wedding buzz kill

Charleston tea shop owner Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley were setting up for the wedding of Bettina and Jamie, they witness a terrible tragedy. The table was set in the greenhouse, each detail perfect, from the place settings to the flower arrangements. But one of the bridesmaids went into the greenhouse, and suddenly the entire building collapsed. The bridesmaid was crushed, and the groom who had tried to stop her was hurt. But Theodosia had seen the entire thing happen, and she knew in her heart that it was no accident. Someone had sabotaged the greenhouse, she insisted to her significant other, Detective Pete Riley. He opened an official investigation into the incident.

But who would want to kill the bridesmaid? Did she have enemies? Who would kill someone at a wedding? Theodosia knew that something was amiss, and she was determined to find out who would do such a thing. But it’s also a busy time at the Indigo Tea Shop. It’s Halloween, and aside from the daily tea, pastries, and lunches they serve, there are also a couple of special tea events, and they’re going to sell tea and snacks at one of the local graveyards for A Walk Among the Tombstones. And things get even busier when their part-time helper Miss Dimple gets sick and can’t help at the shop for a few days.

But Theodosia keeps investigating, even going on a local true crime podcast to talk about the murder. And when a caller seems to know some specific information about Theodosia and a token that had been left at her house the previous night, she can feel the chill in the air. She couldn’t tell who the podcast caller was because they had disguised their voice, but it was clearly the killer. And the killer was coming for Theodosia. She would have to act quickly to catch this person before they struck again. But the killer had been leaving her clues, so Theodosia just has to slow down a little and figure out what they mean, and she’ll be able to find the killer. Or at least, that’s what she’s hoping for.

High Tea and Misdemeanors is book 29 in Laura Childs’s popular Tea Shop Mysteries that blend crime-solving with tea-drinking. These mysteries include some of the history and culture of Charleston, along with ideas for delicious teas, sweet and savory dishes, and decorating. While the mysteries are a little on the dark side, the friendship of Theodosia and Drayton, her relationship with Riley, and her dog Earl Grey help lighten the story.

I really enjoy these mysteries and the sophistication of the tea culture. These characters are fun and charming, and I have fun spending time with them. I also like how each of these books include recipes and tea resources, including magazines, blogs, and Facebook groups for tea lovers as well as purveyors of tea, with an emphasis on American tea plantations. High Tea and Misdemeanors includes recipes for Pumpkin Muffins, Haley’s Easy Turkey Meatloaf, Drayton’s English Crumpets, Baked Mozzarella Bites, and Cinnamon Scones. And it includes ideas for teas you can throw for your favorite tea lovers, like a Bronte Sisters Tea, Spring Fever Tea, or Tropical Tiki Tea. There is something special about these Tea Shop Mysteries, and I’m glad I am always happy to see another one on the shelf.

Egalleys for High Tea and Misdemeanors were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks.