Death by Darjeeling (A Tea Shop Mystery)

good read

I bought this book because I love cozy mysteries, I love tea and it had good reviews. All of the "main" characters were likable, especially Theodosia. She did not need to lose weight or have problem hair or any of the other idiosyncrasies that so many other women characters I have read had. She is a likable, average, business woman who is stylish, knows her business and uses her brain. She is actually someone I would love to work for and have as a friend.The mystery itself was good and I did not figure out who "did it" like other series I have read. The ending came together a little faster than I liked (I would have like another 50 pages) but even with that I enjoyed the read. I will continue the series into the second book to see if the author keeps the same level of writing that I enjoyed in this book, unfortunately books 4 - 12 of the series is not available on Kindle. Since I don't want to purchase physical books, I will check and get from the local library. Hopefully they will have those books. What a shame this series is not all available on Kindle!!!! Lost a star for that!!!!

Fun easy read. Likeable characters.Got next couple in series.

I picked up this book on Kindle because it was a selection of a book club for cozy mysteries. Apart from classic cozies (like Doyle and Christie), I haven't read contemporary cozies, so this is my first. I come from a classic literature background, so this is really my first delve into genre fiction of this nature.The characters, setting, and storyline were done well. The characters come across as real and sympathetic and likable, especially those working at the Indigo Tea Shop. I do wish that the main character had more connections with someone who would have access to information on the case, as this seemed a bit random (but maybe this comes later in the series). The setting made me want to visit Charleston and since I'm a huge tea lover, I learned a little something about tea blends and tea pots. The mystery kept me guessing until near the end and the clues were fairly well placed.However, the reason why I give this novel three stars is because of the writing style. I realize this is the author's first novel, written 13 years ago, but the stylistic quality of this novel was a bit too much like a writer who had never read a basic writing book in his/her life. I realize that this is a cozy and not Shakespeare, but basic stuff like saturating the dialogue with first names (I don't think there were many "he"s or "she"s used throughout the entire book for dialogue and many times, characters addressed others in dialogue by their name even if they were the only two people speaking and you knew who was saying what to whom) and shifting points of view away from the main character who was telling the story and getting "into their heads" made the writing seem very chunky and irritating to me.I would read more books in this series because of the characters and setting, but only if the style has improved. I did take a peak at the sample pages of the latest in the series and it looks like the style has improved, especially in the dialogue scenes, so I'll definitely be checking out the more recent books in the series.

Interesting read. Quit informative on teas. Good story, nice detail. Surprise ending. Kept you guessing who done it. Nice continuing story for next book of series.

In Charleston, South Carolina, Theodosia Browning purchased the Indigo Tea Shop leaving behind the grueling and stressful world of an advertising agency for the pleasure of sharing the comforts of tea. On the night of the Lamplighter Tour sponsored by the Heritage Society, a new board member moments earlier conversing and enjoying the evening with a cup of tea dies, and suspicion looms over Theo’s occasional employee.I enjoyed this delightful cozy fusion of southern hospitality, a historical city, a historical society, gossip and rumors, and the fascinating information about tea acquired locally and from around the world, from the natural differences to creating new blends and preparations for serving. I also loved the canine named Earl Grey.It’s a lovely armchair travel visit to Charleston and all who enjoy a comforting cup of tea while reading with extra pleasure for tea connoisseurs. The larger staff of this tea shop enabled a wider range of business possibilities. As Theo also welcomes new ideas from her team, I look forward to reading more of the series to learn which opportunities come to fruition.

A definite page turner mystery with light romance, characters and community of friends building the plot through the steady stream of interesting interruptions.

I liked that the setting is a tea shop and that in times of stress,they always have a cup of tea.

This is a great new series - new to my wife anyway. She really likes these so-called 'cozy' murder/mystery series as they are a great escape, especially in the current climate. These Tea Shop Mysteries are intelligently written and a cut above some of the other similar series available.

Gutes Buchung. Gut zu lesen. Spannend

I enjoy the Laura Child's books and was pleased to read one that I had not seen previously

舞台はハロウィーンの季節にはピッタリの、お化けが出てもおかしくないような歴史的な建物が立ち並ぶ街の一角。そんな地区の伝統的な行事の場で殺人事件が起こるのだが、何となく心が和んでしまうミステリーだ。というのも、主人公であるインディゴ・ティー・ショップのオーナーのテオドシアと店の仲間は、お互いを思いやる家族のように仲がいいし、古き良き南部のなごりであるプランテーションやセラピー犬が登場したりと、どちらかというとほのぼのするような要素が多い。迫り来るサスペンスや謎が謎を呼ぶミステリーではないが、"雰囲気のあるコージー・ミステリー"をお探しのかたにはお薦め。　また、ティー・ショップが中心となっているだけに、いろいろなお茶が登場する。各地の紅茶だけでなく、フレイバーを加えたものや中国茶、日本茶までも。ミステリーと共にお茶の香りまでも楽しめた。巻末には、紅茶を使ったオードブルのレシピもついていたので、いつかトライしてみたい。このティー・ショップ・ミステリーはシリーズの第一作目で、二作目の"Gunpowder Green"もすでにペーパーバックで出ており、次の展開が楽しみだ。また一つ、お気に入りのシリーズを見つけて喜んでいる。

I like the subject matter a cup of tea and a good mystery, what could be better. Charleston is an excellent setting and her descriptions take you right into the centre of the city complete with hidden gardens and sea breezes.Her main characters are fun believable and always consistent.