This is a new-to-me series, although I'm not sure how I've managed to miss it since this is the 24th installment. But with a tea shop, a bookstore and murder involved, I couldn't pass up a chance to try a sample. The Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina, is owned by Theodosia Browning, capably assisted by tea sommelier Drayton and young chef Haley. Judging from the extensive food and drink selections at various times of day, it appears that the shop does a thriving business (and made me wonder how on earth Haley could produce such delicacies in such quantity and timeliness when she's basically all alone in the kitchen). But on the fateful stormy night when the story begins, Theodosia walks past a cemetery and, through no fault of her own, sees what she believes is a woman being murdered right before her fog-clouded eyes.

And she's right; turns out the victim is the daughter of the aforesaid bookstore owner just down the street. As the police - including Theodosia's boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley - begin their investigation, similarities to the work of a known serial killer who was active in the area some seven years earlier. An amateur sleuth, Theodosia is eager to do some investigating on her own, but she's cautioned against doing so by Pete and his police cohorts (as is customary in every cozy mystery I've ever read). And just as customarily, Theodosia ignores their warnings and sets out on her own. After all, you see, the victim, an intern at a local TV station, was the daughter of a friend, who asks for Theodosia's help.

To be sure, there's no shortage of suspects - ranging from a former boyfriend to a neighbor who's writing a true crime book to a big real estate developer who's intent on making his mostly unwelcome mark on the historic neighborhood. Theodosia convinces herself each one is the killer, searching for clues to bolster her suspicions at least till the real police find real evidence of their innocence. The requisite ditzy cozy heroine sidekick - the one who's usually obnoxious and headstrong - makes herself known a couple of times, but she doesn't have much of a role in this story. Neither does Theodosia's boyfriend Pete, actually; in fact, they don't seem to have much of a relationship (I'm new to this series, so I'll assume he is as well).

Of course, Theodosia's unauthorized poking around doesn't sit well with the killer, who would very much prefer to be left unidentified. And that, also of course, spells big trouble for Theodosia, "forcing" her to resort to all kinds of devious activities - and one that's downright illegal, which certainly doesn't sit well with me - to get what she's after. The trouble that ensues and how it all ends I can't reveal, but I can say that when it does end, foodies whose mouths watered over some of the scones and tea sandwiches mentioned liberally throughout the book will be delighted to find recipes and other tea-related resources. All in all, it's a fun story that's not too scary to read sitting alone in a big old house in front of a cozy (pun intended) fire. Thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for the pre-release copy to read and review.

The 24th book in the Teashop Mystery series, but the first one I have read. I enjoyed it very much and it could be read as a standalone, although it always best to read the whole series to get more character background. It was surprising that this story started with a murder by a serial killer. It made this story seem that much serious. As the murder victim is the daughter of one of Theo's friends, Theo commits to trying to find the murderer. This seems especially dangerous for all involved.

I also loved the setting of the tea shop and the cast of supporting characters. I don't quite believe that a tea shop could have so much business, but maybe that is realistic. All I know is I would like to visit the shop and sample some teas. I did enjoy this book, and can see myself reading more in the series and more by the author. She writes with a nice, comforting style.

I received a review copy from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Theodosia Browning is a busy woman. Who knew that running a cozy tearoom in Charleston, South Carolina would be so demanding? Between the customers who come in almost every day for some tea and treats to the tourists who stop in to the events they put on and the catering they do in town, Theo keeps herself moving. But when she was hurrying through St. Philip’s Graveyard, taking a shortcut in the storm, trying to get from the Heritage Society to her warm and cozy Indigo Tea Shop, she is stopped by what she sees.

It’s a man and a woman, but Theodosia can’t tell at first what is happening. The one lays the other down, and Theo notices a big knife. She shouts at them, and the man, the one holding the knife, stops and stares at her and then disappears into the storm. Theodosia goes over to where the woman is and sees that she is dead. Theodosia calls for the police and waits in the rain.

After the police show up and the crime scene investigators are getting to work, Theodosia and Detective Tidwell head to the tea shop. The detective asks if they can use that for a while while they are investigating the nearby graveyard, and Theodosia agrees. Her best friend and tea sommelier, Drayton, immediately start brewing tea and setting out snacks that their chef Haley has made.

When they get a minute, Theodosia tells Drayton all about what she had seen, and how she hadn’t recognized the man, but she did recognize the woman. It was Cara Chamberlain, the daughter of Lois, who ran the antiquarian bookshop just down the street. And the police think it’s the work of Fogheel Jack.

Seven years ago, there were 2 women who were murdered during a time when the fog had rolled in and limited visibility through the entire town for days. The women were strangled in a similar way, and then the killer disappeared. He was dubbed Fogheel Jack after an English serial killer with a similar style. If this latest killing is the work of Fogheel Jack, then Cara would be his second victim this time.

Lois asks Theodosia for help trying to figure out who might have killed her daughter, and Theo agrees. She finds out the name of Cara’s ex-boyfriend. She researches the history of Fogheel Jack. She looks into the real estate developer who is trying to buy Lois’s bookstore, even though her lease won’t run out for several years. She checks in with her friends on the police force and fields questions from friends and reporters who want to know what she’s found out.

But when another woman ends up dead, this time the investigative journalist from the local television station, Theodosia knows that this killer is no joke. And until the police figure out who Fogheel Jack is, no one in Charleston is safe, least of all the tea shop owner who is going around asking nosy questions. Will Theodosia help put an end to the legend of Fogheel Jack, or will she just be another name in his list of victims?

A Dark and Stormy Tea is book 24 in Laura Childs’s popular Tea Shop Mystery series. The coziness of the tea shop and the charming backdrop of Charleston help balance the murder and mayhem that seems to seek out Theodosia and her friends. Along with the crime-solving, this mystery features delicious sounding tea blends and baked goods and even includes some recipes at the end for the recipes from the story, like the Super Simple Banana Cake, Killer Cranberry Scones, Drayton’s Drunken Chicken, Carrot Bread, Crunchy English Toffee, and Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter. There are also resources for tea lovers, like websites to order teas, magazines, and ideas for throwing a themed tea party, like a Farmers Market Tea, Movie Tea, or Mystery Tea.

I really enjoyed A Dark and Stormy Tea. I like Theodosia and her friends, and I think it really does call out for a pot of tea and some tasty scones to settle in with to read this. Though I did think that the killer in this story was darker than usual, I loved the history that Childs brought into the story. The murder happens right at the start of the story, and the combination of a serial killer with a spooky Victorian background and the rain and fog that dominated the weather added a real sense of danger to this story. But it was really well balanced by the warmth of Theodosia, her shop, and her relationships (and her dog Earl Grey, of course). If you’re a cozy fan ready for a darker story than usual, then curl up with a warm blanket and A Dark and Stormy Tea for an excellent afternoon read.

Egalleys for A Dark and Stormy Night were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.

This just might be my absolute favorite cozy mystery series. I love everything about it, from the main characters, to the tea shop I desperately want to visit, to the romance and of course the mystery. And this was an excellent mystery.

A possible serial killer is stalking the women of Charleston, and Theodosia, after witnessing one of the murders, is determined to solve the mystery and stop the killings. Along the way, she juggles running amazing themed teas, her policeman boyfriend, attending social functions, and making readers drool with the baked goods and teas she serves at what sounds like the most darling tea shop on earth.

If you like cozy mysteries, and haven't tried this series yet, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

This is the 24th Tea Shop mystery. I’ve read them all, and they’re all entertaining to read. Theodosia and Drayton are serving up tea and scones and solving crimes, usually murders, at the same time. I really like the plot in this book and there is a surplus of possible suspects, which makes guessing “whodunnit” even more intriguing. The characters are well developed, and the descriptions of Charleston are amazing.
I want to visit there, and I hope I find a tea shop as special as the Indigo Tea Shop and eat some of the mouthwatering food described in the book! There are delicious recipes at the end if you want to cook some of them yourself. This is a book to enjoy with a cup of tea and a scone, 5 stars.

Synopsis:
A possible serial killer on the loose sends tea maven Theodosia Browning into a whirlwind of investigation in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.

It was a dark and stormy night, but that was the least of Theodosia Browning's troubles. As she approaches St. Philips Graveyard, Theodosia sees two figures locked in a strange embrace. Wiping rain from her eyes, Theodosia realizes she has just witnessed a brutal murder and sees a dark-hooded figure slip away into the fog.

In the throes of alerting police, Theodosia recognizes the victim--it is the daughter of her friend, Lois, who owns the Antiquarian Bookshop next door to her own Indigo Tea Shop.

Even though this appears to be the work of a serial killer who is stalking the back alleys of Charleston, Lois begs Theodosia for help. Against the advice of her boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, and the sage words of Drayton, her tea sommelier, amateur-sleuth Theodosia launches her own shadow investigation. And quickly discovers that suspects abound with the dead girl's boyfriend, nefarious real estate developer, private-security man, bumbling reporter, and her own neighbor who is writing a true-crime book and searching for a big ending.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/<id type="integer">4907972615</id>

I would say A Dark and Stormy Tea is my favorite of the books I've read in A Teashop Mystery series.
Once again we have tea maven Theodosia Browning butting her nose in, err helping to investigate a murder committed by a possible serial killer.
On a dark and stormy night on her way home from working at her delightful teashop ,Theodosia Browning cuts through a cemetery and witnesses a brutal murder. Because of the cloaked figure she can not identify who it was but the victim is her friend's daughter who owns a bookshop next to her teashop, the Indigo Teashop.
Her boyfriend is a police detective so we get an inside scoop on how the investigation is going which makes it interesting,
I enjoyed the descriptions of the the types of tea in the shop,the china and the fancy parties taking place there.
Earl Grey is a great name for her dog.
There are other similar types of murders taking place at different places and times so this just may be the work of a serial killer.
Theodosia Browning's gotten herself into a bit of hot water with her investigating, see how a teakettle and a bit of tea helps her out.
Recommended to fans of foodie cozy mysteries also teashops.
Absolutely delightful food and drink recipes included in the book.

Pub Date 09 Aug 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

This is the first mystery I've read by Laura Childs, and I can't believe what I've missed. She has several series. This one, the Tea Shop Mysteries, takes place in Charleston, South Carolina and features Theodosia Browning who owns the Indigo Tea Shop and has a knack for solving crimes as well as brewing tea.

In A Dark and Stormy Tea, the 24th Tea Shop Mystery, Theodosia witnesses the murder of a bookstore owner's daughter in a cemetery but, because of the rain, she was unable to see the face of the killer. Could he be Fogheel Jack, the name given to a murderer who has strangled women in the past in foggy weather?

The victim's mother, a friend of Theodosia, asks for her help catching the killer. Against her Detective boyfriend's wishes and despite her tea sommelier, Drayton's discouragement, she pursues her own investigation and is nearly killed after a successful mystery tea at her shop.

I found this a charming cozy. The characters and atmosphere were great, and there was an interesting twist. A big plus are the recipes at the end of the book for tea and other yummy goodies. You will devour this story. Highly recommended.

I have loved every book I’ve read in the Tea Shop Mystery series, and A Dark and Stormy Tea is no exception! It feels like coming home when I step into one of these books (even though I’ve never been to Charleston!). Laura Childs makes Theodosia’s area of Charleston as well as her tea shop come alive with her descriptive and detailed writing.

A Dark and Stormy Tea has a bit of a Gothic feel to it. The nearly constant rain and fog permeate the pages giving it a dark atmosphere. And the slightly spooky cover just adds to that feeling. Right away, you know something is coming as Theodosia heads to her tea shop that fateful day. It’s storming. It’s dark. And as she passes the cemetery, she hears a sound. The lightning flashes, and she sees two people in what could be an embrace. But as more lightning flashes and a dark figure with a knife passes her, she knows it wasn’t an embrace! And so it begins. Theodosia gets wrapped up in another murder case; and, this time, it might be a serial killer!

If you’ve not read any of the books in this series, don’t worry! Each book can easily be read as a stand-alone. You’ll quickly get to know the characters not only through Childs’s writing but also by observing how they interact with each other. The supporting characters that appear in this book are also well-written; and among those, you’ll keep wondering who the killer is…and if he committed similar murders several years ago.

Reading about the food and teas served daily and the special themed teas always make me hungry! You’re going to want a good cuppa and a scone on hand when you read. If you can get a hold of some Devonshire cream, let me know! I wish I had the toppings they serve with the scones because they sound delicious! Okay, I just got curious while writing that sentence and found a recipe that looks really easy. (Adding cream cheese and heavy cream to my shopping list….) There are several recipes included in the book too, and I want to try most of them!

A Dark and Stormy Tea is a page-turner that, once you get into the story, you won’t want to put down! The atmosphere, characters, teas, and mystery make A Dark and Stormy Tea a very enjoyable read! I highly recommend it!

I loved this book. Truly loved it. I now plan to go back and read the entire series. So it was my first time reading a book from this series and had no idea about any of the characters but that didn't stop me from loving the book. I loved how well developed the characters and friendships were, it wasn't hard to understand without having no background knowledge of the town and characters. What I loved most about it was that this is the first cozy mystery that had a true crime feel to it. It felt fresh and exciting. As someone who likes true crime things I was hooked through the entire book. Highly recommend!

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is well written and the characters are described well. I absolutely adored Theodosia, Drayton and Haley's characters. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page trying to figure out who did it. It keeps your attention from the first page. Although I would recommend reading the first book in this series, this is th 24th book in this series. Overall this book is a wonderful reading experience. I absolutely highly highly recommend this series to anyone and everyone. This book is in stores today for $27.00 (USD).

I enjoyed reading the latest addition to the Tea Shop mysteries. I love the various teas and find myself having a cup most afternoon, especially now with ideas for an assortment of teas I've never tried. The abundance of luncheon ideas filled me with ideas and my grocery cart on the verge of collapse as I wanted to try all the delicacies mentioned in the book.

I only gave four stars because I found this book more as a cookbook than a fictional read. My appetite whetted I needed frequent breaks to take a run to the kitchen.

Thanks to Net Galley for the advanced reader copy I received in exchange for an honest review.

A Dark and Stormy Tea will have you hooked from the get go.


A Dark and Stormy Tea is the 24th book in the A Tea Shop Mystery Series and will have you on your seat from the very first chapter. The weather is dreadful in Charleston, setting the tone for a very well plotted and written mystery. There was such a creepy sense to the story. Playing on the wonderful ghost stories of Charleston I definitely set the tone for the novel. This story could have easily been a Halloween release and it would’ve fit right in with the season.

Theodosia witnesses a murder without even realizing it and discovers A body while trying to take a shortcut to get out of the rain. Believing she knows the witness makes this one even harder. Theodosia does her best to try to keep out of things but yet when the mother of the deceased asked her to poke around with her reporter person friend to get some information that they may not know leads her to do what she does best. Well second best that is. She gets to the bottom of this mystery.


A Dark and Stormy Tea has everything you need for a well-rounded cozy mystery. The characters are charming and intriguing whether you are just meeting them or you have known them for quite a while. The atmosphere is amazing. You feel like you’re walking down the streets of Charleston as you’re reading the book. Theodosia makes me shake my head many times but she does what she does and she entertains me while she’s doing it. Although I may not make all the choices that she does, even when she warns not to do things she does get to the bottom of the mystery. You have to give her that. Oh my goodness, for the love of tea and scones, A Dark and Stormy Tea Will give you an afternoon or two, depending on how fast you read, of wonderful entertainment filled with delectable treats that you just want to eat right out of the pages.

A Dark and Stormy Tea was not my favorite book in the “Tea Shop Mystery” series. In fact, you might say I truly disliked it! The premise was intriguing, and the idea of a serial killer in a cozy mystery is different. Unfortunately, it didn’t work well. A tea shop is one of my favorite locations for a book, and Theodosia’s shop sounds beautiful, but it wasn’t enough to keep me invested in the story. The book is functionally well written, and the characters were developed long ago; it’s too bad they stopped growing. The location of Charleston should play a bigger role as it is a delightfully beautiful place.

Theodosia’s tea shop is bustling with customers, mainly tourists, out to enjoy a proper English tea. On her way home one foggy evening after a hectic and long day, Theodosia comes across what she thinks are two people dancing in the graveyard, but it turns out it was a murder. It doesn’t take long after discovering the victim for rumors that the victim was killed by a serial killer who had been active in the town several years before to circulate. Theodosia, of course, sticks her nose in and starts an investigation by interviewing everyone she thinks are viable suspects. The killer isn’t happy about Theodosia getting herself involved and decides maybe it's time to make her his next victim.

On the surface, the murder and the subsequent investigation into the motives of several people connected to the victim are routine. Theodosia jumps in without looking and falls flat on her face. First off, Theodosia comes to conclusions and suspects faster than a diva changes clothes. She has no basis for suspecting anyone and no evidence, only rumor, and supposition. She leaves her tea shop at all hours to look for a killer. She ignores the police’s warning to stay out of the investigation, and considering that they are tracking a serial killer, you would think she might show some restraint. None of the evidence presented in the murder point to any of her suspects. Yet she goes after them as if she has something concrete to base her false accusations on and doesn’t give her safety or anyone else’s a second thought. Who in their right mind would go out after dark jogging knowing that a serial killer is on the loose or sends a young girl off on her own to run an errand? Yet Theodosia does without a second thought. The police let her do whatever she wants and don’t even try to stop her.

Unfortunately, I knew who the killer was when he was introduced. I kept reading A Dark and Stormy Tea, hoping that I was wrong and, like Theodosia, just jumping to conclusions. However, that was not the case, and I was disappointed that the identity was so easy to figure out. To me, Theodosia is far too immature and naive for a woman her age. The love interest, if you can call it that, is non-existent and might as well not be in the books at all. I feel that Drayton, Haley, and Miss Dimple have real substance; a series centered around them would be interesting. Even the serial killer didn’t hold much in the way of fascination. Maybe I have been reading this series too long, or perhaps it has been going on for too long, and maybe I have become too nit-picky. About the only thing I liked in this book was the tea shop. This is not to say that all of the books in this series are bad because most are very enjoyable, and I encourage readers to check them out.

An enterprising and convoluted cozy Mystery presenting a multiplicity of suspects and a cleverly concealed killer, A DARK AND STORMY TEA is Book 24 in Laura Childs' A TEA SHOP MYSTERY Series. Intrepid heroine Theodosia and Tea sommelier Drayton, proprietors of the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston's Historic District, delight in delivering comfort and respite in the Shop, and for Theodosia's insatiable curiosity, amateur investigations on the side. This time, a recent cold case, and past history, come into play as she is inextricably caught up in the plans of a serial killer akin to Jekyll and Hyde in the ability to present a charming front concealing the internal monster.

Okay. First of all. I absolutely cannot get into these books because the main character is named Theodosia and she doesn’t even go by a quirky little nickname. And I just hear “dear theodosia” from Hamilton. Which is very much a Me Problem. Also I’m not a fan, at all, of her cop boyfriend, because he’s Weirdly Controlling. Which is definitely a staple of cozy mysteries, but I didn’t vibe with it at all. I think I might actually try to go back and read the first books in this series to see if I vibe with them better, because the TEA TIPS AND RECIPES at the back of the book are Absolutely Top Notch, Very Good. Which is what gets this book FOUR STARS. Actually three and a half stars, but we’ll round up. Thanks to NetGalley, etc.

The fog is rolling in on Charleston, South Carolina on the fateful evening that Theodosia Browning decides to take a shortcut while walking to the tea shop she owns. Her path leads her through St Philip’s Graveyard, the kind of place guaranteed to spook the faint of heart, but Theo fortunately doesn’t believe in ghostly menaces. Unfortunately, it’s a very flesh and blood threat she stumbles across and, worse, witnesses in action, despite her best efforts to thwart the shadowy killer’s grisly crime.

To add to the horror of the evening, Theo realizes that the murder victim is someone she knows. Cara Chamberlain is, or rather was, the college-aged daughter of local bookstore owner Lois. Smart and ambitious, Cara had been interning for local news station Channel 8 at the time of her demise. Lois confides in Theo that Cara had been researching the cold case murders attributed to a serial killer whom the local media dubbed Fogheel Jack, in hopes of impressing her bosses with what new angles and insights she could bring to bear on the topic. Had she somehow gotten too close to the truth, prompting the killer to resurface after seven long years in order to get rid of a plucky young investigator? Or is a copycat using the modus operandi of a long-gone bogeyman to obscure the real motives behind his spree?

As the body count rises and other shocking acts of violence rock Charleston’s Historic District, Theo finds herself increasingly involved in the investigations. After all, how can she say no to the pleas of a distraught Lois, who wants her to do whatever she can to make sure that Cara’s killer is brought to justice? But as the fog descends on their beloved city, will Theo find herself the next victim of a devious mind hiding out in plain sight?

This 24th installment of the long-running series finds Theo up to her usual mischief, ably assisted by her long-suffering tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley. Her outsize sense of curiosity lands her in hot water more often than not, as she meddles and snoops her way into the crosshairs of a killer. It makes for entertaining reading overall, though I wish we’d gotten a little more closure on the fire and on the events of seven years prior. Series fans will find much to love, however, in this culinary cozy series that makes the most both of its beautiful setting and of the wonderful tea services Theo and co put on at her Indigo Tea Shop. I was especially intrigued by the Murder Mystery Tea she served, and greatly appreciated the many tips included in the back of the book for hosting this and other themed events.

There were also fourteen recipes included, all for the delicious dishes described in the narrative. I decided to try out this relatively simple one:

QUOTE
Favorite English Pea Salad

1 large can English peas, drained
2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
1 cup finely chopped onions
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
Salt and pepper

Combine English peas, chopped eggs, onions, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste. Yields 4 to 6 side servings. (Note: This is an excellent accompaniment to tea sandwiches as well.)
END QUOTE

Honestly, this side salad has no business being as delicious as it is! I judiciously seasoned my dish with salt and pepper, and found that those most basic of seasonings provided the perfect counterpoints for the sweet softness of the peas and the tangy crunch of the diced onions. The egg and mayonnaise perfectly bind everything together for a side that’s packed with protein, vegetables and flavor.

In addition to being incredibly tasty, this salad was also really quick to put together, especially if you’re using pre-cut onions and perfectly hard-boiled eggs from the grocery store like I did. If you’re suffering from the summer heat and want a quick, cool way to make something not too unhealthy, then this is definitely the side dish for you! And while I initially served this with a light, if not quite a tea, sandwich, I also admit to sneaking spoonfuls of the salad on its own later on as a very satisfying snack.

Next week, we travel to the West Coast to check in with a sleuth we haven’t heard from in a few years, investigating a murder while enjoying a fantastic soup. Do join me!

It's always charming to return to Charleston in this cozy series, even if people do die suddenly! With too many suspects, serious attempts to harm her, and misdirection abounding, this is going to be a tough case for Theodosia to solve, if she can survive it. With the help of her friend's, a solution can be found! Just don't read on an empty stomach, as the tea menus for their speciality events will have you drooling! Curl up with a cup of tea nd enjoy this cozy!

Laura Child’s Tea Shop series is one I look forward to with every new release. In this outing, book 24, Theodosia Browning, owner of The Indigo Tea Shoppe in Charleston, is asked by friend and shop neighbour Lois to find out who killed Lois’ daughter. Her death is the second with the same MO and Charleston’s historic neighbourhood is on edge. Is there a serial killer at work? Throw in shady land dealer, a scummy reporter, and an author looking for his next true crime bestseller, and there’s no shortage of suspects.
If you’re looking for a good cozy series that transports you away from everyday life you can’t go wrong with this series. And the recipes are good too, I’ve tried a few.

A Dark and Stormy Tea by Laura Childs is the 24th A Tea Shop Mystery. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series (though, you will be missing out on a charming cozy mystery series). A Tea Shop Mysteries is one of the two series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries. I look forward to reading a new book each year. I thought A Dark and Stormy Tea is well-written with developed, realistic characters. I enjoyed the vivid word imagery that brought Charleston alive. It is rainy and foggy in Charleston which gives it a creepy atmosphere especially at night. It is the perfect setting for a murder. It is great to catch up with Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, and Earl Grey. Detective Pete Riley is in the periphery in this book while Detective Tidwell takes lead. Detective Tidwell manages to stop by the Indigo Tea Shop a couple of times to question Theo, see if she has learned any new details, and enjoy Haley’s delectable food. The mystery was intriguing. It suited the creepy atmosphere of Charleston. There are several good suspects along with a red herring. There are clues, but they are subtle. Details are important when trying to solve a crime. While I was able to identify the killer early in the book (I knew who, but I did not know why), I still enjoyed following the investigation. Both men should know by now that Theo is not going to stay out of a crime. She is curious by nature and when a friend asks for help, Theo will give it. I did feel that there needed to be a better wrap up. I was left with a couple of unanswered questions which is unusual for this author. I enjoyed the tea events hosted at the Indigo Tea Shop with the mystery tea being my favorite. The food descriptions will have your mouth watering (recipes at the end of the book). I cannot wait to see what Theodosia gets up to next time in Lemon Curd Killer. A Dark and Stormy Tea is a chilling whodunit with wet weather, a creepy cemetery, a serial killer, tempting tea treats, a determined developer, and an inquisitive Theo.

In this latest addition to the Tea Shop series by Laura Childs, Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is taking a shortcut back to the shop on a rainy evening when she comes across a dark figure draped over a tomb. Charleston has been on edge thinking Fogheel Jack, a serial killer, has returned from a seven year absence. Is that who she just saw running from the scene? Of course Theo & Drayton get involved trying to figure out this mystery. Great addition to the series with all our favorite characters!