Pekoe Most Poison (A Tea Shop Mystery)

I have been a devoted Tea Shop Mystery fan since the beginning. I have read all of Laura Childs' books, often saving them for special getaways. Sadly this one was the most disappointing one I've ever read. If you're looking for just another mystery, you'll love it. If you have actually read this series, you soon realize that it was obviously written by someone who hasn't. If they are going to use ghostwriters, they really should require them to actually read the entire series. None of the characters are in character in this book. Theodosia is crass, rude, & abrasive. Drayton is reduced to a simpering sidekick. Hayley was not allowed out of the kitchen. This book lacks the wonderful descriptions of Charleston that gives the series it's charm. It lacks warmth. I missed the lush descriptions of the gardens and historic settings woven into the stories. There are a few descriptive passages that are plopped down unceremoniously into what is almost totally an action and dialogue storyline. Just reading one of Laura Childs' Tea Shop books always gave me the feeling that I was on vacation in Charleston. This one felt more like an old episode of Hart to Hart. I am truly disappointed.

Something seems to have changed in the last few books of this series. I noted some reviews for the novels just prior to this one seem 'off' as well. Ghostwriter? Different editor?This novel seems to lack the attention to detail and warmth of the first novels and I am not sure if I will be purchasing any future books in this series due to the change.

I think I’ve finally had my fill of this series, which is sad… because its lovable cast of characters and cozy plots have always entertained me in the past. At first, I thought it might have just been due to my mood and circumstances when I picked it up – but the more I read, the more I wondered if Laura Childs had even penned this installment. The characters’ dialog and behavior didn’t jive with past books and the plot was totally implausible. (or maybe I should say more so than is normal for this type of cozy fluff) It was such a disappointment!Maybe by the time the next one comes out in paperback I’ll have forgotten all this and decide to give it a chance, but as of right now, I don’t plan on reading any more of them.

I liked the plot. However, the warm, refined and thoughtful Theodosia was replaced by loud, indiscretions and impulsive character that I did not care for. It is hArd to believe thAt Laura Childs wrote this book

I love love love this series. From the start of the book the writing style seemed different...good style but different. I liked the book but the main character Theodosia acted differently in helping to solve the crime. Spoiler alert....She often told the police who was guilty and the police took that person in for immediate questioning and it was unsuccessful each time. It just seemed out of character for her. Love the tea information as always. Will continue to read this series but hope the author returns to the previous style. She is begging a new series...the exert was not for me.

Not up to par as her earlier tea shop mysteries. The main characters seem to have changed and are saying things out of character. Disappointed.

The Tea Shop Mysteries are just wonderful. I so look forward to each book and so sad when I am done and know I must wait for the next one. This book was so much fun. Took me almost till when the actual culprit was uncovered before I had it figured out. The author keeps all the characters true to their roles and you feel like you know each one. Her details of colors, weather, wonderful tea shop aromas, character's distinct personalities are vivid and you can feel like you are right there. I have read each of the Tea Shop Mysteries in order and the way each character has developed has been fun to see. Better to read in order but if read at random, the author fills in the blanks nicely. I hope Theodosia has a few more mysteries to get tangled up in. These stories are cozy reads and I recommend for all ages.

I've read all the Tea Shop books in the series. For some reason, the main character, Theodosia, seems rather harsh , abrasive, and somewhat sarcastic. She insinuates herself into the police procedure in addition to investigating. Theodosia just seemed "out of character."

great book allso is the service

Excellent Book

The next instalment in this wonderful tea shop mystery series

Laura Childs has been one of my favourite authors for several years and I eagerly await new releases of the Tea Shop Mysteries. Actually, I have reached the stage where I am re-reading the earlier books, in order this time.

Laura Childs is still at her best in this latest book. I love the Charleston atmosphere in this series and the characters she writes about are so believable.