by Laura Childs
Part of Tea Shop Mystery, book 23
First published 2021
Theodosia Browning runs a tea shop in Charleston, and tonight she's catering an elegant Victorian Christmas gathering at one of the city's grandest mansions. She works alongside her tea sommelier Drayton Conneley, serving the finest blends to Charleston's social elite. The hostess, Drucilla Heyward, ranks among the town's wealthiest residents and seems delighted with how her party unfolds. Between pouring champagne and steeping tea, Drucilla pulls Theodosia aside to share exciting news. The Grande Dame plans to announce her intention to donate her fortune to charity organizations. But before Drucilla can reveal her philanthropic plans to her guests, Theodosia discovers her collapsed in the mansion's hallway. At first glance, it appears the elderly woman succumbed to excitement, but a syringe protruding from her neck tells a different story. Someone wanted to silence Drucilla before she could give away her wealth. Theodosia must uncover which party guest had murderous intentions.
Genres: christmas, mystery, contemporary-romance, cozy-mystery
Vibes: cozy, emotional, suspenseful
Tropes: amateur-sleuth, found-family
Setting: Charleston
Period: Victorian Christmas
328 pages · Hardcover · Berkley