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Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1)
Death by Darjeeling - Tea Shop, Bk 1
Author: Laura Childs
Meet Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's beloved Indigo Tea Shop.  Patrons love her blend of delicious tea tastings and southern hospitality.  And Theo enjoys the full-bodied flavor of a town steeped in history -- and mystery... — It's tea for two hundred or so at the annual historic homes garden party.  And Theodosia...  more »
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PBS Market Price: $8.09 or $4.19+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780425179451
ISBN-10: 0425179451
Publication Date: 5/1/2001
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 308

3.7 stars, based on 308 ratings
Publisher: Berkley
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Melissa1959 avatar reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 27 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 10
Not a bad book, but not a great book either. I didn't find the main characters (or any characters for that matter) very interesting. But this is the first in the series. Maybe they'll grow on me in future books. Yes, I do plan to read more. I just wish the characters had more depth. On the bright side: The plot was OK. There are plenty of red herrings thrown in. The tea shop setting is great. The added Charleston description is interesting. Earl Grey (Theodosia's dog) is a nice addition.
aggielawyer avatar reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 22 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 8
When I heard about the premise of this book, I knew I had to read it. I love the tea 'culture' and the thought of a mystery set around a tea shop in the south sounded so cozy. But while the idea was a wonderful one, the execution left much to be desired. When I read, I lose myself in the story and see the action in my head much like a movie. I was never able to do that with this book, and I think that is a first for me. There were several things that kept pulling me out of the action--the names of the characters were ridiculous (Theodosia Browning, Lleverete Dant, Samantha Rabathan, Delaine Dish, really?), the author included irrelevant details that felt like she was trying to show off her knowledge on various subjects, and brand names were thrown in everywhere--like how would the main character know that a man was wearing a Brooks Brothers suit unless she pulled open the collar of his jacket and looked at the label. I so wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. I doubt I'll read any more in the series, which is a shame because the premise was so good.
Leigh avatar reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 378 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 7
Cute cozy mystery. Quick read. Quick and disappointing climax, but you don't really have to put much thought into this one to just sit back and enjoy it.
Doughgirl avatar reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 138 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
I love tea, and I love cozy mysteries - so I really wanted to love this book! But unfortunately, although I liked it, I didn't really love it. This is the first book in the Tea Shop series - probably one of the first books that Laura Childs wrote - and it shows. The storyline was a little wooden and didn't draw me in like most cozies. The main character was just a bit too perfect (she needs a few flaws to make her more human), and she was jumping to conclusions right and left throughout the book as she played amateur sleuth. There were plenty of red herrings and suspects, which was good. I'll keep reading this series and hoping that the characters develop and I learn to love them.
vintagejoy avatar reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 337 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
First book in the series. As with all new series you need to get aquainted with the main characters and the area, so it went a bit slow for me as I tried to take it all in. An excellent read however and I am now ready to start reading each book in the series!
Read All 78 Book Reviews of "Death by Darjeeling Tea Shop Bk 1"

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reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 144 more book reviews
I got this book through paperbackswap.com. I had added it to my wish list, presumably after seeing this book or series on someone's recommended reading list. This is a "cozy" mystery so light reading. I thought the book was OK--certainly not great literature but then most cozies aren't (and don't pretend to be).

I've read a few of the reviews on Amazon and paperbackswap and tend to agree with those who say the characters seem under-developed. There were also a lot of characters in the book and I sometimes found myself thinking "Now, who is this person again?" It would have been helpful to have an alphabetical index of characters with a brief description of each.

The revelation of the killer was sudden--almost like the author was tired of writing and decided to wrap things up--and was a complete surprise (at least to me).

Although this book was just average, I have added the next book in the series to my paperbackswap wish list. Hopefully, that one will be better.
reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 4 more book reviews
I thought the book was a delightful read. After reading Clancy's latest novel I was ready for a lighter read and this one perfectly fit the bill. I really got to know the characters. I am truly looking forward to reading other books in this series.
reviewed Death by Darjeeling (Tea Shop, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Light weight mystery, good story line, Makes you picture the characters. Some surprising endings and delicious recipes.


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