Haunted Hibiscus

Tea Shop Mystery #22

by Laura Childs

Tea maven Theodosia Browning brews up trouble in the latest Tea Shop Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.

It is the week before Halloween and Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, and her tea sommelier, Drayton, are ghosting through the dusk of a cool Charleston evening on their way to the old Bouchard Mansion. Known as the Gray Ghost, this dilapidated place was recently bequeathed to the Heritage Society, and tonight heralds the grand opening of their literary and historical themed haunted house.

Though Timothy Neville, the patriarch of the Heritage Society, is not thrilled with the fund-raising idea, it is the perfect venue for his grandniece, Willow French, to sign copies of her new book, Carolina Crimes & Creepers.

But amid a parade of characters dressed as Edgar Allan Poe, Lady Macbeth, and the Headless Horseman, Willow's body is suddenly tossed from the third-floor tower room and left to dangle at the end of a rope. Police come screaming in and Theodosia's boyfriend, Detective Pete Riley, is sent to Willow's apartment to investigate. But minutes later, he is shot and wounded by a shadowy intruder.

Timothy begs Theodosia to investigate, and shaken by Riley's assault, she readily agrees. Now, she questions members of the Heritage Society and a man who claims the mansion is rightfully his, as well as Willow's book publisher and her fiancé, all while hosting a Sherlock Holmes tea and catering several others.

But the Gray Ghost holds many secrets, as do several other key suspects, while this murder mystery plays out on the eve of Halloween.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Halloween, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2021

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

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read all of the Tea Shop mysteries and have noticed that Theodosia has gotten more annoying over the last few books. She has a feeling of entitlement, is very rude to people and very judgmental. Fat-shaming Detective Tidwell has lost any humor. I find it unbelievable that someone would ask her to investigate a murder instead of letting the police take care of it. She has no jurisdiction anywhere to do that. She is pushy and thinks nothing of asking a grieving fiancé why the deceased woman isn’t wearing an engagement ring in her coffin. This was asked at the funeral luncheon. Calling another person a”flunkie” because they inflated their resume is rude. Looking through personnel records at the Heritage Society is totally unacceptable behavior on Theodosia’s part. I just wonder why people keep letting her get away with it. The murder was very interesting and there were many possibilities of who the murderer was. Instead, it seems like the author tossed the names of everyone who appeared in the book, into a paper bag and pulled one out. Then arranged the ending to accommodate that name. It was very unsatisfactory. I think I’ll take a break from this series now.

[Joan Happel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading the latest book in The Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs is like opening a present you knew you were going to get (in a good way). Even though you know what’s inside, there is still a sense of anticipation and surprise. For those unfamiliar with the series, Theodosia Browning is the proud owner of the Indigo Tea Shop located in enchanting Charleston, South Carolina. This time around, Theodosia and her partner, tea sommelier Drayton, are attending a haunted house party when the inevitable murder takes place. What we don’t know is who will be killed, why, and where the investigation will take Theodosia and her tea shop staff.

Brimming with southern charm, a diverting cast of supporting characters, an intriguing mystery to solve, and the delectable recipes at the end, this is an absorbing addition to the series. If you haven’t partaken of these books yet, don’t put it off any longer, it’s a delicious treat for cozy mystery fans.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the eARC.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series has seriously gone downhill with the last few books. Theodosia has become unbearable, inviting herself to police meetings and to the victim’s home. When they (obviously) say no, she breaks in. There’s no way anyone could have guessed the killer. She’s mentioned only once or twice in the book before the big reveal. The same happened in the first book. . I enjoy books where the MC helps with the investigation because they hear things here or there. I’m not so much a fan of when they think they’re better than the police so they need to take over. I’m done with this series.

[Julie Durnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Halloween theme for this teashop mystery was filled with great ideas for parties and food/drinks so I've upgraded my star rating from 3.5 to 4. I pegged the culprit in the murder right from the get-go but then I don't read these just for the mystery plots, it's for the great tea lore and pairings, and the delectable savories and sweets that are served (a few of Haley's delicious recipes included)!

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAUNTED HIBSCUS was the book I needed to read, just at the right time. With summer looming (Yes, looming. I don’t like summer), getting to read a cozy set during Halloween returned me to cool autumn days, and the promise of frost. But, onto the review.

Author Laura Childs is cozy mystery royalty. All of her series are followed by adoring readers who just can’t get enough of her remarkable prose. HAUNTED HIBCUS is the perfect example of why.

This 22nd installment to Laura Childs’ Teashop Mysteries held me enthralled. From the excitement of a Halloween party, the heartbreakingly tragic death of a young women filled with promise of a wonderful life to come, and a killer who just plain torked me off until the satisfying reveal, HAUNTED HIBSCUS was a one sitting read for me. I simply couldn’t put it down.

With the exception of poor, shot Riley, our favorite Teashop Mystery characters are stronger than ever as the investigations heats up in the death of Willow French, the unfortunate author who will never know just have many copies her book would sell, and the afore mentioned poor, shot Riley. Who is the killer and what is he/she hiding that it’s worth killing for? The author doesn’t make it easy for us to guess.

I suggest that you keep yourselves seatbelted in until the twists and turns of HAUNTED HISICUS come to an end. It’s totally worth the roiling ride!

[Holly · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve attempted to read by this author, and it will definitely be my last (if I finish it at all), thanks to the insufferable protagonist, Theodosia. Entitled, condescending, meddlesome busy-body are the words that I think describe her best. She completely the ignores the police telling her to not get involved in the case, reasoning that “she is already involved,” because she was at the event where the murder took place and it’s her boyfriend who got shot...cue a HUGE eye roll from me. Sorry, but unless you have actually become a member of the police force, you witnessing a murder and your police boyfriend being shot while trying to investigate said murder don’t entitle you to launch an investigation of your own. Especially when it means treating your “suspects” the way she does — she literally goes up to the people she thinks might have done it, hurls accusations at them based on circumstantial evidence, and then storms off in righteous indignation when they dare to not like her shoving her nose in where it doesn’t belong. And if that weren’t enough, she is extremely judgmental of a reporter for asking questions—it’s ok for her, the tea lady to snoop around, but apparently reporters, whose literal JOB involves asking questions, are bad for doing so—and for owning a police scanner. Apparently police scanners are wrong — “aren’t those illegal?!” she chides when he mentions having one—but her stealing keys so she can break into a crime scene is okay??? I think what she did is a whole lot more problematic than owning a police scanner! And she also withholds information from the police, because she wants to look into it herself first, “without police interference.” Ummm, what?! YOU are the one interfering Theodosia, not the police — they are doing their jobs!


I KNOW this is a cozy mystery, and by default the sleuth is one who is amateur/not a member of the police force, but there are ways to go about that that don’t involve the “heroine” thinking she’s above the police and the law, and being a complete witch to everyone she thinks *might* have done it. She could be a police consultant, or she could decide to open a PI business on the side — she certainly has enough time for it, as she is constantly offloading her work at the tearoom on to her other employees so she can go snooping.

So yeah, don’t know that I’ll make it through this one. I have way too many books in my TBR pile to waste time on main characters who grate on my every last nerve.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe that there are so many books in this series. HAUNTED HIBISCUS is book 22 in the Teashop Mystery series. I feel like I always say this in my reviews of this series, but I absolutely love this series. Laura Childs always does a great job of pacing her novels so that each mystery unravels beautifully. I found that especially true for this book.

If you’re brand new to Cozy Mystery or would like something well-written and easy to devour, I recommend this series to anyone. It’s an entertaining, engaging read with interesting characters and good writing. I especially love the main cast. Theodosia and Drayton aren’t like many other amateur sleuths I know and that’s kind of why I love them. While sometimes I think this series targets an older audience, I do think younger audiences like me can still appreciate it, especially since it is so well written.

This book does have a bit of a Halloween theme to it, so I liked that added touch. But I do feel like you can enjoy this any time of the year. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this series. Laura Childs is simply a must-read!

Check out my alternate review on Fresh Fiction

[Maria Almaguer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been reading this rather fluffy mystery series for a very long time. It's not character driven by any means though there are some 'characters.' It's set in beautiful Charleston and is truly an homage to this southern gem of a city with a colorful and storied past. For the first time, however, I found the protagonist, Theodosia Browning, unusually tenacious and, thus at times, rather insulting. She was also more fearless and foolhardy in wanting to confront murder suspects than in previous books. In short, she was kind of off her rocker. At times, she almost didn't seem like the same character she has been; the author writes other series (which I have not read) so perhaps she got her protagonist personalities mixed up? However, my favorite character is a secondary one, Drayton Connelly, Theodosia's dapper tea sommelier, a sixty-something older southern gentleman with impeccable taste, manners, and knowledge. Theodosia has a seminal love interest however, I think she should consider Drayton. Despite the book's flaws, they're not enough to deter me from continuing to read future installments. A light mystery with colorful characters, delightful culture, and setting.

[Courtney H · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read every book in the Tea Shop Mystery series from Laura Childs. They are, in part, what made me fall in love with Cozy Mysteries as a genre. Sadly, the latest installment, Haunted Hibiscus, just didn't hold my interest. I found myself pushing to finish, simply because I couldn't imagine not reading it. A lot hasn't changed for Theodosia Browning and her group of charming sidekick in the 20 years that Child's has been writing this series. No one has aged, there hasn't been much overarching character development, just a revolving door of boyfriends for Theo, some out of this world recipes from Haley, and some wonderful tea blends from Drayton.

This time when current beaux , Detective Pete Riley, is injured and Timothy Neville, the patriarch of the Heritage Society and Granduncle to the victim, begs Theo to investigate she doesn't even have a pretense of hesitation. I found her shift in demeanor jarring while cringing outwardly more than once at the red flags tossed up over Riley and Theo's relationship. Overall I was incredibly disappointed in this story and find myself wondering if I'll read #23 or not when it is released at the end of 2021.

[Gabrielle Stoller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, I keep doing this to myself. Another "meh" rating on another "meh" book. I need to break this streak.

Theodosia and Drayton's friendship continues to grow and blossom, which DOES make me smile. But that's about it. I cannot stand Theodosia's new boyfriend; he's kind of a tool. The food elements are getting relegated to the background and that was what made the series great.

I didn't find the crime original. Sure the villain wasn't on Theodosia's radar but when is it ever?!

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halloween is approaching and the Indigo Tea Shop has a week of fun themed teas for the season. Theodosia is eager to get a look inside the haunted house put on by the Heritage Society in their latest property, the Bouchard mansion. The house was in desperate need of repairs and the heir wants to get his hands on it to tear it down and build apartment buildings but the Heritage Society inherited the house free and clear and the only thing that they could do with it right now is a haunted house. Timothy Neville's great-niece, Willow, is on hand to sign her new book about the ghosts and scary stories of Carolina. Theodosia is excited to meet Willow and get an autographed book. Willow is delighted to have so many people interested in her book but when Theo returns to get a book for Haley, Willow is nowhere to be found. Stepping outside, Theo then witnesses Willow's body hanging from a rope outside the window of the third floor of the mansion. Willow's death is gruesome and traumatizing for everyone, especially Detective Pete Riley who is shot while investigating Willow's apartment and for Timothy Neville who has lost a beloved family member. He begs Theo to do something to solve Willow's murder but Pete warns Theo to stay out. Theo can't help herself. She has to ask around and solve this to bring justice to Willow.

This plot was not what I expected. All along I assumed they had the wrong motive and the killer was someone Willow wrote about in her book or the descendant of someone and was angry or trying to hide a crime. I never guessed who the murderer was at all. The killer was really a psychopath and their motive was lame at best. I really enjoyed all the teas and the themes were right up my alley. A tip for Haley- make the raven cake wings from wafer paper. No one wants to eat fondant. Some of the recipes even sound good to me.

Theo is still annoying and nosy. She's a little rude to a couple of people out of "loyalty" and she somehow obtains access to information that legally no one would ever give her. Pete, a trained detective, realizes investigating is Theo's thrill sport and she can't quit but he doesn't like it. If he, a trained detective, can get hurt, she, a civilian, could be killed. They care a lot about each other but she doesn't care enough to respect his feelings or the law. She never actually figures it out before she or someone she cares about is nearly killed. It was obvious what was going to happen when the clue was revealed. Good thing Pete was paying attention. Tidwell is a good detective. He's grumpy because Theo is a civilian not a detective and she doesn't willingly give up HER info without HIM giving her something. She's not my favorite sleuth. Poor Haley is having a tough time. She was good friends with Willow and invited to Willow's wedding party. The death of her friend hits her hard. Drayton is also spooked by the death of the young woman and not an eager participant in Theo's investigation. Poor Timothy. He should resign from the Heritage Society! This is what the second murder on top of two robberies? Thankfully they do now have young staff and interns working to make the Heritage Society a success.

Willow was a vibrant young woman with her whole future ahead of her. She was friendly, outgoing and eager to share her work with the world. She may have even been writing a second book. Willow was also engaged to be married and something of a bridezilla. However, she may not have been engaged anymore. No one saw her wearing an engagement ring. Maybe the moonstone was her engagement ring? She was wearing heirloom yellow diamonds, a legacy of Russian imperialism that died with the Czar. The diamonds went missing when Willow died. Is that the motive for murder? Simple jewel theft? Surely it has to be more than that, especially given the gruesome way she died.

Ellis Bouchard has made no secret of his claims to the mansion. He just wants to develop the land and doesn't want the house itself. Timothy is secure their claim is legal but Ellis keeps trying to fight it. Did he kill Willow to get back at Timothy? To make the house MORE haunted so no one wants to go there? He's a whiny, entitled man but I'm not sure he's clever enough to plan such a horrific crime. Claire Waltho, the Heritage Society's new curator, is young and eager to talk to Theodosia. She's forthcoming with what she knows but is she reliable and telling the truth? Something about her manner makes me suspicious. After all, she's the one who claimed Ellis Bouchard said he was broke. Theo didn't hear it with her own ears. Robert Vardell, Willow's fiancé, has the most to gain from her death. He plays the grieving lover but is he really? But why kill her now and so publicly? Why not wait until after the wedding? Unless she did break up with him and it was a revenge killing? He does have a strong motive.

Allan Barnaby, Willow's publisher, is an eager beaver. He's socially awkward but I don't think he has a motive for murder. Willow is making him money! Why kill the cash cow? Or perhaps he can replace her with another writer who will write a follow-up book and for less money? Who knows? Henry Curtis, an intern at the Heritage Society, was working at the haunted house the night Willow was killed. Did he see anything? Could he be the killer motivated by greed? He had access to the house and knew the layout. I think Ellis Bouchard is a stronger candidate but I don't think either of them is the murderer. Sybil, another intern, is excited to do some sleuthing on her own but Theo warns her off.

This is one mystery that may not be solvable!

[Under the Covers Book Blog]

“Laura Childs is simply a must-read!”

~ Under the Covers
Recommended Read!
I can’t believe that there are so many books in this series. HAUNTED HIBISCUS is book 22 in the Teashop Mystery series. I feel like I always say this in my reviews of this series, but I absolutely love this series. Laura Childs always does a great job of pacing her novels so that each mystery unravels beautifully. I found that especially true for this book.

If you’re brand new to Cozy Mystery or would like something well-written and easy to devour, I recommend this series to anyone. It’s an entertaining, engaging read with interesting characters and good writing. I especially love the main cast. Theodosia and Drayton aren’t like many other amateur sleuths I know and that’s kind of why I love them. While sometimes I think this series targets an older audience, I do think younger audiences like me can still appreciate it, especially since it is so well written.

This book does have a bit of a Halloween theme to it, so I liked that added touch. But I do feel like you can enjoy this any time of the year. You definitely don’t want to miss out on this series. Laura Childs is simply a must-read!



Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah ha! A female murderer!

[Nancy Haddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always enjoy Laura Child books, and this series. Love the setting, the characters, the writing, and the unfolding of the mysteries.

This is a library book, and I'm delighted to be able to get this series from my local library system!

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timothy's grandniece is murdered, apparently for a theft of her antique yellow diamond set. He asks Theo and her friends to look into it, despite the fact that her boyfriend, Detective Riley, was wounded while investigating. I knew the murderer from pretty much the beginning, but it was still a fun read.

[Katreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAUNTED HIBISCUS by Laura Childs
The Twenty-Second Tea Shop Mystery

A night at the Heritage Society's haunted house turns into one of horror as a young woman is murdered, hung outside an upstairs window. The victim is a promising new author who was signing copies of her new book about true crime and various low-country legends. She is also Timothy Neville's grandniece and a good friend of Hayley. With her need for the adrenaline rush of an investigation Tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is once again on the trail of a killer.

HAUNTED HIBISCUS gives readers a complex, emotional mystery. Not only is our victim a pleasant young woman just starting a successful writing life, Detective Riley, Theo's boyfriend, is injured in the line of duty. When young lives are cut short and close friends hurt, tension and drama are automatically intensified. Seeing Timothy near despair and Haley's too bubbly personality dimmed push Theo to get involved and when Riley is shot nothing will stop her.

The thing that bothers me is Theodosia's belief that she is an investigator. No longer quietly talking to people on the periphery she now confronts suspects and demand they speak with her. While Theo has been investigating for some time, this is her twenty second outing after all, she is not part of the police department, nor is she a PI. She courts danger and think she is capable of dealing with suspects and finding murderers without police assistance. Her cocksure attitude is starting to put me off.

That being said, I love the Indigo Tea Shop and revel in the delicious descriptions of the various tea events. Drayton, with his dry sensibilities, has become my favorite character. I'd love to see a short story featuring him and Miss Dimple!

Laura Childs has a great talent for adding a variety of red herrings and she does so here with aplomb. Shying away from some of the more probable motives for murder, I thought for sure I was onto something. I wasn't. The various suspects were all interesting and the revelations as the story continued were surprising adding even more dimension to the plot.

HAUNTED HIBISCUS combines thrilling action with comforting culinary delights in an intricately plotted Halloween themed mystery.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC provided through NetGalley, in the hopes I would review it.

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Hibiscus is the 22nd book in the Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I have copies of the first four books in this series patiently waiting to be read, as well as book 21, Lavender Blue Murder.

I enjoyed reading Haunted Hibiscus immensely! In this instalment, a crumbling Bouchard mansion owned by the Historical Society has been turned into a haunted house for the Historical Society Halloween fundraiser in Charleston, South Carolina. Theodosia Browning, the proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, is on her way to the mansion, referred to as 'Gray Ghost'. Theo and her tea sommelier, Drayton are attending the Halloween party that includes a book-signing for a new true crime and low-country legend author. But the night turns sour when a woman is murdered, found hanging from a third-floor window.

This novel was an extremely intriguing tale and I was delighted to be visiting Theodosia in her teashop in Charleston! Her variety of recipes sounded scrumptious, a few of which had a Halloween theme and I'm particularly keen to try the Charleston Apple Pudding and Haley's Pumpkin Soup. Of course, the extensive menu of teas must be mentioned.

Laura Childs' magnificent descriptions of the dark night, the haunted house and the fundraiser were second-to-none, as were those of the characters in their historical or ghostly apparel. Unravelling the mystery in the pockets of Theodosia was lots of fun and I welcomed the comfortable pace. I did my level best to solve the subtle clues, wade through the red herrings and concentrate on the murderer but repeatedly found myself sidetracked by other events, happenings, comedic moments and occurrences. Laura Childs has used a few chucklesome sides to full effect such as electric tea brewers that are Bluetooth enabled, Drayton's witch’s broom Puerh and different types of beige. Lots of action keeps up the suspense levels as the story winds its way to a fulfilling conclusion.

Haunted Hibiscus is a highly recommended five star read that will be of interest to many cozy readers, and I’m game to see what shenanigans Theodosia and Drayton get into next in book 23, Twisted Tea Christmas. If you haven’t tried this series out yet, then you’re definitely missing out!

Thanks to Berkley, Great Escapes Book Tours and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this novel at my request. This review is my unbiased opinion.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Timothy Neville's niece Willow French dangles from the widow of the Heritage Society's haunted house, the gruesome scene puts an end to the night's festivities. Detective Tidwell sends Pete Riley, Theodosia's boyfriend, to check out Willow's home where a gunshot would sends him to the hospital. Theodosia, of course, feels the need to investigate, particularly when TImothy asks her to do so. In the midst of this, a valuable edition of Poe goes missing from the heritage society. Things missing from WIllow's home include her computer, her engagement ring, and her hibiscus diamond earrings and pendant. Theodosia's investigation uncovers many suspects and motives. I think readers were cheated by the underdevelopment of the killer's character. I also feel Pete should have been incorporated into the plot more after his release from the hospital. One thing that struck me as I listened to the audiobook is that persons unfamiliar with the series could have picked up this installment without missing too much because the author spent a good deal of time with the back story and setting. While I enjoyed the visit with all the tea shop crew, this was not my favorite installment.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haunted Hibiscus earns 5+/5 Hanging Mysteries...Entertaining Page-Turner!

There’s Christmas in July, so why not Halloween in March! This twenty-second adventure is steeped in images of the holiday with Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, and Drayton Conneley, her tea sommelier, attending opening night of a haunted house event inspired by literature and history in masterful displays and costumed characters roaming the halls. The old, somewhat dilapidated, Bouchard Mansion, dubbed the Grey Ghost, was gifted to the Heritage Society, and despite a challenge by a distant Bouchard relative, the Society owned the grand gem...all of it! Timothy Neville, the Society’s leader, is “busting his buttons” having his grandniece holding her first book signing at the event. Her book, “Carolina Crimes and Creepers,” is appropriately themed with true crime and haunted legends for which Charleston’s and the low country’s history is wildly painted. The evening is full Halloween excitement, but it all turns dark. Screams. A body hanging from the eerie tower. It isn’t one of the event’s displays. It’s murder!

I greatly enjoy Laura Childs’ writing style; it’s what has made me an eager fan. First, I have to say this series has fueled my passion for tea with all of the tidbits hidden in the drama sending me to various purveyors, trying special accoutrements, but it’s the traditional cozy formula she uses that keeps me returning. The murder occurs early, really early, so it’s the journey through the mystery, the investigation, misdirection, twists, and turns, challenging me to uncover the killer before her final “Oh, my!” The victim was a sad surprise, not one with my preferred level of karma-style comeuppances, but it made finding the killer all that more immediate; a few times I had to stop myself from leaping to end just to find some nice closure. Suspects seemed hard to find and trouble seems to be ‘round every corner, but when Theodosia and her friends taken a closer look, we see suspicious raised with the Society itself. Childs’ story is well-developed and steady paced with side trips of humor with the tea shop...witch’s broom puerh? different versions of...beige? and electric tea brewers...sending messages? She uses such rich descriptive language to paint a “bucket-list” worthy setting with inviting southern charm along with the ins and outs, darks and scary, and murderous events. Her witty banter illustrates personalities making her characters entertaining literary friends. I love it!

Of course, if the engaging mystery wasn’t enough, Laura provides a marvelous mini cookbook from the Indigo Tea Shop with recipes from starters to entrees, quick treats to luscious dessert, sweet to savory, and a delicious Haunted Hibiscus Cooler. She also includes delightful Tea Time Tips with suggestions for the most wonderful tea parties from creating a romantic setting or recreating a romantic movie, from something classy and crystal to casual backyard. Last, she includes Tea Resources for the beginning sipper to the master totaler with links to magazines and publications, plantations, websites and blogs, purveyors of fine teas, and some sites to plan a visit to Charleston. It’s not just a cozy delight...Enjoy!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkeley Prime Crime thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Stefanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anything with a Halloween theme will get more stars from me automatically. Probably one of the better ones in the series, but I would love to know how often they noodle around or how often that phrase is used. I’ve only ever heard it in this series.

[Susan Lindemulder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a quick fun read with recipes included for tasty "tea shop" treats.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodosia is busy helping with the haunted house is a house recently given to the heritage center. It is the perfect place for a local author to have a book signing until she is found hanging.Theodosia’s boyfriend is shot and warns her to stay out of it. Of course Theodosia can’t do that and puts herself in danger.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a fun author.

[TR Mena · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a decent guilty pleasure murder mystery - not stimulating, but easy beach reading. This was my first book by this author. While parts of the plot made no sense (why would people insist that a tea shop owner investigate rather than working with the police? The culprit really seemed to come out of left field.) it was still an enjoyable read - it has a Murder She Wrote vibe.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes place at Halloween. The story involves teas and tea parties, a haunted house, a parade, a book, diamonds, secrets, theft, and murder. The killer wasn't who I expected. I thought the murder would be about something else. The story took a few unexpected turns, and the ending was over-the-top. Also, I still enjoy the teas and food in these books.

[D.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Settling in to read Haunted Hibiscus felt as if I were coming home. The Indigo Teahouse, a comfortable place filled with familiar faces, heavenly treats, and assorted teas that entice the palate lets us cozy in. By now, as Haunted Hibiscus is #22 in the series, Theodosia and company have become our family, and our family didn’t disappoint us in this delightful read.

A falling-down mansion turned into a haunted house, a dark night, and the Historical Society Halloween fundraiser, complete with characters dressed in historical garb, are described so well we are salivating for more. The few short pages introducing us to the victim made me fall in love with the character right away. The anguish I felt at her startling death was real because I wanted more of her. I loved the Sherlock Holmes themed tea and wanted to sign up for the Edgar Allen Poe Symposium. I thought this time I'd zero in on picking up clues and solving the mystery, but Miss Childs lured me away again with electric tea brewers that are Bluetooth enabled (Drayton's reaction was priceless), pumpkin spiced tea, witch's broom tea (Did you know white teas have the highest level of antioxidants?), and local architecture.

I finished the book with Drayton’s Hibiscus tea on my mind and wanted to attend a tea tasting at the Indigo Teahouse with its lovely themed décor and assortment of treasures in the charming shop.  I loved coming home to this next in the series. Home is where you want to be when life’s conundrums are solved.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars. I have always enjoyed this cozy mystery series from the first book to now the 22nd. The cast of characters that includes Theodosia, the Tea Shop amateur detective, to Dayton, the debonair tea sommelier, Haley, the perky chef, and so many other memorable people never fail to welcome you into their midsts. This story takes place around Halloween so there is an underlying aspect of murder and spookiness. I waffle a lot with Theo. Sometimes she is written as a strong independent woman business owner who uses her smarts to solve crimes. Sometimes, though, as in this book, she becomes an emotional wreck, over reacting to her boyfriend getting shot in the arm, jumping into situations without thinking them through and above all feeling like only she can solve the murder without police help. That inconsistent behavior from book to book bothers me and I don’t know which Theo I will find in the next book. This story had me guessing all the way through so that made it a good read. Looking forward to the next in the series. Now off to make a cup of tea.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laura Childs is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. Her elaborative writing is beautiful and the plots in her novels are always well-developed. There was nothing wrong with this book. I gave it three stars because I just wasn't as interested in the plot or the characters as I normally am.

Lately, I haven't enjoyed her books as much as I usually do. I did not like her two previous books, Broken Bone China and Lavender Blue Murder, as much as some of her earlier works. My favorite books in the entire series are Shades of Earl Grey, Dragonwell Dead, Chamomile Mourning, Oolong Dead, Steeped in Evil, and Ming Tea Murder. From now on, I will purchase her books for my Kindle instead of paying more money to buy the hard cover version.

The cover art on this book is absolutely gorgeous. It is the epitome of a fall table setting! Although I did not love this book, if you enjoy reading about haunted houses, ghost stories, and literary figures of the past, then read this!

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

There were a lot of things I liked about this book- the beautiful cover, the descriptions of Charleston, the quirky characters (esp. Drayton), the cool teashop and mouth-watering food descriptions. But sadly that’s not enough for me to like this book. I’ve read every one of the 22 books in this series but I believe I’ll stop there. Theodosia has become increasingly harsh and annoying. She feels she is entitled to break into people’s homes, rudely ask questions, even interrogating a grieving fiancé. She is insensitive and arrogant as well as demanding to the police. The ending came out of nowhere and I truly didn’t feel any sympathy for what happened to her. What did she expect? Then, after a traumatic experience with the killer, she returns to a party to regale everyone with her experience! Nope, not for me.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Theodosia is so rude and pushy, I almost couldn’t finish this book. Someone is tragically killed and it is just business as usual at the tea cafe. She thinks nothing at all of breaking into people’s homes and asking incredibly insensitive questions to grieving people. I actually guessed the murderer right away because it would have been the stupidest person for it to have been. And the fat shaming needs to stop. This is my last book I’m reading in this series.