The Teaberry Strangler (A Tea Shop Mystery)

Interesting Cozy
When Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning conceived the idea of a back alley crawl to draw tourists into the area, she never imagined her best friend would be murdered at the end of the evening. Antiquarian Map Shop owner Daria Shand was strangled in the alley before Theodosia's eyes. To make matters worse, detective Burt Tidwell suggested that the killer was really after Theodosia.

Grieving the loss of her friend, Theodosia decided not to get involved with the investigation. When her Aunt Libby insisted she help track down the killer at the request of Daria's mother, Theodosia reluctantly decided to at least ask a few questions. Her only clue was the scent of mint that was in the air when she approached her friend's body.

A side story to the main mystery concerns a cottage that Theodosia is purchasing. A human bone was found just off the terrace behind the cottage, and she couldn't take possession of her new home until the Historical Society finished digging up her back yard.

The Teaberry Strangler is the 11th in the Tea Shop Mysteries series. A number of characters return in this novel, and a few new characters are introduced.

Avid Indigo Tea Shop fans will find this latest offering interesting, although it isn't as much of a mystery as I would have expected. The story reads more like a period-piece set in another time with great detail providing perfect atmosphere for the Charleston-based mystery.

The author provides plenty of information about teas and gourmet items offered at the tea shop as well as details about the perfumes from the Jardin Perfumerie down the street. Fans of this series will be please to know that the next installment, Scones & Bones, is on its way.

The Teaberry Strangler (A Tea Shop Mystery)

Teaberry Strangler
After a long time relationship with Theodosia, Drayton and Hayley, I can only say, "Miss Childs, you owe us an apology."

Not her best, but still good
I had read all the books in this series and like others, I have to agree this is one of the weaker books when it comes to the mystery plot.

However, there is far more to this series than the mysteries. I really enjoy the characters, atmosphere and general description of life. These are oddly comforting elements in a mystery series. The information about and description of the foods and teas served in the book are really enjoyable as well.

If you enjoy mysteries and tea, definitely give this series a try. I don't believe you have to read them in order, but it probably would help.

A riveting murder mystery
The Teaberry Strangler tells of Theodosia, whose idea of a back alley tour with shopkeepers dressed in historic costumes and inviting visitors for tea seems attractive and fun - until the first murder. Her investigation into the strangling of a store owner holds implications for her own safety in this riveting murder mystery that includes recipes and tea time tips.

Another Fun and Enjoyable Mystery
I love the Tea Shop mystery books by Laura Child. This was a fun installment in the series. I never get tired of them, the characters are endearing and interesting and I hope that she continues writing this series for years and years to come.