Mystery
![Laura Childs - [object Object] author](https://res.cloudinary.com/readsomnia/image/upload/authors/a_B001IGJODE.jpg)
Honey Drop Dead (A Tea Shop Mystery)
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!
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!
Readers Top Reviews
Karen Hollins-Sta
“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
Lori Caswell/Doll
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...
MarivaleChristy M
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 D.MarivaleC
Childs delivered another winner! Lots of plot and an unexpected ending. I never figured out the killer. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery.
Short Excerpt Teaser
1
It was politics as usual. Or unusual in this particular case. Because tea maven Theodosia Browning had never hosted a tea party before where a superambitious, overcaffeinated politician had suddenly leaped from his chair to deliver a boastful, impromptu speech.
Of course, it was election time in Charleston, South Carolina, and politicians were thick as flies in a hog barn. Which is why Osgood Claxton III was rambling to an acutely bored audience about his prodigious accomplishments and why they should surely award him a seat in the state legislature. It was also why Theodosia hovered nervously at her tea table while her team readied scones and tea sandwiches.
"He's trying to hijack Holly's event," Theodosia murmured to Drayton Conneley, her tea sommelier and trusted friend. They were gazing out at the dozen or so tables that had been set up in Charleston's gorgeous new Petigru Park, getting ready to plop fresh-baked glory bee honey scones on all their guests' plates.
"This has the makings of a train wreck," Drayton agreed. He touched a finger to his yellow bow tie as if to punctuate his sentence.
Theodosia turned sharp blue eyes onto Holly Burns, the owner of the Imago Gallery, who was seated nearby. As Claxton droned on, Holly's face turned blotchy and her jaw went rigid. Clearly, she wasn't one bit happy.
Oh dear. This was, after all, Holly's outdoor tea party in honor of the relaunch of her Imago Gallery. Dozens of art lovers, patrons, and artists lounged at the elegantly appointed tables while, all around them, large colorful paintings were displayed on wooden easels. A brilliant yellow sun shone down and a cool breeze wafted in from Charleston Harbor to stir the park's newly planted native grasses. Hives from a community beekeeping project were stacked like bee condos a safe distance away.
"I'm going to go over there and try to disarm that walking, talking dictionary," Theodosia said to Drayton. A self-made tea entrepreneur who'd made it on her own terms, Theodosia was confident, nimble at handling tricky situations, and unimpressed by boastful politicians. Her ice-chip blue eyes matched her tasteful sapphire earrings while masses of Titian red hair swirled around her lovely oval face. Theodosia also possessed a gracious manner that was poised yet purposeful.
"Watch your step with that fellow," Drayton warned. "He's powerfully . . ."
"Connected. Yes, I know he is," Theodosia said as she grabbed a pink floral teapot filled with Darjeeling tea, fixed her mouth in a bright smile, and headed directly for the red-faced, overbearing politician.
Osgood Claxton III saw her coming and seemed to lose focus for a moment. He blinked, trying desperately to sputter out a few more words. But that tiny hesitation was all Theodosia needed.
"Mr. Claxton," Theodosia said with a warm lilt to her voice. "Bless your heart for expounding on your many qualifications. Now that we're all familiar with such prodigious talents, you must surely take your seat so my staff and I can begin serving our delicious luncheon of honey scones and tea sandwiches."
Theodosia grabbed a quick breath, faced the forty or so guests, and continued, not allowing the startled Claxton a moment to jump back in. "As you all know, Holly Burns has recently upped the ante at her marvelous Imago Gallery." She smiled as Claxton reluctantly slumped in his seat. "Along with a new partner, and a higher profile in Charleston's thriving art scene, Holly now represents an amazing group of talented and well-known South Carolina artists."
There was a spatter of applause and Holly half rose in her chair to wave and acknowledge her guests. She had long dark hair, was skinny as a wet cat, wore armfuls of clanking silver bracelets, and jittered with anxiety. With dozens of potential art buyers and a few wealthy collectors among her guests, today would prove to be a make-or-break day for her.
Theodosia continued. "And lucky for us, we have on display here"-she gestured at the paintings resting on their easels-"a number of intriguing and colorful paintings-works by Holly's new artists that are here for your appreciation and careful perusal." There was more applause and then Theodosia added, "So please sit back and enjoy this special Honeybee Tea as we fill your teacups with our house blend of Honey Child tea and serve our first course of fresh-baked glory bee scones. Following that, we'll present a tempting array of tea sandwiches that will include honey ham on rye, shrimp with tarragon on crostini, and chicken salad on brioche."
As Drayton poured tea, Theodosia and her young chef, Haley Parker, slipped from table to table, serving scones, dropping off bowls of Devonshire cream, and encouraging guests to dri...
It was politics as usual. Or unusual in this particular case. Because tea maven Theodosia Browning had never hosted a tea party before where a superambitious, overcaffeinated politician had suddenly leaped from his chair to deliver a boastful, impromptu speech.
Of course, it was election time in Charleston, South Carolina, and politicians were thick as flies in a hog barn. Which is why Osgood Claxton III was rambling to an acutely bored audience about his prodigious accomplishments and why they should surely award him a seat in the state legislature. It was also why Theodosia hovered nervously at her tea table while her team readied scones and tea sandwiches.
"He's trying to hijack Holly's event," Theodosia murmured to Drayton Conneley, her tea sommelier and trusted friend. They were gazing out at the dozen or so tables that had been set up in Charleston's gorgeous new Petigru Park, getting ready to plop fresh-baked glory bee honey scones on all their guests' plates.
"This has the makings of a train wreck," Drayton agreed. He touched a finger to his yellow bow tie as if to punctuate his sentence.
Theodosia turned sharp blue eyes onto Holly Burns, the owner of the Imago Gallery, who was seated nearby. As Claxton droned on, Holly's face turned blotchy and her jaw went rigid. Clearly, she wasn't one bit happy.
Oh dear. This was, after all, Holly's outdoor tea party in honor of the relaunch of her Imago Gallery. Dozens of art lovers, patrons, and artists lounged at the elegantly appointed tables while, all around them, large colorful paintings were displayed on wooden easels. A brilliant yellow sun shone down and a cool breeze wafted in from Charleston Harbor to stir the park's newly planted native grasses. Hives from a community beekeeping project were stacked like bee condos a safe distance away.
"I'm going to go over there and try to disarm that walking, talking dictionary," Theodosia said to Drayton. A self-made tea entrepreneur who'd made it on her own terms, Theodosia was confident, nimble at handling tricky situations, and unimpressed by boastful politicians. Her ice-chip blue eyes matched her tasteful sapphire earrings while masses of Titian red hair swirled around her lovely oval face. Theodosia also possessed a gracious manner that was poised yet purposeful.
"Watch your step with that fellow," Drayton warned. "He's powerfully . . ."
"Connected. Yes, I know he is," Theodosia said as she grabbed a pink floral teapot filled with Darjeeling tea, fixed her mouth in a bright smile, and headed directly for the red-faced, overbearing politician.
Osgood Claxton III saw her coming and seemed to lose focus for a moment. He blinked, trying desperately to sputter out a few more words. But that tiny hesitation was all Theodosia needed.
"Mr. Claxton," Theodosia said with a warm lilt to her voice. "Bless your heart for expounding on your many qualifications. Now that we're all familiar with such prodigious talents, you must surely take your seat so my staff and I can begin serving our delicious luncheon of honey scones and tea sandwiches."
Theodosia grabbed a quick breath, faced the forty or so guests, and continued, not allowing the startled Claxton a moment to jump back in. "As you all know, Holly Burns has recently upped the ante at her marvelous Imago Gallery." She smiled as Claxton reluctantly slumped in his seat. "Along with a new partner, and a higher profile in Charleston's thriving art scene, Holly now represents an amazing group of talented and well-known South Carolina artists."
There was a spatter of applause and Holly half rose in her chair to wave and acknowledge her guests. She had long dark hair, was skinny as a wet cat, wore armfuls of clanking silver bracelets, and jittered with anxiety. With dozens of potential art buyers and a few wealthy collectors among her guests, today would prove to be a make-or-break day for her.
Theodosia continued. "And lucky for us, we have on display here"-she gestured at the paintings resting on their easels-"a number of intriguing and colorful paintings-works by Holly's new artists that are here for your appreciation and careful perusal." There was more applause and then Theodosia added, "So please sit back and enjoy this special Honeybee Tea as we fill your teacups with our house blend of Honey Child tea and serve our first course of fresh-baked glory bee scones. Following that, we'll present a tempting array of tea sandwiches that will include honey ham on rye, shrimp with tarragon on crostini, and chicken salad on brioche."
As Drayton poured tea, Theodosia and her young chef, Haley Parker, slipped from table to table, serving scones, dropping off bowls of Devonshire cream, and encouraging guests to dri...
