by Laura Childs
Part of Tea Shop Mystery, book 3
First published 2003
Theodosia Browning runs the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston. For once, she attends a society engagement party as a guest rather than the caterer. The evening takes a dark turn when the groom suffers a fatal accident before the celebration begins. The bride's wedding ring vanishes from the scene. This ring carries special significance as a family treasure taken from Marie Antoinette's crown. Theodosia notices details that others miss and suspects foul play. The police dismiss her concerns and treat her observations as worthless speculation. Their refusal to take her seriously only strengthens her resolve to uncover the truth. Theodosia must navigate Charleston's elite social circles while investigating both the death and the theft. She faces resistance from authorities who view her as an amateur meddler rather than a credible witness.
Genres: mystery, contemporary, cozy-mystery, amateur-sleuth
Vibes: cozy, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, investigation
Setting: Charleston
Period: Contemporary
242 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Berkley Books