Chamomile Mourning

Synopsis: During a storm an antiques dealer is shot. Of course the newest person in town is blamed and Theo has to help show that the hat maker is innocent.
Review: This was fun. The mystery was interesting and un-solvable until the last few chapters.

I am not a reader of the "cozy mystery" but I've had this book on my shelves for a long time and needed something quick to divert me.

The story takes place in Charleston, SC, where high society enjoys art auctions, millinery shops, and tea at the Indigo Tea Shop. The shop is owned by Theodosia Browning and she works with pastry chef Haley, and tea expert Drayton. Together they provide the city with charming ambiance, delicious treats and the most rare and delicious teas. At the end of the book is recipes of some of the treats mentioned.

At an evening poetry reading, the leader of the Heritage Society is shot and tumbles over a balcony right onto Theo's cake. When the owner of the millinery shop becoes the main suspect, Theo swings into show more action to find out the real culprit.

It was a cute story but I think my teeth would be on edge if I read any more of the series (19 total). show less

This is a series I have enjoyed. I've read some out of order and at the moment am going back to read some of the ones that I missed. This is one of those.

The mystery comes when a member of the Heritage Society dies during a catered event. Haley's new friend, milliner Gracie Venable, becomes a suspect for a variety of reasons. And the Heritage Society's big fundraiser is threatened.

The tea lore is interesting. Recipes for some of the items served at teas in the book are included at the end along with some tips about hats (as they are worn to certain teas) and some themed type tea events that you could plan.

Another great installment in the series! The development of Theodosia’s character takes a surprising turn in this one, which I loved the addition of. And as always, I love the descriptions of this charming city and it’s inhabitants.

I do like this series. This time Theo and her friends are so busy they are running in circles. When a local businessman is killed during one of their events Theo and the rest are busy hunting the killer.

There were several interesting parts of this book, hints on baking, teas, hat making, wreath building and painting, and all woven in with a hunt for a murder. I'll admit to still not following all the tea rituals but Childs is so good at writing that it doesn't intrude on the story, it is just a small part of the narrative.

No way did I even come close to figuring this one out, the killer was totally a surprise. So, I'll keep reading her books, no matter which series she is writing.

Now, this one I thought to be the best book in the series by far! Plenty of action at the end! Only part I didn't find believable was the forger who didn't seem to "understand" what exactly he was doing, and the ethics of it. I would have liked to have seen more conversation between Theodosia and Jory at least, because they really didn't begin to discuss their options in this book before they decided to break up.

Theses cozy mysteries continue to be fun and interesting. I have started reading them with a pen and paper hand to jot down tea types for further research.