Thursday, June 13, 2013

Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs


First Line: Rain slashed against stained-glass windows and thunder shook the rafters as Theodosia Browning hurried up the back staircase of Ravencrest Inn.

Charleston, South Carolina, tea shop owner Theodosia Browning is late to her friend Delaine Dish's wedding, but that turns out not to be a problem. You see, the groom is stone cold dead in his room at the wedding venue, the Ravencrest Inn. A killer has crashed Delaine's nuptials before the "Wedding March" ever had a chance to start. Now Theodosia has to sort the suspects (Bride or Groom?) in an attempt to find the killer before the killer plans a reception for her.

I began reading Laura Childs' Tea Shop mysteries when she first began writing them. I loved the Charleston setting and the quirky, edgy characters were fun. Unfortunately that was several books ago in this--so far-- fourteen-book series. When I dove headfirst into this latest book, Charleston was as I remembered it, but the delightful characters seem to have lost a bit of their edge, and the mystery was rather perfunctory.

I think one of the things that surprised me most was the fact that one of the shallowest characters in this series-- Delaine Dish-- has graduated to being one of Theodosia's "dear friends." For me, Delaine is much too unlikable to focus a mystery upon. Frankly, my dear, I don't much care how upset she gets or which poor soul she's led into marriage. (Bless my heart, aren't I the cold-hearted reader!)

Theodosia has a new beau, Max, and she's evidently devoted to him, but he's scarcely seen or heard throughout the entire book. In fact, I'm wondering if-- with the inclusion of a new man showing lots of interest in the main character-- if Theodosia might have a few man troubles in a future book? That might certainly spice things up!

Besides the fact that the book is focused on a very shallow character, the mystery seems a bit thin on the ground, with fewer than normal twists, turns, and red herrings. Sweet Tea Revenge is a light, quick, enjoyable read, but it doesn't quite stand up with the earlier books in the series. It will be interesting to see what happens next.

Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs
ISBN: 9780425252888
Berkley Prime Crime © 2013
Hardcover, 336 pages

Cozy Mystery, #14 Tea Shop Mystery
Rating: B-
Source: the author 

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the honest review. I've enjoyed her books so far.

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    1. You're welcome. Who knows? I may have enjoyed this book more if I'd kept up with the series.

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  2. Aw, too bad this wasn't the best book because I think the title is wonderful.

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    1. I love the title, too-- but I was brought up with sweet tea myself!

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  3. I agree, Cathy. I think these books are wearing a bit thin. I still read the occasional one if it falls into my lap, but don't seek them out. I'm sure it's extremely difficult to keep up the same quality book after book. I applaud series' authors for keeping at it with editors wanting more and pushing deadlines. Like you, however, as soon as I read the book was about Delaine, my thought was "why?" She isn't even an enjoyable character. I recall the last one of these Tea Shop Mysteries I read (and I don't necessarily read them in order), I enjoyed the recipes most of all.

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    1. It all goes to show that it's much easier to be a reader than it is to be an author. I applaud all authors who write series because it certainly can't be easy!

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