8 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
8 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.