High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs

 

High Tea and Misdemeanors

 

About High Tea and Misdemeanors

 

  High Tea and Misdemeanors (A Tea Shop Mystery) 

Cozy Mystery 

  29th in Series 

  Setting - South Carolina 

  Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley 

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages

 

When a wedding is tragically averted by the death of the bridesmaid, Theodosia is determined to prove that it was murder in the latest entry in this New York Times bestselling series. Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are tapped to cater the elegant wedding of Bettina and Jamie. Theodosia and Drayton are setting up when they hear a crash from the greenhouse. Shockingly, they discover that part of the roof has collapsed trapping a bridesmaid and the groom. He will pull through but the bridesmaid is no more. Theodosia is convinced it was murder. INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About Laura Childs

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the A Tea Shop Mysteries, A Scrapbooking Mysteries, and A Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:

A Tea Shop Mysteries – in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She’s also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn’t rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.

The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that takes place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans’ spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!

A Cackleberry Club Mysteries – set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe’s undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.

Laura's Links

 Website 

 Facebook  

My Thoughts

High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs is the twenty-ninth A Tea Shop Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  This is one of the two series that got me hooked on cozy mysteries (when they only came out in paperback).  I always enjoy my visits to Charleston, South Carolina, and the Indigo Tea Shop.  I like checking in on Theodosia, Drayton, Hayley, and, of course, Earl Gray.  I am not a fan of Riley, Theo’s boyfriend, who does not understand her curious nature and desire to investigate crimes.  Theo and Drayton make a great team.  The mystery was interesting, but it was easy to solve.  The guilty person stood out like a woman wearing a red dress at a black and white party.  There were various events that kept things lively.  

I liked the chapters from the killer’s perspective (it was obvious their elevator stopped a few floors short of the top).   The reveal was suspenseful and answered any lingering questions.  There are recipes at the end of the book along with tea tips.  I do wish, though, that the story had more depth like the books at the beginning of the series and less repetitive details.  I liked that High Tea and Misdemeanors was a Halloween story (it is a shame that the book did not come out in the fall).  The Indigo Tea Shop was decked out for a spooky tea and there were other Halloween themed events.  I look forward to Theodosia’s next adventure.  High Tea and Misdemeanors is a merry mystery with a glass catastrophe, scrumptious scones, chocolate covered cherries, a cemetery crawl, a creepy killer, and tasty tea.

High Tea and Misdemeanors is available from Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Bookshop.org, and  PenquinRandomHouse. You can find the other twenty-eight A Tea Shop Mysteries here.  If you follow Laura Child's on Amazon, they will notify you when she has a new book release.  As part of the tour, Laura Child's is giving away two print copies of High Tea and Misdemeanors (sorry, but US Only).  Click here to enter or use the Rafflecopter form below.  Leave a comment for an extra entry. Good Luck! Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Welcome to the Honey B&B by Melody Carlson.  I hope that you have a spooktacular day.  Don't forget to enter the giveaway before you depart (you know it will haunt you later if you don't do it now).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Tour Participants

March 4 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

March 4 – Christy's Cozy Corners – AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 5 – Angel's Book Nook – SPOTLIGHT

March 5 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

March 6 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT 

March 6 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 7 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW 

March 7 – Wine Cellar Library – SPOTLIGHT 

March 8 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

March 8 – FUONLYKNEW - SPOTLIGHT 

March 9 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR GUEST POST 

March 10 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW 

March 10 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 11 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT 

March 11 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

March 12 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

March 12 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 13 – Novels Alive – REVIEW 

March 13 – Wine Cellar Library – AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

March 14 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT 

March 15 – The Plain-Spoken Pen – REVIEW 

March 15 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT 

March 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW 

☘March 17 – Boys' Mom Reads! – SPOTLIGHT ☘

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Beside the Dead by Mary Alford

 Beside the Dead

Book Summary

Harrison Troyer has been a ghost for over a decade. . .

His future silenced by the threat of prison. But now, the secrets that haunted him can no longer remain buried.

Now living in the shadows as a private investigator in Alaska, Harrison is sent to Evergreen Falls, Maine to find a desperate mother’s missing daughter.

But when a terrified woman stumbles into his remote hideaway in the North Woods of Maine, pleading for his help to escape a killer, his fragile anonymity shatters.

Eden’s story of survival is harrowing—and eerily connected to a case Harrison is chasing. As they team up to unravel her abduction, Harrison realizes Eden may hold not only the key to exposing a dangerous predator but also answers to his missing persons.

Deputy Sheriff Samantha Baker is relentless in her search for answers about her sister Mae’s disappearance twenty-three years ago. When Eden’s escape mirrors Mae’s case and another missing woman, Sam suspects the same monster has returned to prey on Evergreen Falls.

Forced into an uneasy alliance with law enforcement, Harrison and Eden plunge into a chilling web of lies, secrets, and deadly truths. With each step closer to justice, the lines between their hunt for the killer and their fight for survival blur. And as their growing bond threatens to thaw hearts long frozen by grief, they must face a final question: can they stop a killer before the past destroys them both?

Beside the Dead is a gripping tale of love, redemption, and the unrelenting pursuit of truth. Packed with pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping twists, this romantic thriller will keep you guessing until the final page.

Grab your copy of the long-anticipated follow up book to Among the Innocent today and find out what happened to Harrison!

My Thoughts

I have been waiting for Harrison ‘s story since I read Among the Innocent, and we get it in Beside the Dead by Mary Alford.  Mary Alford has skillfully woven a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, offering both thrills and heartfelt moments. Alford’s ability to craft well-developed characters adds depth to the narrative, making each revelation and interaction meaningful.   The mystery was intriguing.  There were several suspects plus some red herrings.  As an avid mystery reader, I zeroed in on one person early in the story (my mother says I have read too many mysteries).  I eagerly followed the clues to see if I had correctly identified the guilty party.  I enjoyed the action and suspense which kept things lively. There is a good reveal and wrap up at the end.  

A touching romance for Harrison that, while a bit hurried, still adds a layer of warmth to the chilling suspense. Harrison's journey through the shadows of his past while navigating the complexities of new relationships is both engaging and emotionally resonant.  Beside the Dead is an emotional story. The sinister undertones of the story serve as a stark reminder of the darkness that can reside within individuals, making the twists and turns of the plot even more compelling.  Beside the Dead is a captivating tale with a missing offspring, absent remembrances, a twisty mystery, an evil entity,  a shocking explosion, and a surprising revelation.  

Beside the Dead is available from Amazon.  Harrison was first introduced in Among the Innocent. Mary Alford has Amish Country Killer coming out April 1.  You can follow Mary Alford on Amazon, and they will send you an email when she has a new book release. You can follow Mary Alford on Bookbub as well. Thank you for stopping by today!  I received some good news yesterday.  There was a knock at my door in the afternoon.  It was a man looking for Carol (wrong house).  By luck, the man fixes and replaces carports (hooray)!  After I told him about the trouble I have encountered finding someone to fix my carport, he has promixed to fix mine (fingers crossed). There is some bad news.  The materials are taking six months to come in (thanks to two hurricanes Florida had last fall), but he promised to talk to the office for me (since the work will not be done by the June deadline).  My prayers have been answered!  

I will return on Wednesday, March 5 as a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for  High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs.  It is the 29th A Tea Shop Mystery. I hope that you have tranquil weekend.   Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Hiding the Witness by Deena Alexander

 

 

Hiding the Witness by Deena Alexander

About Hiding the Witness

 

Hiding the Witness (Love Inspired Suspense) 

Inspirational Romantic Suspense 

Number in Series – Jameson Investigations #2 

Setting - Upstate New York 

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Love Inspired Suspense

 

Rescuing a child makes her a killer’s target.

Racing into a burning cabin to search for survivors, firefighter Diana Cameron stumbles upon an unconscious child—and two bodies with bullet wounds. When a sniper targets their narrow escape, Diana has no choice but to team up with bodyguard Chase Mitchell to keep the little girl safe. Uncovering the identity of the murder victims is the only way to find the killer. But as they’re chased by gunmen into the mountain wilderness, can they protect a tiny witness from the unknown…when the truth is more sinister than they imagined?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

About Deena Alexander

 

Deena grew up in a small town on the south shore of eastern Long Island, where she met and married her high school sweetheart. She recently relocated to Florida with her husband, three kids, son-in-law, and four dogs. Now she enjoys long walks in nature all year long, despite the occasional alligator or snake she sometimes encounters. Deena's love for writing developed when her youngest son was born and didn't sleep through the night, and she now works full-time as a writer and a freelance editor. 

Author Links

• Webpage: http://deenaalexander.com/index.html
• Blog: http://deenaalexander.com/blog.html
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeenaAlexanderAuthor
• Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/DeenaAlexanderA
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20382104.Deena_Alexander
• BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/deena-alexander
• Newsletter: https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/492177/92188784823633445/share
• Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deena-Alexander/author/B08C1VKZFZ
  

My Thoughts

Hiding the Witness by DeenaAlexander is a suspenseful story.  I liked the main characters, Diana and Chase.  I was pleased that Diana was a strong female character who can take care of herself.  Diana, though, is struggling to overcome an event that happened four years prior. Chase has demons of his own. The author did a wonderful job of revealing the character’s past traumas at just the right time.  It was sweet how Diana and Chase cared for the little girl.  They were compassionate and determined to keep the girl safe.    I enjoyed the action and suspense.  It had me turning the pages to learn what would happen next.  Faith was beautifully woven into the story and the ending left me smiling.  Hiding the Witness is an exciting tale with a cabin conflagration, a defenseless child, flying bullets, a guarded bodyguard, determined criminals, frightening nightmares, and profound prayers.  

Hiding the Witness is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Harlequin, Apple, and Google Play.  You can find Deena Alexander's other novels here.  As part of the tour, the author is giving away a $25 Amazon gift card.  Click here to enter and leave a comment for an extra entry.  Good Luck!  Thank you for popping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Beside the Dead by Mary Alford.  I hope that you have an uplifting day. I am off to call another company regarding my carport. I received a new recommendation yesterday (my fingers are crossed). I really wish Hurricane Milton had not picked on my home.  Do not forget to enter the giveaway before you depart (the Rafflecopter form is below or click here).  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

 

Tour Participants

February 25 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT 

February 25 – Read Your Writes Book Reviews - AUTHOR INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY 

February 26 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW 

February 27 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW 

February 28 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

March 1 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT 

March 1 – CelticLady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

March 2 – Deal Sharing Aunt – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

March 3 – Christy's Cozy Corners – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

March 4 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

March 4 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – REVIEW

March 5 – Baroness Book Trove – REVIEW

March 6 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

March 7 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

March 7 – Novels Alive – REVIEW

March 8 – Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

March 9 – Wine Cellar Library – REVIEW, AUTHOR GUEST POST

March 10 – Because I said so -- and other adventures in Parenting – REVIEW

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Trained to Protect by Terri Reed

 Trained to Protect

Book Summary

Protecting a witness could be

a deadly mission for this K-9 team.

K-9 officer Tarren McGregor never imagined that a cartel would find its way to Texas’s South Padre Island—or target his best friend’s sister. But when Julia Hamilton witnesses and prevents the kidnapping of a teen girl, Tarren knows that trouble is soon to follow. Because Julia didn’t just protect the girl—she saw the abductor’s face. Now she’s marked for murder, and it’s up to Tarren and his K-9 partner to keep Julia safe from the human traffickers in pursuit…even if it means putting themselves in the line of fire.

My Thoughts

I was immediately drawn into Trained to Protect by Terri Reed.  I enjoyed the action and suspense which kept things lively (and kept me wondering what would happen next). I liked the main characters, Julia and Tarren.  Julia and Tarren had known each other since they were kids.  The pair were cute together.  I enjoyed watching the walls that they had put up slowly come down.  It helps that they are together all the time, and the danger plays into it as well.  My favorite character was Tarren’s K9 partner, Raz.  Raz was a loving and playful dog, but he could track suspects and take down criminals as well (I believe the dog enjoyed taking down the bad guys). 

The author provided picturesque descriptions of San Padre Island which allowed me to visualize the beautiful island.  I like that Julia had a unique occupation.  You could tell that she cared for the turtles, and I enjoyed hearing about her job. The author nicely blended romance, action, suspense, mystery, and faith into one enticing story.  Trained to Protect is a captivating tale with an attempted kidnapping, flying bullets, a bothered brother, a protective canine, a turtle in trouble, a menacing cartel, and a blooming romance.

Trained to Protect is available from Amazon as well as other major booksellers (Barnes & Noble, Walmart, BAM, Kobo).  You can find Terri Reed's other novels here.  Terri Reed has Standing Watch coming out May 27.  It is the third book in the Dakota K-9 Unit series. You can visit Terri's website and sign up for her newsletter (and get a free novella).  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  On Wednesday, I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours for Hiding the Witness by Deena Alexander.  I hope that you have a positive day.  I am off to find someone who will rebuild my carport.  There has to be a company that wants the work (I am 0 for 6).  Two came out and took measurements, but they never provided an estimates.  Four made appointments with me, but they never showed up.  I am beginning to think that I am jinxed.  Please send positive thoughts my way! Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker

 Lethal Reunion

Book Summary

Will a class reunion hold the answers

to her sister’s cold case murder?

The last thing Halle Jefferson expects is to receive a chilling threat at her high school reunion—or the gunshot that follows. It’s been fifteen years since her sister’s unsolved homicide, and now her twin’s killer is back. They want something from Halle, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. And the only thing standing between her and certain death is her former high school sweetheart, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe. Can Halle and Kyle outwit a ruthless murderer and uncover the truth…before they’re silenced for good?

My Thoughts

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker started off with a bang.  I like stories that start off with action because they draw me in, and it makes me curious to see what will happen next.   Hallie is being targeted, and she needs to rely on her former high school boyfriend, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe, to keep her safe.  I enjoyed the suspense and action which kept the story moving.  I did, though, find certain elements to be lacking and I was required to suspend my disbelief at times. There were scant clues.  Despite this, the guilty party can be identified long before the reveal (actions speak volumes).  The faith aspect was prevalent in the story, and that it was at the center of each of the main characters’ lives as well. I would have liked the main characters to have been more developed.  I also did not feel the chemistry between Hallie and Kyle.  Hallie seemed focused on getting out of the town than on renewing her relationship with Kyle. There was too much repetition (I got it the first time).   Lethal Reunion had moments that I enjoyed, but, overall, it is a forgettable story.  

Lethal Reunion comes out February 25 and it can be preordered from Amazon.  You can find Lacey Baker's other novels here.  I told you yesterday that I had an appointment with a contractor.  Well, my bad luck streak continued.  Another no show.  I do not get it.  I am not picking random people.  These are businesses with valid licenses (I checked).  I just want a new carport with a porch (to keep my things dry and keep water from coming in my side windows).  I contacted another company and they will be out next week.  They did not like my request for an afternoon appointment though (anytime after 1 p.m. was my request).  We shall see.  If you have any suggestions, please leave a comment.  I will return on Tuesday, February 25 with Trained to Protect by Terri Reed.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

This is my type of exercise!

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.