Introduction

It’s scones and scandal for Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Steeped in Evil…

Normally Theodosia wouldn’t attend a black tie affair for all the tea in China. But she can hardly say no to her hunky, handsome boyfriend, Max, who directs public relations for the Gibbes Museum in Charleston. Max has organized an amazing gala opening for an exhibit of a genuine eighteenth century Chinese teahouse, and the crème de la crème of Charleston society is invited.

In the exotic garden staged in the museum’s rotunda, a Chinese dragon dances to the beat of drums as it weaves through the crowd. The guests are serenaded by a Chinese violin as they sample an assortment of tempting bites. And to give them a memento of the occasion, there’s even a photo booth. But Theodosia makes a grim discovery behind the booth’s curtains: the body of museum donor Edgar Webster.

While Theodosia prefers tea service over the service of justice, this case is difficult to ignore—especially after Max becomes a suspect. Now she must examine the life of the fallen philanthropist and find out who really wanted him to pay up…


INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

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Excerpt

With barely a glance around, Theodosia leapt on board the second hay wagon. Floundering through a foot of loose hay, she scrambled madly toward the front seat, and plopped down right next to Harlan Duke.

“Follow that wagon!” Theodosia screamed.

If it hadn’t been so dangerous, it would have been Keystone Cops meets the wild, wild west.

The two wagons roared down Meeting Street, shuddering and rocking, scaring everyone silly and causing innocent bystanders to run for their lives.

“You’ve got to catch him!” Theodosia shouted. “He killed Edgar Webster!”

Duke’s wagon was rolling fast and picking up speed. “You serious?” he shouted back to her.

Theodosia gritted her teeth and nodded. “I think he stole a big chunk of money and Webster found out.”

Now the hay wagon ahead of them turned onto South Battery, the horses running full tilt. The wagon was changing lanes haphazardly, swaying so violently it even slammed into a couple of parked cars.

“Ouch,” Theodosia said. “I think he just creamed a Volvo.”

“There goes a BMW,” Duke said.

“Pull over!” Theodosia screamed at the runaway wagon ahead of them. But the driver ignored her and just kept going on his wild, destructive ride. view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

What was unique or unusual about the opening chapter? Did it prickle the hairs on the back of your neck?


Does the author create enough of a “sense of place” that you can picture the party at the museum as well as the Indigo Tea Shop in your mind? If so, what do they look like?


Was the killer cleverly concealed among the various suspects, or did you have an inkling of who the killer was?


Who do you think was really in charge of the investigation – Theodosia or Detective Tidwell?


Do you think Theodosia is able to balance running the Indigo Tea Shop while still making time for her real life? Do you think most small business owners or working women are able to find a good balance?

Weblinks

»	Author Laura Childs' web site

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