Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs is book number twenty-eight in the “A Tea Shop Mystery” series. It is also the first book by this author that I have read. I found this book intriguing enough and I did continue reading the book, but I am wondering if I would have enjoyed the story if I were more invested in the residents of Charleston and those involved with the tea shop.

The story starts out pretty fun filled as a vast majority of who’s who in town is at the Mad Hatter Masquerade Ball. The reader is introduced to various town’s folks and all is going swimmingly for Theodosia… well… until she sees the body of Harlan Sadler, the spouse of the chairperson (Cricket Sadler) for the Mad Hatter Masquerade Ball. And so it starts – Theodosia trying to deduce who the murderer is before anyone else gets hurt.

I found Theodosia a bit scattered in her sleuthing, it seemed that she just fell into some good intel and went with it. A bit more deductive reasoning would have enhanced this read, in my opinion. However, being this is my introduction to Theodosia and her amateur sleuthing ways, this may just be the way she is.

I was impressed with the fact that Theodosia “was used to staging exciting events. A Firefly Tea at an old plantation, a Murder Mystery Tea in a haunted house…even a Honeybee Tea in Petigru Park.” But the Opera Society’s masquerade party at the old Pendleton Grist Mill near the City Marina seems to be the most unusual location. I also quite enjoyed reading about the themed teas held at the Indigo Tea Shop. With the shop being decorated and the different teas and meals to go with it sounds like so much fun. And being in a household of tea lovers, this definitely appealed to me.

In the end, while there were sufficient “potential” suspects, Theodosia did eventually come up with the murderer – and I was surprised at “whodunit” and isn’t that what reading a cozy mystery is all about – not figuring out “whodunit” until the end. So, mission accomplished 🙂

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, tea and a decent read…I suggest picking up the latest addition to the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. Though be warned, it might be best to start the series from the beginning to get a sense of what Theodosia is all about!

Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs has Theodosia solving another murder for a friend.

Who would kill Harlan Sadler?

Theodosia Browning
Theo gets talked into solving this murder. I really liked Theo a lot in this novel since she took what she had learned from the previous books to figure out this mystery. Not only that, but she is still learning new things about herself, Drayton, and Haley. Theo and her relationship with Pete Riley are going well. It's fun to watch it continue to grow.

The Mystery
Theo and Drayton find Harlan Sadler's dead body. Theodosia gets talked into solving the mystery by her friend, Delaine, and she's okay with that. She ends up trying to figure it out while also putting herself at risk of getting hurt—not only herself but everyone she cares about. I have to say that I didn't guess who did it, and I was shocked when it was revealed. Except I have the person on my suspect list. So, there is that.

Five Stars
I am giving five stars to Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs and recommending it to anyone who likes a good, cozy culinary mystery. Ms. Childs is an excellent writer, and I love deep-diving into Theodosia's world. One note that I have to say, no matter what is not to read this book on an empty stomach or have snacks near you. Reading about Haley's food makes me so hungry while reading it.

Don't forget to check out the recipes! They are Drayton's Peach Tea Smash, Indigo Tea Shop Lemon Curd, Haley Bailey's Chocolate Truffles, Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard Brown Sugar Crust, Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms, Veggie Tea Sandwiches, Decadent Bourbon Chocolate Pie, Peach Cobbler, Applesauce Brownies, and of course Tea Time Tips from the Author.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. 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 Peach Tea Smash by Laura Childs.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

Teatime has become mad as a hatter when the Alice in Wonderland masquerade theme tea become the stage of murder.

Peach Tea Smash is the 28 book to feature Theodosia and Drayton doing what they do best. They go full fledged into the steeping hot water of this mystery. Theodosia knows no fear. She will willingly put herself into the strangest situations to be able to figure out mystery. Sometimes it’s extremely smart and sometimes it just makes me wanna shake my head. But the gang of this tea shop never fails to make me laugh.

Laura Childs writes an entertaining mystery that not only keeps you guessing but makes you laugh while you’re reading.

The Mad Hatter Masquerade is in full swing when Harlan Sadler is murdered. Theodosia, tea shop owner extraordinaire, is on the case, sorting through family histories and close kept secrets to solve the murder.

I love this series, each book is an absolute delight, and the definition of a cozy mystery. This entry is no exception. Theodosia is in fine form, as are her supporting characters, and The Mad Hatter Masquerade is a great setting for a spooky murder. The big twist at the end is a big surprise. I would definitely recommend this book, and this series.

Laura Childs continues her Tea Shop mysteries with Peach Tea Smash. Theodosia Browning is busy with her tea shop and the social swirl in Charleston when a local banker is murdered grotesquely and she finds the body. In between attending operas and funerals, she hosts themed tea parties to aid the social season. Implored by a friend to help the widow who may be a suspect Theodosia finds out the dirt about the banker, his step son and a rival banker. Whodunit? Follow the clues along with a Regency and a Book Tea. Fun in the sun.

Dollycas's Thoughts

The Friends of the Opera are hosting a Mad Hatter Masquerade fundraiser on the grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier and friend Drayton Conneley find a body caught on the paddles and chains of the grist mill. While trying to get the body down it fell fifteen feet landing badly on the cobblestone floor. Blood was streaming down the person's face and mask. The victim was identified as the event's chairwoman, Cricket Sadler's husband Harlan. Harlan was a popular person who was loved by everyone. Why would anyone want to murder this fine man? Was it a case of mistaken identity? Their son Duke is not well-liked and more than a few people may have wanted him dead. Knowing this Cricket implores Theodosia to look into the murder. It was a big event where anyone could have committed the murder so Theodosia, "Charleston's own Nancy Drew" finds herself right in the middle of another murder mystery.

_____

Theodosia Browning is such a wonderful protagonist. In Peach Tea Smash she has a lot on her plate with a variety of special teas at her Indigo Tea Shop and catering several events before adding a murder investigation. With Drayton Conneley by her side, reluctantly for the amateur sleuthing, they seem to juggle it all. Theo does do some snooping on her own while Drayton, Haley, Miss Dimple, and Beth Ann keep things going at the shop. But she does talk Drayton into a couple of adventures and they can be comical, with Drayton's "long legs and all". Riley is not happy with them investigating but knows they will not stop. Same with Detective Tidwell, especially when they uncover new evidence and don't share it with him immediately. All of these characters remain fresh after 28 books and counting. It is always fun to catch up with them.

I loved the Mad Hatter Masquerade event and the grist mill setting for the murder. The "twisty walkways, jagged walls, and flaming torches all near the City Marina, filled with masked figures and strolling musicians, dancing fairies, and a dozen or more characters from Alice in Wonderland" with foods and beverages come together for a "first-class high society soiree". Ms. Childs takes her readers there and all around the beautiful city of Charleston and her Indigo Tea Shop easily with her words. She also describes how the victim was tangled up in the gears of the ancient grist mill and the scene in front of everyone. The "giant paddles, the chains, wooden levers, the dust and chaff,  the clanging, people screaming, and screeching noise when the machinery ground to a halt". I could see the whole terrifying scene in my mind's eye.

The author served up a fine lot of suspects. Theodosia did her best to figure out who killed Harlan Sadler and she had some good theories. Ms. Childs peppered the story with twists, turns, and red herrings. Just when Theo thought the case was closed and she could relax, she sees something that feeds a different theory. And of course, she has to follow that lead. She had choices but made the wrong one putting herself in a dangerous situation. But that woman can think on her feet. The takedown that followed was epic and included a "bone-rattling whomp". It was exciting and humorous too. I was shaking my head. Theodosia Browning is what the kids are calling "Brat" these days. She is bold, confident, fun, honest, and a little volatile. I would love to be her friend.

Peach Tea Smash is a smash hit! A Perfect Escape! I love this series and am already excited to read Book 28, High Tea and Misdemeanors. It will be released on March 5, 2025.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

This is such a fun series with wonderful characters in a great setting. Theo continues to be a fearless sleuth, unafraid and unrelenting in her search for the truth. As with previous books in the series, the ending of this mystery was especially breathtaking and had me on the edge of my seat. Suspects abound in this installment and I did not figure it out until the very end!

I do love the side-characters and I, along with many fans, adore Drayton – he is wonderful. Maybe we need a Drayton spin-off?!

I wish so much I could attend a tea party at Theo’s shop. The recipes included at the end are mouth-watering. Readers can easily pick this cozy mystery up as a standalone, but I encourage everyone to dive into the backlist for even more charming reading.

The tea shop mysteries are some of my favorite books to read in the whole world.
I wish that Theodosia, Drayton and Hayley were real and had a tea room I could visit.
Every time I read a new book, I feel like I am visiting an old friend.
Highly recommended for fans of the series.

I love that this series has continued for so long, it's one of my favorites and Theodosia always has some new adventure going on. All the different tea parties they throw at Indigo sound delightful and I love reading about the myriad charity events Theo attends with Drayton, sipping champagne and rubbing elbows with the elite of Charleston society. Yet despite all the culture and class, Theo is really a down-to-earth southern gal.

In Peach Tea Smash, a man gets literally smashed when a charity event held in an old mill goes awry and one of the hosts ends up dead on display. Of course Theo immediately goes into detective mode and when her old friend Delaine asks for her help, she's already one step ahead. Who killed the Charleston banker? Was it the sketchy car salesman? The rival banker? His own son? Or someone else entirely? Theo pulls out all the stops to hunt down the one who did the dastardly deed, putting herself into some tight spots in her quest for justice.

One of my favorite series, always a good read!

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with and ARC.

PEACH TEA SMASH by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Eighth Tea Shop Mystery

Theodosia Browning has gained another catering gig that lands her in the midst of the Mad Hatter’s Masquerade. During this fundraiser for the Charleston Opera Society Theo and her tea sommelier, Drayton, take a break from the festivities to explore the old grist mill. The historic building is spooky, but gets terrifying when they discover a body mangled in the chains of the mill. Calling for help they can’t stop the body’s ascent and dramatic fall. Who could have killed Harlan Sadler? Honoring his wife’s request for help, Theo begins investigating, soon uncovering several shady characters, including the murdered man’s son. Will she solve the murder or become a victim herself?

One of the things I like best about the Tea Shop Mystery series are the inventive teas that Theo holds in the Indigo Tea Shop. Not only do I learn a little something about the theme, I get to hear about matching food and teas! Other events are equally interesting. I am a huge Alice in Wonderland fan, so was thrilled to learn that the book featured a Mad Hatter’s Masquerade. I only wish we would have spent more time here; still, I guess a dead body stops the party fairly quickly.

The mystery included some pretty horrible people who made great suspects, Emily and Duke in particular. I must say that I am pretty disappointed in Theodosia. Once again she's overstepped her bounds-not only does she go around blatantly accusing people of murder, this time she actually breaks into a suspect's house to "snoop around". And when she tells her detective boyfriend he just shakes his head. Hasn't she heard of fruit from the poisonous tree? She may be a civilian, but she is dating a cop! Personally, I think she needs to be arrested-anything else is just an adrenaline rush, which she likes. I love Drayton and wish his cooler head would prevail. I said it before and I'll say it again-I'd love a mystery with him and Miss Dimple.

Thrilling scenes highlight this fast paced mystery that will leave you longing for a tea party of your own.

I think the Mad Hatter Masquerade is in my top ten fictional events that I wish were real so I could attend it list - with the exception of the murder of course! In the middle of all the madness a gruesome very public matter happens causing chaos and of course Theodosia can't help but be in the middle of it all.

This is a fun mystery in a fantastic setting - with a bit of a nod to a very infamous recent murder that happened in real life if the very same state. I love the Charleston setting, all the tea shop mentions (especially the treats), and the community of characters that have been created as the series has gone on. The mystery did puzzle me a bit and while I did have a pretty good idea of the who - I enjoyed getting all the answers in the reveal.

My two issues with this book are issues I've had with most of the series. The first is that Theodosia is just a bit too perfect. Her eyes aren't just blue, they're dazzling blue. She is the best at everything, the smartest, the kindest, the best of friends. I don't necessarily need flaws but maybe she could share credit on things every once in awhile - she doesn't have to be the only one who can spring into action to save the day every single time. As well, sometimes the descriptions get a bit too wordy. A character didn't just know someone from college or from Emory - she knew someone when she went to college with them at Emory in Atlanta Georgia. A character doesn't just have a stall at a craft fair - he has a stall at Charleston's Annual Old Town Fall Festival. I appreciate the attention to detail but it can make the dialogue a bit blocky and stilted.

Despite my issues, this is a fun read with a gorgeous setting. Everytime I read a book in this series I wonder why it has taken me so long to get back to Charleston. As well, the series is fairly easy to jump into where every you want. Each mystery is standalone and there aren't super indepth character relationships that could get confusing to new readers.

Peach Tree Smash is another tasty treat. This latest novel in the long running culinary cozy Tea Shop Mystery series is a lot of fun. It is always fun to read one of Laura Child's books. When Theodosia and Drayton attend a charity Mad Hatter Tea, things get curiouser and curiouser. Theodosa is clever and fiesty, but she has a habit of finding bodies. Of course than she feels compelled to solve the murder. She is Charleston's own Nancy Drew and although the police chief and her police detective boyfriend always say DONT get involved, they know that she will. True to cozy tropes, she always gets herself into danger and often breaks the law while sleuthing. but she never gets in trouble. That is all part of the fun. The novel is filled with fun colorful friends and foes. The recurring characters are always fun and the new ones provide a slew of red herrings. The murder at the beginning is not the only crime in this novel, and Theodosia solves them all. along the way there are some very clever scenes. The ending took me by surprise. I suspected that the culprit was guilty of something, I just didn't suspect it was murder. Although the novel relies on a lightbulb moment at the end instead of subtle clues for the reader to notice, it is still a lot of fun.

I received an early ebook from the publisher, but the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Cozy mystery readers will enjoy this novel and many readers will enjoy all the great recipies at the end of the book.

Just...WOW! This kept me turning pages -- I literally read it straight through from beginning to end. After a friend's husband is murdered at the Mad Hatter Masquerade, tea shop owner Theodosia Browning starts an investigation, all while planning multiple events for her shop. The atmosphre and pace are absolutely perfect. I love Theodosia's confidence. This is the twenty-eighth book in the series, but I never felt lost even though I've only read one previous title. (After this I want to go back and catch up on what I've missed!)

This is the 28th book in the Tea Shop Mystery series. Theodosia and her crew are back, hosting a Mad Hatter party. When the hostesses husband is found murdered, Theo investigates at the request of her friends. As always, the plots and characters are distinctive and the recipes sound delicious!

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

The newest release in the Tea Shop Mysteries from Laura Childs brings us right back to the historic district of Charleston and the cozy atmosphere of the Indigo Tea Shop. The murder in this one is maybe a little more gruesome than most found in a cozy mystery with the body discovered hanging in the machinery of grist mill during an Alice in Wonderland Masquerade fundraiser event.

Theo, our tea shop owner and amateur detective, is roped into looking into things and compared to previous books seems a lot more tame and not as impulsive as previous volumes. She is once again joined by Drayton and Haley and of course Delaine. Who also wasn’t as frustratingly annoying as she usually is. She was almost tolerable.

I love this series as it almost never misses and it always just a good time read. You know exactly what you’re gonna get but is not always predictable. This is a solid cozy mystery series and I can’t wait to read the next one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy this series. I own most of the books in the series and they are all worth a reread.
Once again Theodosia is front and center again conveniently asking questions and nosing around to solve the crime. Some of the things she did took me by surprise as I'm not too sure they're safe.

A fundraiser with a Mad Hatter Masquerade party goes horribly wrong when a body is found in the old Pendleton Grist Mill.
The deceased, Harlan Sadler is the husband of the chairwoman, involved in banking and all-around friendly guy liked by all who know him.

As his wife Cricket begs Theodosia for her help, past relationships are uncovered, and things may not all be as friendly as assumed. With red herrings and the list of suspects growing this one had me thinking the suspect may have been several different people.

I always enjoy reading about the different themed teas Theodosia and Drayton have. The themed teas with the Indigo Tea Shop being decorated and the different teas and meals to go with it sounds like so much fun.

I'm all in for reading more of my favorite tea shop cozy mysteries.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I have been a big fan of this series for years. I eagerly anticipate each new cozy and tea-steeped installment featuring tea shop owner and amateur sleuth Theodosia (Theo) and her crew. And this one was delightful!

These books feature imaginative tea parties and other themed events. This one kicks off at a Mad Hatter masquerade fundraiser, with a suspicious death, setting the stage for a gripping mystery. Theodosia's right-hand man, tea sommelier Drayton, joins her to help her detective boyfriend, Pete, solve the case. The mystery is fun, with some twists and turns, as Childs has a talent for weaving in red herrings and motives that are not obvious. I was surprised by the culprit and the ending. But it was the lovely setting and wonderful characters that really made this book for me.

The series is set in the wonderfully cozy (fictional) Indigo Tea Shop in historic Charleston, SC, one of my favorite cities. Each book explores new facets of this beautiful place. Childs captures the city's charm and energy so well that these books are a love letter to Charleston.

The characters feel like old friends. Theo is an engaging and relatable cozy mystery sleuth. She's intelligent and observant. Drayton, though, is my favorite character in the series. He is a larger-than-life, 60-something and knowledgeable, charming, and witty. Not only is he invaluable to Theo, but he also brings so much personality to the series. The other recurring characters are also great, and I enjoy all the multi-generational friendships. The food descriptions are mouthwatering, and I especially love all the tea talk. Recipes are included at the end. Escapist and entertaining, cozy mystery lovers will want to grab this one!

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the free book!

I enjoy the characters and the setting of a tea shop. The mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The twenty-eighth installment of the Tea Shop mystery series finds our heroine Theodosia Browning attending an unusual fundraiser for the Charleston Opera Society, in the company of her good friend and tea sommelier Drayton Conneley. The Mad Hatter Masquerade benefit ball is Alice In Wonderland-themed, and Theo is ready to kick up her heels and have a good time on the temporarily repurposed grounds of the old Pendleton Grist Mill.

It’s while exploring the mill itself that she and Drayton make a grisly discovery. Harlan Sandler is a banker and the husband of Cricket, the executive chairperson in charge of the ball. He is also, to Theo and Drayton’s horror, trapped in the old mill’s gears, which have been set off by persons unknown. A clutch of concerned partygoers summoned by the duo’s cries for help finally manage to extract Harlan but too late, alas, to save his life.

Theo swiftly realizes that Harlan’s death was no accident. Harlan has a mallet-shaped indentation in his head that matches the equipment used for the party’s games of croquet. After the authorities arrive to take over the scene, Theo’s nemesis Detective Burt Tidwell warns her against investigating further. Cricket, however, has other ideas and begs Theo to find out what really happened to her husband.

Theo, of course, has never met a murder investigation she can resist meddling in. When not running her Indigo Tea Shop, she’s more than happy to crisscross Charleston in pursuit of the truth, engaging in questionable, if not outright dangerous acts in the process. She’s gotten away with it so far, but will she have finally met her match when a devious killer uses the glamor of a night at the opera to try to take her out for good?

Theo’s adventurous nature makes the Tea Shop mysteries a little more thrilling than the average cozy mystery novel, even as each book lovingly portrays the beauty of the historic town of Charleston. Her relationship with her employees is also a constant delight, and reading of the different themed teas they host at their tea room is always a mouthwateringly good time. As an added bonus, Laura Childs includes not only tips for hosting your own themed teas but also recipes for some of the delectable dishes described in the novel, as well as a solid guide to resources on both everything tea-time and the city of Charleston.

Of the nine recipes included here, I decided to try out this one. The rest of my family was away one evening and I wanted to make a quick and delicious dinner for myself:

QUOTE
Grilled Salmon with Honey Mustard Brown Sugar Crust

4 salmon fillets
Kosher salt
Black pepper
1 ½ cups dark brown sugar
½ cup honey mustard

Rinse fillets and check for bones. Pat fillets dry and rub on Kosher salt and black pepper. Crumble brown sugar on a plate. Now brush honey mustard onto the salmon and dredge in brown sugar. Grill over direct heat until crusty and golden, turning once (about 5 to 6 minutes total). Let rest for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite salad or vegetable. Yields 4 entrees.
END QUOTE

As Drayton assures Theo, this is a relatively simple yet delicious dish to make, even if I did overcomplicate things a bit by deciding to bake my salmon on a makeshift grill pan. It’s also a very easy recipe to scale down, though I probably used a little more honey mustard than the recipe calls for and a little less brown sugar. It came out so wonderfully though, with the tang of the mustard contrasting perfectly with the sweetness of the sugar to complement the juicy fish. I didn’t quite achieve a crust as described in the recipe, but am looking at investing in a proper grill pan soon. Hopefully, I can try this recipe again and see how it comes out when using something closer to the proper technique. It was already really great using my ersatz method, especially with a side of rice and buttered, steamed asparagus.

Next week, we travel north to make a weather-appropriate dish while investigating the case of the body behind the bar. Do join me!

I normally love Laura Childs work and was delighted to see this latest offering. However, it is in parts, disjointed and choppy. Not as fluid as earlier works. Still a good story and I appreciate that Ms. Childs always has the murder at the very beginning and the rest of the story unravels the killer and motive.