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342nd out of 3,261 books
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6,421 voters
Scones & Bones (A Tea Shop Mystery #12)
by
Laura Childs
Savor the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of The Teaberry Strangler.
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is lured into attending the Heritage Society's "Pirates and Plunder" soiree. But it's an antique diamond skull ring that gets plundered by someone who murders a history intern in the process. Theodosia knows she'll have to whet her investigative...more
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is lured into attending the Heritage Society's "Pirates and Plunder" soiree. But it's an antique diamond skull ring that gets plundered by someone who murders a history intern in the process. Theodosia knows she'll have to whet her investigative...more
Hardcover, 295 pages
Published
March 1st 2011
by Berkley Hardcover
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The first thing Childs wants everyone to know about Theodosia is that she is with a group of friends. This is promising. The next most important thing, though, is that she is gorgeous. "Her abundance of auburn hair could have inspired Raphael; her fair English skin seemed tempered by the cool, rainy weather of the Salisbury Plain. Theodosia's blue eyes sparkled with barely contained energy" She also has high cheekbones, and a full mouth. Is anyone else thinking of young Anne Shirley's "raven tre...more
When Charleston tea shop owner Theodosia attends the local historical society's pirate exhibition, she doesn't expect the theft of a mug said to be made of Blackbeard's skull and the incidental murder of a young intern. Of course, she investigates.
This is a typical entry in a cozy mystery series built around tea and tea shops, similar to many other series set around quilting, apple orchards, needlework, etc. While I like such series well enough, it's hard for one to stand out above the others--J...more
This is a typical entry in a cozy mystery series built around tea and tea shops, similar to many other series set around quilting, apple orchards, needlework, etc. While I like such series well enough, it's hard for one to stand out above the others--J...more
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Reading a new Tea Shop Mystery is like visiting with old friends. Even though this is the 12th installment in the series, it is a stand alone book. New readers will be able to keep pace with the unique cast of characters without feeling lost.
Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is talked into attending the Heritage Society’s ‘Pirates and Plunder’ party by Drayton Conneley, master tea blender for the shop and Heritage Society booster. One of the main attractions of the gala is an ant...more
Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, is talked into attending the Heritage Society’s ‘Pirates and Plunder’ party by Drayton Conneley, master tea blender for the shop and Heritage Society booster. One of the main attractions of the gala is an ant...more
Scones & Bones by Laura Childs is the newest in the Tea Shop Mysteries series.I just got to it although it was released in March. This series is one that I enjoy almost as much for the descriptions of Charleston and the tea Shop as for the plot.
While attending a the Heritage Society's Pirates and Plunder show, someone steals a skull cup embedded with a huge diamond. (That's not a typo. The skull has been overlaid with silver and can be used as a cup from which to drink liquids! Ewwwwww!) Fol...more
While attending a the Heritage Society's Pirates and Plunder show, someone steals a skull cup embedded with a huge diamond. (That's not a typo. The skull has been overlaid with silver and can be used as a cup from which to drink liquids! Ewwwwww!) Fol...more
It is always a delight to visit the wonderful world of Theodosia Browing and her Indigo Tea Shoppe in Charleston. Scones and Bones is the twelfth Tea Shoppe Mystery in this wonderful culinary cozy series by Laura Childs. Our heroine, Theodosia always stumbles onto a mystery and this time there are pirates, buried treasures, ancient skull cups and secret societies thrown into the mix. Of course, Indigo Tea Shoppe's resident tea expert Drayton Conneley is beside Theo throughout her adventures. The...more
I am starting to realize that I really enjoy Cozy Mysteries. They are a lot of fun with out all the sometimes gruesome details of other mystery and suspense novels and it's also fun to watch an amateur solve the case. And Ms. Childs makes some very interesting characters in her books that I found endearing and I enjoyed watching through the book.
This is the first book I have read in The Tea Shop Mystery series, and it's the 12th book in the series. But don't let that stop you if you haven't read...more
This is the first book I have read in The Tea Shop Mystery series, and it's the 12th book in the series. But don't let that stop you if you haven't read...more
Every time I read a Tea Shop Mystery I end up wishing the Indigo Tea Shop really exists. I would love to drink a good tea brewed by Drayton, eat something delicious prepared by Haley and to be welcomed by the charming Theodosia! Laura Childs has created characters who feel like friends and make you want to pop over for a chat. Childs's beautifully drawn characters are realistic, lovable and charming. This is the 12th book in the series, so by now I have gotten to know most of the characters quit...more
These are now slipping from the top of my guilty pleasures. While I like these for the good quick reads, the story lines seem to be getting thinner while Childs fills in the blanks with odd and out of place descriptions of curtains or tea cups or grass or whatever. I'm also completely befuddled by Theo - Child tries to play her off as the level headed business woman / amateur sleuth but then she acts like a 14 year old girl at the year's first school dance when the hunky new guy shows up and she...more
The 12th installment of the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs, "Scones & Bones," is a fun cozy. The 14th book in the series just came out, but I'm a bit behind.
The plot focuses on the legend of Blackbeard, following a murder and theft at a Heritage Society show. Theodosia, Drayton, and even Haley get involved solving the case.
Though it's been a year or so since I read the last book in the series, this one seemed to end very abruptly. If I didn't know there were more books in the series...more
The plot focuses on the legend of Blackbeard, following a murder and theft at a Heritage Society show. Theodosia, Drayton, and even Haley get involved solving the case.
Though it's been a year or so since I read the last book in the series, this one seemed to end very abruptly. If I didn't know there were more books in the series...more
I guess this series, "A Tea Shop Mystery," is up there in my top ten easily. Not only are they always well written but, at the end, which always comes to soon for me, you get the additional delight of wonderful sounding and tasting recipes.
Blackbeard is back and is causing havoc within the community of Charleston, SC. Theodosia and Drayton just wanted to enjoy a charming evening at the Historical Society...when a shocking (and I was,) crime happens at their feet.
The crime, the chase, and drama w...more
Blackbeard is back and is causing havoc within the community of Charleston, SC. Theodosia and Drayton just wanted to enjoy a charming evening at the Historical Society...when a shocking (and I was,) crime happens at their feet.
The crime, the chase, and drama w...more
I'm not sure exactly why I like these books, but I do.
Not the most complicated mysteries, though I don't always know the murderer by the end. Not the most complicated plot - mostly because the author is not always up front about providing all information you need to solve the murder. Plenty of allusion's, but not enough facts.
I really think I like the interplay between the main characters - Theodosia, the owner of the tea shop, Drayton Connelly, her master tea blender and expert on teas, and H...more
Not the most complicated mysteries, though I don't always know the murderer by the end. Not the most complicated plot - mostly because the author is not always up front about providing all information you need to solve the murder. Plenty of allusion's, but not enough facts.
I really think I like the interplay between the main characters - Theodosia, the owner of the tea shop, Drayton Connelly, her master tea blender and expert on teas, and H...more
I picked up this book from a free bin outside a used book store because it contained some favorite recipes from "The Indigo Tea Shop" in the back. Recipes that caught my eye: Chilled Peach and Ginger Soup, Lemon Scones, Easy Chai Tiramisu, Cheesy Bruschetta, Crumpets, Lemon Cheese Pie, Creamy Dreamy Parfait, Tea Cakes, and Goat Cheese Truffles. The back also has lists of tea resources, i.e. publications, tea websites and interesting blogs.
The story is 12th in a series of Tea Shop Mysteries and...more
The story is 12th in a series of Tea Shop Mysteries and...more
Finished this cozy in three days. The plot behind it involved Blackbeard, pirates, and South Carolina history, which I actually found interesting. It was a fairly standard outing for Childs. Lots of awesome tea tastings, recipes, and well illustrated settings. The murder mysteries are never really the point in a series like this. I was annoyed that Theodosia let Delaine walk all over her (again), but then had no problem accosting the poor little history professor who had no idea what was going o...more
Jan 27, 2012
Kathy
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Cozy mystery lovers
Recommended to Kathy by:
Elizabeth Laumas
Shelves:
mysteries-and-thrillers
Southern hospitality, tea, and gourmet food mixed with pirates, robbery, and murder. What could make for a better mystery! It was truly a joy to follow along as Theodosia and Drayton served up cup after cup of oolong, chai, and intrigue, while surrounded by a supporting cast that includes the token grumpy cop, a pirate obsessed antiques dealer, and a skull-wearing proprietress of an art gallery, not to mention a couple of neurotic sisters and a smarmy attorney. Who killed the intern and stole Bl...more
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Average cozy. Lots of tourist, gastronomic and historical information, unfortunately delivered in a mostly info dump fashion. Which is sad, because Laura Childs used to do it in a way that didn't feel like : here are some info like commercials and like commercials you skip them, and skip them some more. What is left is a bare bones plot that doesn't matter, characters that are so thin they are like paper cut dolls of their former selves. Which is sad too. All is not lost, Ms Feris from the need...more
This is my first time reading a book from the tea shop mysteries. It was okay but I did not care for the pirate theme. Not too impressed. I felt like I was reading a Nancy Drew book. I may try another one to see if my opinion changes.
(Taken from the book synopsis)
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is lured into attending the Heritage Society's "Pirates and Plunder" soiree. But it's an antique diamond skull ring that gets plundered by someone who murders a history intern in the process. Th...more
(Taken from the book synopsis)
Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is lured into attending the Heritage Society's "Pirates and Plunder" soiree. But it's an antique diamond skull ring that gets plundered by someone who murders a history intern in the process. Th...more
# 12 in the tea shop mystery series featuring Charleston tea shop owner Theodosia Browning. Theodosia is asked by friends to help solve another murder along with the theft of a historical artifact. This is a story about pirates, Blackbeard, hidden treasure and a secret society. As usual, she solves the case ahead of the police while putting herself in harms way.
I enjoy this mystery series with good plot lines and a great recurring cast of characters. You can always count on a good mystery, some...more
I enjoy this mystery series with good plot lines and a great recurring cast of characters. You can always count on a good mystery, some...more
One of the best quotes from the book:
"All this running around to dig up information on jolly old Blackbeard and his so-called treasure is mucking things up and getting in the way of my official--need I repeat that word? Oh, yes, official police investigation."
"But we're not meddling," said Thodosia. "We're concerned citizens who are trying to uncover useful information."
Not meddling? Theodosia? That'll be the day! I love it when Theodosia meddles - it's always good for an intriguing mystery wit...more
Laura Childs writes 3 different series, this series is set in Charleston, SC, and features an owner of a Tea Shop. The Tea Shop Mystery series centers on historic Charleston and all the finer aspects of that old town with quaint shops, fine dining, gala parties, and charming gentry. Childs seems to write formula novels with each following the same pattern, which by number twelve has lost a little of the charm of this series. This story centered on pirates, especially Blackbeard and his supposed...more
This cozy is an interesting blend of fact and fiction. Blackbeard’s skull, now a silver encrusted cup enhanced with a stunning diamond, is taken out of storage and becomes the kingpin of the Heritage Society’s Pirates and Plunder party. But not for long. Amid mayhem and murder it is stolen, and Theodosia is hot on the trail. Theo and her trusty sidekick Drayton may have bitten off more than they can chew, putting themselves and others in danger. And could there a new romance brewing for Theo? If...more
When I learned about this series, I was intrigued because I like tea rooms and culinary mysteries. Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations. Theodosia Browning, the owner of a Charleston tea room, is also an amateur detective. In this twelfth title in the series, she is on the trail of a murderer and a stolen pirate artifact which may provide a clue to the location of Bluebeard's buried treasure. Although the story is enjoyable, the characters are exaggerated and not very appe...more
Apr 20, 2012
Carol Gibson
added it
I really enjoyed this Teahouse mystery. It was filled with the usual tidbits about tea, baking and Charleston gardens. Adding to the mix was the legend of Blackbeard and his treasure which is supposed to hidden some where on one of the many islands off The Carolina coast.
Even though Theodosia never really solves the mysteries, she basically noses around until the killer think she is a threat and then strikes. These books are still fun reads in the classic cozy fashion where the setting is more...more
Even though Theodosia never really solves the mysteries, she basically noses around until the killer think she is a threat and then strikes. These books are still fun reads in the classic cozy fashion where the setting is more...more
The ongoing mystery series with teashop owner in Charleston. This story is about old Blackbeard legends, the theft of his skull drinking cup from the museum and the murder of a young man who was working there. The heroine is asked by the museum director to help find out who did this, against the wishes of the local police detective, and she slowly finds clues, but is stymied until the very end. Characters are well done, story is a nice entertaining read. Recommend to anyone to start at the begin...more
Need a little tea break? Pick up a Laura Child’s Tea Shop Mystery, and take a short trip to warm Charleston, South Carolina, far far away from your troubles. Ms. Child’s characters are quirky, likable, and get into the right amount of trouble. The plots escalate from a mellow chamomile morning in Charleston, to a gunpowder green whodunnit, then slide nicely to a sweet jasmine finish. Each book’s title is a fun tea reference, and the information on teas, flowers, and baked goods will leave you re...more
In this latest installment, we find Theodosia and her friends embroiled in a pretty strange mystery, even for them! As is often the case, the group finds themselves rubbing elbows with the high society of Charleston during the Heritage Society’s “Pirates and Plunder” show. What no one knows is that somewhere in the midst of their gala, is a treasure hunter who’s willing to kill for a chance to steal one of the items on display – an antique skull cup inset with a large diamond. Will they catch th...more
I love Childs' books for the settings, the businesses her main characters are in, and the characters themselves. This one has a pirate slant, as a murder forces Theo and company to figure out how a pirate skull cup caused a murder. Some of the less pivotal characters in this one seem a little blind to common sense, like bragging to the news reporter that they saw the murderer. This character obviously doesn't read mysteries or they would know that's one way to get the bad guy after you. An enjoy...more
I've always enjoyed this series but I'm just not 'feeling the love' with this latest offering. It was a little thin on everything - plot, good mystery, scrumptious recipes, and really good events. There were those things, of course, but they didn't seem as deep or well thought out as in previous books. I used to feel like I was in the tea room savoring the delicacies and tea.
Delaine Dish seemed even more annoying than usual. I have trouble believing that someone as sophisticated and assertive a...more
Delaine Dish seemed even more annoying than usual. I have trouble believing that someone as sophisticated and assertive a...more
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I finished this in about four hours, it was truly horrible. Sad really, because when I found this series it seemed sweet. I finished the book in the hopes that things would improve, they did not. The author has crossed the line from being proud of Charleston to outright snobbery. The characters were over the top and obnoxious. Theodosia's sense of entitlement is quite ridiculous; demanding to be keep in the police investigation loop and removing evidence from the scene of the crime before the po...more
This was the first book in the series I have read & I enjoyed it. I do think I will see if my library has more, but I did not feel like all their sleuthing led to the reader having any inkling of the thief's identity. I prefer mysteries that are crafted in a way that I am racing against the plot to see if I can figure it out before it is revealed and clearly that was not possible here, so much so it felt like a lot of time was wasted. Anyway I still enjoyed it.
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Laura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several...more
More about Laura Childs...
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several...more
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