray Ghost. The Heritage Society was recently bequeathed the place and thought the event would be a great fundraiser. In addition to the haunting characters Willow French, grand-niece of Timothy Neville, head of the Society is signing copies of her new book, Carolina Crimes & Creepers.

It’s opening night and the place is packed then screams ring out. Drayton and Theodosia rush outside to see young Willow hanging from a rope outside a 3rd-floor window. The police arrive and Detective Pete Riley, Theodosia’s boyfriend, is almost immediately sent to check out Willow’s apartment for clues to her death. He barely arrives and a shot is fired. Riley is hit and the shooter escapes.

Theo is beside herself worrying about Riley but when she is pressed to investigate by Willow’s great uncle she can’t say no. There are a lot of events planned at the Indigo Tea Shop but she knows with a little help from her friends she can find time to interview the growing number of suspects and do some general snooping. Heck, who wouldn’t want to search a creepy old house for clues so close to Halloween. Theo just hopes she isn’t the killer’s next victim.

I made the mistake a while back and got behind on this series. I will never make that mistake again. Now I anxiously await each new installment eager to see what Theo, Drayton, and Haley are up to. Ms. Childs never disappoints. This story did have a trigger moment for me but I was forewarned and I passed over that section quickly. My heart just broke for Willow and her family.

Opening this book I felt like I was visiting old friends. I settled right in with these lively characters and they took me on quite a journey. I love that even after 22 stories these characters are still fresh and continue to evolve. That is not an easy feat for an author. She also introduces some compelling new characters/suspects who all seem to be hiding something. Even the old Brouchard Mansion becomes a pseudo character as it has some secrets of its own.

The mystery is so well-written. Clever clues are filtered through all the twists and turns. My thinking was diverted so many times I gave up on counting. I certainly didn’t figure out whodunit until all was revealed and that is due to the author’s brilliant writing style. Ms. Childs words set the scene and everything that happens in great detail. Every page came alive in my mind’s eye. She even had my stomach growling with all the food descriptions.

Haunted Hibiscus was a very entertaining read with engaging characters. Riley and Theo’s relationship always makes me smile. Fans of this series with be delighted with this story full of Southern charm and suspense, humor, and romance all in perfect amounts. But if you are new to this series, don’t hesitate to pick up this book. Laura Childs writes this book to be easily read and enjoyed all on its own. I can’t promise you won’t want to go back and read the rest.

HAUNTED HIBISCUS is the twenty-second book in the TEA SHOP MYSTERY series. Although this is the first book in the series that I’ve read it won’t be my last. Set in Charleston, South Carolina I was drawn in by the characters, the city, the mystery, and all things Halloween. The descriptions of the food, the teas, the city, the architecture, the businesses, and the people made me feel like I was there. There was a vividness and colorfulness throughout.

The Indigo Tea Shop owned by Theo with her coworkers, Drayton the tea sommelier, and Haley, the chef who prepared delightful foods and desserts, was front and center. Theo’s boyfriend Pete is a detective and she’s an amateur sleuth who is always in the thick of things no matter who thinks she should be on the sidelines. There are many stories being told and they are woven seamlessly together. The story had a wonderful flow with lots of twists and turns and a multitude of characters. There are family and friends, acquaintances, murders, crimes committed, injuries, parties, and festivities along with some mysteries to solve. There is nice closure and I didn’t guess whodunnit even with lots of clues given throughout the telling of the story. The cover was apropos and successfully fit the season portrayed in the book. The many recipes in the back of the book piqued my interest and I will definitely give some of them a try. The Tea Time Tips were a nice addition and I could see readers giving some of the suggestions a try.

Ms. Childs is a new to me author and I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.

When the historical society inherits an impressive old mansion, is it a windfall or a nightmare?
I love the idea of a literary inspired haunted house fundraiser. I hope places near me will be inspired to copy this idea.
Unfortunately for the young author signing books at this event, the experience was life ending.

Another positive aspect to this series is that all generations are represented. I appreciate how well all meld together. As with the generations and varieties of people mixing together with an appreciation for history, the motives for the murder at the fundraiser also all seemed plausible. Who was the real target?
Was it the poor young woman or the society or was she just a convenient yet in the way obstacle?

As the local cafe can be a center for rumors and gossip, Theo's Teashop sees its share of quirky characters and ranges of emotion. It makes for a great setting to get together and devise plans on how to trap a murderer or solve mysteries and crimes.

This book works well alone but the characters and mysteries are all so well done that you should enjoy the whole series.

Haunted Hibiscus is the 22nd book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I have copies of the first four books in this series patiently waiting to be read, as well as book 21, Lavender Blue Murder.

I enjoyed reading Haunted Hibiscus immensely! In this instalment, a crumbling Bouchard mansion owned by the Historical Society has been turned into a haunted house for the Historical Society Halloween fundraiser in Charleston, South Carolina. Theodosia Browning, the proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, is on her way to the mansion, referred to as 'Gray Ghost'. Theo and her tea sommelier, Drayton are attending the Halloween party that includes a book-signing for a new true crime and low-country legend author. But the night turns sour when a woman is murdered, found hanging from a third-floor window.

This novel was an extremely intriguing tale and I was delighted to be visiting Theodosia in her teashop in Charleston! Her variety of recipes sounded scrumptious, a few of which had a Halloween theme and I'm particularly keen to try the Charleston Apple Pudding and Haley's Pumpkin Soup. Of course, the extensive menu of teas must be mentioned.

Laura Childs' magnificent descriptions of the dark night, the haunted house and the fundraiser were second-to-none, as were those of the characters in their historical or ghostly apparel. Unravelling the mystery in the pockets of Theodosia was lots of fun and I welcomed the comfortable pace. I did my level best to solve the subtle clues, wade through the red herrings and concentrate on the murderer but repeatedly found myself sidetracked by other events, happenings, comedic moments and occurrences. Laura Childs has used a few chucklesome sides to full effect such as electric tea brewers that are Bluetooth enabled, Drayton's witch’s broom Puerh and different types of beige. Lots of action keeps up the suspense levels as the story winds its way to a fulfilling conclusion.

Haunted Hibiscus is a highly recommended five star read that will be of interest to many cozy readers, and I’m game to see what shenanigans Theodosia and Drayton get into next in book 23, Twisted Tea Christmas. If you haven’t tried this series out yet, then you’re definitely missing out!

Thanks to Berkley, Great Escapes Book Tours and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

Haunted Hibiscus is the second book I've read in the Tea Shop Mystery series, and like when I read Lavender Blue Murder, I thought to myself, "How have I not read this entire series?"!  Yes, it's only the second I've read (and it's book 22!), but I honestly have to say, it is one of my favorite series ever now. As I was reading, I made sure I texted my sister to tell her she HAS to read these books.

In Haunted Hibiscus, Theodosia gets tangled up in another murder investigation when a young author is hanged and shortly after, her boyfriend Pete is shot! Of course, Pete wants her to stay out of it, but, of course, she doesn't "really" listen. And it wouldn't be a cozy mystery if she didn't get involved!

As much as I loved the mystery in Haunted Hibiscus, it's the characters and setting that really make this book a five star book. I am a tea drinker. Sure, I drink coffee too, but I drink it much less often than I drink tea. There's just something so comforting in a good cuppa. Plus, I can indulge in my "I'm in the UK or Ireland" fantasy while I drink it! Theodosia owns the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, SC, and I want to visit! Sure, it exists in a pretend world. Regardless, I still need to go, and when you read the series, you will too! In addition to the tea shop, the creepy Bouchard mansion, where the haunted house (and murder!) take place, is the perfect backdrop for a Halloween cozy.

What would a cozy mystery be without its wonderful characters? Not much! Haunted Hibiscus checks the box with a variety of wonderfully written characters. When you meet Drayton, you'll be amazed by his knowledge of tea and charmed by his warm personality. I'd have to say he's my favorite.

I could literally go on and on about the things I loved, but I won't. You've got to find these things out for yourself as you read! Haunted Hibiscus, with its atmospheric setting, well-written characters, and page turning mystery, will keep you up all night reading! Make yourself a cup of tea, get comfy, and read Haunted Hibiscus.

This is a fun series but I must admit this wasn't my favorite one. There are a lot of positives about the book though. As usual Charleston is almost a character. There's all kinds of ghostly Halloween feels along with a literary haunted house. Throw in a murder for unknown motives and the mystery was seriously interesting. I always enjoy time in the teashop and would love to try the yummy treats and different teas described. I love the side characters and the general feel of the book.

My main issue is with Theodosia, the main character. The amateur sleuth element of a cozy can always be a bit tricky but Theodosia's belief that she has the right to investigate and her level of outrage when the police (including her boyfriend) don't officially sanction her investigation got a bit annoying. I get that she was emotionally invested in this one but her attitude set my teeth on edge a bit.

Despite my issues with this book I did enjoy it. The atmosphere is fantastic and I always love my time at the Indigo tea shop with Drayton and Hayley. This would be great for a Halloween cozy read.

HAUNTED HIBISCUS by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Second Tea Shop Mystery

A night at the Heritage Society's haunted house turns into one of horror as a young woman is murdered, hung outside an upstairs window. The victim is a promising new author who was signing copies of her new book about true crime and various low-country legends. She is also Timothy Neville's grandniece and a good friend of Hayley. With her need for the adrenaline rush of an investigation Tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is once again on the trail of a killer.

HAUNTED HIBISCUS gives readers a complex, emotional mystery. Not only is our victim a pleasant young woman just starting a successful writing life, Detective Riley, Theo's boyfriend, is injured in the line of duty. When young lives are cut short and close friends hurt, tension and drama are automatically intensified. Seeing Timothy near despair and Haley's too bubbly personality dimmed push Theo to get involved and when Riley is shot nothing will stop her.

The thing that bothers me is Theodosia's belief that she is an investigator. No longer quietly talking to people on the periphery she now confronts suspects and demand they speak with her. While Theo has been investigating for some time, this is her twenty second outing after all, she is not part of the police department, nor is she a PI. She courts danger and think she is capable of dealing with suspects and finding murderers without police assistance. Her cocksure attitude is starting to put me off.

That being said, I love the Indigo Tea Shop and revel in the delicious descriptions of the various tea events. Drayton, with his dry sensibilities, has become my favorite character. I'd love to see a short story featuring him and Miss Dimple!

Laura Childs has a great talent for adding a variety of red herrings and she does so here with aplomb. Shying away from some of the more probable motives for murder, I thought for sure I was onto something. I wasn't. The various suspects were all interesting and the revelations as the story continued were surprising adding even more dimension to the plot.

HAUNTED HIBISCUS combines thrilling action with comforting culinary delights in an intricately plotted Halloween themed mystery.

Haunted Hibiscus by Laura Childs is the 13th A Tea Sop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who are new to the series or have missed a book or two. I look forward to reading the latest Tea Shop Mystery each year. This first cozy mystery that I read was Death by Darjeeling and I have been hooked on cozy mysteries since then. Theodosia Browning is back with Drayton and Haley for a new adventure. The Heritage Society inherited the Bouchard house and has turned it into a literary-and-history inspired haunted house. Theodosia and Drayton are attending the opening night when a scream rings out. Willow French, author and Timothy Neville’s niece, is hanging from a rope out of third story window. Theodosia quickly calls Detective Pete Riley who arrives with Detective Tidwell. Pete gets dispatched to the victim’s apartment where he is shot. Theodosia is determined to uncover the identity of the guilty party. I thought Haunted Hibiscus was well-written with developed, engaging characters and a beautiful setting. I look forward to catching up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, and Earl Grey with each new book. The author captures Charleston, South Carolina with her vivid descriptions. I was drawn into Haunted Hibiscus from the very first page. The mystery was intriguing. There are several viable suspects. Any one of them could have committed the crime. I enjoyed the subtle clues. You must pay close attention if you are going to catch them and see how they relate to the whodunit (if you want to solve the crime). There is action that keeps things suspenseful plus helps propel the book forward toward the delightful conclusion. There were some fascinating revelations as well as a little twist (or two). There is humor mixed into the story as well. There are mouthwatering food descriptions as well as tasty teas. I liked learning more about the tea blends that Drayton serves and unique information about tea trays. I did not want Haunted Hibiscus to end. I am looking forward to reading Twisted Tea Christmas in October. Haunted Hibiscus is a charming Southern cozy mystery with tasty teas, haunted happenings, an energetic Earl Grey, a wounded detective, a tenacious Tidwell, curious clues, and a haunted house.

The tragic murder of a young woman leads investigators and amateur detective, Theodosia Browning on multiple promising leads and a secondary murder. Ghosts, spirits, folklore and tea parties, drive this mystery in this bustling cozy by Laura Childs. This is the twenty-second book in the Laura Childs, A Tea Shop Mystery series.

Days before Halloween Theodosia “Theo” Browning, is excited to attend a haunted house party, planned by The Heritage Society, which includes a book signing by the up-and-coming author, Willow French. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect, hosting it in a crumbling old mansion, just added to the appeal of the theme. But then, things suddenly take a turn for the disturbing as the after math of a murder is witnessed by those attending the event. Suspects abound in this detailed murder-mystery, that will have you guessing till the very end. (literally)

Theodosia, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is living her childhood dream, planning the most amazing themed tea parties for her shop. After the disaster of the haunted house, the least she expected was to be asked to get involved in conducting an investigation of her own. Happy to help and having a reputation of getting involved, Theo surprises even the most secretive with her investigative skills.

I loved the vast array of characters casted in this book. Theo, first of all, is amazing, strong, assertive, discreet and polite and her friend Drayton is charming and always supportive. Her tea shop cook, Haley is awesome, and both are loyal, truthful and favorably minded friends to Theo. I did not particularly care for the boyfriend, Detective, Pete Riley. This is the 22nd book in this series and the first of this series that I’ve read, so I am not sure how long they’ve been together, but I’m sensing some kind of possible love triangle between them and hunky, protective Detective Burt Tidwell. Definitely, something to look forward to.

The story was a bit detailed, but enjoyable. I loved the discussions of the day-to-day set-up for the tea shop and their conversations of the menu details. The characters emphasis Charleston and its many charms and traditions, ghosts and mysteries and it sounds like an amazing character in itself. I loved the way the mystery flowed, unraveling among the tea parties and conversations. There were some questions that lingered and went unanswered as the mystery wrapped up, but otherwise, this was a very good mystery and an excellent solved murder.

Bonus: Delicious recipes served at the Indigo Tea shop are included at the end of the book.

~ Patricia

The 22nd Tea Shop Mystery from the incomparable Laura Childs is out this week, and it's a page-turner. As the Magic 8-Ball might say, "All signs point to an exceptionally spooky Halloween for Theodosia Browning and friends." First, Theo and her tea sommelier friend, Drayton Conneley, show up for a literary-themed haunted house event that benefits the Heritage Society. But something goes terribly awry, and the costumed ghouls end up being the least scary folks in sight when an author at the event is murdered and her body shoved out a third-floor window for all to see. To make matters worse, the detective later sent to investigate at the victim's home is shot in the line of duty.
Regular readers of this series will be familiar with both victims—the deceased woman and the injured officer—and the personal connections make it plain that Theo will be unusually eager to find the person or persons responsible for these crimes.
The Indigo Tea Shop plays its usual starring role in the book, and those who love fall—and fall teas—will find much to enjoy, from a Sherlock Holmes Tea to a Pumpkin and Spice Tea featuring "Drayton's special cinnamon spice tea." (Question: Has anyone ever packaged specialty teas in conjunction with the Tea Shop Mysteries? I'd be first in line to buy anything Drayton conjures for the shop!) And young chef Haley seems to outdo herself in the kitchen this go-round. It's astonishing how quickly she can turn an ordinary day's lunch special into a specialty tea for ten unexpected guests from a local B and B.
As always, Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley are so simpatico that they feel like old friends we get to check in on once a year, making these books a perennial delight for tea lovers. With many twists and turns and lots of red herrings, this tea shop tale was one of my favorites of recent years. Cheers to Childs for another fine mystery!
Review copy courtesy of NetGalley