#25 - Death by Darjeeling by Laura Childs

"Death by Darjeeling'' is the first in a series of Tea Shop cozy mysteries by Laura Childs.

The main character, Theodosia Browning, owns the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, SC. In this first book, a land developer dies at Browning's shop during a Lamplighter Tour of Old Charleston. Browning jumps in the middle of the murder investigation to stop gossip about her shop and to clear the name of one of her employees.

The book is a light mystery infused with a smattering of Charleston history and a pinch of tea lore.

I enjoyed this book, although the main character did seem a bit stiff to me. I'm not that enthralled by discussions of old money, society and one's place in it, etc....so it took me a bit longer to "get into'' this story.

The bits of history about tea and information on different types of teas I found interesting. There are several types of tea mentioned in the book that I had never heard of before, like Dragon tea. It makes me want to put in an online order and start sipping! :) (Stashtea.com carries lots of interesting teas....including Dragon tea!)

The book also includes some tips for brewing hot tea, and a couple recipes.

Other books in the series are:

Gunpowder Green (2002)

Shades of Earl Grey (2003)

The English Breakfast Murder (2003)

The Jasmine Moon Murder (2004)

Chamomile Mourning (2005)

Blood Orange Brewing (2006)

Dragonwell Dead (coming later in 2007)

50 Book Challenge 2007: 5/50