Murder in the Tea Leaves - Tea Shop Mystery by Laura Childs Hardcover

Murder in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs is the twenty-seventh A Tea Shop Mystery. I always look forward to reading Theo’s latest adventure. The series, though, has changed since the beginning. It is lighter (easy breezy) than the earlier books. There are descriptions of the food Hayley prepares, the different teas, fashions, and rooms (the sets, the tea shop, Theo’s home, historical society, etc.). Murder in the Tea Leaves can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a book (or two) along the way. I enjoyed catching up with Theo, Drayton, Hayley, Miss Dimple, and Earl Grey. The story is easy to read, and it moves along at a steady pace. The mystery was interesting. There is a small pool of suspects. There are clues to help readers solve the whodunit before the reveal. I loved this one scene near the end with Theo and Drayton. I could envision the scene which was suspenseful and amusing. I was disappointed when the story ended with the villains being caught and no further details were provided (I want the how and the why explained). Delaine is her usual high strung, demanding self (she thinks of only herself). Theo needs to learn to say no to Delaine. I enjoyed meeting the newest member of the Indigo Tea Shop. A Tea Shop Mysteries is the series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries (I was browsing through a bookstore one day and came across Death by Darjeeling). Murder in the Tea Leaves is a theatrical tale with movie making, fruity teas, a dead director, a haunted attic, and a wild ride.