by Laura Childs
Part of Tea Shop Mystery, book 10
First published 2009
Theodosia Browning discovers her arch nemesis Abby Davis dead while competing in a horse race through South Carolina's Lowcountry. The shocking twist comes when she learns the victim's brother is her former lover. Now Theodosia must navigate the awkward reunion while investigating a murder that pulls her deeper into danger. Her search for answers leads from dense Lowcountry brush to the shadowy backstage areas of a local theater, where someone orchestrates death like a musical score. As Theodosia closes in on the killer, she realizes the murderer waits in the wings for the perfect moment to strike again. Between brewing tea and following clues, she races to solve the case before the final curtain falls on another victim. The investigation tests both her detective skills and her heart as old romantic feelings complicate her pursuit of justice.
Genres: romance, suspense, mystery, cozy-mystery
Vibes: emotional, fast-paced, suspenseful
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, reunion
Setting: Lowcountry, South Carolina
336 pages · Hardcover · Berkley Hardcover