Jasmine Moon Murder (Tea Shop Series #5) by Laura Childs

From the Publisher

Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is catering a Charleston benefit, a "Ghost Crawl" through Jasmine Cemetery, when the organizer drops dead—and it looks like foul play. Theodosia stirs things up with her own investigation, and gets into hot water up to her neck.

Publishers Weekly

Childs makes a well-deserved shift to hardcover with the fifth installment in her popular Tea Shop mystery series (Death by Darjeeling, etc.). Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the Indigo Tea Shop, and her staff are serving tea and goodies during the first-ever "Ghost Crawl in Charleston's famed Jasmine Cemetery." The event ends abruptly when Dr. Jasper Davis, uncle of Theo's beau, Jory, dies mysteriously and publicly. Det. Burt Tidwell makes Theo promise she won't stick her amateur nose in, but a frazzled Jory pleads with her to use her special abilities as a sleuth to root out the killer. The victim was vice-president in charge of research at a large medical products company, Cardiotech, and Theo suspects Dr. Davis's death is connected with his job. A second murder complicates things, but Theo perseveres and eventually corners the killer using a snazzy bit of up-to-date technology to summon help. Fans will enjoy the rich brew of murder, tea lore and mouth-watering descriptions of food (recipes included). The alluring jacket art a tea spread out on a blanket in the foreground with ghostly gravestones under a full moon in the background captures the mood perfectly. Agent, Sam Pinkus. (Sept. 7) FYI: Childs is also the author of Keepsake Crimes (2003) and other titles in her Scrapbooking Mystery series. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

In her hardcover debut, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning (Death by Darjeeling) investigates the murder of a research cardiologist poisoned at Charleston's first cemetery "Ghost Crawl." Though warned off by Detective Tidwell, Theodosia cannot say no to boyfriend Jory, nephew of the victim. She begins by attending the funeral and scoping out potential suspects: the about-to-be-divorced wife, the greedy, cautionless business associate, and the person last seen arguing with the victim. Along the way, the author provides enough scrumptious descriptions of teas and baked goods to throw anyone off the killer's scent. For series fans and others. Childs, the pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt, lives outside of Minneapolis. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

• Table of Contents
• Interviews & Essays

Table of Contents

Interviews & Essays

In the latest installment in Laura Childs' beloved Tea Shop series, real death makes an unexpected appearance at a theatrical "Ghost Crawl" performance in a historic Charleston cemetery; and Theodosia Browning -- the insatiably curious owner of the Indigo Tea Shop, which is catering the elegantly spooky fundraiser -- soon finds herself deeply steeped in a puzzling murder investigation.

Here's what Laura Childs told Ransom Notes about her own tantalizing blend of tea lore, southern-style elegance…and murder:

Laura Childs: Murder mysteries are terrific to write because -- face it, who hasn't had an urge to knock somebody off! So, in my very first chapter I get to deliver a fatal (and often wildly creative) blow to one of my characters, then have the fun of doling out clues and keeping readers guessing until I deliver a (hopefully) nail-biting ending that includes a fair dollop of justice.

Ransom Notes: What do you think humor adds to your mysteries?

LC: I grew up watching The Twilight Zone. Remember the lady who clubbed her husband with a leg of lamb and then cooked the murder weapon? Horrifying but strangely whimsical, too. For every serious moment in my story lines, I try to add a quirky counterpoint to help balance things out.

RN: Why do you include historical elements, like the Jasmine Cemetery Ghost Crawl?

LC: Charleston is a magnificent old city steeped in history. It was an active participant in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars and has been exemplary in preserving historic buildings and homes. What better setting could a writer ask for! Jasmine Cemetery, where The Jasmine Moon Murder kicks off, is loosely based on Magnolia Cemetery, a magnificent, highly atmospheric local landmark that draws thousands of visitors each year.

RN: Tell us why you include tea lore and Haley's family "receipts" in the Tea Shop Mysteries?

LC: I think the tea lore and recipes add to the authenticity of the book. When you read about Golden Monkey Yunnan Tea or a low-country recipe like Chicken Bog, you just naturally want to know more. In fact, many of the emails I receive are from readers asking for tea recommendations or more recipes!

RN: In The Jasmine Moon Murder, Theodosia's background is vital to the story. How do you think this adds to her appeal as a character?

LC: I've tried make Theodosia a realistic, multidimensional person. She's not just skipping about merrily, solving crimes. She's a small-business owner with all the ensuing problems; she's trained a therapy dog; she loves to decorate and entertain; she sails and rides horses and has lots of outside interests. In other words, she's busy and overcommitted -- just like the rest of us! Being an "orphan" forces my main character to be more independent and mindful of personal relationships. Theodosia has had to find a new "family," her tea shop family, and she's learned to cherish and value these people.

RN: What else can you tell us about The Jasmine Moon Murder -- and about future plans for this delightful series?

LC: With more action, more humor, more murder mystery, and even more recipes, I think The Jasmine Moon Murder is my best yet! As far as upcoming books go, the sixth Indigo Tea Shop mystery, Chamomile Mourning, will be out next spring [2005]. And I've just signed a contract to write books 7, 8, and 9, so there's lots more tea and trouble brewing in Charleston!