Shades of Earl Grey

Tea Shop Mystery #3

by Laura Childs

Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is finally invited to a social event that she doesn't have to cater—but there's more than champagne bubbling…

Theo is mingling with the cream of Charleston society at the engagement soiree of the season. But as they eagerly await the dazzling young couple's arrival—the groom meets with a freak accident. The exquisite wedding ring—a family heirloom from the crown of Marie Antoinette—is mysteriously missing. Theodosia suspects that trouble is brewing. But when she goes to the authorities, they treat her like she's been reading tea leaves—and that's the surest way to put Theodosia's kettle on the boil…

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Tea, Mystery Thriller, Adult

242 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 7, 2003

About the author

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 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.

Reviews

[Melike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the series mainly because I love reading about Charleston, SC and the mysteries are always interesting. I do wish Theo would leave her dog Early Grey out of her sleuthing though, and not put him in dangerous situations. Also, there is zero chemistry between Theo and her boyfriend of sorts, what even is his purpose in these stories.

[C. (Comment, never msg). · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Shades Of Earl Grey ”, 2003, is from Laura Child’s series: introduced with the twenty-first century. The covers are pretty and although not a tea nut, I loaded up on her novels; before clueing into “standard mysteries” as the genre more to my tastes. I read these gradually and liked volume 1. The second was not as good and it is not opportune to take up the third, now that I have little patience for all but the best authors quantifying the “cozy mystery” tone. Nevertheless, I believe a two-star grade is justified for the following reasons. I will dodge details that should be surprises.

I had just been riveted by a “Tradd Street” standard mystery and was in the mood to continue visiting Charleston, South Carolina. Karen White immerses us through the mannerisms and homes of characters’ families and friends. Laura unloads details in the frowned upon tactic of “telling”. It disconnects readers from perceiving a personal tour. Every character sparked a paragraph about who they are and how they look, the same as places of interest. It got so I groaned at each entrance and took a break, to skim books I am keener to read!

I like originality, therefore was content for the plot to be about theft. We are kept guessing about the thief and I liked learning about tea. The shop’s atmosphere and stewardship is one thing that translates very well. However, the suspense and presence of the mystery were not dominant and balanced enough to make the novel compelling. Laura’s information dump narrating style came out as amateur monologues; not least, pushing the silly term “cat burger”. However, three stars were my intention; until Laura sank to that pointless cliché: a dumb excuse to not boldly use one’s cell phone to contact the police.

[BLynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book the A Tea Shop Mystery and I found it just as enjoyable as the first two in the series. Theodosia finds herself investigating what appears to be an accidental murder and cat burglar roaming around in the historic district. This was a fun read and I'm sure that I will continue to read books from this series.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

My third tea shop mystery. They are growing on me. Tea is much more complicated than I expected and actually more complicated than I care to know; but I do enjoy the interplay of the main character with her staff at the shop. Mysteries are fairly light, but complicated enough to make them interesting.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is just before Halloween, and it didn't feel like a Halloween story, which I liked, and it involves a death and several thefts. The culprit was a surprise, and the way that person was caught was also a surprise. I still like the characters, and it was nice that Earl Grey, Theodosia's dog, was in this story more than the previous books. I liked the teas and food in this book, too. There was a lot of Charleston history in this book, which I enjoyed.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really kept me guessing. I thought for sure that I knew who the culprit was and I was wrong!

[Maris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Predictable and cheesy, but I have a soft spot for these Charleston tea shop mysteries. Fun quick summer read.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is definitely growing on me with time. I like the characters more and more with each book, though I still feel like I don't know much about them. Hopefully the author shares more about their background with us in future books (I know I've said that before). I love how Theo's dog Earl Grey was featured more in this book and I hope she is smart enough to keep him with her more as she goes sleuthing. They are doing more fun things at the tea shop and I love reading about the different events they plan and attend. This book focused more on the world of antiques and collectors items, which I enjoyed learning about. There are always tidbits about the historic section of downtown Charleston and it's quickly becoming a place I hope to visit again. As for the mystery, I enjoyed the hunt, but didn't suspect anyone that Theo suspected. That's probably just me knowing that in cozy mysteries, it's almost NEVER someone that the sleuth suspects. But also none of them felt like the right fit. I was, however, surprised by the culprit (I should have been more suspicious of all the help and attention she was giving Theo who she had recently met. I enjoy this series and will definitely continue on.

[Novella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is upbeat and written in a positive tone a fun read, although catering to the cream of society, there is a lot of schmoozing that eventually becomes tiresome. Theodosia and the gang at the Indigo Tea Shop work hard and I like that they are always at the shop working for the most part and not leaving others there to handle the business. Most of what they get involved in takes place at a functions they are hired to cater, again working but involved which makes their involvement realistic.

I think I enjoyed the first two books better than this one. It was hard to envision how the crime happened, the way it was explained, and how the murderer got away so quickly if he did indeed escape the way they suppose. Whenever I read a plot like this, it seems less logically interesting and we are supposed to accept it and move on, so I end up feeling like the basis for the plot is shaky at best.

Thoedosia, Drayton, and the staff at the shop are true to character and have good chemistry. These books have an elegant if not eloquent feel but I was surprised by a sudden downturn in chapter fifteen, pg. 148, where Graham Carmody (not part of the usual book characters) thinks to himself, get his **** ready for tomorrow. So much for the eloquence up to that point, it's a little jarring to shift gears like that. Even though he is a written in character, surely he can be in keeping with the feel of the writing and not dumb down to compromise his character. This is where a writer can find a creative way to show how they can be consistent in keeping us the reader at that level we enjoy so much and not just give in to what we are exposed to in society today.

There is lots of tea talk and bits of interesting info the reader can pick up as well as recipes. Overall I have enjoyed this series so far.

[Vicky Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Welp, I'm officially done with this series. Theodosia is one of those amateur sleuths, you know, the kind who run into danger without thinking things through. There's a scene where she chases a dark figure out of the hospital, a figure who could possibly be a thief and murderer. She even brings her dog along in hopes he will stop the person. Not all dogs can be attack dogs. I couldn't believe she would do something so reckless, something that could have gotten her or her dog hurt. She's also trekking dangerously close to smug territory. Just because you solved two previous cases doesn't make you superior to the detective.

The tea shop aspect is also what bugs me. Running a small business is tough work with lots of struggles. I've never run a business and even I know this. Everything seems to go perfect for the shop, without an ounce of hardship for Theo. If they concoct a new tea it's always magnificent. If they add new food to the menu everything is always sold out within the hour. If they create new, tea-infused products it's a huge success. Everyone in town loves everything the Indigo Tea Shop sells, making it the greatest small business in the entire world. I know this is fiction, but even fiction needs to be somewhat realistic. Theo's infinite successes makes it Disney channel cheesy. You don't ever want to go Disney channel level of cheesy.

[Deb Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the first books I read in this great series! I love the charactrs and the way they conect with each other.

[Maiju · Rating 3 out of 5]

not sure if the book really is worth three stars but the descriptions of tea made were so wonderful, I gave it anyway.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a keeping me on the edge of my seat sort of cozy mystery and I absolutely adored it!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theodosia Browning is happy to attend the engagement party of her neighbor, Delaine's niece Camille at the Goodwood Inn. The swanky party is host to the who's who of Charleston. The groom, Corey Buchannan, a young Marine captain is from an old Savannah family and Camille's wedding ring, which will be on display at the party, is said to have belonged to Marie Antoinette. Before anyone gets a chance to view the ring, a loud crash alerts the party goers to a disaster. The ceiling of the old greenhouse in the inn has crashed in during a storm and killed the groom! Not only that but Camille's ring is missing! Theodosia, Drayton and Haley look everywhere but can't find the ring. Theodosia has a funny feeling the celling didn't crash in on its own but the police don't find any evidence of anything unusual-just a freak accident and the ring is hiding somewhere. When Theodosia gets Delaine to share her suspicions with Detective Tidwell, the man seems uninterested. Once again, it's up to Theodosia to get to the bottom of the mystery. Then she learns of a series of thefts in the neighborhood. Could the murder and robbery be the work of a cat burglar?

This wasn't the best mystery. I kind of had an idea who the villain was based on process of elimination and a hunch about someone. I did not enjoy the head jumping. It was jarring and one big scene may even be from the villain's POV. I loved all the descriptions and explanations of tea and want to try some of the teas mentioned. I also loved Earl Grey who is the very BESTEST good dog ever! I hope he gets a special reward after this.

Theodosia is said to have good instincts and Detective Tidwell trusts her but she's always stumbling around and takes a shot in the dark to solve the case but almost never actually does. She just happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Drayton is concerned for the Heritage Society collections and his own personal valuables. He comes across as nervous and not so much a willing partner in the investigation. Theo mostly keeps Haley out of things and relies on Drayton's age and knowledge of local society. Theo is ostensibly dating Jory but she keeps using him and ditching him in favor of investigating. No you can't just listen to the symphony on CD. It's not the same thing as live music. Yeesh.

Cooper Hobcaw, a local lawyer, is seeing Delaine romantically. He helps Camille with the arrangements and supports Delaine but he seems a little suspicious. Theo is wary when she sees Cooper running through historic district at night when doesn't live there. He might be two-timing Delaine in an effort to get away from the horrible gossipy Delaine. He doesn't seem that into her. He's a criminal attorney and he was at the party so I don't think he's guilty of murder and theft. Something else maybe...

Brooke Carter Crockett is an artist and jewelry store owner. She has access to estate pieces and other priceless jewels. Could she be stealing them? She seems nice, talented and creative. Her assistant, Aerin, is always with her around town or in the shop. Aerin is smart, business savvy and comes up with a plan to help the Indigo Tea Shop get more business. Yet, something about Aerin seems off to me. I didn't really warm up to her. Certainly Claire Kitridge from the Heritage Society must be above reproach? She's worked hard to help the society for the last 3-4 years. Even Timothy Neville sings her praises! Even so, evidence points to Claire. The thief HAS to be someone with inside knowledge who had access to the events and places where items were stolen. It might be Graham Carmody, a waiter at many of the local events. He seems suspicious to me and what Theo does is really stupid. He's also pretty stupid. If you sell something on ebay, you have to save your receipts for tax purposes and managing your bank account. You don't just throw out the computer print-outs. Which one is the thief? I suspect there's more than one thing going on.

I have the next book on my nightstand. I'll see how I feel about it before I request more. I am now craving tea and scones but none of the other silly things Theo and Haley do with tea.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodosia Browning owns and operates Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina. She has also been known to dabble in solving crimes. While Theo never goes out looking for trouble, she always seems to find it.
While attending an engagement party for the niece of an acquaintance Theo is witness to a shocking accident. When the engagement ring, a family heirloom of royal proportion, goes missing, Theo and her business associate and friend Drayton are asked to search for it. She ponders the events of the evening and believes that this is no accident.
As Theo learns of more item of value that have gone missing she begins to look into what is going on in her neighborhood a bit more closely. She is so concerned that she shares what she learns with Detective Tidwell. He soon begins to share Theo’s suspicions.
This is the third book in the Tea Shop Mystery series. While I have enjoyed each one, and recommend them, I find that I take longer to read them than I would expect. The plot moves steadily, so I am not putting it down for lack of action. The characters are developed nicely. In this book though I found a lack of closure with regards to two characters. Perhaps that is because I read more into their involvement in the story than I should have. I will probably read the next book in the series. I find the setting to be interesting and that is one of the things that keeps drawing me back to the books.

[Crystal Toller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tea Shop

This is the third book in the tea Shop Mysteries. When Delaine's niece is having her engagement party at The Lady Goidwood Inn, the Garden Room, which used to be a greenhouse, roof suddenly caves in and Delaine's niece's fiance is stabbed and killed by a piece of glass. When a jewelry heist takes place at an event at the Heritage Society, Theodosia is convinced a cat burglar is targeting the Historic District of Charleston. How Theodosia and her friends uncover the burglar makes for a great story.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining cozy mystery. I like Theodosia and the people she has gathered around her. The running of the tea shop and all of the tea facts are the best parts. The mystery was good, and even though I guessed whodunnit, I was still having fun reading the story. Although sometimes I did wish that it had more emotional depth to it. I am enjoying this series and will probably continue.

[Lea · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cat burglar is on the prowl in the historic district! This one did seem a bit outdated, due to when it was written. The recipes in this one sound really good, I wish the quiche recipe had been included.

[Alicia Thistle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first two, this was a quaint detective story. I did not enjoy it as much as the first two. It was repetitive and wordy at times, but still a cute story. I do enjoy this series and will continue to read them.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the stories that Laura Childs weaves. However, I have two small issues with this book and her other books, generally. The first is that I don't really like how in the beginning of some chapters, she writes in the perspective of characters other than the protagonist, Theodosia. While I appreciate having extra 'insider' information, it doesn't flow very well with the rest of the novel. (However, in her later books, she stopped doing that.) The second is that the mark of a superlative mystery writer is that the story includes all the necessary clues for the reader to figure out whodunit. That is decidedly not the case for Laura Childs' books. There is absolutely no way you can ever figure out who the perpetrator is, because there is simply never enough information--and key important information--for the reader to piece it together. Now, it's true that we know what Theodosia knows. But other authors writing in the third person have been able to achieve this (for example, Rex Stout). It does make the books slightly less interactive, but on the other hand, makes them more exciting to read because you know that you really will be surprised.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theodosia is at an engagement party that ends in tragedy. But it is not just tragedy but also burglary. The antique wedding ring that was meant to be used has gone missing.

Then the Historical Society, displaying a valuable neckless looses power during a members only viewing and the neckless is gone.

Theo goes through a lot of suspects but as in a couple other recent books - the character responsible is hardly mentioned. Hence I gave it a 3 and not a 4. I do like the characters although the love interest is a bit uninvolved - barely making an appearance.

I will read on as I do like to learn about the various teas in the shop. I would like to go to a tea shop to experience different teas just like the one in this story. I will read on in the series and would recommend this series.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! Laura Childs' mystery stories are good. Her character Theodosia Browning, left a lucrative marketing job to open and run a tea shop in the historic district in Charleston South Carolina, her books are all quick reads and she always has good endings-I just hate it when you know who done it way before the end of the book. This story is about a the murder of a young marine at his engagement party. Theodosia if forced to work with the local police detective whom doesn't like her involvement in the investigation---not that it stop Theo from her own detective work..good story and good recipes in the back of the book--

[Writerlibrarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the tale of one cat burglar who found Theo on its tail. An horrible accident leaves a groom to be dead and an engagement ring missing, Theo happens to be on the premises and makes it her quest to find the culprit after a rash of burglery happens all around the Tea shop. Well paced, with interesting characters who are given more layers as books go by. The plot is mysterious enough and you might find the culprit before the name is revealed but it won't mess up with your enjoyment of the novel.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

.
This woman sleuth happens to own a tea shop. Who knew there were so many different types of tea and ways to serve them? Not me, this series has taught me something there.

Theo stays busy, busy, busy. But she always finds time to investigate the current murder. Each book delivers a cozy read for enjoyable entertainment. This one did not really appeal to me as much as the others, for reasons I'm unable to pinpoint at this time.

Each book is able to stand on its own and deliver an HEA, which is an important attribute in a series when I chose to read it.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love how Laura Childs can write about something that should be mundane (i.e. the daily workings of a tea shop) and turn it into my favorite part of a book. That said, there wasn't as much about tea and the tea shop in this installment. I missed that.

However, the mystery was solid. It kept me guessing until the very end, which I always love in a whodunnit story.

[Chaitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theo is slower on the uptake in this one (although I'm forgetting if she actually solved the murder in the last two or if the killer just randomly confessed) and extremely reckless. I really don't care for her romantic relationship either, he's so insubstantial. But I do like Tidwell, Drayton, Haley and Earl Grey, so I'll keep reading them at least for a while.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. I love the atmosphere of Charleston and its historic district. Definitely a character as much as Theo, Drayton and Haley. I also love learning about the different types of teas. A fun series!

[Reba · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can't help it. I love these silly, cozy mysteries. Sometimes I just need Brain Candy and this does it for me.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the characters after reading Death by Darjeeling first. I enjoyed the story set in a quaint tea shop.