Rating: 
Summary: A mild offering in an uneven series
Review: Again, I loved all of the atmosphere of Charleston -- I can't wait to visit! The plotting was a little better than in her second offering, but it's not the strong point here. This is more a book of Charleston than a mystery. It's an entertaining evening, nothing more.
Rating:
Summary: A mild offering in an uneven series
Review: Again, I loved all of the atmosphere of Charleston -- I can't wait to visit! The plotting was a little better than in her second offering, but it's not the strong point here. This is more a book of Charleston than a mystery. It's an entertaining evening, nothing more.
Rating: 
Summary: Not Engrossing
Review: I didn't actively dislike this book, but I came close. As another reviewer noted, the characters all seemed one-dimensional and silly, and the mystery, such as it was, wasn't all that puzzling. What made this a less than average mystery was the way Theo went about unraveling the mystery. She puts forth ideas that at best could be called unlikely (and at worst ridiculous), and no one calls her on it. Everyone she talks to seems to agree with her, even when she's putting forth something that is at base a physical impossibility. I really enjoyed the first two in this series and had high expectations for this one. I was disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Not the best in the series...
Review: I have thoroughly enjoyed Laura Childs' Tea Shop Mysteries from the first. However, *Shades of Earl Grey* is not quite up to par with the previous two. Sure, the setting is still just as cozy, and the little pieces of tea knowledge just as interesting, but the story is lacking. The characters, for some reason, seem too breezy this time round. There is little depth to any of them. To be honest, they come across as almost silly. They are constantly going around spouting "poor him," "poor her," "poor baby." The repetition of the word poor is bad enough, but the rest of the dialogue is also rather unrealistic. And there really is no mystery. There are crimes and suspects, but the investigation in no way reveals any true talent on the part of Theo Browning and it's basically pure luck that catches the thief. *Shades of Earl Grey* is a very, very light mystery. It's enjoyable, but by no means engrossing or even particularly satisfying. It's a nice little book that would be great for killing some time. But even though this particular title in the series wasn't the best, I'd have to say that I'll still read the ones that follow.
Rating: 
Summary: Grab a cup of tea and enjoy this cozy, atmospheric mystery!
Review: I love this mystery series. Why? It's not gory, for one thing. If you're hoping for the next Stephen King, this isn't for you. And also, it's set in gorgeous, historic Charleston, SC. Theodosia and friends draw you into their cozy, warm circle and compel you to linger. The characters are warm and charming, though not always truly believable. Theodosia's pals are almost too devoted to believe. But, if you take this for what it is - a cute little cozy mystery, you won't be disappointed. I read this book straight through in one sitting because I got so comfortable with the characters and the their little world. Well worth your time if you are a fan of light-hearted mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: Grab a cup of tea and enjoy this cozy, atmospheric mystery!
Review: I love this mystery series. Why? It's not gory, for one thing. If you're hoping for the next Stephen King, this isn't for you. And also, it's set in gorgeous, historic Charleston, SC. Theodosia and friends draw you into their cozy, warm circle and compel you to linger. The characters are warm and charming, though not always truly believable. Theodosia's pals are almost too devoted to believe. But, if you take this for what it is - a cute little cozy mystery, you won't be disappointed. I read this book straight through in one sitting because I got so comfortable with the characters and the their little world. Well worth your time if you are a fan of light-hearted mysteries.
Rating:
Summary: delicious cozy
Review: In Charleston's historic district, the Indigo Tea Shop is doing so well that they have added lunch and delectable pastries to the menu. The owner Theodosia Browning has also catered many society events including those held at The Lady Goodwood Inn. Now she is taking a holiday and is a guest at the engagement party of Camilla Cantroux and Marine Captain Corey Buchanan at the inn. The roof of the room where dinner is to be served caves in. The groom dies and the $70,000 wedding ring disappears. When Theo and her friends go looking for it, it is nowhere to be found so the tea shop entrepreneur thinks cat burglar. She is sure that the events are linked. When more items disappear, Theo and her friends set a trap for the stealthy felon, one that could lead to new flavor of tea named for a intrepid perhaps foolish amateur sleuth served at a funeral. Readers should not read this book when they are hungry or thirsty because the mouth watering recipes will just aggravate the condition. The heroine is a likable person who goes out of her way to get involved with a criminal investigation and though it may seem odd, that's Theo. Her need to see justice done and enjoin in the process as a participant is just one the reasons that she endears herself to the audience. There is a surplus of suspects with means and opportunity so readers will want to finish the book in one sitting to see who the perpetrator is in this delicious cozy. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: delicious cozy
Review: In Charleston's historic district, the Indigo Tea Shop is doing so well that they have added lunch and delectable pastries to the menu. The owner Theodosia Browning has also catered many society events including those held at The Lady Goodwood Inn. Now she is taking a holiday and is a guest at the engagement party of Camilla Cantroux and Marine Captain Corey Buchanan at the inn. The roof of the room where dinner is to be served caves in. The groom dies and the $70,000 wedding ring disappears. When Theo and her friends go looking for it, it is nowhere to be found so the tea shop entrepreneur thinks cat burglar. She is sure that the events are linked. When more items disappear, Theo and her friends set a trap for the stealthy felon, one that could lead to new flavor of tea named for a intrepid perhaps foolish amateur sleuth served at a funeral. Readers should not read this book when they are hungry or thirsty because the mouth watering recipes will just aggravate the condition. The heroine is a likable person who goes out of her way to get involved with a criminal investigation and though it may seem odd, that's Theo. Her need to see justice done and enjoin in the process as a participant is just one the reasons that she endears herself to the audience. There is a surplus of suspects with means and opportunity so readers will want to finish the book in one sitting to see who the perpetrator is in this delicious cozy. Harriet Klausner
Rating:
Summary: Love Earl Grey...
Review: Laura Childs has a great series going with her "Tea Mysteries." I especially enjoyed this one as it features the dog, "Earl Grey" a little more. I enjoyed the characters so much and I felt that the plots/subplots had some depth to them. As usual, the recipes are really great as well!
Rating:
Summary: Love Earl Grey...
Review: Laura Childs has a great series going with her "Tea Mysteries." I especially enjoyed this one as it features the dog, "Earl Grey" a little more. I enjoyed the characters so much and I felt that the plots/subplots had some depth to them. As usual, the recipes are really great as well!
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