What do You think about Shades Of Earl Grey (2003)?
Title: Shades of Earl GreyAuthor: Laura ChildsSeries: Tea Shop Mystery #3Publisher: Penguin GroupSynopsis (from bn.com):Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is finally invited to a social event that she doesn’t have to cater—but there’s more than champagne bubbling…Theo is mingling with the cream of Charleston society at the engagement soiree of the season. But as they eagerly await the dazzling young couple’s arrival—the groom meets with a freak accident. The exquisite wedding ring—a family heirloom from the crown of Marie Antoinette—is mysteriously missing. Theodosia suspects that trouble is brewing. But when she goes to the authorities, they treat her like she’s been reading tea leaves—and that’s the surest way to put Theodosia’s kettle on the boil…My thoughts: Theodosia, owner of the charming Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, South Carolina, returns with her wonderful cast of characters to solve another murder. I enjoy the characters in this series as they are genuine, fun, and each in their own way a bit quirky. I am hoping that as I continue to series I find that the author gives us even a bit more inight and knowledge into who these characters are. I’m sure she does as this is only book #3 out of 13. (Like any good reader who is behind with a series, I pull out my Little Engine That Could – I know I can reach the end of this series, I know I can reach the end of this series All in all, I really am enjoying this series. I still am trying to find a good tea tasting in my area as the ever loving Drayton in this series is just spurring me on to go to one!A lovely cozy series with fun characters and great education about tea!
—Heather
As Theodosia Browning continues to get involved in murders around Charleston, her tea shop employees gain a bigger role in the story. Haley is a college student and master baker who fills the shop with mouth-watering delicacies as well as giving an occasional point of view to help Theodosia in her crime solving adventures. Drayton, master tea brewer who gained his expertise in India, is always creating new blends of tea that help the shop's popularity expand. He is also a welcome assistant in Theodosia's exploits out of the tea shop.This series of books includes many of the recipes and tea service ideas mentioned in the story in an appendix to the book.
—Betty Strohecker
I'm afraid I'm not a really a fan of this series. At least not for the mystery, so far the author's formula is that the villain is always the one new character that doesn't make the protagonist's suspect list. And the protagonist never actually solves the mystery before finding herself confronted by them and in mortal danger.The most interesting part of the books is really hearing about Charleston.Since I have almost the entire series, I'll finish it, but I'm not looking to pick up more at this point.Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
—Dharia Scarab
