Honey Drop Dead

Tea Shop Mystery #26

by Laura Childs

The murder of a political bigwig at a Honey Bee Tea sends Theodosia Browning buzzing for answers in this latest installment
of the New York Times bestselling series.

Theodosia’s Honey Bee Tea was an elegant affair set in Charleston’s new Petigru Park amid newly planted native grasses and a community beekeeping project. But when a phony beekeeper shows up and sprays toxic smoke at the guests, the party erupts in chaos. Worse yet, a shot rings out and Osgood Claxton III, candidate for state legislature, falls to the ground—dead.

Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asked Theodosia to cater the tea, is understandably heartbroken. A man is dead, her guests are angry and injured, and the paintings that were on display are left in tatters. When the police don’t seem to have a clue, when old-line politicos don’t want questions asked, Holly begs Theodosia to run a shadow investigation and help restore her gallery’s good name.

Between hosting a Wind in the Willows Tea and a Glam Girl Tea, Theodosia questions everyone that had a bone to pick with Claxton. This includes Booker, an angry outsider artist; Lamar Lucket, Claxton’s political opponent; and Mignon Merriweather, the dead man’s soon-to-be ex-wife. But the investigation becomes a political hot potato following a second murder, the revelation of a messy affair, a chase through a swamp, and a vandalized shop.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Crime, Tea, Southern

320 pages, Hardcover

First published August 8, 2023

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

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s time to end this series.

I have read all of the Tea Shop books and really enjoyed them for years but the last few have gone from bad to worse. Theodosia has become just like the too stupid to live characters in teenage slasher movies. Her character’s behavior has regressed to an arrogant, impulsive woman whose curiosity allows her to lead her friends and herself into danger without thought or remorse. 26 books is a good run. I won’t buy 27.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guessed the killer about 3/4 of the way through. The ending was a bit abrupt but predictable fun.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read all of the tea shop mysteries and it seems as though the endings of the last few in the series are not very satisfying. Pages are spent describing someone’s kitchen or back yard, but the mystery ending is a few paragraphs and that’s it. There’s not much to explain why. I’d like to have an epilogue that would maybe pick up a few weeks after the mystery is solved to kind of bring some closure as far as how the persons affected are doing now. I’m used to Theodosia taking unnecessary risks and always surviving. She continues that in this book, a little more dangerous than usual. Delaine has become a huge bore. She gets attention by screaming and stamping her feet. Much like a toddler. She really doesn’t bring anything to the story. I keep reading these mostly because I like the setting and Drayton and Haley are likeable. I received an ARC copy from NetGalley.

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I enjoy honey, and since this is a cozy mystery, I wanted to read this story. It’s the first book I’ve read in this long-running series by Author Laura Childs. I loved it! I will be reading the entire series now! The main characters are wonderful! Hardworking, talented, and they support each other. The mystery was quite interesting! I loved the appealing tea party themes. I highly recommend this story.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts 

Theodosia, Hayley, and Drayton are catering a Honey Bee Tea for gallery owner Holly Burns in Charleston’s new Petigru Park. Chaos ensues when a rogue beekeeper crashes the party spraying toxic gas at the guests. Before the smoke clears a candidate for the state house is shot dead. Many other guests are injured and suffering from the effects of the gas. The paintings the gallery had on display are damaged and torn. Theodosia did try to chase the killer but they got away. The police arrive but don't get a lot of answers and Holly is devastated because this event was supposed to get her gallery off to a great start. Now she is afraid it is going to be forced to close. She knows Theodosia's reputation so she asks her for help to find the person responsible. It could be the only way to save her business.

So while her Indigo Tea Shop has several special tea events coming up Theodosia tries to help Holly by looking into Candidate Osgood Claxton III to see who he may have "tea-d" off enough to publically gun him down. There are several worthy suspects. A second murder, a crazy chase, and even scary threats do not stop Theodosia from buzzing around trying to get the answers she needs to put the killer bee-hind bars. Especially when someone she cares about is in the line of fire.

_______

I was delighted to return to Charleston and the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia, Drayton, Haley, and Riley are like old friends and I love to visit them. Theodosia is so smart and business savvy. She has also become quite an astute amateur sleuth. Drayton, usually right by her side, is up for almost anything even when he thinks Theodosia's sleuthing ideas are way over the top. Hayley is a fantastic chef with such creative ideas. She has a new man in her life which makes things with her even more interesting. I do enjoy the "family" these three have become. They work so well, in sync, whether it be serving tea or riddling out clues. Riley, is well, Riley, grousing around telling Theodosia to stay out of his investigations even though he knows she will never do that. I applaud Ms. Childs for being able to keep these characters fresh and evolving with this being the 25th book in the series.

She has also set up such a clever mystery. The suspense and tension erupt from Chapter 1 with toxic gas and gunfire in a park full of people and Theodosia giving chase. With the exception of a few special teas, the suspense continues throughout the whole book. Her detailed descriptions put her readers right on the scene for many exciting events. Soon after I started reading Chapter 30 I found myself sitting truly on the edge of my seat. When Theodosia found a huge clue my heart rate started to increase and the pages started to really fly. The showdown was riveting and surprising. Had this been a movie I probably would have been watching through my fingers. The banter when Riley arrived was so good! and Theodosia's final actions were even better. At first, I thought the ending was a little abrupt but within a few minutes, I realized it was absolutely perfect.

Ms. Childs continues to top herself. I love this series! Honey Drop Dead is a SWEET addition! The characters are genuine. The mystery is extraordinary. The setting is fun and fabulous. This book receives my top rating and has earned a spot on my Best Reads of 2023.

I do recommend series like this be read in order to really get to know the characters, but Ms. Childs does an excellent job at making new readers feel welcome with enough character history and backstory. So please, while this is the 25th book in the series, don't hesitate to pick it up. After reading it you may want to go back and read previous books in the series or just wait for the next, Murder in the Tea Leaves will be released on March 5, 2024.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Honey Drop Dead” the 27th instalment in the A Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs. I absolutely love this series!

The murder of a political bigwig at a Honey Bee Tea sends Theodosia Browning buzzing for answers

The story grabbed me from the beginning as we start off at Theo’s Honey Bee Tea and an art show 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! I did notice Haley seemed nervous and a bit unsettled throughout this book, is she keeping a secret or was it because she was worrying about Ben. Will she leave the tea shop and set out on her own, we will have to keep reading to find out.

As for the mystery itself I found it entertaining and well thought out.

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

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this review on Fresh Fiction

I don’t know how Laura Childs manages to keep things fresh, but the 26th book in the Tea Shop Mystery series is so fun and full of flavor that you don’t be able to resist it!

Theodosia is hosting a Honey Bee Tea but interestingly enough, a phony beekeeper shows up and ruins the entire affair. Now a victim is found dead and Holly Burns, the gallery owner who asks Theodosia to cater the tea, is heartbroken and panic-strewn. It’s up to Theodosia and Drayton to figure out what happened and catch the beekeeper who managed to get away from her.

What I found so interesting in this book is the fact that the action doesn’t happen behind the scenes too much. We get very detailed scenes from Theodosia’s perspective of her chasing after the beekeeper and seeing the weapon. It definitely amps up the suspense! I was pleasantly surprised by this fun change of pace. Childs’ books were fast-paced already, but I think she really kicked it up a notch with this book.

That being said, I highly recommend HONEY DROP DEAD. Childs has really outdone herself with this one and given readers something to rejoice about. It makes me extremely excited to see what will be happening next in this wonderful series!

[The Nerdy Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well written but a bit annoying. The sleuth is getting rude and arrogant with every book. The language in the books is laughable; I know people don't like cussing in cozies but " holy cats " is so Scooby Doo like as is the portrayal of the dog. The other characters seem to only exist to serve the holy than thou almighty Theodosia. And how can Haley be the only cook in a busy restaurant kitchen; highly unrealistic. And the ending was really confusing plus the killer was highly unlikely with no real explanation of why they killed. I think this series needs to end. It's too expensive to be so bad. - Rant written from my sick bed

[Renee Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get that it is de rigueur for an amateur detective to throw caution to the wind, but Theo is turning into an entitled, reckless menace to her friends and herself. Several scenes were beyond ridiculous - please pull it back.

[Monique · Rating 2 out of 5]

These “adventures “ are getting sillier and sillier. The only reason I keep reading is for the tea shop parts. Wish there was an indigo tea shop by me!

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok....Drayton has a gun!?!?!

[Noreen Trotsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always love Laura Childs tea and scrapbooking books. Honey Drop Dead was no exception. Reading it, one feels like they are enveloped in a cozy hug (even though there are murders!) The description of the tea room, the events, and the teas and foods makes you feel as though you are there and experiencing it. To me, the mystery almost comes second.

Read this book on a nice wintery day with some hot tea by your side.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for a digital ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Laurie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was disappointed by the last 2-3 books in this series. The characters have completely changed personalities. Theodosia is ridiculous now and it is hard to read about a mature businesswoman acting like a sassy, rude teenager. I won't be following this series anymore because it reads like the unedited stuff that you can order by accident on Amazon. I will miss having tea with Theodosia, Drayton and the crew.

[Stephanie Zarecky · Rating 1 out of 5]

This series has gone downhill. The main character has evolved into someone completely unlikeable. Everyone talks about how great she is at solving murders but all she does is create a long list of suspects and doesn’t figure it out until the murderer tries to kill her or someone close to her.

[Sharon Black]

Love the tea shop books but written to a formula.

[Linnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always look forward to the adventure they get into.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful, as always!

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Theodosia is hosting a honey tea in a new local park when a marauder crashes the party and smokes out all the guests, ending the festivities for one tea drinker with a bullet between the eyes. The tragedy not only ends the lovely afternoon tea party, but also threatens to end the art gallery that was hosting the tea. When the gallery owner asks Theodosia to figure out who crashed her party, Theodosia can't refuse.

This is one of my favorite series. I love Childs's writing style and I particularly love the characters in this series. Theodosia is sweet and cultured but she's not afraid to take risks and tell people what's what. Drayton is also very sweet, an extremely refined man of a certain age who professes to be a Luddite and dresses like a country squire, but he can get down and dirty with the best of them when Theodosia needs his help.

There's nothing particularly special to set this book apart from others in the series. It's exactly what fans of the series have come to expect and love. One thing that did kind of leave me hanging with this book was that Hayley seems very nervous throughout, as though she is harboring some secret. I'm waiting for something to happen with her in the next book as we've spent the last 20+ books wondering when all her schooling and her plans for her own future will finally pull her away from the Indigo Tea Shop.

If you're already a fan of the Tea Shop series you can't miss this book. If you're a cozy reader who hasn't yet tried this series what on earth are you waiting for? Go get them now! And if you're not a cozy reader but you just like fun, easy reads with a little adventure and some great recipes you should definitely check out this series.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Review: https://cozy-cove-books.wixsite.com/my-site/post/honey-drop-dead-by-laura-childs

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

May

This story involves a park, corruption, murder, art, and honey. The mystery was interesting. The political aspects were kept minimal and weren't heavy handed, which I liked. I still don't like the Theo's boyfriend. He's unlikable and useless. He adds nothing to the story. I also don't like that Theo is making too many bad decisions lately. This has been a problem for the last few books. I hope that the author changes that next book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honey Drop Dead

Never read a book without an ending. I prefer that the ending include a summation of the story that started the book. Instead, the last chapter is a completely new story and no ending!

[Angela Bekzadian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just can't read these anymore. The plot style never changes, it's become tedious.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodosia was quite happy with how her Honey Bee Tea was going until someone in a beekeepers outfit sprayed the guests with toxic smoke. While the guests were freaking out the masked man shot a very prominent man named Osgood Claxton who was a candidate for state legislature. Theo agrees to look into things for Holly Burns the woman who hired the tea shop to cater the event. She soon learns that Osgood had a list of enemies longer than any one person should have. Follow along as Theo continues to host fun teas at her shop, question suspects, and throws herself into danger unknowingly. Will she be able to find a murderer before she herself ends up hurt or dead?

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been reading this series for 20+ years!!! Always an automatic buy for me. After all this time, Theodosia, Drayton, and Haley feel like friends. I also appreciate how the action/trouble rears its ugly head early every time! In this installment though, multiple altercations felt quite aggressive! I think I started to feel it in the last book too. Is the series going for edgier? Is it a reflection of the times? Hmmm. I’ll keep reading, as I’m here for endless cups of tea and mystery.

[Susanna]

I’ve been reading the Indigo Tea series books since the first one was published in 2001, and this one disappointed me a little. That may have been because it seemed obvious to me whodunnit early on, or maybe because the characters seemed flat. Still worth reading if you like the series.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theodosia gets involved in another murder when the victim is killed at a tea she and her staff are catering. Theo has lots of suspects but are they the correct ones. The book was an easy read.

[Lindsay Kinney · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Just a repeat of earlier books and the themes in this series. Theodora won’t take the advice of the detectives and she places herself in dangerous situations thoughtlessly.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the Charleston Tea Shop series, this book seas Theodora and friends solving the murder of a man who was killed in a park where she was having a specialty tea.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series and I can't wait to try the recipes!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I love this series but the last couple of books have had very abrupt endings. I'd love more detail and a better wrap up. The Riley/Theodosia relationship is not very interesting and Theodosia seems to be making very foolhardy choices. Love Drayton as always

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always lovely to visit Charleston and the Indigo Tea Shop. I do wish they would change up the writing, as the descriptions of Theodosia, Haley, and Drayton are always word for word the same.