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Tea Shop Mystery #30
Death at a Firefly Tea
A brazen killer sparks Theodosia Browning’s sense of justice in this latest installment of the New York Times bestselling series.
As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets. As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.
As fireflies dazzle like tiny glowing lanterns, tea maven Theodosia hosts an elegant evening tea on the patio of the Tangled Rose B and B. But in this gentle darkness an intruder has made their way in and slipped deadly drugs into the baked Alaska of Mrs. Van Courtland, one of Charleston’s local grande dames. Shocked by this brazen act, urged on by Mrs. V’s grieving son, Theodosia begins her own shadow investigation. Soon, she finds herself at odds with a greedy developer, the questionable residents of Honey Badger House, a vengeful ex-daughter-in-law, ne’er do well relatives, and a housekeeper who knows all the secrets. As Theodosia hosts a Moulin Rouge Tea and a Queen Victoria Tea, her tea sommelier Drayton is assaulted by a masked stranger and the fiancé of Mrs. V’s son is kidnapped. It’s only at the Starry Starry Night black tie ball that Theodosia stumbles upon the killer and gets pulled into a dramatic life and death chase.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
204 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
94 books2,271 followersLaura 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 screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
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 screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Theodosia is hosting a firefly tea at Tangled Rose B and B full of fairy lights but murder is on the menu.
I genuinely loved this and this is really a 4.5! Set in Charleston, South Carolina, this is a great cosy mystery against the backdrop of one of my absolute favourite things in the world - a tea salon. This has everything I loved - endless food (orange and pecan scones, stews, mushroom lasagna, chocolate peanut butter pie to name but a few), proper tea (the shop has its very own tea sommelier who offers the guests my two favourite Mariage Frères blends, Marco Polo and Pleine Lune, at a Moulin Rouge themed tea party), a Victorian tea complete with a Victorian tea service, an antiquarian shop where you can adopt a teddy bear, and a busy community. This also has plenty of immersive descriptions, for example this is the author describing a house -
'There was a marble fireplace with an opening large enough to roast an entire log, bookcases on either side filled with leather books, two large upholstered sofas facing each other across a heart pine coffee table, and antique Chinese rugs on the floor. The walls were covered in hand-painted silk and were hung with dozens more fine paintings. There were exquisite ceramics, ginger jars, marble statues, art pottery, and silver candlesticks everywhere. In one corner, sitting atop a spinet desk was what looked liked a Remington bronze sculpture.'
The mystery plot is fine, I did love that the victim was a patron of various charities and one of them is given the spotlight here. This also has a lovely dog, Pumpkin, and the back of the book has got recipes, different ideas for tea parties, tea resources (magazines, blogs, purveyors of teas, tea plantations) and more. This is a really good cosy and definitely a series I want to dive into more!
My endless thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC!
I genuinely loved this and this is really a 4.5! Set in Charleston, South Carolina, this is a great cosy mystery against the backdrop of one of my absolute favourite things in the world - a tea salon. This has everything I loved - endless food (orange and pecan scones, stews, mushroom lasagna, chocolate peanut butter pie to name but a few), proper tea (the shop has its very own tea sommelier who offers the guests my two favourite Mariage Frères blends, Marco Polo and Pleine Lune, at a Moulin Rouge themed tea party), a Victorian tea complete with a Victorian tea service, an antiquarian shop where you can adopt a teddy bear, and a busy community. This also has plenty of immersive descriptions, for example this is the author describing a house -
'There was a marble fireplace with an opening large enough to roast an entire log, bookcases on either side filled with leather books, two large upholstered sofas facing each other across a heart pine coffee table, and antique Chinese rugs on the floor. The walls were covered in hand-painted silk and were hung with dozens more fine paintings. There were exquisite ceramics, ginger jars, marble statues, art pottery, and silver candlesticks everywhere. In one corner, sitting atop a spinet desk was what looked liked a Remington bronze sculpture.'
The mystery plot is fine, I did love that the victim was a patron of various charities and one of them is given the spotlight here. This also has a lovely dog, Pumpkin, and the back of the book has got recipes, different ideas for tea parties, tea resources (magazines, blogs, purveyors of teas, tea plantations) and more. This is a really good cosy and definitely a series I want to dive into more!
My endless thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The thirdith installment in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs is a delightful blend of Southern charm, elegant teas, and a surprisingly dark crime that keeps the pages turning. From the opening scene…an evening tea under glowing fireflies at the Tangled Rose B&B…the story immediately immerses you in Charleston’s atmosphere, only to shatter the calm with a shocking and brazen murder.
Theodosia Browning is at her best here: curious, compassionate, and driven by a strong sense of justice. Her determination to uncover the truth behind a local doyenne’s death pulls her into a web of suspicious characters, each with convincing motives. The cast of suspects…from a greedy developer to resentful relatives and secret-keeping staff…adds depth and plenty of red herrings.
As always, the tea themes are a highlight. The description of the Firefly Tea was whimsical and enchanting…its charm shattered by a murderer disguised as waitstaff. The Moulin Rouge Tea and Queen Victoria Tea are beautifully described and add a cozy counterbalance to the rising danger. The tension escalates seamlessly when Drayton is assaulted and a kidnapping raises the stakes, pushing the mystery into truly perilous territory.
The climactic Starry Starry Night black-tie ball delivers both glamour and suspense, culminating in a dramatic chase that feels earned and exciting. Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate how the story balances warmth, wit, and real danger without losing its signature charm.
A thoroughly satisfying read—perfect for longtime fans and newcomers who enjoy cozy mysteries with atmosphere, smart plotting, and a strong, likable heroine.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Theodosia Browning is at her best here: curious, compassionate, and driven by a strong sense of justice. Her determination to uncover the truth behind a local doyenne’s death pulls her into a web of suspicious characters, each with convincing motives. The cast of suspects…from a greedy developer to resentful relatives and secret-keeping staff…adds depth and plenty of red herrings.
As always, the tea themes are a highlight. The description of the Firefly Tea was whimsical and enchanting…its charm shattered by a murderer disguised as waitstaff. The Moulin Rouge Tea and Queen Victoria Tea are beautifully described and add a cozy counterbalance to the rising danger. The tension escalates seamlessly when Drayton is assaulted and a kidnapping raises the stakes, pushing the mystery into truly perilous territory.
The climactic Starry Starry Night black-tie ball delivers both glamour and suspense, culminating in a dramatic chase that feels earned and exciting. Fans of cozy mysteries will appreciate how the story balances warmth, wit, and real danger without losing its signature charm.
A thoroughly satisfying read—perfect for longtime fans and newcomers who enjoy cozy mysteries with atmosphere, smart plotting, and a strong, likable heroine.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A down-sizing society doyenne, an invaluable Remington statue, a bitter ex-wife, a few wayward teens and a ransom demand. How did it all devolve into murder? Theodosia is on the case again!
Theodosia is smack in the middle of a cozy firefly tea and the beautiful little insects are putting on a glorious show. But so is someone else. Someone, posing as a waiter, poisons a wealthy society lady in the middle of the dessert course! Theo gives chase but the person flashes a butane torch at her and makes their escape. This time, this time, Theo is NOT going to get involved. Except, how can she not?
This is one of my very favorite series. I adore Theodosia and Drayton and Hayley and all the tea shop regulars. Aunt Libby also plays a fairly large role in this book, which I loved. Theo hosts creative themed teas, shops for antique books, buys a new ball gown for a fancy ball, drinks champagne with the upper crust, and takes Earl Grey for a few runs through the side streets of historic Charleston. There's a lot to love about the series and I'm also very fond of Childs's writing style. She puts so much atmosphere into her books, with billowing fog and rain, both light drizzle and gully-washer downpour. Her characters also sparkle, I've cast them in my mind so I would recognize them if I saw them in the streets.
This book has all the fun and excitement I've come to expect from the Tea Shop series, an amazing accomplishment for a 30-book series that's been going on for almost 25 years. I hope it never ends!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Theodosia is smack in the middle of a cozy firefly tea and the beautiful little insects are putting on a glorious show. But so is someone else. Someone, posing as a waiter, poisons a wealthy society lady in the middle of the dessert course! Theo gives chase but the person flashes a butane torch at her and makes their escape. This time, this time, Theo is NOT going to get involved. Except, how can she not?
This is one of my very favorite series. I adore Theodosia and Drayton and Hayley and all the tea shop regulars. Aunt Libby also plays a fairly large role in this book, which I loved. Theo hosts creative themed teas, shops for antique books, buys a new ball gown for a fancy ball, drinks champagne with the upper crust, and takes Earl Grey for a few runs through the side streets of historic Charleston. There's a lot to love about the series and I'm also very fond of Childs's writing style. She puts so much atmosphere into her books, with billowing fog and rain, both light drizzle and gully-washer downpour. Her characters also sparkle, I've cast them in my mind so I would recognize them if I saw them in the streets.
This book has all the fun and excitement I've come to expect from the Tea Shop series, an amazing accomplishment for a 30-book series that's been going on for almost 25 years. I hope it never ends!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
March 12, 2026
Favorite Quotes:
The head of Charleston PD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, Tidwell was a big bear of a man— large head, rounded shoulders, stomach the size of a weather balloon.
“You forget, he is a detective.” “But you’re a better one,” Delaine said. “Far more clever and devious.”
Lotter looked brown and shiny this morning. As if he’d just come from getting a spray tan. She thought about making a joke about him looking like a chocolate Easter bunny, then decided it would be rude and impolite.
For one thing, there’s my ex-wife Payton, rhymes with Bride of Satan.
Miss Dimple was plumpish, barely five feet tall, and had a cap of pink-tinged curls. She was crinkly and wrinkly and looked like your favorite old aunt who loved cats and knitting, except for the fact that Miss Dimple could tally a column of numbers in milliseconds and rattle off quarterly tax payments as if she had a computer chip in her brain.
Amber may have been tiny, but she ate like a dock worker on a ten-minute break.
My Review:
’m more than a bit tardy to this party, as this is the first time reading this clever scribbler, and this is the 30th installment in this series. Not only that, but she has penned some twenty-five other books as well. I need to pick up my pace as I’m missing out! The writing style was easy to follow and engaging, and the colorful descriptions of each new character kept me chortling into my wine goblet throughout perusal. And I never guessed the actual culprit; they weren’t even on my radar. Laura Childs is found treasure, and bonus - she included some tasty recipes at the end of the book.
The head of Charleston PD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, Tidwell was a big bear of a man— large head, rounded shoulders, stomach the size of a weather balloon.
“You forget, he is a detective.” “But you’re a better one,” Delaine said. “Far more clever and devious.”
Lotter looked brown and shiny this morning. As if he’d just come from getting a spray tan. She thought about making a joke about him looking like a chocolate Easter bunny, then decided it would be rude and impolite.
For one thing, there’s my ex-wife Payton, rhymes with Bride of Satan.
Miss Dimple was plumpish, barely five feet tall, and had a cap of pink-tinged curls. She was crinkly and wrinkly and looked like your favorite old aunt who loved cats and knitting, except for the fact that Miss Dimple could tally a column of numbers in milliseconds and rattle off quarterly tax payments as if she had a computer chip in her brain.
Amber may have been tiny, but she ate like a dock worker on a ten-minute break.
My Review:
’m more than a bit tardy to this party, as this is the first time reading this clever scribbler, and this is the 30th installment in this series. Not only that, but she has penned some twenty-five other books as well. I need to pick up my pace as I’m missing out! The writing style was easy to follow and engaging, and the colorful descriptions of each new character kept me chortling into my wine goblet throughout perusal. And I never guessed the actual culprit; they weren’t even on my radar. Laura Childs is found treasure, and bonus - she included some tasty recipes at the end of the book.
March 10, 2026
You know what to expect with a Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery and Death at a Firefly Tea does not disappoint. Picture an elegant tea party on the patio of the Tangled Rose B & B. The fireflies are beginning to light up the evening. Theodosia, Drayton and Hayley are there to feed and entertain the ladies of Charleston society when Olivia Van Courtland (Mrs. V) falls to the ground, dead by poison. As Theo chases a possible murderer, her nemesis Detective Tidwell arrives to investigate the murder. Naturally, Theo begins her own search for the killer, a search that, after she follows several false clues, will nearly cost her own life.
Death at a Firefly Tea is the 30th in this excellent series and is as fresh as the first. The Charleston location, with its hidden gardens and alleys, is perfect for a murder mystery. Familiar figures return and, although we only get to know her after her murder, Mrs. V’s history is compelling. Her charity work, especially with youth, makes her an interesting character. And, of course, I love the delicious included recipes.. I’m looking forward to the next in this engaging series! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Laura Childs for this ARC.
Death at a Firefly Tea is the 30th in this excellent series and is as fresh as the first. The Charleston location, with its hidden gardens and alleys, is perfect for a murder mystery. Familiar figures return and, although we only get to know her after her murder, Mrs. V’s history is compelling. Her charity work, especially with youth, makes her an interesting character. And, of course, I love the delicious included recipes.. I’m looking forward to the next in this engaging series! 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and Laura Childs for this ARC.
March 17, 2026
Theodosia Browning is hosting an evening tea when one of the guests, Mrs. Van Cortland, dies suddenly. Later it is revealed that she ingested drugs. Theodosia begins quietly investigating what happened, and finds herself overwhelmed with potential suspects - and at jeopardy herself after someone throws a flash bang at Theo and her dog, Earl Grey, when they are out for an evening run. Things escalate and her friend and tea sommelier Drayton is also in danger.
I wanted to read Death at a Firefly Tea because I love this series of books. I was late to the series but jumped in mid-way and now I try to read them all as they are published. I love the Charleston setting, the details about tea (and tea sets, china, etc.), and the character of Theo.
This was an especially fast paced entry in the series. There are a number of suspects and the unexpected danger level also seems unusually high. These elements made the mystery even more fun to read!
As always, I loved the details about the teas that Theo hosts, like the Queen Victoria Tea and a Moulin Rouge Tea. I love the tea shop setting too, of course!
I recommend this book - and the series - for other cozy mystery readers, and especially for anyone who loves Charleston, Southern settings, and tea!
I wanted to read Death at a Firefly Tea because I love this series of books. I was late to the series but jumped in mid-way and now I try to read them all as they are published. I love the Charleston setting, the details about tea (and tea sets, china, etc.), and the character of Theo.
This was an especially fast paced entry in the series. There are a number of suspects and the unexpected danger level also seems unusually high. These elements made the mystery even more fun to read!
As always, I loved the details about the teas that Theo hosts, like the Queen Victoria Tea and a Moulin Rouge Tea. I love the tea shop setting too, of course!
I recommend this book - and the series - for other cozy mystery readers, and especially for anyone who loves Charleston, Southern settings, and tea!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I devoured this book in a very short time because it was hard to put down. This newest installment in this series has Theodosia holding an evening tea in the garden of her friend’s B and B. The setting attracts fireflies and the patrons are enjoying them flitting around. Suddenly one of the guests is choking and having convulsions. Unfortunately she does not survive and it is revealed her dessert was drugged. Theodosia is once again called on to investigate and find the murderer. She’s also told by the police chief not to interfere. Does she or doesn’t she start her own search for the truth? The teas and food served at the Indigo Tea Shop are vividly described so well you feel like you should be able to reach through and taste them. Fortunately there are recipes at the end of the book. I have enjoyed all the books in this series and always look forward to the next one. I am very pleased the author has promised more of the Tea Shop Mysteries! This book could probably be read as a standalone but I suggest starting at the beginning of the series. I received a copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Death at a Firefly Tea” the 30th instalment in the A Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I absolutely love this series!
The story grabbed me from the beginning as we start off at Theo’s Firefly Tea where things go from good to bad quite quickly. I love protagonist Theo, the Indigo Tea Shop, Drayton, and Haley and we can’t forget Earl Grey!
As for the mystery itself I found it entertaining and well thought out. The Starry Starry Night black-tie ball is a thrilling finale that combines glamour and suspense, leading to an exciting car chase that's both surprising and satisfying. This cozy mystery expertly blends warmth, wit, and danger, keeping its charming tone intact – a treat for fans of this genre!
Make sure you have a hot cup of tea and a snack when reading as I’m always hungry when I hear Haley’s menus! Good thing there are recipes from the tea shop at the end of the book.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Berkeley and NetGalley.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
The story grabbed me from the beginning as we start off at Theo’s Firefly Tea where things go from good to bad quite quickly. I love protagonist Theo, the Indigo Tea Shop, Drayton, and Haley and we can’t forget Earl Grey!
As for the mystery itself I found it entertaining and well thought out. The Starry Starry Night black-tie ball is a thrilling finale that combines glamour and suspense, leading to an exciting car chase that's both surprising and satisfying. This cozy mystery expertly blends warmth, wit, and danger, keeping its charming tone intact – a treat for fans of this genre!
Make sure you have a hot cup of tea and a snack when reading as I’m always hungry when I hear Haley’s menus! Good thing there are recipes from the tea shop at the end of the book.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Berkeley and NetGalley.
All thoughts and opinions are my own
March 15, 2026
This cozy mystery pulled me in right from the opening scene. It's my first time reading this series. The Firefly Tea at the Tangled Rose B&B sounded enchanting, twinkling lights, elegant settings, and Charleston charm, but the evening quickly turned dark when a society figure was poisoned in the middle of the event. That shocking moment set the tone for a fast-paced and layered investigation.
Theodosia Browning was a wonderful lead. I loved her mix of curiosity, compassion, and determination. She doesn’t shy away from danger, even when it puts her at risk. The suspects were varied and believable, from family members with grudges to business rivals, and the red herrings kept me guessing until the end.
The tea shop details were a highlight for me. The themed teas, the descriptions of food, and the cozy atmosphere balanced out the suspense beautifully.
The climax was exciting and dramatic. And I appreciated the way the book tied in Charleston’s history and atmosphere, it gave the mystery a rich backdrop.
Theodosia Browning was a wonderful lead. I loved her mix of curiosity, compassion, and determination. She doesn’t shy away from danger, even when it puts her at risk. The suspects were varied and believable, from family members with grudges to business rivals, and the red herrings kept me guessing until the end.
The tea shop details were a highlight for me. The themed teas, the descriptions of food, and the cozy atmosphere balanced out the suspense beautifully.
The climax was exciting and dramatic. And I appreciated the way the book tied in Charleston’s history and atmosphere, it gave the mystery a rich backdrop.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In the next book in the Tea Shop Mystery series, DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA by Laura Childs, Theodosia Browning is the amateur-sleuth protagonist. Theodosia holds a Firefly Tea, with hundreds of fireflies buzzing around outside the Tangled Rose B and B in Charleston, South Carolina. Her Indigo Tea Shop provides the tea, Japanese Sench, blended by her sommelier, Drayton Conneley. Haley Parker, Theodosia’s chef and baker, provides the food. Someone dies during the event. Why? Who is responsible?
I enjoy the writing, and the character descriptions give me a good idea of how the people look. It is good to return to Theodosia’s world, especially when I read about the returning series characters. The Charleston, South Carolina, setting is perfect., and the recipes are a nice addition. I look forward to reading future books in the series. Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA.
I enjoy the writing, and the character descriptions give me a good idea of how the people look. It is good to return to Theodosia’s world, especially when I read about the returning series characters. The Charleston, South Carolina, setting is perfect., and the recipes are a nice addition. I look forward to reading future books in the series. Thank you, Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley, for the chance to read and review an advance reader copy of DEATH AT A FIREFLY TEA.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Death at a Firefly Tea by Laura Childs is the thirtieth A Tea Shop Mystery. I look forward to a new A Tea Shop Mystery each year. This series is one of the two that introduced me to cozy mysteries and made me love them. The story is accessible and features likable, relatable characters. It was great to catch up with Theo, Drayton, Haley, and Earl Grey. The author's vivid descriptions bring the tea shop, city, and characters to life. The mystery is straightforward. I was surprised that Theo was reluctant to investigate this time around. It seemed out of character for her. The takedown was entertaining. There are ideas for tea parties as well as recipes at the end of the book. Death at a Firefly Tea can be read as a standalone. Death at a Firefly Tea is a diverting tale with mouthwatering morsels, tasty teas, a poisoned patron, chasing a suspect, hesitant sleuth, absent boyfriend, a Victorian visitor, and fashionable reveal.
March 16, 2026
The 30th installment in this fun series, and I've enjoyed them all.
Tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is catering an elegant tea party and, as per usual, someone gets murdered. She even spots an intruder and chases after him through a hedge. Her reputation as a stellar investigator has the citizens of Charleston begging her to "look into" things. And since boyfriend Riley is once again out of town, why not? There's a business to run, other teas to cater and an elegant ball coming up. But she still manages to question a long list of suspects, go shopping, and solve a kidnapping. I don't know how she does it, but I love making a pot of tea and a batch of scones and sitting down to read all about it.
Tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is catering an elegant tea party and, as per usual, someone gets murdered. She even spots an intruder and chases after him through a hedge. Her reputation as a stellar investigator has the citizens of Charleston begging her to "look into" things. And since boyfriend Riley is once again out of town, why not? There's a business to run, other teas to cater and an elegant ball coming up. But she still manages to question a long list of suspects, go shopping, and solve a kidnapping. I don't know how she does it, but I love making a pot of tea and a batch of scones and sitting down to read all about it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Death at Firefly Tea is a first for me from this author. I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of Ms. Childs books. I found it was hard to put down. The characters were well rounded and brought to life. Her descriptions really immerse the reader into the story. Theodosia is the main character who seems mystery and murder finds. While hosting a Firefly Tea one of the attendees suddenly dies. Suspects and clues pile up but will she be able to sort out the mystery and catch the killer? I love when books include recipes and ideas that enhance the story. I plan to look further into this series and author. I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Death at a Firefly Tea, #30 in Laura Childs' A Tea Shop Mystery series
After Olivia Van Cortland is given a lethal dose of fentanyl at Theodosia’s Firefly Tea, she is encouraged by her Aunt Libby and several friends to do her “Nancy Drew sleuthing” and investigate the murder. So in between three other special Teas and the Starry Starry Night Ball Theo looks into a variety of suspects and tries to connect an arson, an attack on Drayton, a poisoning, antique theft and a kidnapping to the original murder.
Familiar plot lines, helpful friends, a red herring or two, several not so nice characters and good recipes will please Childs' fans. A four-star read.
After Olivia Van Cortland is given a lethal dose of fentanyl at Theodosia’s Firefly Tea, she is encouraged by her Aunt Libby and several friends to do her “Nancy Drew sleuthing” and investigate the murder. So in between three other special Teas and the Starry Starry Night Ball Theo looks into a variety of suspects and tries to connect an arson, an attack on Drayton, a poisoning, antique theft and a kidnapping to the original murder.
Familiar plot lines, helpful friends, a red herring or two, several not so nice characters and good recipes will please Childs' fans. A four-star read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Theodosia is at her best entertaining a group of people at an evening firelfly tea event. All is going deliciously and dessert will be served. Then, one attendee begins choking and dies. Theodosia sees a stranger in the shadows and gives chase. That's how this adventure begins. Soon, Theodosia is avoiding the press, trying not to antagonize the police, investigating a ransom note and dealing with some kids who may be hiding the truth. Another great entry in this series set in the beautiful city of Charleston. Lots of tea references, of course! Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.
March 12, 2026
Thank you Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for an eARC.
A cozy, charming mystery with a ton of details and vibrant descriptions of settings and spaces. Community warmth from the characters and situations. Whimsical situations and high tension moments. Everything you would expect from a Tea Shop Mystery story. Has a way of balancing elegance, comfort, and genuine suspense. Theodosia is a strong intelligent FMC who is curious, compassionate, and determined when solving this newest mystery.
A cozy, charming mystery with a ton of details and vibrant descriptions of settings and spaces. Community warmth from the characters and situations. Whimsical situations and high tension moments. Everything you would expect from a Tea Shop Mystery story. Has a way of balancing elegance, comfort, and genuine suspense. Theodosia is a strong intelligent FMC who is curious, compassionate, and determined when solving this newest mystery.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Theodosia Is hosting a tea at the garden of a nearby bnb. It’s dusk to highlight the fireflies that will populate the flowers. The tea, food, and fireflies are perfect until someone poisons a wealthy grande dame. Surprisingly, the woman has a fair number of potential murderers. As the search develops, the murder devolves into kidnapping, another murder attempt, arson, and theft. Will Theodosia be able to solve this, or will the murderer get away? Great Read. #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Laura Childs continues entertaining readers with her Tea Shop mysteries. The characters are fun to follow, the Charleston setting is perfect and the mystery keeps you guessing. Find a cozy seat, pour a cup of tea and sit back for an afternoon of entertainment.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
fun setting with a nice vibe for this cozy mystery that worked really effectively. would recommend this one. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Theodosia and crew are up to their usual tricks in this latest installment of this enjoyable series. The mystery was entertaining, but the best part of these books is the tea and food descriptions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3/9/2026 Not as ludicrous as some of the recent books in this series, thank goodness. Full review tk at CriminalElement.com.
March 12, 2026
This novel kept me glued to the exciting details of the story line. I truly am awaiting Ms. Child’s next book!
March 16, 2026
Maybe after reading so many of these books, I just need a break. They are fun mysteries and I like reading about the tea experiences, but the formula is so obvious now.
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